In the morning 2

Ibitein who was in her room heard the exchange of words between her father and her Aunty and she was hurt. For the first time she finally choose the man of her dreams and now things are falling out of place.

I am not surprised.. i have always known you never thought of my opinion.. if only you listened to me, you would have married her off to one of our family acquaintance but you refused.

Agatha you and I know that ibitein was not ready an---

"That's only because you have decided to spoil your daughter allowing her to reject suitors.. putting our family's name in shame and now you are readily opening your arms to give your daughter "your only child" to a man you know nothing about.." she said annoyed.

This was exactly what Agatha was trying to avoid, she didn't want Alfred to give their daughter away just like that without meeting the man first.. but ibitein was persistent, they were in a tight coner..

It isn't easy for me either and I'm trying to figure out how things would be.. " I don't want to give my daughter to him like this--" he said and she interrupted him

Then don't! she shouted

lower your voice woman, Christopher said.

Someday I will still give ibitein's hand, so why not now?

Alfred I am disappointed in you she shook her head. I will not be part of this.. she stood up and went inside her room to pack her things.

Agatha!!

Let her go, Alfred said

I wonder when that temper of hers will subside, Christopher said worried

She will be fine, Alfred replied.

Just then amidst the hot exchange between the siblings Agnes appeared.

Greetings my elders, Agnes greeted bending down.

Yes our daughter.. how are you Christopher responded.

I am fine sir, she said looking at Alfred and saw the confusion in his eyes, she was also worried about Ibitein for the sudden marriage. It didn't sit well with her but since ibitein was fine with it she had no choice but to dance to the tune. In this village it was not hard for people to call you jealous or envious, she didn't want anyone to tag her like that, aware of the fact that ibitein was more of a beauty. She didn't want her friend to feel bad either. Considering the fact that her family was already in jeopardy and she has to stand by her friend no matter what.

Go on my daughter, ibitein is in her room Alfred said.

Okay uncle, Agnes responded.

Abigail who was in the kitchen cooking came out upon hearing Agnes's voice.

Ah my daughter come in she said with a gesture.

Thank you Mama

ibitein is in her room go on, talk to her, Abigail whispered something to her and she nodded.

Ibitein's room door was slightly opened and Agnes pushed and saw ibitein laying on the bed crying.

ibitein! what are you doing? she said with a small voice as she saw ibitein crying. You don't have to cry, Agnes said patting her head.

Why not? when my family is in disagreement on my happiness, she sobbed. I am tired of everything, I-

No don't say that.. your family is happy for you that's for sure and I'm happy too. I understand but your father is doing all he can to make sure you get married today. You should be happy too...

What about the arguments? my aunt Agatha doesn't want me to be married because I wasted time "rejecting men" and i also know my mother secretly doesn't want it too.

No no don't say that, it's just the quick notice that's just the problem.

ibitein look at me! everything will be fine.. forget about any silly arguments and just be happy and she hugged her.

Even Ayonadu left me, she sobbed again.

Ayonadu will come around, Agnes said reassuring her.

"No he won't. He didn't want me to marry the man. He said something about him being a ghost"

A ghost? that's deep but why would he say that? Agnes asked confused.

"I don't know, he said he wasn't good for me and he is going to hurt me".

That's absurd, Agnes said

Yes I know that. It's just that Ayonadu wouldn't make things up just for nothing, you know that.

I know! she exhaled. But did you ask him why he said that..?

No I- I was angry at him so I asked him to stop the accusations.

What do you think?

"Well Ayonadu wouldn't make things up just for nothing". Maybe he had a good reason for that

I hope you don't think the same about him?

About who?

Calvin

No no of course not, Agnes said unsure, i mean I've not met him yet but I'm sure he's a good man.

Yes he is a good man, ibitein responded with haste.

Agnes wanted to know why Ayonadu would say such a thing because like they say "there's no smoke without a fire".

But did you think Ayonadu was saying the truth? Agnes asked

No, those were mere accusations.. only because all these years i didn't return his love now he wants to hurt me.. I can't believe my own friend would do that to me, she sniffled.

It's okay ibitein..

Please stay with me don't go, ibitein requested.

Agnes wanted to go look for Ayonadu for him to elaborate more on whatever it is. Some how she had a strong feeling Ayonadu wouldn't say something like that just for nothing.