Chapter Twelve

Kendra thought of the decision she has already made while taking her bath. She was preparing to go and meet Iyke like they planned. The whole thing was still like a dream to her. She had made her parents believe she was going to the market to purchase some of the needed items and also print her documents. They had also given her some money to add to what she has. She wore a casual outfit and ensured that her looks wasn't too simple or too much. After dressing up she folded the only black skirt suit she has into a nylon bag. She hoped it was the right outfit for a court marriage. She picked what she thought might need, let out a heavy breath before stepping out. When she got to the place, Iyke was already in his car waiting for her. She became relieved when she saw him neatly dressed in a black suit.

"I picked the right outfit." She muttered.

"Are you ok? You look sick." He asked when she entered the car.

"I'm ok. Let's make it fast. I have things to do." She replied coldly. She felt insulted by his words, even though she knew he was right; she was still recuperating.

"Why are you acting like you were forced to do it?" He asked while starting the car.

"Should I be happy?" She asked without turning to look at him.

"Yeah. You are getting married. Not everybody had the chance to experience one." He said flatly.

Kendra lightly shook her head in disbelief at his words.

They finally got to their destination and she asked for a place to dress up.

"I have already made arrangements for that." He said to her.

"I have my own clothes and that is what I'll wear." She knew she was overreacting but she couldn't stop trying to upset him.

"Ok if you insist. I just hope it is not rag. Go to the backseat or boot. I'm sure you don't trust me."

"I don't wear rags and I can't trust a guy who was heartless enough to hurt me?

"I won't undress in the same car with you."

"Well there is no other place for you to stay and dress up."

She took her bag and went to the back seat. Before undressing, she used a light material to cover his rear view mirror and tied it tightly at the back. Iyke scoffed at what she did and shook his head.

"Is that what you are wearing? No way. You won't wed me in that outfit." He said when he saw her dressed in her black suit. His words still sounded strange to her.

"She was actually going to wed this man and do stuffs....no!" She immediately screamed at her thought and tried not to think of it again.

"Well, you asked for a marriage. If I disgust you then don't get married to me. Is that what you are wearing?" She retorted and mimicked him indignantly.

"Ok." He simply replied and got out of the car.

Kendra tried to open hers and go out as well but it was locked. She immediately began to hit the window while screaming his name the moment she realized he has locked her inside.

"What kind of man is this? Is this what I will go through as his wife? When did he even lock the door?" She tried pressing some things in car to know if it will unlock the door but it didn't."

While she was still trying to unlock the door, some group of ladies approached the car, holding fancy bags. Iyke was leading them.

"What is going on here?" She asked confused.

"They will take care of you." He simply replied and turned to go.

"Don't you dare leave here Iyke. I'm done playing...."

"It's ok madam. You will have no regrets, I promise." One of the ladies interrupted her.

"Did she just call a 20 year old girl madam?" She thought and surprisingly obeyed the lady. She was taken to an empty room by the ladies and she began to wonder how they will take care of her.

While she was still wondering, three different white outfits were brought out from the fancy bag. Kendra immediately gasped at the sight of them. She has never seen anything so attractive, stainless and exquisite before. She was asked to choose one for her court marriage. Not knowing which one the outfits to choose, she decided to try three of them first before making a choice. The well tailored white pants suit looked perfect on her but she didn't want to wear a pant like her husband.

"Typical village girl " one of the ladies thought.

She tried the simple white registry dress but took it off; it didn't match her taste. She ended up wearing an attractive off-shoulder short sleeve dress, that has it lower part like a fish tail with a concealed zip fastening. She was told dresses like they were best for formal meetings but she didn't care. It was what she wanted. After putting on the dress and shoes, she was given a mirror to see how she looked. She barely recognized her face that has been adorned with makeups. She noticed that the dress showed her beautiful figure very well and even made it more beautiful. Her looks suddenly made her feel uneasy; she has never dressed so beautiful before.

"Why is he even doing this?" The question suddenly struck her. After confirming everything to be ready, they led her out of the room and into the court.

Iyke's lips curved into a light smile on seeing her.

"I knew this dress would be the perfect one for her figure." He thought.

When she approached him, he ignored the frown she gave him and kissed her forehead softly. Kendra's heart skipped a beat and suddenly became too weak as his lips touched her. She immediately fought the urge to touch where he had kissed her.

"What the hell was that?" She whispered to him after regaining herself.

"Trying to make this marriage look true. You should put on a smile on that face to complete your gorgeous appearance." He said, taking her hands.

"You think this is gorgeous?" She asked suddenly feeling awkward holding hands with him. He immediately gave her a funny sarcastic look on hearing her.

"Don't you like the way you look? Since you are not grateful go back and wear your black suit." He said about to let go off her arm. She immediately held him tight to stop him. He sniggered at her reaction and she glared at him.

The witnesses were present, papers were signed and before she knew it, she has gained the tittle Mrs. Everything was done and they were ready to go home. She changed into her casual wear and waited for Iyke to join her in the car.

"Are you ok?" He asked when he noticed her sad mood.

"No I'm not! Why did you even choose marriage? Why didn't you ask me to be your maid or even sex partner?" Her eyes were becoming covered with tears. She hoped he will answer her question this time.

"Do you prefer to be that than to be my wife?" He asked calmly like there was nothing wrong.

"None of them is better. How are you even calm about this? Iyke do you realise that I just married you without any of my relatives knowing about it? I'm just twenty! How did you even get them to agree to it irrespective of my age?"

"I ju......"

"I don't care! Just take me to the market." She interrupted him. He almost laughed at her reaction.

"What are you going to the market to do?"

"To buy the things I need for school. You are going with me because you will pay for all the things I will buy." Kendra decided to do it that way since she has married him.

"I will only give you the money. We are not meant to be seen together." He said to Kendra who has started crying.

"You have to stop crying. The deed has been done. I expect you to be happy you married a rich husband who can take care of you."

"What kind of a human being are you? How are you so blind to see how hard this is for me? I just want money to further my education, that's all."

"And I made a deal to pay for whatever you want." He tried to console her and focus on what he was driving.

"Couldn't you do it without marrying me?" She asked with teary eyes.

"No I couldn't. You should be happy I promised never to touch you."

On hearing him, she laughed sacartically before she continued.

"And you expect me to believe that you will stay with me for the rest of your life without touching me?"

"You don't believe. Why then did you agree?"

"Because I don't have a choice and you know it."

Iyke couldn't blame her for doubting his sincerity. He made a bad approach towards her at first.

He dropped her at the market and gave her some money before leaving.

Kendra tried to focus on what she was doing at the market but she couldn't. The thought of what she did kept haunting her. She debated if she should tell her parents about it or not. After some minutes of contemplation, she decided to do it. If she doesn't tell them now, they will still find out later in the future and it will be too much for anyone to take.

"Ok. I will start by thanking them for being the best parents, then I will proceed to apologizing to them. At this stage they will begin to wonder what my offence is? After apologizing, I will then let the cat out of the bag. I know no amount of apology or explanation will make them understand. I can't even believe or understand it either." She got home without coming up with a better way to tell her parents. With her heart in her mouth, she made the sign of the cross before stepping into the sitting room.

"What took you so long?" Her mum asked her.

"It was difficult to locate some items in the market." She said, trying to hide her fears. Luckily for her her mum wasn't angry, she was only worried she spent too much time at the market. Kendra rushed to room after speaking with her mum. She dropped all the things she was holding and threw herself on the bed. She thought of what she had done. The fact that she was already married without anyone knowing. She couldn't tell her parents. She wasn't brave enough to do it. An idea came to her mind and she immediately picked her phone and dialed Iyke's number. She needed his help to execute her plan.

The next day was a Sunday. After church service, she cleaned the house in anticipation of the arrival of her visitor. She knew her parents will be very surprised when he comes and tell them what brought him. She was also nervous they might get mad at her for not informing them or for even accepting a stranger's request. Well, whether they surpport it or not, she has already made up her mind to start school that year. She had finished arranging everywhere and was on bed thinking and praying for a successful plan when Iyke arrived. She didn't want to be one to open the door for him inorder not ruin her plans or feel awkward before him; so she decided to pretend to be sleeping so that someone else will do it.

After welcoming the strange guest inside they went straight to the point. Chike had allowed Iyke in after Iyke had briefed him on his reason for coming.

While they were still discussing, Kendra occupied her attention with books and some other things inorder not to hear their discussion. She was too scared to know what their reactions will be.

"So is he the one? Our brother in-law to be?" Tony asked her with a smile and Wisdom sniggered at the question.

Kendra decided to act maure by telling them what she has been telling others about Iyke.

While she was still using her books, she heard her mum calling her.

"Why didn't you tell us anything about him?" She asked Kendra who was now beginning to hear the sound of her fast heart beat.

She raised her head to answer her mum and then noticed there was nothing to be scared of. Her parents weren't looking angry and Iyke almost smiled at her. It gave her the courage to answer without fear.

"Because I was scared news like this might make you and dad mad at me and I did not know it will actually happen at last."

She said firmly but respectfully.

"Where did you know him from?"

"The Bank. The day I lost my school fees."

Later she was sent back to the room while the three continued the discussion. Kendra wondered why they sent her back to her room; the discussion was about her. They were now speaking in their dialect and she immediately noticed he speaks central Igbo language. She was surprised at how her parents welcomed Iyke and even listened to what he came to tell them.

When Iyke was ready to go home, Kendra was asked come out and bid him goodbye.

Later her dad called her to the room and gave her a boring lengthy advice. Kendra wondered what exactly he was trying to say. Does he approve Iyke's financial help or not? She stopped listening and her mind wandered to different things until she heard what she was waiting for. They agreed that she will leave for school very soon. Her heart knew nothing but extreme happiness and joy. She couldn't wait to park her things and leave for school. She wondered what Iyke did to gain her parents' difficult trust. She decided she will call him the next day.