CHAPTER FIVE

Kambili and Priscilla were very good friends. They loved and supported each other and still maintained the habit of reading together. The fact that they were on the same academic level made their friendship more interesting and very strong.

Both families were aware of their relationship and they weren't against it at all.

Two years later, they both became degree holders from the university. They both graduated with incredible grades, which had been their utmost goals.

A year later, they were posted to different states of the federation for their youth service. Distance couldn't be a barrier in their relationship. They kept in touch with each other always.

Immediately after their service year, Kambili got a job as an accountant at a reputable insurance company in their state in the Eastern part of Nigeria.

Priscilla was yet to secure a job but she hoped to get one.

So one weekend, Priscilla visited Kambili where he lived. After spending some time together, and preparing to leave, Kambili proposed to her and she quickly accepted.

They were so happy that they were going to spend their lifetime together.

In no time, they started making plans for their wedding.

Priscilla and Kambili hailed from the same state but in different communities. They travelled to their villages to do the necessary plans

A date for their traditional and church wedding was fixed.

Both families with their friends and well-wishers, came together for their wedding and they were made husband and wife.

That was the only period that Kambili went back to his village since he left with his uncle to the city.

Kambili and Priscilla got back to the city and lived together as husband and wife. Their love waxed stronger. They were admired by many.

Priscilla applied to several job opportunities but luck wasn't on her side. She continued to apply and hoped she would succeed one day

She would do all the house chores and made sure that food was ready before her husband came back.

Just a few weeks after their wedding, Priscilla became pregnant. They were so delighted.

Kambili provided her with all that she needed. She registered her for antenatal at a clinic close by.

They always teased each other about who their child was going to resemble. They had already picked a name for the child.

"I can imagine how brilliant my kids would be," Kambili said feeling proud.

"Your kids?" Priscilla queried.

Kambili grinned

They both laughed.

It was the ninth month, they had bought all the baby items they needed including the ones on the list given to them at the clinic.

Priscilla was beginning to feel early indications of labour. She had packed and set aside the few things she needed for delivery in case of an emergency.