Abiku

 

Sleep did not visit the whole Efon Alaaye town the day I put to bed. My screams went all the way to the walls of their houses, the echo brought there presence with it. Only two midwives stayed with me as I struggled with nature, my mother would rather swim in a river of her spit than be here. I suspect most of the wives were gathered just outside Akanni's house huddled up in hushed voices wondering if this one would be the same.

The men would be seated a few metres from the women with folded arms. Taking the occasional stroll with silence as their companion. I could see a silhouette of Akanni's shape whiz by the door as he paces around the house. He had stayed with me holding my hands the last time. A fine hunter he is, he heaved as I heaved and pushed his bowels while I pushed my uterus. 

The baby had let a high pitched cry when she finally broke free of my womb. Akanni had jumped for joy, Music to our ears. It was finally liberating to no longer be known as the mother of the dead infant since Sade, our first child died at the age of four. We named her Funmi; she was almost a spitting image of her deceased sister. An image so identical she also didn't make it to five.

Mama had shaved her hair. She had arrived early the morning Funmi died  to once again relay reasons why I shouldn't have married an orphan like Akanni. They only bring bad luck she said while stroking the dead baby in her arms. But what she didn't know was that Akanni was the only Piper for whose tune my waist moved the quickest. She spat at Akanni's feet on her way out of the house promising to be back as soon as possible.

She made good of her promise by showing up with the Ifa Priest who called my Funmi an Abiku. An evil spirit who comes back multiple times to haunt the parents. The Priest had thrown cowries on the ground, demanding chicken and fresh oil to pour to the gods which mama joyfully provided. Akanni stood holding me as the Priest pressed a razor to her skin, making haphazard incisions on her body right there in front of us; and spectators then throwing her body into a hole at the back of the house.

The Priest assured us that by the gods, she will never come back again and left. But why would I not want her back? The most beautiful girl in the world, who smiled and giggled whenever I bursted into her Oriki. I really do want her back. The scene had travelled through the rumour mills easily and conversations soon started fizzling out the moment my presence was felt. My face scattered women gatherings; they greeted me while avoiding my eyes. 

Oh, I know the kind of filth which they would say. Not as if I was never a woman that practised the language of hushed tones. They would say it is my fault. That I was sternly warned that one does not simply marry for love, a whole Chief's daughter is tied down to an orphaned peasant. I, smitten and comfortable in Akanni's arms had ignored the back talk and slander. Going against my Father's words to get pregnant for him. My father had refused to speak to me since we were married, my only sibling sided with my father and cut me off. Mama, who remained as tough as nails stayed with me.

Akanni was my dream husband and a lot more. After Sade's death, a part of him was removed but he remained optimistic, wearing a sad smile for when I cried and an infallible beacon in the dark. The second one died and now he's always stunned, confused and distant. I still saw the sad smile but that was only when he knew I was looking. He rarely ever knew.

We consummated our marriage once more and I soon developed morning sickness. When I became certain, I sat Akanni down and told him. He rejoiced again, vowing to name him Durosinmi. he never learns. Bright as the midday sun, he returned to normal with time. The whispers behind me increased as my stomach grew bigger. The children chased me and sang shameful songs before their parents whisked them away.

Even Mama came and asked me to birth this one in my father's house; leaving my husband in the process . I refused. She promised brimstone and fury swearing that I was not her daughter. The anticipation train behind me increased as time went on till they started wondering if I would ever put to bed.

The night came and my screams drew them to my house. Akanni chose to stay outside this time while Mama Areo and a young nurse helped me. At the cost of great pain came life. I pushed and heaved. They fanned and motivated me with words. Just words. Mama Areo told me I was crowning and that I should push harder. I did; but no baby. It continued for over 5 hours, this futile thing. The people still waited patiently. 

I was about to give up when Mama Areo said it is almost out. Yes! A new beautiful child to play with, love and to care for. A new child to erase the sorrow and shame of yesterday, a beautiful child to bring Akanni  back. And so I pushed.

The baby came out crying and Mama Areo held it under its armpit while the placenta was still attached. I looked at the smile on Mama Areo's face slowly morph into a look of horror as she rushes and gives the baby to me. I assess my bundle of joy and she was scarred all over. Exactly the same incisions the Ifa Priest made. I scream!