A Mother's Wisdom: Finding Clarity Amid Chaos.
The lingering doubts my best friends harbored about Maxwell weighed heavily on me. Their words echoed in my mind, sowing seeds of uncertainty. To them, Max was deceitful and untrustworthy. Adiaba, in particular, claimed that her cousin, who knew Max personally, painted a vastly different picture of him. She couldn't reconcile the man described by her cousin with the one I knew.
Their shared skepticism, coupled with the unanswered question of why Max had disappeared for years without a single word, left me torn. Yet, deep down, I wished they would let go of his past mistakes and simply accept that we were in love.
The tension became unbearable. Choosing Max over Fredrick had not only brought disapproval but left me emotionally drained. I desperately needed a reprieve, so I packed my bag and went to my parents' house, hoping to find some clarity.
When I arrived, Esther, our longtime housekeeper, greeted me warmly. I quickly learned that my parents were away.
"They've gone to your mom's hometown for her eldest sister's burial," Esther explained.
I frowned, feeling a pang of guilt. My father had mentioned the burial, but it had completely slipped my mind.
"How long have they been gone?" I asked.
"They left on Thursday. Today is Saturday, so they should be back tomorrow."
After requesting something to eat, Esther apologized that nothing was ready but promised to cook within forty minutes. Grateful, I followed her upstairs as she carried my bag to my old room. The moment I stepped inside, nostalgia washed over me. Exhaustion soon followed, and I collapsed onto the bed.
The next morning, I woke early and decided to go for a jog to clear my head. The crisp morning air felt refreshing, and the solitude gave me space to think. But as I was making my way back home, I heard someone honking.
Turning around, I saw Mama Somto, an old neighbor and one of my mom's acquaintances, pulling over in her car.
"Annabel! My goodness, it's been so long! Look at you!" she exclaimed, stepping out with a broad smile.
I returned her greeting politely. "Good morning, Mama Somto. How are you? How are Somto and his sisters?"
For a moment, I thought she had softened with age, but her next words quickly reminded me that she hadn't changed.
"You're glowing! How many children do you have now?" she asked.
I stiffened slightly. "I'm not married yet, Mama," I replied with forced composure.
Her mouth fell open in exaggerated disbelief. "Not married? Annabel! How? Why? What are you waiting for?"
"God's time, Mama. God's time is the best," I said, trying to end the conversation.
She sighed dramatically. "God's time? My second daughter is your age, and she already has three beautiful children. All my children are happily married except my last, Ogechi. And even she has a suitor lined up."
I managed a tight smile, trying to ignore the sting of her words.
"Mama Somto, thank you for your concern, but I need to get going now," I said, slipping my earbuds back in as a polite hint.
But as she drove off, she couldn't resist one final remark. "Stop waiting for God's time, my dear. If you can't find a man to marry, at least find one to give children!"
Her words lingered, unwelcome and unkind. I jogged the rest of the way home, her unsolicited advice gnawing at my already fragile emotions
After breakfast, I heard the unmistakable sound of my father's car pulling into the driveway. Peering out the window, I saw my mom stepping out, still dressed in her somber funeral attire. My heart lifted at the sight of them.
"Good morning, Mom! Dad! Welcome back!" I greeted them, rushing out to help with their bags.
"Annabel? What are you doing here? When did you arrive?" my mom asked, clearly surprised.
I hugged my father, who smiled warmly as we walked into the house together. But my mother wasn't done.
"Are you going to explain why you're here or should I give you more time with your father?" she teased, her tone only half-joking.
"Mom, you just got back. Let's talk once you've both rested. Breakfast is ready," I said, attempting to stall.
My mother gave me a pointed look but relented. "Fine, but don't think you're off the hook."
That evening, she came to my room, her questions waiting for no further delay.
She sat on my bed and studied me closely.
"Annabel, you've avoided answering me all day. Why are you here? And why are you alone? Did something happen?"
"Mom, nothing happened. Am I not allowed to visit my parents anymore?" I replied, my voice betraying my unease.
She took my hands gently, her eyes searching mine. " You're my daughter, Annabel. I know when something is wrong. You don't have to tell me, but I will always be here to listen when you're ready."
Her warmth and sincerity melted my defenses. The floodgates opened, and I told her everything about Max, Fredrick, and the turmoil in my heart.
She listened quietly, her expression calm and thoughtful. When I finished, she offered words that soothed my soul.
"Annabel, love is complicated. But when it comes to choosing a life partner, listen to your heart. The one who makes you feel safe, loved and at peace is the right choice. Looks fade, wealth can be lost, but a kind and faithful heart lasts a lifetime."
She paused, her gaze softening. "When I met your father, he had nothing. No car, no house, barely even a plan. But he was kind, sincere, and determined. I felt safe with him, and I knew he would build a life with me. That's the kind of man you deserve. Take your time, my dear. Don't let others pressure you. This is your life."
Her words filled the void I hadn't realized was there. I hugged her tightly, feeling a renewed sense of calm.
"Thank you, Mom. I needed to hear that," I whispered.
She smiled, her love evident in her eyes. "Always remember, I'm here for you. You'll make the right choice, Annabel."
I held her close, savoring the comfort only a mother could give. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, my darling," she replied, her voice soft yet steady.
And for the first time in weeks, I felt peace.