The Chosen One

It was three days later that Ugochi knew the details of her move to the UK. Her parents called her to their bedroom and broke the news to her.
“You know you will go to London to continue your education,” her father started.
She nodded slowly with no enthusiasm on her countenance. She sat on a chair opposite them who were seated at the edge of their bed.
“You’ll leave next month.” He hesitated before saying, “You’ll be going as John’s wife.”
“What!” she muttered in shock.
“Yes,” her mother chipped in.

She could hear her heartbeat suddenly faster and louder, thumping like they could explode in her rib cage. As John’s wife? She asked herself. What would happen to my beloved Chimaobi? My new found faithful love?

“Why me?” she asked while gripping the arms of the chair for fear she would slip off the seat and faint.
“You are the chosen one,” her father continued with a sly smile that revealed some of his brown teeth, discolored from excess chewing of kolanuts.
“Daddy, I am not the first girl nor the second girl in this house. I am only seventeen years old. My dream is to marry a Christian, who shares the same beliefs as I do, and someone who is not fifteen years older than me.”
“John is a Christian. He goes to church…”
“Not a church-goer but a committed Christian…”
“Shut up, my friend!” her father suddenly shouted.

She sat back on her seat when her father stood up. It meant she had to go through the remaining part of the discussion in silence. She had provoked her father and she did not want any of the consequences.

“Age has nothing to do with marriage,” her mother continued as her father paced the room to cool down. “You’ve known John right from your childhood. He is a good man. He will take care of you and make you happy. Since he is mature, he will not treat you the way small boys do. He will not break your heart.”
“Listen, Ugochi, this house is on fire,” her father said after resuming his sitting position. “There is no money and no food in this house. We are living from hand to mouth. All my businesses have collapsed. Uncle Simeon has promised us two million naira for your acceptance of the marriage proposal. He will help us get back our property and take care of the family. You are the pride of the family. You are the one bringing restoration to us.”
She dare not voice her thoughts of “so you are selling me for two million naira? Pride of the family my foot!”
“What if I don’t accept? What if I run away?”
“Then I will skin you alive…” Her father said and she knew it was not an empty threat.
She had no other choice but to accept reluctantly while praying that in a month’s time, God will do something to restore the family. Then she will not have to be married off.

While her sisters rejoiced over the oncoming traditional marriage that would take place in their home, she went into seclusion for three days. How would I tell Chimaobi this news? She asked herself. How will I bear to be separated for him, not just for a while but for life? The more she thought about her separation from Chimaobi, the more she wept. Then she had an idea.

Why don’t I give my virginity to Chimaobi as a parting gift? But we agreed that our wedding night will be our first night of being together. How can I make him change his mind? What do I do? Maybe this is time to learn from my sisters…