Eka’s story - Season 1 - Episode 39

Episode 4 years ago

Eka’s story - Season 1 - Episode 39

Ema and Christy were not content with how much Ekaette’s father condemned his ignoble past conduct. They sounded stern warning to him and his wife concerning how they treat Eka, “How you people treated Eka in the past is shocking. On many occasions we wondered if you people are actually her parents. We hope such things will not be repeated again. I would not like to speak for my brother, but as you can see the way things are, the only thing keeping my brother from making Ekaette his wife is her age. We want to do what is right. We are not like politicians who steal underage girls by night and make them their wives by morning. We will not hear again of you and your wife taking money from strangers to promise them Eka in marriage. I can’t wrap my head around what we will do if this was to happen again,” Christy warned. Eka’s father brushed his fingers on the floor and touching them on his tongue; he swore to them, “I will have to die first for any man other than Dr. Gerry to marry Ekaette. Even if I was bewitched to think of doing such, Ekaette will not allow it. She is old enough to decide what she wants. I no longer have the power to dictate to her. My in-laws, that is what you are to me now; you have no reason to fear. The shameful conduct of my wife and I will forever remain in the past I assure you.”
With an understanding struck between Mr. Effiong and his would-be in-laws concerning Eka, everyone was happy. Eka was head-over-heels, she could clearly she herself as Dr. Gerry’s wife. Everything was in place, all she had to do was just to grow up and prepare herself for marriage. While Eka and her parents discussed with Dr. Gerry, his sisters and their friends, Simbi kept herself busy in Eka’s room playing a game on her phone. Sammy was eager to get the chance to speak with Simbi, he just could not wait. He had to tap Ema on the shoulder and made a sign to her. From the look of things, their mission in Mr. Effiong’s house had come to an end, in a short while they would be on their way home. Dr. Gerry who had said very little stood up and announced to the Effiongs that in a fortnight, he would return with his people to officially make known his intention to make Eka his wife. Eka who was not in the loop about the plan was swept off her feet. She literally glowed at the thought of it. She dashed off toward her room to go break the news to Simbi. Ema had to call her back and whispered to her to invite Simbi to join them. Eka feigned ignorance of the reason for which Simbi was being invited. The moment Eka entered her room; a rapturous shout was heard from the room. The girls were celebrating Eka’s impeding engagement party and Simbi’s brand new lover, for whom she was being asked to join them.

After a brief moment the two of them came out from Eka’s room blushing. Ema stood to her feet and led Simbi outside, “You are not a kid Simbi, so I expect you to understand what I am about to do…” As Ema spoke, Simbi fastened her eyes on her, not blinking at all. She just could not wait for Ema to tell her that Sammy was interested in her and that she would like to introduce him to her, “…one of my male friends inside is quite attracted to you. His name is Samuel; we call him Sammy for short. He is a good guy. I have known him for years. If you would permit me to introduce the two of you, believe me in a few months’ time you will thank me for.


You are like my younger sister just as Eka is to me. I will never for any reason introduce you to a Casanova. This guy is the real deal, take my word for it. What do you have to say Simbi?” With her eyes flashing like a torch light and a smile breaking out of her face, Simbi tactfully replied, “If you say he is no player, I won’t mind your introducing us to each other. However, aunty Ema, I don’t want a man who will dash my heart to pieces. This is going to be my first love.” “…and I assure you, it is going to be your one and only.” “You are very confident of this guy; I hope he won’t let you down.” “He won’t. I am confident of him because I know him very well. Give me a moment.”

Ema went back into the living room and whispered to Sammy, “Sammy, I have spoken with Simbi. She is waiting for you outside. Come with me.” Simbi’s parents who had been with the Effiongs since their son came to announce to them that Eka had made up with her parents, watched Ema curiously. They could tell something was going on, but chose not to interfere with it. They had learnt a lot from the errors of Eka’s parents and knew better than to jump into what they thought the situation was. Simbi’s mother read her husband’s face and whispered to him, “Relax, Simbi is no longer a child. Soon she will leave us for her permanent home. If this be the place she will find the man, so be it.” Simbi’s father smiled and whispered back, “I have seen that young man before, but I can’t remember where. I am certain of it, I have seen him before.” “What was he doing when you met him?” “I can’t recall, but there is nothing sinister about him.” Outside, Ema introduced Simbi to Sammy, “Simbi, this is the guy I spoke to you about. As you already know, his name is Samuel. Sammy this is Simbi, the girl you could not take your eyes away from. Her name is Simbi.” Samuel stretched his hand, shook Simbi and said, “Simbi I am glad to meet you. Thanks for giving me the chance to get to know you more.” “You are welcome Samuel. I hope you are half as nice as I have heard.” “I don’t know what Ema told you about me, but this I can say about myself, I was well brought up and taught to respect ladies.” “Sammy you can say what you like about yourself, already I have put my neck on the line for you by convincing her to give you a chance. If this works out, you will be her first love. If you dare play with her heart, I know you won’t, but if for some reason you do that, you are as good as dead. I and my sister will kill you dead! I think this is where I should take my leave.”


Sammy waited for Ema to leave before he said anything to Simbi. Simbi could hear her heart pounding against her ribs. She had thought she could handle herself confidently when left alone with Sammy, but the moment Ema turned to leave them alone, her heart skipped several beats, her throat felt dry and her hands shook. “Thank you very much Simbi for accepting to date me, you don’t know how much this means to me. The moment I saw you, I felt something I had never felt before. I could not hide it. It was so obvious that Ema and Christy had to notice I was drawn to you. Thanks a million times for giving me this chance.” “I haven’t agreed to date you yet. I only accepted to open a line of conversation. As it is, I don’t know jack about you and neither do you know a thing about me. I am very young; I don’t want to get ahead of myself and make mistakes.” Her words stunned Sammy. He could tell he was dealing with a quick witted girl.

“Even the gesture to let us talk is what thanking you for. Thanks once again.” “You are welcome. I think we should exchange numbers and go back into the living room. I don’t want my parents to think I am flirting with a man right under their nose.” Sammy knew how to affirm ladies by letting them have control at certain moments, and so he went to work, “You are right Simbi. I have thought of that as well. You must be brave for letting Ema set this up while they are around. Thanks once more, you have no clue how much you have made my day by giving me the chance to know you more.” “I hope I it will go down as one of my best decisions so far.” “I am certain it will.” The two of them exchanged numbers and went back into the living room. Simbi went to the sofa where her parents sat and sq££zed herself in-between them and let her head casually rest on her mother’s shoulder. Eka was intently looking at her; she could not wait to hear what Sammy said to her.


After a brief moment, Simbi stood up and went into Eka’s room. It was her cue to Eka to join her. Shortly Eka peeled herself away from Dr. Gerry and went into her room. When Simbi saw her entering the room, she spread herself on the bed and said, “Eka my head is racing too fast, I can’t breathe. I am choking for breath, can you fan me please?” Eka was all smile, she found an exercise book and began to fan Simbi. Simbi yelled at her, “Harder!” Eka increased the pace at which she fanned her. “Tell me Simbi, what did he say to you?” “He thanked me for accepting to date him…” “Date him!” Shouted Eka as she dropped the exercise book and covered her mouth in excitement. “I think I am dying Eka?” “Why did you say that?” “If I close my eyes, I see him and if I open my eyes I still see him. He is all over my head. Dear Lord, when I asked you for a man like Dr. Gerry, I did not mean one as handsome as Sammy.” Eka giggled hard. She was loving the drama. “Get a hold of yourself Simbi. Have you forgotten that the Lord answers our prayers exceeding abundantly above what we can ask or think. This is it. Don’t worry; I will be your chaperon like you were to me.”