Welcome Home, Baby

Grace took one last look at the mirror and then patted her left cheek. She was fifteen years old, dark, taller than average, and quite beautiful. She was one of the several children at the Lady Theresa orphanage home. The home serves as a sanctuary for orphans, abandoned and vulnerable children and is run by the catholic mission. Grace had been a member of the orphanage since she was an infant. She had known no other family except the kids she grew up with and others who had joined as the years went by. She was preparing to meet her new parent. One she would not have to share with anyone.

She was reluctant to leave when the mother-in-charge first brought up the issue. It took some plea from the mother-in-charge to convince her to accept leaving with the anonymous woman. The thought of her imminent exit from the home brought tears to her eyes while enjoying the cool breeze that serenaded the grass-court. She was out in the garden of the Lady Theresa home. The voices of excited kids playing some distance away from her blurred the chirping of the birds.

Out in the city some kilometers away, Kome kept her attention on the flow of traffic. She was finding it difficult to suppress the mixed feelings that assailed her mind. She was thirty-five, a dark complexioned lady, beautiful and confident in her carriage. She was single. Fortunately or rather unfortunately, whatever notion people had about her was going to change. She was soon to earn the tag of a single mother but that was the last thing on her mind.

She moved her car forward and covered the little space between hers and the person in front. The thought of a frosty reunion had dominated her mind for a long time but was anticipating something better than a cold reception. She had waited several years for the opportunity to have her daughter in her care. The thought of giving her daughter away some fifteen years ago had appeared as the logical choice then. While her personal interest had dominated her mind then, she could easily say with hindsight that she had done the right thing. She snapped out of her thoughts as the blaring horns of the cars behind assailed her senses. Her companion, the elderly Bose, sat quietly beside her. She had been instrumental to Kome's decision to consider getting her daughter back. Kome removed her leg from the clutch and edged the car forward.

***************

The image of her dying mother never left Kome's head while she was growing up. Kome was in the third year of her junior secondary school when her mother fell ill with a mysterious illness. She knew it to be so after repeated visits to the hospital and there was no clear diagnosis on what was wrong with her mother. Her father struggled through that period and she watched his reaction with keen interest. She had not known him to exhibit such meekness even as they mourned. Oghale, Kome's father struggled with the aftermath of his wife's death and refused to marry even as the years went by. The death of her mother had much impact on her growing up years as she tended to her father and herself. She also did not consider it difficult to obey his strict instructions which were mainly rooted in his Christian faith. Oghale was a member of the Anglican Church and followed the traditions keenly.

Kome did not leave Oleh, her town of residence until she got admission to study at the University of Benin. She was happy when she arrived the campus as a fresh student but struggled to settle into the activities on campus initially. She was firm in following the basic practices of attending classes and other educational functions while being an active member of the Anglican Church on campus.

She was not oblivious to social pressures on campus especially in her relationship with the male sex. She insisted on a platonic relationship, shielding herself from offers from her course mates and other guys she met on campus. Two years went by and she was on a positive trail having scored well in her examinations. She was primed to finish with a good result. It was not until her third year in school that she met Eric. They were of the same year and he was a member of the school football team. He met her in church and was moved by both her beauty and sonorous voice. He asked for her friendship and introduced himself as a student in the Chemistry department and an indigene of the state.

Kome liked Eric but was hesitant on accepting his offer of friendship. She showed little interest as a result of her unwillingness to get involved in any romantic relationship. Eric saw her refusal as an inspiration to try more as he was smitten by her beauty and personality. Kome had little in her way to refuse his consistent pleas especially as she lived alone and her father was some distance away. She considered Eric's request and decided to give it a trial. It took a simple letter to convey her agreement and then they started their relationship. The beginning was quite interesting as they grew to know each other.

Eric's father, Chief Osareimen, was one of the richest man in his Bini clan. He was quite influential and was bringing up his son to take over from him. Eric was therefore one of the popular faces on campus but this did not stop him from enjoying the company of Kome. He loved her and was encouraged by her feeling the same way towards him. Kome did not relent in her studies as she continually made progress as time went by. Her relationship with Eric broadened her social activities as they went to several places together. They visited fun places together though she would always protest any time her friends made reference to them dating.

The relationship grew as time went by. Kome had warmed up to the idea of having Eric as an integral part of her life. Eric on his part was obviously enjoying the time they spent together. Gradually, the more time they spent together, the more he craved to have a romantic relationship with her. She was resistant at first but soon agreed. Despite this, she maintained her decision not to have a sexual relationship with Eric. Eric did not take kindly to the idea and kept pestering her. Kome was reluctant and this brewing tension became more of a problem as days went by. It was one of such rare meetings in Kome's apartment that led to their first confrontation. He had kissed her and was about progressing beyond that when she pushed him away.

''Why are you acting strange?'' Eric asked angrily.

''I am not acting strange, you should understand that it isn't time for this," she replied.

''When will it be?'' Eric asked.

She looked at him indifferently and turned away to face the door.

''You are not helping this relationship.''

''I really don't know what to tell you anymore but I am not ready for that yet.''

''You really have to give a thought to it, we have been together for a long time at least.''

''It doesn't matter. I just think the time is not right.''

They didn't argue any more but the rest of that day was quite uneventful. Eric left and took solace in the company of his friends. They remained incommunicado for about three weeks. Kome feared for their relationship while at the same time saw it as a necessary sacrifice to adhere to that advice of waiting until the bridal night. She trusted Eric but the relationship was just a promise whose end Kome hoped was in death. She had been able to stay within the bounds of chastity and therefore didn't have to suffer from the haunting thoughts of being wayward. She was quite confident of not been found on the wrong part even if her father had a spy watching her.

Eric on his part missed Kome but felt it was best to keep away from her. He feared he was losing grip of his sense and worth. While he loved Kome, he just could not imagine how low he should go in his desire to sleep with her. It was awkward thinking about kome's reluctance to have sex with him. The decision to keep away from Kome was supported by his friends who were against the relationship from the onset. They felt that Eric was turning into a weak guy as a result of his fraternizing with Kome. These factors ensured that he stayed away for about three weeks. The second semester examination came around this period and everyone took to their studies religiously. They were both in final year.

Kome had finished her examination scheduled for that day and was relaxing in her room when she heard a knock on the door. She opened and found Eric standing at the door. He wore a white shirt and a pair of denim trousers. He looked good even though his facial expression spoke of anxiety and boredom. He didn't say anything for some time and Kome stood at the door staring at the floor.

''Are you not going to let me in?'' he asked.

Kome stepped out of his way and he walked in. He stood and looked round her room. She had her mattress on the floor while a wooden wardrobe stood at a corner of the room.

''What do you want?'' Kome asked still standing at the door.

''I have come to see you,'' he said as he turned to look at her. ''How are you?"

"I am fine,'' she replied.

''You didn't bother to check on me,'' he said after a while.

Kome glared and he smirked.

"Alright Kome, I am sorry for what happened the last time," he said.

She got the message and was unwilling to prolong the tense atmosphere hence she walked to where he was and embraced him. A little cuddle and they disengaged. It was all they needed to bring three weeks of silence to an end. Eric had missed her and also taken his time to consider their relationship. Kome on her part saw this as a welcome relief as she had missed his company. Their reconciliation seemed good enough to gloss over the effect of their break from each other. The examination finished in good time and they stayed back in school in order to put finishing touches to their final year projects. The period presented more opportunities for them to meet. Eric took Kome to his house on one of such days when his parents were not around. He made sure that he got her acquainted with the people around and referred to Kome as his wife. She loved him the more from that moment and could already envisage a beautiful future ahead.

The last day on campus was quite eventful for Kome. She had submitted her project and was set to return home the next day. Eric came visiting in the afternoon. They both went out to see a movie before going to an eatery where they had a small celebration. They returned home just before it was dark. The room was dark as there was no electricity supply. They sat on her bed and continued talking.

''I will miss you,'' Eric said after a brief silence.

Kome felt the pain of imminent separation in his voice. She would miss him also but felt safe in the knowledge that he loved her as much as she loved him.

''I will miss you too,'' she replied.

She rested her head on his shoulder and Eric brought his hand to support her head. They stayed like that for a while until the room was almost covered in darkness. Kome stood up and put on the rechargeable lantern. The light illuminated the room. She returned to sit beside Eric and he immediately leaned close to kiss her. She obliged and they kissed passionately for a while and then Eric started caressing her. She felt no jitters, willingly giving herself to him. The love making was slow and breathtaking. The feeling from below her belly was at first painful but she gradually grew to enjoy the thrill of his thrust. It was an enjoyable experience as Kome relished the moment she gave her prized possession to her one true love.