Chapter 1
Rita sat on the bench patiently waiting for her parents to come back from the farm
She stood up from the bench and decided to walk round the compound looking at the flowers and other cooking utensils which was lying recklessly on the floor
She blinked twice and picked up a dirty invitation card which was lying on the floor
The invitation card was very dirty, she managed to clean it with the tip of her fingers then went back to sit on the beach
She was about opening the invitation card when her parents entered the compound
She helped her mum take down the heavy basket on her head which was filled with tubers of yam and cocoyam
When did you come back? her mum Anastasia asked dusting her hair
Not quite long mama, since morning you and papa went to farm,stop staying long whenever you go to the farm please… She replied
Have you forgotten that…..
I didn’t forget anything mama… she interrupted going to greet her dad who was washing the farm tools
Good afternoon sir… she greeted sitting close to him
Rita!He called still washing his cutlass
Papa… she answered
Welcome, when did you come back and how’s everyone?He questioned
Papa everyone is fine,they sent their regards.. she responded
How’s work?he asked
Papa I thank God oooo… She said
Help me feed the goats,I didn’t give them food before leaving…Her dad said
They must be hungry by now.. she replied and stood up
She quietly opened the invitation card and screamed
“Natalie is getting married”? She shouted
Yes! replied her mum who was staring at her
I’m so happy for her… she said kissing the card
When are you getting married Rita? you’re twenty six and still single, ain’t you ashamed Rita? Are we not old enough to be called grandparents?Her dad chipped with pain in his voice
Haba! Papa take it easy nah, I’m getting married soon… she said
Your language for over four years now, get me a cup of water please…Her mum said
She looked at her dad for a while before going to get the water, she got to the door and saw it was padlocked then turned to ask them for the key
The key!! She said frowning
Check under that keg.. her mum replied pointing at the old keg beside the dirty clothes
She raised the keg up but couldn’t find it
Ewooo!! Anastasia exclammed
I left it in the farm again, please rush and get it
Our farm that’s close to the river, you will see where I normally hang it when we…. before she could finish Rita has already walked out
Asikwam!! Anastasia said in Igbo
Rita walked briskly to the farm, she saw the key where it was hunged
She collected it and left immediately,it was getting dark already
She was about opening the gate when someone screamed her name, she turned and saw Natalie beckoning her to come
“Natalie”She called
Yes Rita,long time… she said smiling
Sorry!my bad.. Good evening … she greeted Natalie’s Fiancé who was staring at her
Hi…he replied
It’s been a while Natalie… she said
Yes, please have this… Replied Natalie handling her wedding invitation card to her
Ohhh, I’ve seen this already
You gave my parents… Said Rita
Rita was becoming uncomfortable with the stare coming from Natalie’s Fiancé, she excused herself and left
You will come two days before the wedding, remember… Natalie shouted
Alright!! She replied waving at her
“What a stare” Rita murmured to herself as she pushed the gate
To Be Continued 🤗
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