Tribe: Efik found in Cross River and Calabar. You move to the rhythm, back and forth. Hidden securely behind the brown and black calico of the masque, the color of leopards; you feel the thrill. You know the law by heart, Papa always recited it like an anthem; “Any woman who wears the Ekpe masque, … Continue reading The Penalty
Insomnia had become a close friend of mine since the beginning of the trial so I’d taken to staying up at night poring over my law books. This particular night though, my mind wandered and began asking questions that I’d previously overlooked. First of all, why had Ruby been using a fake name? What had … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 34
“Good afternoon ma.” I greeted, with all the politeness I could muster. To my surprise, she opened her arms and stretched them out to me. Her embrace was comforting. “I’m so glad you’re here with him.” She whispered, and I thought I heard sniffling. “I’m afraid. I don’t want my son in prison.” It was … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 33
When I walked into the courtroom on the first day of my trial, I wished the ground would open up and swallow me. It suddenly dawned on me what I was about to do. I was entering a fight for my freedom and it scared me to death. My life depended on the trial. I … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals- 32
They’d found my fingerprints at the crime scene. Lots of them. They’d also found pictures. Pictures of Ruby and I that gave everyone an insight to what had really transpired between us. Del had advised me not to mention that I’d had a thing with Ruby. She believed it was safe to avoid raising any … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – Episode 31
As far as attorneys go; Delia was good. When she met with me, she spoke with a certain mechanical detachment; asking me questions repeatedly as though trying to pick out whatever form of falsehood lay in my words. She wanted to know what my relationship with Eleanor Bright was; she wanted to know what I … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 30
MO “Again, where were you on the night of December 7th?” The pimply faced cop asked. It was the mention of December that reminded me that we were in the last month of the year, getting close to the Christmas season. What was I doing sitting in an interrogation room answering questions about a murder? … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals- 29
My brain was foggy as I regained consciousness slowly. What the hell had happened? The last thing I remembered was entering Ruby’s house…oh my! I rose to my feet wobbly. The room was dark so I couldn’t tell where I was. I groped around and found the light switch and turned it on. The first … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 28
KEMI Dr. Bala had managed to convince me to come for an ultrasound scan before I made any lasting decision. I wanted to refuse but somehow my curiosity got the better of me. It had been a month since I discovered the existence of my baby…a month of confusion and traumatic indecisions. A month of … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 27
The next two weeks passed in a blur for me. I scheduled two D and C appointments with Dr.Bala but each time I cancelled. I was confused. I knew I didn’t want this baby. No! It’s not a baby yet. I kept reminding myself. Just a six week old foetus. But I also knew that … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 26
Things started going a lot smoother for us after the incident. We didn’t spend nearly as much time together as we used to…but every minute was worth it. It was like we were dating all over again. We arranged dates and behaved like two teenagers in love for the first time. It was simply amazing. … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 25
I didn’t stop to consider my reaction as rude. It was something I couldn’t hold back…an instinctive reaction to a funny situation. My secret admirer was only a boy? Ha! Wait till Del heard this one. She’d laugh me right out of the room! “Ma’am…” He began. I paused in between laughs to catch my … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 24
KEMI “Some folks are crazy. I mean seriously…did you see what that guy displayed in court? He lied under oath! It was so obvious! How could Judge Burton not see it?” I said as I exited the car. “Judge Burton is a seventy year old judge who chooses to see what he wants to see. … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 23
“I think it’s too early to ask me that, Pastor.” I replied, rising to my feet. “I’m still hurt…the thought of my husband with another woman is revolting and no matter his excuse…it’s not good enough. I have a lot to figure out in my life right now and I think its best I do … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 22
I clutched my handbag and caught my breath as our eyes met. It was then I realised how much I’d missed him. He looked good; handsome as usual. I was very tempted to run to him, hold him and beg him to come back home. And then I remembered how he’d betrayed me and Shirley. … Continue reading Betrayals and Funerals – 21