Throughout the remainder of the day, Osaro couldn't be herself as she thought about Amina's ordeals.
If the story she told me is a fragment of her ordeal, I wonder what the full story will be like. She really suffered, Osaro said as she lay on the mat she had placed outside.
My name will speak for me, Osaro said as she quickly wiped her tears as she pretended to have fallen asleep.
Osaro! Osaro!! Osaro!!! I know you're not sleeping, said Oge as she tapped her on her back, but as the adage goes " You can't really wake someone who is pretending to be asleep".
Seeing that Osaro has refused to wake up, Oge decided to play a trick on her; my brother asked me to get you but since you have refused to wake up, I will go tell him.
I'm just seventeen, I have not even spent a year here and my life is already at the point of ending, Osaro said as she quickly stood up.
I thought you were asleep, said Oge as she explained the reason why she was truly there.
Osaro, I have been wanting to say some things to you but I haven't really gotten the chance to.
What is it and hope I'm safe Said Osaro, who at this time was already feeling prepared for whatever Oge was going to say.
I am sorry for not saying this to you earlier but the other day a girl was here to see you but she was sent back by my brother who had told her that no body see his wife without prior notice, the girl waited for hours and he ordered that no one relay the girl's presence to you but I could not watch her go like that, so I invited her to the house today since it's market day and my brother is always at the palm wine joint in the market.
It must be Omege, said Osaro as she rushed to the mango tree as Oge directed.
O my God!!!
It is really you, said Osaro and Omege almost as though they were synced.
I have missed you so much said Omege as she hugged her dear friend tightly.
You look so good, Osaro said to Omege as she looked at herself.
Don't worry, you're going to be fine my friend, and also mummy sent her regards and so also your mum, she sent a letter and some small items for you and she also asked me to tell you sorry for not coming to visit, she is stuck at home as your father as banned any form of assistance and visitation from any of the family.
He really does not like me, he hates me so much that he has to do all these things to me. I am only but a child who has just been forced into marriage and to add to it, he is banning a mother from seeing her child? I hate him so much, I hate that man, Osaro said as she couldn't control her tears any longer.
It is well my friend, I know yours is not going to be like any of the ones he had married, you have dreams and I am very sure you will fulfill them all, you're determined Osaro, have you forgotten the time, where we were stuck at a particular assignment for days, and I told us to give up but you told me to give you time and finally on the last day boom!!! You were there standing with the best solution anyone has ever given to me, you didn't just solve the math equation but you created a formula and that has been helping me.
I know my friend but this place is a dream killer. I spoke with one of the wives who had so many dreams but today she is the mother of two with no achievement order other than be…
Mr Okhizu's wife right? Omege asked as she assured her that her case will be different.
Thanks Omege, you have always been a good and supportive friend, said Osaro as she dropped the peeled orange on the plate.
I know that said Omege as they both laughed.
Osaro! Osaro!! Osaro!!! My brother is back said Oge, looking scared.
O my God!!! I thought he normally comes in the night, why come early today?What do I do now?What if he sees Omege?What should I tell him?What shall…
Come down Osaro, your husband is a human not a beast, Said Omege not minding what might happen if Mr Okhizu heard.
Okay, what if I distract him while you sneak Omege out of here said Oge who was immediately interrupted by Mr Okhizu;
Who is sneaking who? And who are you?, oh, wait, you are that girl, ohh, young girls are just too disobedient; and you, didn't I make myself clear, I told you no visitors and here you are, sitting, gossiping and eating my oranges.
I'm sorry my husband….
Sorry, say that to yourself because today you're going to learn obedience.
I'm sorry sir, said Omege as she looked at her friend.
Oge, take this bird of a feather out of here before I descend on you both.
Ok…a .y, stammered Oge.
Please, let go Omege, don't make things worse for your friend.
Omege and Oge were still on their way when they heard a very loud clash as though a tree branch fell off.
You must obey me, I'm your husband, your father sold you to me, you are my property, I own you, all these and more were said by Mr Okhizu as he finally removed a rope like thing that was tied to the tree and tied it to the tree branch, and told Osaro to embrace the tree, Osaro immediately did as her back was whipped multiple times making it impossible for more her to scream or cry any longer, I'm tired, I'm tired, these words were the only speech Osaro had left.
If you're tired, die, Mr Okhizu said as he dropped the whip and left sweating and looking like something who had encountered a soldier from the World War(s).
I won't die, Osaro said as she fell to the ground and cursed at the whip frustrated.
He is coming, said Oge as Omege finally zoomed off unhappy and sad for her friend.
Seeing that Mr Okhizu had left the place, Oge quickly went to assist Osaro.