PART 25
“NWALA: THE BITTERSWEET STORY”
©️ Opeyemi Akintunde.
As Inspired by the LIVING WORD.
“Mum, he is paralyzed, and he told me the Doctor said they don’t know the extent of the damage.
Mum, the extent of the damage could be that he may not be able to make me feel like a woman” I said to my Mum
“Why are you thinking of the worst?”
“I am not thinking of the worst, I am just saying that if I don’t sleep with Reuben before marriage to ascertain his sexual ability, I can’t enter a marriage that I won’t enjoy”
In all sincerity, Reuben had been very positive in his recovery process.
The doctors had explained to us that the accident had affected Reuben’s waist and leg. The doctor believed with therapy; things could be better but not back to how things used to be.
Reuben’s Dad was very open minded towards me, but his mum did not mince her words at any given opportunity.
“If only Reuben didn’t visit Nwala at her school, he won’t have had this accident”
For Six months, I stayed true to our relationship, ensuring I was calling everyday and visiting him every weekend.
One day, we had a serious conversation after his mother had compliment me.
“Nwala, I must confess, you surprised me. I had thought that you would have dumped Reuben after the accident and gone back to your old boyfriend, but your dedication to your relationship is worth applauding. I can’t wait to see you both get married”
That last part of her compliment had been my headache for months. Since, we were Christians, sex in courtship was not part of the courtship package, but I was scared for my future. That day after his mother’s compliment, I decided to take the horn by the bull. We were playing games in his living room. He was seated in his wheelchair…
“Reuben, I want us to make love” I said
Reuben looked at me very surprised…
“Why?… I mean sorry that should not be my response” he said laughing at himself.
“My response should be it’s not time baby” he said still laughing
“I can’t get married if am not sure about…” I said bluntly. The old me still was present. I didn’t have to complete my sentence; it was self-explanatory…
“Nwala, I believe the accident will not stop me from performing conjugal duties, though for now, I have weak erections in the morning, but the doctor assures me that with time along with other parts of the body that has been affected by the accident, they all will get better… Nwala, don’t you believe I will walk again?”
“The therapy has not done so much” I said truthfully
“I will walk again” Reuben said looking into my eyes deeply
“Amen! Reuben, I don’t have problem with your legs, I don’t mind marrying you if you never walk again, but what I want assurance for is.. Will you be able to make me happy on bed? I need assurance for that”
“And you think you can only get that assurance if I sleep with you now?”
“Yes…”
“Then, let’s break up!” I had never seen that Reuben before.
“Reuben?” That answer of his should have been a huge relief for me, but contrary to what I thought I should be feeling, I felt sad and at loss.
“Nwala, I can give you everything in the world, but I can’t hurt God because of you” Reuben said
“I would rather lose you than lose God” Reuben continued
I was quiet
“I can understand your plight, and honestly. I do not hold this against you. Your fear are legit and understandable. You are right, the therapy is not doing much, I thought by now I should be on my feet, but what can I say than to still say “Thank you Lord, that I am not dead” Nwala, don’t feel burdened or held down in the relationship by the guilt of “He is this way because of me” No! Nwala, this accident could have happened elsewhere” Reuben said and I could see that he was fighting back tears…
“I am the cause of your accident” I wanted to tell him. I wanted to tell him Daniel did it, but I didn’t have the nerve. Why? Did I still have a soft spot or pity for Daniel?
“Nwala, I release you from my heart. If you can not face this with me, then I release you, but please do not go back to Daniel. You deserve better than him”
A big lump had formed in my throat.My mouth refuse to say anything as I wept.
To be continued.
