By evening, I ran to my special spot i.e the network tree were I always hung my phone to tap network. I dialled Jumoke's number and she answered not sounding so bright and excited.
Jum Jum , I teased. How are you enjoying yourself in Benin? Future daughter in law in the making.
''My dear Tess'', Jumoke said sounding sought of gloomy and unexcited.'' You will not believe what is happening here oo'', she replied.
What happened? I hope all is well? I asked. How is Valo, his mother and the rest of his family?
''They are all doing great, but that is not the issue'' Jumoke stated.
Now, Valo was a typical mamma's boy. He was the only son of his mother and his mum spoilt him rotten. He always got his way, even when his actions weren't right.
Valo's mum smothered him to the extent of screening any lady he dared date including Jumoke.
The ladies were subjected to series of medical tests, sponsored by Valo's mum to ensure he didn't catch a disease should sex happen. She also dug into their academic history making sure his girls weren't dumb or dull brained. Family background, status, poise, charisma etc were all points she took into cognisance before she approved her son dating any lady, and if she ever deemed you unfit, no Jupiter could amend your relationship with Valo , as he always tried pleasing her , making sure he was always in her good books.
Valo was the heir apparent to a huge inheritance. He wasn't such a hard worker but it was common knowledge in Benin that he belonged to the upper elite class.
Jumoke was lucky to have caught Valo's eye and passed most of the requirements it took to be his woman, but it all came at a huge price.
She had to be at Valo's mum beck and call almost like a slave, and Valo's mum never seized to meddle with their relationship. Key decisions and orders were handed out by Valo's mum and Jumoke had to swallow it all because she did not want to loose Valo, but loved him really , truly and deeply regardless of his extra aesthetic features and wealth.
Jum what is the matter this time, I quizzed as her voice continued with a low pitch.
''Tess, this woman is driving me nutts ooo. It is difficult keeping up with her''.
What did she do this time Jum, I thought you were OK with the whole arrangement of letting her meddle with your relationship, why are you complaining?
I couldn't correlate why Jumoke sucked up, acted like all was well, yet died in silence,kept complaining to me and never addressed the situation with Valo.
I had tried talking her out of her relationship with Valo, clearly pointing out that if they ever got married, she'd enjoy wealth but be miserable not having a say concerning key decisions in her home, but she was too in love to let go.
Valo philandered sometimes, but miss goody two shoes Jumoke was ever willing to cry her eyes out, forgive and take him back. I just couldn't understand why she found it so hard letting go.
So what is it this time? I quizzed again. Jumoke began narrating how she was washing a few clothes of hers , and Valo's mum asked if she'd help wash some of her clothes. Gladly, Jumoke accepted but in the end , few turned to heaps as Valo's mum cleared out all her dirty clothes and some apparent clean ones and gave them to Jumoke to wash.
''Can you imagine Tess? I started washing at 9am and haven't finished since then'' . I quicly took a look at my wristwatch and it was 2pm. Na wa ooo, all for love Jum, I said sarcastically.
''Valo's mum also told me to make soup, clean the house , do this, that , that , that'' etc. At that point, I went ballistic.
Jumoke I called her name severally. Please tomorrow, pack your bags and come back here, they haven't even paid your bride price.
At that point, she started sobbing , but I could care less.
My dear, you aren't married to Valo yet and you aren't a househelp, maid , a footstool or doormat either. It is a sign of low self esteem to subject yourself to this type of treatment.
She continued sobbing and I got upset the more. I just couldn't wrap my arms around why anyone would want to go through all the trouble Jumoke did and not recognise it wasn't just and healthy, then I remembered the popular saying '' different strokes for different folks''.
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