Alex

I packed my car in my father’s mansion. My father, Mr Ebuka Chimezie is the chairman of MEZIE’S CONSTRUCTION. Earlier today while I was in my office, My father called me.

“Hello dad, Good afternoon, any problem?”

“No son, But I and your mother wants you to come home for an urgent meeting.”

“Dad… Can’t it wait? I’m really busy right now, I will make sure to come after office hour, I promise dad.”

“Ok son, make sure you keep your promise.”

“Yes dad, Good bye.”

“Bye son.”

I’m not the only child of my parents. I have a younger brother whose name is Samuel who I’m seven years older than. He went abroad recently to begin his college Education.

I stepped out of the car and went straight to the door and knocked, my mother Mrs Chineye Chimezie came out and hugged me.

How I miss her hugs.

“Nnwam! I’m so glad you decided to come.”

“Why won’t I come mom?”

“Because you’re too busy with work, ever since you became the ceo you hardly come to visit us, I thought you have forgotten us.”

“What! No mom, I haven’t forgotten you guys, that’s ridiculous, a young man just needs his privacy.”

“Privacy my foot, you’re still my baby, let me call your dad and inform him that you are here.”

Mom went upstairs.

I looked around the house. It sure has changed within the short period I was away.

I wonder what my parent wants to talk about. Although I think I know but I don’t want to accept the fact that I know. Accepting it will feel like I accepted it.

I remember eight years ago when I was just eighteen years old coming back late from a friend’s birthday party and also celebrating because I finally finished secondary school. My dad called me into his study room. Any time dad calls me into his study room, it means there’s something serious he wants to say. I was scared because I thought he wanted to scold me for coming back late after my curfew.

“Yes dad.”

“Sit down son, I want to have a few words with you. What I want to talk about is very serious… But you don’t need to decide now, when you’re of age then you can decide, but I just want to inform you about it.”

“Ok dad, please what is it.” I asked scared because my dad looked so serious.

“Ok this is it…. My friend wants our children to get married when you’re all of age.”

“Of course dad, I and Samuel will get marrued and of course Ruby.” I responded not really understanding my dad’s statement.

“No… It’s not what I mean son… What I mean is that your future wife will be Ruby Johnson.”

“What!”

"Yes son, you know you both are our only children… We want to see our children get married so the companies can merge together. Her father is scared of the future of his daughter and his company. He wants you to marry his daughter so you can take care of both the companies.

“No dad! No way! It’s already too late!”

I immediately ran out of his study room to my room and locked the door refusing to open the door for my mom that was knocking desperately.

I can’t believe what I just heard my dad say. 

Marry Ruby.

No way!

I don’t see her as anything other than a younger sister. I try to tell myself even though I know it’s a big lie.

I recall when she confessed her feelings for me today, I was so shocked. Then I told her what a guy shouldn’t tell a girl he had feelings for. I did that so that there won’t be any problem between our families.

And now this?

I should have told her how I felt too but instead I was a jerk and kissed her best friend so she can hate me.

I’m such a fool.

It’s too late now, I’m sure she hates me. Dad should have told me sooner.

One month passed and I didn’t see Ruby, I think she’s avoiding me. With the pain within I travelled to the States to study Engineering in Harvard University.

Dad tap brought me back to present.

“Hey son, glad you came.” My dad says tapping my back. “Come sit let’s talk before we eat.”

“Okay sure.”

My mom also sat down together with my dad.

“Son… Do you remember what we talked about eight years ago?”

I sighed knowing this is it.

“Yes dad.”

“It’s about time you start planning towards it son, Ruby is back from the states and has finished her studies. Go get her son.”

“But dad…”

" Nnwam (my child)… Don’t dad me, it’s high time you get married, we need grandchildren in this house, the house is lonely without you and your brother. I, your mother and her parents agrees to this, you have no choice but to marry her."

“Nna(my son)…” Mum begins, calling me in igbo dialect. “Ruby is the only child of her parent and she’s already of age to get married, men will come and ask her hand in marriage but her dad wants you for the sake of his daughter and their company. He doesn’t want his company to enter into the hands of gold diggers and you’re the one that can stop that, I’m not happy with this, but it has to be done and besides, I want to carry my grandchildren very soon, you better make it quick.”

“Mom… Dad, I’ve thought about this since you told me eight years ago, I decided that If I want to get married,it will be with the woman I’ll love and cherish, I can’t be trapped in a loveless marriage besides arranged marriage doesn’t exist anymore.”

I waited to see the expression on my parent’s face. Dad’s face was expressionless while mom was looking at me like I’ve grown horns.

“But…” I continued. “for the sake of your friendship with mr Johnson, I’ll consider.” I finished.

Mum face grew into a smile. “Nna… That’s a good and matured decision you’ve made.” She hugged me.

“I’m so proud of you son, this showed you’re matured, I can now tell my friend to worry no more.” Dad said tapping me at my back. That’s a way of him saying ‘thank you’.

I smiled.

I’m relieved that I made them happy but my heart is beating like a tornado.

What happens to me?

How will I convince Ruby because I’m positive she hates me.