“UNDERSTANDING GIRLFRIEND.”

One day, Kayode came back home from a house visit. But this time, he was not alone.

A pregnant woman and 2 boxes stood next to him.

“Arike, meet the mother of my unborn child- Eniola.” He pointed at the young dark-skinned woman with giant belly next to him, “She gonna be staying with us till our baby arrives. You feel me?”

The world came to a halt.

This must be a joke.

My unborn child.

Our baby?

Live in my- our- house?!

I thought I was going to collapse. I could feel my heart racing uncontrollably and my lungs about to explode.

“You aiit, fam?” He asked me, his eyes looking at me in concern.

I could see it in his eyes. Worry. Not for me, but his baby. This baby meant so much to him.

I remained silent for a moment before I let out a loud laughter.

Who am I? Who am I to take away his precious baby from him?

He was being a good father after all.

“Yes, sweetheart.” I smiled, “She can stay as long as she needs.”

At least, before the wedding.

“Sweetheart?” Eniola looked at us in confusion.

Kayode glanced at both of us and let out a nervous chuckle.

“Arike is my blud.” He lied to her.

Blud, gini?

Eh me, your bro?

Before I could react, Kayode dragged me into the kitchen, leaving Eniola behind.

“Who is your bro?!” I yelled at him.

“Keep your voice down, woman!” Kayode tried to cover my mouth, “That’s ma baby mama, innit. How can I tell her I have a girlfriend. Wanna kill ma baby?”

“What about me? Do you want to kill me too?”

He laughed and looked at me in surprise, “Since when you have mouth to talk, Arike? Just stick to being a robot. It suits you more.”

My mouth gaped open, “Kayode-”

“Enough bants, bruv. No baby is gonna die in my crib.” He began walking away, “You feel me. That’s ma child, innit?”

Innit your ass.

Kayode, you do me like this? Ahh.

6 months I have toiled and sweated with you. I never caused you trouble. Not even once.

I have stayed by your side when no one else was there. I have wiped your tears when no one else was looking. I have washed your boxers to the very last stain.

How can you do this to me? Choose your baby over me? Baby that doesn’t even know you exist.

Kayode came back into the kitchen and I looked at him with tears in my eyes.

Unbothered, he said, “Arike, you gonna be sleeping on the couch tonight.”

***