Wrong Start

Final Episode

Daisy Yawson

 

As much as everyone around her wanted her to take it easy, it sounded impossible for her, especially as a mother.

“Look at him. He looks tired as do you, Mimi.” Kadi shot her a glance.

“I know. I know. But what am I supposed to do when he’s refusing to sleep? If he cries all night then I lose my sleep.”

She slumped onto the resting chair in her son’s room.

“Is he not nursing well?”

“I wish that was the case but I’m always nursing him everywhere. I have decided to see a doctor…”

“It happens to newborns most of the time. Why don’t you try skin to skin contact or white noise? It might help,” she interrupted.

“It’s crazy. I’m stressed and can’t do anything for myself.”

“That’s because you refused my aid.”

“Maybe later.”

Kadi had been helping her with Jamal and the newborn. It took half the load off her chest.

Not to talk of how Enoch craved her attention now that she was fully back to stay in Ghana. Following her around and occupying the bed with her, leaving Ibrahim no space. He had to lay a mattress on the bed to sleep comfortably.

“I like the name his dad gave him. One of his grandfathers was called that,”

“Huda. At first, I thought the was crazy for giving him such a strange name. At least it’s has a good meaning.”

Kadi picked the baby from his crib and rocked him to sleep. 2 hours passed and he woke up from his sleep to see the smile on his father’s face. However, his hunger couldn’t be ignored as he let out a loud wail.

Enoch tugged at the leg of Ibrahim while he watched his little brother being changed into new diapers and clothes.

He followed them to the fridge in the kitchen.

Ibrahim heated up the milk left in the fridge as Mimi was taking a nap at the moment.

He wished to spend time with his son as he’s been going in and out of the house occasionally to attend to important matters, helping them with the baby any chance he got.

“Bring that toy for your little brother.”

With less directions, Enoch managed to get the toy.

After feeding him for an hour, he rocked him back to sleep.

“Let’s put you to bed as well.”

This time, Enoch didn’t throw a tantrum.

He stayed with them in their room till he fell asleep himself.

Night came quickly.

Before they came back to Ghana, Mimi said her goodbyes.

It wasn’t easy especially to suddenly part ways with people you’ve come to know as friends, regardless, it was inevitable.

And seeing so many new faces after coming home was also inevitable.

It peaked her interest but realized it wasn’t worth it.

Family members came to her a week after arriving.

Her best friend and Ibrahim’s closest friends had graced her with their presence, bringing in gifts and well wishes. It’d been like a dream come true. To be acknowledged by his friends.

It all felt like a dream but she was back.

“I had a dream about us going away,”

Joining her on the bed. 

“What do you mean by that?”

Her hair was braided in a con-roll. She’d gained a little fat on her body as well. Ibrahim had accepted her body changes earlier than she had. 

“I want us to move from this house.”

“Okay, but why did you say you had a dream?”

“It is in fact a dream. I have been thinking about it for a while now. Our family is growing but if you don’t want to live far away from your parents then that’s okay.”

“It’s not okay. I mean it’s nice to have family around but it’s you I’m married to and I’m sure if we need help, the family will come rushing. I also have thought about it.”

“Really?”

“Yes really. I’m growing up and I want to do that not when my parents are a stone’s throw away from me.”

“You need a change of environment. I also do. Then we both agree on one thing.”

A loud wail was heard on the baby monitor that lay next to Mimi.

“He’d woken up so early.”

Picking him up from the next room, she began nursing him.

“What of the issue with your dad?”

“It’s been settled,” he simply replied.

Knowing his dad, it would be best they moved from their current house where he wouldn’t be in contact with the kids. At least not every time. Mimi’s presence would prevent the old man lot of time with them.

“Settled?”

“Yes. I don’t have anything to do with that woman also.”

“Okay, that’s great”.

“He’s starting to look like you.”

She kissed the baby’s forehead. “He’s almost three months old. My sweet boy.” And brushing his head with her hand.

“Our life is changing, Mimi. More responsibilities, that is scary.”

“Hey,” he looked into her eyes.

“That’s why we need a change of environment. Plus, we need to try new things as well. It shouldn’t be work, kids all the time.” What she said made sense to him but it was easier said than done.

“I know what you’re thinking, Musa. However, it takes no effort at all to be happy.”

“I am happy. With you and the kids.”

“I know. We can start with the little things. We can start by changing our environment. The others will follow.”

“That sounds convincing. You’re ready to receive me, right?”

“Huh? That’s absurd for putting it that way.”

“Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed…”

“I am. By your words. And Musa, the kids take all of our time…”

“Let’s put them to bed early. I’m sure we’ll have more time to spare.”

“You’re really eager, ain’t you?”

“Well, what can I say? I miss you and your attention..”

“My mind sometimes goes blank trying to figure out things I never would have thought of. Being a parent is hard. Especially to a newborn,”

He sighed in agreement.

They had a series of conversations before bringing it to a halt.

**

Melvin’s parents’ house was filled with their immediate family’s presence including Melvin himself. He’d flown down recently after the birth of his daughter.

“Unfortunately, she looked exactly like her mother.”

“What do you mean by unfortunately?” He’d questioned his mother in front of Angela. Clearly, she was upset by the comment.

“Mum. Please. I don’t want you, especially to make Angela feel uncomfortable in any way”.

Before leaving the hall with Angela and the baby in her arms.

“What do you plan to do now?”

“Your contract with my aunt is invalid. So what’s your next move?”

“Well, I want to focus on school right now. And the child of course…”

“And the apartment? I learnt you plan to leave.”

“I do.”

“And your reasons? You should be taking things slow with the baby and yourself. Live there and when she’s old enough to be moving about, you can rent the apartment you want.”

“Sorry if it feels like I’m rushing things. I just want to live a fulfilling life without restrictions.”

“I hope you’re not referring to my daughter.”

“I’m not… Thanks to you, I have been freed from that contract my parents signed. I owe you a lot…”

“You’ve paid what you owe,” and looked at his daughter with affection.

“So take things slow. My daughter is already a month old but I feel old already.”

Gently fondling her big cheeks.

“I pray we will be good parents to her,” her eyes met with his and she knew he considered her as a mother to her daughter and a friend to him and she was okay with it.

And so after their conversation, Angela lived in the apartment and with the help of her distant family and a few of Melvin’s, she was relieved of the stress of being a mother.

Ibrahim and Mimi moved out of the mansion when the baby turned one. Rekindling the love they have for each other in the process.

THE END

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