ku-nna turned the key in the lock and pushed open the door of her family’s one-room apartment in Lagos, Nigeria. To het surprise her father was standing there in his __. work clothes, with his har in his hand, He looked like a criminal who had been caught stealing. ‘Aku-nna and her brother Nna-nndo stared at him. "You ought to be at work,’ their silent looks said. ‘You ought to be at the factory,’ But their father did: not offer any explanation. ‘Nna-nndo was eleven. He was a tall boy for his age. At school he was just starting to write with ink, and be was proud of this. However, although he was very clever in other ways, Nna-nndo was very slow at book work. ‘There was always ink om his fingers and on his schoo! uniform. Sometimes he rubbed ink on his woolly hair. When people asked him why, he always replied, ‘Ink makes my hair blacker!” He loved a joke, just like their mother, Ma Blackie. Ma Blackie was a huge woman, as tall and straight as a tree, with extremely black, shiny skin. She was always smiling, But behind her smile Ma Blackie had a problem. She scemed unable to have another baby, In 1945, the local men came back from the war in Burma, All their wives had babies soon afterwards — alll except Ma Blackie. Now, five years later, there was still no sign ofanother child. Her husband, Ezekiel Odia, had sent her to all the native doctors that he could afford, but without success. At last she decided to make the two-hundred-mile journey to her home town of tbuza. There she asked the river goddess to send her a baby. ‘While their mother was away, Akwnna and Nna-nndo had ro take care of themselves and their father. He worked hard at the factory, building railway engines, and his job was important to him. He was a small man with a small voice. People often wondered why he had marcied such a big woman, The answer was simple. Like most men of his age, Ezekiel had married his bride when she was still a young girl. But Exckil’s bride did not stop rowing! They were a happy couple and the difference in their height did not seem to mater, except that when Fackiel wanted to say something serious 10 his wife, he had a habit of standing om his toes, Today the children were surprised to see theit father at home. There he stood, anxiously turning his old hat over and over in bis hares. Aku-nna came nearer to hin. She was ‘only thirteen, bur she knew that all was noc well in hee family. she often heard the other women talking about Ma Blackie’ childlessress. She often heard her parents arguing. too. Her father went on and on in his small sad voice, reminding his wife how much she had cost him. “Lprié double the normal bride price for you,’ he told her. “And we were married in church. But what have you given sue ~ just one sont He did nor speak of Aku-nna. She was only a gitl. Al she was too thin. Her parents were ashamed of their bony, unhealthy-looking daughter. And that was not all. Akusnna ‘was often il there wasany sickness or fever in their street, Akaenna always caught itat once, Often her mother begged her to decide once and for all whether she was going to live or die, “Wf thece’s anything I hate’ she said again and again, ‘i's an oghanje—a “living dead” Eackiel Odia often fel sorry for his daughter. She looked like him, and she was like him in other ways too. She was small, and not ar all dark, Her skin was a light milk- chocolate colour. Her eyes were large and shining, When she was happy and excited, they shone like stars. When she was sad, thei light disappeared, At her birth, her father named her Aku-nna, which means “Father's wealth’, because he was thinking of the bride price that she would fetch, T> him that was something to look forward to, and Aku-nna was determined not to disappoint her father. She planned! w marry a wealthy n afford an expensive bride price “Lwill not leave my father’s house without all the proper ceremonies,’ she thought, ‘One for the beautiful goddess of {buza, and one for the white man’s god in church. Then my father will call up the spirits of his great-great-grandparcnts and ask them to guide ws.” 9 who could Bat on this burning-hot day Aku-ana forgot all about hee bride price and felt 2 new sympathy towards her father. She mored neacer to hira, sharing his ariety. “Then he spoke. “They want me to go co the hospital for @ check-up, I shall be home for the evening meal.” 3The children looked down st ther father's painful foot, “That stupid foot,’ Aku-nna said to herself. ‘t always gives poor Father a lot of rouble.” te was the effect of the war. Her uncles had told her that. “The white men could not fight in Barma,’ they told her, ‘It was too hot and wet for them, So they sent West African soldiers instead. Your father was lucky to come home alive, Many African soldiers died — bat nox from the bombs. They died of disease and fever and poisonous insects.” Her father never talked about it, but his wounded foot often swelled up, particularly during the rainy season, The factory doctor did his best, and the native doctors asked the spirits to make the foot well again, but still it some- times swelled up. Now ie had hegun to trouble Ezekiel again, and the other foot was starting to swell 109, But today he was wearing his work shoes, and his feet did not look 0 bad, “So why,’ wondered Aku-nna, ‘does Father seem so unhappy? He says he's only going to the hospital for a ‘check-up, He'll be back for his evening meal. So why is he ooking so anxious, so disturbed?" ‘Aku-nna did not ask her father chis aloud, That is not the ‘way well-brought-up Nigerian children behave, Nigerian “children eespect their parents and do not queston them. But he amcety was pl here. Something wat vey wrong nd she knew it She laid her small hand on his and said, ‘Tm going to snake you hor soup and yams, just the way you like them. So. Father, please hurry home and enjoy your evening meal sahile i's how?” Ezekiel smiled lovingly ac his deughter. For a moment the sad look on his face disappeared. “Thank yoa, litle daughter, but‘don't tire yoarself out. He put his hat on his shaved head. "The key to the big cupboard is in my grey trousers. If you want any money, take it from the byg cupboard. Ba spend it very carchlly. ‘The children did not understand why their father was so worried, and they were afraid 0 ask. Clearly he did not swith to discuss the matter further. He became businesslike, like someone preparing for a final depatture, His work blackened hands touched this and thet, picking things up and purting them down again. He told them to be good children, and to respect all aduls. He told them to make him prond of them, because he cared for them, becauss they ‘were his life. At lst he went to the door. ‘have to g0 now,’ fe said ans! add, “Always remember that you are mine.’ His small lips were trembling and ic seemed ro the children that he was trying desperately not t0 cry. Helplesily they watched him. He touched each child softly on the head, and went out of the door. ‘The childien followed him. They wanted to beg him to wat. Bat Ezekiel did not wait. He hurvied like a man who is called by the gods . . . He must obey, of be lost for The children watched him go. Ezekiel ctossed the dir oad in front of the house in which they had their small apartment, A lorry leaded with wood came slowly past him, Ir blew up a cloud of cust chat covered Ezekiel He did hot tuum to sce if the children were watching him. He jst walked on, The dust from the lorry hid him from sight 5and when the dust blew away, Ezekiel had disappeared. ‘The children watched the empty road for a while. Then they began to feel hungry, and decided to go in and cat. ‘They remembered their father’s words: “Always remember that you are mine.” 2 A Death in the Family he evening meal was ready, but Ezckiel did not come tome. ‘Soon it will be dark,” thought Akusnna, ‘If Father doesn’t come home soon, Til tell the neighbours. ‘Then they will take care of us.” She sat on the veranda outside the house, watching and ‘waiting for her father. Then she saw Uncle Uche and Uncle Joseph coming towards her. She knew that her father did not like them. Uncle Uche was the laziest man in town, and Uncle Joseph never stopped talking about other people's business. But she was s0 glad to see two adults that she jumped up and ran to greet them ‘How are you she said. ‘My brother is sill out playing Father will punish him when he comes back.” She smiled, but the uncles did not smile back. They looked rather serious, But that was theie business, and Ak ‘aa did not ask questions. She showed them the good, hot Soup and the yam that she had cooked for her father. Uncle Uche sat down ticedly. “You've done very well he ssid. ‘Akan sat on the veranda, watching and wating for her father. 7Uncle Joseph looked at her litle anxiously. ‘Um thirsty,” he said. ‘Ake-nna hurried to the shelf behind the curtain and fetched her mother’s best lass. he poured some water from the big water cooler and gave Uncle Joseph the glass. He drank quickly and asked for more. I hope Uncle Uche won't ‘want any,! she thought. “If he does, there'll be no cool water for Father when he comes home.” ‘Bur when Uncle Ucke spoke, he did not ask for water, *Your father isn't coming home tonight. He’s going 0 say in hospital for a while, They want to find out why his HL ook after you and your Aku-nna opened her mouth and closed it again. ‘Father didn’t tell me the truth’ she said to herself, “He said he'd be back for the evening meal. Why did be lie to me, and tell Uncle Uche the truth? She looked up at Uncle Uchey and she saw for the frst time that his eyes looked red and sore. He spoke gently to her telling her that the hospital was nothing to beafraid of. But he and Uncle Joseph both seemed near to tears, ‘Three weeks went by, and still Ezekiel had not come home from hospital. Ma Blackie heard that her husband was ill, and sent a message from Ibuza asking what was bappeting. Bur her family in Lagos decided not to tell her the whole truth, They sent a message back telling her not to worry. “Your children. are being well looked after,” they said, “zckiel will be in hospital for a day of two, but he wil be home very soon. Your business is with the river goddess. 8 Don’t worry about your children ~ they are in safe hands.” So Ma Blackie stayed in Ibuza and concentrated on asking for another child. “Father has been away exactly three weeks,’ thought Aku- rina as she sat on the reranda, She wondered when she would see her parents again. She missed them both very rch. For a short time she had enjoyed ‘playing house’, but she soon became tired of it, ‘Why can’t chings be the way they used to be?" she thought. “Everything has changed so much.” ‘The sun was hanging like a huge red ball in che sky. ‘Whistles blew at the nearby factory. It was four o’elock and the workers were on their way home. The wives and daughters of other families in the house picked up their pors and their yams and hurried towards the kitchen that ‘everyone shared. ‘This kitchen was a large room with sixteen small wood- burning stoves. There was a stove for each family. Each cook lit the stove, then cooked the food ins pot on the burning wood. Aku-mna had ao father or husband to cook for, so she just sat chere, thinking and worrying Dick, one of the houscboys who worked for another family in the house, looked towards her and Jooked away again without speaking. Most young Nigerian men spent a year or ewo as houseboys. They worked for their unmarried cousins or uncles and went to night school, while theie male relations saved up the bride price for their future: wives. Aku-nna's own father had been a howseboy too. Uswally Dick laughed at Aku-ona, but today he seemed kind and ‘sympathetic. She wondered why. 9‘The Bride Price Suddenly she heard a shout. ‘Aku-ana . .. oo00!" It was Aunt Uo. “Yes, Auntie!” Aku-ana called, jampirg up and looking in the direction of the shout. Aunt Uzo came nearer and sreeted her quietly. ‘tm glad T've found you at las, she said. She looked tired, In her arms she carried a big, strong baby boy. Aku-nna saw the baby and smiled, and Uzo smiled too. When she smiled the tiredness left Uzo's face for a ‘moment and she looked youngand caretree again. Then her ‘old tired look returned. But Aunt U20 was not an old ‘woman. This baby was her fist one, and he was eighteen months old. Uzo was probably oniy’ about nineteen yeats old, but her fat, reedy baby seemed to tte her cut Uzo was 4 famous storyteller who knew hundreds of wonderful stories. “Tonight 1 will tl you a new story,’ she said. ‘Hurry and do your cooking now.’ Ac Aku-nna hesitated, Uzo spoke sharply. ‘You heard me, girl - now bury!” “Why is it so urgent? Aku-nna wondered. “And what iv 40 different about today? She looked at Uzo's face, but found no answer there, She went t0 the kitchen and tried to light her stove, But the wood would not burn. She knelt down and blew a blew. The smoke blew into her eyes and nose. Around her in the smoke-flled kitchen other people were busy with theic cooking. Normally they sang and talked, Teday they seemed unusually guiet Dick was cooking at the stove next to Akwnna. He looked at her kindly. Your wood isn't dry enough,” he said 10 A Death in the Family “Here, more your pot onto my stove. I've finished now.’ ‘Alevsnna was very surprised. Dick had never been so kind to her before. She started to cook yams for herself and her brother. Soon she had finished, Her eyes were red and sore from the smoke and her chest fle right and painful, She stood up and walked out ofthe kitchen with her pot on her head. On hee way back to their apartment she looked for her brother, but without success ‘She entered the apartment and found Uto there, without her baby. Uzo looked troubled, and Aks-nna noticed forthe fist ime that her eyes were red and swollen, She wanted to ask why, but that would not be respectful. Uzo spoke sharply to Akunna “Hurry and eat your share of the supper. Your brother will come home when he’s hungry. Don’t wait for him. ‘Aku-nna obeyed, while Uzo stared emptily out of the window. Then there wasa loud knock at the door and Aunt Mary appeared, holding Naa-nndo by the hand, She too looked very unhappy. Suddenly Aku-nna understood the reason for the sudden vibitors, their red, swollen eyes and the uncomfortable “Father is dead,’ she thought. But at the same time the whole idea seemed unreal. ‘This isn’t happening to me,” thought Aku-nna, ‘t's just a dream, Soon I shall wake up and Father will be here.” Then her brother's high, childish voice broke the silence. “We have no father, he sa But Nna-ando, you ace wrong.’ thought Aksi-ana. ‘T's‘worse than that. We have nothing. One father named you Nna-nndo, “Father is the shelter”. We have not only lest ‘out father, We have lost ovr shelter too." It has always been like that in Nigeria. When you have Tost your father, you have lost everything, Your mother is ‘only a woman; she cannot do anything for you. A fatherless amily isa family without a head, a family without a home. 3 The Funeral ‘ost ceremonies in Nigeria combine European customs with native ones. Eadkiel Oda himself was 2 Christian and a church-goer, but he always called ina native medicine ‘man when he wanted one, Ezakie's funeral was lke that 00, with both native and Christian ceremonies. In Nigeria mourning is an art. You do not just cry; you shout and sing about all the good things the dead person did in his lifetime. Some people are such good mourners that they are paid to mourn for complete strangers ‘Assoon as family and fiends in Lagos heard of Ezckiel’s teach, the mourning began. Aku-mna and Nna-nndo were the chief mournces. They were expected to ery particularly onudly and desperately; aftr alt was these father who had dled. Akucnna had seen her mother cry at the deaths of relations, so she knew what to do. She sang about her Father. 12 “My father was a good provider. My father went to church every Sunday. He was good husband to my mother, Ma Blackie, He bought me many dresses. He was kind to me. He sent me to school.’ This was followed by a long, wordless ery of sadness. Then she sang, “Who willbe kina 0 me now? Who will send me to school? Who wil fed me? ‘Who will be a good husband to my mother? .. . Mother, come back from Ibuza! You have lost your husband. He married you according to local custom, and then again in the Christian church. And now he has gone. Come back, Mather? You have lost the father of your children... ‘Aku-nna did not stop, even when the other moumers became tired. This was expected of a daughter. She is doing very well,’ the neighbours said to each other. Nna-nndo did not use many words, but screamed and threw himself about. The men held him so that he did not hhurt himself, Hle soon stopped crying, but Akuenna was encouraged to continue. It was right for girls to cty more than boys. iy this time the roam was full of people. They poured in from all over Lagos. Each new arrival looked at the two children, listened for a moment £0 Aku-nna’s crying, hen ‘went out onto the veranda and started 10 cry too. They all knew that death would come to everyone. So they did not ‘ery only for Ezekiel and is children. They cried for themselves too. Gradually, the mourners became tired, The first par of ther mourning was almost over, and one by ene the men went out into the open air. The near-reations of the dead tman remained imide the howse, erying and singing B‘The moon was full and bright. Ie was a hor night and ihe ‘men took off their shirs. They joined hands in a big circle and began to move from side 10 side, wordlessly. Then ‘oice rang out. The singer was calling on Death, “Wake up, Death, and see what you have done! You took Noa-nndo’s father away from hin! You took Ezekiel away before he coald enjoy the bride price from his daughter Aku- sna, You took him away for ever and ever!” Now the men began to dance ~ atill in & circle, hand in hand. Round and round they went, faster and faster, kicking vp clouds of dust, singing loucly and wildly. The women ‘ame our to join their men, Soon the cicle became too large and broke up into several smaller ones. The men's job was done. They had called Death from sleep. Now it was the turn of the women to sing for Fzckiel on his last, lonely joumey. Each woman had a goued wich call stones inside. AAs they danced and sang, they shook the gourds and the scones inside sounded like raindeops on a toot. Then the Christian songs began, They mixed with the ‘noise ofthe gourds and the death songs and the erying of the ‘mourners inside the house, in one storm of sound. Then, radually, the mourners became tited, and the singing and. dancing and crying stopped. Cool native wine and plates of tuts were handed round. Tired moumers slept on the round, The moon disappeared. The grey morning mist was ‘everywhere; then the sun rose, and a new day began, Indoors, Akurnna had nor slept much. There were too ‘many people, and some of them were noisy sleepers. At last she got up carefully from between the sleeping bodies, 4 Wiel be ki £9 me now he wll send me t0 aco? Who wal fed me?” aang Meena‘The Bride Price ‘One of her uncles was asleep across the doorway of the room. He woke and greeted Aku-nna sleepily. When Aku- rina tried to return the greeting, she discovered that she had lost her voice. ‘How will Ibe able to cry at Father’ funeral now? she thought. ‘She went fo the big water pot. Every family had one, and it was Aku-nna’s job to fill theirs for her family every evening, so that her father could wash himself in the ‘morning before leaving for work. Aku-nna knew that she had not filled the pot because of all the events of the evening before. But when she lifted the tin cover, she was surprised to find it fll of cook water "Who id this?” she wondered. ‘Peshaps one of the neighbours did it? Then suddenly the realization of her father's death hit her. ‘I shall never see my father alive again,” she thought. “His death has changed my whole life’ She wanted to cry aloud, bur she had no voice. Her whole body fle heavy with sadness. Bat she used some water from the pot to wash het face and mouth. Its coolness made her feel alittle better. She walked back to the apartment. Then she heard a voice calling her name. *Akuenna, 0000!" She set our in the direction of the voice. She could not answer; her throat was stil too sore. Her chest felt heavy, She pulled at her thin shirt. *Aku-nnat" said Uzo crosly. “You'll tear your shiet! You have no father now, 10 buy you new clothes. Nobody will buy you any until you marty. Then your husband will take care of you." The Funeral ‘Ah well said another woman, ‘they'll marry her off quickly. Then her bride price will pay for Nnanndo's education.” “That won't be difficulsy said Uzo, ‘She's not ugly, and she's nice and quiet and intelligent, Any educated man will be glad to pay a good price for her.” “Is that supposed to make me feel better?” thought Aku- nna, Her feat of che unknown future grew and grew. ‘The sun climbed in the sky and the foodssellrs were out in the strect,carzying their pots of hot foot on their heads, ‘What do you want for breakfast this morning? asked veo. “Ym not hungry, thank you,’ replied Aku-naa, “Where is Nna-nndo? “He's with Mama John. He'll be allright. Come on, lee’s get some bananas for your sore throat. Mine is sore 09, afterall that crying.” “The rest of the day was ike a bad dream. People came and went. They sang and danced and cried. Nna-nndo and Aku nna sat quiedly among all the nose and the comings and goings. “I wish the children's mother was here,” someone said “They look so lost.” They felt ost too. Suddenly there was a loud noise outside the house, and for a moment the noise inside the house stopped, The dancers stopped dancing, the Christians stopped singing. Everyone began to shout and scream. “Cry now,’ shouted Uzo 10 Aku-nna. ‘Cry. Your father went into hospital a few wesks ago, ami now he has come back! Hee has come to say his last goodbye.”sme wniae Price ‘Then the chikiren understood. Their father's body had been brought home. Aku-nna and her brother were taken to neighbour's apartment, where they waited until Ezekiel's body. was ready to see. Then they were called to pay eheir lase espects to thee father in his narrow wooden box. ‘Uncle Uche pointed to litle Nna-ando, ‘Look; he shouted 10 the other mourners. ‘Our brother is lying here ‘pow, but he is not dead. He has left a son behind him, One day we shal ll be proud of Nna-nado ..” ‘The time soon came t0 close the box, Aki-nna looked clown at her fathe's body. "How small he looks,” she thowght, “and how dlferent, im his best suit™ She theew herself down in a storm of crying. Then the box was closed for ever. ‘Akinwwunini Steet in Lagos had never seen such a long, line of mourers on theie way t0 the graveyard. The factory had sent their owa special fomeral ear, with NIGERIAN ENGINE FACTORY painted on the side in gokd, Ezckil’s feiends from work laid him in the car. Nna-nndo and his sister followed the car, and after them came the singers from the Christian church. Hundeeds of friends and neighbours followed, rogeshe: with anyone che who fl ike joining the froup. Lastof atl came the mourners with their death songs and dances, thet hand-clapping and their stone-illed sourds. A hore-blower was there too, blowing and blowing until is face was red. Other men had empty hottes and tin teaspoons. They knocked the spoons against the bottles ax they walked along, Ezekie'’s body was lowered into the grave. Nobody cried any more. Aku-mna watched her brother pouring a handful “i 18 “The Funeral of sand into the grave. Automatically, wordlessy, she id the same. Then all the other mourners began pouring sard, sel, stones, anything they could find, over her father's body. ‘She wanted to call 19 them, to beg them co be gentle. Then she realized how silly that was. Her father was dead, He could no feel it. ‘The gravediggers were impatient ro Grnish the jab. ‘The sound of the soil hitting the box was like a final goodbye to the children, “Always remember that you are mine,’ thei father had said. ‘Akurnna took her brother's hand and they walked together ‘oat of the graveyard, ‘The Journey to Ibuza Tesi fom tagon brake abd econ wo iffrent words. Lages a very busy port, the old capital of Nigeria. But it is above all a town of the Yoruba people. Iza, on the other hand, isa snl town ofthe tbo people, and ir tes neat the great river Niger thar gives Nigeri ies nue. Seneral weeks had passed since the funeral of Ezekiel dia, tis wite, Ma Blackie, bad returned to Lagos from Ibwza to find her husband already dead and buried. Friends and relations were very kind to her and the two children, hot life in Lago was too expensive for a faerlas far.The bus carrying them to Towus drove through thick ‘and myeterioas forests, So Ma Blackie and her children had to return to their home town, Ibuza, where Okonkwo, Ezekiel Odia's elder brother, and his family lived, “The children were sad to leave Lagos. Ie was the only home they had ever known, and Aku-nna wondered very much what their new life would be like. As the bus carrying them to Ibuza drove out of Lagos, she stared out of the windows, thinking and worrying. She knew only that she ‘would haveto marry, and that her bride price would help to educate her brother Naa-rndo. She did not mind thar too much, but she wondered what her husband would be like. She hoped she would not have so marry a farmer, as she had heard how hard farm life could be for a woman. But there was nothing she could do about it, except ask God to help hem all. ‘The bus hurried through many litle Yoruba towns. After it passed Benin, the countryside changed. The soil was redder and the forests were thicker and mote mysterious. ‘The women were tall and beautiful and carried themselves proadly. Ma Blackie and the children slept a litle daring che night, and before sunrise next morning they ceached Asaba, which was the nearest town to Ibuza. The bus stopped in the market place near the river, andthe children were woken by the voice ofa food seller. ‘Buy my tasty rice! Youtl Lore it? ‘Ninasnndo woke Ma. ‘We're hungry, Ma,” he insisted Bat Ma was cress. “You haven't washed your face, son. ‘Aku-nna, take your brother to the rivet. You must both ‘wash your faces and hands. Our relations ill be bere at sunrise, because today is marker day. I don’e want them tosee you both looking dirty. Take this pot and bring me some water t00, so that lean wash my face,” “Bur I want some rice now, Ma,” begged Nna-ando, "No wash, no rice, do you hear me? Nice people wash before they eat. Go and wash your face. ‘Nne-nndo was ashamed, He followed his sister obediently, ‘ooking back longingly at the rice-seler, ‘The sun tose, warm and golden. Ma Blackie and the children all enjoyed theie rice, and little hot cakes 100. While they ate, their bags were unloaded from the bus. “Soon our people will come,’ said Ma. ‘And they will take us to Thea,” “Is it far to fbuza® asked Aku-nna, “Only seven miles, We shall be home soon, Ah, look! Hee they come, They've seen us!” She pointed to a group of about fifteen women who were ‘coming towards them, Each was carrying a big basket of «cassava on her head, Ma Blackie called out to them and they hurried to welcome the Odia family. They were kind and sympathetie. “Well sell our cassava quickly in the market,’ they told Ma, “Then we'll help you to carry your luggage te tbuza,* ‘And in Jess than half an hou the women were back. They shared the family's bags and boxes between them, and they all walked together towards Ibuza, talking cheerfully all the way. A big, loudlvoiced gitl called Ogugua carried Aku-nna’s sthool books on her head. I'm sure we shall be friends,’ said Ogugus. Ezeliel’s elder brother Okonkwo was her father, 480 she was Akunna’s cousin. “You know,” she sid, ‘we 2 “ were both born in the same week —you in Lagos, lin Ibuza. Ise heard so many mice things about you. We'll be like sisters ~ especially if your mothee comes to live with my father.” “Why should my mother live with your father?” asked Akurnna, puzzled, Ogugua laughed. “You're almost fourteen and you still dlon't know our customs! Your mother will become my father’s wife. My father has inherited everything your father ‘owned, and he has “inherited” your mother too." “Oh dear!” cried Akwnna. “Don's worry, cousin. We shall all live happily rogether, Look ~ you see that woman over there?” She pointed to a tall thin roman in front, whe was carrying Ma Blackle’s cooking pots on her head. “What about her? asked Akw-nna, “Well, her husband was a big man in a white man's job somewhere in Northern Nigeria. Three years ago he died suddenly." “How terciblet said Akwsnna, “Yes,' agreed her cousin. ‘Well, they'd been married for ten years, and they only had one daughter.” ‘How terrible!” said Akusnna again, “But listen,” said Ogugua excitedly. ‘That woman was inherited by hee husband’s brother. He isa chief ~ an obi. He has other wives, of course, so she’s not his fist wife, but she’s very happy. And now she has a son!" “Wonderful” cried Akusnna, clapping het hands. ‘It's just like a story in a book.* They were a long way behind the others now, and Ma 2BBlackie turned and called out to them to hurry up. Suddenly Aku-nra looked at her mother lke a steanger. She realized how tall and straight and handsome Ma Blackie was. ‘Poor Ma,’ she thought, ‘She's never had to work in the Fields or ‘arty heavy baskets. | hope her new husband is kind to her.” She thought sbout her own education. Her father had talked ‘of sending her to college, but there was no hope of that now. “Thope my new father will let me stay at school and get my «certificate, she thought. But there was nothing she could do about that. ‘The women had started talking again and Ogugua was listening to every word. But Aku-nna walked along deep in thoughe Suddenly they heard a bicycle bell behind them. The ride, 4 young man of pethaps cightcen oF nineteen, was very tll and thin, with a pointed chin, He was a teacher at the church school int Ibuza, where Akusnna and Nna-nndo ‘would be going. He knew Ma Blackie and had heard of Ezekiel's death, so he greeted her warmly. ‘Childeen,’ said Ma, “this is your new teacher.” ‘Good morning, sir,’ ssid Aku-nna and Nna-nndo shyly. The teacher looked kindly at Akusnna, She felt shy, and looked down at the ground. He talked cheerfully for a while, then rode off towards Ibuza. ‘They walked past the Ibuza farms with their yam and «cassava plants, and they met men on their way to the fields. ‘When they reached the liste Atakpo stream, they rested on ies bank. Come and havea swim,’ said Ogugua to Akw-nna, "With all these people watching? ssid Ala-nna, shocked. 24 ‘Don’t be shy, cousin. What are you hiding?” ‘Some men might see me said Alanna, “What if that teacher is still somewhere around? He might see me: Her cousin laughed. “What if he does? Why should your body be more interesting than all the others? And anyway, he’s had lots of girlfriends.” Ogugua swam away from her cousin. She was not pleased. She had seen the teacher staring at Aku-nna and she was alte jealous. She swam back to che bank, where Aku ‘nna was sitting with hee tired feet in the cool water. “You must take care,” Ogugua said. ‘Don’t get t00 friendly with thar teacher. He's nor one of us. No nice giel from a good family i allowed to talk to him.” "Why? What do you mean?" asked Aku-nna, But Ogugua swam away again without answering. They arrived in the village by mid-morning. Okonkwo was waiting, and when he saw them in the distance, he took off his zood clothes and put on old, dirty ones. Then ke sat down on the floor and began to cry loudly. Other people beard him and came to join m. tt became a day of mourning for Okonkwo's brother, Ezekiel Odi “Who married his wife in church?” they sang. “Who bought rich gifts for his children? Who was a good provider?” On and on they went, “How strange," choughe Aku-ria, “Five minutes ago the women were all discussing the latest fashions.” When even Ogagua began to ery, she had to-do the same. If this is how they behave in tbuza,’ she thought, ‘'d better do the same. Afterall, I'm going to be one of them.” . 2s‘The young men of the village started to build a special mourning hut for Ma Blackie, and in less than rwo hours they had finished. She had to stay there for nine fall moons and mourn for her dead husband. During that time she was not allowed o leave her hut, or have a bath, or cut or comb hher hair. And the women had prepared an old, torn dress for her to wear. However, Ma Blackie had arrived in a new black cotton dress, which caused some argument among the women. Some said that Ma Blackie could wear her new dress during hher mourning time, Others said she must wear the old one. Ie was Okonkwo who decided. He was the head of the family, and he planned to become a chief assoon as he could get enough money together. He had already inherited his brother's wife and everything his brother owned, and now hhe was looking forward 10 getting a good bride price for his brother's daughter, Let Ma Blackie wear her new dress if she wants to,’ he said kindly. It’s bad enough that she’s a widow. Why must she be dirty as well?” Okonkwo's three wives all understood the message behind his words. Okonkwo wanted his dead brother’ ‘widow t0 stay in the family, co be his fourth wife. s Traditions bbuza was on che western side of the River Niger. Its inhabitants were Ibos and followed al the Ibo traditions. Even those who lefs their village to work in the white men’s world took their traditions with them. According to these ttaditions, Ma Blackie spent nine months in her special ‘mourning hut. Then a new hut was built for her and she became Okonkwo's fourth wife, Ma earned a little money by dever buying and selling ‘With Exckiels savings she bought oil, She sold ic to the white man, who took it back to England and made it into soap. Then she bought the white man’s soap and sold it to her people 4s the months passed, she became prouder than ever of her children. Aku-nna was now almost fifteen. She was an intelligent girl, with the promise of beauty in her large, senile eyes and smooth skin. Nnz-nndo too was growing fast and doing well. The fact that both children were at school cavsed some jealousy in Okonkwo's fainily. The exher wives did not mind too muck about Nna-nndo. After all, ke was.a boy. Also, in his lifetime Ezekiel had paid a few shillings every week to the Church Friendly Society. This meant that after his death the Society paid for his son's education up to the age of fifteen. So nobody, not even Okonkwo, could take Nna-nndo away from school. “How clever of my brother,’ thought Okonkwo, ‘to 7provide for his son in this way. Why didn’t I think of that for my sons?" But Okonkwo's sons, lloba and Osenekwu, had no use for book-learning. School,’ they said, “is no use to a free man. School is a place to send your slaves.” ‘That was another tradition. In the old days, when the whice men first started their Christian schools, the local free men had no use for them. They sent their slaves to school to please the white men, while their own free-born sons stayed at home and followed the old traditions. Later events showed, however, that it was these educated slaves who got the top jobs. The sons and grandsons of these slave" families were now so rich and powerful that they seemed to command the respect of everyone. “Why do you let your brother's children go to school?” demanded Okonkwo's eldest son, Hoba. He was twenty years old, and was a farmer, working hard to buy himself 2 wile. “The Friendly Society pays for Nna-nndb,' said his father. “Very well. But the girl — Aku-nna— why waste money on her?” ‘it’s not my money that is wasted,” answered Okonkwo. ‘Hor mother pays for her education. And Aku-nna won't be going to college. She has only a few more months of school. He laughed loudly. His sons looked puzzled, “You don’t understand,’ said Okonkwo. ‘Don’t you know that | hope £0 become a chief, an Obi?” To become an Obi a man had to offer a large, expensive gift to the gods. Then he received the red hat which was the 28 # “Alsenna’s bride price will come to me, said Okonkwo. 29mark ofa chief, and there were days of celebration. Indeed, in the old days a slave was put to death to celebrate this great event, It all cost a great deal of money. “Well, what has that to do with Aku-nna?” Hoba asked. *Aku-nna and your sister Ogugua will get married at abou the same time. Their bride prices will come to me, and these days, people pay more for educated girls. ‘Now his sons understood. ‘So Aku-nna’s name will come true,’ they thought. “She will truly become a. “father's wealth”. Unfortunately, her own father did not live to enjoy this wealth, But not to worry — Okonkwo is almost a father to her now.’ They smiled at their father's cleverness. ‘He needed money in order w become an Obi,’ they thought. “Akusnm’s bride price will provide that money. She will marry a rich man, and make us rich too." They walked silently to the hut of theie mother, Nebeke, who was Okonkwo's first wife. At the door Hoba said, ‘I's happening everywhere these days. Didn't you hear, the local doctor is geting married to a girl whose parents are asking for two hundred pounds for her.” “Two hundred pounds? What's so special about her?” demanded Osenckwu, e's 3 hospital nurse. That's all, People who've seen her say that she’s not particularly beausiful. Buc they say the doctor loves her.” ‘Perhaps, but that isa lot of money to pay foran ordinary woman,’ his brother answered. He thought for a moment and added, I hope we get plenty of moncy for Aku-nna. They both laughed as they bent theie tall bodies to go ugh the low doorway into their mother's hut. th Traditions Nabeke looked at her sons sharply. ‘What have you two and your father been talking about” she demanded. “It is talk between men,’ replied seventecn-yearold Osenekwu importantly. ‘Ogugua, our sister, please bring our food?” “Ogugua is filling my pipe for me,’ their mother said shortly Tn fact, Ogugua was doing nothing. She was siting combing her hair and listening to crery word. She took the big pipe and began to fill t. She lit it with a burning stick from the fire and handed it to her mother. Ngbeke took a big mouthful of smoke belore she spoke again. “30 my sons are so grown up that I can no longer share their thoughts?" she demanded. She laughed biterly, showing her black teeth, which were the result of yeats of smoking. “Well, I will tell you something. Lam Okonkwo's first wie, and I say that he’s making a big mistake. He's wrong to expect so much from his brother's daughter.” Mba cried, ‘But Mother, Aku-nna is like a daughter to him now, In fact, according to our law and tradition she fs his daughter now. “Be quiet and eat your yams, my son,’ replied his mother "You know nothing. “Akusona is going to marry a tich man,’ said Osenckwi, “She'll make us all rich.’ “Be quiet!” said his mothor. ‘What rich man is she going to marry? The son of a slave, who teaches at her school? Can you be sure that her mother will not keep the bride Price for herself? You forget that her mother was married in the church. She was educated by the white men and sheknows their laws. Oh, you forget many things, my sons.” Nebeke's sons did not understand. What was she talking about? Surely Ma Blackie was not taking advantage of their father, just to educate her own children? Ioba shouted, ‘My father will have that bride price! No ‘one else can use the money!” “What about Nna-nndo?” said his mother. “A few days: ago Ma Blackie told me that she wanted him to go t0 college. How will she pay for that? The white man’s law will be on her side if she demands her daughter’s bride price to pay for her son's education. So you had better tell your father to stop dreaming about bride prices. Who will want her anyway? She'll never have children; she’s too small and thin, And she's not even a woman yet! Look at yout sister ~ she's the same age, and she's 2 real woman. You could marry her off tomorrow! That Aku-nna will come to no ‘g00d, [tell you, She and her mother are too prow.” Nabeke's sons stared. They did not see the jealousy in their mother's eyes. ‘She could be right,” they thought. “t's true, Aku-nna is different. She’s not allowed to play rough ‘games in the moonlight, or to join in the dancing at Christmas. She's too soft and quiet. And that teacher is always lending her books! Yes, perhaps Mother is right. Here she is, nearly fifteen, still at school and not yet ready for marriage, What kind of giel is that?” “Mother, said Hloba aloud, “do you think she might be an oghanje, a “living dead?” His mother was glad. Her sons had not noticed her jealousy. Ngbeke did not like Ma Blackie and was very jealous of her. She did not mind Okonkwo's two younger 32 wives, because they respected and obeyed her. But Ma Blackie was handsome and intelligent and proud. However, Ngbeke had to hide her true feelings from her sons. “Yes, I'm sure Aku-nna is an ogbanje,’ she said. ‘She's too guiet. I must speak to her mother about it tomorrow. An aghanje doesn’t belong in this world. They all die young, usually at the bieth of their fist child, They have to die young, because theit friends in the other world call them back. ’m glad that none of my daughters is an ogbanje” Can't we save her, Mother?” asked Moba. He was frightened now. Although he was only twenty, he had seen many young girls die in childbirth. Their deaths were always very painful, and he did not want his little cousin Aku-nna to die like that. "Pechaps,’ said Ngbeke, “if you have a good medicine ‘man, It all costs a tot of money. That is what her mother should be doing. And she should certainly not let Aku-nna talk to the son of Ofulue!” ‘Chike Ofulue2” cried Hloba in horror. “The school teacher? Bur he’s the son of slaves, Mother, and he knows it. CChike is only Aku-nna’s teacher. She has to talk to him, because she's his student. But she can’t be interested in him, she ceally can’t!” “ME she is, I will kill her," said Osenckwu softly. All this time Ogugua had been listening quietly. Aku-nna was her friend, as well as her cousin. She could not accuse hee mother of jealousy; that was not respectful, But she did her best. “Chike likes Aku-nna,” she said, “But that’s only because she’s eager to learn and he wants to help her. He knows he’s 3from a slave family. He was born here and knows our customs, He’s sure to marry a giel from another slave family, not the daughter of a free family from tbuza, Brothers, there’s no need to worry.” “There is no smoke without fire, my children,” said Ngbeke. “He's just talk, Mother,’ said Ogugua. ‘How could a quiet Bitl like that interest a clever man like Chike, a teacher ~and slave?” ‘Perhaps you"ee right, said her mother. ‘But don’t forget that Chike’s family have money. And tmoney buys a lot these days..2 "No smoke without fire,’ Ngbeke had said, and she was right, Chike Ofulue was falling in love with his fifteen-year old student. He was helpless to stop himself. He had never seen a girl so unsure of herself, so afraid of her own people. ‘The school in tbuza where Chike taught was a church as well. Itwas.a long, white building, with round windows and a roof covered in leaves. ‘When they had started coming 16 this school a year ago, the first thing that Aku-nna and her brother had noticed was the size of the boys. Most of them were young men. There were only three girls in the whole school, and Aku-nna was the oldest of them. On that first day she had fele very lost and shy, and had almost jumped when she heard a voice saying ‘hello’ behind her. She had tumed to find the teacher behind het, and had said, shyly, ‘Good morning, si.’ “What do you think of our school?" he had asked her. ‘I 34 What do you think of ow school” Chike asked Akt‘expect it seems very different from your school in Lagos.” ‘He was right, but she had been too shy to answer. She just smiled politely. Before school began on that first day, there had been a short service. Afterwards, the white man in the white suit, who was in charge of the church, spoke to them all. His, naine was Father Osborne, and he came from England. But he was certainly not speaking English. Then Aku-nna caught a few words, and she realized that this big, kind man with the sun-burned face was trying to speak Ibo, her own language, He welcomed them all to school after the holidays and hoped they would all work hard. He hoped all their families were well. “Please give my personal greetings and best wishes to everyone,” he said. The whole school clapped and cheered, Father Osborne's Ibo was a little odd, but he had said the right thing, afterall. After a year, Aku-nna and Naa-nndo had become used to Ibuza, At school they learned the white man’s ways. Then they came home to the countless, unchanging traditions of their own people. They were trapped, like two helpless little fish, between the two sets of traditions. One thing Aku-nna knew for certain. Her mother no longer had any time for her: she was too busy with her business and her new husband. Aku-ana was a very "unimportant member of a large and busy family. She was a ‘quiet and lonely girl. But to Chike Ofulue she was becoming very special indeed. 6 ‘The Slaves ‘ I inthe sight of God, we are all the same.’ That was what Father Osborne said, and that was what all good Christians believed. But in the eyes of his own people Chike stil belonged to a family who had once been slaves, and no free man would allow a slave to marry his daughter. None ofthis worried Chike much. He was handsome, and the local girls pretended not to know that he was from a slave family. After all, his family had produced many rich and successful men. In fact, he looked down on the local girls. They were not good enough for an educated man like him. He enjoyed himself with them, but he did not respect them. Chike’s parents knew about his adventures with local girls, but did not try to stop him. He had the money and the freedom to choose his own pleasures. So Chike was surprised when one day his father called him into his sitting- room for a talk. It was a big, comfortable room with leather armchairs and a lot of family photogeaphs on the walls. Chike’s father, Ofulue, had been a teacher to0. He had four wives, all from nearby towns, and he had enjoyed a comfortable, successful life. The people of Ibuza never forgave him for this and never, for example, allowed him to become a chief. “When the son of a slave becomes a chief, the free men said, ‘then we know that the end i 37 «Ofulue was amused by it all. He did not want the people of Ibuza to do anything for him. He was a wealthy man and his children had important jobs in the schools and the hospitals. Now Ofulue spoke seriously to Chike, “knew Aku-na’s father well. I would not like a son of rine to bring. shame on his daughter. I saw the way you were looking at her in church, Everybody noticed it. 1 beg you not co hart that giel? ‘Chike was surprised. He thought that he had succeeded in hiding his feelings. He said: ‘I care for her. She is so alone. But | could never harm het Ofulue looked hard at his son. “You will have to study hard if you want to get to university this year’ ‘hike fle angry. ‘How could my father say such a hurtful thing? he thought. “He knows perfectly well that T passed all my examinations, bue they still did not give me a scholarship." That had hurt Chike terribly at the time, He stil felt upset about it — why was his father reminding him ‘Clearly they did noe think 1 wes good cnough for a scholarship,’ he said bitterly. “Pethaps it's because you want to study sociology,’ said his father, ‘Perhaps the examiners have never heaed of it. ‘What can you do with a sociology degree? Can't you study something different, like taw?* hike stared at the photographs on the walls. ach showed « succesful member of the Ofulue family. ‘So he wants me to be a doctor, or a lawyer or an engineer,’ he thought. “l’s OK to talk about "my son thedoctor”, or “any son the lawyer”, or “my son the engineer”. But whocan alk proudly of “rmy son the sociologist”? He said aloud, ‘I don't want to change, Father. Sociology is very useful’ “Then try again this year, Don’t worry if they don’s sive youa scholarship. Il pay for you to go away 10 university.” Chile was beginsing to understand. So Father wants me to leave ibuza, he thought. ‘Ofulue had never paid for higher education for any of his childeen, simply because there were too many of them. To be fair toall his wives, he had given every child the chance to take School Certificate. After that, e1ch child was on het - own. Girls were not particularly encouraged, but no ‘one said no so them — if they won a scholarship. No scholarship, no education. Obviously Ofulue was very worried about Chike’s relationship with Akusnna, if he was willing to send Chike to university without a scholarship. Chike felt angry again. “Surely she must be macried one day?” he demanded. His father looked at him very hard. "Yes, of course — but ‘not to you. You will leave thar girl alone!” he said sharply. “Now go!” Chike did not sleep at all that night. ‘They say that forbidden fruit tastes sweet, Because Aku-nna was forbidden, Chike wanted her more than ever. Akucnna too had been wamed about Chike, but she did not understand what her family was warning hee against. She did not know the history of slave" families. Although, under the white man’s law, nobody could awn 4 person as a shavenow, people did not forget which families had been slaves in the old days. But nobody had explained to Akusnna what it meant to be from a ‘slave’ or a ‘free’ family. CChike tried hard to prepare his students for their exam- inations. The day after his meeting with his father, he spoke to Aku-nna as litle as possible. But that day Aku-nna seemed slow and stupid, and could not answer any of CChike's questions. In the end he became angry. “What's the matter with you, Aku-nna?’ he demanded ‘Didn't you do your homework? “She didn’t have time,’ said a boy behind her. "She was with her boyfriends.’ ‘The boys all laughed. Aku-nra burst into tears and the boys laughed louder than ever. “Who said that?” Chike asked angrily. A boy stood up. ‘You should be ashamed of yourself," said Chike. All the boys looked uncomfortable. ‘Aku-nna, you may go,’ said CChike gently. “Now, everyone ~ open your books at page even.” Aku-nna rushed blindly out of the room, What was the matter with her? She did not know. She sat down heavily under a big orange tree at the end of the school field, and «vied and cried. Tears poured down her face like rain water. She let them flow. It was quiet and private under the orange tice. She watched two little birds feeding theie babies. They looked so happy together. ‘I am atone,’ she thought. “There is nobody I can talk 0." In the distance the schoo! bell rang, but that was in another world, Aku-nna was alone in her private world of tears and loneliness, 40 “aku-nna, you need your certificate, don’t you gentle voice. She looked up and saw Chike standing over her. ‘If you fail your examination, your family won't let you take it ose ‘Aku-nna could not answer. She just looked up at his anxious face, then down at his neat white shoes. Tears filled her eyes again, Chike sat down beside her under the orange tree. He said, ‘I will help you to pass your examination before I leave this horrible place.’ “Leave? Where are you going? The anxiety in het voice showed how much she cared. ‘University,’ he said, He took her hand, and rather roughly he pulled her to her feet. ‘As she stood up, she felt a pain in her back. Her legs felt ‘weak and she fele strangely cold, although it was a warm chy. Do you want me to go?” he asked. She shook her head. She did not want to seem badly brought up. So how could she tell him how she felt about him? Tears filled her eyes again. “Why are you so sad?" said Chike kindly. ‘Why do you ery s@ much? I'd like to make you cry with happiness! Come now, we must go back to school.’ Then he stopped, and looked sharply at Aku-nna, ‘Child, you'te bleeding! There's ‘blood on your dress." She turned round quickly and saw the blood. At first she thought that she had hurt herself, Then she realized what ‘was happening to her. She had heard the women talk about this bleeding. When they were bleeding like this, women said a a"were ‘unclean’ and for those few days each month, there were a lot of things they were not allowed to do. “So now I am a woman too,” she thought, 'T can be married, Any man can cut a piece of my hair, and carry me away.’ That was the tradition. That piece of hair made the girl his, for ever. Suddenly the pain became more violent, and she felt deeply ashamed, She wanted to run away from Chike, How could she let him see her like this? ‘Chike came nearer. He did not care if anyone saw them. He wanted to marry this girl, even if he had to break all the laws of his people. Heheld her tightly. ‘ls this the frst time?” he asked, “Yes,’ she whispered. ‘They staod there for a long time, Neither of them wanted to go. Then the pain came again. ‘Sitdown and wait here,’ he sai. ‘I'll gee you something.’ She obeyed. ‘OF course, Chike knows all about sich things,’ she thought. "He has sisters of hie own, afterall. But how can I keep my secret? lf Okonkwo finds out about this, he will wane me to marty at once, because he wants my bride price, But 1 want to stay at school and get my certificate. What can I do? Chike returned with a glass of water and two white tablets. He gave her his big wool jacket that he wore on cold. mornings: Then, as she took the tablets, he said, ‘Can you keep quiet about this? Don’t tell anyone till after the exam.’ “How can L hide it? she asked. ‘I sleep in the same hut as ‘my mother; she’s sure to notic fy brother is a doctor. I know what white women use ‘The Slaves Go home now. I'll tell your bréther that you have a headache. And please make sure that your dress is covered by that jacket.’ He added, ‘I ore you,’ and walked away. ‘I must hurry home,’ thought Aku-nna, ‘before anyone sees me.’ The tablets helped the pain in her back, but she still fete very conscious of the blood on her dress. Her mother's hut was a mile from the school. By the time she got there, her head was aching and she felt sick, There was.a litle water in the pot, and she washed herself with it. “My brother will be angry when he comes home and finds the pot empty,’ she thought. But she felt too ill to care. She lay down and fell into 2 troubled sleep. “Aku-naal” Her brother was calling. “What's the matter with you this time? You're always ill” He went to the water ot. t was a hor afternoon and he was thisty. But the pot was empty. “This pot was almest full this morning. What's happened toi? ‘Pechaps Ma drank i said Aku-nna, ‘Liar! If you think I'm going to go to the stream just for you, you're mistaken. What did you do with the water, anyway? She did not reply, and he did noc insist on an anower. ‘Then he went out to borrow some water from a neighbour Alanna was glad to see him go. She fell asleep again. Later her cousin Ogugua came into the hut. “What's the matter? Have you forgotten that we promised to meet our ‘mothers and help them to carry their shopping home? ‘Yim not well,’ said Aku-nna. ‘Please carry some of my ‘mother’s things for hee.’The Bride Price (Ogugua filed a lamp with oil and litt In the soft yellow light she studied her cousin's face. “I's a headache, isn’t it? Your eyes are very red, Don't worry, I'l carry your mother's shopping for her.” Aku-nna did not lie down again. “Ma will be home soon, she thought, Then she heard a gentle knock at the door. Ie was Chike. He sit down beside her and put his arm around her. “What shall we do?’ he asked her. “Tell my people that you want to marry me,’ she whispered. “How can 1?" he demanded. ‘Haven't you heard that my father is the son of a slave?” “Don’t say that, said Aku-nna, "There is no other person for me in this world, Chike .. He started kissing her, the way the white men id in films ‘Aku-nna had read about kissing in True Love Stories. She found that she did not particularly enjoy it, but Chike obviously did. *You will always be mine’ he whispered in her ear. “What will he do next" she thought anxiously. She stood up. ‘My mother will be home soon,’ she sti. {Just then they heard voices outside the hut. Chike waited to welcome Ma Blackie and Nna-nndo home. “Aku-nna fek ill in school,’ he explained, ‘So I came to see how she was. Look, I've brought her this bottle of headache tablets. I hope she'll be better soon’ Ma Blackie sai, “She'll be back at school tomorrow.’ She ‘gave him a long, hard look that said, ‘Be careful!” 1d night,’ said Chike. Ma Blackie answered, but Aku ME OF The carte ‘ana did not. So many things had happened to her in one day, so many things that she did not understand, 7 One of the Girls kku-nna had at last begin to feel that she was an Thuza itl, and she and the other girls of the same age did everything together, except one thing. Every market day at Asaba, Aku-nna met Chike. The two of them sat in a quiet place by the river, and ralked, He was teaching her the latest songs from a book that he had ordered from Lagos. ‘Once or twice he gave her a gentle kiss, but that was all. To him she was very special, and he did not want to harm her. ‘She was getting to know Chike better. Although he talked a Jot in the schoolroom, he was often quiet with her. They sat and listened to the sound of the river and the song of the birds, and the music of their own hearts. Although these meetings remained a secret, it was obvious to everyone chat Chike Ofulue was uncontrollably in love. Again and again his father warned him. Chike politely cold his father that he was not going away to university without Akusnna, ‘What do I want a degree for, anyway?” Chike Said, “Ie might get me a better job, but will i¢ make me a happier person? I want Aku-nna, Father. There is no other Birl in the world for me." “If you marry her,’ said his father, ‘hee family will neverThe Bride Price ates Og ‘Eeery market day I throw Akw-nia’s bands into the rver ‘aud west ad tah One of the Gils forgive us. Already they hate us because we are wealthy and successful." ‘Father, I'm sorry to cause you so much trouble. But 1 dream about this girl every night. We'te so happy, every market day, when I've thrown her bananas into the river and we sit and talk...” His father smiled. ‘And who pays for these bananas that you throw away, my son? ‘Ido, Father. They don’t cost much — only three shillings. ‘She buys them for one shilling and sixpence, then she has to sellthem in the market for three shillings. I buy them, then ‘we throw them in the river and we have the rest of the day for ourselves. I's my only chance of talking to her. Her hut és always full of people. ‘Son, 1 muse ask you one thing. Do not harm this Birk must be virgins when they jp to their husbands. “Father, nobody must have her except me.! ‘And you must not kidnap ker either. I know my mother Wasa slave, bat I know how to behave. Tell me when she is ready to be married, and 1 visi her family and ask for her in the proper way.” “And if they refuse, Father, what ean we do?” ‘Well soss chat bridge whea we come toit. We can’t do anything until she’s a woman. Keep your cycs and ears open, and be ready to ask for her as soon as she's ready. The nextday Chike told Aku-nna about this conversation with his father, “Are your parents coming.to ask forme in the proper way, then?" she asked. "Yes, he said. allShe looked sadly at Chike. ‘There will be trouble,’ she said. The sun was setting and it was time for him ro leave her. He held her tightly. “will come to your hut in three days' time,’ he promised. ‘Three days later, on the afternoon of the day Chike was expected, Akusnna and her friends all went out to look for firewood. There were about twelve of them and they felt safe and strong. OF course, they had no enemies, but in Ibuza an innocent young girl was not always safe. A man with no money to pay a bride price could hide behind the trees. He could jump out and cut a piece of hai from agit! head. If he did that, she belonged to him for lite and no ‘other man could have her. That was why so many girls cut theie haie very short ... But there was safety in numbers, When they reached che place where the firewood was, they hurried off in ones and twos. Aku-nna found a particularly big piece of wood. She pulled at it, but it would ‘not come. She pulled harder, and the wood broke suddenly. She fell to the ground, scratching her hand. At that moment she felt a sharp pain in her back, This was the third time, and she knew what to expect. She still had not told her ‘mother, but she knew she could not hide the blood from her friends this time. ‘Aku-nna sat on the ground and wondered what to do. She ‘could not ask Chike; he was out fishing, "Well,” she thought, “I shall have to tell my mother — but it means 1 can be married off at any time.’ She was afraid of the future and ‘wished things could stay as they were. 48 ‘As she sat there, she remembered another problem, According to native tradition, the river god did not allow unclean women in his river. Just then she heard someone calling her name, Aku-nna stood up. Her back ached and she felt stiff all over. Ogugua's face appeared through the leaves, ‘Aku-nna,’ she whispered. ‘What's the matter?" ‘Akucnna told her, and Ogugua laughed and clapped her hands. She called to the others. ‘Listen, girs!” cried Ogugua. "We went out t0 fetch firewood with a girl, and we're coming home with a woman!” ‘Aku-nna felt mean and dishonest, Afterall, this was not really her frst time. The sun was going down as the girls walked home, singing and talking "Who are you going to marry?” the other girls asked Aku ima. ‘Has anyone asked for you yet?" ‘Aku-nna shook her head. But Ogugua laughed, ‘Many men have asked for her,’ she said, “and my father told them that she was still only a child. But not any more!” "Who has asked for her?” they demanded. “The Nwanze family, and the Chigboes, And the Obidi family want her for their son, Okoboshi.” ‘Aku-nna had been at school with Okoboshi, and had not liked him at all. You say Okoboshi’s father asked for me in marriage?’ she said. "Yes ~ and now lots more men will ask for you. You will fetch a big bride price, and everyone will be glad!” AAkusnna was miserable. ‘Surely Ma will not let me marry that horrible Okoboshit” she thought. ‘Ma promised me that 49could teach for a year or two before marrying, She will never let my uncle marry me off so soon.” Akucnna did not know everything, however. Ma Blackie ‘was expecting Okonkwo's baby, and all she wanted was ‘peace and quiet. She had no time for her daughter, and she could never refuse anything to the father of her baby. Aku-nna ‘was alone, without the support of her mother. ‘The gids became quiet as they reached the stream. There was an old man thete, with three old women. A long way along the bank Chie was quietly fishing. The other girls started to undress, but Aku-nna hesitated, The old man shouted to her. “What's the matter? Don't be shy, deat!’ ‘The old women guessed at once, and told him to be quiet, They called to Akusnna. ‘Come along, my dear. The river 0d will forgive you. He will know itis rot your fault. And congratulations!" Suddenly Aktchna heard someone whistling. It was Chike. He had come neater, and was whistling their favourite song. “Brown skin gil, stay at homie with the baby, Ihave to go in my sailing boat... He turned away from her and concentrated on his fishing, Bur Aku-nna knew that he understood. 8 Kidnappedt that evening was a time for celebration Ma Blackie ‘greeted her daughter with tears of happiness. Okonkwo was pleased too. Today was a very special day for him, and be ordered a party for Aku-nna. ‘Tim glad T inherited Ma Blackie he thought. ‘Now the Btls bride price will come to me. L wonder who will pay the highest price? Then he called to Akusnna. ‘Remember, Chike Ofulue is only a friend,’ he said. ‘Now that you'ee a woman, that leiendship must die? “How can he behave like this?" thought Akw-nna, ‘He's bien in love, and knows what it’s like. How can he forbid te 10 see the man Hove?’ But she knew the answer. He was ‘not being unkind. He was simply obeying the laws of his People. Sadly she returned to her mother’s hut, ‘Ma Blackie was sitting outside the hut with her friends. ‘They were all laughing and talking loudly. “Get ready,’ she said to Aku-nna, ‘Soon the young men, will come to visit you! ‘Aku-nna knew the custom. Now that she was a woman, the young men of the village were sllowed ta visit her. She took two headache tablets and put on her best skirt and her ‘new pink shirt. Already she could hear the voice of her first visitor. It was the boy Okoboshi. “May I come in?" he called.“TIL ill myself if I have to marry him,’ thought Aku-nna, Aloud she called, ‘Just a moment.’ Then she heard more voices, She came out of the hut to greet the young men. Each save her a little present, She thanked them shyly, while they looked suspiciously at each other. Then they all went inside the hut, according to local tradition. “Why hasn't Chike come?” wondered Akw-nna. ‘Surely they can’t prevent him from seeing me? Will those women outside the hut try to frighten him away?” ‘Then she heard Ma Blackie’s voice outside the hut. “Go in, then, but not for long. I shall be sending everyone away soon. | need my sleep, you know.’ hike came into the hut. He greeted the other young men, Nobody answered, and before he could sit down beside Aku-nna, Okoboshi came forward. “A free man can sit where he likes,’ said Okoboshi. He sat down beside Aku-nna and put his hand inside her shire Akunna screamed, and Chike hit Okoboshi in the face. ‘Aku-nna expected the others to attack Chike, but nobody moved. ‘Ma Blackie came rushing in to see what all the noise was about. She saw Okoboshi lying on the mud floor with his: mouth covered with blood. She gave a litte cry and turned to Chike. “Hf you must fight, do it somewhere else!” "Ma,’ begged Aku-nna, ‘don’t be angry with Chike- Okoboshi was horrible, Look —he has torn my new shirt!” "Don't be so shy and silly. How can he harm you with all those young men watching? 1 suppose you'd rather let a slave touch you!" “How can Ma do this to me? thought Aku-nna. I thought she liked Chike.” She burst into tears. ‘Then Chike was standing beside her. His nearness gave her strength. Friends and neighbours were loudly comforting Ma Blackie. ‘Don’t worry,’ they were saying. ‘She'll soon forget this slave, and marry a nice suitable boy. Now don’t worry. Just concentrate on your new baby.” ‘That was another surprise for Aku-nna, So her mother was expecting Okonkwo’s child! ‘Now he has made her dreams come true,’ thought Aku-nna. ‘She won't be able 0 refuse him anything. If he wants to marty me off, she'll lee hima do itt? Atlast the young men left and Aku-nna was able to go 10 bed. But she did not sleep much. ‘The next few days were quiet and nothing much happened. Then the night of the dance practice came. In Ibuza Christmas was an importane time for everyone. The schools were closed and the teachers were on holiday. People who were working away from home came to celebrate Christmas with their families. Every Christmas, the fifteen-year-old girls did a special dance. The girls knew that for most of them it would be their last Christmas in their fathers? homes. So several times a week they practised the aja dance. Aku-nna had not practised the dance with her friends in the beginning, because of her examinations. But now the examinations were over and all she could do was wait for the results. So mow she joined in the dance practices,Ogugua helped her, and Aku-nna began to enjoy the dancing very much, ‘The dance teacher was a tall, thin, proud old man called Zik, who was very good at making and singing the special aja songs. Aku-nna liked him. This dance was the greatest moment in the gith' lives, and they knew it. ‘When we are grandmothers,’ said Ogogua, ‘we shall take our pipes out of our toothless old mouths and ‘we shall say to our grandchildren, “We did the best aja dance in the world!” That evening, Aku-nna and the other girls made their way to the dancing hut, carrying an cil lamp. This was one of CChike’s presents to Aku-nna, and it was much better than a burning stick. As they crossed the wide sandy square in the middle of the village they saw another light coming towards them. 1¢ was Chike, and they all greeted him cheerfully. “Ihave some good news for you, he said, “Butif I tell you ‘now, you won't be able £0 concentrate on your dancing!" ‘They all begged him to tell them. “Very well,” laughed hike. ‘Aku-nna has passed her examination. She can now be a teacher if she wants to." ‘They clapped and shouted, then they questioned Chike about the boys. He told them that Okoboshi had failed. ‘Pm not surprised,’ Chike added. ‘He didn’t do any work.’ “Okoboshi isn’t a bad boy realy,’ said one of the girls, “He's his mother's only son, and she lets him have everything he wants, {¢is’t his fault, Come on, ot weil be late forthe dancing.” “This isthe end of ally dreams, thought Akama, The ae They were late anyway, and Zik the dancing teacher was ‘eidnopping me” s4 ss‘not pleased with them. He made them work harder than ever before. “Come on, girls!” he shouted. ‘Aku-nna, have you gor a wooden leg? Bend your knees, child!” The girls practised hhard for a long time, Then suddcaly the oil lamps in the dancing hur all went out, There was the sound of heavy feet. Strange voices, men’s voices, were heard. At first the gitls were too shocked to make a sound, Then they all began to scream at the tops ‘of their voices, Some of them reached the door and tried to get out. But strong hands were holding the door closed. ‘Then there were more footsteps, and stcong hands caught Aku-nna around the waist. “Here she is!” cried a voice. ‘Let's go!” Aku-nna. tried to scream, But a rough hand covered her mouth and she was unable to make a sound. ‘What's happening? she thought. She could hear the dancing teacher's voice, shouting, demanding to know what was going on. Then she was carried on several strong shoulders. ‘The door opened, and out they went. Suddenly Aku-nna realized what was happening. “This is theend ofall my dreams,’ she chought. “They are kidnapping me. She could not get away. There were atleast twelve men, running, cartying her along, She lost consciousness, and she ‘was still unconscious when she actived at her new home, 9 A Forced Wedding Or his way home after meeting the girls, Chike thoughe about Aku-nna. ‘How surprised and pleased she was when I told her about her examination results!” he said to himself, ‘Her success will make things easier for both of us. I must make sure she gets the teaching job she wants, The money will be a big help to her mother and brother. And I shall have time to decide between the oil company and the university. Father has promised to talk to Okonkwo, but L must say he's taking his time about it. Perhaps he's been waiting for the results of Aku-nna’s examination. And if ‘Okonkwo will agree to the marriage, Father will gladly pay a hundred pounds, Father can easily afford it, and surely Okonkwo will be very glad to accept — itll seem like a fortune to him,” It was a very dark, moonless night. It was night for imurder, a night for fear. He stopped suddenly. He thought he heard someone calling his name. But when he lifted his, lamp and looked around, he saw nothing except the black tuees om each side of the path. The call came again, It was Akuenna’s voice, ‘But that’s impossible,’ thought Chike, ‘She's safe in the dancing hut with Zik and her friends. My imagination is playing tricks on me.’ He walked faster, and his heart beat like a drum. Then he heard a gun. It was followed by another shor, and another and another. Ibuza people always fired guns.ontheir wedding night. He heard wedding music too, from the “other side of the village. “Why haven't I heard about this wedding?’ thought Chike. ‘Well, | expect my sisters will tell me all about it when I get home.” He went straight to his father’s house to tell him the good news about Aku-nna’s examination, “Em glad, my son," said Ofulue. ‘And 1 have spoken to Okonkwo.” “What did he say, Father?” : “He didn’t say no, and he didn't say yes,’ replied his father, (We shall have to buy him, He wants to be a chief, and he'll use our money for that, But that means you will hhaye to marty eatly, and I don't like that.” “Oh, Father, Aku-nna is nor sixteen yet. We can wait. She ‘sam take teacher training, or I can work with the oil ‘company in Ughelli I don’t mind what we do. Bat I do want her to leave her uncle's family. They are not kind to her.’ “So hear. [also heard that you knocked down Okoboshi a day or two ago." “Yes, Idid. He was hurting Aku-nna. 1 had to stop him.” Just then they heard more shots in the distance. ‘The sounds of singing and dancing reached their ears. “Who can be getting married on a night like this?” said Ofulue. Suddenly Chike knew, He felt weak and sick, He almost fell wo the floor. Holding tightly to the back of his father’s big leather armchair, he whispered, “I think that noise is ‘coming from the Obidi family hut... 1 think they have kidnapped Aku-nna for their son Okoboshi.” 58 Moving forward, Ofulue laid a strong hand on his son's shoulder, and Chike cried like a chibd. After their frightening experience in the dancing, hut, the other girls ran home and told theit parents what had happened ‘It was all so sudden — the lamps went out — somebody held the door shut —then the door was thrown open, and we all ran home.’ It was a strange, confused story and theie mothers decided to forget about it and let their men investigate ‘When they felt better, the girs told theit mothers about ‘Aka-na’s examination. Everyone was very pleased. “Let's go and congratulate her family,’ said Ngbeke, Okonkwo's first wife, So a small crowd arrived at Ma Blackie’s hut, ‘Please come in,’ said Ma Blackie. ‘My daughter is still dancing, and my son is out playing. But do come in.” “Where did you say Aku-nna was?" said Ngbeke sharply. “She went to the dancing,’ Then Ma Blackie saw Ogugua and the other girls. "I thoughe she was with you.” Nabeke suddenly realized what had happened, and shouted for her husband. “Okonkweoo00! Wake up! They have kidnapped our daughter. Wake up, everyone, wherever you are! Wake up, everyone in Tbuza! ... Girls, go and get the gong!" ‘The gong was large, shaped likea bell. When anyone hit i With a stick, it made a great deal of noise, As the first wife of the family, it was Nebeke’s duty to bang the gong. She had %0 tell the terrible news to the whole village. 59Now everyone was screaming and crying. “They shall die for this” shouted Ngbeke’s son Iloba. ‘The noise was terrible. Ma Blackie cried and cried. “They have kidnapped my daughter, she thought. “Was it for this that I sent her to school? Kidnapped!” “The big boys went out to search for the kidnappers, Nna- indo stopped crying and followed them. Ngbeke with her gong led the women around the village. ‘Who has stolen our daughter?" (Gong). ‘Come out and tell ust” (Gong). But they knew it was useless, Aku-nna had gone, The kidnapper had only to cut a piece of her hair, then the kidnapped gitl belonged to him for ever. He could fore hee to skep with him, and if she was unwilling, his friends could hold her down. Pethaps that had already happened to Akuenna.. [Negbeke shouted until her throat was sore. Okonkwo shouted until he fel thiesty. Then he sar down with a bottle of native whisky for company. It was much later, in the middle of the night, when three men from the Obidi family came to him. “Your daughter Aku-ana is sleeping peacefully,’ they said, “on the bed that we made specially for her and her husband Okoboshi.” There was nothing Okonkwo could do. The whisky had made him sleepy and confused. Together he and the Obidt ‘men agreed on a small ride price for Aku-nna, “After all’ the Obidis said, "there's nothing special about her except her education, and all this modern education Agesn’t do women any good . ,. it makes them too proud.” 60 More whisky flowed. Ar last the three men prepared to eave. ‘By morning’ they said, ‘we shall know if she is a virgin oF not. “She is a virgin,’ said Okonkwo. ‘Nobody has touched ber. You must bring me a big pot full of wine.” ‘That was the tradition, If a bride was a virgin, her new family had to bring her father wine. If she was not a virgin, they brought an empty pot. “Meanwhile Nra-nndo had found out where his sister was He went to his only friend, the only person who would sever harm his sister. Then he went home and rold Ma Blackie, “Chike will save her,’ he told her. But they both wondered how Chike could do that. 10 ‘The Escape ku-nna was carried into her new home, and the women laid her on a bed. ‘How smooth her body is!” they «tied. ‘How soft her hands are!” ‘When she became conscious again, Okobosti’s mother sreeted her warmly. ‘Don’t worry. We'll send a message to your mother. You're in good hands. My husband decided to Kidnap you for oar boy because of that slave, Chike. No giel from a good family like yours could possibly marry a slave." “Oh no," repeated the other women, ‘Never! They showed Aku-nna a pile of new clothes. ‘Look,’ they asaid. ‘All these are for you.’ They took off her short dancing, skict and tied a new skirt round her waist. Then they took her into a room with a new, colourfully painted bed. ‘For you and Okoboshi,’ they explained. They saw the fear and dislike on her face, and laughed, ‘Don’t worry,’ said Okoboshi’s mother. ‘He'll be gentle with you, You may even like it— lots of girls do!” ‘The others laughed. They were very pleased with their new bride, But the bride herself was silent and trembling with fear. “What's the matter?” demanded Okoboshi’s eldest sister. “Doesn't she like us?" “Be quiet!” said her mother. ‘No gil likes to be kidnapped. Go and join in the celebrations, Soon most of them left. But many visitors came to see the new bride. The men outside went on drinking whisky and firing guns for a long time. Aku-nna was stiff and tired, but she would not lie down, ‘Til die before I lie on that bed,’ she thought. Okoboshi’s sister brought her some water. “Would you like to wash?? she asked her. ‘No, thank you,’ said Aku-nna, ‘but I need the toilet." ‘L.will show you. Now remember, don't make it hard for Okoboshi, If you do, he'll call for help, then the men will ‘come in and hold you down. That's the custom,” “Ufthat happens to me,’ thought Aku-nna, ‘I'l kill myself.’ ‘Then, on the way to the toiler, she heard a whistle. It was (Chike’s special song, So he knew, and was near! But she could not get away, because Okoboshi's sister was watching her. 62 : ‘She was led back to the hurt like a prisoner. She lay down ‘on the bed with her face to the wall, and shut her eyes. After a troubled sleep she woke with the feeling that someone was watching her. As she opened her eyes, she saw Okoboshi. He was smiling 2 cruel, unfriendly smile and he smelt of whisky. Suddenly Aku-nna realized how much he hated her. He tried to touch her, but she fought like a wild animal, ‘Tm on my own,” she thought. ‘No one can help me. | must look after myself” Okoboshi laughed and hit her in the mouth. Then he was ‘on top of her. She kicked and scratched, but he was too strong for her. Then suddenly an idea came to her. She faughed like a mad woman, and shouted at him: “Look at you, Okoboshit Am I the only bride you can get ~ the girlfriend of a slave?* Okoboshi let her go. Aku-nna continued: ‘You think Lam virgin? I tell you, a better man has been here before you! 1 hye slept with him many, many times. That afternoon in School, when you and your friends made me ery ~ that was ‘ur fist time. But it didn’t do my schoolwork any harm, did i? You failed your examination, but I passed!" Okoboshi stood up. His mouth hung open. He looked at her as a man looks at a poisonous insect. She went on and on. ‘Even if you do sleep with me tonight, whar then? IF [ have a child, how can you be sure that the child is yours? And believe mie I shall tll everyone in the village!” ‘Bur you were unclean until two days ago. Your mother stid 50." 6rh ees ee oo ee results, We celebrated my success together!” She said to herself, ‘Have 1 gone too far? What if his people have been watching me all day? Then they'll know that I'm lying.’ ‘Okoboshi hit her across the face with all his strength *You dirty animalt’ he shouted. ‘Do you think 1 want to touch you now? Slave-girll” He hit her again. ‘I never really wanted you anyway! My father helped me to kidnap you because he hated Ofulue, your slave lovers father, But just wait! Soon I shall marry the girl of my choice, and you will fetch and carry for her! Now get out of my bed!” He hit her once more. She fell onto the floor and lost corisciousness. When she woke, it was almost morning. Okobeshi was asleep in the bridal bed. She ached all over. Just then Okoboshi woke and gave a eruel laugh, “You'll have a busy day today, my educated bride. Go and find a gourd to take to the stream. The older women will ask you what happened, You'll have to tell them your story yourself, My father and I will go t0 your parents with an empty wine pot. Then the whole village wil know about you and your slave lover!” ‘Aku-nna ran out of the hut, almost into the arms of ‘Okoboshi’s mother and sister. Okoboshi then came out and, with hate in his voice, he told them what Aku-nna had said the night before. “So now you ate a slave too! Well, the water gourds are there!” Okoboshi’s mother said coldly, ‘As Akurnna bent t0 pick up a gourd, Okoboshi’s sister 64 "You can fetch and eazry water foras~ slave gi! 65spoke: ‘Mother, have you got an old skit for this slave-gitl? I need this one!” She tore the new skirt off Aku-nna’s body. Her mother produced a diety, torn skitt and stood there while Aku-nna tied it around her wai ‘Then Aku-nna went to fetch the water, while everyone laughed and pointed, Her whole face was stiff and sore and ‘she moved like an old woman, “This isthe end,” she thought. "Now Chike will tam me away too. Okoboshi did not cut a piece of my hair last night. Why should he? Tam worthless. 1 ‘can run away if want to, but where can Igo? My uncle will ill me if go home. But Ill di if I stay here. And when I die, they will say, “There, I told you so. She broke our laws. And now she is dead.” All that morning Aku-naa was a prisoner in the hut of Okoboshi's mother. They gave her some cooked yam, but she could not eat it because hee mouth was too sore and. swollen. [At noon she heard a voice outside the hut. It was Nna- indo. Okoboshi’s mother let him see his sister alone. He brought her words of comfort — and a letter from Chike, which she read eagerly. “Dearest; it said, ‘I will whistle after dark, when you goto, the toilet. I love you. Chike. She gave the letter back to Nna-nndo, who bid it inside his shirt just before Okoboshi marched into the room, 'So you have come to visit this slavegirl he said, He saised his hand and moved towards Akv-nna, “IE you touch my sister Il kill yout” shouted Nna-nndo. He picked up a heavy pot. When Okoboshi’s mother heard 66 . the shouting, she rushed in, took the pot from Nna-nndo and ordered him and her son to leave. Tears of anger poured down Nna-nndo’s face as he left the hut. Okoboshi’s mother turned to Aku-nna. ‘Go to Okoboshi tonight, she said. ‘Soon, perhaps, he will forgive you and ‘ake you into his bed. Many good marriages start unhappily” She was unexpectedly kind, and for a moment Aku-nna wanted to tll he the auth. But she remembered Chike's letter. ‘Twill go to him,’ she said. ‘Let me wash and go to the toilet frst” As Aku-nna walked to the toilet, she suddenly heard CChike’s whistle, There was a movement in the long grass, and before she knew what was happening, che was in CChike's arms, ‘Then she heard his voice, low and urgent. “Come on, my love ~ run!” His warm body seemed to breathe new life into het. She ran, When she could no longer run, she walked. It was only seven miles from Ibuza to Avaba, but it took them nearly four hours. At last they reached a house. “Our driver lives here,’ said Chike. ‘He'll take us to Ugheli in the morning.” Bat Aku-nna was aleeady asleep in Chike's aems,11 Too Good to be True? en Adegor was an old school friend of Chike’s. They had written to each other regularly and Ben knew about ‘Chike’s feelings for Aku-nna. It was Ben who had suggested a job for Chike with the oil company at Ughelli, where Ben was the head teacher at the local school. Ben knew that the oil company needed bright young men, and he also promised to get Aku-nna a teaching job in his school. “You and your bride can have my old hut until you find somewhere better,’ he had written to Chike. ‘I've bought a new house with a tin roof.” Ben Adegor was a small, strong, dark man who loved to talk and argue. His wife Rose, who was small anel dark too, was a teacher at the same school, and she was expecting their fist child. ‘They welcomed Chike and Aku-nna kindly and showed them the hut with its three large rooms and its wide, airy veranda. They lent chem some furniture, then left the young couple alone. Chike and Aku-nna stood and looked at each, other. “Will you marry me?” Chike whispered. “Where you go, 1 go,” said Aku-nna, Like small, excited children, they began to count their money. Chike’s father had encouraged him to run away with Aku-nna and had given them a wedding present of a hundred pounds. 6 nna, staring at Chike’s hundred pounds. “Hee was going to use it to pay for me co go to university,” said Chike. “And you changed your plans?” “Universities don’s run away. Til go when I'm ready. Just now I'm too busy. Guess what Father said when he gave me this money?" "Did he tell you to pay my bride pice with it" asked Aku- sana with trembling lips. He took her in his arms. ‘Don't worry. My father will pay the bride price in good time. He will give Okonkwo double whatever he asks, But that isn’t all, Nnasnndo must come and live with us, and get a proper education. Also we must send a little money t0 your mother, so that she can be independent.” ‘Oh—will you do all chat for me? I'll serve you until I die I'l be a good wife to you. I'll always love you and love you, in this world and the next world, until the end of ime.” He kissed her hair. ‘People will say you'ce marrying me because of my money!” “Oh no, not because of that, Because of so many, many things — how can T name them all? Because of the way you Took at me, because of your kindness and understandin Chike held her tight. ‘They had had very lice sleep after their night's adventures, but now they forgot theie tiredness, Chike wanted t0 go to town to do some shopping, and Aku-nna wanted to go with him. “My father gave me this money to buy something special. bette tamale me: deaimagar se Semeur ease arn 6TL buy it today, and tonight well christen it,’ he told hee. ‘The ‘something special” was a lovely new English bed with a wonderfully soft mattress. Aku-nna clapped her hands with excitement when she saw it. But their shopping did not end with the bed. Chike bought sheets, curtains, cooking pots and plates and even a small oil stove, Aku-nna had never seen anything like them before. He also bought her two beautiful new skirts. “Thank you, thank you, she said again and again, They loaded everything onto a lorry. On the way home, Chike asked the driver to stop at the offices of the oil company. ‘TH only be away ten minutes,” he said. ‘I want to cell ‘them that I'm in Ughelli and available for an interview." hike was away half an hour and came back looking pleased and proud. "Sorry to keep you waiting,” he said to the driver. To Aku-nna he said, ‘I start work in five days" time.’ Aku-nna could not believe it. ‘Everything has been too fasy for us,’ she thought. ‘It’s too good to be true. Dear God, don’t let anything happen to destroy our joy.” Chike gave the driver a botele of whisky and the driver wished them along and. happy marriage. When they unloaded the new bed in front of their new home, the driver poured a litle whisky over the mattress. “There, I bave christened your bed,’ he said, ‘But you'll do it properly tonight, when you're alone!” ‘Thon Chike’s friend, Ben Adegor, came along and joined tn the fun, ‘So you'e christening the bed?” he said. ‘What are you going to call it?” 70 ‘Aku-nna burst out laughing. ‘Whoever heard of christening a bed? she said. Bur Ben was suddenly serious. He asked God to look kindly on his friends’ marriage. “Give them a happy life together, with many children, Now, I christen this bed Joy!" But to Chike’s surprise love-making did not come easily to them At first Aku-nna tried to avoid it. First she wanted a bath, then she wanted to listen to their new radio... always shefound some excuse. As for Chike, he was worried. When, he had rescued her from Okoboshi, everything had seemed so «easy. “No matter what they have done to her, I will sill marry her? he thought. ‘Even if she is expecting Okoboshi's child.” He had discussed it with his father and the old man had given him some good advice. ‘Never blame a woman for something that happened in the past,” he had said, ‘It's the future that matters” Bat now Chike was anxious, Akwnna seemed so frightened and worried, He wondered what they had done to her that night, and if she was still a virgin, but he did not want to ask hee. Av last, however, Aku-nna told him her story. She told him that she was still a virgin, and that she had told lies t0 Okoboshi to get away from him, “Thave been saving myself for you,’ she said shyly. ‘Please help me to give you joy.” CChike was surprised and delighted. ‘My darling,’ he said, “your people must know of this. They must be told that you are innocent, My father must be told too. How happy they will all bet? nm