Thread by @eketiette

Three women are seated in the booth behind me. Discussing quite audibly the "wisdom" in hiding kids from a future spouse.

"No need to tell him. Let them stay with your Mum."

Examples are given of those who've done it before. I am chilled. Hiding a whole child from your fiancé?

Lady A says,

"My sister kept her son with my Mum. She told her husband that he's our cousin's child.

If she'd told him the truth, he wouldn't have married her. Now she's in the US with her lovely husband & children. She still sends money for her son. That's what matters."

Me:

Lady B chips in.

"Yes o. These men pretend that they're not judging you. Na lie. Just tell them you've dropped one. That's the end of the love."

Lady A concurs. Lady C sounds worried.

"Babe, you sure?" she asks. "How can I leave my children for someone else?"

"Do you want to marry him or not?" Lady asks, obviously impatient with her friend's hesitation.

"I'd have said you should tell him they're your niece and nephew. But they're already used to calling you Mummy. Before they'll mistakenly say it in front of him and expose you."

Me:

"You have a point," Lady C muses. "It's to convince my mother now. I'm not sure she'll agree to the plan."

I so badly want turn around and look at them. But I'm supposed to be minding my business, not shamelessly eavesdropping and mentally recording every word (Lord, I'm sorry).

"Forget Mumsie. You first, decide. Once you're ready, we'll work out something."
-
They start planning. I pack up my laptop and prepare to leave.
This life is a pot of beans.
Eziokwu, uwa bu ahia!