Beginning Again 6 (Aunty Janet’s Story)

Photo Credit: Google

I made a mental note to go for a check up on my way home from work, so I was eager to close. What if I was truly pregnant? I started checking my period tracker app to see when I recorded my last period. Period! Hmnn, my menstrual cycle is another story. As irregular as the weather and I had come to accept it as part of my cross to bear. When I was in Junior Secondary School, the cycle was one thing every one of us looked forward to. Those of us who started late had reasons to be envious of those who started earlier than us because they were considered “ladies’ while we were still “girls”. I was among the last set to start experiencing my puberty changes. Though, it was to my advantage because I couldn’t be bothered, so I didn’t think too much about it until it eventually came. After it did, I didn’t notice any problem until I was at home waiting to gain admission into the university. Sometimes it would not come for a month and at most two months, which was not a source of concern to me until my mum noticed.

“You mean you didn’t see your period last month, this month and you didn’t complain about it to me or your dad”, she queried

“I didn’t think it was anything at all, besides it is not the first time this is happening” I responded with head deep in my book.

“This girl will not kill me, let me get dressed so we can go and see a doctor”

“Mum, I’m not going to see anyone. I’m sure I am fine”

“Ok, if you will not go to the hospital, then let’s go and see the herb seller so that you can explain to her. Choose one”

I tried to convince my mum that I was fine but we ended up at the herb sellers place anyway. After concocting some leaves and tree barks, she gave me directions for usage which she warned me clearly to adhere to. I tried my best but I just couldn’t get the awful substance down my throat without holding my nose. After two months of going back and forth, I gave up.

Before I got married to Phil, it came up in one of our discussions and he said he didn’t figure there would be a problem, since I had detected it earlier. So I didn’t feel the need to see a gynecologist, but I’ve had to ask myself severally if I didn't make a mistake by taking that aspect for granted. As I headed towards the hospital in a Taxi, I didn’t know what to pray for, several questions kept coming to my head as I relaxed my head on the owner’s seat. Am I ready to raise a child with the way things are going between Phil and I? Will he be happy if it is positive? Well, we will just have to see.

I held the result with mixed feelings. It was a moment of decision, what do I do next with the news? I thought of calling Phil immediately but decided to call my sister instead.

Photo Credit: Google

“Hmnn Sis, I pray your husband will take this news well and maybe even start treating you better”, I could sense the concern in her voice.

“Well, just pray along with me, I’ll tell him when I get home”

“Ok oooo, my prayers are with you. Don’t worry, all will be well”

“Thanks. I’ll call you when I get home” my voice shook terribly and she sensed it.

“Ermmmm....Sis, do you want me to come over? I can bring Toke along if you want me to”

“No Maggie, it’s okay. I will be fine, really appreciate your concern though”

“Alright if you say so, but please call me if anything”
"Sure, one more thing Maggie.....please don't tell mom and dad yet"
"It's in your place to tell them, not mine"
I wasn't sure if she said it out of anger or respect but I responded anyway "Thanks"

After I hung up, I took a steady breath, put the result into my bag and headed home from the hospital. Time to find out if this is a good news or not.