3 I Hate Him

"Hi auntie."

"Have you been crying again sweetie? Was it your mum or dad this time? Niambie(Tell me)."

Maria is our housemaid and has been more of a mother to me. She really gets me. Her daughter Anita is the most lucky to have such an awesome mum as her. She hands me a plate of my favorite meal, chapati and bean stew after I refused to show up to lunch today. She really does not let me skip a meal.

"It is mum this time. Why are they so against me seeing Felix?" I said taking a huge bite of the heavenly, scrumptious food. I was starving.

" Sweetie, they will come around. What have I always told you? "

" Faith plus patience moves mountains," we said together as I laid my head on her lap.

She sang me one of her Swahili songs as I ate my food. She really was the best.

"By the way, your dad has called for a family meeting at four in the study."

"Arggghhh!" I groaned. " Is it to lecture us on marriage partners again and the topic will be ' HE/SHE SHOULD BE A FELLOW KIKUYU'." I said mocking his deep voice.

Maria laughed and went away with the empty plate.

***

"Thank you all for keeping time. I have a short announcement. We shall be having guests over for dinner. The Kamaus are coming over..."

"What the!" I interjected rather loudly.

"Anything wrong dear?" Dad asked sternly.

"Sorry. Please go on"

"As I was saying, we are expecting them over at eight. Please make sure that you will all be ready. I expect my guests to be well served and entertained as we are about to close a deal together that will ensure mutual satisfaction for both families. If there are any questions or objections keep them to yourself. You are all dismissed."

Dad was such the dictator. I even wonder why we called them meetings anymore. They actually should be called rulings.

The Kamaus are long time family friends and business partners. My parents have been trying to set me up with Anthony Kamau ever since we were kids but I have never seen him as more than a person I know.

We were actually in the same medicine class and actually we were in the same group but nothing ever drew me to him.

To my parents, he was the perfect groom for me

Qualifications for our daughters' husbands:

1.Kikuyu_ √

2.From a wealthy family_√

3.Educated_√

4.High income_√

5.Not more than 3 years older and certainly not younger_√

It is no joke. These were written on their bedroom wall.

And somehow, Felix, the guy I loved was the complete opposite

1.Luo

2.From a poor family

3.Dropped out of college

4.Low income earner

5. Five years older than me

I was doomed.

***

What is wrong with this guy? He is acting like he is the king here. I cannot put up with this anymore.

He is staring at me instead of eating his damn food. Why did they have to put my sit right across his? OMG! This is my cue to excuse myself and leave. I am sure that that is his leg against mine since he has that victory smile of his. No you...

"Lily...Lily..." I felt someone touching my shoulder. I almost screamed.

"Sorry mum. Just a lot on my mind. What is it again? "

"Say grace for us. We are starving dear."

He dared called me dear. His and my parents now are smiling like we are a couple in love. His ass will be sorry when I turn him down.

"Let us say grace for what we are about to receive," I almost whispered.

***

"Hey. Was I too much back there?"

"What are you doing in my room Anthony?"

"Hey take it easy. Just came to say hi. You left the dining room in such a hurry."

Next thing I knew he was seated next to me. I was about to get away but he suddenly grabbed my hand as if I was his object.

"Where are you going beautiful. We need to know more about each other. I mean now that my dad is done with paying the dowry..."He then placed his big hand on my lap.

"What did you say?" I managed to shriek, shocked beyond words.

"You heard me..." I did not even let him finish. I slapped him hard before storming out to the living room.

***

"Dad you sold me to that imbicel!" I screamed

" Watch your language young girl," he thundered.

" I hate him."