Chapter 6

No one can beat the mystery of fate.

Dave was the last to leave. Despite all his resolution, his legs felt heavy and unable to move. This gave Deborah a glimpse of hope.

" Baby, you believe me right? You won't leave me too?" Deborah asked with pain ridden voice.

Dave was bothered. Hearing her pain-filled voice threw daggers at his heart. He dare not look at her or he might have a change of mind.

" What difference will it make if I believe you? Will it change anything? The best I can advise you to do is that you chose the option of abortion and escape alienation. But as for our relationship, I am done. I have no business with someone who could hide something as big as this. What were you planning? To hook me with the pregnancy?" Dave said with so much anger. He kept convincing himself that he have to hate her. But his anger was not only for what she did but for the fact that he still loved her despite it.

With tears, Deborah held his hands and knelt.

"Baby, I swear. I have no hidden agenda. I was looking for the perfect time to tell you. I didn't plan on keeping you in the dark. I didn't even know I was pregnant until last month. I wanted to be sure ...."

" Wanted to be sure or you were waiting for us to be intimate so you can tag the pregnancy on me right?" Dave said cutting her off.

He laughed in a way Deborah have not heard him laugh before. It sounds devilish and fake.

" I can't go against my family and tribe for a liar and a cheat like you. A man is answerable to his tribe. And don't you think it is improper to keep calling me baby? You have a child growing inside you. So instead of fooling yourself by calling me baby, why not transfer that energy to the little thing in your stomach? Dave mocked.

He threw her hand away and walked out.

Deborah felt he walked out with her heart because she couldn't breathe.

She fell to her knees and lamented.

The guilt, the shame, and the pain of rejection were too much on her.

" why is it always like this? Nobody is talking about the guy that drugged and raped me. Did I get myself pregnant? Why are men placed so high like gods and women are to look up to them and worship them? This is injustice. Why must a woman suffer alone for an act she didn't do alone? What about the man that got me pregnant? Even if he was here will anyone judge him? Of course, they will defend him and say that I was the one who seduced him. The crime of a woman is never justified especially when she had offended a man. Yes, rape is bad but woo to the woman who was raped but does have not to evidence to prove she was raped. A woman's voice remains silent even when she has something to say. Even when her feelings choke her. She is married to a man who mutes her forever.

This culture is an ingrate. Men are not God but slave drivers and human explorers.

Even though the girl child goes to school, she can't do all her jobs and must get married to be respected. Who said a woman's honor is her husband?

Where is the tribe, let them come and answer me. The daughter of Adam Nnajugua Black needs an answer. Women are meant to be helpful mates but we are now slaves.

Have men ever wondered how painful it is to bring a child into the world? Despite the rate of civilization, female discrimination still thrives in so many customs." Deborah lamented

Even her own Dave could not stand by her. What a tradition! Deborah does not blame the customs but blames the people who made them. Does custom make people? Of course not! People make customs. And the fact that no one has challenged it meant people were slaves to customs. As for her family, they could have helped her but decided to back up these stupid customs.