SOMETIMES IN AUGUST!

Back in 2012 when I was done with my youth service to my country, I decided to change location in search of greener pastures and I found myself in the city of portharcout, River State. I knew portharcout holds so many promises after all it was an oil state. Luckily for me, I got a teaching job the next day after my arrival but I'm not here to bore you about my job nor stay in portharcout.

I met a young man during my short stay in portharcout. His name is Lucky. Lucky is not someone I would describe as handsome but I'll simply say he is just there with his strong bony frame and shortness of height but the you don't tell the heart who to beat for. He was a comedian and he made me laugh a lot. Fast forward to six months later, Lucky proposed to me on the 9th of August, 2012 and of cos I accepted to marry him but this is not the memorable event.

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Some days after I accepted his proposal, Lucky decided it was time to go see our parents and I couldn't agree more. I could already hear wedding bells ringing and oh I will make a beautiful bride in my white wedding gown walking down the aisle arm in arm with my father. I was so excited I was going to get married before the end of the year. I called everyone of my friends to give them the goodnews. A wedding finally.

On that fateful day, I packed our bags and ready to hit the road very early but then Lucky got a call to come down to the office. He left promising to come back as soon as possible. As soon as possible turned to minutes and then hours. I called his line but he wouldn't pick up. I was boiling with rage. How could he do this? I remember telling him to inform his boss he was going to meet his would be in-law and so needs a pass. I doubt he did or maybe they needed him for something really urgent. Finally after about 5hours Lucky showed up but by then my patience has waxed cold and I was no longer in the excited aura of hitting the road to put machineries in place in preparation for my forthcoming wedding. I remember him pleading and persuading me so we still make the journey. "Please angel (that's the name he calls me), this is just 2 O'clock, Portharcout is not far from Delta State, if we leave now, we can still make it", he pacified, kissing me on my forehead and tickling me just to force a smile on my face. Well it worked and then the excitement was fresh once more.

I carried the bags as he helped with the heavy ones and we stepped out to embark on our life changing journey but I guess the heavens had other plans for us. A heavy downpour chased us back into the house. 'This is not happening", i thought to myself. "Could this be a sign that this marriage isn't meant to be?" I battled with my thoughts within until my mouth voiced out the burden of my heart. "Lucky", I started, " Don't you think this is a sign from God', I said still staring at the dark clouds and listening to the music it made on the roof top. "C'mon Angel don't say that. Marriage is a beautiful thing and trust me, God wants this", he replied holding my hands and gently placing my head on his shoulder.

Pixabay

It rained cat and dog for three hours before it finally stopped. Hell no way I was embarking on a night journey but Lucky wouldn't hear any of my pleas and frustrations. He petted me out of the house and into the waiting taxi and off we drove to the bus stop. We got to the bus stop and bought a ticket only to find out there were no busses and we may have to wait for an hour before a bus comes. I was very angry. Pissed cannot even begin to describe how I felt. What sort of strings of bad luck is this? "Is God trying to tell us something?". Lucky knew I was boiling with anger and that made him apprehensive.

To be continued