Make me Happy as a Woman

Chapter Two 

“You mean you confronted the lady?” Mercy asked, looking accusingly at Sheila

“What else am I supposed to do?” Of course I did confront her.

“That is uncalled for on your part”. What if she had beaten you up? 

Sheila was dumbfounded; What can she say? Nothing. Mercy was right, she had behaved unreasonably. The beating up part was a situation she never put into consideration.

“It would have been a disaster of the millennium for her” Lara put in, trying hard not to laugh. “Did you hear her say Dele almost beat her up for the confrontation with his concubine?”

“We should be grateful he didn’t”, Mercy replied looking incredulously at both women.

“Well, I was trying to save my man”.

“Listen to yourself, I doubt if he needs saving” . Mercy said

“If I understand you both quite well, are you telling me to do nothing and just continue like a happy and loving wife?” And watch, while your brother keeps violating the rules of marriage? Sheila lamented, almost close to tears.

Lara and Mercy do not have an answer to give her. They were both quiet for a while, each one of them to her own thought. 

Character wise, Sheila is okay. She has cordial relationship with her husband’s family. She dresses to kill and her cooking is superb.

“I give you 90% as a desirable woman that any man will want to marry”. Mercy finally had something to say to her. As the situation is, now my dear, the ball is in your court. You need to find tactics to win back your man without fight.

Sheila opened her mouth, but she couldn't find the words to put together to reply Lara. Why should she be the one to fight to keep the family together? And she decided to ignore that statement by Mercy.

“Where is your son?” it has been a while you brought him to the shop. Lara asked, eyeing Sheila and wanting to change the subject to more cheerful ground.

“He is with my mum”

“Did you hear that?” Lara turned to Mercy.  She looked angrily at Sheila “You took your son to your mom’s house for what?”

“Why is your son with your mom?” Mercy asked, also clearly surprised

“He is too troublesome” At least, there is no one to disturb me. Sheila replied them with little concern.

“Listen to her talk, Mercy”.  Lara’s anger was visibly on the edge and trying to get loose. Mercy quietly stay between the two women. She knew the havoc Lara can cause, when she is like this and a scene in the market place at that time of the night is better avoided.

“Why would you lament over a man when you have your son to make you happy?” That boy should be your strength at this moment. And what did you do? You went ahead and dump him on your mom like no one’s property.

“You should take care of him and you both should look good”

“He is fine with her”

“Who said he isn’t?” But are you? Look at me, my children are my source of joy.

 I look at them and I feel complete. No man, and I repeat, no man can take their place in my heart. Lara continued at Sheila, with contempt filled in her eyes.

Sheila, worried, only looked away. It seems there is more to Lara’s outburst than her taking her only child to her mom. Adding the burden of taking care of her son to the stress of waking up in the morning and preparing to come to the market in Lagos city is not an easy task. She believes her son is better off with her, since she stays at home.

“Lara, it’s okay”. Mercy put in. Shifting from one foot to the other. She knew the reason for Lara’s behavior and she understands her fully well. How couldn’t she?

“Mercy, how is your child”? Sheila asked, trying to change the subject. She doesn’t want Lara to be angry with her for long, if the discussion still is on her son.

“Oh, she is fine”, thank you dear.

“When next you are coming, make sure you bring her”

“Sure, I will”

“Thanks both of you” I appreciate it. Sheila left for her store, when she saw a customer trying to check her goods.