Episode1
"Pens up!", roared the invigilator. That phrase marked not just the end of the examination, but the end of the university days for Mark. An emotional day it was for him, an end to a blissful academic career, a compulsory retirement from the school football team and it might also be the end of his long time romance with Bisi.
Bisi had feared this very day, she had marked this day as the possible end to her passionate tangle with Mark. But she had refused to think about it, she kept telling herself, "if it is meant to be, then it will". That phrase kept her going until this very day.
It was on the 2nd of october, 1992. Bisi had finished her last paper earlier than mark, so she rushed down to Mark's centre, carrying 1L keg full of water. As the students came out, they were all greeted with splashes of water on their body, a norm in the university. Bisi searched for Mark and saw him coming out through the right door, she caught him by surprise, before he could look, he was already drenched in water.
"Congrats baby! We are graduates!", she shouted.
Mark could not curtail his excitement, he hugged her tightly even in his wetness. "Yay!", he exclaimed obviously excited. He flung his arm round her waist, she was gazing into his eyes. Immediately, tears rolled down her cheek, she couldn't hold back, her emotions had betrayed her, it had dampened this day of joy.
"I thought we had talked this over before?"
Mark said in a frightened manner. She paused, wiped the tears off her cheek, but they keep rushing out the more. Mark hugged her tightly without saying a word. Finally she broke the silence.
"Not as easy baby, but I've resigned us to fate".
Mark took her hands, squeezed them tightly and said, "believe hun! Just believe!".
If fate had a face, then it smiled on Mark and Bisi four months later. Both of them were coincidentally posted to the same state to do their compulsory one year youth service. 18th of february 1993 was forever on the lips of Mark, that was the day they received their call up letter.
"What other signs do I need?? This is a match made in heaven", he thought to himself.
Mark was ready to take their relationship to the next level. He was more determined than ever. "We should go see my parents before we leave for camp", he said to Bisi. She was very happy, fate was truly smiling on them.
Mark had not told his parents what he had in mind, he wanted to make it a surprise. It was a long journey from university of Ibadan to Uyo, his hometown. But with Bisi, the journey was all fun. They had conversed all the way, talking about what their children would look like.
"Meh yong!", Mrs. Effiong greeted her son with a warm embrace. "This one you're smiling, its like you were posted to the state you had in mind", his mother continued.
"Something like that mama", the smiling Mark said.
"Come on in! You need rest and a nice meal!", she said as she noticed the lady beside his son.
" Who's the pretty lady you brought with you mark?", she was very inquisitive.
"I'll let you know in due course mama"
Bisi was shy but she managed to greet Mrs. Effiong. Mark opted to stay in the guest room with her.
"I'm nervous Mark, I'm afraid things might not go well", Bisi said calmly.
"How can you say that hun!, stop being pessimistic", Mark patted her at her back. "We will be fine", he assured.
It was 7pm in the evening, Mr Effiong had returned from work about an hour ago. He was in the sitting room with Mrs Effiong when Mark had entered with Bisi. They Both greeted the parents and they were happy to welcome them.
After a while Mark stood up to speak. "Erm Dad, mum, this is Bisi. She's from Oyo state. She's my fiancée, the girl I wish to get married to. We've been friends for over 4yrs now".
His Mum was excited, she turned to Mr. Effiong and said, "Our son has come of age, I'm so happy for him". But Mr Effiong was far from impressed, he forced a smile and then said to Mark, "Come over son, I want to speak to you alone! Excuse us ladies".
Mark immediately followed his dad, he was unsure of what to expect. Too soon?, he pondered as he followed his dad.
" Ehen en, ukemeke ndi nam ntre!", his father said with fire in his eyes. "You are the first son and by tradition, you are to marry an Efik too! You can't marry that Yoruba girl! No arguments!", by this time Mr. Effiong was almost shouting.
"I love this girl, she's my everything!", Mark protested. But his father stormed out.
He was devastated! His world seemed to be turned upside down. Bisi knew something had gone wrong, but she was calm, She didn't want to be pessimistic anymore.
