Baskadia

Episode 3

Chief Badmus got into his room with all his children, except Chloe trailing after him. “How are you darling?” he asked his wife tenderly, as he walked to her sides beaming with smiles.

“Are you okay mum?” the trio chorus as they all took position beside their mother. “I’m very okay. Why are you all here?” she asked in confusion. 

She turned around to look at her husband, expecting a form of explanation for the presence of their children in the house at the same time, when she couldn’t remember what occasion could have brought them all there.

Chief Badmus smiled sweetly at his wife. In a split of seconds, he was able to deduce from her response and reaction that she didn’t remember a thing about what had just transpired. It was best to keep it that way, he reckoned.

The doctor had after all warned about continuing with the issue of concern that got her so exasperated. “I called them darling. I wanted them to be present when I reaffirmed my love for you this night" he lied sweetly and his super smart children didn’t need anyone to tell them to follow up the conversation.

“Yes mum, dad told us you guys had something special to show us tonight. We’re here, so let the show begin” Jeff said enthusiastically. The girls giggled in turns without saying a thing.

“But why isn’t Chloe here then?” their mother asked still not sure about what was going on. “She got here before everyone, so I sent her to get me something. Relax, she’d be back before you know it” Chief Badmus told his wife convincingly.

“I’m positive I saw Frank a while ago…” she began but Chief cut her short with his laughter. “Forgive me my love, but I worry too much for my good. After I decided on making this night memorable, I needed Dr Frank to have a look at you before the party began. I didn't want to get you excited beyond what your heart can accommodate, so I needed to double check with him. You have been resting in the room, so I had him come over” he explained, this time crushing all the doubt his wife was having.

She relaxed visibly and smiled sweetly at her husband. “You know honey, if marriage certificates needed annual renewal, I’d always make sure to get ours renewed weeks before the expiry date!” she confessed making the children all gush at their love

“Hold it right there woman. Don’t you dare try to steal the show tonight. I called the children to watch me show them how a queen should be treated. Don’t try to outshine me with your lovey dovey quotes. They have to always remember that I love you more, that’s the goal” he said light heartedly and kissing his wife lightly on her left cheek.

The atmosphere in the room was bubbling with love when Chief Badmus stepped out to get something. He met Chloe still perching on the edge of her seat in fright. They looked at each other. Chloe made to speak but her dad placed a finger over his lips, urging her to be quiet.

“Rush now to any shopping mall. Get me a bouquet of flowers, a good night gown and anything else you think a woman will like. I’ll credit your account before you get there. Your mother only knows you’re all here to witness me present her those gifts. Do not say anything otherwise.” He ordered in whispers

Chloe nodded in understanding and gratitude before rushing out. She got what she was asked to get quickly and was back before the door noticed someone passed through it.

She went into her parents’ room trying so hard to wear a bright look. She handed her dad the parcel and sat beside Cathy who had just adjusted to create room for her to sit close to their mother.

“How are you mum?” Chloe mustered up courage to ask as she sat down. “Im fine darling. So if your dad hadn’t got y’all here tonight, you won’t even remember to call your mother?” she asked trying so hard to sound offended.

“Watch it woman, they’re also my children. And if you must be reminded, they haven’t come here for you to talk today. You’re to remain in bed without speaking and allow me spoil you with love tonight. I initiated today’s party, so I decide the rules of engagement. When you make plans on your own day, you decide what happens” he craftily told his wife.

“Fine. My lips are shut” she said, moving her thumb and fore finger across her lips to indicate zipping her lips, with a happy smile plastered on her face.

The children roared in laughter as their parents displayed their love. Chief Badmus made his wife so happy that day, even if she had remembered what made her pass out earlier, it would have been so difficult for her to remain sad.

He presented his love gifts to his wife and sang with his croaky voice to amuse her. “After this presentation, I’ll dance for you. The kinda dance that made it impossible for you to let me go that day” he was taunting his wife.

She tried to speak in obvious disagreement with his claims, but he made the  zipping sign over his mouth and his wife rolled her eyes unhappily, making the children fall into another fit of laughter. 

The night was filled with so much fun that Chloe didn’t even remember she had a party to attend. “You’ll all have to excuse me now, because I know my wife is dying to let me see how she looks in that hot nightie I just got her” he said mischievously, tactically dismissing their children.

Chloe and her siblings took the cue and bid their parents goodnight before stepping out of the room. Once they were gone, Chief Badmus rushed to his wife’s sides on the bed. 

“Are you really going to show me what you look like in that gown? Would there be any need to put on an article that would still be flying the next moment? He asked, leering at his wife.

“It amazes me how you still think you’re a young boy” his wife teased cutely and he made a face. “ I think I have let you come to the conclusion that I’ve become old overnight. I have to let you see the boy in me tonight” he threatened, throwing the clothing on him to the floor one after the other slowly and seductively.

Chloe’s parents have always been love birds, but their PDA even at their old age, still makes the children marvel. Camilla Badmus was a beautiful woman in her own right, so beautiful that all the men in their community envied Chief Badmus for getting her fall head over heels in love with him.

There had been an uproar when Chloe was born. She wasn’t just a replica of her mother’s beauty, she also added her father’s best features, making her look like Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty.  But her birth made someone so sad, it was a clear indication that he'd never be able to get close to Camilla ever again.  

On the day she was to be named, a lot of friends joined relatives to rejoice with Chief and Mrs Badmus. And there in their midst was also that someone who didn't wish Chloe was born. The happy couple made sure to attend to all their guests' needs, to ensure everyone went home happy. 

A certain someone wasn’t so happy though that the Badmus’ were so happy and made sure he did something about it. He swore to make that child a reason the couple never smiled. Since the child was the final flash card Camilla showed him to prove to him that she wasn't ever going to be his, he'd as well make that child, the reason they regret getting together.

TO BE CONTINUED