The Raped Amulet

Chapter Eleven

78 Chapter Eleven hen Jojo got home that day, she did everything to look happy. But forced happiness like everything thing that is done forcefully is difficult to hide from a discerning eye. Ndutu noticed that she was not her usual self when she walked in. He had been home and he had for once got the lunch ready. He set the table and they sat to eat. “So you can be such a good cook Ndutu,” Jojo said passively. “Of course yes. Having been single all my life, I had no option but learn how to cook. You had never given me a chance to cook for you that’s why you’re only realizing it now.” “Now that I know, I wish I could give you a lot more chances to cook,” she said softly. “I’m at your disposal anytime my work doesn’t tie me down. And the baby, how is it kicking?” “It’s such a lazy baby, it doesn’t do any kicking.” “That’s like the father. No stress.” “I hope it is alive anyway.” “Why not? Why am I training to be a doctor if my own baby can’t stay alive? Come over here, let me examine you.” At this point, Jojo became very emotional and she could not hold her tears. When Ndutu noticed them, he knew the bitter truth had been told her. “Come on Jojo, is it the result?” he whispered. W 79 “No, the result isn’t ready yet. I’ve been asked to come by in two days.” “So, what’s making you moody?” “The fact that our baby will be born out of wedlock.” “Do you take that for a problem? If you do, then ashia. My baby is my baby whether it is born in or out of wedlock. We can’t get into the hurdle of a wedding simply because we’re expecting a baby. As far as I’m concerned, you’re going to be my wife, whether it takes the next decade or two, I have no problem. I’m already carrying out my functions, aren’t I?” “Yes, you are. I can see that but I need to be called Mrs. Josephine Ndutu before anything happens to me.” “Are you expecting anything to happen to you?” “I’m not, but one never knows.” “I hate to live in doubts. I would like to believe in myself and trust that the one who caused me to be on this earth has his reason for doing so. Can you turn around so I can find out how the baby’s doing?” Jojo turned around and with his stethoscope, Ndutu examined her and assured her that her baby was doing fine. Later she cleared the table and had the dishes washed and dried. He left for his own home after they had watched a couple of films on TV together. At nine p.m. Jojo went to bed. She had lied to Ndutu about the result of the test. She did not have the courage to tell him. She was very convinced that she had been infected by the reckless police 80 officer and the consequence was a shattered life for her. She knew of the tri-therapy and with it she could still carry on with her life for a pretty long time and above all she could support the cost. But her problem was Ndutu. She had infected him and the baby. She wondered how she was going to live with such guilt, even if Ndutu forgave her. Jojo rolled from one side of her bed to the other until the small hours of the morning. When she closed her eyes, she heard wedding bells, ushering her to the grand cathedral of the city. Ndutu had graduated and was a very prominent doctor. A cardiologist of international reputation. He had had a number of successes including the transplanting of the hearts of two presidents whose hearts had been exhausted by three decades of service to their people. He had got the highest honours from these statesmen as they continued to rule their respective nations. This wedding was attended by them and other dignitaries from around the world. She was at her best and she thanked God who had given her the wisdom to make the right choice. Her parents who had blamed her for running behind a mere student...