Mummy and John get married on a Tuesday, with just a small gathering of close family and friends. John couldn't contain his happiness, he picked Mummy up in his arms and whirled her around, her white dress and veil surrounding them like the summer wind.
John was over the moon. "Mandie, you're the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you with all my heart," he exclaimed.
"I love you too, John. I can't imagine life without you." Mummy replied, her face buried in his embrace.
Me and Mimi wore our pretty pink dresses, John had bought them specifically for the wedding. I gazed at the towering cake, the stunning decorations, and all the delicious food and drinks. And that expensive ring on Mummy's finger, and wondered how much John had spent on this wedding.
Is Mummy really worth it?
My name is Magie, and at twelve years old, life has been a bit wobbly for me. Mimi is ten years old.
After Mummy married Mr. John, we moved from our small container to a real house. I love it here, even though I thought it would be much bigger.
I always imagined Mr. John to be a rich man. I mean, why else would my mother marry him, right? To have someone to take care of her and us girls? She's even expanded her business, no more street hawking for us.
“Magie, where's your mummy?" Mr. John asked me.
"She hasn't come back from the market yet," I replied, only just realizing her absence.
“What is keeping her? I just hope she is fine” he said.
“Don't worry daddy. She is fine. Sometimes customers shop more in the evening” I said.
That evening, Mr. John cooked rice for us. He waited for Mummy so they could eat together.
"Magie, are we going to leave again? I mean, will we stay here forever?" Mimi asked as she snuggled beside me in the small raffia bed. "Mimi, I don't know to be honest. But don't worry, let's have a great time while we are here," I said, hugging her tightly. Mimi fell asleep, but I couldn't sleep.
I reflected on our life. Mummy had left my daddy, Mr. Carl, when I was just 5. I didn't understand then because I thought we were going on holiday. I waited for a long time and realized Mummy was not ready to go back home.
A year later, she got married to Mr. Randy, a tall, hairy, fair man.
We all liked Mr. Randy and called him Daddy.
Mr. Randy was very nice but an alcoholic. He drank and made life miserable for us whenever he was under the influence. Mummy couldn't endure him, so we left.
Then there was Uncle Trust. We couldn't call him daddy because he was too young to marry Mummy, but he did, and we call him Uncle.
There was Texas. Another nice man, but with a bulky stomach and a bushy beard. I resented his scratchy kisses.
I never thought we would leave Texas. He was very nice to Mummy. Bought her many gifts, opened a provision business for her, and sent us to a private school.
After all that he did for us, Mummy left because he slapped her.
Mr. Texas sent us numerous letters, but Mummy had already moved on.
We passed through a lot during this time, the man who had wanted to marry Mummy disappointed her. We had to stay in a container that we previously used for a provision store.
I didn't know when I fell asleep, for I was jolted back with a loud bang. "Why are you coming home by this time of the night?" I heard Mr. John ask with anger.
"How is that your business?" Mummy retorted.
"Really? We are married, and that's why I demand to know why you are coming home this late," Mr. John said.
Mandie let out a mocking laugh, "This man will not fail to surprise me. You call yourself a married man? When was the last time you fed your family, John?" asked Mummy.
"Mandie, you know I lost my job three months ago and I'm still hunting for another one."
" It's because you have someone to feed you. And don't take this for granted because it may not last,"
Mummy's last words made my stomach twists. That was an open threat.
I covered my ears with my hands.
I didn't want to hear her anymore.
Mr. John is broke. He now asks Mummy money for transportation to search for work. I guess he used all his money to buy us clothes, restock Mummy's shop, and pay our school fees. Mummy is not treating him well. The money she was looking for is no longer there. She has been answering secret calls lately, and I'm sure she is on a call with my new 'Daddy'. It's sad to say, but Mummy will leave again. And I'm anxious to see who's next.
I closed my diary and went back to sleep. I'm already used to her games, nothing to worry about anymore. I just don't know whose life she will ruin next.
It was a Sunday morning. Mummy told us we're not going to church because there was no money for transportation and offerings.
And then she stepped out after answering a call.
She returned five hours later, and Mr. John asked her where she went to.
“Don't I have my freedom of movement anymore? John leave me alone!” she shouted and pushed him out of her way.
But Mr. John dragged her back. “You must tell me where you are coming back from” he demanded.
“And if I don't? John I never knew you would be this poor, you've finally joined your family thread of poverty…”
Mr.John raised his hand to slap her but stopped.
“Really? John, did you just raise your hand on me? Does this mean you will make me a punching bag in the future?” she started to cry.
And then she said the words I've been waiting for.
“You know what? I am done with this marriage!” she let it out.
“Then leave my house!” Mr. John said.
I sat down on the pavement and wrote in my diary…
Mummy is leaving today. Mimi is crying already. Not because we are leaving, but because Mr. John may not survive the heartbreak.
I'm sure he's still dreaming or maybe he thought Mum is joking.
I don't want to go back to the street.
Then mummy started packing. We join her to pack and within thirty minutes, we have removed everything from Mr. John’s house.
It was shocking to see an empty house with no mattress, cooking cylinder, or kitchen utensils.
Mr. John didn't say anything. I guess it's 'cause he didn't buy any of those. He was just starting life when we moved in with him.
Mummy had indirectly bought all the household goods and home decor with his money, and now she's claiming they're hers.
Then Mummy called the truck man, we packed up all our stuff and Mr. John's belongings. As we drove away, I noticed Mr. John running after our truck. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
‘poor man’ I sighed.
The truck took us on a winding journey, and eventually, we arrived at a house.
I was shocked to my bone when I saw who came out of the house.
It was Daddy standing there!
Mimi couldn't contain her excitement and ran out of the truck shouting.
“Daddy!”
“My angels! Daddy missed you guys so much” he said and kissed us countless times.
But then, something even more shocking happened. Daddy looked at Mummy with gentle eyes, and she looked back at him with remorse.
“Carl, please forgive me. I have known no peace ever since I left you.
I am sorry please, forgive me” mum sobbed with her knees on the ground.
Daddy took her hands, kissed them, and said “ I have forgiven you my wildflower. Please get up and come to Zaddy”.
And that was it!
Daddy later restored Mummy's biggest ruin — Mr.John.
Daddy convinced him to let him furnish his house, and offered him a job.
It wasn't easy, but eventually, Mr. John accepted his offer.
”Magie, it's a good thing we are back with Daddy right?” Mimi asked.
“Yes, Mimi. Being back with Daddy is a good thing. It's something we should be grateful for”, I replied as she helped me rub powder on my back.
“So why don't you write it in your journal?” Mimi asked.
I reached for my pillow and took out my journal. Mimi lay beside me and peeped, with a wide smile.
How happy!
Mummy is back to Daddy, and this is very unexpected!
We all love Daddy and he loves us too.
I'm the happiest twelve-year-old on earth.
Mimi is the happiest ten!
Finally, we're going to have a full family,
And live happily ever after!
With Love💕