Emeh
He took a step forward,
I stepped back,
Tears rolling down my cheeks.
“Go away”, I said.
“Move away from me, Emeh. We are the cursed in the village and you belong to the pure breed. We have no business in common”.
“But I love you, Ere. I want to spend the rest of my life with you”, he said wiping off my tears .
“Don’t be unrealistic, Emeh. It breaks my heart that our love will never stand. What will people say?
“That the only son of Udogu, the richest salt merchant of this kingdom is in love with an outcast?
“I have the interest of my people at heart. I don’t want my family to be killed”.
“You know Ere, we might just put a stop to this custom. We are all equal and I can’t let go of the lady I love so much because of this injustice.”
“It is not as easy as you think, Emeh. Did you know? Ere paused and look around to be sure there is no possibility of a living listening being nearby before she continues.
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“Did you know that Nkwocha and his family were killed by your group last week because they caught his son in bed with the daughter of Mezue the Yam lord.
“I cannot afford to loose my life or that of my family. It is even risky meeting here. Someone might see us”.
“Ere, what becomes of us then?
“I don’t know, Emeh. I’m just confused. She come closer so that Emeh could hold her very close to himself.
“I have enough money to sustain us for years, Ere. I am hardworking too just like my father. We may just make the number ten”.
Sensing what Emeh was driving at, Ere quickly looked up to meet his eyes, so much consumed with pure love.
“You mean, we should…
“Yes, we should elope. Ten years ago, Eduma the son of the tinker started it in the history of our great kingdom. Four years ago, Ekene did the same and two years ago it was Maduka and Adaolisa. It is our turn now, Ere my love. Let us escape this prison and go far away where no one can find us and live the best of our lives. I promise not to hurt you or make you regret this decision”.
“Emeh, are you mad?
“Yes, I am. Since I met you walking feebly to the river on that Eke market day, I knew I had lost my senses watching you disappear from sight and still followed you to the river.
“I will go wherever you go, Emeh my love. You have truly proven to me that love fears no boundaries. It is our turn now”.
“I will arrange the canoe men and other things we might need. As it pleases the gods of our land, we will be leaving in the early hours of morning on the next eke market. A commemoration of the day we met.
“I love you, Emeh.
“I love you more, Ere. My precious gift from above”.
They hugged each other tightly while the cool evening breeze caressed their worries away.
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