LOVE is not enough!

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I am Ruby, the only child of my parent, which were both secondary school teachers. I am from South western state in Nigeria. I want to share my true life story with you, please grab your popcorn and hot coffee or tea to complement the whether as I take you through the journey that put my life in misery.

I entered University, one of the best Federal University in South West State to study English Language after failing several attempts of studying law, even though for two consecutive years, I always pass JAMB, but my Post Utme results is always below the cut off marks for law, my parents then adviced me to put in English Language because time is no longer on my side, and I've used two years of my life writing JAMB. I decided to listen to them, that year, my name came out of the merit lists, I was so overwhelmed and my parents were equally happy. The preparation started in earnest, all the fees were paid, and my Dad took me to school, I decided not to stay on campus for security and privacy purpose. Class soon started and I face my study squarely.

I met Jason in my 200level, he was a final year student of mechanical engineering. He was doing well for himself, at that time, he was a second class upper grade, and I saw a promising young man with a passion to succeed in life in him. Ours was love at first sight, that day I went to general library to read, I was so engrossed in my my thoughts as I was famished that day and was thinking of what to eat, whether to cook or just buy snacks, I didn't know when my library ID card fell from me. He obviously was aware I was lost in thought, as he was waiting in the railing for his friend to come out of the library. He then ran ahead to catch me, tap me and gave me the card. I was so happy and grateful to him because that could have caused me a headache to look for it. I asked him what I owned him of this kindness, he replied; 'your heart'

He then told me he was waiting for his friend, since they both stay on campus in one of the school hostel. I told him I stayed off campus, he volunteered to escort me to the school car park, he then called his friend to go without him, my heart skipped for this kind gesture again, walking with him that day, I don't know which one I enjoyed most, may be the heavenly cologne he used or the way he makes me laugh. I made up mind right there to give my heart to him, if I found him worth to be the custodian of it. I didn't hesitate to give him my number when he asked for it.

I got home that day, eventhough feeling exhausted but was happy to have found a friend, may be a lover, may be he will last forever. You wouldn't blame me for falling in love so fast. The first and the last crush I had ended in disaster. That was in my senior secondary school 2, I had a crush on our senior prefect boy, but the advantage to extort me of my lunch until I gave up. That was three years ago. I couldn't prepare anything to eat by the time I got home because I was exhausted, I only got some biscuits on my way and a very cold drink to suppress the hunger. That's how my love life was renewed again, it wasn't up to a month that I said yes to Jason's love proposal. Jason was everything every girl would pray for, the handsomeness, the cool and calm nature, the steeze, Jason always have the right words to calm and soften me whenever am anxious or angry. In all, Jason ticked one of my boxes.

In a twinkle of an eye, Jason wrote his final exams, while I was in three hundred level, he took me to town to an average restaurant to celebrate the milestone achievement. While he awaits his call up letter for the mandatory national youth service corp, he was learning photography. At last, he was posted to Port Harcourt and was posted to an oil company (chevron). As an hardworking dude, with humility, My Jason was retained. The salary was mouthwatering with a lot of benefits, an official car with a three bedroom flat. How happy I was when he shared this with me, by that time I was already rounding off my degree.

On my 24th birthday, Jason proposed marriage to me, a surprise that still melt my heart till today, he organised the surprised birthday for me with some of my friends in attendance. I didn't think twice before saying 'yes' to my prince charming. After every one had gone and we were back to my room, we decided to have an heart to heart talk before telling our parents about the development, I told him I would like to go for my masters degree. Jason has already registered and admitted for his masters. He said he would sponsor me to any level I desire in my academic pursuits. Having satisfied for the response I got from my soon to be husband, I traveled the following weekend. My mother's joy knew no bounds, the fact that I will give them grandchildren early make them happy but my daddy almost spoil the moment by asking if I already know Jason's genotype, because I am AS, honestly, all this while, it has never crossed my mind to ask him, and he has never, as well. I asked him in the night while I was chatting with him, and he said he will go to a nearby diagnostic laboratory to check early the following morning.

Jason dropped the bomb shell on my WhatsApp that he was AS, I advised him to try another Lab, the results remained the same, I voiced my concern to my mum, she advised that I should let go of the relationship, but no, I didn't listen, my future is with Jason and nothing, not even ordinary genotype can separate us. My parents were adamant, mum wailed, Dad spoke, I was neck stiffed. Jason's parents weren't bothered, they respected our decision. But my parents were the only obstacles, mum then suggested we go for medical counseling. The doctor gave us many options, like checking the foetus before given birth and can be 'flushed', or adopt, or go for bone marrow surgery for the affected child, or say no to such marriage entirely.

The last option didn't sit well with us. My parents still didn't give their consent, I stopped eating at home, because by that time I already round off my degree program and was back at home as an awaiting corp member. I didn't attend any social gathering, my mother was feeling the heat more, she was worried I might injured my self, she talked to dad, and they gave their consent. I fought and won for our love. The traditional and white wedding date was fixed, my wedding was the talk of the town, I married the only man that made my heart leap.

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On the third month of our marriage, I missed my period, and with all the feverish conditions that followed, I knew I was pregnant. I tried to dissuade my husband from checking the genotype of the foetus and he agreed. We decided to be optimistic. Before we started shopping for the baby layette, we decided to check for the sex of our baby, and supprisinly, we saw twins.
Two girls! they arrived on a beautiful afternoon, the day our wedding clocked a year!

Mary and Martha grew rapidly, but Mary usually falls sick, after their first birthday, we decided to check their genotype, Mary is SS, while Martha is AS. We decided to love them both. On their third year on earth, Martha slipped in the bathroom and slumped, she died on the way to hospital.
Mary our little girl was always falling sick, fever today, rheumatic tomorrow, I was drained, I couldn't do any work, Jason stated coming late and sometimes got himself drunk, my home become an haven of misery. My masters degree suffered and I had to stay at home to concentrate on the well being of our child. Mary's pain always taunt me, Jason is no longer the sweet humble dude he was. I don't blame him though.

Mary later finished high school, but on her matriculation day, my girl didn't wait to be matriculated. She can no longer withstand the crises. My widowed mother then followed, her only grandchild has gone, what is she waiting for? Jason now has another family! yes o, he left me miserable, he had a boy with his new wife and a pregnancy.

What followed trauma, pain, had I known, agony, torment, misery, heartache! I should have walked away then!

LOVE is truly not enough!