Episode 4 – Beyond the Bloodline
Ngozi’s POV
The silence in the clinic was unbearable, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock. My mind felt like it had short-circuited. Pregnant? Me? How? It was impossible or at least it should have been.
Amaka’s voice shattered the silence. “Doctor, there has to be a mistake. My friend can’t be… she’s not even… you know… active like that.”
Chioma nodded, her voice trembling slightly. “Yes, doctor, maybe the tests got mixed up or something. There’s no way.”
The doctor’s expression didn’t change. “I understand this is shocking, but the results are accurate. Ngozi is about four weeks pregnant. If you’d like, we can repeat the tests to confirm.”
I shook my head, my voice finally finding its way out. “No. I mean… Yes. Please repeat it.” I needed to believe this wasn’t real. That this was just some bizarre misunderstanding.
The second round of tests felt like an eternity. I sat in the clinic waiting room, staring at the tiled floor while Amaka and Chioma hovered beside me. Kamara, however, sat apart from the rest of us, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone. Her aloofness stung, but I couldn’t expect sympathy from her. We hadn’t exactly gotten along since I moved into the hostel, especially after I claimed the coveted bed space in Corner A, the one everyone wanted.
She smirked, glancing up occasionally, clearly unbothered by the commotion.
“Ngozi, think carefully,” Amaka said softly, sitting beside me. “Is there anything you’re not telling us? Anything that might explain this?”
Kamara glanced over, her lips curling into a grimace as though disgusted by the whole scene.
I looked up at Amaka, tears brimming in my eyes. “Amaka, I swear, there’s nothing. I don’t understand how this could happen.”
Chioma placed a hand on my shoulder, her voice soothing. “It’s okay. We’ll figure it out. Whatever it is, you’re not alone.”
Kamara, from her corner, rolled her eyes and muttered something I couldn’t quite hear.
The doctor returned with the results, and the moment I saw his face, I knew there was no mistake.
“The tests confirm it again. Ngozi, you’re pregnant,” he said gently, sitting down beside me.
I felt numb. My mind raced, trying to comprehend the impossible.
The doctor continued, “I suggest you discuss this with your partner and your family as soon as possible. It’s important to start antenatal care early for the baby’s health and yours.”
Amaka started to protest. “But doctor—”
He cut her off. “I understand this may not be planned, but I must also advise strongly against any attempts to terminate the pregnancy. Given the circumstances, it could endanger your health.”
I nodded weakly, unsure of what to say. He discharged me, and we left the clinic.
The walk back to campus felt surreal. My roommates flanked me, trying to offer comfort, while a few coursemates trailed behind us, whispering. Their whispers didn’t stay contained for long. By the time we reached the hostel, news of my pregnancy had already spread like wildfire. “Did you hear about Ngozi?” one student asked her friend on their way to the library, her tone dripping with excitement.
“Yes! Isn’t she the one that’s always carrying church on her head? Leader of Girls’ Guild, right?”
The first girl laughed. “Exactly! These innocent-looking ones are the worst. After pretending to be holy, they’ll go and hide to do their dirty games.”
“True o! They think they can fóôl us with their angel faces. Hypócrites!”
They burst into laughter and strolled away, joking about it as they prepared for their next exam.
Back at the Hostel
If the góssip outside hurt, the tórment inside the hostel was unbearable. Kamara wasted no time seizing the moment to humiliate me.
“So, Sister Ngozi, all those evening services you’ve been attending… we can see the results now!” she sneered, leaning against the bunk. “Don’t worry. Since you’re still pretending not to have a man, maybe your mysterious baby daddy will give us another Messiah. Who knows?”
Chioma got up from her bed. “Kamara, enough! What’s wrong with you? Why can’t you leave her alone?”
Kamara folded her arms and smirked. “At least I do my own things openly. I don’t go around pretending to be a saint.”
“Kamara, that’s enough!” Chioma snapped, stepping in between us.
Kamara raised her hands mockingly. “Relax, Chioma. I’m just saying the truth. Pretenders are the wórst.”
Her words cut deep, but I didn’t have the strength to argue. I sat quietly on my bed, staring at the floor as the chaos swirled around me.
I needed space to think, to clear my head, but the hostel was the last place to find peace. Everywhere I turned, there were whispers, mocking glances, and judgmental stares.
“What could be happening to me?” I whispered to myself, the weight of it all threatening to crush me.
I closed my eyes, hoping to shut out the noise, but it only made the questions in my mind louder. How did this happen? What am I supposed to do now?
The chaos in the room seemed endless, and with each passing moment, I felt myself spiraling further into confusion and despair.