EAGLE FROM THE RUBBLE: CHAPTER 29

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Obioha was now in the final class of his elementary education. He would soon be leaving for secondary school at the end of the academic year. He had intimated Euna on his intention to become a priest. He wanted to go to the seminary instead of the state secondary school. At first, she objected vehemently to this. But when Oyibo learnt of this development, she gave it her full support. She reasoned with her mother that this would be the solution to the lingering problem of parentage that had been causing trouble between her and Ezekwe.

Nwamaka had been married now for over three years but had manifested no interest in taking Obioha into her matrimonial home. Rather, she catered for his needs, allow him to visit on holidays but refused his staying permanently with her. She told Euna that it was not in the agreement they reached with each other several years before about Obioha. She reminded Euna of what she told her about the child being the one to inherit their father's own share of Oparaji's property. She further argued that Euna should have thought about the present problem before hatching the plan. Therefore, she bluntly refused taking Obioha fully into her matrimonial home.

Ezekwe and his kinsmen on the other hand, would have wedged a full-fledged war against Euna had not Oyibo promised that Obioha would leave Nneri once he finished his primary education. So to her, his decision about the seminary would bring a solution to the whole problem. After due consideration, Euna agreed but with a very heavy heart.

As this was going on Fr. Richard, one morning after morning mass, called all the mass servers together and addressed them.

"I realise some of you want to go to the seminary. The form for the entrance exam is out and I have very few copies with me. If you are interested, come and get yours

"Father, I want one" Walter quickly said. He was the son of one of the notable peršonalities in Nneri. His father was an Nze and a very successful business man. Walter was notorious among the mass servers for his dubious character.

Walter hated Obioha too. This was because of Fr. Richard's love for Obioha. Walter was so eaten up with jealousy about it that he found it difficult to relate well with Qbioha.

Fr. Richard looked at him thoughtfully but gave him the form. Some others collected including Obioha.

"Complete the forms and return them with the stipulated fee stated on the form. Give them to the catechist, he will return them to the seminary. I will be away for about a week for a retreat"

A week later, Fr. Richard returned from the retreat and was disappointed to discover that the catechist did not submit the forms as directed. On enquiry the catechist gave him some information that he was not prepared for.

"Father, concerning this boy," he said, showing him Obioha's form, "did you make enquiries about him? You know, we cannot submit his form. Remember the last time, the Rector told us to make proper enquiries before submitting forms to save the seminary the trouble of having to screen these boys out when they had spent many years in preparation for the priesthood," the catechist said.

"What's wrong with him?" he asked calmly.

"He's a bastard. He doesn't come from a 'real family."

Fr. Richard was startled. He was dumbfounded and surprised.

"Are you telling me that his mother isn't married?" he asked, doubtfully. "If that is the case, why is his sister a nun?" he asked, with a lot of scepticism.

"Sister Nkechinyere is not his sister but his aunt. The woman that he introduced to you as his mother is in fact his grandmother."

"Are you sure?" he managed to ask.

"Father, I was born and raised in this village. I know every indigene by name."

Fr. Richard slowly collected the form from him and directed him to despatch the others. Not quite believing the catechist, he went to Euna and asked her directly about the parentage of Obioha. After some delay, Euna came out with the truth and told him everything about Obioha. Fr. Richard was completely stupefied and saddened by the news. His main worry then was how to break the news to Obioha that he was not eligible for the seminary. He knew the news would break his heart. Obioha had prepared himself in every way possible for the seminary and eagerly looked forward to it. He went back to the parish worried.

He kept the news from him until after his final exams. Fr. Richard tried as much as possible to cushion his pain by suggesting other good schools he could attend. He did all he could to make it as acceptable as possible but he did not succeed. Obioha shed uncontrollable tears when he received the news. He cried daily for days, refusing food and drink.