By Tonio Lawrex
NNEOMA
My growing into a woman was weird. The metamorphosis was way rapid and the feminine mystery was alarming. My parents restricted my upbringing, probably with the intentions of not exposing me to carnality, but their over-protectiveness made me vulnerable instead. Feminine metamorphoses were series of wonders to me, from seeing seeds erupting from my chest – to feeling wetness under my undies on a certain broad-daylight. It was when a classmate alerted me, saying my white pinafore was soaked red, that I realised I was actually bleeding.
After I was cleaned up, I tried expressing my ignorance but they mocked me, saying I was pretending.
Before my parents travelled, making me stay with Uncle Amos till they were back; I could still remember asking Mum about ‘Puberty’, a topic we treated in Home Economics then. Mum shunned me, saying: “Baby, what other subjects were you taught today?”
Unfortunately, I attended school from Uncle’s place the day blood soaked my pinafore. I came home and completely related the story to him. Naively feeling like an innocent child in the hands of a safe uncle. He tried explaining the feminine fact surrounding my situation, but my ‘whys’ became too much that he couldn’t explain better.
“Ok! When I’m back tomorrow, I’ll teach you more, perhaps practically.” I was glad to hear him say that, because those days in school, I understood practical more than theories. I never knew what mess my curiosity would land me into.
UNCLE AMOS
I was shocked at Nneoma’s ignorance even at her age. But like seriously, hadn’t her mum equipped her on the knowledge of puberty, or was she (Nneoma) trying to seduce me?
Well, that evening I had planned to play along according to whatever plays out when we start the practical. But sincerely, I was supposed to be her guide even if she wanted to go astray. But would my canal desire let me?
“Hey, welcome uncle” she said, ushering me to the house.
“How was school today?” I inquired, feeling her tender arms around me.
“…was good, have got assignment on Geography but before that, remember the practical which…” as she innocently talked, I didn’t feel the love of an uncle to a niece anymore. I just felt lust.
During the practical, I went as close as striping, touching, and then caressing. Gullible Nneoma came to her senses, as she cried ‘NO!’ while running out of my room. I was bathed with shame.
NNEOMA
My naivety didn’t cross the boundaries of not knowing what was erotic or sexual. Uncle Amos’ lectures exceeded mere practical. It was more disheartening that it came from an uncle whom I so much trusted.
It was a teachable moment for me, for I learnt to be conscious when with any man, no matter how closely a relation he is. Sexual urge is a tendency which knows no bounds. It could go as far as attaining climax, no matter what it takes. Now, I could believe stories of a man trying to lay his daughter, niece, or even housemaid. It is possible.
What else did that moment teach me? – It taught me to become not just a mother to my unborn daughter, but also a friend, companion and gossip-mate. Because, for my classmates to have accused me of being holier-than-thou, only meant they’ve been equipped on the bases of puberty more than I was. Therefore, I’ll mother my daughter in a way that she’ll freely bare her mind to me emotionally, biologically and otherwise. Then, I’ll equip her more than I was equipped.
Comments