CHAPTER FOURTEEN
It was so nice seeing everyone here again. They were the oldest of the Barigha children and always enjoyed the harmony they created despite the circumstances that brought them together. They remained together, successful and happy.
After much hugging and teasing and some name-calling, Samantha sat back and observed each sibling.
Theo, dressed in a navy-blue shirt and jeans, he gave off a carefree air, had gotten his degree in neurology and practiced in a number of specialist hospitals across three states in the United States.
Ben, the talented chef, he was always so serious. He only ever showed his jovial side when he was with his family. Sometimes, Samantha felt he needed to not be so careful.
Rebecca, always snooping for a story, she wore a black simple dress. Her dream had always been to find the story behind the story and put it out there. She had been digging into the George Barigha story for years but all the mothers were keeping mute about it. The assurance that she would not publish a story about the Barigha family didn't sway any of them. But she never gave up.
Julia, tourist agent and the people's person, wore a multicolored shirt with brown pants. She almost never wears makeup, says there was no need when she'd been wiping sweat off the face every few seconds.
Joseph or Joe as they all called him, was the introvert in the Barigha family. He spoke computer tech, and answered in cryptic monotones. She heard from Julia once that he might have hacked into their father's bank accounts to find out where exactly his monies were coming from. It was once rumored that George Barigha had room where he consulted other beings. Turned out that was just a rumor.
Beside Joe was Lesley, who was more of the opposite of everyone. He was never serious about anything. He missed graduation because he failed most of his courses. And he barely managed to finish because the people in this room refused to give their father the satisfaction to gloat at his mother. He was a professional nothing and leaved off each of his older siblings. But to Samantha, better them than their father. Lucas was the hardest on him. Samantha thought if Lucas had not taken on the responsibility to always be there for her, he would have turned out exactly like Les.
Nicole was a writer, hated everybody, or at least, pretended to, and was the most private person among them. She was the most defiant and strong-headed of the family. Perhaps, her stubbornness could be attributed to her characters' ability to cross red taped off lines despite police order. She was a very private person and the closest friends she had still remained her siblings, whom she still tells should get off her back.
She wrote gruesome murder mysteries for a living. Samantha only managed to read one of her novels. Her scenes projections were so vivid you could feel the blade of the knife the killer was about to use to amputate or skin a victim. As a duty to her sister, Samantha finished that one novel with her room flooded with bright light. After which, she woke up from a very graphic dream where the killer was chasing her. Ever since that incident, she only purchased the novels and stocked them in her library to show her support for her sister's career.
There was Sonia, sweet baby Sonia, who was estranged from their father. She never wanted to return to Nigeria because of a fallout between her and George Barigha. She worked in New York as an editor at a publishing house. Sonia had once been very jovial up until the year she left for a scholarship in the United States and didn't come back ever since. Nicole spent more time with her than the rest of the family. She couldn't be here, again.
And there was Lucas, her older brother and best friend. They bonded from childhood and most times, she thought he missed a lot of boyhood because he had to always watch out for her. He wouldn't sneak out to go partying because she couldn't do the same. He would sneak into her room to console her when her mother locked her in her room. Lucas, her big brother and best friend.
When things got tough, the Barigha children pulled themselves together. Lucas took the seat at the head, being the oldest of the Barigha children. Stress lines marred his perfect looks. He'd worked very late into the night yesterday, and they missed spending the time together. Now, she could see the effect wearing him out.
He draped his jacket over his seat, allowing everyone to settle in before taking his seat.
“Good morning, everyone. I trust you all had uneventful flights.”
Though others responded with the necessary sounds and appropriate gestures, she raised her brows, gently inquiring about his tone of voice, he gave her a disarming smile, the one she knew worked for the ladies and also closed deals, one she knew all too well and was immune to.
“We are not your clients, Lucas. This is a family meeting.” She reminded him in a quiet voice.
“For the initial part of this meeting, this is a business meeting.” His cocky smile still in place.
“Stubborn Barigha.” She muttered under her breath.
“There is no need to run around in circles, I have in mind Ben's delicious meal he promised.”
That garnered positive responses from others. Ben stood up, gave them a bow before sitting back down.
“Stuff it, Ben. Nicole said. You're not the only one who can cook.”
“I'd say it’s certainly better than some, …” Rebecca said quietly and cleared her throat, leaving the rest of the sentence hanging, except, it wasn't quietly enough.
“What was that?” Nikki was off her chair.
“Much talk about food is making my stomach growl in hungry anticipation.” Theo put in, deflecting some anger from the room.
It took some effort to calm Nicole down when she got started.
Lucas stood up, “Now that we're all settled, I'd like to congratulate everyone for a successful year so far. Theo, congratulations on the completion of your internship in India.”
Theo acknowledged this with a slight inclination of his head.
Lucas nodded to Samantha.
“Thank you, Luc. Hello, everyone. Last year, we discussed starting a trust fund for our younger siblings. Lucas and I have put together some ideas and have opened the account already.” She passed the files on the table to Ben, who was closest to her, and he distributed them to the rest of the company.
“With the account up and running, we would like to inform everyone that donations can start coming in. Anyone who has any questions can get to me after the meeting and if you have any suggestions, we'd love to hear all about it during dinner tonight. Rebecca?”
Rebecca stood up. “I've been privileged to work on this special trust fund project with Lucas and Ms. Samantha. It's a project that can help each Barigha kid to make something of themselves like we did. So far, we have raised about 2.8million in naira, definitely a far cry from what we have in mind. Now, the idea is for each person to give as they feel comfortable and not impose a mandatory amount.”
Someone made a suggestion and others chimed in. Lucas leaned towards her, “My stomach is more interested in what's been prepared for breakfast than what is going on in this meeting.”
She shot him a disbelieving look, “I believe you just relinquished your birthright.”
“Not to Ben's satisfaction.” He grinned, then focused his attention on others. “Anita Barigha will be graduating from the University of Wales in a few months. She's going to be the first to benefit from the trust fund project. She has been with me during her last holidays, getting to know the structure of the business world. For now, she hasn't decided what she's going to do, to get a job or start up something.”
Samantha was already thinking mentoring program for the kids, trainings, internship at select businesses, so much that could be done to help the younger kids grow up with plans of what they wanted to do.
Lucas raised his hand and everyone grew quiet. “Dad's birthday is almost here. You know, with that trust fund, we can always be prepared for events like this. We need to decide what we're going to do for him this year and who chairs this year's celebration. Venison must be prepared for him.”
“Lucas is being Biblical; I have hope yet.” Nikki rolled her eyes, adding a grin to show she was joking.
“Now, let's introduce the bride-to-be, Samantha.” He was clapping and trying to create a celebration mood, but turns out, he didn't need to.
Ben and Theo took to shouting and hooting, Rebecca and Julia cheering and Nikki, oh Nikki, said and everyone heard it,
“Thank you for saving the rest of us from the marriage talk. It was getting out of control.”
“Amen, sister.” The twins said simultaneously and laughed at their private joke.
∞ ∞ ∞
While others filed out, Samantha stayed behind with Lucas. Shed noticed how often he threw that killer-smile her way and knew it was but a ruse to curb a troubling thought. He'd grown up with the responsibility of always looking out for her. It had been a task teasing her which had never failed to put her in a better mood considering the woman who bore the title of a mother to her.
“You coming, Sam?' Ben asked from the door.
'I'll drive her.” Lucas replied with a half-smile. “It'll be a delight to work my charm on her during the drive.”
“Watch out, Lucas. I hear that Mark Grinder is an arrogant fellow.” Theo warned behind Ben. Both shared a look and quickly scrambled off seeing the one Samantha shot at their retreating backs.
She relished the moment of being alone with Lucas. It had been a long time since shed spent a moment alone with him; with him being so busy and her being far away. She'd missed him a lot without realizing they'd rarely been in communication for the past few months.
She sighed and gave him a small smile, seeing that his gaze was on her, watching, checking to see for any sign of stress or abnormality. That was Lucas. He always looked out for her. Something her mother had forced him into because of how she always gave her daughter a tough time.
'Sit down, Lucas.' She said, then, winced. “Sorry.”
His eyes danced in merry amusement. “You don't have to apologize, Sassy. You know I like that side of you.”
Samantha squirmed in her seat. He ever only called her that when he found her amusing. He'd often told her she was born sassy despite her mother's desperation to kill whatever willpower in her.
Sitting close, he took her hands. “How have you been, Sammy? I've missed you an awful lot.”
She felt like weeping. She'd missed her best friend too. More than she'd let on. Whenever her mother was acting up, he always charged to her rescue. Once, as a twelve-year-old, he'd yelled at her mother, calling her mean and wicked. His mother had reprimanded him, of course for disrespecting an elder but later, she'd praised him for trying to protect his sister. That day, Victoria had prepared spicy moi-moi for them with ice cream. That had been one of her favorite childhood memories.
Lucas brushed the tear from her face. She hadn't realized her memories were bringing such liquid to get eyes.
They may share different mothers but being the two oldest of the Barigha children, they had always stuck by each other. She had helped him sneak out of the house to attend a party. Maybe, their relationship stemmed from being the first two kids before the extension became a norm. And even when other kids began to arrive, they'd remained the closest of siblings and friends. It only meant she had to share him half the time with the others.
“I'm fine, Lucas.” She wiped her face dry. “See? I'm perfectly fine.” But the attempt to lighten the mood failed.
“I hear she still bullies you.” He sounded angry. “I wish you'd move here where I can keep an eye on you.” Oh, how she'd missed him!
She did smile. “That would be nice.”
Something was bothering him. Having grown up with him, she'd learned to discern his mood swings. But she wouldn't push, praying that he'd tell her at his convenience.
“I got a place for my extension office here.” She injected more enthusiasm into her voice, hoping to draw him out of his melancholy. “The paperwork will be concluded by Monday.”
That brightened his mood like she'd hoped. “That's wonderful, Sam. Uyo is a booming place for business. Why didn't you tell me you were looking?”
The reproach was apparent, but she was used to handling Barigha men. “And miss the show of watching your cute face glow? No way!”
He pinched her nose playfully. “I'm glad. That means you can move here.”
“And chase away all the women in your life, really? They would not forgive me in this lifetime.”
He laughed. She was glad to see they were back to their easy bantering. “This Mark Grinder seems to have put you forth, Sassy.”
Laughing, she let her mind wander a bit. She'd avoided thinking of him all day. Okay, only for some part of the meeting. Yes, he'd made her feel like herself- someone she was only around Lucas. He'd also brought out her toughness. A small smile touched her lips, remembering the events that led to his proposal. Yeah, Mark Grinder had been made for her.
“Fond memories he gives you. I hope they won't interfere with my memories.”
She scoffed. “Fond memories, you? Yeah, right.”
He looked pained, she had to laugh. She'd really missed him. It was so easy being around him. He always inspired it.
Watching him closely, she closed her hand over his on the table. His eyes flickered down only briefly and averted his gaze, avoiding her.
“I'm fine, Sam.”
It was a lame line. He didn't look fine. She'd let the meeting and the presence of others keep her from jumping him for answers. He looked tired, stressed. But that might just be a cover for what was really wrong with him. She knew him too well.
“Obviously, you're fine, Lucas. I'm also allowed to worry about you, you know. You don't get to do the caring all the time.”
He glanced at her hand still covering his. “Why don't you move down here, Sam?”
She squeezed his hand. If he wanted to avoid the conversation, she wouldn't push him. He would talk to her when he was ready. “I'm getting married, Lucas. I can't just pack up and move.”
This time, he looked at her. She almost cried out from the pain etched in his face.
“Last year, it was ‘I'll consider it,’ now, you're getting married. I want you here where I can assure myself that you're safe.” He gripped her hands so tight they hurt.
She didn't mean to be inconsiderate. She wanted to move closer to him more than anything, but she just couldn't. Neither could she spend the rest of her life hiding from her mother. Her mother never had anything kind to say to her or about her, but she'd stay and deal with it on her own terms. She couldn't let Lucas dash to the rescue all the time. What if he was married? Would she call him in the middle of the night to fly to Abuja to rescue her yet again?
“I'm sorry, Lucas.”
He let go of her hands abruptly. “You certainly like having her hurt you.”
The frown that came to her face was swift. “Have you been watching me again, Lucas?”
“You give me more to worry about than the twins in their teens. So, yeah, I've been watching you. And before you ask, yes, I had him investigated. Thoroughly. That’s because I don't want to see you get hurt by one more person again. So, go ahead and be sassy.”
He was pacing, his hands jammed angrily into his pockets and looked mighty angry. Suddenly, she wasn't angry at him anymore. She got up and hugged him. It took a minute before he was clutching her tight, making her breath come out in forced puffs, but she didn't care. He cared. That was what matters.
He pulled her away gently, looking into her eyes, her smiling eyes.
“Thank you, Lucas. For caring.”
He looked at her, uncertain of her response. 'What has the Grinder guy done to you?'
Pulling free of the embrace, she laughed. “He's simply been too nice to me.” Then her face fell. Simply too nice. She thought of the secret she was keeping from him. She couldn't find the right time to tell him yet.
Lucas pushed her back into her seat. “Too nice' is making you overthink, Sam.”
It felt wrong keeping Mark in the dark. So wrong. He's been nothing but honest with her. “He doesn't know who Father is. Father sent Uncle John to represent him for my introduction. I wasn't surprised, and honestly, I didn't expect him to show up. I wonder what business would keep him from my wedding.”
Lucas considered his response. “This Mark Grinder fellow loves you, and that much I can assure you that. I don't think it would be change how he feels about you when he finds out about Father.”
She already knew that. It's finding the right words and time to tell him that keeps her. And a small nagging fear that he might run the opposite direction once he finds out about her father.
“Is there something you're leaving out?”
She shook her head in disbelief. “It's just that, the second time we met, I sort of proposed to him.”
It was hopeless to talk to Lucas about something like this. When she'd been expecting a solution to her dilemma, he was laughing at her predicament instead. Then, she had to admit it wasn't a thing one should tell one's brother, especially overprotective one like Lucas.
“You need to stop keeping company with that overly-bold friend of yours.” He finally said when he'd composed himself enough.
He'd told her often to end her friendship with Gracie. “We're no longer friends, Gracie and I. At least at the moment. Anyway, she bribed Mark to ask me out after I'd done my own mess and had him despise me already.”
Lucas looked at her with a serious expression. “And you agreed to marry him?”
“Actually, ...” And she launched into the full description of what had happened. By the time she was done, Lucas was laughing so hard and loud that his assistant was peering into the conference room to see what was happening. Samantha frowned. This was not the response she'd expected. A reprimand, maybe. Advice, definitely. But not him laughing at her. Perhaps, they'd grown apart that she no longer knew what his response to such tale would be.
When he'd gotten some semblance of control, he took her hand. “Oh, Sammy, I knew you had it in you. I'm just sorry I missed all that drama.' He shook his head, 'If I were Mark Grinder, I'd lock you up so that I have you all to myself.”
“And scare off all your women? No way. God knows I have my hands full with you as my brother.”
He looked at her intently. “You should tell him, Sam. He loves you. It's obvious. He's a nice guy who holds family dearly. Maybe you aren't giving him enough credit.”
She thought about it. Maybe she wasn't giving them enough credit.
Mark was a good guy. If nothing else, she owed him this much.
“Alright, get up.” Lucas said, dragging her to her feet. “I don't want Theo to finish all that food Ben and his assistant are going to lay out for us.”
∞ ∞ ∞
Mark was grinning like he'd slept with a hanger in his mouth. He couldn't help it. Today, he was marrying a remarkable lady who was way out his league but was marrying him for who he was and not what was in his bank account. Not that she told him she loved him but if her subtle looks thrown at him were any indication, she was just as in love with him as he was with her.
Senator ThankGod poked his head into the room. Another miracle; the senator and Chief Judge had come through for him by supporting him financially. The bill her family threw at him. Phew. At least he'd gotten everything her family requested for the traditional wedding, which was going to take place immediately after the church wedding. They'd assured him he was fine if the family had any new demands.
“How are you, Mark?”
Unsure of how to answer that, seeing he was so nervous, Mark turned to his younger brother, who was also his Best man, signaling him to stop with the cravat, his eyes falling on Morris who was uncomfortably fussing with his own tie with a deep-creased frown of concentration.
He allowed a smile before facing the senator, “I feel like a schoolboy who just landed a date with the hottest senior girl.”
Mr. Morris chuckled, which caused the senator to glance his way for the first time.
“Please, allow me to introduce you to my best friend, Mr. Morris. Morris, this is Senator ThankGod. He's like an uncle to me.”
While both men shook hands, the senator made a humph. “I am not that old.”
Morris considered the other man and nodded as though the matter was graver although Mark could see he was holding back the urge to laugh.
“Don't worry, Mark.” The Senator said. “I'm here for you. So is the chief judge. Just concentrate on the I do and we'll take care of the rest.”
Mark hoped so. Her family had been most adamant during the negotiation of the bride price. He only hoped they didn't make any further demands. Samantha had assured him that her family wouldn't make ridiculous requests, he couldn't help but wonder at his soon-to-be mother-in-law and whatever demands she might make. And the father-in-law he's yet to meet was another case he was fretting over. He had no idea what to expect from her family.
Of course, he'd rejected all her offers to help financially in the responsibilities due him. He knew she wouldn't let it be until they reached an agreement; he'd agreed to let her pay part of the souvenirs. That and agreeing to her mother’s insisting that she and their relatives' take care of the food. And the number of relatives she has! It was a freakish episode of Lost, except, these people weren't lost. They were simply too many that have been by his house the last couple of days.
The senator didn't stay long. He left after ensuring there was no problem with the groom’s tux. Almost immediately the door closed behind him, it opened again to admit Carol, his former neighbor, who looked like shed seen a ghost and had it chasing on her heels.
He raised his brow fractionally and intuitively excused his brother and Morris from the lounge. With the way she was breathing, he figured she’d been running.
“Did you know?” She asked accusingly.
He sat down and indicated she sits next to him. She did, but reluctantly.
“Did you know who she was?”
“I'm assuming the ‘she’ would be Samantha, so, yes, I know who she is.” Emphasizing the ‘is’.
She shook her head. I don't think you get my meaning. “Did you know Samantha Barigha is one of the daughters of George Barigha, the richest Black man in the world?”
He was quiet, unsure what to say. He wondered where Carol's imagination was going to this time. Shrugging, he got up and poured himself a drink from the decanter.
“Mark, you didn't know.” She sounded sympathetic as she stood up. And you don't believe me. She shook her head slightly as she heard footsteps outside. Maybe you should step out of this room and see for yourself. The entire household of George Barigha is here, plus friends of his in high places. And if that's not enough, step outside to the parking lot and see him with his entourage.
She sounded so sure. Carol was never wrong. She tended to be too obsessed with George Barigha and his affairs. But what she just told him couldn't possibly be true. She was obviously overwhelmed by the sheer size of relations one could have. He knew it couldn't be true. It was true her father had been too busy to attend his own daughters traditional wedding and had sent representatives. And one could have a lot of distant relatives who lived in such proximity, isn't it?
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Carol leave the room.
It occurred to him that he'd never actually checked with Samantha about who George Barigha was in her life. And she'd never volunteered that information either. Was that the foundation they were going to lay for their marriage; lies and lack of trust? Could such a union last? Even if it could, did she love him enough?
The fear he felt was so sudden. She'd never told him she loved him. What if she was just settling because of her mother? What if this was all a marriage of convenient for her? Twice, she'd tried to get him into a contract marriage. It was his pride that made him to change her terms and present his. But she'd disagreed. She wanted it only on her own terms. Could she be just like the man who'd set him up to fall in love with her?
A sick feeling curled his gut, his stomach muscles dragged into themselves. She was attracted to him. He was man enough to recognize that. But she didn't love him. All she wanted was the union. If he thought she felt for him half the love he had for her, he wouldn't think twice about marrying her. But she didn't.
She had a very strong work ethic. She loved challenges and helping people. He knew what made her smile, the strength, and courage. What he didn't know was how the media saw her. Should he find out? What would he find? What was the harm, he asked himself? Crossing to the dresser, he picked up his phone and googled Barr. Samantha Barigha.
The first option that popped up was, Success follows success- Barrister Samantha Barigha takes after her father, George Barigha. Scrolling down, he found more articles with related stories. One in particular caught his attention Is Barrister Samantha Barigha truly George Barigha’s daughter? Clicking on it, the full article appeared on the screen, with pictures of Samantha and George Barigha. The frown, which was just starting, deepened.
There were lots more. Samantha Barigha had 31siblings and 10stepmothers. She was the first daughter and second child of George Barigha. There were pictures of her with one very handsome guy smiling at her across the table in a restaurant. That image he found very disturbing because she was laughing and had a radiant, peaceful look about her. It was a scene too cozy for him to continue looking at, then he glanced at the bottom of the photo and saw the write-up; SAMANTHA AND LUCAS BARIGHA. That brought down his hackles but the uneasy feeling of betrayal was beginning to gnaw at him, a tight knot around his neck.
Mark found more articles and pictures with several others, older and young alike. He saw photos of her with her sister, Rita. Suddenly, he felt like the life had drained from him.
All the people at the Villa, the 'mothers' as they asked him to call them, they'd all been mothers truly. They were the other ten wives. He'd met almost the entire family of a great man. But the woman he was about to marry didn't think he should have that information.
That day when he'd received the verdict to marry her, he hadn't thought of the man beyond a regular rich and powerful man who was capable of carrying out his threat. Today, right now, it finally dawned on him just how hopeless his dream of marrying the man's daughter was. He had been nothing but a pawn in the game of the rich. A game he no longer wished to be a part of.
Somehow, he found his way back to the couch and slumped on it, looking and feeling dazed, the phone suspended in his suddenly boneless hand.
“I thought you knew.” He heard Goodluck say.
Mark didn't look up. He didn't know how long his brother had been standing there, but he didn't care. He was feeling a gut-clenching tightness in his chest over the betrayal and lack of trust and felt a strong urge to throw up.
“Deborah looked her up and told me.” Jonathan continued quietly. “I didn't believe her so, I looked it up myself. We thought you knew. And we never talked about it with you because we know you're too honorable to do otherwise but love her genuinely.”
There was a light knock at the door before it opened slightly. “It's time, Mr. Grinder.”
Mark didn't reply. It was Jonathan who did. “We’ll be out in a minute.” The door closed softly.
Mark let the phone drop on the couch and began loosening his tie, much to Jonathan's chagrin.
“Brother, what are you doing?” A perplexed Goodluck asked.
Mark didn't answer but simply tossed aside the tie and undid the top button of his shirt, then another, rolled up his sleeves and started pacing. Jonathan watched him and went to answer the door when he heard a knock. There was a brief conversation but the only thing mark heard was, “We'll be out in just a second.”
Just a second indeed, Mark snickered. He was going nowhere. He was done with rich people always thinking they owned his life and continued to play ping-pong with it. He didn't care if they came at him with the DSS, he wouldn't bulge.
“I'm not going out, Jonathan. You best tell them the wedding is off.”
Nervous now, he watched as Jonathan imitate him by loosening his sleeve buttons, rolling them up and loosening the top buttons of his shirt, joining him to pace. He almost laughed at the scene. Almost.
“What are you doing?” he asked his younger brother.
Jonathan paused with a frown, “You go ahead and think of what to do to your almost-bride and I'll think of how to tell Mama you've changed your mind.”
Mark almost swore, then remembered he was in a church. He'd forgotten the excitement on his mother’s face when he'd introduced Samantha to her. The two have been inseparable since the traditional wedding. This news wouldn't bode well with her health. And then, there was Mrs. Aisha Barigha. She would definitely try to ruin his life for dashing her hopes at finally seeing her daughter get married. Either the mother or father would kill him.
But he didn't care. This was between him and Samantha, and she definitely had some explaining to do. She lied to him, pure and simple. He wasn't just going to shrug it off like it didn't matter.