A week later Marianna was at the local supermarket for some shopping. She had her little baby with her who was quietly watching his surroundings from his cart with the curiousity particular of babies. Though there were many things she needed, she was limited. She could only get the most essential things. Marianna sighed. She comforted herself that this was only for a short time.
She was going back to the counter when she came across a couple. She was surprised because she knew the man. Marcus had been one of the several men who had tried to win her heart. He came from a rich family just like her and their parents were friends. But she did not like him. He always took the chance to flaunt. All his approaches to her were all self centered and rather womanizing. For instance the woman he had now was probably one of many lovers.
" Look who it is, morning my lady," he started.
" Mind your own business, dork!" Marianna snapped.
" Well it's not my problem you are living a low life . You left all the wealth of your family for that peasant."
" Don't you dare call Richard a peasant. " Marianna's long eyelashes were fluttering madly .
Marcus gave a malicious grin and barred her path. The woman he was with smirked at Marianna.
" Wait so this is the woman who left money for ...true love?" She sniggered.
" It sure is her, " Marcus replied. " Now look at her . She has a baby already, the first among a litter of puppies that they plan to have... That peasant is sure to knack the woman out of her.."
Time stood still. Her anger got the better of her . She pushed the cart with Ivan in it out of her way . All her anger was concentrated in a kick right at the zipper. Marcus ' woman gasped. Marcus groaned as he keeled over.
" That will teach you to stay out of my damn business, bitch! "
With that she pushed the cart away. Ivan stared at her with intense curiousity and their eyes met.
" What?" she asked as if expecting the baby to answer.
But the baby just gave a cute grin. A wave of calm swept over her.
That evening alone in her home, Marianna was lost in thought. She remembered Marcus ' words. Though he was offensive, she was saddened by some truth he said. She did not know if she could keep on hoping for a better future when there were no actual signs of one. And what did she know? She was only 24 years old and Richard was 26. If only she was in good terms with her father. Once in a while she talked with her mother but this was done out of pity by her mother. Her father had deemed her a bad daughter unworthy to be part of the family.
Marianna 's father was a very strategic person. Everything he did was part of a comprehensive plan or for some benefit. Before her being sent off, her father would organise dinners with the esteemed Dalziel family where the dork, Marcus was heir. The family owned several firms one of which one was being eyed by Marianna's father. That was how they got to know each other. The two families were slowly pushing the two together hoping they would fall in love. The Dalziels were very clear that they were unwilling to share their assets with non family. Therefore if somehow Marianna married Marcus, the chances of his father getting what he wanted would tripple.What angered Marianna was that her mother supported this yet she had made it clear to her that she could not live with someone like Marcus. There was a time her father ensured they were strategically left alone in one of the houses. For Marcus, he was thrilled because Marianna was a beauty and their family were rich. He had hoped that she would fall to his charms.
But Marianna had already exchanged chemistry with another young man. He was handsome with a gorgeous physique. And her heart that interlocked with hers. She remembered the first day they met years ago.
She loved the great outdoors. On early Saturdays Marianna would get on her mountain bike and trailed by her pet German Shepherd named Lux. Shomoto was surrounded with forests and natural trails. She would go out with her camera and take amazing photographs of birds, insects and other forms of wildlife which she posted to her social media channels. Marianna would then spend most of the day relaxing by a stream where most of her favourite animals came to drink. Sometimes she would come with a friend but most of the time she loved to come alone.
On one particular Saturday as usual she hurried to her familiar stretch of forest. When she neared the stream. Something hit her ears. It sounded golden and magical. Had she mistaken. She sneaked closer towards the stream. She was not mistaken. There was someone singing in the forest.
Marianna's eyes set on the first time the boy Richard Ziro. His voice was so good it seemed the whole forest had quieted to listen to him. And he was not alone. He was petting a kestrel. Marianna took out her camera. This was something you did not see everyday. However she stepped on a twig , the kestrel shrieked and Lux barked. The song was over . Richard set eyes on a beautiful girl with long dark hair, dazzling eyes and a body that clung perfectly to the outdoor wear she had on . Her shorts,boots, top, body warmer, bicycle... They all indicated she came from sheer affluence. A period of awkward silence ensued. Then it broke.
" What the-" Richard froze. " Were you -listening to me.
" Kind of?"
Richard saw Marianna's camera .
" You were filming me or something? Are you a stalker?"
" No, ofcourse not!" She put the camera away and smiled the silliness away .
" I usually come here and I've never seen you before. " Marianna gave a sharp gaze.
He shrugged.
" Who are you anyway? Its not everyday you see someone singing in the forest."
" That's why I come here. I'm alone hear and l can sing the way l want . Nice dog by the way "
" Same to your bird of prey. How do you even pet that thing. "
The kestrel was now perched on a tree after seeing Lux. The animals were eyeing each other oblivious to the two teenagers.
" My name is Richard."
" I'm Marianna. "
Slowly by slowly they began conversing. They soon realised they both had an affinity for wildlife and nature at large. Her photography and his music made their meeting even better. She began looking forward to Saturdays and he was mutual about it to. As days become weeks and weeks into months, their talks became more intimate. She told him about his family. How his father was the renowned business Lord in Shomoto and beyond.
" Wow!" Richard exclaimed.
" l know right, he's a big man.."
" I don't care about your father, silly it's about you! "
" Me?" Marianna did not understand him . He clarified.
" I mean you are so high-class but look at you . You' re down to earth."
She smiled.
" You are just playing with my mind. "
Soon Marianna began making trips to Richard's side of the town. He introduced to his best friend, his age mate named Dregus. It was nothing like Marianna had ever experience. She had had stories about the ghetto as that was they called it. How vices spouted at every corner. She had heard of the high crime rate , drug abuse and prostitution. But she saw none of that.
She had fun at the club where the community would meet to watch football matches on television. They had the best food and the people were really open and friendly.
Life was good. They were not always together. She would go to university at the capital. They kept in touch.
Meetings with the Dalziels increased. Marcus had gotten bolder. He confessed his love for her, which was applauded by parents from both parties.She did not encourage his infatuation but pretended, as ordered by her parents. Marianna was annoyed . She knew what her parents were doing but she could not handle it anymore. Marianna decided to confront them during supper.
" I don't want the Dalziels coming here anymore!" She spat at the table, right at her father.
Tension sat in the room like a fourth person.
" You know very well that cannot happen, what's wrong dear?"
Marianna's mother spoke tried to ease the tension. Her father paused and stared at her as if she was a worm in his food. She couldn't handle his eyes. Marianna gazed at her meal.
" I'm sorry but l do not like that man Marcus,"
Marianna explained. " He just isn't...my type."
" We are making arrangements for your marriage and now you want us to drop that off?" Her mother retorted.
" But l do not like him mother. Anyway it is my life-"
" Careful with your words Marianna!"
Her father finally broke the silence. His voice was hard and eerie, gutting out all courage from her.
" It's not just about your life, but for the sake of this family and our prestige not only in Shomoto but in the region at large. Without this opportunity we risk shrinking our profits..."
Her father was clear. But she still had some fight left in her.
" Please dad, " she said. " Just talk to them. I cannot live with that man. "
" You will marry Marcus Dalziel by the end of this year..."
Tears clouded her eyes. She pleaded once more. Her eyes searched her father's face for a handhold of hope, a foothold of pity.
There was none but grim reality.
It was also the week during which they found out she was pregnant. Marianna had not been using her sanitary pads lately, raising questions from her mother .At first, they thought Marcus was responsible which would favour them. But it was not true which scared them even more. Marianna dropped the bombshell...
" Who the hell is RICHARD!"
Her father shouted at her , sprawled at the floor after delivering her a hot slap.
The same Richard arrived at home, bringing her thoughts to an end.
" My love what's wrong?" She had forgotten the tears running down her cheeks.
"I met Marcus today," her voice was weak with sadness.
Richard listened to her and let her grieve for a while. He had realised it was good for her to cry because it gave her strength to move on. When she was done, a smile formed on his face and he told her his good news.
At first she did not believe it, until he showed him the tickets.
Marianna's joy knew know bounds.