It’s a new month and I have mapped out strategies on how to move my business forward. The business suffered some setbacks last month because I didn’t concentrate on it. That was because of Johnson’s wedding. I thanked God that the wedding was over because it would enable me to concentrate fully on the business. I got to my business place and met Jane waiting. From the look on her face, one could conclude that all was not well.

“What are you doing here this early morning?” I asked, ignoring her greetings. “That reminds me, why didn’t you show up in Johnson and Mary’s wedding despite the fact that you were invited?”

“I am not in the mood for frivolities now. I am heavily burdened,” she answered me.

I could not understand how attending the wedding ceremony of a beloved friend amounted to frivolity. However, taking a close look at Jane revealed that she was truly worried. I made an effort to find out what her problem was.

“You have a problem and it didn’t occur to you that you ought to tell me. Don’t you know that problem shared is half solved?”

“Your friend was having his wedding and you needed to be there. I didn’t want to spoil your mood.”

“Alright, what is the matter?”

“I am pregnant,” she lamented.

“You are what!?” I asked in an agitated tone.

“I said that I am pregnant,” she screamed.

“For who?” I blurted out.

“What kind of question is that? Who else will it be, if not you?” she snapped back angrily at me.

“Oh my God, I am finished,” I cried out.

It was as if my whole life suddenly crumbled before me. I never knew that my sins would find me out. I thought that Jane was a sophisticated lady who knew how to take care of herself. How could she allow this to happen? I thought of Pastor and the church members. How would I face them if this secret should leak? Then Mummy, what would I tell her. How do I explain to her that my claim of waiting upon the Lord for a life partner was false? For the first time in my life, I regretted ever meeting Johnson. I wished I had listened to Mummy’s advice to be careful of him. It was his advice that landed me into that mess.

“Anyway, Kel, there is no big deal in it since we love each other. Let’s start making arrangement on how to get married,” Jane suggested.

“Marriage?”

“Of course or don’t you want to marry me? Do you want to deny the pregnancy?”

“Why will I deny the pregnancy? You know that I can’t do such. It’s just that this is too sudden.”

“I thought as much,” Jane replied curtly.

“What I will do is to quickly inform our pastor that I am ready to get married. Then, we will take it from there”

“Anyway, I don’t care who you are informing. The most important thing is the payment of my bride price. Then, we will plan for an elaborate wedding.”

Did Jane actually talk to me in that manner? I asked myself. The attitude she was displaying since she arrived was strange. This could not be my easy going and humble Jane. Something is definitely wrong somewhere. I made an effort to find out.

“My dear, you have been sounding so disrespectful to me. This is quite unlike you.”

“I never planned to be rude. But one cannot trust men, especially when it involves pregnancy outside wedlock. Actually what I planned before coming here is that if you did not cooperate with me, I will go and report to your pastor and you know the consequence.” Jane said with a dry smile.

“You dare not do such thing,” I warned her.

“There will be no need for that because we have reached a compromise. I will take my leave now and allow you digest the news. You can call me later for further discussions.”

It appeared that Jane had started revealing her true identity. Maybe I had been dealing with an impostor all along without realizing it. I however decided to keep my arms crossed and watch my drama with her as it unfolds.