Lotanna Laments - My Pride and Joy

When I got married I had never been with a man, this is not because I am religious or spiritual. It's because growing up, my mum would tell me that I carry my pride and joy between my legs and the minute a man sees my “precious” (that’s what she calls it) then I can no longer do any 'shakara' and I loved to do 'shakara' . Why wouldn’t I?. My parents instilled confidence in me at a very early age, I had access to all I ever wanted. My dad says I look like an angel and he is not bluffing, I do. My hair is long and curly thanks to my mothers half indian genes. My skin is smooth and light just the way Nigerian Men like it. My dad is very comfortable; If I do say so my self.I am his only girl, so that comfort extends to me.... very very well.

www.theuncommonjourney.com

Yes, I take pride in being a virgin; or should I say I took pride in being a virgin and it had nothing to do with my faith. The best part is was the fact that no man could ever say "oh I have slept with Tanna", no man ever saw my nakedness before my husband and this gave me joy. I was so proud.  More so, I loved the attention I got from men be it because I look like a polished diamond or because they want to be on my fathers good side. 

When I met Gori he was a creepy stalker. It took him 6 months of persistence and coming to my house every evening to get my number. I enjoyed it, making fun of him and telling my mum how desperate he was. Sometimes she will tell me to stop all this gloating and pick a man and settle down. Other times she’d indulge me, I think she knew I liked Gori. 

Four months into his persistence I was head over heels in love with him and would anticipate his arrival at my Gate. One evening he didn’t show up and my heart was racing, I was certain he had an accident because why else would he not come. Certainly he hadn’t given up. The evening after, still no Gori. I was furious, how dare he give up on me.  I would never call Aunty Chinelo to ask for his number, that would require a lot of explanation (I met Gori at Aunty Chinelo’s house warming, she introduced me to him, he manages her myriad of investments.  When she asked me of him afterwards, I sternly said I was not interested in that along with a few other mean things). I was losing my mind and my patience.

Mummy called Aunty Chinelo, after they teased me, she sent his number via text.  When he picked up, he didn’t sound ill.

Me; Hi Gori

Gori; Hi

Me; Please don’t pretend you don’t know who this is

Gori; Tanna, how are you

Me; I haven’t seen you in a few days (My pride forgot it’s place)

Gori; Babe, I am not in town, I had to sort something out in Abuja impromptu and I don’t have any means of contacting you so I was juat waiting till I get back to Lagos tomorrow evening

Me; Well, here’s my number…

The conversation went on and all my guard was dropped, I was in love with Gori and now he and my mum and Aunty Chinelo knew it. Six  months later Gori put a ring on it. I though it was too quick but I was excited anyway.

I’d tease him that he is in such a hurry because he wants access to my precious and he’d say “no rush baby my wife will be mine and mine alone and I will be hers and hers alone." My Pride knew no bounds.

My name is Lotanna Ogunbanjo (nee Ezike) welcome to my world.