I so much love this week's topic. A big kudos to @theinkwell for always bringing amazing topics every week. This prompt made me remember a scenario that happened to me a few years ago. Although it was meant to hurt me, the story changed when the unexpected happened to the person who thought of taunting me. I called that a blessing in disguise.
A few years ago, when I had issues gaining admission to the university, my aunt said some things to me that could have made me give up on my dreams. She taunted me so badly and flaunted her children in my face. Her last child was fourteen years old when she gained admission to the state university.
We met on an occasion that year, and she embarrassed me. She thought she could talk anyhow, and no one would hold her for it since she is my dad's older sister.
Her youngest daughter came to the occasion with her, and then she was in the 200 level at the age of fifteen, and I was twenty-one years old at the time.
"Gold (real name undisclosed), how are you?" my aunt asked as I was sitting at the same table as her. She is popularly called Aunt Rebe, but her name is Rebecca.
"Very fine, ma, thanks," I replied innocently, not knowing what she was cooking up to say to me. I took the bottle of water in front of me and took a sip because I was feeling uncomfortable. I don't like sitting with her for any reason; she always finds fault in everything done by others except for her children.
"Have you gained admission now, or are you still sitting at home?" Aunt Rebe asked mockingly. At that point, I felt humiliated as I saw her daughter giggling. Some part of me wanted to reply rudely to her, but I cautioned myself and answered as calmly and respectfully as I could.
"Not yet, ma, but hoping it would come soon," I replied with a smile, though it was fake. I knew she was bound to frustrate my life that day.
"It should be soon because you are getting old; you celebrated your 21st birthday last month, am I right?" Aunt Rebe asked, looking at me in an unappreciative way.
"Yes, ma, I did," I replied.
"Or until all your younger ones graduated and started getting married before you think of going to school. Or better still, try a college of education; that would be faster. After three years, I think you should get married and start your family," she concluded.
I was infuriated at everything she was saying to me, but yet I couldn't disrespect her. "Ma, delay is never a denial; it might be late, but it will surely come, and I believe. Thanks for your concern, ma," I replied, Aunt Rebe.
Her daughter was giggling all through my conversation with her mother. We aren't on good terms because she believes that since she is in a higher institution, we are mates, and one thing I hate most is disrespect. That makes me keep my distance.
A year later, I gained admission to the state polytechnic, and she again passed her comments. We met again during the Christmas celebration, and as usual, she wanted to taunt me.
"I heard you've finally gained admission into the polytechnic; well, that's better than none," Aunt Rebe said.
"Yes, ma, and thanks for your words of encouragement; they kept me going," I replied and walked away.
In my second year at school, her youngest daughter graduated with a second-class lower, amidst several carryovers. She tried to conceal it so that the whole family wouldn't get to know about it, but words found their way into the open.
Then fate brought us together again the following year, during my grandpa's birthday. She was ready to comment as usual, and I have arranged befitting replies for any of her questions and comments. I was ready to give her a taste of her own medicine, which I'm sure she wouldn't like to take because it would be too bitter for her to swallow.
"How are your studies? What is that you are studying?" Aunt Rebe asked when I went to give her food. I know she wouldn't keep quiet; she can't just do it.
"Science Laboratory Technology, ma, I heard Tife (real name withheld) is done schooling now. I was told she studied the environment something; that should be wole wole (environmental officials that make sure the environment is clean))," I said in my native language. I didn't wait for her to reply before I continued.
"That is not a good course to study in Nigeria because it's useless; they are not being appreciated. Also, I heard she came out with flying colors; what could have been flying than second-class lower? Anyway, congratulations, ma", I said with a smile.
That was the biggest shock she wasn't expecting that day; she couldn't reply to me. I knew she felt the impact of my words on her bone marrow. I was glad I could give her a taste of her own medicine. From that day onward, she stopped asking me unnecessary questions and taunting me for no reason.
Thanks for your time, and your comments will be appreciated.