She usually spent her birthdays with few close friends. But for the lockdown restrictions, this time around it was just herself alone. At twenty-nine years old, if someone had told her she would still be single at that age, she would have laughed hard.
Shade had envisioned the life she wanted. After graduation from the University at twenty-one years old, she would go for the mandatory National Youth Corps Service at 22. She would pursue a Master’s programme at 23 and start full-time work in Investment Banking at 25. Based on her goals, she should have settled down by 26 years old. Everything seemed to fall in place except for the Nigerian factor. She was done by 28 except marrying the love of her life.
It was not like she did not have suitors, but it was one issue to another. If the guy was okay, he was unemployed. If he was gainfully employed, he was chauvinistic. The guy who was neither of these, was gay. Michael would have been the perfect fit, but his violent temper ruled him out. The last time they had a furious argument, he almost raised his hands against her. That was a deal breaker, never to be taken lightly. She knew she could be very defensive, but a man with that anger issue was a no-no. Next year, she would hit the big dreaded 30. It was like the world was ending. The society has set 30 years as the yardstick for marriage. She wished she had gotten married earlier. Now, 30 years was close.
What could she do to get married before her thirtieth birthday? Most of her friends were already married. It appeared she was the only one left. Shade recalled her conversation with Tyna at her bridal shower some few weeks ago.
“Tony is not perfect. I am just have to accept him and he has accepted me. You should do likewise. Stop being to picky. You would soon clock 30’’ Tyna said in low tones while she escorted Shade on her way home after the party.
“You don’t understand” Shade tried to make Tyna see some reasons for her actions
“What is there to understand my dear?’’ Tyna asked “You were one of the hottest decent girl in Campus. I knew you had so many toasters. Then your excuse was that your education was a priority. Okay, you achieved all that and more. What is your excuse now?”
Shade knew it was pointless trying to explain to Tyna all her experiences in the hands of the ‘wrong’ guys. She should accept her fate for always attracting the wrong guys or just accept one and make him right by force and fire. Maybe she should listen to Tyna’s advice. She would be on a mission. The next available suitor would be hers. She has to ensure she ties the knot before she clocks 30.