Ruby made a list of people in her mind to avoid at the wedding this Saturday. “Aunty Joy definitely” She thought to herself as she removed the Satin cap her head. It exposed blonde afro. She grabbed some pink oil to rub on her hair to make glossy. She was still in her pyjamas at 12p.m that day, which was democracy day. Ruby needed to relax and think about her strategy. It was good she cleared her head less she allowed negative emotions take charge.
Her Aunt Joy was a retiree, who had all her grown-up children married. She used the slightest opportunity to brag about her children, grandchildren and their accomplishments. While it appeared she was a nosey person, Ruby thought she was showing concern. At some point, she had tried matchmaking Ruby and her neighbour’s son together.
It didn’t work out. First, the guy in question saw her as a ‘property’ instead of a ‘jewel’. He belonged to the school of thought that believed men were doing women favours for getting married to them. He was just too pompous. Ruby had to flee.
It was her younger sister’s wedding that Saturday. The very Stella she had washed her napkins and bathed, was now a full-grown woman, getting ready to marry. This was the same sister who used to “borrow pose” with her clothes. She was smart and beautiful. It ran in her family genes. As teenagers, they always argued between themselves who was more prettier. It was normal girlie stuff. Times had changed. It was all about following one’s path. She thought they had each other’s back, but then the big surprise came. Stella would leave for her marital home.
Though, time was not on her side as painted by the society for a lady in her early thirties, but did she have to settle for less in the name of marriage? She would not deny she was under pressure to have a man now that her younger sister would tie the knot. If she fails to take charge, people would control and drive her nuts.
Still thinking of other people to avoid at the wedding ceremony, she grabbed a mirror to look at her image. Her reflection showed a lady with an oval-shaped face. She smiled to capture her dimples. Ruby was not as bad as she thought. In her mind, she was a jewel and was worthy of being treasured by a man who knew her value.
Before now, Ruby knew that anything could happen. They were both working class ladies. It was expected that marriage was the next phase for them. If she lied that she didn’t feel betrayed by this, she knew she was being untrue to herself. Stella was five years younger than herself. How was she going to cope as the only person at home now? The thought of the loneliness made her sulk. Would she lose her place as the elder sister? Would Stella disrespect her as soon as she becomes a Mrs? These questions were her major concerns coupled with the interrogations from family members? She has already prepared her answers ready.
“When are you bringing the man home?” This was an obvious question. She knew how to respond. She would smile throughout the day than give an answer to any ‘annoying’ question. If it gets bad, she would politely walk away.
Ruby had allowed previous failed relationships to go with the wind. She would celebrate with her kid sister, regardless. The passage from the Holy book was her motivation: ‘Time and chance happens to all”. It was not the end of the world. She would keep working to develop her self until her prince charming ‘wakes her from her slumber’ with true love’s first kiss.