Family beyond Blood

Prologue

Bisi Pratt considered herself a fulfilled woman. A three-consecutive time award winner of the Best Talk Show Hostess on TV, married to the CEO of the Pratt Group of Companies and blessed with two amazing daughters, one would say Bisi was living the life many people could only dream to have. With an uneasy past, she was glad she had finally found rest in her present. And the future looked even brighter.

With both Bisi and Fiifi Pratt excelling in their individual careers in, they were idolized as a power couple. The Pratt family portrait was often featured in newspapers and online articles depicting ‘the happy family.’ Their daughters, Kuukua and Ewuresi were even featured in an ad about the family friendly nature of the West Hills Mall.

What else could I ask for, Bisi thought to herself contentedly as she stared at the framed family photo on her desk.
“B?” She turned toward the voice at the door.
“You’re almost up.”
“Yeah, sure. Thanks, Vic.” She stood and straightened her dress. It was the Valentine edition of the Today’s Woman show and she had dressed to match the occasion. She smiled with satisfaction at her image in the mirror. She was ready.

Like always, the show run perfectly. She was about to give her closing remarks when she was interrupted with a bouquet of red and white roses from the director.
“It seems you have a surprise waiting for you.”
“Oh, these are for me? Thanks guys.”
“They are not from us. They are from your family. They have a message from you.” Bisi’s eyes widened. The large screen TV on set came alive with a skype video call.
“Hello, darling!” Bisi covered her mouth with her hands, too surprised to react.
“I know how much this day means to you and since you’d still get home a little later, the three of us decided to show you our love after you were done with your show. You were amazing today by the way. What do you want to say to mummy, girls?”
“You look beautiful, mummy!” Kukuaa sang out.
“You never disappoint, mom. Love you!” Ewuresi added with a thumbs-up.
“And I love you too, sweetie. In the spirit of valentine, I wish us all the joy we can possibly find in love. I want to wish your audience all the best wishes of this love-themed day. We’re waiting for you at home, darling; we have to end the day right,” he said with a wink. The girls giggled. Bisi could help but blush. The call ended.
“Wow…I don’t know what else to say. I hope all of you out there have someone that sweet in your lives to end this day with. Let me not take any more of your time. As you heard, I’m expected at home. See you soon, darlings. Have a lovely valentine,” she said sweetly.

She sighed when the credits began to roll. The surprise gesture of Fiifi had gotten her all excited. Although she had been married for four years, she still felt as if her love story had just started. She was as much in love with her husband now just as she was when they first met. She was a hopeless romantic; never missed out on any romantic comedy movie and still loved to watch Cinderella-all versions. And thankfully, she found a husband who would indulge her fantasies.
She stared at the bouquet admiringly. Thank you God for blessing me, she said to herself.

Bisi arrived home to meet a cozy candle lit dinner waiting for her. Since the girls had to go to school the next day, they finished up dinner quickly and Fiifi sent them to their rooms. Husband and wife relaxed in the couch as they watched the Safe Haven movie on TV as they sipped on wine.
“You know I love you, right?” Fiifi asked. Bisi glanced at him with a smile.
“Of course, honey. I wouldn’t be here if you didn’t.” That made him chuckle.
“What about having a baby?” Bisi sat up.
“Another one, so soon?”
“You know I’ve always wanted a boy.”  She sighed, putting her wine glass down.
“Fii, we’ve been through this. I’d love to give you a male child but I’m not God. We could try but who can tell for sure it wouldn’t be a girl again?”
“I know; what if…”
“Listen sweetie; whatever makes you happy is my priority. If you want us to try again, I’m all up for it. But I don’t want you to feel incomplete without a son. Kuks and Esi are smart girls and many couples would be proud to call them theirs. Let’s enjoy what God has given us so far, okay? And let’s hope for a son soon,” she said. He nodded. He kissed her forehead.
“Sure.” She smiled. “Happy Val’s day, honey.”
“Happy Val’s day, sweetheart.”

As they lay in bed later that night, sleep eluded Fiifi. He loved his family dearly but his obsession for a son had driven him to do something silly. How to break the news to Bisi without causing maximum emotional damage to her and the girls had become his headache now. He’d lose her trust and respect if he told her, that he knew for sure. But he couldn’t hold it out any longer. He had to tell her.

Bisi planned to go to the clinic the next day. She wasn’t so sure about it but she was hopeful she was positive. How happy it would make Fii if it were to be a boy! Father, let it be a boy, she prayed silently with her eyes closed whiles her mind wandered happily in dreamland.

Josephine Amoako (c) 2016

Read Chapter II here.