Preggy for governor?
Preggy always wished to be a politician. No wonder she was always leader of the pack all the way from nursery school.
“So Madam Preggy, if you become elected as Governor of Majuu City, what changes will you bring?” asked one journalist.
“Aaachoow!” sneezed Preggy. “Excuse me please, come again?” “Yes Ma’am, if you become elected as Governor of this city, what changes will you make happen?” “For one, I’ll ensure that the City Council … Aaachoow!” She sneezed on and began retching with nausea.
“Okay Ma’am, let’s give you a health break … Viewers, let’s be back in ten minutes … ”
By this time, Preggy was dripping with sweat as she ran to the nearest washroom to relieve herself. On her return, she could barely breathe with the myriads of news reporters all over her like white on rice, awaiting the presentation of her party’s manifesto. The aircon seemed to be adding more heat into the room. Where in the world was oxygen? She wondered. Nausea began taking the better part of her again.
By the time the election day drew nigh, the bump was peeping. “Attention, ladies and gentlemen … Okay Madam Preggy, take four, three, two, one and .. ..” Wham! Preggy fainted. This threw everyone in panic, especially her hubby who was standing alongside her.
“I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen … that will be all for today; I guess we’ll have to do this another time. Thank you,” announced Preggy’s husband. The media houses represented stopped at nothing to take photos of Preggy for their special highlight. Certainly that evening, Preggy and hubby were on national TV! One of the TV stations’ newscaster asked, “The big question is: Can a pregnant woman contest for the position of Governor? Send your Yes or No answer to no.9876 … ”
Preggy switched off the TV. Silence followed. She spoke up with a croaky tone, “Honey, who told these guys that I’m pregnant Mmm?””Well, .. .” “Well what?” “Dear, I’ve always known you’re a leader. Strong- willed, feisty, volatile … you’re a natural, no doubt.But…Why don’t you consider a smaller and less demanding post, like being Women’s Representative? I’m not saying you can’t be Governor, but I can’t stop wondering if the demands of that seat plus having a small baby to raise … Won’t it be too much for you? I’m not against what you’re doing, but know that whatever you decide, I’ll back you all the way. Just food for thought…” After a moment of deafening silence, Preggy got up and went to sleep. For the next few months, the posters showed she’d heeded her husband’s advice; she was now vying for women’s representative post.
Certainly, those she contracted as advertisers did a good job. On every street, there were more posters inscribed “The un-bwogable Preggy”. Riding in the campaign trucks on the meet-the-people tours thrilled her as she remembered when she and her fellow students lined up on dusty roads to greet the president back in the day. She yigorously waved back at her fans. The blaring campaign songs and deafening commentating was more than ecstatic.
She was surprised at the chants: “Preggy mama yao! Preggy mama yao!” (Preggy their Mother). Undoubtedly, politics is what she was born to do, and she wasn’t about to stop for anything, not even her pregnancy. By the time the election day drew nigh, the bump was peeping. “Should I pullout of this race or do I pull through?” She would constantly ask her hubby. “Whether you pullout or pull through, I’m right behind you all the way,” he’d reply.
Come elections day, the contractions came too! And they celebrated a bouncing baby girl! No sooner had she recuperated than she asked her nurse to hand her the classic Sanyo radio. Suckling her newborn on one arm, she recorded votes on the other; she barely noticed hours going into days. Until it all added up to: “And the women’s representative of Ohangla Ward is none other than … Madam Preggy!” “Chinekeeeeeoooo!”Nimeshinda! Thank you Lord! Jamaneni, wapi nduruuu?!” (I have won … give me shout!) Preggy shrieked along the hospital corridors – with her newborn in her arm. Her hospital audience grinned from ear to ear, as they joined in celebrating her victory.
END: PG 48 /52