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Chapter Nine
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2020-10-07 22:49:22With that said, the game started. Precious blew on her fingers and it brought the same result every time, stuffed air while Onyinye was guarding the post like a lioness protecting her cub. The pitch was something else, not with us running after each other, trying to tackle, assist and score a goal. It was all fun but I was sweating like a steamed kettle.
I watched Joyce, trying to gauge her next line of action, seeing that she was with the ball now. Sports was like that, you have to be fast, corny and watchful at the same time. Anything can happen. Joyce was a show-off, so she was practically playing with the ball at this point, daring us to strike if we can.
She made a move towards the post, crossing my line of vision. Oh, babe, you just entered my trap. I expertly stuck my right foot between her legs, stealing the ball from her. I changed tack, moving right. In a second, I imagined I was Ronaldo, scoring from my long distance.
I decided to do just that, kicking the ball directly towards the post. Onyinye read my movements wrong for she dived right
while the ball strikes the left-hand side of the post. I felt like Ronaldo at that moment.I did a happy dance. “Woohoo!”
“Don’t get too excited. I’m still leading.” Emeka jeered.
I sighed. Just a good way to ruin my mood. Just perfect.
“At least, I’m second in line. I won her.” I smirked at Joyce.
“The game isn’t over yet, Ada. Don’t be too overjoyed.” Joyce pointed out.
“I will win you anyway.” I brushed her off.
“We shall see.” Joyce's voice was filled with determination.
Emeka was leading by five points, I was following behind by four while Joyce was still basking behind by two points. To think she actually said she’d win me. Ok, let’s see o.
Onyinye kicked the ball expertly to me. I tried to use my old trick but Emeka had caught on unfortunately. He expertly retrieved the ball but he did something, he rubbed his palm on
my lower back. I was momentarily thrown. This gave him ample time to score his sixth goal.“What was that for?” I snapped.
He winked at me. “It’s called being smart.”“I don’t care. Don’t try that next time.” I spat.
“Goodness, you two nag worse than housewives. Let’s rest because no matter what, the winner is still the winner.” She rationalized.
I snorted. She was already sitting on the ground without a care in the world. Anyone would think her dad wasn’t wealthy if they saw her like that.
“Just say you’re lazy, duh.” Emeka beseeched.
“I’m not lazy, annoying bug.” She defended herself.
While they bickered, I walked to the porch and sat down on one of the sturdy seats. I sighed in relief. My bones needed it so, so much. It wasn’t easy to be an athlete, sha.
“...
Precious, fetch me drinking water. I’m so thirsty.” I overheard Joyce tell Precious.“Make that two.” I requested.
“No, three,” Emeka added from his seating position.
I was beyond thirsty. In fact, I was parched. I could drink a gallon of water at this point. I’m not exaggerating this time.
"Look at the strong guy." She laughed as she mocked him. "You can't even stay without water."
He got up to hit her but she ran off instead. “I am going to get you!!!”
"Let's see about that!" She turned and brought out her tongue.
He got angrier if that were possible, I couldn't help but smile at how childish they both were.
Subconsciously, my mind drifted back to my family and what little relationship I had with my siblings.
I couldn't even imagine playing like this with them. Life really dealt one a heavy blow. I better stop complaining though, I had it better than most.I tapped myself out of my reverie just in time to see that Emeka has caught Joyce.
Precious was back with the water and we all took huge gulps of it."Onyi, you did well with the goalkeeping." I praised with a smile on my face.
“Thank you, sister Ada.” She said shyly.
"You don't know this man at all," Emeka said pointing to his sister.
"Don't call me that!" she frowned.
"Really? Emeka, that's rude. Ignore him Onyi. So do you play sports in school?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Tell me more about it."
"The boys in school would deal with her one of these days for taking their place in the sports world," Emeka said.
Onyi hit her brother on the arm.
"Ouch, that hurts you know," Emeka whined.
"It serves you right."
"Can you guys get a life? I am trying to make a call." Joyce snapped.
Ok, it was official. Joyce was annoying. I watched as she typed ferociously on her phone, knowing it was a boy she was calling. She was just that type of girl. It is what it is.
“Excuse me guys, I need to use the bathroom,” I said quietly.
I needed to offload the liquid in my bladder before I go crazy and I needed a minute to myself.
☆Joyce parents never got home on time, even on a Saturday. They claimed to be busy all the time, leaving Joyce to her vices. I checked the time on the wall clock nailed in the hallway. It was eight on the dot. I was a bit tired but I was happy too. Happy, I wasn’t home at the moment. It was good to have a bit of freedom.
I heard the
sound of a program that streamed from the television. I trailed the sound to the second living room. They were lounging on the chairs. A brief glance at the plasma screen showed an ongoing talk show. I wasn’t familiar with this one.I was about sitting down when Joyce's voice rang out.
"Babe, can I talk to you?" she asked.
"Sure."
Without wasting much time, she led me to her room. I’ve been here a couple of times. It was the same
modern design. The room was like a blend of office and bedroom that was coated in a burgundy colour.I sat down on what of the office chairs, waiting for Joyce to speak. She kept chewing her lower lip while she looked at me indecisively. Her actions were weird and I wondered what had spooked her this time.
“Joyce, what did you want to talk about?” I queried, unable to bear the suspense.
She chewed on her nails, then spat it out. “I need your help.” She blurted out.
"Ok, honey. Your wish is my command. What is it?"
She smiled a bit. "I want you to cover up for me tomorrow. I am going out."
"You mean you want to sneak out?" I asked stupidly.
She sighed. "Don't look at me like that." The way she said it, I was pretty sure my face looked like I've seen a ghost.
"Sorry." I tried composing myself but failed woefully. I couldn't contain my shock.
Has she really gotten this bad? Tomorrow is Sunday if I remember the days of the week correctly. Won’t her parents be suspicious?
"Where are you going?" I managed to ask.
She smiled real big. "My boyfriend's place, we...."
"What?!!!!"
"Stop being a baby, Ada. I need you to cover up for me real bad, Please."
My initial shock has barely subsided. "What makes you think I would do such a thing, eh?"
"It’s because you love me. I would be gone for half the day. I don't want you to tell anyone where I went to including those cousins of mine."
I pretended to think. "Ok, I would try," I said. She crushed me into a hug.
"I love you."
"I love you too but please come back on time.
Note, when you get back, you have a lot of explaining to do.” I warned."Yea...Yea."
When she left I wondered how I would stay alone in this house with Emeka. Events of the day skimmed through my mind and I couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that crept over me. Lord have mercy.
I tumbled back and forth on my bed as restlessness shook me to the max. My eyes felt heavy and also like a polaroid, with streams of light trying to seep through it. I used my right hand to grab a pillow, placing it over my eyes to shield the light from piercing through. It didn’t work, due to the fact that the artificial darkness was worse than the light. My ears were on high frequency, getting wind of every sound that ticked.
I groaned in frustration, throwing the pillow across the bed as I sat up. The sun seemed to glare at me as I glared back at it. I sighed in frustration, you couldn’t win a glaring contest with the sun. It was not humanly possible. I decided to drop it for my own peace of mind.
Taking a quick glance at the wall clock astride me, I was shocked at the time. It was ten o'clock on the dot. Oh, my God! Today is Sunday. I’d slept in and succeeded in missing the service. What would Joyce parent’s say? I can just imagine them slandering my name behind my back. I placed a hand on my chest, trying to subside the panic that cropped up my limps.
Since no one bothered to wake me, I take it that I’m the only one in this house.
I climbed out of bed, craving television. I can’t kill myself if I missed service, I’d rather take all the freebies available. I liked awoof. Moreover, after this vacation is over, I won’t be able to enjoy my favouritepastimes liked I wished.I closed the door securely behind me and trudged down the path leading to the living room. I was surprised to see Emeka and his sisters there.
