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Chapter Ten
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2020-10-07 22:49:34Speaking of something biting me in the butt, I prayed I was safe with Emeka. I just do not know why I’m getting bad vibes from him. Though, his actions yesterday was slightly suspicious. The lies he’d told Joyce when she was looking for us, not to talk of his touches. I still hope that I wouldn’t be in any harm. The last thing I needed was quarrels.
I think I can be able to hold my own until Joyce came. I was a strong girl, no point to cower for something that wasn’t even proven. Nothing will stop me from enjoying my precious vacation.
With that, I went into the bathroom, stripping off my clothes, as I turned on the heater for a hot shower. I scrubbed every inch of my body, satisfied, I cleaned off and left the solace of the bathroom. What do I wear today? Placing my left hand on my waist with my right hand cupping my chin, my eyes skimmed through the little clothes I brought from my house.
I smiled as I spotted my favourite brown knee-length gown which had an off-shoulder design. I quickly donned it on as my stomach continually rumbled like a caged toad. What did my poor stomach do to me? Well, it will just have to take my analysis like that.
I walked straight to the kitchen. There were dirty dishes that were loaded in the washing basin. I scrunched my nose in disgust. I’d just eat first, then I’d wash those plates afterwards. My stomach needs to be served. I opened the pots that were on the gas cooker, hoping there was something in there for me. The first two pots contained groundnut oil and a soup concoction. Ok, I’m not eating whatever that is. I tried the last two pots. Finally, something yummy. Yam and egg.
It was hot, so there was no need to warm it. I took clean plates from the rack, rinsed it gently, then proceeded in taking some pieces of yam from the pot with a spoonful of eggs. Placing my breakfast on the tray, stirred towards the direction of the parlour, knowing they were still there.
I was right. They were still in the same position I’d left them. I sat down on the tiles, placing my tray in between my legs. I scooped the egg using a piece of yam, planning on chewing it when Onyinye's voice sounded.
“You didn’t even ask us if we've eaten.” She accused.
Lowering my hand back down, I looked at her. A frown decorated her face. Ok, I’m starting to see why Joyce called them little demons. I noticed Precious was pinching her right foot, to shut her up.
“The unwashed dishes made it seem like you had. If you haven’t I’d get you some after I’m done with this food.” I placated.
“Oh, don’t worry. We’ve eaten.” She said in a passive-aggressive
voice.“Good,” I said simply, as I went back to my food.
I believe if she was truly hungry, she’d have told her brother, that’s if she doesn’t know how to serve herself yet. Or, maybe she’s just like my spoilt sibling. Anyway, that’s her cup of tea.
"Are you going to eat all that?" Emeka asked.
I shrugged. “It’s just five pieces of yam. It’s not that much, anyway.”
“It's not? Well, you should reduce your food intake because you don’t have much meat. The last thing I want is for the food to choke you because of indigestion.” He teased with a smirk.
With a mouthful of food, I glared at him. “Shut up.” I snapped.
“Oh, such a lame come back.” He taunted.
I could see the sides of his cheek curve inward in a reluctant smile. He was obviously joking around me, with the intention of making me yap continuously.
“Whatever,” I said dryly.
I focused on biting and chewing. This food was so delicious and really sated my appetite. My mood was swinging into the satisfied one. Finally done with the food, I moved towards the door. The light snuffed out at that moment. We all groaned at once. Why couldn’t there be constant electricity for once?
“This place is burning up. We need to move outside.” Emeka grumbled.
“The light went out just now, thanks to our beloved NEPA.” I pointed out.
“Sister Joyce, the sun doesn’t agree with that statement. I’m already drenched.” Precious contradicted, using her right hand like a fan.
I smiled at her. “Alright, I’d just clean this up, then join you guys outside.”
“Yes.” She hyped.
“Do what you have to do quickly,” Emeka added.
“Sure.”
We were in the shed that was built at the corner of their house. I thought of going out of the compound to look around but changed my mind at the last minute. The sun was too scorching to take a stroll. I better sit here, though I was seriously bored.
I hope Joyce came home soon. I missed her already, after all, she was the reason I came here. I had envisioned spending quality time with her. Sighing, I picked at my short nails.
“Why must you always have your way?” Precious shouted all of a sudden.
“Stop being a drama queen. Discussing things helps us reason better and fiercer.” Onyi shouted back.
I sighed. I didn’t want to attract a migraine right now. Couldn’t they get their desires without shouting? Well, they are young, which means, they were going to be at loggerheads with each other. Sparing a glance at Emeka, I knew he wasn’t even fazed by the arguments, thanks to his iPod.
"What's going on with the two of you?" I inquired.
"It's precious."
"She is lying, Onyi started the whole thing," Precious grumbled, pointing at Onyinye.
"Stop behaving like toddlers and say what happened.” My voice rose impatiently.
Onyi frowned at Precious. “Precious insists on playing and I just wanted to have a debate. She refused.” She explained.
“Is that all?”
“No. Anytime I bring out an idea, Onyi contradicts it. I know she’s older than me but that doesn’t mean she can have her way all the time.” Precious voice was edged with bitterness.
“Haba, Precious. Sister Ada, that’s not true o. Precious just loves to exaggerate things out of proportion.” She shook her head as she folded her hands across her chest.
“Really?”
“No.”
“Yes.”
They spoke consecutively, looking at each other like they could strangle the next person. I sighed, as I sat up. A plan was etched at the back of my mind.
“Onyi, Precious feels that way that’s why she made that comment. To avoid that type of reaction, you need to be conscious of your sister's needs.” I advised.
She nodded briskly, though her face showed she wasn’t pleased with my opinion. I didn’t mind, though, she’d loosen up after a while. I’ve noted that’s her personality.
“You see.” Precious beamed.
“Precious, your sis loves you. Sometimes, you let her bask in her own ideas.” I continued.
“What is bask?” Precious asked curiously.
“It means to take great satisfaction in something,” I explained.
“I’ve learnt a new word.” She beamed.
Precious truly was an amazing cookie.
“This is what we would do. We’re going to play games first before the debate. That way we’re all happy, right?”
They clapped their hands together. “We are.” They said at once.
“Bro, leave the phone. We want to play some games.” Precious ordered her brother.
He uncrossed his legs, looking up from his phone which he quickly switched off like he didn’t want anyone to know what he was doing. The weird bit was, he was slobbering. He used the back of his hand to clean it off. He seemed to be unfocused for a minute, then I guess his brain cells registered who we were.
“I didn’t get that.”“That’s because you’re obsessed with Facebook.” Onyinye pointed out.
Emeka just rolled his eyes. “I’m not but I’d go back to my phone if you don’t explain what you were saying.” He warned.
“They just want you to join them in playing some games. You’re game, right?” I ascertained.
He shrugged. “Sure.”
“What game should it be? Nothing stressful though because of the weather right now.” He advised.
“Indoor games should be ok. Let’s go for Ludo, Ayó and Snake and Ladder.” Precious decreed.
He breathed in the air like it was addicting, causing the girls to laugh. “That smells as good as it sounds. Go bring out those little toys.” He spoke to the girls.
They jumped out of the chair quite fast. I almost had a panic attack, thinking they saw something scary. I tried to think of what I’d be doing at home and how my siblings and I never chatted like we were one but my thoughts were disoriented thanks to a pair of eyes that bore a hole in my side cheek. I turned to Emeka's heated gaze. I realised we were alone like the previous day. This made me so uncomfortable.
“What? I asked.
“You’re so beautiful.” He whispered.
I shifted in my seat while he drew his wooden chair closer to me. It made a squeak but other than that, nothing was heard.
“Umm...Thanks. I’m not beautiful though, I’m pretty.” I shot out unintelligibly.
What was wrong with me? Why did I say that to someone I was awry of? I really need to get my head in order.
“Who says? Sommy, you’re gorgeous. I like your aura so much.” He informed me as he stroked my left arm.I moved my hand away from his reach, placing it on my thighs. “Please, I’d appreciate if you quit touching me in that manner,” I whispered.
“Why?” He asks softly, looking at my...at my lips?
I drew my chair backwards, trying to create some space between us. No boy has ever acted like this towards me, and I was worried about this. I didn’t even know how to act or think.
