Chapter 18 : REUNION..? (2)

Tension and confusion filled the air around them. Alvin couldn't understand why Albert agreed so readily to give him this. The Albert he knew would instantly take charge and all spoils belonged to him. All no matter its size shape or make. This Albert was new and made him nervous. Just what is he planning? he asked himself as he spit out blood. Something was wrong, he needed to figure it out before it was too late. 

 Kui looked at the two brothers and sighed. She could never understand their complex and confusing relationship. Ah rich people, she thought as she opened up her med-kit. She silently treated Alvin all while the Albert silently watched. "Say Alvee who treated you"? she asked while putting a cast on his broken leg. Alvin, who had been busy glaring at his older brother, looked at her and answered, " It was a couple of kids. They found me unconscious and treated me".

 A scoff from Albert stops him from continuing. "So you have engaged with them that's interesting. No wonder you want this for yourself," he said mockingly. Kui tried to intervene but the murderous look Alex gave her from the corner of the large partly damaged tree stopped her. The tension thickened. Kui finished treatment and stood up. Zipping up her bag she asked," Where's the cold water you mentioned Alvee"? she asked innocently. In an instant she wished she hadn't. 

 Suddenly, the air changed. A state of sheer open curiosity and unbridled greed filled the air. For a moment no one moved. Everyone was looking at Alvin waiting for his answer. Alvin smiled inwardly. He had them on the palm of his hand right now including his brother... That was until his brother picked up the flask and calmly opened and took a sip. Sheer pleasure radiated out of his body. This was real. He smiled. Kui yanked the flask and chugged it. Her eyes widened in happiness. It was real! Alex too grabbed the flask and drank it as well. This was good. He was about to speak when Albert spoke," Alvin, is there more"? he asked. Alvin looked and nodded in agreement. "Alright lil bro how do you want to proceed", he continued. 

 Shocked, Alvin looked up. Albert was smiling, darkly. He realized he was in charge of this whole thing. They were going to get the water from the village. All of it and he know just how he was going to get it. He smile. Kui looked at the two and shivered slightly. Despite the hatred between them, both brothers were sharing the same dark smile. It felt creepy.

 * * * 

 Kim sat in bed holding a cup of tea. Both father and daughter were on their knees looking tearful and scared. "We're so sorry Kim we promise not to do any more experiments on you ever again... " , Shiku said sadly. ".. except when its absolutely important ", her father added. "... yeah", she continued," So please tell Mum to open the lab for..." she didn't finish. Her mother barged in holding a tray of mamris. " What did I just say? Look at you guys. You didn't even ask whether he's alright or whether he's in pain you just want your lab opened. I won't be opening it for a long time." , She placed the plate on Kim's lap and turned to face the two. In all the years he had been here, Kim had never seen her so angry. He simply kept quiet while she continued admonishing the two. He took a bite of the mamris and stopped. He looked at his hand. Something was wrong. Very wrong. A sharp pain shot from his arm and crawled up into his brain. The sudden pain made him scream and pass out. The family rushed towards him.

 Outside, the village was in its third day of the Nyiza festival, completely unaware of the impending doom.