4 THE GRIEF

CHAPTER 4 –

THE GRIEF

"He called me first" a girl said in broken English

"I'm the one he called" Kaima grunt, they fight over a man, who pack his car beside an express, with a tray of peeled orange on their head. he was amazed, watching them. "Boss, you will settle this fight, please who you first call?" kaima ask with a broken English.

"I called her first, pointing at the girl" the Man reply, kaima frown leaving, as the girl brought down her tray

"Na wo…., which kind bad market is this" she glance murmured to herself, she has been walking for long and haven't sold up to three tied orange. They orange was tied in a transparent nylon, three in one nylon. Looks like hers haven't been touch, she was so trouble, the day is fading, the weight of the orange bends her neck, she lift the tray up sometime to relieve herself from the pain. They sun burning The back if her neck, she didn't mind, the only thing that kept her worried was the orange.

"Kaima!, kaima!, Kaima!" a voice. her heart fly, the tray on her head fall off, she saw Alisha and Bolade running towards her, she felt her heart beat, beating fast as if she ran a marathon

"Your mom sent for you" Alisha said. The orange ran into different dimension, they helped her pick it, packing it into the nylon. She gaze her with an expectation

"Any problem?" She ask curiously, Alisha gaze at Bolade, the eye contact defined something to kaima

" Nothing happen, is just that you mom, sent us to call you" she firmed, she cut the eye contact, she concentrated at the orange she clean.

"I have a bad feeling that, this is not normal with you girls" she said so suspending

"Let's just go, okay..., stop this your interrogation" Alisha grunt

"Alisha!, try to be nice. my dear, don't mind her, let's just go" Bolade console, pet her shoulder

"My father is dead" she whispered

"No!, how would you say such" Bolade rebuke

"I have the feeling, just let it out" she brutal, Alisha gaze at Bolade, with a consideration thought

"That's nothing wrong, I came to collect my text book, you know the exam is fast approaching, your mother directed me here, I ask Alisha to come with me, that's just why I'm here" she narrate smiling, Alisha gives her a surprise face, she nod. She help Kaima lift that to her head

"this is on like you, Bolade" she persist. her heart keep bothering her

"I know, I'm being mean but you won't understand, I want to start now, to prepare myself. Be ready, let just go" she said faking the smile

"No, I haven't make enough sell, just help me tell my siblings the will give it to you" Bolade was now convince, that her thoughts was deceiving her, but that was a stupid idea to bring some one like, Kaima home, without her selling all her goods

" I ask every one of them, even your mom couldn't found it, Alisha search your school backpack, she couldn't found it, is better you come home with us"

Kaima giggle, " this sound funny, and no one could found it" she exclaimed

"Look" Bolade eyed her "you need to go home, is really urgent, is not something we could say" she Alisha caution

"No!, No!, No!, this can't be true, Never" she screamed, it was like she felt a stone in her heart, she held her heart so clutch, like it was going to fall off, tear follows freely down her eyes

Bolade petting her shoulder " you need to calm down. ok, just relax" Bolade condo,

"Daddy!..., Daddy!...," she screamed, on top of her voice. An English the mix of Igbo tongue, they held her as she struggle with them, she was able to over power them, she runs, they joined her.

***************

Mazie Okorie reclined, like he was in a deep sleep, despite the noise echoing in the background, he wasn't bothered. looks more young with the makeover, he was dressed like he was going for a special event, he was dressed in his best cloth. Apostle Fred, stood in front of the coffee opened.

"Today, every one has gather here for the death of our brother, Uncle and Father, who just pass away"

Even duel Mazie Okorie wasn't a famous person in the community, but he was a good man and was respected by people, he was a devoured Christian and was committed in doing God's will. Wanted his children to follow his foot step in Doing God's will.

At list people who knew him came to show him the respect. In the burial ground

"Chai…, Mama chinasa is okay, stop now, God has his purposes, he knows why it happened" A woman said, she was just standing right beside her, consoling the poor woman. She throws herself on the floor, rolling.

" Mama chinasa, a very soft hearted woman, easy going person, her husband has been her pride of courage and confidence, so humble and loving. she can easily be intimidate, she avoid trouble and problems. Each time she has issued with his husband, she always the one that came begging for peace to reign, even if his at fault. Before the condition get this worst she was committed and respectful to her husband, till the very day he give up the ghost in him, she never disrespect him or challenged him, it hasn't been easy for her to discipline the children. She imagine what it would be like for her now, not even talking about responsibility. Nnenna cried about the condition, the burden and baggage, it's a huge responsibility place on her shoulder. She cried the more, place her head on a woman shoulder, tears never end.

Chinasa to her, she felt like she has gotten the liberty, she has been dying to get. But still felt the pain of losing a Father, she's the first born, now has more weight on her shoulder than before. Of course, she has pay so much attribute in the family financial state, than most of her mate, desperate her parents despite her way of income, she still support in her little way . She has finally say goodbye to education, now she has to work extra hard, to support. She stand beside her father's grave as, she watched her siblings pay their attribute and people who stand besides her, tear glide down her eyes, she felt guilty for hating him, and for feeling happy his father is dead, she felt bad. Her eyes hide behind her a sun glass, you couldn't see the pain in her eye but deep in her heart she felt something left.

After the pastors preaching. Kaima step in "thank you to everyone one who made it to this funeral, I know you have come from different destination, just to give your last tribute to my Dad.

"Papa chinasa, is what everyone called him, he was a man with few words but when he speaks, he speaks Wisdom. He loved every one of us and wanted the best for his family, his love was genuine" her voice crack, she couldn't hold the tears any more, it flows freely down her eye, she wipes it as she managed to speak again "He was so devoted to the things of God, and I have learnt so much from him, in having faith in God, All want was to give us the best, in everything" She break down, trying to control her emotion.

She knew, she has to be strong, she has to be ready for the outcome, it was never going to be easy but, now she has to face the reality, her father is not there to advice and guide her. She remember when she still little, how her father sit them down telling them story, and how he advice them. Every Christmas Eve, he took them out and bought them toys as he arrange it in parcel, for every one of them, Before life took turns on them. The day before he pass away, he ask every one to leave the room, leaving her with him.

He cough " you must be so ashamed to have me as a father" he exclaimed in language

Holding her hand "No Father, I'm not, and I will never be, I'm so proud of you Daddy, I wake up every day praying that God heal you, for you to recover" she said profoundly in language

" I know I don't have much time to live, you're the hope of this family, I know the burden is way too much for you, you're still little to face this" tears crowd his eyes, as he blink, it found it way down his cheek, he look away, Kaima looking at his dying father, and how the sickness has eaten him up. It has made a lot of damage in him, he inhale so loud, that you can hear his breath, his heart race fast. His so skinny that you can see his ribs, the hole between his chest. She cried so hard that her eyes was reddish.

She knew he was saying the truth but she refused to accept " No Father, you must live, you will live. The God we serve will never let anything happen to you, you will not die" she wipe her tears "we will take care of you as you have done for us" she proclaimed, Mazie Okorie smiled " I know you and your siblings will make me proud" coughing " I want you to promise me, you will live for me and your mother, you must live. Be the true daughter of you Father, where ever I will be I will be happy, never stop the fight for life"

" I promise but please stop saying that, you are making me scared " she said in tears, she place her head on his chest, weeping.

Chinasa and Efa walks out of the grave yard, Chinasa turns gazing at them, Efa cuddling her as she stood to take the last glance, before saying. "good Bye"

" And I promised, my dad I will live and I must live" kaima vowed. Nnenna sight, watching Chinasa leaving, all duel she wasn't surprised seeing her leaving, she knew this might be the last time she's going to set her eye on her, it's a normal thing to her, sometimes she spent days, weeks without thinking of the house. It was more reason Nnenna wish Her husband was alive, Chinasa fears him more than any one you could mention, she won't even dare spend a day in some one's house if he was still alive, even at his sick bed, chinasa can't stay at a friend place till is 8:00pm. she feels once he recovers he will give her the beaten of her life, Nnenna will always tell Mazie Okorie everything. Nnenna and Chinasa eye met, Nnenna fling her head in stigma, tears tripping down her eye, she look up to the sky.

"I lost my Father but I don't even feel like something left me" she cried "what kind of human I'm I" she said in tears

"Don't say that, you have paid him the respect" she consoled her

"I hate my Father, do you know that. I'm I not a terrible child" she squirt down. place her two hands on her face, crying

"No!, don't say that, you have always given your best" she condo, petting her

"why I'm I happy his dead, I don't deserve him as a father, he was Good. I'm a horrible person" she cried.

" you're a very great man. I and my siblings, has promised to honour you, and be the pride of this family" Kaima inhaled, glanced at the people.

Emeka, he stand watching as they pour sand in his father's grave, he watched his mother who was rolling on the ground, some women try clenching her together, she screamed and cried on her voice. He wish he could wake her father up, not because he felt the pain of losing a father but for her mother to stop.

He only felt the lost only because, he was effected seeing how emotional his mother was. He know is a sit up call to take up his responsibility as the first son. He never felt the need because he was never close to his father, he felt he never liked him and he didn't believe he was his father, because he felt he never treated him as a son. He was the most target when he beat them, He has grown up knowing him, as his father. Emeka is Okorie duplicate, but there characters was quite different, Emeka never get alone with his father, it the day he left the earth.

****************

Adex keep watching his wrists watch, Bolade walks towards him, she felt like she carries two bodies in one, her face show the dizziness and exhaust she was, as she struggled with the heavy backpack, her two arm strive the baggage.

"what kept you that long" Adex glancing at his watch

" I'm sorry big bro, I needed to sort some stuff, with my friends" adjust her school backpack "can we go now" she added,

"What about kaima, is she not coming?" he ask

"No, what about her?" she question

"is she not coming with you?" he asked so curious, he didn't wanted the NO answer but looking at Bolade attitude displayed, it was definitely what was expected

"I don't think so, why do you expect her?" she question, fumbling her backpack, in search of something.

"I want to take you girls out" he replied, Bolade gives him a surprise look, as he expected. Kaima was seen heading to there direction. "here comes the queen, wow…, she's so pretty" he said to himself

"What is it that you are not telling me?" Bolade ask curiously, as he zip up her backpack, with a satisfied look, now taken over by her brother attitude

"Halo" kaima tact smiling, she wave at Adex, he wave back, all his teeth shiny, he smiled "what's up with you guys" she wink, tap Bolade.

"My brother came to pick me up from school, for the very first time in history" slaps her hands smirked. clutching her teeth as she explores the whites teeth, raised her two hands, as if she was giving God a praise. Adex slap his face, he looks at Bolade so displeased. "Do you know the happiest things, I just said, his taken us out" she tact with the look at kaima face, she nod. "On oh, say no more" so pleased with herself, she knew Adex wasn't taken it, she always know to tease him. Adex give him that look, which means she wants a beating, Adex felt like given her a pouch on the face, of course he was never going to disgrace himself, not in Kaima's front. He pouch the air, so wish it hit got to Bolade

"So mm…," clear her throat. "where are you taken us" Kaima tact smiling, faced him

"Left that to me, can we go now" he convinced himself to say,

"sure" Bolade say standing tall, she stretch her neck

Kaima order was still awaiting, Bolade already fighting with her meals, not minding, the public view of her way of eaten. Adex hated that, he wanted it to be just him and Kaima, he would have had much chat with her, he takes his time to chew a potion he throw into his mouth, sure he was so mindful of the spoon of rice he taken. Finally Kaima food was delivered, she order for jellof rice and plantain with chicken, Adex and Bolade order for fried rice, salad and chicken, the order as to be late because the had to fry plantain which means the previous one finished

"So the finally remember you" Bolade said, with her mouth filled, kaima grinned, she was happy and she was no longer left behind

"I hope you're enjoying your meal" Adex tact, starring at her, she smiled with a nod.

The time was spent quit. As the enjoy their meal, Adex eyes keep bringing his attention on Kaima

**************

"I'm going out with senior Justin today" scream jumping, held her mouth.

"Tell me you're joking ?" Erima ask curiously, in her face a doubt reaction

"Me joke, I don't play such an expensive joke" lick I lips grinned " I'm deadly serious" she walks to her, flip her hand arm her neck, hold her tight, Her felt barely touch the ground

" You are a genius, please gist me, I want to here?" She tact so curious, kaima mood suddenly change, she lean on a wall frowned, folds her two hands " what's that, why the sudden emotion?" in curiosity Erima query

"I'm already hanging out with Adex" she exclaimed. she looks like she was about crying. " we're just hanging out, besides we aren't dating" demonstrate, she inhaled so comfortable. "that doesn't make me a bad person, Adex is just a friend" She wanted to clear the guilty she felt

" Adex, Bolade elder brother, you can't be serious" she was so stunned. "kaima" she whispered, folds her hands as she walks to her.

"we're just friends like I said" she raise her voice so defensive, glare at her

"Dose Bolade knows about it?" She query

"her instinct tell her, we're dating " she exclaimed, not expecting her to believe her

" No…, No…, that's is the impression, you are giving to her" she defend. "ok, now what?" she looks into her eye, she knew there's no way she going to lie

"Look I like Justin, which everyone knows. Adex is just a friend" she exclaimed. Looking down don't want to meet the disappointment in Erima face

"So have you thought of telling Bolade?" She whistle

Gazing the roof of the class room the where in, she thinks fast. "I'm not dating Bolade, is her brother" she didn't know when it come out of her mouth, but she has to take it back. "I'm not dating Adex, look I own no one an explanation. I have no feeling for him, is not a crime. I like Justin, and I'm not going to miss this opportunity of being with him" she speaks, so confidence. she can't hide it, despite she feels guilty, she has to defend her feelings. Kaima has been wishing for this moment, she has been flirting with Adex and she has also made it clear to him she has no feeling for him, but the guilty, keep feeding her emotion. Adex has been there for her during those moments she lost her father, even after than. Adex always visit her sometimes get her gift, he pick them up from school. Since his waiting for admission, he stood by her all through those awful moment, she was mourning her father death. Justin only showed up, during the school visitation. He send his personal message to condo her, as list that was enough for Kaima to take the chance of being with him. But not a enough reason in human perspective.

"Let me just give him a try, that's all" she exclaimed

Bolade walks in "who are you giving a try?" she query, Kaima was cut of word,

"Haven't you watch that movie" Erima tact smiling

"Which movie?" Bolade knew, the voice sanded like an argument, she heard and that was Kaima, don't want to believe what her instinct create,

"Why so interested about the movie, I have somewhere, I want to go now. See you girls around" she left, Bolade turns to Erima with so much expectation, she Give her no room to question her, the way she eyed her.

**************

He press his body against her, clutch his hands around her neck. He felt like not letting go, she might disappear. His chest press on her breasts so hard, that she felt his heartbeat. He inhale, than let's go of his breath

"I'm really going to miss you" he whispered into her ears, she pray he set her free, it was also taken her breath.

He finally let go " me too, I really have to be going" she exclaimed, his mood lift, grin

"Of course, my love. I wish I knew you early before now, I want you to know that I love you, so much" Justine tact, caresses her cheek

"Me too, see you" she exclaimed, force a smile on her face

" when are we going to see?" he ask with so much curiosity

"I really don't know. till than I have to go before someone get me here" she keep wishing, she escape from him. he plant a kiss on her forehead, hug her the second time. Her heart almost burst out, her eye went wild open, she wish she never said yes to Justin. she sees someone , she would sacrifice her V-Card for, if it was predict to her. She so much wish she was caught by her late Father, than the eyes she met, she saw the disappointment in his eye, as there eye meets. Tears drop down her eye, how she wish the ground could open and swallow her. Adex turn to leave, they pain he felt was so real, he have to held his step, he grind his teeth, clutched his eye, he held his heart as if it was about to fell off, he couldn't move, his legs freeze.

Kaima went frigid, she tremble a tears drop from her eye. Adex moves as fast as he could, to make sure even if she screamed his name he wouldn't hear her.

" I guess I have to go now, take care ok" he tact leaving, Kaima replied with a nod, without noticing what happened, Justin get into his bike, drove off.

She was still trap by the shrivel, she tremble to her feet.

Now she realized, Adex had already taken a huge space in her heart, what she felt for Justin was just a casual feeling, it's wasn't as deep as it was then.

After her father's death, Justin became close friend, at list he came to her father's funeral. When she resumed school, he takes his chances to see her, he spent most of his free period with her.

Kaima spent her whole night thinking of what to tell Adex, her eyes wide open, the cold weather, was has hot as an oval. She looks around, the room was covered with tick dark, tears trips down her cheek. she knew she had feelings for Him but didn't know it was this strong, her heart felt heavy and weak. Adex will never forgive her, if Bolade found out. it might cost there friendship. Sleep never get her till the day comes up, she has to prepare for school.

**************

" Could you believe?" Bolade say, so aggressive, she felt her heart burning with anger, immediately she see Kaima walks out from the class, eyes fix on her.

" I don't believe this" Alisha, folds her hands her face display disappointed, as kaima walks close. kaima knew it was all about her, but they are still her friends, is a must she has to meet up with them. she couldn't look at there face, her stomach twist, the stigma kept her look for a direction, she couldn't look at them, all in her heard was to get her mind up, but words together, as she rehash words.

"Halo girls , what's up" their greeting word. no one retort, it was like she was circle by press , everyone ready and waiting to throw question on her, their face all wrapped up.

"what lie do you want to tell us?" Bolade yell furiously,

"I don't know what you're talking about" she say defensively, throw her two hands on the air

"I saw you two yesterday after school, I knew there was something up, but you keep pretending" Bolade yell, she burned in heart, so furious and aggressive, she was ever ready for what will be the out come

"We're just hanging out" she say, trying to calm the situation, Erima and Alisha was just for the show, only wanted to watch the drama

Bolade smirk "And you want me to believe that, who don't know you got feeling for Justin. Wow such an opportunity" fold her hands, shakes her head, it comes like a mock. She post like one who was prepared for a fight. " And you have to grab it. my dear, now you're messing with my brother. you wanna play games, ha… tell me!!" she yell. she would murdered her with just a look

" Bolade you need to stay calm, chill girl. Let's hear from her" Erima said. Kaima felt a little bit safe, at list finally one speak. with the look on Bolade eye, it was going to pour out her anger.

"what, hear what from her, look. Is in there blood" Bolade say, It wasn't going the way it should. to Kaima, she was getting her message, she felt like some sort of fire pick up in her body, eyes so deep and deadly

" What do you say, Bolade what do you just say ?" walks closer to her, she sounded like she was going to hit her

"Yes, you heard me right. you are just like your sister. Slut!!" she say. she has gotten her word right, that was her peace. Bolade is someone who doesn't look for something to say, it's always at the edge of her mouth, the only thing left is for her to spit it out, she felt some sort of victory, not minding who got the message

This was Bolade in nature, she say words to get to you, it was her only weapon for fight, it has cost her a lot in school, she gets into trouble with most of her classmates, as well as her seniors. She can break you with just a word, she can tell you something that will make you spend all the days of your life thinking, she wasn't a fighter but she can win a fight.

Her replied comes like a hot slap from a lefty well trained soldier

"tia, tia" It was like a white star crowned was crown on her, the sound was well heard.

"Don't you ever, call my elder sister a slut" she grunts.

the word came like a knife stab on her chest, the slap she gave her was nothing to compare with what she felt at that moment, a hot tear founds it way down her cheeks, without her knowledge. she wipes the tears, hush out of the crowd that has circle them, she force her way out. Bolade found herself on the ground, for fifteen seconds she was not her self, before she start hearing voice

"Bolade, stand up but you shouldn't have said that" that was Alisha

"where is she, where is that idiot, so she has run, where is she?" she roar. twist her waist like she was to murder her, her hand on her waist. "oh, she's lucky, Kaima you're so lucky, if I had got you". she bit her finger "Kaima you're very lucky, you and your sister, are slut" she roared

" Hey, Bolade why are you saying this, please stop" Erima say, Bolade go on ranting, spitting all abusive word on the invisible Kaima, as their friends try to calm her down.

Kaima left because she felt a shame, for the fact she knew there was some truth in what Bolade said, it's wasn't something you should say to a friend, for something that doesn't matter "yes Bolade went to far" not everyone know about Chinasa's way ward life, so many students will say she drop out from school, that was it. for students who knew she was a student in the school, but the message as being delivered and the news went very quick, it went viral within a second, it has gotten to the hears of every teacher and students. It was the school number One, in the school Chart, it trend for weeks.

*********

The next day the we're into the principal's office

"Why would you say that to her since you have no evidence, of your accusations" Mr Cameron said, very understanding and discipline.

"But sir, …" Bolade say,

"Shut up" he said with authority, he cut her, raising his hand like he was about to flog her. " I taught she was your friend, I heard it was a fight for a man, without knowing it was so immature attitude, childish behaviour of yours. Fighting for a man is also childish and immature" he speaks with a side lips. drags his lips to his left cheek "And you". Kaima, try as much as possible to avoid having an eye contact, with him. Mr Cameron. so much believe in her, it came as a shock to him when he heard the gist, Kaima knew how disappoint and displease he felt.

After her father's death, he give her a scholarship for the left two years, to finish her secondary school, while her family relative take care of the other ones. Mr Cameron. has so much believe in Kaima and has taken responsibility in part of her life. She taught that was the end of her education, cause he was going to withdraw the scholarship. her heart also hit fast, like a bomb about to explore, she pray it never occur in his mind, she clutch her hands so tight it sweat. He wanted to say another word, but it get choke by a sneeze, he wipe his face with a tissue.

"You two will have to chose, two weeks suspension or two weeks punishment. You have to wash the toilets, all for two weeks" he trash the tissue in a trash bin under his table, Bolade frown glares at Kaima

"this is your fault" Bolade say, pointing at her, Kaima didn't even raise a eye brown towards her. Mr Cameron. glare at her " I'm sorry sir" she said witty,

Her mother was never going to take it from her, it's better a month washing the toilet than a day at home, her mother can nag the whole day without having a feeling to shut for a second. it will be better she received beat from her, than her nagging, it was Bolade heritage from her mother. as well as the hot slap she received, each time she misbehave, sometimes school is more peaceful than home

"sir, let me serve the punishment" she didn't wants to think twice

"And you kaima?" he ask. Kaima saw the disappoint on her mother's face and the sleepless night she will have. If she don't spent this two weeks in class, cause she felt it was the last time she was going to be in the school to her. she thought Mr Cameron. has withdrawn the sponsorship.

" I…, m…, I will take the punishment" she exclaimed

" Now you can go Bolade" he brutal, his eye fixed on Kaima, she was trying as much as possible, to avoid his stare. " look here, my friend" there a sentiment on his voice as he roar, his eye was as deadly as the devil's, she trembling, her feet felt cold "I still can't believe you, kaima what happened?. was this I'm hearing about you?, you fought because of a man" he grunt with so much description

She swallow saliva, as she force her self to speak "I'm so..r..ry sir, bu…t.,that's not true, we…are ju…st friends" word keep breaking, each time she try to compose herself, she found herself breaking down

"I believe you, I don't want this to repeat itself. You have to avoid all this, be careful with friends you have". fumbling a books scattered on his table. as he place each on top of others. "They said. you were fighting for a man, now she was fighting you because of his brother, I didn't say being in a relationship is bad". he didn't even stare, all his focus was on his table, it came as a shock of her life. Mr Cameron. has always kick against premature sex, he has never be in support of being in a relationship in the school, he make sure every Friday students are educate more in sex education, so many students has been suspended from school because of date. "It came as a shocking to you, but he must be responsible, so get the message". he glance at her, she felt not just relive but safe and happy " now you can go to your class". Kaima wandering what made Mr Cameron. change his mind, why he would not let her mom know about it. She remembers Bolade, she knew that was the end of her friendship with her, the whole term in school Bolade avoid every connection and activities that will bring them together. Kaima as well avoid both Alisha and Erima, she decide to be alone and focus on her study, but they still spent time together. she made sure it was only a greeting and school work, nothing else. Each time Kaima is with Friends Bolade never show up till there conversation is over, even when she try as much as possible to reconnect with her. Each time she try to, Bolade gives her attitude.

It was Saturday evening, the sun hit hard on nature, Kaima has to drop by the market to see madam Chips. After sales she has to give account to Madam Chip. She own a mini manufacturing company where snack all kind are made, some of the girls comes to buy from her on credit, after sales the pay her, and goes with the profit. even at the end of the day the didn't make much, they return the left over to the supplier, the next day the still go for sales, at list Kaima was able to assist her mother with the profit she made. On her way home she meets Bisi. She sees Bisi struggling with a sack bag, it slow her movement, as the sun show no mercy on man kind. It can turn a white man skin to red and even swallow. Bisi is a fair lady, the effect of the sun was showing on her skin as it burn her skin, she stands beside the road side waiting to get a bike. Looking into her eyes, a sign of dizzy and furious capture, she so wish she could disappear and appear in the house, and have a cold bath, and rest her head.

" This sun is too much, why today. Where all this bike man, why is today like this"

She murmured, drop the sack bag beside her kneel

" Good afternoon, let me help you carry it" Kaima, came from the back, lifting the baggage, the weight almost hit her down.

She turn to face her " Ah..ah, Kama, what are you doing here" she say, she took a handkerchief from her hand bag, wipes her sweat

"I came to make a sales, but I'm heading home now, let me give a hand?" She said smiling

"Ah… no, you have had enough stress, Just go home and rest, I'm waiting for a bike" she exclaimed

" you won't see a bike easily here, let me" she said, lift it on her head

"Since you insist" she walked after her. It was an opportunity to meet up with, Adex after the break of her friendship with Bolade, she dare not come to her house. it also affect her friendship with Adex. After he caught her and Justin together, Adex distance himself from her. He hardly come to the school to pick Bolade, his an indoor person, if his not reading his chatting with his phone, this keep him busy.

Now his preparation to school, University of Lagos, of course he made it in his JAMB. When Kaima heard about his admission, she wasn't happy, she was so bothered. Adex is a good looking guy, tall and ebony, he had a dimple on his left cheek and a reddish lips, and most of it all his brilliant, who would reject such a charming prince. she imagine how he might found another girl, who is more beautiful than her and also brilliant, who will love and respect him . She regret bitterly and grief over it, she wanted to see Adex badly, to explained why he saw her with Justin, she thought the lie Bolade might have feed him up with. now he has gotten admission, she won't have the chance, sometimes she comes to visit some of her classmate who leave besides their home, unlucky for her his always indoor. This unlike her but she can't fight her feelings for Adex for the rest of her life, he has taken a huge space in her heart. She hopes she never see Bolade at the front of the compound. wish Adex will be right there, sitting as if he was expecting her. The weight of the bag rest on her neck, as some she lift it up for some second. Bisi takes her steps, It was like she was the one carry the heavy bag, her foot steps can be count, she walks as slow as a snail. Kaima do not mind the weight of the bag, she just want to see Adex and express herself and how she feels about him, she don't care what he will say or his reaction, she's no longer ashamed of it.

Bolade was seen spreading wears on a rub, immediately she sees kaima she frowned, place the sack bag on the wall beside the entrance. Bolade hush to her mother, she grab her hand bag

" welcome ma " she greeted, she zoom into the house

"Ma, I will be on my way" she turn to her.

Bisi sits on the bench in front of the house " why, please go inside, let Bolade give you something to eat, not everyone will do this...,you're such a very good girl" she insist

"Ma, I'm ok, I still have a lot to do at home, next time." she resist

"All the way from agba market, you carry this hefty bag, to my house" she narrate, as she demonstrate with hands

"Ma, I'm fine, anybody can do that" she felt so fond, of herself at list, Adex knows she's here, and this is a good reason for him to know she's not as bad as he thinks

"Look since you insist, but I won't let you go empty handed" she persist, leaving

" No ma, I'm ok, just don't bother" she pleads,

Bisi ignore her "I will be right back" she went in, it's very hard decline Bisi. Kaima felt like all her efforts to be picture as a good person will be in vain, she also wanted to impress Bolade not just Adex, if she take anything from Bisi it will all be a waste, she didn't know if she should wait, she just want to see Adex at list for the last time, she fight within herself, she finally come to a conclusion to leave

before Bisi comes back.

" My mom said, I should give you this" she heard the voice as she's about leaving, she felt her heart, as fast as never expect, some sort of feeling took over her, like a butterfly in her belly. She turns, Adex stretch his hand, to give her. She didn't like the look in his face, he always wears a smile which makes him more cute and charming. Besides she didn't expect that

"No, I'm ok" she tact smiling

"she insist you take it" he brutal, she has to give up her pride

"Thanks" she tact, it's five hundred naira. She pocket it, at once Adex turns to leave "Adex, please wait" he turns to face her "Justin is not my boyfriend, we're just friends, what ever you heard about me isn't true" she didn't know what gives her the confidence to say dose things, she knew she has to say something, to keep him from leaving, he stare at her with a smile. Bits his lip

"Ok, so happy to hear but no one told me anything about you" he tact, still smiling, he deep his hands in his pocket.

" you have been avoiding me, ever since than, I'm sure you might have heard about. The misunderstanding between me and your sister" she allowed her heart all out

" I'm not avoiding you" he stretch his body, some sound heard, it was like he command life into his body

"you hardly come to my school to pick Bolade" she says, as if he owned her apology for that

He giggle " I had a very busy days, preparing for my admission, and about the relationship stuff, is your personal decision, no one can impel you, to be with any one. Ok..." he advised, holds her shoulder "I have something I was doing before, mom send me" he added

"Look Adex, I like you, I really like you a lot, I said yes" emotion took over her, poured her heart. It came as a shock to her but him but he acted like he didn't heard her

"what did you just say?" He ask with so much curiosity

" I said I like you, I said yes, I will be your girl friend" she felt embarrass but she has already said that, he giggling place his two hands on his face, he hug her.

***************

Kaima walks into the sitting room, with a bowl of garri. Ugo and Mary sits with their plates line on a wood table, and a jug of water.

She share among them "bro Ema where is your plate" she ask poured water in Mary's plate of garri

"I'm not eating" he tact recline on an arm chair

"I want it to soak ...well!, well!, well!" she tact wines her two hands, like a butterfly about to take off, she smiles, turning it.

Ugo pulls her on her skirt " you won't leave there, when you pour it, then you will be at peace " he yell

"leave me alone !" hit his hand. "leave me" . in her voice, she sound like a bird

"Ugo what's it, how is it your problem?, you better behave your self " Emeka roared

"Until she threw it" he said frowned

"Ugo what is it" Kaima proclaimed, he drag is plate, she scoop a huge potion into his mouth, he placed his plate on his laps

"Mumu come here" he brought, five hundred from his pocket. "go and buy sugar and groundnut, don't forget my change" brutal as he hand him the money

"Ehh…, Bro Eme, make it a round number one fifty, it won't be enough for us" Kaima tact with a smile

"I don't have a money, I have something I want to use that money for" he said, kaima looks at him with a corny eye " ok, make it one fifty" he exclaimed. Ugo couldn't even wait for another second, he speed off. cause delay can be dangerous, things can change at that very minutes, Emeka can change his mind, he didn't want to hear a story

"Bro Eme, what's up" she sits beside him, he frown. turning to the other space

"look, I don't have another money, that's the only money left with me" he said frowned, hide his face under his arm, Chinasa walks in, rage flow through her like a lava.

"Who took the money, I kept in my bag?" she grunt, so furious. Kaima evacuate from Emeka sit, walks to the sits beside Mary, acting like she was invisible.

"Boom" sound of her hand, like she was to swore, but the sound comes like an explosion " eh.. Sis please take it easy" Kaima goad.

"you will just receive a hot slap, this afternoon. For the last time who took the money I kept in my bag?" she warned

"What's this now, can't you search for your money, you don't even know where you kept your money, you will start laying accusation" he runt, leaving

" Thunder strike you there." she roar. There is sentiment in her face, she force the table out of her way, her phone ring as she struggled with her bag

" please, don't throw this little one we want to manage, we haven't seen any to eat" kaima brutal. if eye was gun, Kaima blood would have been flowing down the floor

She picks. "halo, babe how far, I'm on my way" she said rushing out. "let me don't come and look for that money".

"Ok, ma..." kaima, said politely, she runs like she was on a race. few seconds, Ugo walks in " Where is Bro Eme?" kaima query,

" His outside" he replied, immediately kaima dash out. Emeka recline on the bench, his leg stretch, the other leg cross his kneel

" Bro Eme!!!" He jumps up, gazing around as if he was hiding from someone

"What happened!?" he grunt, his heart at race

"Don't be angry, nothing happened. The money" he glare at her "how much is that?" she brutal.

"Which money, did you give me any money to keep" he frowned, stood up, as he struggles to wear his pan well, he drag it with him as he walk down, from the two stairs in front of the house. Kaima joins her, he walks as fast as he can to avoid her, she also fasten her foot step, to make sure he didn't run off

"Who dare? come into this house and took the money she's asking for" she brutal, he ignored her, as he can no longer endure her nag

"Oo…, is just five thousand naira, what happened ?" he grunt

"you know since two weeks, I have be saving to start a business, you know that snack business, I want to start my own " she exclaimed

"So giving you this five thousand, will save your problem, you be able to start your own business?" he ask grunt

" give me something" she argue folding her hands, he count the money

"Ok, take" he gives her from it, three thousand. Put the rest in his pocket. If she didn't follow him up that way, she won't have gotten a share. She knew Chinasa would never ask about the money again, she need to get her own potion. at list to start up her own hawking business. Chinasa wasn't as bad as she was painted here, she will never request for the money, this doesn't means she won't remember, but because they were her siblings. "blood is thicker than water", as the saying. When ever she comes back, she comes back with lots of goodies for them. Nnenna will warned them not to take anything from her. it doesn't change the smell of those delicious food from Kilimanjaro or Chicken Republic, only the mature ones dare to disobey, but the little ones expressed dear feeling with tears. Sometimes she drop money for food and other things, she buys clothes for them. Once Nnenna founds out, either she throw them or she render them useless.

"Mom, what's this now, do you know how much this clothes cost" Chinasa grunt

"take them out of my house, my children don't need them, they will not accept anything from you" she yell

"I'm working hard for the benefit of everyone, I'm trying my best" she brutal

"For who?. who exactly. Not me, neither my children" she yell, pointing

"whatever I do, I do it for this family, yet you don't appreciate" she said in tears

"You are doing it for who?, you must be joking, stop deceiving your self, if you're selling your body to make money is the support you're giving to me, I don't need it, and I can never appreciate such. What you do is called "prostitution". I as a mother will never accept such an abominable thing, as earn of living, so get it" she grunt leaving, Chinasa felt like her soul, was peers into pieces, she sat on the pavement, burial her face on her

Adex walks in, without their consent.

"Halo" he waves at Emeka, who was rushing out, Kaima holds her heart like it was felling out

"Hi what's up;" Emeka tact, they exchange hand shake, his about leaving, he drags his leg, his shoulder pops up and down, till he was completely off the view

Kaima smiles, feeling shade by his brothers steps, as Adex eyes followed him till vanished

"Hi, what's up" she tact,

"What you guys doing?" he asked, still smiling

" Is a family thing" she demonstrate, she grab his hand. " come, before my mom caught you here" he follows her sheepishly.

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