Reunion

Did you just said "too late"? did anyone chased you out?

By the way who owns this place?

it's mine ma!

are you a mother?

I am.

How could you hire a girl to work for you without her parent's permission? I can sue you for that!

I know I don't have the right to defend myself but it's still that motherly love I felt when I helped a girl in need. how could I have known she still have parents? a lot of them walk in the street of Abuja as orphans looking for help. with all due respect ma, you should be grateful I took her in and she didn't fall in the wrong hands.

Mom she's right, If she hadn't helped me I don't know what would have become of me by now. Mrs Nana God bless you for your help. Ma thank you so much for giving my mom a call the moment you recognized me. I overheard everything I didn't run away because I felt it's about time I return back home. I'm sorry mom. I miss you so much.. at this point I couldn't control myself I broke down in tears.

mom spent two days in Abuja at Mrs Nana's residence as her husband was out of town. we were chatting on the morning we were supposed to leave and dad called, like did he just realized his wife was not home?

hello honey!

"where have you been, I came back home and you weren't home, I've been trying to reach you for two days now."

I'm sorry something urgent came up I had to leave right away, I couldn't inform you

" when will you be home?"

I'll be on my way soon, by the way I have a surprise for you.

Then she hung up the call, she looked at me, smiled then took a deep breath, relaxed and smiled again, I could see the joy and happiness in her eyes, made me regret my actions big time, what kind of a child am I?

Two hours later we were already in Lagos, I felt this chill in my bones, I realized I've missed home, I now know how big the mistake I made by running away from home but for what it worths, I had such nice time, and wouldn't have learnt the things I learned if i hadn't left, still not justifying my actions, I got to know what life is, outside the luxury my parents provides for me, most importantly i got to know me better.

i looked at mom smiled at her, she didn't return my smile but turned away instead, I understand, after what I put her through, I am a prodigal daughter after all. I am very sure she'd forgive me and forget everything soon.

Suddenly the thought of dad came to my mind.

mommy?

yes?

is Dad mad at me?

I don't know if he is or not, but when you see him you would know.

if I had thought about him, I would have ran away before mom landed at Abuja. how do I face him?

as soon as we got to the front door I couldn't take another step, I don't know what awaits me in there.

why aren't you moving? it's still home, don't you miss home? or you are not happy to be back finally?

before I could say a word or take a step my bro jumped at me from behind.

oh my God! my little sister is back.

with excitement and guilt all over him he embraced me warmly and said

"I am sorry sis, I let you down, I failed being a big brother and I shouldn't have let my emotions control me"

what's happening out there?

Dad's voice was heard from inside.

my princess! he came running towards me

I'm truly sorry. and he hugged me

wait! is this really my dad? did my disappearance changed him? is his heart soften towards me now? I don't understand or is it that it's just a welcome before the scolding comes in. of course I'm sure gon be scolded.

why did you do that to us? how dare you Nu'ayma? do you know what you caused this family? did you know what your brothers lost while they were here looking for you? you almost ruined my reputation. what kind of a child are you? we were only trying to do what's best for you, but you repaid us by running away.

honey she just came back, allow her come in first, please.

no woman! allow me to tell her what she did is wrong

she already knows!

she must be punished!

you want her to run away again?

I'm sorry dad! but my brothers were here?

don't ask stupid questions go inside now..

I saw Bash coming towards me, with full excitement..

Miss Nu'ayma welcome back! we all miss you.

thanks Bash I will see you later..

she left this house for almost two years and survived so definitely she will survive anything that comes her way.

honey what are you talking about?

An arranged marriage with my Friends son!

which of your friend?

Sa'eed's son Yasir.

no dad! you can't let my sis marry that ingrate!

I just got back dad!

I had it planned even before you ran away from home, it's one of the reasons I couldn't announced you went missing, and besides my mind is made up, I want to strengthen our bond, no one can stop me.

then give birth to another daughter!

what did you just said.

leave her alone honey, I'll accept anything but my daughter will never get married into that family, princess go to your room and freshen up, then rest and come down for dinner later.

I went to my room feeling so much bitterness, I thought my return will bring joy and excitement in the house, but yet another argument over me.

I have to do what I can, but never will I agree to that marriage. NEVER!