Chapter Seven: Cousin

Aliyah was over the moon. Her favorite cousin was moving in with them. She couldn't contain her excitement.

Aliyah and Morenike had this sisterly bond,they always understood each other,and always just sort of.... clicked.

Morenike Oseni was everything Aliyah loved. Elegant. Bold. Popular. Gorgeous. A total boss b×tch. Her whole personality was just-

Aliyah couldn't wait for her cousin to arrive.

"When is she coming?." She had asked her mother for the umpteenth time. She knew she was starting to get on her nerves, considering how the older version of her turned to glare at her,her big round glasses sitting at the edge of her nose. Aliyah shrunk back a bit.

If looks could kill she'd be six feet under by now.

"Like I said, for the last ten thousandth time-," Aliyah was this close to giving back a snarking reply,but decided against it. "They're probably just stuck in traffic. They'll be here soon."

How soon? It was already 4 in the evening. She'd been waiting all day for them to arrive!.

"Just sit down and watch TV or something," Her mother waved her hands dismissively at her,her gaze returning to the computer system in front of her as she began typing furiously on the keyboard. "And don't disturb me again." 

Aliyah sighed, sinking into the big pillows on the couch, pouting.

Doing as told,Aliyah focused her attention on the TV in front of her instead. She stretched forward to grab the remote, putting it to the Nickelodeon channel. SpongeBob was on and they were showing a scene where Squirdward's house was walking and crushing everything in sight.

She had already seen this episode before,in the morning. Aliyah clicked the remote changing it to The Amazing world of gumball,her second favorite cartoon.

She became so invested in the cartoon that she hadn't noticed the front door opening and closing,and two figures walking in.

Her mother saw them before she did.

"Anjola!." Her mother exclaimed, standing up from her sitting position to greet her sister. Aliyah snapped her neck towards the sound and her eyes lit up by the sight of her aunt and cousin.

"Aunt Anjola,Eni!."  Aliyah jumped up and rushed towards them,she immediately pulled her cousin into a hug,the latter chuckling.

"Hey Liyah." Morenike smiled at her. Aliyah smiled back,hers being brighter.

The mother and daughter welcome their guests into their home properly. Whilst the maids take their bags to the guest room,the four of them talk among themselves animatedly. The mother and daughter soon decide to give their guests some space and allow them settle in their new room for the next few months.

Morenike's parents had just recently separated,and her mother was quick to ask for her elder sister's assistance. Aliya's mother offered to let them stay at their house for a while,at least until they were able to get a place of their own.

By the time the sun had retired,and the moon had arrived, Morenike and her mother we're both settled in and heading downstairs for dinner. Morenike could feel her mouth watering just by the smell alone.

It smelt heavenly.

"There you guys are! We were waiting for you two.Dinner is ready,lets eat." Mrs Ogunleye had a massive smile on her face as she addressed the two. Her younger sister smiled back and sat next to her, whilst Morenike drew a chair next to Aliyah to sit. Aliyah smiled widely at her cousin, happiness and excitement swimming in her eyes.

It had been so long since she was this happy. And also so long since she and Morenike had been together. She was going to make every minute count.

"Hey." Morenike said in a whisper,as a girl dressed in an Ankara skirt and blouse came out of the kitchen and began serving them. Morenike smiled in appreciation as the girl dished her food for her - jollof rice and sauced chicken on the side. 

"Aliyah,pray for us." Mrs Ogunleye instructed. Although Aliyah's father was Muslim,which also made her Muslim automatically,her mother was a Christian and a firm believer. Aliyah's mother made sure to bring up her daughter with the word of God,and got her a bible instead of a qu'aran. Her husband didn't have an issue with it, considering he also converted into Christianity not to long after he and his bride got married. Aliya's mother wasn't willing to leave her religion and convert,but somehow she got her husband to.

Her mother in law wasn't at all pleased about it.

"Father Lord in heaven.

We thank you for this food,

We thank you for provision,

We thank you that so many people aren't able to eat,or feed themselves,but we eat three square meals a day.

We thank you also for the hands that made this food.

Bless and sanctify this food in Jesus name," She paused,and the rest answered with an "Amen."

Aliyah cleared her throat and adjusted in her seat, picking up her spoon to start eating. The rest followed, picking up their spoons and immediately dug into their food.

Dinner consisted of small talks,laughter, teases,and exchange of old memories.

Aliyah felt content.