HER FIRST MISSION

With the meeting we had two days ago, I just knew that I had to be discreet about my first mission.

I wasn't sure yet what side of the story was true. It was my duty to find out.

My first mission was to thoroughly shake up grandmother until she reveals every single thing to me.

As the one who found and raised my sister, I believed she had not told my parents everything they needed to know.

Then I decided that I had to go back to my grandmother......

"Mom, is everything okay?" I asked as I walked into her room and saw her wiping her eyes. Was she crying again? I wondered.

"You don't have to investigate you know?", Mom said as she blew her nose.

"No mom, I know I have to"

"So it's true that you're returning to your Grandmother's house"

"Yes mommy, it's true. And I promise to find out exactly what happened eighteen years ago."

"Promise you would be careful too. I can't afford to lose you"

"I promise you mom. You don't have to worry", I said as I sat on the bed right beside her.

"Where's dad?" , I looked around as I searched for him.

"Your father went to pick up the car from the workshop."

"What of Bala? Isn't that his job? Dad's not feeling too well right? He should've just called Bala"

"You know your father, he insists he has to drive you to your grandmother's place. There is nothing I can do"

"Anyway do you know Peterson slept over?" Mom asked.

"Fully aware mom. I saw him this morning at the garden. He said he was looking for me. I wondered if I was the gardener"

Mom smiled. A bit genuinely for the first time in a while.

Last night, I prayed against Mom falling into depression. I prayed for her to be strong so that together we would win this.

(Knock-knock)

"Dad, is that you?" I said as I ran towards the door to open it.

It was Peterson to my disappointment.

"Your dad asked me to call you" he said.

"And again, your phone is for what? For showoff?"

Before he could say anything mom walked up to where I was and said,

"Allyson, are you sure you want to work with Peterson?"

"You see, I can do without him mom. He's the one who's annoying and persistent"

"Ok. You two should go down already. Your dad is waiting for you"

With a quick but reassuring hug from mom I felt ready for what was to come.

I ran down the stairs and found Dad talking to Peterson.

"Dad, you know you don't have to drive me, right" I intentionally interrupted them...

"I must dear. You see Mr Gbesinro insisted I drive so as to ensure his son's safety"

What in the world was wrong with this family? I never for once liked them anyway. So dad wasn't driving so he could spend time with me? I was disappointed.

"But dad, is he really coming with us? In our car?" I asked as soon as Peterson had walked away.

"Yes dear." Dad said and together we went outside.

I wasn't sure of how I felt about Peterson following us. Was it because I didn't like his guts or because dad could say embarrassing things in the car? I didn't want to think of which one would be more annoying.

With my fingers crossed, I sat at the front seat leaving Peterson at the back seat with some traveling bags.

Dad started the car and he drove off. The car was quiet at first until dad said...

"Have you called your grandmother?"

"No dad. I want to surprise her"

"Alright dear. I just hope it isn't you who would be more surprised"

"Oh! How do you mean dad?"

"Well, I'm just saying."

"If it's about meeting no one at home that's not possible. Grandmother is always home"

"Did she tell you that?" Dad asked as he tried not to laugh.

"She didn't. It's what I figured"

"Okay dear. Just be careful over there alright?"

"Yes dad, I'll be careful"

"And be a good girl too"

"Yes daddy"

"That reminds me, I hope you didn't forget to take the eyedrop we got for you from Doctor Martins?"

"Oh Dad?! Now the entire world would know I've got issues with my eyes"

I looked back and was relieved to see Peterson in earphones. I guess he didn't hear what my dad just said.

"Well, the entire world would know once you start using glasses. You know he almost recommended one the last time?"

"I know. I know. Ok dad. I've heard you. I didn't forget them at home okay?"

"You had better not"

The rest of the journey was filled with silence that brought me satisfaction. At least dad didn't spill another top secret of mine.

"Here we are" , Dad said.

With joy written all over my face, I ran towards grandmother who was standing right outside her house.

"I've missed you grandma" , I said.

"You won't even greet me?", She said jokingly as she hugged me.

"And who do we have here?" She said as she looked at Peterson.

"He's....here to help" , I said as I couldn't find the best way to introduce him.

Dad had parked the vehicle and was coming to greet grandmother. But I went inside together with Peterson.

"Mary? Oh my God! What are you doing here?!", I screamed. I was so excited to see Mary.

"I thought you might want to see me. You're not mad at me right?", She asked.

"No way! I'm so glad you're here"

"Hey Peter" , Mary called out to Peter who seemed lost.

"Hey Mary. I think that's what they all call you?" , Peter said.

"Look guys, I'm sorry I lied to you. My name is Amanda"

"We know. I mean we figured", I said.

I peeped through the window and I saw my dad walking towards the parked car.

"I'll be right back!" I said and walked away.

Grandmother went inside as soon as I walked out. I told her I was going to say goodbye to my dad.

"Dad! Amanda is inside. Won't you come say hi before leaving?"

"Sorry dear. I have to go now. Your mother has called me several times."

"Oh okay dad. Should I extend your greetings to her at least?"

"Don't stress yourself my love. That would be unnecessary. I have to go. I'll call you"

"Okay dad. Bye!"

I watched as dad left the compound before I went back inside. Why did daddy ask me not to bother greeting Amanda on his behalf? Isn't she his daughter? What else was dad hiding?