Pains of Amara(Completed)

Chapter 36

AMARACHI

I walked back home holding two polythene bags, one filled with customer clothes and the other, with soup ingredients.
I had just come back from the market and was walking home.
Thoughts of what aunty Lydia said to me in the shop came rushing into my mind.
"What did she mean by she will kill Me? Did aunty Lydia really mean it? How am I stealing the spotlight from Ogechi?"

These questions rummaged through my mind for answers as i kept on walking, curiosity and anxiety coursing through my body.

"Amara"
I suddenly heard my name which jolted me out of my reverie. I turned back to see who called and was surprised to see Nonso running after me.

"Nonso kedi(how are you)?"I asked a bit surprised to see him.

"Amara you are scarce these days o. What are you carrying? Let me help you"Nonso offered as he took the bags from my hand.

"I've been busy o.Where have you been?"I asked as we walked together.
It had been a while I saw Nonso and also........Becca.
I wondered if she was still mad at me.

"Eehm Nonso"i called out to him as he was about replying me.
He tilted his head at me and gave me a soft smile.
"How is Becca? Is she still mad at me?"i asked nervously.

Nonso let out a laugh and shook his head at me.
Why is he laughing?

"Nonso answer me joor and stop keeping me in the dark"i cried out.

He stopped laughing and sighed,"that one is fine. She is no more angry don't mind her. The girl mistook my kindness as love so she thought we were in a relationship".

I rolled my ears and stared at nonso with a raised eyebrow,"Are you sure?"I queried.

"Amarachi yes. She's no longer angry.
Forget that one. I'm still angry with her for the way she behaved to you"Nonso replied with a stern look on his face.

"Nonso you don't have to be angry. I forgave her a long time ago and I'm glad she's no more angry"

Nonso stared at me, but there was something in his eyes for me.
I really couldn't point my fingers to it.

I began feeling uncomfortable under his gaze.
"Nonso stop staring at me like that biko(please)" I cautioned with a mild frown.

He let out a chuckle and nodded his head.
The rest of our walk was accompanied by gisting and laughing.
I really liked having Nonso by my side. He was like the elder brother I never had.

***************
I sat with Nonso as we were both peeling melon seeds.
I watched as Nonso kept on roving the entire house and surroundings with his eyes.
"Nonso I already told you. Aunty Lydia isn't around" I said smiling.

He hissed and sighed,"that woman can just appear from anywhere. I didn't like the way she humiliated me that day i came to see you".

I wore a frown on my face,"Nonso I already apologised on her behalf. Let bygones be bygones"

"You seem to really like defending Lydia"Nonso said as a smile curved on his lips.

I hissed at him,"Stop now. I apologised already so please let it slide"

Nonso stared at me and shrugged his shoulders as he kept on peeling the melon seeds.
The gate whirled open as we were peeling the seeds.
I raised my head up to check who opened the gate and was shocked to see it was Rebecca.
She was even smiling as she approached us.
I suddenly felt knots tie in my stomach as I watched her approach us.

"Nonso...you can never visit me only Amarachi"Becca said which seemed like she was teasing him as she kept on smiling.

"Becca good evening" I greeted in a whisper as I continued peeling the melons.

I expected her to ignore me but she gave me a wild smile and greeted me back.
"Amara my dear how are you?"Becca asked grinning as Nonso scooted to create space for her to sit on the wooden bench.

I was astonished by how nice becca was treating me.
Some days ago she was treating me like I was her worst enemy now this nice treatment.

"Rebecca..hope..you aren't angry with me?I asked with concern.

Becca shook her head at me,"Amara I am not. I hold no grudges against you. I should apologise. I'm sorry for the way i behaved"

A smile crept to my face. I was really happy deep down.
Finally i had gotten my friend back.

"Nonso Becca is right o. You need to visit her"i said teasingly to Nonso.

"Both of you want to crucify me"Nonso said with a light tone as he handed becca some melon seeds to peel.

She collected it happily and joined us in peeling.
Finally everything seemed perfect.
This was how I wanted it to be.
Just peace.

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

I walked with Nonso and Becca, escorting them to the next junction as we all kept on chatting happily.

"I'm telling you guys I normally dream about my mother. And in the dreams, it's either she's petting me or she is teaching me how to sew but i can't remember how she looks like after waking up" I narrated to Nonso and Becca as we kept on walking.

"Don't you have her pictures in your house?"Becca asked.
I shook my head at her,"My dear i can't find a single picture of her in that house"

Becca exclaimed,"Nawa in that entire house?!"

I nodded my head at her then turned to face Nonso,"Nonso you know Nne told me your mother was my mother's best friend. Does she have my mother's picture?"

Nonso shook his head,"You know how careless my mother is. I asked her one time and honestly she couldn't find it"

"What is all these now?"I cried out with a sad look plastered on my face.

"Don't be sad ok. Ami baby"Nonso teased as he started tickling me.
I was so ticklish. I couldn't help but laugh hard.

"Nonso stop" I said in between laughs as i pushed his hands away.

"You know i can't help myself"Nonso said as he continued tickling me.
I just kept on laughing. I couldn't help myself.

"Nonso we have to go now"Becca said which made Nonso stop.

"Its true. You people should be going let me go back and cook"I said after controlling my laughter.

"Let me escort you back now"Nonso offered which made becca exclaim in surprise.

"We are just coming back from her house"Becca said.

I nodded my head at her,"True. Don't escort me ok. I'll see you both later"
I waved at them and quickly turned going back home.

************
"Nonso what was all that?"Becca asked with annoyance after Amarachi had gone.

Nonso ignored her remark and kept on walking.

"Nonso you promised me..."

"I told you I'll think about it. I didn't promise to accept you. I still don't believe I slept with you"Nonso said cutting becca short.
Becca stared at him, shocked, as he walked ahead of her.

"Amarachi you are the cause of all these. You are really playing with fire and I promise you Amara, you will definitely get burnt"