MIND FIELDS ✓

5: Forgotten books

I'll be lying if I said that wasn't the best rest I've ever had in my life. The bed was so soft and comfortable, I just didn't even feel like getting up. Well, until I saw the time.

  The wall clock boldly showed 10:33, I can't believe I overslept! Back home I usually wake up by 4, latest 6. To begin my normal chores, I hope Aunty's not angry

I quickly got up and made my way to the bathroom to freshen up. Last night it rained, and the weather was still  gloomy and cold. So a hot shower was just what I needed to get me started.

" I really don't have time to start looking for a decent dress to wear." I mumbled to myself, Aunty did say we'd go shopping today, so hopefully I get some good clothes to wear. I ended up wearing a faded floral dress, that was the only decent thing I had, plus it wasn't that bad since I'd just be working round the house.

As I walked down stairs the first thing that greeted me was the delicious smell of food coming from the kitchen.

I saw Aunty making breakfast, she was humming as she moved gracefully from the sink to the stove.  I watched her in awe, the way her hands moved so fast when she's chopping the vegetables into tiny bits.

  A little puppy ran through the door startling me, my hands knocked the tin of salt spilling it on the floor, Aunty turned to look at what had caused the racket, she looked at the spilled salt and then at me. I thought she was going to yell at me for being clumsy. But she didn't, instead she gave me a bright smile.

"Nicole, I didn't see you there." She said,  "Good morning, Ma." I quickly greeted, "I didn't mean to spill it, the dog scared me. I swear," I bent down and started packing them with my hands.

"No, no. It's fine, it was an accident. And please don't use your hands, Take the broom and sweep it." She said pointing at where the broom was kept. I sighed in relief, "I promise it won't happen again " I told her as I swept the salt, "If you're done, come and join me over here." She waved get her hands and continued cooking.

When I was done cleaning up. I kept the broom back and went to help her, "you can cut plantains right?" She asked, I nodded. She handed me a bowl and a bunch of plantains, "now, I want you to cut them thickly, I want to make plantains and egg frittata." She said, oh I love plantains and egg frittata! I've only eaten it like once but boy, it was the best thing I've ever tasted.

"Where're the boys?" I asked, while cutting the plantains, "they went to school, today is Monday." She answered, oh yeah, I forgot. "You have a puppy." I said. Aunty laughed, "yeah, The boys Dad bought it when he came back from London last two years. I don't think it's a puppy anymore. Elliot named him oatmeal. But Edmund calls him Bo." She shook her head in amusement but I could her a tinge of sadness in her voice , "am sorry," she looked at me and smiled, "it's okay." After a few minutes of silence i asked, "they never agree on anything do they?" "It's a rare occurrence. I can't say it doesn't happen tho."

Oatmeal, seriously?

"I hope you're watching how to do this, Nicole. Because am not going to be home most of the time and you'll be in charge of the kitchen, especially when the boys are home." Aunty said switching off the gas cooker. Home alone with the boys, as long as Edmund is here I think I'll be fine.

"Honey, go and set up the dinning, I'll be there with the food." I nodded, the delicious smell of frittata made my tummy rumble loudly. "Someone's hungry." Aunty laughed, I blushed in embarrassment, walking to the living room.

As I was arranging the table, I saw two big chemistry textbooks and a note book, I checked the name, Elliot Collins . T.

Out of curiosity, I opened the book and saw that it was his project and Presentation due today was boldly written at the side with red pen. I think he forgot it at home, and if they're actually have their presentation today, he can't be able to present without his notebook. Why do I even care? I shifted the books aside and arranged the table, but then again, he might be very mean to me, but doesn't mean I want him to fail.

I gathered the books and kept them aside, just as Aunty walked in with the food. "this is Kenneth's food, please take it to him." I nodded picking up the foodflask. I'll tell Aunty that Elliot forgot his books at home, she'll know what to do.