NGỌZI

Chapter Ten.

GLEEFUL
Exuberantly or triumphantly joyful.

The following morning I heard a knock on my gate and went to check, I was astounded to see Ifeanyi the little boy from yesterday. He came along with his friend who I do not know.
It
"Good morning! Auntie" he said with a smile.
Good morning, Ifeanyi.

I gave his friend a long fixed look as I was trying to guess whose son he was but failed.

" Auntie this is my friend Tochukwu, I brought him along to assist you with some chores just like I promised yesterday."

I went teary on hearing that and at once started showering praises and prayers on them.

These boys not only helped me fetch water but also swept the entire compound and even fetched more firewood for me.

I was touched by their show of kindness to me and my daughters, and the least I could do to show appreciation was to offer them food after they had labored.

Ifeanyi and his friend Tochukwu did not relent in helping me not even for a day, their consistency was overwhelming until one faithful day.

I was in my kitchen in my backyard when I heard someone grumbling and walking towards the backyard, I rushed out of the kitchen to see Ifeanyi in a bad temper.

He had his writs and arm gripping behind his back and an angry face.

"Auntie good afternoon," he said with his heart racing in his chest.

Good afternoon Ifeanyi, you don't look cheerful, who vexed you? I asked in curiosity.

Ifeanyi stood tongue-tied and swiveled his head.

Ifeanyi! Am talking to you, do not stand there and act dumb. I bellow in annoyance.

"Auntie, you will not believe I heard from my friend". He said with a piteous look.

What did you hear, Ifeanyi?

"Auntie as I was coming to your house to help you with the farm work as I promised you yesterday,  while on my way I decided to check on my friend Tochukwu so we could come do the work together."

Yes! So what happened? Why is Tochukwu not here with you? I interrupted him with my impatience.

"As I arrived at Tochukwu's house, I noticed he was not ready for the farm work as we agreed yesterday. When I tried to find out why, he said there is a hearsay going around the village about us.. auntie."

What is the rumor? I questioned him as stood like a cat on a hot tin roof.

" He said some group of boys approached him yesterday while he was heading back home, and told him to warn me about my affair with you.
According to the word on the street, you and I are lovers" he added.

What did you just say? I screamed while cubing my ears with both hands.

"Auntie, he said the news is on everyone's lips in the village and that his parents even interrogated him on that" Ifeanyi resumed.

With both of my hands behind my head, I screamed abomination!! This is the height of humiliation I vented with my eyes teary.

My spirit was low and same time heartbroken.

This is the most humiliating conspiracy.
A woman of my standing, a lover to a 14-year-old boy that I regard as a son?

Ahhh!!! Nneohia community this is your worst? I lamented.

Ifeanyi! I want you to find out from your friend Tochukwu who those boys are.

As soon as Ifeanyi left my compound, I at once went to meet my father-in-law about what I was being accused of.