The Reunion (Nigerian Themed novel)

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Victor's POV.

“I didn’t get orchids,” She pouted, walking to where i had stood. She was dressed in a black floral dress that fell beneath her knees paired with sandals, and a white vintage scarf covering her hair.

“But I got roses.” She added  smiling briefly. Hope it’s not a bad choice?”

“No, It’s okay,” I replied unlocking the doors to the car.

“Oh! my bad. I was meaning to ask. How is your mum?” I questioned

“She is doing good. Sends her regards.” She replied stepping into the car. I smiled briefly snapping the locks to the door shut as I relaxed in.

And so, in a  drop pin silence. We travelled on the early morning road  without further conversations, till we arrived to our destination.

“So, this is my maternal home. Do you want to come in or just wait outside while I call the attention of others?” I spoke quietly and could feel the chill in my tone.

It was so unlike me. I had spent the night before in misery and restlessness. I couldn’t think properly, I had finally slept off drenched in pain.

I wasn’t prepared for what was forth coming.

“Victor?” I felt a light tap on my shoulder and realized i had trailed off during our conversation. Her eyes bored curiosity and her lips twitched in a usual way that I had learnt to know needed answers. And so before her endless enquires to why i am lost starts to pop in, I unlock the doors stepping out hurriedly.

“Come.”

I wasn’t prepared for her questions or opinions on anything right now. This isn’t the side of me I will want her to see. After been sure i could hear her trading footsteps behind me. We walked into the house  in silence, with just the sound of my heartbeat thudding loudly.

As if to rip off from my chest.

As if set on a parade order. Everyone jumped up from their sits when we walked in.  The worry on their faces is replaced by questioning brows when they realize they is a second person beside me.

There is silence.

Total silence!

“Good morning.” Kemi is the first to speak. Her tone sounds so unease and with an incline of fear.

Silence again.

“Kemi. Right?” Simi is  second to speak breaking into a smile while she walked to where we had stood.

“Vic, she’s the caterer from the reunion right, isn’t she?”She inquired further.

Realization crawled in, eating into my skin and I scratched my head in embarrassment.

Embarrassed that few minutes ago. I  informed everyone I wanted getting something.

Here i was, thirty minutes later, with a total stranger.

No, not entirely a stranger.

But an unexpected visitor.

Then the next minute I fail to introduce my guest while I drown everyone in total absurd confusion.

“Oh, Kemi darling. You came?” A voice so loud, I had forgotten about walked out from the kitchen with a tray, her face wreathed in smiles.

Aunty Ireti.

The only woman who would have saved me earlier from this embarrassment.

“Come my darling. You all should meet Kemi. She’s the daughter to a very good friend of mine.” The woman chanted drawing Kemi forward.