Amiss Desires

Chapter 5

"Are we staying long sir" the driver spoke looking at the rearview mirror to see his boss reply to the question he'd asked.

"We could" They had just arrived at his family house, somehow he had been reluctant to visit for some months now.

He walked to the doorstep of his house, acknowledging the greetings from the security and house staff. Antonio loved this place, he loved the scent of the flowers surrounding the building and how homely it felt, nothing compared to where he lived, but the thought of leaving always seemed difficult that it made him despise coming

The house smelt of food the moment he walked in and he smiled, he came at the right time. A good meal would always be the way to his heart

"My sweet boy!" His mother exclaimed the instant she saw him "How much I've missed you"

She walked quickly to him, tears forming in her eyes

"Tch.. come here my boy" she demanded and he listened, moving to her as she moved to him

"You look nice ma" Antonio spoke when she hugged him tightly, he hugged her back even tighter. He was not always comfortable with showing emotions but he couldn't help it around her. He owed this woman everything, for all that he owned was as a result of her good nature.

"Thank you thank you, I was just about to leave"

"You're leaving?" He asked almost laughing

"Yes my boy, I'm so sorry," she looked at him sadly

"I....."

"I know, I know.." she began "but I made some food for you as an apology, just myself"

"You've been whining that I come and here you are running away the moment I arrive!" He exclaimed

"I know my boy, stay the night for me" She kissed his cheek, her bangles singing as she moved her hands around

Antonio sighed "Ma, I have work to do, I can't "

"Don't say that!" She exclaimed raising her hands in the air "You cannot come here to stay some hours, what happened to that little boy that didn't want to leave home at all?!" She cried

"Stay the night for me, for your sister too"

"Cata's here?" He asked curiously. It can't be any coincidence that his half-sister was home just around the same time he was. She hardly ever visited, hardly...

"Surprisingly"

"Hmm"

"I'd see you soon Tony" his mother beaned "Stay for me please" she pleaded and Antonio raised his hands in surrender, anything for his ma.

"I love you!" She yelled before hurriedly leaving.

Antonio took some time to observe the house, not much difference, some new paintings but that was about it. It felt so good to be home and immediately he began to consider staying a little longer than a day. He took the elevator to his room which was amongst the few rooms on the top floor. God knew how much he needed to be here, he loved the solitude of being at the topmost floor. It felt peaceful as should be. The only time he felt tranquil was when he was here, home.

———

"Thank you," he said to the maid as she cleared the table. One thing his mother knew how to do was cook, he remembered how excited he'd always feel during the summer breaks to come home to her meals. Her meals were always so tasteful and prepared with love.

He had learned a little from her as well. He'd sit on the counter and watch her mix her slices like an African woman, always being the first to try out the meals, the thought of it all, filled him with nostalgia.