Growing Together:An African Tale

Chapter 10

The butterflies, his eyes, her heart.

Time was fantastic and perfect. The evening sky complimented the mood with a wonderful scenery, the wind aided in creating a relaxing and relieving atmosphere as they drove back home. Unknown to Jide his playlist was a huge support to Bunmi's feelings at that moment. She was grateful he choose to sit with her earlier in silence as they drove around Lagos, her feelings acknowledged, validated and welcomed.

Her tears becoming such a huge part of her that she could no longer detach from the situation or circumstances, all she could do was accept and let everything be as it is.

Finally, the house could be seen from a distance and as they got closer, the white walls and iron black gate became giants to their vision. They had arrived home in time for dinner, and upon entry, Jide could see his mom standing at the door.

He had texted her a while back, letting her know that Bunmi was gonna be coming home late with him. She hadn't pestered him about their present development and so he had left it at that.

Once the car was parked, his mom wasted no time in getting the passenger door open. Her greeting waking a beautiful smile on Bunmi's face.

'Gosh, her smile'.

Jide was swept up by it, he enjoyed the little moments where he got to see her teeth glisten, even more glad of the fact that Bunmi was now smiling.

"Good evening ma" Her soft voice pierced through his mind, he watched as she stepped down from the car, aided by his Mother's hand in hers, then she pulled Bunmi in for a hug and said, "Welcome back my daughter, come let us go in, food is ready".

Both women walked into the house while Jide shut the engine off and proceeded to follow their footsteps. Inside the house, he was wrapped up with the scent of Jollof rice and fried chicken. his stomach growling in anticipation. As Jide neared the staircase, his mom advised him to hurry up and get dressed. She informed him that she had already eaten and would be in her room if she was needed, No sight of Bunmi or her aunt.

"Oh, Jide?". He had almost gotten to to the door of his room when his mother called again. "Wura and I will be living for Ibadan tomorrow, It is quite an impromptu movement but there is no way to avoid it, we will be back in two weeks"

"Okay mummy but why?" He questioned.

"Nothing serious, but I'd need the company knowing how lonely the house in IB can be, Please ensure to take good care of Bunmi, I have noticed her mood has felt different for sometime now. A lot has happened with her and her aunt so I'm sure a part of her still holds on to everything that has transpired.

Jide nodded wanting to do no harm to her.

As he climbed the last flight of stairs, Aunt Wura came from the right corner of the house, greeted him with a smile and asked about Bunmi. He hoped she was as fine as he relayed his message to her. Taking a sharp left at the right of where aunt Wura walked out of, he pressed his door handle and allowed himself into his room. Tired, occupied with thought and very hungry.

Maybe those words are too heavy for you to carry, regardless, I'm here for you

Bunmi locked herself in her room all day, not trying to avoid everyone or anyone. Her plan was to hug the entirety of the freedoms she now had within her space.

Confused. Hurt. Wondering. Defeated by the canvas that her eyes had registered a memory of. It was all she could reflect back on. The artist created more than just an image, he had also captured within it a soul.

She sat down once again, realizing that her body had yet again carried her feet about her room. What parts of herself had she not forgiven? Had she read too much meaning to it? Whatever it may have been, it called at her heart and steered feelings within her.