Tapestry Of Lives: A Multifaceted Journey

Chapter Five

Chapter 5

Mom asked me to take her and Sharon out shopping. It's not like we were running out of anything, but she just wanted to make Sharon happy.

If only her dad—my brother—wasn't such a...

Anyway, forget it.

Sharon, my sweet girl, is a highlife enthusiast. She loves classy and elegant things.

She raced to my garage of luxury vehicles. I don't keep old models or versions; I always go for the latest.

I didn't bother asking which car she wanted. She posed confidently by the black Mercedes GLE parked next to my white Range Rover Sport.

Even though I had planned to take the Toyota Venza.

"How many times will you go out with that one?" Mom’s face lit up in the sun.

Her signature handbag hung from her dominant arm. She wore a baggy gown that reached her ankles, with nude makeup and a golden Rolex I got her two months ago on her birthday. Her orange 12 inches frontal wig gave her face a round, ball-like appearance.

I envy her sometimes, even though she's not my gender. Lol.

Sharon looks great in anything pink. It's her favorite color, and she has pink wigs, clothes, shoes, cutlery, room wallpaper, doll house and more.

As for me, I'm not great at describing myself or my preferences.

I dress for myself, not to impress, unlike the others.

My dress code varies. I'm Yoruba, but that doesn't mean I wear traditional attire all the time.

I go with the usual flow—casual or business.

Today is casual. I'm rocking plain white Dior sneakers that match my baseball cap.

I don't talk much. My smartwatch keeps track of time for me.

A smirk crossed my lips as I looked down at Sharon, waiting for me to insert the car key.

"Gorgeous cars are for gorgeous girls like Sharon," I winked, opening the front passenger door for her.

I knew Mom was a bit annoyed; she wanted to sit there.

"Damian—"

"You sat there last time we went out," I quickly interjected before she snapped at me.

What's so special about the front seat anyway? Is there an award for it?

Before I finished opening the door, Sharon had already jumped in. Mom stood there, grumpily, before taking the backseat.

From the way she shut the door, I knew she was pissed. Still, I walked innocently to my side of the car and got in.

Although I have three chauffeurs, I like doing things myself, like driving and cooking.

First, we went to one of the best teen stores—Sharon’s favorite. Then we visited Mat-Ice, our usual ice cream parlor. After that, Mom wanted to visit a beauty store.

Mom asked me to join her and Sharon inside.

"I'll stay in the car. You two enjoy your girlie fun," I said.

Mom, already at the entrance, shrugged and went in with Sharon.

"Can I get the rough draft of the project?" I answered a call from my P.A. inside the car.

"Of course, Sir." The person calling me 'Sir' is older than my brother, let alone me.

As I talked, I reached for a little white paper meant for the project.

But then my attention drifted when I saw Sharon’s mom, Adira, coming out of the building with a young woman her age.

The Adira I know isn't this slim. She's usually a bit chubby, but not too much.

Maybe she lost weight this year.

She and the young woman held two big shopping bags, chatting and laughing.

I don’t know how long I stared, forgetting my conversation with Mr. Olaniyi.

"S-Sir? Boss??" His trembling voice brought me back to reality.

I facepalmed, "Aitch, Mr. Olaniyi." I sighed. "Sorry, you were saying?"

As we continued our discussion, I kept my eyes on Adira until she disappeared into a red Uber parked nearby.

When Mom and Sharon came out of the building, they looked grumpy.

Mom wasn’t holding any bags and seemed upset.

"Are you... guys okay?" I asked as they got into the car.

I hoped they didn't see what I saw.

Mom buckled her seatbelt and said, "Damian, take us out of here; it’s suffocating."

What’s suffocating? The car’s air conditioner had been on since they stepped out.

I wanted to know what was wrong.

"Mom—"

"Damian, ti mo ba na o, iwō yoo gún kēke – kēke yii kuro ni agbegbe yii." She lashed out in Yoruba.

Startled by her tone, I quickly started the car and drove away before something unexpected happened.