Sing Of A Tree In The Wild

Crucible

30th of April

6:44

Dennis

Yet another matchday is upon the valiant soldiers of the Grace Army. Unlike our encounter with Saint Gregory's which began by eleven a.m, today's game will kick-off at ten-thirty. Trust me, that just adds to the pressure that denied me sleep last night....plus the sleepless nights I've already had thanks to you-know-who.

I desperately wanted to call her last night.

But that would just lead me back to the issue that I've temporarily suspended. I really don't want thaf now.

I and the family are having breakfast; we'll be out of the house in no time. Despite the fact that I prefer going to school on my own, my parents still insist on dropping me and Amarachi. I hate the fact that they want to force subservience on my part, given the limited time I have to spend with them.

Once I get out of here, I'm out for good.

"So Dennis," My dad begins in his signature gruff voice, "What school are you facing today?"

"CMS."

"Wow. Sounds tough. Are you sure you guys can handle them?"

It's getting harder to talk with Nutella-laced bread dancing in my mouth. "Well, we can only try, Dad."

"Best of luck." He sets down his mug, takes his newspaper and stands up. It can only mean one thing....

"Daddy? I thought you said you were taking us today." That's Amarachi. Some of you still remember the mad chemistry she and my dad have. If you've forgotten, this is a reminder.

My dad heaves a sigh. "Yes. I said so. Unfortunately, I just remembered that I have morning lectures to attend to. And I'm running late." He edges towards her and touches her cheek. "Sorry dear." He walks to the couch, grabs his briefcase and heads out. I don't know why, but my mum dropping me off today seems like a bad omen.

"Sweetheart? Are you still there?" My mum calls out from the kitchen. The fact that my mum just said 'Sweetheart' really amuses me. Love between middle-aged Nigerian couples just amuses me. When I reach that stage, I wonder who the lucky lady will be...

My mum is out.

"He has already left." I say to her. She herself knows what she's up for - she's clearly not happy about it.

"That man called your father is not serious. He knows how busy I'll be this morning and he still saddled me with this responsibility."

"We can go on our own..."

"No. I don't trust you with my Amarachi."

Your Amarachi?

I force a surprised chuckle. "She's my sister, for crying out loud."

"And so? You're not responsible enough to handle yourself, much less Amarachi."

I'll take that in good faith.

"So, are you ready to go now?" She asks Amarachi. Amarachi musters an inaudible 'Yes', grabs her Star Wars backpack and stands up. As for me, I'm coming to terms with the two arrows that are currently sinking deep into my psyche. Her preference for Amarachi, me not being responsible enough...

"Dennis!" My mother yells, breaking me off my thoughts. As I nervously run through my school bag, she continues, "Hurry up and don't waste my time!"

****

I'm sealing the front door shut and my mum's honking is not helping matters. I run to the car with the keys dangling in my pocket. On opening the front seat door, I can see Amarachi strapped in comfortably by the seatbelt.