Mirrored Hearts

20

Lela's POV

  “I can't come in, I'm already really late for an appointment.” Mom said and she brought the car to a stop in front of the gate.

  It was my fault she was late and I looked at her apologetically, “I'm sorry mom.”

  “Just go in now.” She said without looking at me.

  “Okay,” I heaved a sigh and stepped out of the car. Mom immediately started the car and drove away.

  I adjusted my backpack and knocked on the gate.

  “Who be that?” The gate man asked in his thick Calabar accent.

  “Ete'bong, it's me.” I answered.

  “Who?” He demanded.

  “Lela. Just open the gate Ete'bong.” I sighed.

  “Lela?” He asked and I heard keys jangle. Within a few seconds, he had pulled the gate open and I stepped in. He had a worried expression. “Wetin happen? School don close?” He asked, glancing at his imaginary wristwatch.

  I glanced around the compound, ignoring Ete'bong. Daddy's car wasn't there, it meant he wasn't home. I wasn't ready to face him yet. I breathed a sigh of relief and walked towards the house.

  I pushed the front door open to meet Eka-ette hurrying out. She stopped, looking me over with a concerned expression.

  “Lela, what happened to you?” She asked, raising my arms up to examine my wounds.

  'At least someone finally notices them.'

  A tear trickled down my cheek and I threw myself on Eka-ette, almost knocking her down. I wrapped my arms around her neck tightly and I knew she must have been thrown of guard. “I got suspended aunt.” I cried.

  “W-what?” She pulled me away from her and I looked into her worried eyes. Her forehead wrinkled.

  “Yes,” I nodded. “For a week.”

  “But...what happened?” She asked while she led me into the living room, shutting the door behind us. She brought us to sit on the sofa then she used her palm to wipe off my tears.

  “Y-you....remember the girl I told you about?” I hiccupped, “the one that I told you flaunted herself about like a princess?”

  “Yes, I remember her,” Eka-ette confirmed. “So, what happened?”

  “Well, we both fought in school and I got a suspension.” I wiped off another tear that almost ran down my cheek. “It wasn't my fault that she couldn't use her hands the way she used her mouth and she ended up sustaining more injuries.” I said with so much resentment.

  “Oh...but you shouldn't have dear,” she placed her palm on my left cheek. “You remember how your parents warned you never to fight again....”

  “I know, I know.....but....it's just that Edith is just too much.” I said, gritting my teeth and squeezing Ekaette's hands.

  “Ouch!” Eka-ette pulled her hands away from me and brought it up close to examine them. “Calm down Lela. Don't transfer aggressions.”

  “I'm really sorry aunt. I'm just so mad and frustrated right now.”

  “I understand dear, but you just have to relax.” She smiled, squeezing my hand lightly. “Does your wound hurt?” She looked at
my arms apologetically.

  “Yeah, it does hurt.” I pouted.

  “So sorry dear. Come on, you should take a bath then I'll take care of your wounds.” Eka-ette got to her feet and pulled me up. “You should also get something to eat.”