CrossRoads

Chapter 17

Mama
"Nne" I call out to Dora

"Yes Mum" she responds from the kitchen and walks towards the living room.

"Come. Sit here" I drag her by the hands down to the chair close to me.

"Ah, this one you're so serious. I hope there's no problem" Dora ask

"Depending on the outcome of our discussion, we'll know if there's problem" I look towards the painting on the wall.

"Okay, so what's the matter"

"An adage says....When a mighty tree falls, the birds are scattered into the bush"

"I don't understand. Why are you saying this." she ask with a confused look.

"Another adage says.... He who swallows udala seeds must consider the size of his stomach."

"Okay, enough with the proverbs. You're starting to scare me."

"There's nothing to be scared of. I'm just giving you a Food for thought. Where is Twinkle?"

"I think she's in her room upstairs"

Ah ah, What's she still doing in her room.
"Twinkle, how can you still be sleeping by this time" I drag the blanket away from her.

"it's morning. What else should I be doing by this time" she drags the blanket back and puts it over her face.

"it's Sunday morning. We need to go to the church. I'll be waiting for you downstairs. Don't take too long" I turn to leave.

She stands from the bed
"Oooh must you really do this to me. You can't just come here and change my schedule or how I live my life. You can't control my activities".

"Are you done talking? Be sure to put on a nice outfit. Even sinners become Christians on Sunday. I've called Nwa m nwanyị, she should be here by now. Don't make us go late".

Dora
When Mum begins to speak in proverbs, just know it's a very serious issue.
The first proverb means:
When a great leader passes away, so many people lose their way in life if they do not find a successor.
The second one means:
You must always think about all possible consequence of your actions.
What is she trying to say to me?

Daniel
"Hy, I'm at the street close to your house. Can you come out?"

"What are you doing there? How did you even find my place"

"Ummm, I have my ways" I smile to myself.

"Wow. Well I think your ways worked but your timing failed you. I'm not at home".

"Jeez" I rack through my hair
"why didn't you tell me"

"I think you got your question wrong. Do you expect me to call and let you know whenever am going out? I've gotta go alright, bye" she cuts the call.

You know when you plan a surprise, but end up being surprised. That's what just happened to me. She didn't look like the outdoor type so I didn't bother asking. Ah it's all ruined.
With my head faced downwards, I turn back and walk ahead. My steps pause when I see a pair of shoes blocking my path. With my head still faced down, I wait for the shoes to move, but it won't budge. As I lift my head to see who's blocking my path, my eyes widened along side my mouth. My drained smile has been replenished. It's Bella. She looks so different up this close.

"Hy" she waves her hands before my eyes
"Are you seeing a ghost? It's me Bella"

"I didn't know a ghost could look so gorgeous"

"OK, I give up. You're crazy and am leaving"

I slip my hands gently into hers and hold it firmly.
"Why didn't you tell me you were close by"

She lets out a little laugh and points towards a statue.
"Let's go over there. Since am all dressed up, a picture is a good idea"

She runs towards the statue, and her hair runs along. She looks so free, happy and her smile seem genuine.
"Wait up. Why are you so excited, where did you go to?"

"You remember that grandma I told you about? She took me along with her to church. It was so fun, as though an empty void has been filled"

"Hmm. I think Granny likes you a lot"

"Yeah and it's fun being around her" she replies.

"I hardly see you with girlfriends, you don't even talk about any. Are you a loner?"

"Jeez" she turns towards me but the breeze swings her hair over her face.
"I do have friends but not right now or anymore".

"Why, what happened?" I ask

"She said, being my friend is too tiring and stressful". Her face projects that smile that seem forced.

"What." I stand and act like a boxer ready to fight.
"Show me where she stays, let me teach her some lessons" I clench my fists together

"Abeg sit down" she drags me back by my shirt.
"You sabi big big talk oh"

I laugh out loud and she follows suit.
"So do you now hate her?"

She stares at me so hard and turns her gaze.
"That's not my nature"

"If you don't hate then you love. So you love me right?" I look deep into her eyes, I can no more see but hear it speak.

"I..... " she's about to speak but I stop her.

"Eyes never lie. Your eyes have given me the answers I need"
Now we're just smiling and laughing at nothing in particular.

Festus
I'm back from work. I can't go for business trips as often as before because Mama is now home. As I walk into the house, I see Dora standing at the spot the maid always waits to take my briefcase and files.

"Were you waiting for me? Is there a problem?" I ask

"Must I have a reason to wait for you or welcome you back from work" she takes my briefcase from my hands and helps me take off my suit.

"It's just a bit surprising and strange that's all" I smile.

"I prepared your favorite, hope you haven't had dinner?"

"I haven't even had breakfast, I had so much work to cover up" I climb up the stairs and Dora follows behind me.

"It's Sunday, you should be resting, going on dates and adding fun to your life". She keeps my files on the table.

"Then let's go on a date. The night is still young, we'll see a movie and tour round the city". I hold her right hand up close to my lips and plants a kiss on it.

"Is this your way of asking me out, you need to top your game. No lady will fall for this" she slips her hand away from mine and I smile.

"I don't need any other lady, you're enough for me"

"I won't always be here. Freshen up and come have dinner" she walks out of the door and shuts it.

You won't always be here you say. Why do you always find words to push me away.