Scandal of Grace

5

°Listen to Heartbeat song by Kelly Clarkson for this chapter. (Forget about the kiss part. I believe the song really suit this chapter) Enjoy!

"Among my stillness was a pounding heart." -Shannon A. Thompson.

*

The sun was hot as I took quick strides home. Stephen offered to walk with me and I didn't object. I didn't verbally accept either. I had ignored the poor boy most of the walk till we got to his street where he bade me good night, not without his usual beautiful smile. I turned to my left and finally found myself on the street I'd lived almost half my life.

I passed a shop where foodstuffs were displayed. A woman from the shop, I assumed was the owner, called my name. When I turned back, I realised she's one of our church members. Mummy Precious, I thought, was what people called her.

"Good afternoon ma." I greeted the middle aged woman.

"Afternoon. Bawo ni my dear?" She questioned me.

"Daada ni ma." I replied. I could only speak Yoruba a little but I understood very well. Many kids at my school spoke the language during break periods or when no teacher was in Class. Some usually spoke in pidgin English.

"Ba mi ki Daddy ati Mummy."

"Won a gbo ma." I said and continued walking away before she increased the tempo of her regards. Yoruba people and their sometimes exasperating way of greeting. Sigh...

School was hectic today. I had to spend my breaks studying in the library. I could barely get most of my works done. I was only able to finish up an English essay due for tomorrow and solve two maths questions out of six when the bell for the second break rang, signalling it's end. I was devastated, to say the least.

Well, I was home now. At least, I was close. I was welcomed by the familiar sight of my parents duplex, even from the distance.

I came face to face with the house - face to building. I reached for the gate and banged. Our young gateman and gardener, Temitope, opened the gate. He gave me a toothy grin and bowed. "Small madam."

He would never stop calling me small madam so I decided to leave it be.

I returned his gesture with a mock bow. "Good afternoon."

I entered the large fastidiously clean compound, with two cars positioned in the car garage by the left. Well trimmed flowers were in their glory beside the walls capturing the compound. I headed for the main door while Temitope locked the gate.

I was greeted by my tired looking mother, sitting on the sofa when I got in. "Mum." It came out as a gasp as I rushed over to her side.

"Grace baby. You're back." She kissed my forehead, softly.

"You look sick." I pointed out, after the brief contact.

"I'm taking treatments already, dear. Mummy will be fine." She said, assuring me. She placed her palm on my cheek and caressed it. I leaned into it and sighed.

"You will." I said, standing up and giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

"There's lunch in the kitchen."

"What did you make, mum?"

I didn't prepare myself for her answer and it hit me like a tsunami.

"There's Moin moin, ofada rice, stew, some beans cake too, and vegetables. I wasn't sure which one you'd like."

"Mum!"

"Your dad wanted beans cake and I wanted Ofada rice. Don't judge me dear." She smiled and I shook my head at her, smiling too.