Against All Odds

Chapter Ten : Valentine, Who?

The month went speedily by till it was time for Obi and Chịoma to write their entrance exams to senior secondary school. The last three months had been filled with a routine that Obi grew quite accustomed to.

The sleepovers at her house increased but it was only Chioma who was allowed to. The incident that happened the night when Obiefune had kissed Obi made her more repulsed by his person and she did her best to steer clear of his path.

Obi's mother didn't go to the market as frequently as she used to, so Obi was relieved from some baby sitting activities and she spent her spare time reading the books Chioma brought her. Chioma and Obi often discussed about the books and the improvement in their diction.

Obi met Chioma's father on one of the occasions when they came to discuss what they had studied the previous day. Obi could quite tell that Obiefune was a spawn of his father, the resemblance was striking. Though the boy lacked the good qualities of his father. He made Obi feel at home and even helped the girls with their difficulties.

"Ehe Obi did you get any gift on valentine's day?" Chioma enquired as she greedily stuffed her mouth with bread.

"jiri nwayọọ, take it easy, so that you don't choke"

Obi's eyes were on her face and she felt genuine concern as the girl struggled to swallow.

Before Obi could utter another word Chioma rushed into the kitchen to get water. She bumped into her brother who looked like he had been listening in on their conversation.

Chioma didn't want to press him or reveal where he was because she had noticed how very distant Obi had made herself from Obiefune.
All she knew was that Obi disliked her brother immensely and it was not just because of the grass incident. She had a feeling that the two were hiding something from her and she was determined to find out.

She knew they were not so friendly towards themselves but she noticed the progress they made during her first sleep over at Obi's, she even noticed how Obiefune had picked Obi out of all the children in the room to accompany him to wherever he went to that night. She was too deep in mma's interesting story to bother about the two.

Maybe something had happened that night that Obi didn't want to share with her, something that worsened their relationship. After taking enough water to still the hiccups that she aggravated with her greed she walked into the living room ignoring her brother.

"Don't eat like an animal next time" Obi reprimanded Chioma as she sat beside her.

"So, did you get any gift?" Chioma's eyes stayed on Obi waiting for her response.

Obi suddenly felt embarrassed with the way Chioma was looking at her.
"You know I got a gift, why are you still asking?

Chioma was genuinely surprised with the response she was hearing from Obi. Had Obi ever mentioned the subject and she forgot or something?
Obi was still blushing profusely as if she was being asked out by a cute boy.

"Gịnị meziri?" what happened? Did you forget about the gift you slipped into my bag? I felt bad not knowing what to give you. I promise I'll give you something on your birthday. Thanks for the gift, it was really thoughtful. How did you know I didn't have those and the note too, I'm impressed the way you designed the whole thing. Your brother must have taught you well with designs "

Chioma still stared at Obi like she grew horns over night.

"I did.."

Chioma wanted to deny the gifts but she remembered how her brother had been lurking around and it confirmed her suspicions. Obiefune had given Obi those gifts and the girl thought it came from her. Obiefune must have not mentioned anything about him on whatever write up he gave her.