My Precious

TWENTY-SIX

Precious held on tightly to her doll as she took Grace's phone that was ringing in the living room, she ran to the kitchen.

'Mummy, your phone.' She said and pushed the phone to Grace who was sitting on a low stool. She dropped the knife in her hands and collected the phone. Precious rested on her.

Grace looked at the caller, Tobi. She rejected the call and blacklisted his number. She dropped the phone on the floor.

'What are you doing in the living room, there is no power supply. Play here where I can see you.' Grace said as she continued to peel the potato she already peeled halfway.

'Okay. Mummy, what about Uncle Tobi? Today is Saturday and he hasn't come.' Precious said as she stroked her doll's hair.

'Tomorrow, we'll go and get vegetables for Salad, you love that' don't you?' She said with an attempt to distract Precious.

'Yes! I do. With Uncle Tobi?'

'No.' She said plainly.

Precious made a sad face. 'I think it will be more fun with Uncle Tobi.'

Grace wasn't ready to get any whining from Precious. She dropped the knife.

'Precious, he is not coming. Okay?'

'But why?'

Grace grunted. 'I don't know. Maybe he will come some other time.'
Grace knew there was definitely no other time. She just have to say it to make Precious drop the case.

'But-'

'No buts. Precious, go and take a storybook and read. Now.' She ordered.

She watched Precious slowly walk out of the kitchen with a sullen look.
She was almost losing it, just when she managed to push the thoughts of him away, Precious brings him up. She should have spanked Precious, she was just too inquisitive but the pain she gets when she sees Precious cry was always unbearable.

He had called twenty four times last night but she ignored it all. Today, this was the fifth time. She was glad he didn't come over to her house and she wished he doesn't.

She continued with her work, she left the kitchen to the living room as the potatoes were boiling. She picked the fashion magazine on the table and read through it, Precious abandoned her storybook and joined her in looking at the pictures.

The doorbell rang twice, before Grace could stand up Precious was already at the door, she opened the door and jumped on Tobi excitedly. He laughed as he still stayed outside. Grace frowned as she got to the door.

'I knew you would come. I missed you Uncle Tobi.' She said as held him tightly. Her hands wrapped his neck.

'I missed you too.' He said and let out his charming smiles.

Grace winced at it. She looked away from this scene that was melting her heart.

'Can I come in?' He asked gently.

Grace looked at him, then Precious, the sight she got from Precious was horrifying. She sighed, then opened the door wide. He got the gesture, so he entered and Grace closed the door.

He dropped Precious who has been on his arms all this while. Precious was smiling.

'Precious, go inside.' Grace said without diverting her stares from Tobi.

Precious smile fell.

'Now. Your room.' She ordered.

Precious grumbled.

'I'll see you before I leave.' Tobi assured Precious.

She nodded and left.

There was a brief silence. It was killing.