ALLETARE

5. 'What are you?'

Tim turned sideways and looked at his phone on the bedside table. It was 00:58 am. He rubbed his face with his hands.

'I must have slept off.' He said to himself.

Realizing he was still fully clothed, he got out of bed and changed into an old T-shirt and boxers. He was about to jump back into bed when the events of last night came back to him. He scratched his jaw and wondered if Chituru and Chioma were still in his house. After debating on whether or not to take the journey down the stairs, he decided to check on them.

'They probably left the TV on OR something'. He mumbled.

As he got down the stairs and to the parlour, the light from the TV illuminated their bodies as Chituru was asleep on the floor. Tim had always marveled at how Chituru was able to sleep anywhere in any position. Right now he was sitting down, his back to the sofa, his arms folded. If he wasn't snoring, you would wonder whether or not he was truly asleep. Chioma on the other hand, was sprawled out on the sofa. One arm was hanging perilously off the edge while the other hand served as a pseudo pillow for her head. One of her leg was at attention while the other was down, forming 90 degrees and a little drool had managed to pool on the sofa.
Tim stood, watching this sight and couldn't help but smile. They could be as annoying as persistent mosquitoes buzzing around your ear but they were fiercely loyal and protective.
He stood for a few minutes longer, taking a few photos of them for security in the future and stifling a yawn, began to climb back upstairs to go to bed. He was almost at the door of his room when he sensed her. It was almost as though the air around him was different. Without turning around, he knew she was behind him and he steeled himself, ready to face her and get more out of her but when he finally turned to see her, all thoughts and convictions were blown away like chaff against the wind. He was once again mesmerized by her beauty. She seemed to glow a little this time, or were his eyes playing tricks on him. He felt that shifting in his chest and resisted the urge to rub against it.

She stood about three steps away from him and made no move to come closer. Tim shook his head vigorously, as if trying to clear his mind and with a firm voice he asked, 'Who or what in god's name are you?!'