The boy they couldn't see

Chapter 7: Superstitious misinterpretations.

Obange - A certain evil spirit that takes possession of people right from a young age.

SUPERSTITIOUS MISINTERPRETATIONS

I stood up from the bed and strolled to the other side of the room.

"Let me get this straight. You want me to meet your mother, tell her I can see you and that you're okay and you also wish she could take care of her health." I repeated and ultimately stood at a standstill, facing him.

He nodded in accordance.

"And you don't seem to find any fault in your statement," I declared, hoping he would read between the lines but no, he didn't. He simply shook his head.

"Really? Not even the part about me telling her that I can see you?"

He nodded again.

"It might seem strange but it'll comfort her. She believes strongly in the unseen."

"Yes, God but not in ghosts. No one wants to believe they do exist. Look, bottom line, I'm not going to risk telling her and have her slap me for joking about her ailing son."

"She won't do that."

"You don't know that for sure." I countered and instantly turned as I heard the door opening. Mum walked in with a light frown placed between her brows as she looked left and right. Behind her was Erika who had nearly the same expression as she strolled in as well.

Mentally, I let out a sigh.

"Ifechimererika, you heard her voice, didn't you?" Mum asked Erika without taking her eyes off me. They both had a suspicious look in their eyes and I didn't need a prophet to tell me what that meant for me.

"Yes mum, I did. Rida who's in here with you?" Erika inquired and the truth was that I didn't have any other excuses up my sleeve. I'd simply underestimated mum's withdrawal. I should have known she would come back with a backup.

I simply stared at both of them, speechless.

"Tell them the truth. Maybe they'll understand." Bayo urged.

"That's a big maybe," I muttered under my breath, barely glancing his side.

"What? What did you just say?" Erika was quick to catch on as she drew closer.

"Nothing. Nothing. What do you want me to say, Erika? That I can see someone no one else can and that's who I've been talking to? If I say that, you and mum will think I've gone mad." I ranted in self-defence but with the truth. I know, I'm treading on thin ice here.

"Well can you?" Erika pushed forward and I didn't know what to tell her. Do I tell them the truth? Maybe they can be of help or... maybe they could conclude I've lost my sanity.

Why is so much happening in one day?

"No," I replied and watched as Erika heaved a sigh of relief. Mum on the other hand didn't seem quite convinced.

She remained quiet and observant.

"Change your clothes, you'll accompany me to evening service." She ordered and was soon on her way out of the room.

"But mum..." My words trailed as she was soon out of sight.

I turned back to Erika.

"Help me, please. Tell her I'm okay." I urged her but Erika only let out a chuckle.

"Honestly Rida, you were acting weird but I've decided not to put much thought into it knowing you've always seemed a little strange but mum... you know mum doesn't let things slide that easily. She believes you might have been initiated and have possibly become an obange." She laughed out loud at the ridiculous word and superstitious thought.

"So, you're going to meet Pastor Nelson and get a deliverance." She added amidst laughter as she left the room.

I could only watch as she said or did nothing to help my dilemma but instead made worse of the thoughts that were already going through my head.

"O-Obange. What's that?"

I gritted my teeth in annoyance at the sound of his voice.

"It's what your presence in my life has made me out to become in the eyes of my mother." I flared up at him in anger and soon slumped on the bed.

Maybe I should tell the truth. It's better than being labelled an Obange.

"I'm sorry."

His sudden apology resonated with his voice filled with sadness and shame. I hated him but I never truly wished for his death.

"Once I talk to your mother and she's all comforted, my work with you is done, deal?" I stated, hoping to clear things up once and for all. He was a bit hesitant but, in the end, he nodded.

"Yes. Deal." Having heard that, I felt a lightweight lift off my chest as I looked away from him.

"You know, there's a slight possibility that I might not remember any of this when I do wake up."

I couldn't help looking back up to him. He had a sad smile on his face and I couldn't entirely understand why he would be sad about that. He would be awake and I would feel safer knowing he doesn't remember stepping into my home, room or even the face of my family members.

I lowered my eyes, away from him.

"Also, we're not friends," I added.