Finding Solace (COMPLETED)✔

A mother's love

                                                                                        Unedited

It was half-past nine when I arrived home. Deliberately, I had stayed out late to avoid another confrontation with my father—or should I say, another fight? My mom had left the door open for me. She had been incessantly trying to reach me on my phone, but I hadn't answered a single call.

I cautiously peered into the living room, quickly scanning to ensure no one was present. Fortunately, it seemed empty, so I tiptoed inside as silently as possible, counting my steps.

One, two, three, four, five... I'm almost there. My room is just across the living room. Six...

"Hey!!!" I startled backward as I noticed my younger sister sprawled out on the couch. I should have known it was her; she always manages to pull off the creepiest and most annoying surprises. I let out a breath I had been holding and forced a tight smile.

"What's up, Jesuseyi?" I whispered, motioning toward my parents' room. "You know I'm trying to avoid Dad." She rolled her eyes at me as if my statement was utterly silly.

"When will you stop avoiding conversations with him? You can't keep doing this, you know? I'm sure all these years you've wanted to sort things out with him. I know you, so don't try to deny it. You love family, you have a soft heart, and I know you've forgiven him too."

Jesuseyi stood up, took my trembling hands in hers, and caressed them gently. "We never told him how you became the father figure we needed, how you helped us become who we are now. We're proud of you, and deep down, he is too. He's just too ashamed to admit it, especially after abandoning you. Yet, here you are, successful and strong."

She spoke the truth. In moments like this, I am immensely grateful for those who stood by me—my siblings and my mom, who never stopped believing in me. They have played an instrumental role in shaping my life.

"You amaze me, baby girl," I smiled at the thought of how much my younger sister had grown. She was no longer the little baby I once knew.

"What can I say? I'm the epitome of amazing," she quipped.

"Cocky..." I sang.

"You should listen to your sister and stop running. After all, you have us. It's not like you committed a crime," my mom interjected, her face reflecting sadness. It was one of the reasons I hesitated to come back home—the sight of her disappointment. Now, it was because of the ongoing conflict with my father.

"Mom, how long were you eavesdropping on us?" We both turned to her, though we already knew the answer. We wanted her to admit it.

She shrugged. "From the...," we gave her a knowing look, silently urging her to be honest. "From the beginning," she conceded, raising her hands in defense. "I didn't mean to intrude on your conversation, but I had to make sure Jesuseyi was the one you were talking to." She pointed at me.

I waved off her explanation. "It's okay, Mom. I'll be going back tomorrow," I said. My mom smiled, but her expression quickly shifted as if my words had just registered in her mind.

"Why? You came back home today after so many years, and you're leaving because of your dad? Don't we matter anymore?" she asked, her voice laced with disappointment.

"That's not what I meant. I have things to do. I'll come back," I lied effortlessly.

"Don't lie to me. I gave birth to you, so don't think that just because you've been away from this house, I don't know you anymore. You're staying, and that's final." Her tone carried an air of determination as she waved her hand, dismissing us. I stood there, torn internally between staying and returning. I glanced at Jesuseyi, who pleaded with her eyes.

Devil! She knew exactly how to use those eyes on me. Well, I'm staying, and my younger brother will be here tomorrow, stirring up things. It's not like I haven't seen them all these years; they've visited me at least twice a month. However, I've been busy with a work project for the past three months, making it difficult for us to see each other often.

"Yes, Mom," I finally said, while Jesuseyi screamed. I shook my head, knowing some things never change. Sometimes she still acts like a child, despite being how old now? Twenty-three, with a dash of immaturity," I teased, and then I darted off to my room.

"Hey!!" she called after me. "You don't get to call me that and get away with it. I'm a big girl, b-i-g girl," she drawled out, emphasizing her "bigness." She followed my trail, entering my room and plopping on my bed. I joined her.

"You should thank me. Cleaning this room for over seven years wasn't easy," I felt a wave of nostalgia as I glanced around my room, inhaling its familiar scent. It still smelled just as I had left it. My room was impeccably tidy, so she must have put in a lot of effort to spruce it up before my arrival. I hugged my sister; it was something I had to do.

From the way she reciprocated the hug, I knew she understood.

"Thank you so much, big baby. I appreciate all of this," I said, pulling away from her and walking toward my bookshelf. I picked up Pride and Prejudice, briefly skimmed through it, and placed it back.

"It's great to have you back here, Egbon mi (elder sister). Do you remember those times when you used to make us practice wrestling moves?"

"Yeah, you were so little back then," I confirmed, smiling at the memories. We shared plenty of funny moments from our childhood, but some are simply too hilarious.

"And what about the day you and Tom tried Randy Orton's style and it went wrong, leaving him in a rather awkward position?" We burst into laughter, recalling the incident, to the point where I had a coughing fit.

"Oh my gosh! You should have seen his face that day. It was anything but funny! Seriously," I laughed, lying down on my bed. My mind wandered to more important matters—how tomorrow would unfold. If my plan had succeeded, I would have to inform my dad about my fiancé and discuss when to introduce him to the family. Suddenly, I felt a gentle squeeze on my hand, bringing me back to the present—my sister. And the words she uttered next brought a sense of calmness.

"You'll be fine. Stop stressing," she said, as if she knew exactly what was on my mind.

"What if he doesn't like him?" I asked, feeling anxious because my father had always expressed reservations about marrying someone from a different tribe.

"Again, you'll be fine. I believe in you," I clung tightly to those words, holding faith in my heart that everything would work out. I would be fine.

As the night wore on, Jesuseyi and I continued reminiscing about our shared memories, laughter filling the room. It felt like no time had passed, despite the years of separation. We talked about our dreams, our aspirations, and the experiences that had shaped us into who we were today. I realized how much I had missed these intimate moments with my family.

Deep down, I knew Jesuseyi was right. It was time to face my father and have that long-overdue conversation. I couldn't keep running away forever. Although it terrified me, I had grown stronger and wiser during my time away. I had built a life for myself, and I had to confront my father and share my happiness with him.

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This is a short story so it'll not be more than five or six pages.

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