Tragedy of the African Cinderella [Black Book3]✔

25.

"Go on, throw 'em stones."

She wished she could. Fortunately for him, delight suppressed anger, and the urge to see his head hang on the mango tree quickly disappeared. Nora simply took a slow unexpected step towards him and engulfed his waist.

She felt lightened since her confession. Even though that wasn't the end of the talk between her and her father, there still was that feeling of freedom somehow. At least she learned she was still cherished, that someone still needed her alive, and because of that, she had to fight.

"Thank you."

"That's it?"

When she didn't reply as she enjoyed the moment, Ace who stood akimbo slacked then returned the hug.

"I seriously don't know how to thank you enough," she detached from him.

"I know how," he smirked. "You'll have to fight for dear life first before I tell you,"

"I will. I have a reason to fight now," she faintly smiled.

"I'll be leaving tonight. Wanna come with me?"

"No. My dad's still not feeling well."

"I'll go on ahead. Won't be long though. We'll be leaving in two days time."
She played with her toes as nervousness slithered through her.
"What is it?"

"I'm just...uncomfortable about all these."

"I know. It'll be over in no time."

"I like how you make everything sound so easy."

"Hum!" In came an unwanted voice. It was Susan. Rose was right at her tail with her amoebic body fitting uniform.

"Prince charming at my doorstep," Rose mocked. "Interesting! Are you finally coming to dowry her or you're still at the level of fuck and play?"

When neither of them replied she carried on.

"Ashia* for interrupting oh," she pulled her kid sister along. "Let's go Su. Eh heh!* Mama said you return to the farm and redo the corn cultivation, Harvest the cassava and soak it, go to aunty Jane and check if she has already sold that egusi if not, take it and that you should reach the market. She left a list on the table with some money. I've played my part." With that she left.

"You sure you don't want to come with me?" Ace insisted.

"And certain. I told you my father needs me. Don't bother about me."

"Ok. So...it's a goodbye then," he fidgetted in his back pocket, removed a 10 thousand francs note and handed it to Nora who stared at it like he was offering her a porcupine. "Take it. It'll sustain you for the next two days,"

"No. No thanks." She vigorously shook her head.

"I insist."

"That's too much."

"Use what you can. Keep the balance till my return." That was the only way he could get her to take the money. He bid her goodbye and left.

"The gate's on your left." She almost laughed when took the road leading to the caretaker's home.

"Oh! They kinda look alike," he chuckled. "Bye."

~••~
So it was. Two days passed like a lightning bolt with Nora being more than eager to see Ace again. She and dad had come to a conclusion after a heated dialogue; they were going to reimburse his every expenditure after her operation. Even though slowly, but surely.

"Are you ready?" Ace quizzed as he sighted Nora seated on the veranda sieving some cornflour. She jolted in excitement and ran to him for a hug which he returned reluctantly.