₦airaland Forum

Johnsonibx:
Nice work OP the ending make sense and for Eric he's a coward

Thank you for staying till the end.

mercyymai:
weldone sis

Thanks but I am a bro.

Domance:
Nice story bro I enjoyed every bit of it while it lasted. More insights bro

Thank you very much sir.

Nmaglit:
nice one I learnt alot

Thank you.

xaviercasmir:
You are welcome boss. I hope you will start another story soon. right?

I hope if time and chance allows.

I really appreciate your comments hence I will want to use this opportunity to ask for your understanding.

AutumnSpring Thanks for the commendation. Concerning the end of the story, even though it was written with the third person narrative, the narrative is based on the actual effect on Kome thus Eric and whatever becomes of him is not really a concern. Let us just assume he is a coward who did not get to share in the victory, that is enough payment already.

Smooth276 thanks and I believe events do happen so fast sometimes.

Kajsa08, You are one of the people that got me to write to this point, thanks for your interest but I think it's best we let the characters be.

etsie Eric is not in my radar anymore.

princessadeola I appreciate your comment

xaviercasmir thank you very much for your consistent comments.

I hope questions will not come up again.

Crazy and hilarious at the same time. Beautiful write-up sir.

There we have it. Thanks to all who pushed me up to this point and those who commented, it gave me much inspiration. It's never too late for those who have not, I wish to hear from you. I hope to do another soon.

Johnsonibx:
Oghale! So u want 2 become a grandpa too, thanks to Jah she did not aborted the pregnancy

God knows the best as humans are limited in knowledge.

Smooth278:
Nice heartfelt story ... Hopefully it will all end with a happily ever after ....

How about an unconventional ending? Life is always full of challenges.

Nice love story. The change in character narrative served as a sudden jolt which changed the story. My thought is that a flash fiction will be much better with just a single character view.

Kome made a conscious decision to spend as much time with Grace as possible as the week went by. She gave much of her time to knowing about her interests and plans for the future. Therefore, their bond grew stronger as the days went by. As soon as Kome returned from work on Thursday night, she called to inform her father of her intention to visit the next day. She called Grace into her room after they had had dinner.

‘I hope you remember that I told you about our visit to your grand-father’

‘Yes ma’

‘I want you to know something. He knows nothing about you and he will be seeing you for the first time tomorrow’

‘Okay ma’

‘I just want you to understand that whatever happens, you must make sure to accept his decision without hating or judging him. I just want him to see you’

‘Okay ma’

‘I definitely know he would like you. Come’
She embraced her and patted her head.

Once Kome laid on the bed to rest that night, she struggled to keep her thoughts in check. She tried to imagine her father’s reaction but yet she was adamant that it was time she stopped living in denial. She was ready to confront him.

**

Johnsonibx:
Honestly, I must confess this is the best story for me on nairaland, OP you are really doing a great job may God grant you wisdom and understanding for the next update. OP please let the next update come in time o

Thanks bro for your commendation and I do appreciate your constant presence. I will make sure later today.

The wedding throng came back just before 6:00pm. It was a small crowd that followed Bose to the house. Kome had managed to get a grip over her emotions as she sat in the sitting room alone. Bose was the first person that entered the sitting-room.

‘Kome what happened?’ She asked looking bemused.

She tried to venture a reply but there was no word.

‘I have tried calling your phone but no response…Come on, let’s take a picture’

She dragged Kome who stood up reluctantly and they walked out of the house. Happy banters were been exchanged by the people outside. Bose pulled out to the front of the house and they struck a pose for the camera to take a shot. The gloom of the coming dark was gradually descending on the environment. Hearty cheers and words of congratulations kept pouring in as the day gave way for the night. Kome enjoyed the moment as she stood by Bose all through. Grace was seated in the sitting room watching a program on television.

They finally got a break just before it was 9:00pm. Bose had changed into a different cloth and invited Kome to have a chat with her.

‘I hope you enjoyed the ceremony?’ Bose asked.

‘Yes ma’ she replied.

‘I am just happy everything went well. Franca is gone and it would soon be Tessy’

‘Ma, isn’t that something to be happy about’

‘Definitely… so what are you up to?’

Kome looked dumbfounded.

‘Why that look?’ Bose queried, ‘You are not getting any younger’

‘I think Grace is enough at this moment’

‘Don’t tell me Grace does not need a father. You definitely should have an admirer and I can imagine you stalling on a decision. You should not let the past colour your vision of the future’

‘I don’t think I can commit to a relationship at this time of my life’

‘You may have a teen as a daughter but you are still young. I am not urging you to just get married but you must leave your options open’

‘Ma, work is a task already. I really don’t think I can start a marriage now’

‘Hey, don’t be rigid about this…you must let God take the lead in your life. I really don’t want you to see marriage as a necessity, instead I want you to let go of the past so it does not harm your present’

‘Okay ma’

‘So how was my cloth today’

Kome chuckled ‘You looked beautiful’

‘Then you should think of adding something similar to your wardrobe. You ladies of these days tend to shy away from tying wrapper’

‘It isn’t my favourite wear’

Bose gaped at her and Kome laughed in return. Lightheartedly, they continued far into the night before they went off to sleep. The next day, they had the thanksgiving of the new couple at the venue of the wedding.
It was noon when Kome and Grace set off for Warri. She felt much better as she drove through the streets to connect the road to Sapele.

‘Mummy, can I ask a question?’ Grace asked.

‘Yes’

‘Who was that man at the party?’

She took in the question coldly and waited a little before replying.

‘That is your father’

Silence returned as both contemplated the implication of the statement.

‘He was not interested in your birth. You don’t need him’ Kome said.

‘Okay ma’

‘I will want you to meet my father, your grand-father'

‘Okay ma’

‘We will travel to the village on Friday’

‘Okay ma’

Little was said as they got closer to the house. They arrived at the house and immediately Kome left for her room. She was about taking off her clothes when her phone rang. It was John.

‘Hello’ she said.

‘How are you?’

‘I am fine’

‘How was church today?’

‘Church was fine…did you go to church?’

‘Yes, I thought about it and felt I should get that experience once again. Could we have a little time out?’

She sighed quietly.

‘Where do you want to go?’

‘We could meet at the same spot if you don’t mind?’

‘Alright, I hope we don’t stay long’

‘I don’t intend to keep you for long’

‘Okay, just give me some thirty minutes’

‘Thank you’

She dropped the phone and immediately plopped on the bed. She was tired but her mind was willing. After some minutes, she dragged herself up and went to the bathroom. She had a quick shower and left after assuring Grace of just an hour of absence. She arrived at the restaurant some forty minutes after. John was seated in the same spot. He wore a black pair of trousers and a polo.

‘I am sorry for coming late’ she said as she sat down.

‘I do appreciate your coming. You look beautiful’

She smiled ‘Thank you’

‘So how is your daughter?'

‘She is fine’

‘What would you want to take?’

‘Nothing’

‘Okay but may be a glass of wine or water will do’

‘Okay, let’s have it’

He signaled to the waiter and ordered for wine.

‘So I am happy you came. I just felt it won’t be out of place if I see you today. I was at the beach yesterday and tried to search for you among the crowd’

‘That is not my best spot for relaxation’

‘Okay. So Kome what do you say to my proposal if I suggest we keep doing this until you agree’

The waiter came around and dropped their order.

‘I am waiting to hear your reply’

‘I can see you are trying to force an agreement from me’

‘Kome, I could pretend that this is just a harmless occasion but each time I think about you, I just dream of the good future we could have together’

‘John, I do appreciate your interest and I can assure you that a decision will be reached once we have done these several times’

‘Okay, if that be the case, I am willing to keep trying’

He smiled with ease and raised his glass for a toss which Kome reciprocated. Work did not interfere in their discussion as they soon discovered new areas and ideas to discuss. Kome would discover at the end of their meeting that she felt better. He had indeed proved to be a good communicator and this was telling in her general assessment of him. On the way home, she struggled to mount up oppositions to the positive feelings that serenaded her heart. The meeting with Eric had proved to be a release and that discussion with Bose had been a subtle rebuke to her obstinate mind. From that moment on, she made a decision to change her outlook on her past and embrace the dream that was already appearing in the present.

yorhmienerd:
That Eric get mind o

Assuming I was Kome, I'd have stab him with the table knife or fork. Hian, what insolence

Nice work man, just had time to read it after following since the begining.

You are very much welcome bro.

Lolsd:
d eric of a guy is an idiot oooo ...... after what he did nd he had d gut to say kome is looking good .I bet he was expecting her to look hungry nd shattered. He does not deserve forgiveness

You can't discount the fact that he is completely surprised. Forgiveness is a two way thing.

adefunke62:
wow! imagine the pain, I don't think that Eric get sense at all. Ewu Gambia. nice one bro

Lol... which one is Ewu Gambia.

Kome and Grace met the wedding service mid-way. The venue was the Holy saints Catholic Church. They sat at the back even though the attendance was sparse. It was not surprising as most people had interest only in the reception party. The ceremony finished some thirty minutes after and they were off to the Grand event Centre for the reception. Kome managed to catch a glimpse of Bose who was resplendently dressed in wrapper and blouse. A gold necklace adorned her neck and she was indeed the cynosure of all eyes.

Kome and Grace sat at one of the several tables that occupied the big reception hall. The tables sat four hence they had two chairs empty before them. Some minutes after they were seated, a fair complexioned lady looking almost the same age as Kome, dressed in a lovely lace gown stopped by the table.

‘Hello, is anybody sitting here?’ She asked pointing to the two empty chairs.

‘No’ Kome replied.

‘Okay, I and my husband will sit here then’

She sat down and placed her bag on the empty chair beside hers. Kome and Grace kept their concentration on the events going on around the stage set for the couple. The couple danced in followed by a crowd of family members and friends. The ceremony began in earnest. The ceremony was chaired by Chief Osareimen. The name rang a bell in Kome’s mind until she was confronted by a huge dark man with greying beards. He looked very much like Eric’s father. The remaining members of the high table were called and immediately the ceremony was declared open. The chairman gave the opening speech and some nice music followed as the couple were duly engaged with several task. The lady who sat with them was becoming uncomfortable with each passing moment as she kept looking around the hall. Some attendants came by their table and gave them a meal of rice and fish. They started eating immediately. Some minutes after, a man came by the table and sat down beside the lady.

‘Dear, what took you so long?’ the lady queried.

‘I am sorry, I had to help my dad with some little things’ he replied.

The voice was unmistakably Eric’s even though it had become bolder. Kome stole a look at the man for confirmation and on seeing him, she struggled to turn away from him. Eric’s attention was on his wife. The room suddenly became claustrophobic and Kome stood up leaving Grace who was trying to take in the activities of the couple. Kome stayed outside for what seemed like hours and she would not have gone back if Grace had followed her. She thought of looking to see if Eric had left but he was seated drinking from a bottle of malt. She went back after a while and sat down. Immediately Eric’s eyes met hers. The shock on his eyes was clear and visibly expressed.

‘Kome, how come’ he chuckled.

His wife looked from him to Kome and then back to her husband.

‘You know her?’ She asked.

‘Yes, my former girlfriend’

He said it with some bit of assurance that irked Kome. She stood up to leave before she remembered Grace whose attention had turned to the little scene playing out in their table.

‘Grace, let’s leave’

Grace stood up immediately and they walked out of the hall. They had almost reached the car park when Eric caught up with them.

‘Where are you running to?’ Eric asked.

‘It is none of your business’ she replied calmly.

‘Seriously, we met after all these years and you are running away’

‘Stop that accusation’

‘Okay. I am just surprised to see you and I must say I am kind of happy to have met you after all these years. You are looking good’

‘Grace, let’s leave’

Eric looked at Grace and was suddenly curious.

‘Who is she?’ he asked.

‘She is my daughter’

Eric chuckled and suddenly shock returned to his eyes.

‘Is she my daug…?’

‘Don’t you dare utter that word. Grace, get in the car’

Eric rushed to stand beside Kome.

‘Please you don’t have to leave like this. I am very sorry for what I did to you’

‘Eric, what is your problem?’

‘Dear’ the voice of Eric’s wife.

Kome seized that moment and entered the driver’s seat. Eric was not done.

‘I do sincerely wish you would forgive me’ He said.

Kome exhaled with her hands firmly on the steering wheel.

‘Eric, you have no worries, I have forgotten about you long ago’ she said.

She turned on the ignition and drove out of the compound. She caught a glimpse of several onlookers who had gathered to witness the scene. She had in fact told a lie when she said she had forgotten as thoughts of the past came racing into her head. Tears had taken residence at the corner of her eyes but she struggled to keep them under control. She was not oblivious of the watching teenager. The journey to Bose’s house was an unhurried process as Kome drove under moderate speed. She was almost operating in an autopilot state. Once she stopped in front of Bose’s house, she rested on her seat and then the tears flowed freely.

‘Mummy, sorry’ Grace said.

Kome felt little comfort and embraced her consolation from a torrid past.

True in all aspect.

She was right as their relationship became better as the days went by. Kome felt at peace as their communication became better. At work, there was little time for cheer as events came rolling in like a whirl wind. She scarcely had time to meet John long enough to brush any personal conversation with him. Caught between a busy work place and a growing relationship with her daughter, the week went quite fast. Franca’s marriage was billed for the weekend and she felt better at the realization that she would meet Bose.

Shadow of the Past

She had Grace for company as they travelled to Benin just before the close of work on that Friday. She had obtained permission from the manager earlier to leave before the close of work on that day. The stereo entertained her as she drove without getting into much conversation with Grace. She had some important things to do in Benin and she needed as much rest she could get. They arrived the home of Bose in about two hours. The environment bore some element of festivity. She had her bag in her hands while Grace took hers as they walked into the house. Young girls and some women milled around the house. She walked into the house and met Bose conversing with Franca.

‘Waoh, Kome you are here!

‘Good evening ma’ she greeted.

‘So where is Grace?’

Grace came into the sitting-room and Bose immediately walked to embrace her.

‘How are you?’ Bose asked.

‘I am fine ma’

‘I can see your mom is taking care of you very well’

Grace smiled in acknowledgement.

‘Alright, please be seated’

‘Good evening ma’ Franca greeted.

‘Franca, I am so sorry. Congratulations’ Kome embraced her.

Bose returned to sit beside Franca while Kome had Grace by her side.

‘Once again, I am so happy to have you here Kome. I believe you saw traces of our little ceremony yesterday’

A coy smile appeared on Franca’s face.

‘Yes, she is taken and tomorrow will be the final hand-over. I am already missing her’

Bose eyes met Franca’s and she immediately averted her eyes.

‘Kome, mom has been troubling me with too much attention since my return. I am just glad tomorrow is the moment’ Franca said excitedly.

‘You can imagine that feeling of becoming independent’ Bose mocked ‘any way, I definitely know Peter’s house’

They all burst into rapturous laughter. They discussed for a while before Grace left the gathering. Franca followed next after she got a call. Bose stood up and went to sit beside Kome.

‘So how are you feeling?’ Bose asked.

‘Well…I am trying my best’

‘It’s definitely not easy to become a mother. I am sorry I have not called as much to check how you are faring. It is instructive that you go to the orphanage before you leave. I have been in contact with Bridget’

‘Okay ma’

‘So how did she take the revelation?’

‘It was not a pleasant reaction at first but I kind of managed the situation. She is not that difficult’

‘That is the spirit’ Bose grinned.

Kome felt a kindred spirit looking at the smiling face of Bose.

‘So how is the preparation so far?’ Kome asked after a brief silence.

‘Fine. Tomorrow is the day all of these will finally end. I have just taken a little time off to rest. There is so much work to be done before we retire for the night’

They discussed a little more before Bose was called outside. Kome followed behind as they walked to the side of the building where a group of women were boiling a huge pot of tomatoes. Grace was nowhere in sight and this got the interest of Kome who left the women immediately. She found her in company of Franca and some other ladies. She found Tessy among the other ladies and they exchanged pleasantries. They were sizing up some clothes and accessories. Kome sat on the bed and watched as the ladies argued about some little details. The ambience of the room reflected cheer and warmth. The evening went on in this mood and it was indeed far into the night that they decided to go to bed. There were so many people in the house that all rooms were occupied. Bose invited Kome and Grace to share her room with her. They said little as everyone slept off almost immediately already envisaging a stressed but happy tomorrow.

**************************
The women woke up just before the clock struck five the next morning and they began cooking immediately. Kome slept some more with Grace beside her. They woke up an hour after and set about helping with other chores. The church ceremony was fixed for 10:00am hence there was a little bit of haste as they went about their preparations. Franca was feted with care and attention and was largely restricted to her room.

Kome and Grace left the house already dressed at eight. Their destination was the orphanage. She had called the previous day to inform Bridget about her impending visit. There was less vehicular movement as Kome drove through the streets on the way to Mother Theresa orphanage home. They arrived the home to the cheerful voices of the kids who were out playing some games. Grace looked from the passenger’s seat with nostalgia. She had been away barely a month and it seemed a year already.

She loathed the feeling that was gradually creeping up on her mind. It had been a week of revelation and was gradually coming to terms with the implication of her relationship with her adopted mother. She alighted from the car at the order of her mother and started towards where the children were playing. Immediately, one of the kids shouted her name and the others ran enthusiastically to meet her. She tried to control the children but gave up after much effort as they embraced and pulled at her. The door of the main building opened and there was Bridget standing dressed in her usual cloth. Kome walked to meet her.

‘Good morning ma’

‘Good morning Kome, how are you?’

‘I am fine ma’

‘I am happy you came with her. Though distance may separate us but we have always had her in our thoughts. How has the relationship been?’

‘It’s been fine’

‘Definitely, she is a good girl’

Grace came soon after.

‘Good morning ma’

‘Good morning my dear, how are you?’

‘I am fine ma’

‘Kome, I’d like to have a word with Grace’

‘Okay. I will be waiting’

‘Okay thank you’

Bridget took Grace’s hand and they walked inside the building. Kome took the time to savour the environment. Faint rays of the sun were already visible in the lawns while the kids continued in their morning exercise. She had little to think about as she tried to engage her thoughts. Franca’s marriage brought back thoughts of her past relationships. She was yet to recover from those hurts and this was affecting her in the present. John could be sincere but yet she was unwilling. Her age was almost proving an unmovable albatross. She could not imagine walking the aisle to pledge her faithfulness to a man. She was rescued from this labyrinth of thoughts once Bridget and Grace returned.

‘Thank you Kome. I will also like to speak with you’

‘Okay’

She followed Bridget into her office.

‘First of all I must commend you for taking care of our daughter not minding the fact that she is yours now’

‘Thank you. I do appreciate your kind disposition ma’

‘You are welcome. So what plans do you have for her education?’

‘I am thinking of enrolling her in a school in Warri’

‘Okay, that is good. So how well has she behaved or what is your relationship with her like?’

‘It is fine. We had some issues along the way but we have been communicating’

‘That is good to hear. Bose has consistently kept us abreast of all development concerning you and Grace. We wish you the best’

‘Thank you’

Bridget stood up and led Kome out of the office. They got outside to see Grace playing with the kids. Bridget called Grace and they all walked to the car park together. Bridget drew Grace into her embrace just before she was about to take the passenger’s seat. Immediately, Grace sat on the seat, Kome drove out of the compound. Grace had a smile on her face as they drove into the streets. She was thrilled to have finally met her friends after her first separation from them.

Fiyinfoluwa20:
Hello, need your service on a writing project, how do I contact you?

Good evening, send me message on aruakpookoribe@gmail.com

The sitting room was quiet as Grace had left for her room. She went to the kitchen and prepared dinner. They ate thereafter and she called for prayers immediately. Once they were done, they returned to the sitting room and saw a movie for a while. All through, her mind was set on the perfect moment to reveal the secret.

‘Grace’

‘Ma’

‘I have something to tell you’

‘Okay ma’

‘What idea do you have about your true mother?’

‘I have not really thought of that as the reverend mother will always tell us that our parents are in heaven’

‘That is strange. So do you agree with her?’

A little silence ‘Yes, I do see my friends at school with their parents and it has never occurred to me to think about my parents’

‘How about if you were to discover that your mother is alive and actually cares about you’

‘I really don’t know what to say ma’

‘Grace, I am your mother’

Gradually, her eyes glistened in surprise. The realization had gradually crept on her. Kome watched her for a while without saying anything. It was a cold silence that descended on the sitting room.

‘How come?’ Grace asked suddenly.

It was a surprise question which Kome could not reply to. In the intervening silence, Grace stood up and left the sitting room. She made to stand up but sat back. Some minutes passed before she stood up and went to her room. She knocked on the door and pressed on the door knob. It opened and immediately her eyes met Grace’s. She was sitting on the bed with her hands crossed.

‘If you are my mother, how come I grew up in an orphanage?’ Grace asked.

Kome walked slowly into the room and sat beside her.

‘I took you to the orphanage to protect you. I had no support when I conceived you’

‘Who is my father?’

‘Your father and I are no longer together. He lived in Benin then but I am not so sure of his location’

Grace was clearly at a loss on what she would do with the new information. Kome drew her close and gave her a side hug. She stood up and left the room. She walked to her room with thoughts churning in her head. She climbed on her bed and grabbed her pillow. She had not thought of the reactions that would trail her revelation but now she knew this was obviously beyond any of what she would have predicted. She tossed and turned for a while on the bed all to no avail as her eyes showed no form of weariness.

******************
She was woken up by the beeping noise from her phone. She felt a slight strain of ache shoot through her head. She struggled to sit on the bed. Immediately, she was confronted by the result of her discussion with Grace. In order to ward off the storm of thoughts that was gradually building up, she knelt and prayed. Few minutes after, she stood up and walked to the sitting-room. It was dark and quiet. She left and went to knock on Grace’s door. There was no answer at first, she repeated the knocking and soon after, it was opened. Her eyes were red and weary.

‘Good morning ma’ she said.

‘Good morning, how are you?’

‘I am fine’

‘I am about preparing to leave for work, dress up and come to the sitting-room’

Kome left for her room immediately. She was still struggling to get going with the kind of relationship she felt in her head. She prepared for work and found Grace waiting as she stepped into the sitting-room.

‘So what would you want for breakfast?’

‘I don’t feel hungry’ a grudging reply.

A mixture of pain and anger coursed through her head. She could not imagine that this kid was about pushing her into a corner.

‘All right, here have this’

She gave her a sum of five hundred naira.

‘There are provisions in the kitchen, buy whatever you want’

She left the sitting room immediately. All through the journey down to the office, she tried to ward off thoughts that assailed her mind. She was not about to regret a decision she thought she made for the benefit of a seeming ungrateful child. She arrived at the compound just in time to see John alight from his car. A remembrance of their meeting gave her momentary relief. She had barely given thought to his gentleman disposition. He had managed to filter some of the negative questions she had about him in her mind. Although, she was not ready to change her stance yet. She contemplated this as she walked to the reception.

Grace felt free once Kome drove out of the compound. She had been taken up by surprise at Kome’s revelation. She would not have imagined that she would confront this possibility someday but rather than been excited, she felt cheated. She had denied her the opportunity to grow up under her tutelage and also have separated her from the comfort she had with her other mates at the orphanage. The revelation had only accentuated the difference she had felt once her adoption was confirmed. Also she could not come to terms with the fact that she had taken too long in telling her.

The sun was out basking in its glory before she stood up from the couch in the sitting room. The stillness in the house accentuated her desire for company. She stood up and left for her room. She had her bath and dressed up. She strolled out of the compound into the streets. The environment was quiet as many of the neighbours had gone to work. Once in a while, the loud burst of music came from houses. She had not thought of eating but then her stomach rumbled. She needed to eat. She went to a nearby store and bought meat-pie and a bottle of Fanta. She sat down to eat.

Just then, a girl came to the store. She had an average height and a fair skin. She looked inquisitively at the dark and tall frame of Grace. Grace’s eyes met with hers.

‘Hello’ she said.

‘Good morning’ Grace replied.

‘I haven’t met you before. You are definitely new here’ she said.

She came to stand near Grace.

‘Yes, I just moved in with my mother’

‘Okay, my name is Temi, what’s yours’

‘Grace’

‘So what class are you?’

‘S.S. 2’

‘Okay, I will soon start my senior secondary school education. So where do you live?’

‘Over there’

She pointed some distance to the left.

‘Okay, my house is just down there’

Temi pointed to the opposite direction. She also went and bought the things she had come for earlier.

‘Good to see you’

Temi left immediately. Grace finished her meal and stood up. She left the front of the shop and started walking towards the right. She was taking note of the area as she had not walked the distance. She was always taken by Kome in her car whenever they were going out. The walk seemed to ease her.

********************
Kome arrived home in the evening to meet a locked door. She was surprised to see that the door was locked and the expression of worry that registered on her face confirmed her fear. She was sure Grace hardly knew her way around the neighbourhood. She went to her room and tried to put aside the uncomfortable feeling that was gradually taking over her mind. The day at work had been stressful hence she needed rest which she was unsure of at the moment. She took a can of malt from the freezer and drank from it. It brought a bit of relief to her troubled nerve. The time was 6:00pm and yet the door at the entrance had not opened. She went to check her room to confirm and found the door was locked.
Kome was easing off with a programme showing on television when Grace came into the sitting-room. She had broken no sweat as her face was shining with traces of powder.

‘Good evening ma’ she greeted.

‘Where are you coming from?’ Kome asked coldly.

‘I went to see a friend’

‘What, where did you find a friend?’

‘Her name is Temi, I met her today’

‘And you decided to return this late’

‘I am very sorry. It was due to some…’

‘I can’t accept any stupid excuse from you’

It was an outburst that brought sudden silence to the room.

‘You didn’t even bother to look at the time?’

Kome was sitting on the edge of her seat clearly angry.

‘Ma, I am sorry’ she said.

‘You just leave’

She waved her off. Grace walked out of the sitting-room while Kome looked suddenly disinterested in the programme. She was struggling to put her expectations in place.
Kome had finished preparing the table for dinner when she realized that Grace had been in her room since their little squabble. She went and knocked on her door but there was no reply. She knocked again and there was none. She turned on the door knob and it opened. Grace was sitting on the bed with tear lined face. She walked to sit on her bed with concern clearly written on her face.

‘What is wrong with you? Why are you crying?’

‘I want to return back to Benin’

A cold silence followed.

‘Grace, why are you acting this way?’

‘Ma, I am not happy here’

Kome shifted on the bed and drew her head close.

‘This is your home. You must understand that I do everything out of my love for you’

She embraced Grace who reciprocated reluctantly.

‘You must come now to the dinning. Dinner is ready’

Grace stood up and they walked together to the sitting room. They had their dinner in silence each clearly contemplating their relationship. Kome knew it was best she start defining the relationship in a not too forceful tone.

‘So where did you meet this friend of yours?’

‘I met her at the shop down the road’

‘And you went to her house?’

‘She invited me over when she saw me on the street’

‘Okay, that is okay. I see you are bored’

‘Yes ma’

‘So what would you want me to get for you to keep you busy?’

Grace looked up clearly undecided and with a tinge of surprise.

‘Grace, you must understand that everything I am willing to share everything I own with you. You just have to trust me enough to tell me everything about you at any point in time’

‘Okay ma’

‘Alright, take the plates to the kitchen’

Grace stood up and carried the plates to the kitchen. They had their prayers soon after. Once Kome laid down to rest, she breathed easily at the outcome of their little after dinner meeting. She was sure that singular discussion had thawed the ice that was gradually forming between them.

oyinella:
wow! akposb you r truly amazing..... tnc for continuing our story

Yeah... it's indeed our story.

Missperfect28:
The storyline is simply beautiful.*thumbs up*

Thanks and you are very much welcome.

tunechi22:
Okay. So what do you need?

I will make contact through the link when I am ready. Thanks.