Chimdim:
Thanks for the update, it has been awhile, i hope all is well

All is well dear. Been very busy. Will drop an update shortly. Tnx.

I stirred the soup again before finally lifting it off the fire. I had battled with the soup and was glad that it came out nice. At least it wasn't as bad as my imagination has feared and I knew deep within me that father would like it. Mother had gone inside the house after Peter startled her to reality by pushing the gate with so much force out of excitement. His action earned him a thorough ear-twisting which made the boy wonder what crime he committed, the excitement supposedly dying within him. I gave him I-told-you look and continued with what I was doing. Peter is fond pushing the gate that way and I have always warned him but he never listened although mother had never showed any indication that she was uncomfortable with his actions. But today was different. There is always a first time to everything anyway.
Dera had left the kitchen after complaining endlessly about the smoke leaving me to do the dishes. Peter on the other had recoiled into his shell after being shunned by mother and so I left the poor boy to sulk to his taste. I was rinsing the plates when I heard the gate opened. I looked up to see a skinny figure coming towards the house, the face unclear to me until he drew closer. It was father afterall! Instinctively, I dropped the plates and ran towards him. He stopped in his stride slightly taken aback by the figure that was looming closer. I lunged at him and almost had the two of us falling.
"Welcome father" I said breathlessly
Father stepped back to take a good look at me.
"I can't believe my eyes. You are all grown up" he said with a look of awe.
Peter drew the blinds aside to take a look at the drama that was going on and I beckoned on him to come and greet father and he tiptoed out shyly.
"Good evening father" father knelt down and drew him into an embrace.
I turned to see mother standing in the doorway carefully observing us, a smile plastered on her face without uttering a word. Father looked up to see her and their face locked in series of transmission. Father eyes held in it disappointment while mother's was indifferent. I took a hint on their uneasiness and I drew Peter towards the kitchen leaving the two in a world of their own.

Mother collected the can from Dera, opened it and inhaled the freshness of the palmwine before handing it over to Dera to take inside. Pa Ibe had been one of Father's regular callers and friend and had not ceased to ask after him since he was imprisoned. He had even attempted to visit him unlike some of his so-called gambling and drinking mates. Such is life. After the father had with Uncle Fabian in the bar, none of them even attempted to sympathize with him in the police station. Instead they had hidden away for fear of being arrested by the police.
I pierced a cocoyam seed to check its softness before bringing down from the fire. Mother had for a while relapsed into her melancholic mood and I decided to leave her to her fate and concentrated on the great task of making the soup since mother was not showing any sign of interest. Bitter-leaf soup used to be father's favourite and I hoped it still is. I pounded the cocoyam with so much force that mother did not fail to notice.
"Nene do you want to bring down the neighbourhood?" Mother thundered obviously angry. I replied by going slow on the mortar. Dera emerged from the room and joined me in the kitchen carefully watching my expressions.
"Let me help you with it". He offered and I gladly dropped the pestle to attend to something else.
"Is it true that father is coming back today?" He paused for an answer
"So I heard. Mother made mention of it. I keep hoping that we will be a happy family".
"We were never happy when father was around. And besides we have fared well in his absence. At least you continued schooling. I wish he never comes back......
"Shhhhhhh..." I hushed him.
"Do not wish such a terrible thing for father. Remember he is still our father and besides he is a changed man at least from the last I saw of him".
He appeared to ponder over what I said for a while and then sighed.
"Till he returns". He said finally and then resumed the pounding.
I shared a little of Dera's fears in that how father's homecoming will affect us all. I glanced again in mother's direction and this time lingered on her eyes which were becoming misty and my heart went out to her. Mother had been warm and accommodating since father's sentence and now, it appears that the news of his coming back is gradually turning her into a woman she once was; a bitter woman.

CHAPTER FIVE
I opened father's box of clothes for the third time to ensure that everything is in order. I had washed the clothes the previous day before folding it neatly. I had tried ironing with the charcoal iron but my strength only saw me through two shirts and so I decided to fold them instead. I glanced in mother's direction as she sat staring into nothingness, her jaw propped up in one hand. She had been that way since I returned from school without making any effort to do something else. She hadn't even bothered to go to the shop today. The long face she bore over the weekend following the news of father's homecoming hadn't eased up either and this worried me. Is it that mother would rather have father stay in the prison forever? Because her expressions hadn't been anything but happy since saturday afternoon. I picked a broom to sweep the room.
"Nene hurry up, we are making soup"
"Yes mother"
I swept the room hastily a little bit angered by mother's supposed laziness. She had been at home all day without making the soup probably because of father as she had made the soup alone in similar situations for Chief Lambert. I brought in the firewood from outside the compound before I lit the fire.
"Nene I have told you to stop putting too much water when boiling cocoyam" she said reducing the water that was in the pot.
I stared at her in confusion as she added almost the same quantity she threw away. The gate swung open and mother mistakenly splashed some water into the fire courtesy of her unsettled mind. Dera entered bearing a small jerry can. Mother inhaled deeply and her facial contours seemed to relax a little.
"Mother, Pa Ibe said he heard that father will be coming back today and so asked me to give you to keep for him".

We ran like mad dogs inspite of the rain and the slippery ground, the umbrella obviously forgotten. The weeds that lined the bush path didn't help matters as it was gradually outgrowing the path that one had to jump at a point. We pushed the wooden gate open and dashed in the direction of the voice. Grandma was lying on the wet ground unable to get up. She had slipped and fell on her way to the toilet. We helped her to her feet and led her inside the mud house which served as her room amidst moans of pain from her.
"You came right at the nick of time" grandma said as Pepe washed her leg with a clean cloth and used native balm on the affected areas.
"Grandma this is my friend I told you about"
"You are welcome my daughter. Its unfortunate that you met me in this state"
"I am glad to be of help Ma"
"God bless you my daughters".
We made grandma lie down amidst her protest that she was better.
"What of Nnanna"
Nnanna was the little boy that lives with her.
"Oh that one, he left a while ago moving from one fruit to another."
"This is one of his lucky days all thanks to the rain".
Grandma asked Pepe to mix the abacha in the already made abacha soup. I ran my tongue on my lips in anticipation of this special delicacy oyibo will rather call 'african salad'. I bit judiciously on the smoked fish that topped the dish. It couldn't have gotten any better than this. She had us douse the meal with a cup of fresh palmwine as she reeled out tales on how marriage were performed in their days.
"In our days, it was never heard that a maiden came to her husband for the first time broken. She will either be made to pay a price to appease the gods and the lands for twelve moons if the husband has forgiven her or be sent to her father's house with a show of shame. But the faithful maiden will receive a gift that will be sent to her parents in appreciation for keeping her womanhood. So, every maiden treasures her womanhood and would not violate it till the she marries. There was this story of Ego who had already given out herself to another man before she got married. On her first night with her husband, she made him drunk and to save her from the shame. She succeeded in deceiving her husband but for the gods that exposed her. She paid dearly for it. So my daughters, even our type of marriage rites has faded keep yourself so that you marry as a dignified woman." Nnanna came in as we were preparing to leave. Pepe instructed him on how to apply the herbal lotion on grandma's knees. We bade grandma goodbye promising to come visit next time.

I cut a banana leaf and made do as umbrella as I walked through the path that lead to Pepe's house. I wondered what kept her as she has promised to come and call me.
"Maybe she is not through with her chores yet" I thought and then I looked up to see a figure coming in my direction. The figure became clearer as it drew closer and I wondered whatever brought him to our side.
"Good afternoon Sir"
"Nene how are you"
"Fine" I stopped to accord him the respect of being my teacher without looking at his face.
"Why are you acting cold? Thought we were friends"
"I wonder what your definition of friendship is" I almost screamed at him but instead I replied.
"Of course"
"You can at least put on a smile" I shot him a look obviously angered by his attitude.
"By the way, where are you going under this rain"
"Same applies to you" I wanted to say but found myself saying "a friend".
"Anyone I might know?"
"Not at all" I made as if to leave to signal the end of the discussion but he pretended not to notice.
"Your scores has improved greatly"
"Thank you. Sir I should be on my way"
"Okay then" I left him still standing, his eyes boring through my back.
"There you are" that was Pepe coming towards me with an umbrella.
"I have been waiting for you at home"
"So sorry about that. Mother always has a lot of things to be done. Grandma must be waiting let's hurry. Your skirt is beautiful, your mother got it for you?"
"Yes" I lied knowing that it was Chief Lambert that brought it on one of his visits. I didn't want to tell Pepe that for fear of how she will take it as tongues had already started wagging that they are having an affair. In as much as I condemn mother's betrayal of trust but I couldn't refuse the gains of such relationship one of which has kept me in school. I had always wished for a better platform of continuing my education other than what is currently presented to me.
"Have you done your Home Economics assignment?"
I heard Pepe saying.
"Yes..no..I will do it tomorrow"
We walked for a while before we heard a wailing voice as we drew close to Pepe's grandma's place.
"Somebody h-e-l-p!" It was her grandmother. Pepe broke into a run and I followed suit.

The day had dragged on slowly as the cloud refused to take a break from watering the earth. It was a saturday so I had hurried over my chores in excitement in order to visit Pepe who had invited me over to her maternal grandmother's place. The thrill at the special treat that her grandmother will give to us kept me aglow as I went through the chores happily. I was never opportuned to have some very special moments with my grandparents as they all died before I was five except my father's mother who had been having mental problem all my life. The last time I heard about her was when a relative of my father reported to have seen her in a neighbouring town two years ago. Mother had grumbled that she deserved whatever comes to her. Though the bitterness behind those words are not yet clear to me but it was obvious that she was not getting along with her very well before she got mentally deranged. She had never been passionate about tales of her mother-inlaw unlike the relish that prevails in the tales of her mother.
"Whatever it is, I hope they forgive each other".
I had my bath, dressed in my favourite skirt, determined to leave inspite of the rain that had lessened and is almost drizzling. I could make do with cocoyam leaves or better still banana leaves since the intensity had reduced. I was locking the door when my mother opened the gate bearing a gloomy expression. It was quite unlike her to leave the shop at that time of the day. Whatever it is that brought her home must be of a great importance.
"Nene you are leaving already. I was thinking that the visit is later in the day"
"For crying out loud its 2:00pm. Which other later is there to it" I almost said to her but instead I bit my tongue praying within me that she won't be an obstacle to my special treat.
"Em..Em I just learnt from Chief Lambert that your father will be returning on monday as his sentence expires today". I almost jumped up in excitement save for the sadness that was glaring in mother's eyes.
"I need you to wash his clothes and fold them neatly in his box but for this rain I don't know how you are going to sun them".
"I will wash them tomorrow because of the rain" I said glad that the rain was still falling.
"In that case tomorrow then". I made a little circular dance as soon as mother entered the house. Finally we are going to have father back again. But the sadness in mother's eyes bothered me . She did not seem elated one bit by the news as I expected. At least she should have pretended to be happy but she did not make any effort in concealing her displeasure with the news. Although I received the news with mixed feeling but I was happy that he will be a free man at least. In the last five years, we have coped very well even much better than when father was around courtesy of Chief Lambert but with the recent development, I wondered if things will ever remain the same again.

I kept smiling as the principal congratulated and encouraged us with a clapping ovation by the students. I had never tasted victory this way and I must confess that it felt really nice. I never knew that success could be achieved by people like me in such a manner. All thanks to people like Pepe who saw the success giant in me. I scanned the faces of the student for her and she winked at me and raised her thumb in "up you" style. I smiled again.
"I have this confidence that you people will achieve greater feat in the state finals" that was the principal.
"With good amount of hardwork, we will come out better. Once again congratulations to the participants". The student cheered and the teachers took time to congratulate us. Mr John shook me hurriedly and muttered a disgruntled "congratulations". He struggled to keep a happy face as I glanced at him from the corners of my eyes.
"You deserve it" Pepe said hugging me.
"I wouldn't have gotten this far without you. Thank you so much" I said returning the hug.
The rest of the day was fun as many students tried making friends with me. Even the senior students were not left as I received series of letter asking me to be their school daughter.
"Ignore them to avoid distractions" Pepe was telling me on our way home.
"There has been stories of how some school mothers lured junior students into being their supe or convinced them to have a boyfriend."
"Supe? What again is that one?"
"Oh Nene you mean to tell me that you don't know? That means that no one has approached you yet. How come? Are you sure you had been in this school?"
"Pepe please tell me now"
"Supe is school mother and school daughter-lover relationship. They commit atrocities behind closed doors"
"Ah Pepe how do know"l
"Of course Prefect Obi asked me to be her supe last term and I refused. She was later caught with a junior student behind the library"
"I remember her" I nodded as the whole incident that rocked the school last term came rushing back to me.
"Better shine your eyes. Don't let them deceive you"
"I will"
She waved at me as we parted ways at the footpath that led to our houses.
"I friend in deed" I said to myself turning one more time to see her to disappear into a corner.

I couldn't stay for the morning assembly as the competition is due to start by 9:00am. Three representatives from my school including myself were accompanied to the local government center by Mr John. Each person representing one class for the junior secondary class. The principal had given us a thorough lecture on good mannerism and success. And his last words kept ringing on my ear even as the coordinator read out the rules and guidelines for the competition.
"Failure is a thing of the mind. Once you have termed yourself a failure, there is no miracle that can save you. Only you can save yourself." So he said. We waited for a while for the competition to begin and I used that opportunity to recite the formulas I crammed to myself.
"The questions will border on English Language, Mathematics and General paper" the coordinator continued as I tried to avoid Mr John's gaze who obviously had his eyes on me for the past five minutes. Whatever he intends to achieve by that.
"Section 1, you five seconds for each question. Bonus question attracts extra two marks. CHS your question?"
The first section ended with C.H.S. topping our school by two points. It wasn't bad at all but we need more points to top them in the second round if we have any hope of winning the competition. My hope was dashed after we went down to fourth position after the second round and the disappointment that was boldly written on Mr John's face wasn't helping matters at all. I ignored him and concentrated on making the best out of the competition.
"Section three offers you three seconds for each question" the coordinator's voice rang out again. After a short while, she announced for a five minutes break in order to compute the results. I kept telling myself that our performance was fair enough in the last section.
After the break the result was announced and we came second. I heaved a sigh of relief and boldly stepped onto the podium to receive our price as the first runner-up. And the good news was that we will get an opportunity to compete in the state finals. I smiled triumphantly at Mr John who was trying very hard to maintain a happy appearance.

I opened the mathematics textbook for the fifth time in one day and closed it almost immediately when I could not solve any of the exercises at the back of each topic correctly. I had managed other subjects with little difficult but mathematics seemed like a thorn in my flesh. Udozie had even pulled me through some topics yet I can't still get them on my own. I had contemplated going to meet the principal but I know deep down he won't let me off the hook as the competition is barely a week left. The other option would have been meeting my mathematics, Mr John to get some guidelines but that is a story forgotten.
"Maybe I am never meant to know mathematics or maybe am cursed". I thought staring at the textbook. Mother's words had slowly began to get to me. She had never supported me to go for the competition, always emphasizing that there are much more brilliant students in my class and that I should let them represent the school.
I never told her about the incident in Mr John's house and so she never suspected that there is more to the competition than I am making her to understand. I packed up my books and decided to seek for an easy way out.
"I am going to Pepe's house" I said to Dera who was busy making a small cage for the little bird he caught yesterday. I had wondered what he thought of geeting outof the little bird for putting himself through so much stress.
"His bssiness anyway" I concentrated on the task ahead.
I watched Pepe rinse the plates while glancing occasionally at the corn seeds that was being sunned to scare off those mischievous fowls.
"Let me help you watch over the corn" I offered
"Oh thank you"
Pepe threw the fodders to the goats that were bleating incessantly inspite of the time of the day and joined me.
"How is your preparation coming along" she asked wiping her hands on her dress.
"Very bad. I can't seem to scale through this mathematics. I am thinking of faking illness to prevent myself from being disgraced"
"God forbid that you will fake ill. You can do this you know"
"Pepe I can't. Can't you see that I am not intelligent enough?" Pepe held my hands forcing me to look at her.
"You can and you will. Anyone can be brilliant and represent our school and that person has to be you. Let's get down to writing out the formulas. It will be easier for you that way". I hugged her a new surge of hope flowing in my inside.
"Thanks for being my friend".

Jummyjagz:
Getting juicer! Nice job ma!

Tnx. Glad u like it.

"Good morning Nene" he answered, his face still buried in the book before him.
"You sent for me"
"Yes I did" he said without lifting his face from the book. I stood for a while yet he didn't say anything. I was almost growing weary with impatience when he cleared his throat and pretended to be searching for something inside the table-drawer.
"This man obviously thinks that I have the time in the world to stay at him" I almost thought aloud.
"Sir we are having a class" I said to distract him.
"Your first lesson is Integrated science and your teacher is still sitting over there". He said pointing at teacher blessing who wasn't showing any sign of going for her class. She seemed much more interested in the gossip she is sharing with the other teacher than her class that I almost hissed.
I ignored her and concentrated on Mr John who wasn't saying anything as to why he called me.
"Sir?"
"Yes?" He answered feigning ignorance. It was then it became clear to me that My John was doing all these to punish me for not letting him have me. If not, what else would have explained his keeping me standing for so long.
"Silly man" I cursed in my mind as fear would not let me voice out such a statement.
"The principal must have told you about the quiz competition and you had better be ready to win the trophy. Do what ever you can to obtain the price because we cannot afford to lose. Else the disgrace will be only on you" I bit my lips to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill in millions as it became apparent that Mr John had set up.
"Any question?" He asked enjoying the look on my face.
"I won't let him see my tears, I won't let him see how helpless I am. Whatever it will take, I will do it" I said to myself and stomped out of the staff room, a new surge of determination and hope coursing through my being.

I had barely settled down into my seat after morning assembly when our class monitor said that Mr John requested for my presence in the principal's office. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be that he had gone to fabricate a report against me? Did I even commit any offense? I closed my locker my mind made up for whatever it is. I walked to the office grudgingly in trepidation. I knocked on the door of his office and opened it when I heard "come in".
"Good morning Sir" I greeted the short, astute man that appears to be in his late fifties.
"Good morning Nene, you may have a seat" I heaved a sigh of relief for his offering me a seat. If I had done something terrible, I wouldn't need a seat to explain my self.
"You had been chosen to represent your class in the inter-zonal quiz. Mr John told me that you are the best in the class and so the mantle fell on you to represent your class". At this I showed some sign of terrible shock. Although I could come in as an average student, I was not the best nor even close to the best. And Mr John could have easily it seen just by looking at the scores and comparing the results. Why he had chosen to label me as the best student remained a big question begging for answer. I didn't know how to refute his claim before the principal. The principal might see it as disobedience. I looked down on my hands as if it held the answers to my questions.
"Any problem?"
"No Sir"
"Good you go and get yourself ready. The competition will come up in a month's time and we can not afford to lose the prize." I nodded.
"Do you have any question?" I nodded again since my mouth refused to function.
"You can go, goodluck!" I left the office wondering why Mr John chose me of all persons. Is it to cover up for the incident in his house? Surely he should have other means of rewarding me than setting me up for a quiz competition. Or is he meaning to disgrace me because he must have known that I cannot be compared to the firebrands from other schools. I thought of going to the staff room to confront him but fear won't let me. I sat in my chair thinking for a possible solution for my predicament.
"Nene" that was the class monitor again.
"Mr John requests your presence in the staff room"
I eyed him icily for being the bearer of this bad news this morning and he shrugged and made for his seat, bearing a hurt expression. I felt angry at myself for transfering aggression onto the poor boy and made up my mind to make up for it later.
"The staff room was filled to the brim as teachers chatted happily about their areas of interest instead of going for their classes. I greeted them and walked to the far corner of Mr John's table.
"Good morning Sir" I said more out of obligation than respect.

"Nene please don't misunderstand my intentions" I ran to the far end of the compound and sat on the bench where passers-by can see me at least until Pepe and others return. I had contemplated leaving immediately but that would earn me raised eyebrows.
"I only wanted to be your friend" he said coming towards me. I made as if to leave and he stopped in his strides. I eyed him and continued staring ahead. The fear of what could have happened if that God-sent woman had not interfered in his evil plans sent cold shivers down my spine. And I recoiled from the fear of the aftermath.
"Remember you promised not to say a word to anyone" he said his eyes begging me to understand. Mr John had never been regarded as a saint in school because rumour has it that he has a lot of girlfriends though no one had seen him with any. Even though he has a good reputation with academics, his seemingly love for women has placed a dent on his image. I never believed all those rumours until now. I glanced at him rooted in the same spot.
"It is a shame that a teacher that is supposed to guide and protect is the one that is trying to destroy." I hissed and stood up apparently tired of waiting for Pepe and co.
"Nene please don't say anything to the principal or anyone. I promised never to repeat such again"
"I wouldn't even give you the chance to think about it again" I said to myself and continued while he kept staring after me.
"What took you so long" I said to Pepe who obviously wasn't looking too happy.
"Trying to separate a fight. Miss tigress didn't realize that all hands are not eqaul" she said referring to Ego. I looked at Ego and the bruised mark at the side of the face said it all. I helped Pepe to pour the water into drum, dropped the bucket and gently pulled her to the road leading to our house amidst protest by Mr John that we should stay for breakfast.
"Breakfast my foot" I said to Pepe's hearing and she looked at me quizzicaly expecting an explanation. I kept mute.
"Nene why are you behaving funny"
"Nothing"
"I don't believe you. Your action is saying otherwise"
"Believe me its nothing"
"Is it about Mr John?" She probed not yet convinced.
I thought about telling Pepe but remembered the promise I made to him. And besides telling Pepe would mean telling every other person because another ear might eventually get to hear it. I thought about how mother would react if she hears about it. In as much as I felt the need to expose Mr John but how many people would believe me if it eventually goes public. And would the school believe my side of the story since Mr John is the second best teacher in the school.
"You can share your thoughts you know" Pepe said squeezing my hands. I looked into her face and smiled inspite of myself.
"Its nothing girlfriend" I lied again.

I nodded at him unable to utter a word fear of uncertainty clouding my sense of reasoning.
"How old are you"
"13" I tensed.
"Relax yourself, I won't hurt you"
He got up and drew the blinds and I shifted uneasily. A lot of thoughts came running to me and I shivered. Mother's warning about meddling with boys rang out in my head.
"Mr John please I don't want to be friends with you so that I won't get pregnant. My mother warned me not to be friends with boys" He laughed.
"Your mother was right but beings friends with boys won't get you pregnant, it is only when you are married that you can get pregnant" I stared at him confused. He seemed to understand my plight and made to explain.
"Pregnancy occurs as a result of marriage. You will understand better when you grow older" He drew closer and I shifted again not yet convinced by his explanation. He ran his hands from my knee to my feet and I shrugged his hands off. He tried to lift my skirt and I stood up from the bed and made for the door. He grasped my hands and whirled me forcing me to look at him.
"Mr John please let me go!" I shouted as he forced me into an embrace that pinned me to him. He quickly covered my mouth with his hand.
"Nene please listen to me. I promised not to hurt you. Just let me be your friend" I nodded my head vigorously while trying to free my mouth as I remembered the lesson we had on reproduction and compared with what Mr John said and found out that the two did not tally. I took the opportunity of my freed hands, picked courage and pushed him hard. The push had him falling on the bed as he wasn't expecting it. I turned to flee and stepped wrongly on the broom I dropped on the floor. The mistake had me falling on the bed beside him and I prayed silently that Pepe and the rest should return at that minute. He grabbed my hands, this time making sure to pin them behind my head.
"Who dey house o, who dey house o" a female voice called from outside. Mr John ignored her thinking that she will leave but she persisted. He reluctantly released me to attend to the woman and I ran to the sitting room.
I waited behind the door as Mr John discussed with the woman, who seemed pleased that the academic performance of her child has improved. They talked on end before the woman decided to leave. Immediately the woman left, I dashed out of the sitting room and nearly collided into him.

Good story line Kizzykeziah, keep it up. More pls!

We arrived at Mr John's house, where he lives alone as he is still unmarried only to meet two of our classmates, Peace and Ego.
"You people are here" Ego the parrot said taking a neat portion on the bench in front of the house.
"We have been waiting for a while. Mr John is not in the house" that was Peace the time keeper, always mindful of time. She takes things too seriously unlike her friend Ego who thinks life should be enjoyed at all times. Even though Mr John did not ask her to come, she decided to come on her own in order to tell the story to anyone that cares to listen to her on monday. Most time she makes up the stories to make it entertaining enough and wouldn't think twice about spreading any rumour that flies into her ears. I had wondered why the two still walk together regardless of their character and personality difference.
"You must have waited for a while, so sorry about that"
"Good morning Sir" we said in unison.
"Morning to you all".
"For the chores, one person will help me to dust the house while the rest of you will fetch water"
"Sir I will....m"
"Ego don't worry, Nene will help me dust the house"
Ego shot me a murderous look and I wondered what my crime was. As much as fetching water wasn't a task I like so well but I would not have wanted to be left alone in Mr John's house on any occasion. I wanted to decline but instead I shrugged and picked up a broom for my chore while the rest took their buckets and left for the stream.
"Nene if there is anything that you will need just let me know, I am in the bedroom"
"Yes Sir" I answered and continued my dusting humming at the same time.
I reached out to dust the small mirror hanging on the wall and the sight in the mirror startled me. Mr John was leaning on the door frame and appeared to have been staring at me for God-knows how long. He noticed my uneasiness and reiterated into the bedroom.
"When you are done with the sitting room, help me clean the desk in the bedroom"
"Yes Sir"
The group returned from the stream and left for second round. I finished from the sitting room and proceeded into the room. Mr John seemed to be absorbed with the book before him. I ignored him and continued until I felt a hand cover my hand. He removed the dusting towel from my hand and turned me to face him. I became afraid at the manner in which he held me.
"Nene you are a very good girl. Don't be scared, I won't hurt you" I nodded unable to say a word.
"Come and sit down" he lead me to the bed and I sat like a zombie my mind unable to fathom where all the drama is leading to.
"I will treat you like my friend" he said and held my face in both hand.
"Just promise me you won't say anything to anyone".

I buckled my sandals carefully making sure not to let the pin fall off. It was not a school day but Mr John, our form master had asked some of us to come and help him and fetch some water. I combed my hair slightly angling my face to get a better view in the mirror.
"Nene are you not ready?" Pepe my friend called from the gate.
"I will be right there with you in a minute". I dropped the comb and ran out. I stopped for a moment to lock the door and dropped the key on the door frame before I joined my friend.
"You were so fast" Pepe remarked.
"I was almost done when you called out to me. By the way who made your hair, its beautiful".
"Oh it was my mother. Thank you".
I sighed and wandered in my thoughts.
Such a thing as plaiting of hair is a luxury I had never enjoyed in my home. I had grown up admiring the hair of my friends, most of which was done by their mother. I wouldn't be found dead asking mother to make my hair. I sighed again.
"Nene this is the second time you are sighing, are you okay"
"Of course I am, I have been thinking of how to tackle my Introductory technology project" I lied.
"That should not be a problem. Papa Nina, the carpenter has promised to help me make my own. I think you should come and talk to him, he is a kind man". I agreed to come and plead with Papa Nina for my project and we continued walking in silence. The village square appeared deserted and I wondered what could be happening. It had never been so on a saturday morning except for the children that was coming back from the stream. Fate has saved me from that chore by providing well in the neighborhood and I couldn't be happier.
"Nene you are smiling to yourself".
"Never mind I was just thinking about how lucky we are to have a well in the neighborhood"
"You really are lucky".
"By the way the village square seem so quite this morning".
"The king has requested for a gathering in the palace. I heard there is a land dispute between our village and Ome village. I pray the meeting yields fruit".
"I pray so too because both village had never been friends from history".
We chatted happily about the class quiz competition till we got to Mr John's house.

I picked the beans slowly as I mulled over the rumour I heard in the village square. Adaku had whispered to me that she heard that Uncle Mathew had returned after leaving the village four years ago. I sighed remembering the last encounter he had with mother before he left. His leaving the town was timely for me, in fact it was more of a divine intervention. He had used father's defense counsel to get mother and was bent on ruining the good life that Chief Lambert offered us. Fortunately for us, an assignment took him out of the village for a while and now he has returned again with whatever plans he might have.
Life had been so rosy between mother and Chief Lambert that tongues had started wagging that he was only respecting father by waiting for him to return from his sentence before he would come and marry her. I wouldn't blame them because Chief Lambert has shown every willingness to marry mother and she on the other hand had reacted with mixed feelings. Probably due to the fact that she felt obligated to her marital vows. Aside which she has no urge to keep the marriage. I had eavesdropped on the conversation she had with Mama Udozie the other day. She had stated emphatically in clear terms that she had seen that the love she has for father will never give her the good life she craves for. And that even though father's sentence was due to expire by the end of the year, she feels that nothing will remain the same anymore between them.
I felt pity for father because the five times I visited him in the last four years, I knew he was a changed man. He was a totally different persons and I marveled at how adversity can shape one's character. Mother had not bothered to come anymore after her second visit and had sent me instead for a while and then never again. I had expected more from her but anyway one would say, father truely got what he deserve.
"Nene I thought the food should be done by now" that was Dera. I hadn't heard him come in.
"You should have prepared the food by yourself, that way you would have been faster" I lashed at him.
"Thought they said girls belong to the kitchen"
"Oh really? So tell me where boys belong little brother"
"Nene understand that I am no longer little, I am the man of the house"
"Man of the house indeed. Let's see you perform then"
"Please make the food very sweet, I don't like them salty" he taunted. I ignored him and continued washing the beans.

***************************

CHAPTER FOUR

I filled the bucket to the brim ready to have a long bath after the strenuous saturday house chores. The weather hadn't been a very friendly one as the rain vowed to have a field day.
I untied the wrapper fully aware of my growing womanhood and stared at the red stains on my underwear. I scrutinized it carefully checking if I had bruised any part of my body but could not find any.
"Could it be internal bleeding?" I thought to myself fear taking the better part of me as I heard the nurse telling one man when mother lost her last pregnancy, that the sister had died of internal bleeding. I quickly had my bath, washed my briefs and left for mother's shop to report the incident to her.
I greeted the customers that were drinking at a small table despite the cold weather and sat by a small stool in the corner of the shop.
"Nene what is it?" She noticed my worried expression.
"I think I am having internal bleeding".
"Tufiakwa! What happened?"
"I went to have my bath and discovered the blood stains on my underwear"
Mother laughed and I stared at her confused.
"You are now a complete woman" she said and started sharing her experiences with me. I heaved a sigh of relief when I learnt that my supposed internal bleeding is menstruation which was. expected of every girl to complete her puberty cycle. At 13 I understood the implication of mingling carelessly with the opposite sex and so I made up my mind to do the right thing. I mulled over what our integrated science teacher had taught us in the previous class about the woman's cycle and it made a little more sense now.
"A new phase of life" I muttered and continued on my way home.

I crouched on the ground my mind in frenzy on how to stop Uncle Mathew from hurting mother. Although she wasn't a saint but I do not wish evil like this man to come upon her. She had been able to stand up to in him in the past but now she couldn't help but concede to defeat to prevent this man from hurting the people she love.
"Mathew how could you do this to me? You even went as far as threatening the defense counsel to make him talk". Tears flowed freely from every of her being holding nothing back.
"Isioma I have desired you all my life, just come to me". With opened arms he took two steps towards mother and mother moved back a little. They continued until there was no space for her to move again. She felt trapped in his embrace and squirmed for a way of escape while he made a fun of helplessness touching her all over. A thought occurred to me and I ran quietly to the gate. I banged the gate two times as an indication that someone is knocking. I continued until mother answered from inside the compound obviously angry.
"Who is there? Aren't you patient enough to wait at least for a moment for someone to answer you" I kept quite.
"Nene what is wrong you? Do you want to bring down the neighborhood?" She asked as she opened the gate.
"I am sorry mother, its like something held it at the lower end" I lied.
"You better be". I charged into the compound speedily to see the look on Uncle Mathew's face after foiling his plans.
"Nene where are you running to? Come and help me and buy erm...erm...soap. Stay outside while I bring the money". I turned to look at mother and she bowed her head as if she was hiding something. She handed the money to me carefully closing the door behind her. I collected the money and hid in the neighborhood from where I can get a good glimpse of our gate. After a while the gate creaked open and Uncle Mathew came out carefully making sure nobody saw him leave the compound.
"Good riddance to bad rubbish" I reiterated from my hiding place and continued on the errand.

I flattened my ear on the window pane anxiety taking the better part of me.
"So what secret are you talking about?"
"Not so fast. At least enjoy my company for a moment. Its hot in here, could you please open the window a little to let in some fresh air?"
I quickly lowered myself to the ground while mother unbolted and opened the window wide enough to let in some fresh air.
"Now are you ready to talk?" Mother stood over uncle Mathew hands akimbo. The small hole through the window offered me the opportunity to see his mischievous expression.
"Isioma relax, we have the whole day to ourselves. I saw that smart little girl of yours with her books. I bet she won't return till she has read the last line on the book". He smiled revealing a set of white teeth.
"I can see that you don't have anything to say, please leave my house Mathew" mother said pointing towards the door.
"I am trying to do you a favor here and you are acting funny. Never mind if you are not interested, I know Chief Lambert would not remember you anymore if he hears what I have to tell him."
He made as it to leave. Mother sighed and sat on the adjacent chair.
"Okay Mathew I am interested"
"Good" he relaxed back into the sofa that has lost it softness.
"Isioma I am not particularly happy about your pathetic condition right now. If you had married me, you won't be suffering this way. But it is not too late anyway. You still have a lot to gain if only you can be my mistress...."
"I can see that you have finally lost it all, you really have no shame...." He stood up, his face suddenly growing dark.
"And you too. What shame have you when you slept with your husband's defense counsel for him to get the Chief Judge to rule the judgement in your husband's favor. And you are here giving me this holier than thou attitude". Mother stood up with clenched fist as if to strike him and then sat down almost immediately, her anger giving way to defeat.
"I did what every loyal wife would do to save her husband". Mother said sniffing.
"Chief Lambert wouldn't believe you and neither would your husband"
"You are a devil Mathew! What do you want from me?"
He smiled ignoring the tears that was flowing freely onto her cheeks. The anger inside of me had risen to its maximum as I stared at mother helpless to uncle Mathew's manipulations.
"Its very easy. We will just share a moment together and that's all. I promise you no one will ever get to hear this"
"God forbid!"
"Then let's 4get about it". He said standing up to leave.
"Wait!!"

"You really have no shame" I heard my mother say as I drew very close to the house.
"Where is your sense of judgement? You had the gut to stroll in here to say these trash to me". Mother screamed totally oblivious of the way her voice rang out. Traces of anger ladened her voice and I wondered at whom she could be speaking to in such a manner.
"What kind of person are you?" Still no response from the other end. I nudged the gate open a little to see the recipient of mother's anger but it appeared was at the other side of the compound. I closed the gate gently before my sin would find me out.
"You shouldn't be here, I am a married woman" And then he responded
"I never thought that would be a problem. After all you never considered your status when you opened your doors to Chief Lambert"
"And what do you mean by that?" Mother's voice lowered this time.
"Oh you think that I am as blind as your husband. I saw the way he stared at you in the court, how his eyes followed every of your movement. And you have responded by letting him visit you occasionally".
"Is that what you think?"
"That is not what I think, it is what I know. You have been having an affair with Chief Lambert. Dare to deny it?"
I waited for mother to say something, I wanted her to deny that allegation but instead she kept quite giving room for me to believe what has just been said.
"What has pained me is not that you have decided to look elsewhere apart from your husband but why Chief Lambert of all persons? Isioma, I have loved you all my life and yet you can't see that I am dying to have you. I had thought that you will consider me after your husbands imprisonment but you...."
"God forbid!" Mother spat out
"So these has been your intention?" she continued.
"I didn't plan the incident remember. Nature played its course in my favor".
"And you became the lead actor. You have over-stayed your welcome Mathew. Please leave my house"
"Don't be in a hurry to ask me to leave your house. At least not until you know that I have something about you that you would not want Chief Lambert to hear. A secret you kept from him" Mother kept quite again and then after a while he said.
"Can we talk inside?" she reluctantly lead him inside and I took that opportunity to tip-toe into the compound, my mind in frenzy at what this secret could be.

I tried one more time to tackle my homework but without success. Mathematics hadn't been one of my best subjects and so I closed my book in frustration. Mother made it clear the last time that she had forgotten the formula for principal interest and highest common factor and I decided to go and meet Udozie to put me through.
"Mother I want to go and meet Udozie for my homework"
She nodded and continued folding her wrapper, a happy glow dancing on her face. Mother had been more accommodating and tolerant these days. The gloomy face she usually wore following father's imprisonment had faded out. Whatever it is that is making her feel that way is indeed a good news.
I entered Udozie's compound and precious, Udozie's brother informed me that he is with the mother at the shop. I turned into the road that lead to the shop only to look into uncle Mathew's face. I looked away when I remembered how he gloated over father's predicament.
"Nene how are you?" Whoever told him my name.
"Fine" I mumbled and continued on my way.
"Not so fast, come."
I stopped in my stride but made no effort to look his way.
"How is your mother"
"Fine"
"Is she at home"
"I don't know"
"Thought you were coming from home"
"No" I answered getting impatient.
He pretended not to notice.
"Is that your book, let me take a look"
I didn't make a move.
"You know mathematics was my best subject in my school days" he continued stretching his hand to collect my book.
"Thank you but am not interested". I said to him and continued on my way.
He seemed to stare at me for a while and then headed towards the village square because I felt his eyes all over me.
I ran as far as my leg would carry before I stopped to rest.
" This man has no conscience" I thought to myself as his mocking face in the courtroom flashed through my mind.