Chapter Three

 

I had a quick shower after Joyce left my room to fuse with her cousins and I was feeling better. Like I had hoped, the hot shower had seeped into each part of my weak and aching spot, to soothe and pamper. I was feeling like myself again.

I wore the same outfit I had worn while coming and tapped my hair like it would bring down the wild curls somewhat. It didn't. It practically bounced back to spite me. These curls were the absolute worst. Left to me, I would have cut it all off. It was so difficult to maintain. Well, my school frowned at women having low cuts, so I was stuck with them for a while.

I better head downstairs. I left the solace of my temporary room, closing the door securely behind me. Loud whisperings could be heard from my vantage point but I couldn't decipher what was being said. It all came out in mumbo-jumbo.

At the foot of the stairs, I caught the black and white hue of a pre-recorded image on the plasma television. Smiling, I walked faster into the parlour. I gasped as Joyce threw a remote at Emeka like it was some type of missile. He was so lucky to have a top-notch reflex which served him good in catching the remote.

"Ouch. Why do you always do this?" He grumbled.

"Well, it serves you right for not shutting your trap while I'm in the middle of a beautiful movie." She snapped.

The girls giggled. They were enjoying this spectacle way too much. I couldn't blame them though. It was a tad amusing... I thought they were cousins, Emeka should have known by now, that Joyce hates distraction when she's fixated on a movie. The girl had no chill button.

"Cut him some slack. You're only losing more juicy plots if you keep been worked up over nothing." I threw nonchalantly at Joyce while turning my attention to the girls. "And, you two should move away from the television screen. Do you want to get blind?" I queried.

The girls slid away from their spot like they'd seen ants. I used ants because I hate those tiny creatures. I mean, was there any sensible human creature that loved those things.

"You're right. He isn't worth it." With that, she turned her attention to the movie.

Through the corner of my eyes, I saw Emeka glare at her. I turned to him, wanting to say something to deflect his icy glare from Joyce, only for him to press the power button on the remote slightly. I waved my hand frantically, in a bid for him to stop. On second thought, I whispered, please.

He sighed, dropping the remote on the side table. I sighed in relief. I didn't want to settle disputes at all. As fun as it could be with our peer groups, it could get nasty.

I took a seat beside Emeka since the chair could accommodate one more person. I turned towards Joyce, who was looking at the television like she had a role in the movie. She was not the next bet to ask the title of the movie so I asked Precious.

"Precious, what's the title of this movie?"

"A handful of tears. Sister Joyce said it's a Philippine novella." She replied without looking at me.

"Silence, you two," Joyce ordered.

I used my finger to swipe across my lips in a sign that said sealed lips, though Joyce wasn't looking at me. A soft chuckle sounded and I stirred towards it, it was Emeka. I smiled back, at least someone wasn't a movie freak.

Thirty minutes into the movie, I was fighting back tears. It was heart-wrenching watching infidelity and betrayal play out live on screen. How could a man who claimed to love his wife, abandon her and her kids because of greener pastures and a woman's slender waist? I doubt he was a man, he was an animal.

"The things people go through in this life all in the name of love is disgusting to watch." Emeka's voice dripped with disgust.

I shifted slightly to look at him. His face was completely placid with emotion as his hands tapped at a leisure pace.

"Different strokes for different folks, I would say," I added thoughtfully.

"That is only said by lazy individuals who can't think for themselves." He spat out.

Oh, he must think I'm against him but I was not.

"You have a point. Though, my reference was to say, each person have their destinies and what made them react the way they do. I just wish they could inculcate good decisions while at it." I expounded.

He looked at me curiously. "Well..."

"Can you guys be quiet?" Joyce interjected.

We looked at each other and smiled. "Sorry, ma'am." I and Emeka said simultaneously.

I diverted my attention back to the movie. It was nice to see Marisol. They need to show her parts more often, I thought inwardly. I was laughing at something she said when I felt a hand on my thigh, stroking gently. I almost jumped.

I swiped it away but he persisted which caused me to turn my attention to him in annoyance. He just smiled innocently.

"Can we go to my room to talk for a while?" He whispered.

I pushed his hand aside. "I believe we're watching a movie." I used my forefinger to point towards the screen.

"It's boring not talking about a movie you're watching. What's the point then?"

I sighed, knowing he was right but I was used to it due to how quiet my family was during movies. Well, somewhat quiet if we subtract my mom's incessant demands.

"I am into this movie. Can't we talk later?" I asked tentatively.

"Oh, come on. I'm dying here and Joyce doesn't even care. It will be laid back, I promise." He pleaded quietly.

"Umm..."

Not waiting for my response, he grabbed my arm and led me out of the room quietly, using the other exit. This made the others not notice we've gone.

"We should have told them," I whispered.

"No need. Joyce doesn't want any sound at all." He reasoned. I looked at him through my lashes. "Don't worry, they won't miss us." He soothed.

I nodded. Though, I was a bit anxious. I had never stayed alone with a boy before. I took a deep breath. Anyway, there was always a first time for everything, right? With that in mind, I focused on our surroundings. We had walked through the alone corridor, and now, we were heading towards the kitchen? I was wrong, for he had me cornered to the room adjacent to it.

The room had sparse furnishings but it seemed stuffy, thanks to clothes littered everywhere like kittens. Emeka released my right hand to toss the clothes on the bed down. I feel like he is the touchy-feely type, also insanely rough.

"How do you sleep in this room if it's like this?" I queried.

He shot me a wide grin. "I don't."

"You don't?" I asked confused.

"Yea."

"I thought this was your room? That's what you said."

He itched the back of his head. "Yea, I did say that but this room is a guest room. For the main time, it is housed by a servant who washes clothes, that explains why there are clothes everywhere." He explained sheepishly.

I frowned. "Then, why did you lie to me?"

"I didn't. I merely changed my mind on our way here." He shrugged.

It didn't sit well with me. This guy was seriously strange or maybe, I was overreacting a bit.

"Relax. I just want to know you better." He slurred while tapping the bed.

Since I was here, I had to play along with this, so I manned up. I walked the short distance to the bed and sat down.

"Ok, what do you want to know?"

"Everything about you."

"Well, well, well...What is there to tell? Ok, I get it." I smiled. "I go by the name, Blossom Adanna Okafor. I'm sixteen years old and the first child of my parents. I grew up in Lagos but I'm from Anambra state."

He touched my left arm slightly. "I love your name. It's fitting for such a pretty girl." He whispered.

"Thank you." I managed.

I didn't like excessive touching but I didn't tell him that. I inwardly shut my eyes to ward off the emotions.

"I feel like I've known you forever." He said huskily.

I laughed nervously. "I beg to differ. We've known for just a few hours."

"To you. To me, we've known for a lifetime."

This time, I laughed. He was really funny. Where does he hear such godawful lines?

"Yea, right. A lifetime." I scoffed.

I believe there is more to the pretty Sommy and I'm here for it." He slurred.

"Sommy?" I queried.

"Yes, that's your new nickname." He informed me.

I mostly go by Ada since it's just the shortened version of my native name. I've never really had a real nickname before. In as much as it sounded pleasing but I wasn't comfortable with him saying it. Though, I smiled and pretended it was cool.

"It sounds nice." I gushed.

He bought it for he smiled softly at me.

"Other than I'm a senior in secondary school and would graduate in a couple of months, there is not much else."

"There's no.."

"Ada! Emeka!" Joyce's voice rang out, stalling Emeka's words.

"We..." Emeka's palm flew to my mouth, slapping the words down my throat.

I frowned. He didn't look fazed though. He practically pulled me up, dragging me towards the door. He opened it slightly and peered out cautiously. Whatever he saw seemed to satisfy him, seeing that he opened the door slightly, leaving me trailing behind him.

He led us to the kitchen. Joyce was practically opening cupboards at this point like we were pots and pans. I couldn't help rolling my eyes at her. Emeka motioned for me to go behind her. My lips tilted in a lopsided curve as I caught on. I quietly mirrored her movements, each time she moved. I was soon behind her, stilling my breath. She spun towards me, at the same time an ear-piercing scream was heard.

It was from Joyce. She was clutching her chest as she panted. Emeka and I couldn't stop laughing. She was such an easy pie to rattle.

This is priceless." Trying to control his laughter, he continued, "Where did my tough cousin run to?" He teased.

She glared at him and me. "I can't believe you still play kiddies pranks." She snapped.

"Funny how the adult screamed like a banshee just now." My voice dripped with sarcasm.

"I would love to hear you scream like that," Emeka said.

"Who?" I queried.

"You, of course." He winked at me.

I averted my gaze uncomfortably.

"That would be nice. I'd join you both to ignite my revenge." Joyce cackled, oblivious of my discomfort.

"You won't be able to get away with it anyway, thanks to your gobbledygook tongue." He mumbled.

"Hey, are you trying to insult me? What the hell is gobbledygook?" Joyce grumbled.

I laughed slightly. "Don't worry babe, he made up the word. It doesn't exist." I soothed.

"Don't lie to her." He reprimanded.

I shrugged. "You know it's just the two of us, why were you so scared?" I teased.

"Shut up you two. Where were you both?" She inquired.

"We were in..."

"I was hungry and we decided to hunt the house down to get at least a piece of flour." He said dryly, succeeding in shutting me up.

I stared at him nonplussed. What flour? What hunger? Why exactly was he lying? I don't understand this guy. My hunch told me he was up to no good. I tried to tell Joyce the truth, but my lips wouldn't move.

"You should have just alerted me." She scolded.

Emeka shrugged. "You were obsessed with the movie. I didn't want to have a hole in my head." He pointed out.

"How come you're here, though. Has the movie ended?" I queried.

"Sweetie, that's a Philippine novella. It can't end that fast. Moreover, I was missing you guys." She said sweetly, slipping her right hand across my waist.

I smiled at her, still bothered about the deception. I spared a glance at Emeka, he was relaxed, not like someone who just lied. He must be a pro at telling lies or Joyce was too foolish to believe him.

"Let's put some oil in that tummy of yours." Joyce declared, looking at my stomach.

"Alright. But the kids?" I prompted.

"They must be playing outside. Don't worry about them." She said easily.

"You guys do what you know how to do. I'm gone." Emeka announced.

"Alright, foodie," Joyce said as he backed out of the kitchen.

"What should we cook? Joyce asked, playing with her hair.

"Spaghetti?"

"Yes."

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

During the eventide, we decided to go outside. I spotted Hamza in his shade drinking coke directly from the bottle. He waved at us as soon he lowered his bottle. I waved back but Joyce didn't. She simply ignored him.

"Here, catch," Emeka said from his spot.

We immediately went on alert as the ball shot through the sky. It was heading in my direction. I curved my body slightly, extending my hands, preparing to dive if necessary. I caught it effortlessly like it was just dropped in my palms. I couldn't help grinning.

"You tried. I was almost scared it would hit your face." Joyce praised.

I laughed. "I'm a pro in playing with balls, Joyce." I bragged.

"Yea, right." Joyce shook her head. "You seem to forget I always flog you in every sport."

"Oh, say another joke. I'm good at what I do, which is playing sports." I argued, bouncing the ball like a pro.

Ok, I was exaggerating my performance in sports a bit but I knew I was better than Joyce. She was good and I was better.

Joyce looked at me in amusement. "Don't deceive my cousins, please." She implored.

I smirked. "Just admit I'm saying the truth."

Joyce rolled her eyes. "I won't. There's nothing to admit to"

"Ok, girls," Emeka called, drawing our attention to him.

"We would solve that now. Let's play football."

Yes." Onyinye and Precious said simultaneously.

"I will be the referee," Precious said, placing her thumb and forefinger in her mouth, to let out a sound. It didn't work, it came out like forced air.

"I'm the goalkeeper. No one should take my spot." Onyinye informed us in a firm voice.

I smiled. "That's a deal then."

"I will join in this game to assist," Emeka announced.

Joyce groaned. "That won't be a fair game then."

"It would." He assured her.

"We need a goal post though," I said thoughtfully.

"That's true. Emeka, there's one in the game room. It's made up of plastic." Joyce informed him.

He nodded, then went into the house, in search of it. While he was away, I and the girl's stretched our bodies. I couldn't wait so I would best Joyce. I stretched my body, did a short run, and did some jumping jacks.

"I'm back." He declared.

I watched as he placed the goal post in a strategic location. I didn't know how athletic he was but hopefully, I could take him down.

"Sister Adanna, why don't you choose a club? It will make this interesting." Onyinye advised.

I nodded in thought. "That's a good idea." I tapped my chin. "I'm representing Real Madrid," I said excitedly.

"Yes." The girls cheered.

Real Madrid was my first love and maybe only love because of Christiano Ronaldo, popularly known as CR7. He was the all-around G.O.A.T and a source of inspiration to me. Thinking about him, made me more determined to win the match.

"I choose Chelsea." Joyce tuned in.

"You all know my club, right?" Emeka asked.

"Barcelona!" The girls screamed.

"That's right." He said as he inspected the mounted post. "Done. It's time to kick some ass." He kicked his legs to show just what he meant. Looking at me, he said, "You're sure you'd be comfortable playing in that gown?" He asked tentatively.

"Yes, I'm fine," I said defensively.

"Alright then."

With that said, the game started. Precious blew on her fingers and it brought the same result every time, stuffed air while Onyinye was guarding the post like a lioness protecting her cub. The pitch was something else, not with us running after each other, trying to tackle, assist, and score a goal. It was all fun but I was sweating like a steamed kettle.

I watched Joyce, trying to gauge her next line of action, seeing that she was with the ball now. Sports were like that, you have to be fast, corny and watchful at the same time. Anything can happen. Joyce was a show-off, so she was practically playing with the ball at this point, daring us to strike if we can.

She made a move towards the post, crossing my line of vision. Oh, babe, you just entered my trap. I expertly stuck my right foot between her legs, stealing the ball from her. I changed tack, moving right. In a second, I imagined I was Ronaldo, scoring from my long distance.

I decided to do just that, kicking the ball directly towards the post. Onyinye read my movements wrong for she dived right while the ball strikes the left-hand side of the post. I felt like Ronaldo at that moment.

I did a happy dance. "Woohoo!"

"Don't get too excited. I'm still leading." Emeka jeered.

I sighed. Just a good way to ruin my mood. Just perfect.

"At least, I'm second in line. I won her." I smirked at Joyce.

"The game isn't over yet, Ada. Don't be too overjoyed." Joyce pointed out.

"I will win you anyway." I brushed her off.

"We shall see." Joyce's voice was filled with determination.

Emeka was leading by five points, I was following behind by four while Joyce was still basking behind by two points. To think she said she'd win me. Ok, let's see o.

Onyinye kicked the ball expertly to me. I tried to use my old trick but Emeka had caught on, unfortunately. He expertly retrieved the ball but he did something, he rubbed his palm on my lower back. I was momentarily thrown. This gave him ample time to score his sixth goal.

"What was that for?" I snapped.

He winked at me. "It's called being smart."

"I don't care. Don't try that next time." I spat.

"Goodness, you two nag worse than housewives. Let's rest because no matter what, the winner is still the winner." She rationalized.

I snorted. She was already sitting on the ground without a care in the world. Anyone would think her dad wasn't wealthy if they saw her like that.

"Just say you're lazy, duh." Emeka beseeched.

"I'm not lazy, annoying bug." She defended herself.

While they bickered, I walked to the porch and sat down on one of the sturdy seats. I sighed in relief. My bones needed it so, so much. It wasn't easy to be an athlete, sha.

"... Precious, fetch me drinking water. I'm so thirsty. I overheard Joyce tell Precious.

"Make that two." I requested.

"No, three," Emeka added from his seating position.

I was beyond thirsty. I was parched. I could drink a gallon of water at this point. I'm not exaggerating this time.

"Look at the strong guy." She laughed as she mocked him. "You can't even stay without water."

He got up to hit her but she ran off instead. "I am going to get you!!!"

"Let's see about that!!!" She turned and brought out her tongue.

He got angrier if that were possible, I couldn't help but smile at how childish they both were.

Subconsciously, my mind drifted back to my family and what little relationship I had with my siblings. I couldn't even imagine playing like this with them. Life dealt with one a heavy blow. I better stop complaining though, I had it better than most.

I tapped myself out of my reverie just in time to see that Emeka has caught Joyce. Precious was back with the water and we all took huge gulps of it.

"Onyi, you did well with the goalkeeping." I praised with a smile on my face.

"Thank you, sister Ada." She said shyly.

"You don't know this man at all," Emeka said pointing to his sister.

"Don't call me that!" she frowned.

"Really? Emeka, that's rude. Ignore him Onyi. So do you play sports in school?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Tell me more about it."

"The boys in school would deal with her one of these days for taking their place in the sports world," Emeka said.

Onyi hit her brother on the arm.

"Ouch, that hurts you know," Emeka whined.

"It serves you right."

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

Joyce's parents never got home on time, even on a Saturday. They claimed to be busy all the time, leaving Joyce to her vices. I checked the time on the wall clock nailed in the hallway. It was eight on the dot. I was a bit tired but I was happy too. Happy, I wasn't home at the moment. It was good to have a bit of freedom.

I heard the sound of a program that streamed from the television. I trailed the sound to the second living room. They were lounging on the chairs. A glance at the plasma screen showed an ongoing talk show. I wasn't familiar with this one.

I was about to sit down when Joyce's voice rang out.

"Babe, can I talk to you?" she asked.

"Sure."

Without wasting much time, she led me to her room. I've been here a couple of times. It was the same modern design. The room was like a blend of office and bedroom that was coated in a burgundy colour.

I sat down on what of the office chairs, waiting for Joyce to speak. She kept chewing her lower lip while she looked at me indecisively. Her actions were weird and I wondered what had spooked her this time.

"Joyce, what did you want to talk about?" I queried, unable to bear the suspense.

She chewed on her nails, then spat it out. "I need your help." She blurted out.

"Ok, honey. Your wish is my command. What is it?"

She smiled a bit. "I want you to cover up for me tomorrow. I am going out?"

"You mean you want to sneak out?" I asked stupidly.

She sighed. "Don't look at me like that." The way she said it, I was pretty sure my face looked like I'd seen a ghost.

"Sorry." I tried composing myself but failed woefully. I couldn't contain my shock.

Has she gotten this bad? Tomorrow is Sunday if I remember the days of the week correctly. Won't her parents be suspicious?

"Where are you going?" I managed to ask.

She smiled real big. "My boyfriend's place, we...."

"What?!!!!"

"Stop being a baby, Ada. I need you to cover up for me real bad, Please."

My initial shock has barely subsided. "What makes you think I would do such a thing, eh?"

"It's because you love me. I would be gone for half the day. I don't want you to tell anyone where I went to including those cousins of mine."

I pretended to think. "Ok, I would try," I said. She crushed me into a hug.

"I love you."

"I love you too but please come back on time. Note, when you get back, you have a lot of explaining to do." I warned.

"Yea...Yea."

When she left I wondered how I would stay alone in this house with Emeka. Events of the day skimmed through my mind and I couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that crept over me. Lord have mercy.