Chapter Three

It'd been three days since I helped Ruby out without a thank you in return. Not like I cared but courtesy demanded. I was currently in my room completing a crossword puzzle book I got on my way to Aunty's house, I was glad I bought it.

I was dragged out of puzzle land by the sound of my door opening to reveal the queen herself.

"What do you want?" I asked without looking up from my book.

"My eyes are up here and for the fact that you helped me out a few days ago doesn't make you and I best buddies or friends in the least. So keep your cooties and germs to yourself." She said with a disgusted face. I decided to infuriate her more by being a snub.

"Hey! I'm clearly talking to you." She said raising her voice gradually.

"Are you deaf? Or you're pretending to be?" She raised her voice.

"Are you done barking?" I asked.

"You can just behave like a fo-"

I got off the bed and walked out the door, slamming it in the process therefore interrupting her sentence. My ears were beginning to ache from her rants.

She stormed out of my room and up the stairs while shooting me a deadly glare.

If you like stare till your eyeballs fall out, I'm not moved.

The day was so slow and boring. I checked the time about five hours ago and it read '2:32' and checking it now it's '2:41'. Today's so damn slow.

I could barely contain my boredom until Aunty called my attention to the living room. She called me to join them in playing a game of Ludo on the porch with them. We were four in number, the required amount to play the game, I sat down beside Aunty and I chose the red house.

The game went on for a while and we were all having fun. Uncle was really good at the game and so was Aunty. It was fun watching them challenge themselves as to who would win.

The loser has to prepare dinner and Uncle clearly won't be too happy to do that but he was secretly letting his guard down so she could have a shot at winning sometimes just to make her happy. It was clear he really loved her.

I hope I'd have such a loving husband in the future. Aunty and Uncle were couple goals. They were aspirational.

It was all going smoothly till we heard a banging sound from the gate.

"Who's there?" Uncle raised his voice.

"Jeffrey open this gate right now!" The voice yelled back.

"It's Mama." He said to Aunty looking bewildered before heading to the gate to open up.

"Mama welcome ma." He and Aunty greeted in unison as he prostrated while mama drew Aunty in for a hug. It was Uncle's mother, Mama, as she was fondly called.

I also knelt down in greeting as I helped her with her bags while Ruby engulfed her in a hug. Looked like she was happy to see her.

"Mama it took you so long." She said.

"Sorry my dear, I had to put things in order before I came. Nwam mara mma( my beautiful child)." Mama said as she she playfully pinched Ruby's cheek.

Seems they were really close.

Mama got settled in her room and after a bath she came down to the living room. It seemed she had an important purpose for coming and I could sense it from the way she looked between Uncle, Aunty and Ruby.

"So who is she?" Mama asked them before turning to look at me with a small smile.

" Mama, that's my niece." Aunty said with a smile too.

"Oh, that's good. What's your name my darling?" She asked.

"Attracta ma." I replied.

"What a beautiful name my dear. Always be a good girl, read your books and never take your eyes off the prize. Okay?"

"Yes ma. Thank you ma." I responded.

"Christy I'm happy she's your niece, I thought it was one of those small brats that are with the mission of destroying people's homes. And also she looks like a well trained, proper young lady. I like her already." Mama said making me blush.

Mama announced to the Peters' that she was leaving the next morning as she only came for the dedication ceremony of her friend's grandchild as she stayed not too far from our estate. And even after much adjuring, mama still insisted on leaving the next day.

We had dinner and some small talk afterwards, mama also spoke privately to Aunty and Uncle and Ruby too.

It was time for bed and I said my prayers and went to bed. It was a long day.

Life with the Peters' was great but I imagined how fun it would be if Rose and Junior were home instead of in boarding schools. And Anne would have made it perfect. Anne was Uncle's youngest sister and was just a little older than me. She was in the university.

It was morning and everyone was awake and ready for the day. I and Ruby were instructed by Aunty to clean the house. Ruby chose upstairs and I chose downstairs.

Aunty made breakfast of Rice, chicken and beef stew which was sumptuous by the way. Uncle got a cab to take mama to her destination since she won't let him.

The private cab driver was here and was ready to leave, Aunty and Uncle were outside already and just as I was stepping out of my room, I saw mama hand Ruby a black polythene bag whilst whispering something to her.

It was normal for visitors or grandparents to hand out cash to children when they were leaving, but that was in no way a cash gift. Mama quickly shuffled outside as Ruby also left to her room to drop the bag off and returned as fast as possible.

We all waved at Mama as the cab man drove away. Even though mama was only here for about a day, she was a really fun personality and I liked that about her.

Everyone got about their jobs and Aunty and Uncle called me up to their room. On getting there, I was offered a seat.

Did I do something wrong?

"Attracta do you have any school of your choice in mind?" Uncle asked making me shake my head in the negative. Uncle's voice had a smooth baritone to it, you'd think he was a cartoon villain whenever he talked while relaxed.

"Okay, I and your aunt have decided you'd be starting at Belleview College next week." Uncle announced.

"Wow! Thank you ma, thank you sir. I really appreciate it. Thank you very much." I ranted.

"And another good news is that you were permitted to continue from ss2 due to your impressive grades but you'd be on probation for this first term." She said.

"No problem ma, thank you sir and ma. I really appreciate it."

"We'll be there on Sunday, that's the date for your interview. So get ready." Aunty said.

" No problem. Thank you once again ma and sir, may God almighty continue to bless you." I prayed.

"Amen. You can take care now." Aunty said.

"Okay ma. Thanks sir and ma." I genuflected, beaming from ear to ear.

Belleview was one of the most prestigious schools in Lagos state and I was privileged to be able to attend. It was also Ruby's school but who cares, I was in a good school.

I called my parents to tell them the good news and they were overjoyed. They promised to call the Peters' to thank them. I and my parents usually talked on phone every weekend and we all get to fill each other in on how our week went and it was pretty awesome. We talked some more and said our goodbyes.

I thanked God for how well our lives were going and I enjoyed the rest of my evening, doing a well deserved concert of my own in my room with my imaginary fans watching and hollering as I bust my rhymes.

Don't judge me, you do it too. Don't pretend. 

I just couldn't wait to resume to school.

Thanks for reading,deeply appreciated 🖤.