LOGINShare
Reason
Last Updated:
2021-07-01 05:45:42I froze in shock at how terrible what I saw made me feel. I thought things are bad but this was beyond my imagination or at least my estimate of how bad things were. I did not expect things to be at such a bad state that a person like Chukwuemelie would be so rude to our father. I remember that he really looked up to dad. When we were younger, he would always stay up to wait for dad to help him with his assignments and projects, I could do most of them but he always insisted and I always ended up doing them anyway. Dad just wasn't there, but is that really enough reason for him to be so full of anger, anger directed towards the one person he considered a role model?
It was pretty obvious that everyone entirely lost their appetite judging from how uncomfortable they all seemed. This is very overwhelming and honestly I really don't think I can take it anymore. I stood up and excused myself saying that I am tried. I need to escape this suffocating atmosphere and have a talk with my brother to find out what that was about. I walked up the stairs, stopping in front of the room next to mine, Emelie's room. Looking at the door, I began to have doubts in myself concerning what I was about to do. Is this the best option? Do I still know him well enough to have a conversation with him? Well, too late to think of that because the door just opened and there he stood looking down at me with dark eyes that softened the moment he digested the fact that it was me.
"Chizara..." I guess he wasn't expecting me because that sounded more like a question or maybe he did not want me or anyone else to talk to him. I am a little hurt.
"You aren't planning to stand here all day, or all night, right sis?" His words reached my ears with the carefree tone I was familiar with and with I looked at him and smiled as I saw his cheeky grin. This boy.
His room has an amazing olive green hue on its walls and everything was well arranged, neatly placed in order. For a guy's room, especially my very own messy brother, this place is close to being too clean. This boy in front of me definitely isn't the same brother I was familiar with. He is the direct opposite of what he was.
"Well....if you don't mind, I'll like to talk to you" His expression change for the second I said this to something I could not decipher but he quickly cover it up with his previous smile. All definitely isn't fine. I am curious and I'll like to help. He opened the door fully and sat down on his bed seemingly waiting for me. His smile was now replaced by a gloom expression and his grey eyes looked saddened.
"Let me guess-" I occupied my mind thinking of the best way to approach him without him looking as cold as he did a few minutes ago and he started before I could make out any word.
"You are not happy about what happened between dad and me during dinner.” He took a deep breath and stared at the floor like it was the most attractive piece in his room.
"I am so sorry you had to see that.” His hands began to rub his temples. He apparently was in in deep thought. Then he looked at me in the eyes for a second before looking away again.
"This is your first time here with us after so long and I just made a mess. Sis, I really didn't want things turning out the way they did. I could have done better-"
"Emelie stop-" I couldn't sit and watch as he blamed himself for everything. Everyone else gave off cold vibes at that dining table. The real thing here is, why?
"I can tell that there is something none of you are telling me. What happened to this family? While taking care of me at the hospital you were all together and happy. What happened? What changed?" His face went dry as surprise took over his gloom expression. He blinked and looked away as if to hide his eyes. What is wrong with him?
"Sis, listen-” He said as he tried to calm himself down. Taking in a lot of air and then calmly releasing it from his lungs. He came closer to me and held my shoulders. He looked at me and held my gaze-
"Everything is fine. Just- Just don't think about anything, okay? Besides I do not want you to worry about anything at all, okay?-okay sis?” He’s shaking a bit and is it me or are his eyes reddening?
"But Chiemelie -" He cut me off with a sudden tight hug. He had me buried in his chest as he began to cradle me, I could only roll my eyes in slight annoyance. Did he really forget that I am four years older than he is? This is embarrassing.
"Zara, we missed you so much. You don't know how horrible it felt to see you lying unconscious on that hospital bed. Every day, every single day I prayed that you'd wake up. I missed you so much and now you're back- I-I want you to be happy and live a worry free life." His voice was beginning to crack. I can tell, he is about to crack with emotions. This is serious; the Emelie I know never breaks down even as a child.
"Sis please don't worry about what happened today. Believe me, nothing serious happened. I- I was just stupid enough to make dad angry. It was entirely my fault. I was just being a rebellious child. I promise you that I will apologize to dad and this will never happen again. So don't worry." I looked up at him to see his face and truly he was sad but still, something in me doubted the sincerity of his words. I pushed that doubt to the back of my mind and decided to believe my brother. The door began to creek and my sister's head came to view. She rushed towards us and joined in our hug
"Yeah I also missed you so much sis. We are so glad that you are back. We will make you beyond happy with us-" She stated with a cheeky smile. She may have gotten older, but she hasn't lost her heart melting cute smile. And her light brown eyes are still full of all the light and warmth that I remember. She is amazing, both of them are amazing. They are the best siblings anyone could ask for.
I slept soundly that night and I decided that today's dinner incident was nothing to worry about and maybe the past isn't that important. I just want to enjoy my family's love and presence. I should take my brother's word for it and stop thinking that my family is breaking. I am just being paranoid and should stop doing that because, though we don't seem close, we love each other and they probably are still affected by the thought of losing me. It's all good now that I am fine and here with them. Everything is going to be just fine.
Related chapters
Finding My Missing Piece Model
Today is going- not so great. I went about my day as usual- or rather as I remember. I pampered myself in the warm shower and stayed in there till the water lost its warmth. Standing in front of my full length mirror, I looked at my reflection I still couldn’t believe my eyes. I was simply shaken to the core as I stood in front of the mirror staring at my body. My hand flew to my mouth to prevent myself from crying out loud. I didn’t want to alarm my family. I was very disappointed in myself for not taking the time to notice the dark marks smearing parts of my body-the scars. There was a huge one on my back. It looked like my back was terribly burnt, maybe roasted over fire. It looked very displeasing to the eye. I began to cry again as I tore off the rest of my clothes. I had to see the rest of my body, would it be worst? No, nothing could be worse than the scar covering the entire area of my lower back stretching from side to side. Once again I stood i
Last Updated : 2021-07-11Finding My Missing Piece Glacier
She looked down, hiding her face from his piercing gaze. The atmosphere got cold real quick. I could not stand it any longer so I spoke up, I might have as well turned into an ice statue if I didn’t say anything. “Emelie…” my voice came out softly but firm. He doesn’t have any reason to be so mean to her. But he didn’t look my way. He kept silent and still like he didn’t hear me or did I also turn invisible? I really do hate the way I felt and I very well knew that I shouldn’t have had such emotions running through me, but still I felt like I was an insignificant entity at that moment. I wanted to yell at him to stop ignoring me. I may have the mind of a thirteen year old but I’m eighteen and the older sister. Suddenly he jerked up harshly from his seat and took the text book out of her grasp. “You’ve given me the book right? Now I think you should leave?” His emotionless voice sounded unfamiliar to me. It doesn’t sound like my little brother or the ca
Last Updated : 2021-08-08Finding My Missing Piece Oblivious
“She really likes Emelie but he is still in denial.” I looked at her wide eyed. But on second thought, I reminded myself that she was no longer a little kid and of course she would know about stuff like this so no need to be surprised. “Don’t tell him I said that though, he always gives me the cold shoulder whenever I say that.” She said whispering in my ear. It was surprising that the smart girl in front of me in fact is the same child who always raised her hands in demand to get carried. I smiled at the memory, too bad I’ll never get to see her that way again. Surely, time did fly, very quickly I might add. “Of course I’m not going to say a word to him.” I assured her. “Does she always come here?” “Not really but she lives in the next house so we get to see her every day.” Kaima’s answer made me happy. I wanted to meet Lisa again. I wanted to ask her what exactly statement meant. I very well remembered what she had said and with the way my ‘big’ brother shunned her
Last Updated : 2021-08-09Finding My Missing Piece Kevin
Kaima was right. The fresh air I breathed in, the wind gently kissing my skin, it all felt perfect. I did need to step out and it helped clear up my messy mind. We didn’t go too far, only walked a few blocks down. No matter how good and free I felt I still couldn’t get that tinge of worry within me out of my system. It continued looming in my mind like some wronged spirit seeking vengeance without any thoughts of stopping till its goals get accomplished. I sighed heavily… “Zara are you okay?” the concerned voice of my sister pulled my out of the reverie I had let myself get lost in. I beamed at her “Of course I'm fine.” “It must all be confusing-” she suddenly stated. Her eyes were looking straight ahead yet they were not focused on anything in particular. She looked so wise and much more mature. She must have noticed my confusion so she explained further “Waking up to two years in the future...” “Technically I woke up five years into the futu
Last Updated : 2021-08-14Finding My Missing Piece Mirror
No matter how many times I’d tell Kaima that it was fine, the fear vividly written all over her face never disappeared, even once. She was mumbling to herself and her breathing was rapid. It pained me to see her in that state and being unable to do anything about it made me feel even worst.As expected, mum and Emelie made a huge fuss about my ‘injuries’ and even scolded my little sister for not taking good care of me “I knew I should have gone with you two. Now look what happened to Zara. Kaima what were you thinking? Ke ihe ino neme?” that was the very first time I heard him speak in our local language Igbo, and he sounded furious. Now that’s uncalled for.“But I…” Kaima tried explaining herself but she was directly cut off by Emelie“But nothing, you were careless ““Emelie stop it! I fell on my own, it not like she pushed me down or something. And besides, what exactly d
Last Updated : 2021-08-19Finding My Missing Piece Haunted
Yes, it’s Sunday which means we are going to church. We had to drive out of the estate and it was my first time being amongst so many people after I came home. I noticed the way strangers had their gazes lingered on us, some in admiration, some in confusion and others in emotions I didn’t pay any attention to. I tried my best to ignore it and block off the curious gazes. I am pretty sure I am not the first fair complexioned person they’ve seen all their lives. I remember being called ‘witch eyes’ by the other children in primary school because everyone else had brown eyes and I didn’t, they said whoever looked into my eyes would get cursed. Worst days of my life. Being biracial isn’t sugar and honey. I know how many times I silently asked God why I didn’t get beautiful dark brown skin and brown eyes like mom or Kaima’s caramel skin and bright brown eyes. I wanted to be normal, to be like everyone else. But being different is what makes you unique and what makes you, you. We should l
Last Updated : 2021-08-25Finding My Missing Piece 5 years ago... part 1
Sneakily, Taiwo tip-toed into his grandfather’s study, being as quiet and stealthy as he possibly could, his eyes constantly gazing around to ensure no one had seen him. Quietly, he opened the lowest drawer lock with a pin he had found outside and, to his utmost surprise, after a few twists and turns, the lock snapped opened. A victorious grin spread across his face as he laid eyes on the documents inside the drawer, his international passport, birth certificate and all the original copies of other important documents needed to leave the country and start anew. He took them out with a smile and carefully put them into his backpack along with the flight tickets he had secretly bought a week ago; finally, everything he needs is complete. He left the study coolly with his usual grim expression plastered on his face. He couldn’t let anyone notice his happiness. Things were finally going his way this once in his life and yet he could not show it. No one could know, or it would be a waste o
Last Updated : 2021-09-22Finding My Missing Piece Not again
Emelie's POV Whenever I look at Zara, the guilt in my heart engulfs me. It gets difficult to breathe and my only solace is seeing her smile, seeing her being happy. I know what I'm doing is wrong, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her, right? The way she limped up the stairs still disturbs me. Kaima was simply careless and I couldn't stop myself from throwing daggers at her with my eyes... she was too occupied to notice, anyway. She sat opposite me on our study table but she was too engrossed and at some intervals too excited to be the same girl who always groans at the sight of her books. Even I wouldn't and I can say for a fact that I love studying, except... I zoomed my sight on the book in her hands. That wasn't her basic technology textbook. It's a novel, one that isn't part of her literature class and the title- 'One night with the playboy' "A night with the casa nova?! Seriously?" She jolted but quickly recovered and looked at me with a shy smile as she closed the novel,
Last Updated : 2022-06-02
Latest chapter
Finding My Missing Piece Not again
Emelie's POV Whenever I look at Zara, the guilt in my heart engulfs me. It gets difficult to breathe and my only solace is seeing her smile, seeing her being happy. I know what I'm doing is wrong, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her, right? The way she limped up the stairs still disturbs me. Kaima was simply careless and I couldn't stop myself from throwing daggers at her with my eyes... she was too occupied to notice, anyway. She sat opposite me on our study table but she was too engrossed and at some intervals too excited to be the same girl who always groans at the sight of her books. Even I wouldn't and I can say for a fact that I love studying, except... I zoomed my sight on the book in her hands. That wasn't her basic technology textbook. It's a novel, one that isn't part of her literature class and the title- 'One night with the playboy' "A night with the casa nova?! Seriously?" She jolted but quickly recovered and looked at me with a shy smile as she closed the novel,
Finding My Missing Piece 5 years ago... part 1
Sneakily, Taiwo tip-toed into his grandfather’s study, being as quiet and stealthy as he possibly could, his eyes constantly gazing around to ensure no one had seen him. Quietly, he opened the lowest drawer lock with a pin he had found outside and, to his utmost surprise, after a few twists and turns, the lock snapped opened. A victorious grin spread across his face as he laid eyes on the documents inside the drawer, his international passport, birth certificate and all the original copies of other important documents needed to leave the country and start anew. He took them out with a smile and carefully put them into his backpack along with the flight tickets he had secretly bought a week ago; finally, everything he needs is complete. He left the study coolly with his usual grim expression plastered on his face. He couldn’t let anyone notice his happiness. Things were finally going his way this once in his life and yet he could not show it. No one could know, or it would be a waste o
Finding My Missing Piece Haunted
Yes, it’s Sunday which means we are going to church. We had to drive out of the estate and it was my first time being amongst so many people after I came home. I noticed the way strangers had their gazes lingered on us, some in admiration, some in confusion and others in emotions I didn’t pay any attention to. I tried my best to ignore it and block off the curious gazes. I am pretty sure I am not the first fair complexioned person they’ve seen all their lives. I remember being called ‘witch eyes’ by the other children in primary school because everyone else had brown eyes and I didn’t, they said whoever looked into my eyes would get cursed. Worst days of my life. Being biracial isn’t sugar and honey. I know how many times I silently asked God why I didn’t get beautiful dark brown skin and brown eyes like mom or Kaima’s caramel skin and bright brown eyes. I wanted to be normal, to be like everyone else. But being different is what makes you unique and what makes you, you. We should l
Finding My Missing Piece Mirror
No matter how many times I’d tell Kaima that it was fine, the fear vividly written all over her face never disappeared, even once. She was mumbling to herself and her breathing was rapid. It pained me to see her in that state and being unable to do anything about it made me feel even worst.As expected, mum and Emelie made a huge fuss about my ‘injuries’ and even scolded my little sister for not taking good care of me “I knew I should have gone with you two. Now look what happened to Zara. Kaima what were you thinking? Ke ihe ino neme?” that was the very first time I heard him speak in our local language Igbo, and he sounded furious. Now that’s uncalled for.“But I…” Kaima tried explaining herself but she was directly cut off by Emelie“But nothing, you were careless ““Emelie stop it! I fell on my own, it not like she pushed me down or something. And besides, what exactly d
Finding My Missing Piece Kevin
Kaima was right. The fresh air I breathed in, the wind gently kissing my skin, it all felt perfect. I did need to step out and it helped clear up my messy mind. We didn’t go too far, only walked a few blocks down. No matter how good and free I felt I still couldn’t get that tinge of worry within me out of my system. It continued looming in my mind like some wronged spirit seeking vengeance without any thoughts of stopping till its goals get accomplished. I sighed heavily… “Zara are you okay?” the concerned voice of my sister pulled my out of the reverie I had let myself get lost in. I beamed at her “Of course I'm fine.” “It must all be confusing-” she suddenly stated. Her eyes were looking straight ahead yet they were not focused on anything in particular. She looked so wise and much more mature. She must have noticed my confusion so she explained further “Waking up to two years in the future...” “Technically I woke up five years into the futu
Finding My Missing Piece Oblivious
“She really likes Emelie but he is still in denial.” I looked at her wide eyed. But on second thought, I reminded myself that she was no longer a little kid and of course she would know about stuff like this so no need to be surprised. “Don’t tell him I said that though, he always gives me the cold shoulder whenever I say that.” She said whispering in my ear. It was surprising that the smart girl in front of me in fact is the same child who always raised her hands in demand to get carried. I smiled at the memory, too bad I’ll never get to see her that way again. Surely, time did fly, very quickly I might add. “Of course I’m not going to say a word to him.” I assured her. “Does she always come here?” “Not really but she lives in the next house so we get to see her every day.” Kaima’s answer made me happy. I wanted to meet Lisa again. I wanted to ask her what exactly statement meant. I very well remembered what she had said and with the way my ‘big’ brother shunned her
Finding My Missing Piece Glacier
She looked down, hiding her face from his piercing gaze. The atmosphere got cold real quick. I could not stand it any longer so I spoke up, I might have as well turned into an ice statue if I didn’t say anything. “Emelie…” my voice came out softly but firm. He doesn’t have any reason to be so mean to her. But he didn’t look my way. He kept silent and still like he didn’t hear me or did I also turn invisible? I really do hate the way I felt and I very well knew that I shouldn’t have had such emotions running through me, but still I felt like I was an insignificant entity at that moment. I wanted to yell at him to stop ignoring me. I may have the mind of a thirteen year old but I’m eighteen and the older sister. Suddenly he jerked up harshly from his seat and took the text book out of her grasp. “You’ve given me the book right? Now I think you should leave?” His emotionless voice sounded unfamiliar to me. It doesn’t sound like my little brother or the ca
Finding My Missing Piece Model
Today is going- not so great. I went about my day as usual- or rather as I remember. I pampered myself in the warm shower and stayed in there till the water lost its warmth. Standing in front of my full length mirror, I looked at my reflection I still couldn’t believe my eyes. I was simply shaken to the core as I stood in front of the mirror staring at my body. My hand flew to my mouth to prevent myself from crying out loud. I didn’t want to alarm my family. I was very disappointed in myself for not taking the time to notice the dark marks smearing parts of my body-the scars. There was a huge one on my back. It looked like my back was terribly burnt, maybe roasted over fire. It looked very displeasing to the eye. I began to cry again as I tore off the rest of my clothes. I had to see the rest of my body, would it be worst? No, nothing could be worse than the scar covering the entire area of my lower back stretching from side to side. Once again I stood i
Finding My Missing Piece Reason
I froze in shock at how terrible what I saw made me feel. I thought things are bad but this was beyond my imagination or at least my estimate of how bad things were. I did not expect things to be at such a bad state that a person like Chukwuemelie would be so rude to our father. I remember that he really looked up to dad. When we were younger, he would always stay up to wait for dad to help him with his assignments and projects, I could do most of them but he always insisted and I always ended up doing them anyway. Dad just wasn't there, but is that really enough reason for him to be so full of anger, anger directed towards the one person he considered a role model?It was pretty obvious that everyone entirely lost their appetite judging from how uncomfortable they all seemed. This is very overwhelming and honestly I really don't think I can take it anymore. I stood up and excused myself saying that I am tried. I need to escape this suffocating atmosphere and have a talk with
