Chasing Shadows (Episode 2)

Sade came back with a tray containing a bottle of water, a glass cup, a saucer and a pack of Hobnobs. At least, her brother-in-law to be could munch on something before she embarked on an emergency cooking.

She pulled the coffee table from the center to Supo’s side, and gently placed the tray on it. It was the only table in the living room. As a matter of fact, it was the only table in the house, except for another small table in the bed room, which she had converted to a dressing table, and had placed her beauty products and a full-length mirror on. She couldn’t complain. This was better than nothing. And Siju was doing more than what she could call his best. She was thankful for him and the much they had. He had assured her of his big break that was coming very soon. She could only pray and hope that everything turned out right before the wedding.

“Here you go” She poured Supo a glass of water and handed it over to him.

“Please help yourself” She pointed at the biscuits she had placed in the saucer.

“I’ll be right back” she smiled at the brothers at the same time, and began making her way to the kitchen. She turned back and smiled at Siju again.

“Egbon, I dey come (Elder brother, I’ll be back)” Siju got the message and excused himself immediately.

She was not even furious, she went on slicing the onions. She wasn’t sure of what she was going to cook, but she knew whatever it was, it would require onions.

“Babe” He cleared his throat to announce his presence.

“Yes…” she answered without turning to look at him.

“You called me.” He knew she was pissed. It was amazing how much he had known about her in such a short period of time.

“Nope … you can go back to your big brother.” She answered dryly.

“I’m sorry now. Haba. So I didn’t tell you he’d be coming and now he’s here, and you’re mad at me. I can’t say no to him. He’s my only brother. He has no other place to go. You have to understand…” He went on without Sade asking him any question.

“Wait…” she dropped the knife.

“He’s going to stay here tonight?” She stared into his eyes.

He nodded in affirmation.

“In this house? With us?” She chose her words carefully. And then smiled.

“Yes…” He rolled his eyes.

“Is anything wrong?” Siju was confused. He could understand that she was caught unawares and had to make emergency arrangements to make his visitor comfortable, but he could not understand why she kept asking these questions.

“Everything” She shouted. And then calmed herself down, after remembering that the house was not that big, and Supo could probably hear them discussing.

“Everything is wrong, Siju” She repeated, almost in a whisper.

“You know what? I think I have to make that delivery now.” She dropped the knife, rinsed her hands, and left her fiancé standing with his mouth ajar in the kitchen.

She walked out of the kitchen in annoyance, but once she stepped into the living room before crossing to the bedroom, she reverted to the smile on her face as she walked past Supo to the bedroom.

She packed a few things into her handbag, and the aso-ofi for the client, walked back to the living room, assured the men that she would be back in a few and that Supo should make himself comfortable, after which she left the house.

***

“Mosun, I’m at the gate, please come out.” Sade took the next bike to her friend’s place at Jericho.

In two minutes, her friend was out to open the gate for her. They hugged each other briefly before stepping into the house.

“You sounded somehow on phone. Is anything the matter?” Mosun asked gently.

“Nothing jare. Is mummy home?”

“No, it’s just me. We have this cousin getting married today. Every other person went except me. It’s that ‘time of the month’ and you know how embarrassing my flow could be on the first day.” Mosun answered.

“Eeyah. Sorry dear” Sade patted her friend on the back.

“All things actually work together for good. Thank God you’re the only one at home” Sade started.

“Okay…” Mosun knew something was up but she had learnt overtime not to force words out of Sade.

“… The visitor turned out to be his brother, a brother he had never mentioned, ever. And he came with two boxes. It doesn’t look like he’ll be leaving anytime soon. Next week, it would be his cousin, then upper week, his nephew. I don’t think I can do this.” Sade lamented.

“Errmm…. Is that all?” Mosun asked.

“Yes now. Shouldn’t I be worried?” Sade rolled her eyes.

“I just wanted to be sure… you know? Mosun tried to understand what the issue was but Sade cut in before she could say anything further.

“You remember the other time some girl randomly showed up and he said she was his step-sister or something. She came to seat for the JAMB exam and it took God and you to make her leave. Our wedding is coming up in three months. Three months, Mosun, and you want me to stay calm.” Sade continued.

“I know, that was a long time. And thankfully, we found out that there was nothing more to the story. Relax, Sade. Please…” Mosun tried to calm her friend down. She understood the angle she was coming from and she couldn’t blame her.

“So you’re saying I can’t stay here tonight, right?” Her countenance dropped as she deciphered the message her friend was trying to pass across.

“No, that’s not the issue. You know I can’t just make that decision. Mummy is not around and I can’t just…”

“It’s fine, I understand.” Sade cut in.

“But can I just stay till 7.30pm, or thereabout… I want those guys to go hungry this time…” She smiled a little.

Mosun pushed her gently and they both burst into laughter.

“You’re not nice at all” Mosun said amidst laughs.

***

“Babe, this doesn’t make sense at all. You can’t just bail out on me like this. Please come home.”

Sade read the text message from Siju, on the bike she boarded home.

As she walked towards the door to the flat she shared with her fiancé, she hoped for the love of God that the visitor had changed his mind and gone to a nearby guest house or hotel to spend the night.

***CHASING SHADOWS by Faith Tunde-Yara

***Photo credit: www.shutterstock.com