C1 Ball and sing

Uncle David opened the door for me, patting me softly on the back, before going to sit in the front with Dad. I smiled at my phone and sent a quick reply to my friend's text, then I took my place at the back next to my little brother and my mother who sat by the door. Loluwalase was so engrossed in the kiddies show he was watching on his iPad, he didn't even notice the extra presence, nor spare me a glance.

"johnny johnny?

Yes papa

Eating sugar

No papa!" Little Lase sang enthusiastically with the voices in his iPad, swinging his legs and hopping on the seat. I smiled warmly at the bundle of joy, then returned my gaze to my cellphone.

Since last week, I have been getting so many text messages from my friends from my old school, all telling me how much they'd miss me. Aarin's texts were my favorite. She told me she missed me every five minutes, which was honestly so sweet.

Four months ago, after the incident at school, Dad brought home goodnews. He had been promoted and sent to a new branch. A much better place with a sponsored accomodation. Everything seemed like it was crashing, then the news about his promotion brought us unexpected joy. We were going to be living in the Island now.

From a mainlander, to an islander. Imagine! I couldn't stop fantasizing about the new home we are going to move in soon.

I tore my gaze away from my phone screen as I felt my little brother leaning in on me, wanting to tell me something. I granted him my undivided attention as he stared at me with those adorable big eyeballs of his, a cute smile on his face.

"Niyemi,"

In the past, it irked me whenever he mispronounced my name, but I stopped caring. I hummed, fixing the collar of his forest green T-shirt.

"Mommy said- Mommy said I'm going to have plenty new toys."

"Wow. Plenty new toys?" I played along.

"Yes," He kicked his legs again. " And new car, and bawl, and new sing." I furrowed my eyebrows. Four years living with him and I still had no idea half the things he said.

"Ball and swing." Mom supplied, seeing my look of confusion. My lips formed an 'O' and then I nodded at the information.

"That's so cool! How many cars do you have now?" He stared off into space for a while, then pulled out five fingers. "Five!"

He giggled. " Yes! I have plenty cars. Mommy, where is my cars?" Mom looked up from her phone and informed him it was in the second car following us. Lase pouted, his lips quivering.

"But- but I want to show Niyemi my cars!" He whined, nearly kicking off the iPad. I was quick to catch it before it hit the floor,same time mom sat up to catch it as well. Lase had already started crying, and I sighed.

"It's okay, Lase. I'll see them when we get to our new home, alright?" I placed the tablet on my lap and used my palm to dry his tears, rubbing his back at the same time.

"But-but," Dad sighed from the front seat, speaking for the first time since our drive.

"You'll show her when we get home, buddy. "

"Okay," He said quietly, dropping his head on my arms with droopy eyes. I chuckled, picking him up and setting him on my lap. He rested his head on my chest,and I ran my fingers through his curls, soothing him to sleep.

The ride to Ikoyi lasted thirty minutes, and soon enough we were driving into our new resident. The estate was beautiful, quiet and heavenly like. The houses were big and modern. The cars that drove past were posh and expensive looking. And the people that walked past were fascinating. I stared out the window throughout, till we were pulling into our new humble abode.

"Let's go in," Dad said, breaking the momentum silence. I shifted Lase in my arms again, placing him in a position where his whole body leaned on me and his chin rested on my shoulder. I pocketed my cellphone, then picked up a luggage by the handle and rode it by the tyres with me. I followed closely behind Dad, glancing around the compound until we were finally inside.

The sweet scent of fresh paint filled the air and I gazed around in awe, taking in the luxurious living room, dining room, and kitchen. The house was immaculate, every detail perfect and pristine. My phone buzzed in my pocket, but I couldn't be bothered to check it. There was so much to take in, so much to explore in my new home on the Island.

We were living the high life now, in a stunning home with ACs in every corner and white tiles so clean they shone like mirrors.

I followed Dad through the house, a suitcase rolling behind me, my little brother Lase,whom demanded I let him walk on his own, following behind. He was still clutching his iPad, singing to himself as we explored the rooms and furniture. The couches were gray and the walls were white, giving everything a modern, minimalist feel. The stairway curved elegantly and formed an S, leading up to the bedrooms on the second floor.

I paused in the living room, my eyes drifting over the pristine surroundings. The furniture, the floors, the walls, the decor - it was all perfect, like something out of a magazine. I couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated by it all, like I wasn't quite worthy of such luxury. But then I caught Lase's eye and he gave me a big smile, reminding me that this was all for us, that we deserved this.

My only prayer was that God continued to keep it this way. May our lives remain this beautiful, peaceful and filled with pleasant surprises.

Fingers crossed.