C2 Hatred Awoken

In the morning, Lily left for school and Damian to work. Diana did the chores with the help of their gatekeeper, Dapo. They cooked, cleaned and washed.

At noon, Lily returned. She had her Lunch and remained in the living room watching Mickey Mouse cartoon. Diana came to the living room to check on her.

"You're still here. It's almost 6pm. Aren't you going to take a shower and get ready for Bed? ", She asked

"I'll take a shower soon but will still come back here. He's coming back with my new bicycle. Remember? ",Lily informed Diana.

"But what's so special about a bicycle? You already have about seven different bicycles, what will be so special about this one? ", Diana asked curiously and irritatingly. She found it hard to fathom why Lily is a bicycle addict.

"it has a unique feature ", Lily revealed.

"and the other seven lack this feature? ",Diana returned sharply.

Just when Lily was about to reply, Damian walked in sluggishly. To his family, he did not look so good.

"Daddy, you're back",Lily managed to say in a little fright.

"Darling, what's the matter? ", Diana asked in deep concerns.

"what's the matter? Did I just hear you ask me what the matter is?", Damian growled. Both Diana and Lily shook and shivered like fuzzy maracas. What could have happened?, the wondered.

"But I don't understand...", Diana started.

"shut up! Now tell me, who is Karen? ", He thundered.

"Karen? "

"Yes, Karen! "

"But, he's just a...",Diana began again.

"save it! ", Damian snarled and climbed up the stairs.

"it's ok baby. Don't fright. I'll handle it ",Diana assured Lily who nodded like an obedient lizard. Lily climbed and disappeared into their room. After five minutes, she berged out of the room. She sat on the staircase and wept bitterly. It was more like she was hurled out of the room.

"mom! ",Lily exclaimed and ran up the stairs to her. "what did he say what did he do to you? ", She asked curiously with a hoaxed voice.

"He pushed me out ", Diana returned amidst tears.

"what? But what has come over him? And mom, who's this Karen he mentioned?", she asked.

"Karen is just my childhood friend. Your Aunt Berbera invited me to Las Diego restaurant last week. When I got there, I saw Karen with her. She then said she called me so that I could say hi to him after such a long time. That's all",Diana narrated absent-mindedly.

"But there's nothing wrong with saying hi to an old friend ", Lily affirmed.

"he didn't even let me explain "

There was silence for about fifty seconds. Then Lily wiped her tears and helped her up. She took her to the living room where they met Dapo. Diana effortlessly sat on the couch and Lily sat beside her and crossed her legs.

"ah, madam hope you dey okay",Dapo asked concernedly in Nigerian yoruba language influenced pidgin English.

"what do you want? ", Lily asked, making a stern face as she hated seeing the nosey side of him.

"small madam, na Bingo o. Bingo loss appetite. I no know where he keep his appetite o", Dapo complained .

"Get out ",Lily ordered.

"Dapo, please go. We're not okay ourselves ", Diana spoke softly.

" But wetin happen?"He asked and stared at her mouth waiting for her response like one waiting for someone to vomit the treasure they swallowed.

"Nothing! ", Lily shouted and his heart almost jumped out of his mouth. He looked around and began to walk away. Diana called him back.

"Dapo, here's two hundred naira. Use it and get pills for the dog. "

He took the money and left. Lily heaved a sight of relief, 'he's such a pain in the ass", she said.

"I just love the fact that he cares for the dog. It's very rare to see people in this continent who cares for animals ", Diana stated matter-of-factly.

"the reason is very clear. Majority of the people here are very poor. Not all families are fortunate as ours. Poor people out there has no options but to feed on poor animals for survival. People can't be vegetarians in a poor country like this one",Lily explained.

"who's talking about being vegetarian? In life, nothing is good to be eaten. Even the helpless plants are living things. Didn't your teacher teach you that? ",Diana said.

"Thank God you've sobered up", Lily replied instead.