C22 Chapter 22

... Jessy, I'm sorry I didn't introduce Ken to you on the first day he came here. This is Ken, my friend who I wish I may spend my future with

Sandra said while hugging a young man. The smile on their faces makes her sentence sound so real to me. But this is that same man that made my Aunty slap me. Something she never did ever since we knew ourselves. Now she's introducing him to me as her fiancee. But why must God allow such misfortune to befall me again? The first day this so-called Ken came to our house, the unimaginable happened. What may happen when he legally marries my aunty? That won't just be a slap on my face but rather thorns on my flesh. Thank God she didn't tell me who Ken is to her before a meal. Maybe I couldn't have the appetite to eat my dinner. Thank God I've already devoured my well-prepared Okra soup with hot Eba. Besides, they already love themselves and my opinion can't make any change. I rather find a means to make myself happy around him.

... You're welcome to our home Uncle Ken.

I had a fake smirk on my face not to write my feelings on my forehead. I tried to make my words sweet and the expression all over my body welcomed Ken more than my words.

I never knew Ken could even talk to me. Also just welcomed Ken, he left his love bird and stretched his hand towards my direction for a handshake. O, God! Why is anything bringing me closer to this beast? Though I caused it. Had I didn't put on a beautiful face, he could've continued being a beast than offering a handshake. But he might still play the role of a beast. Who knows?

I walked closer to him and we exchanged a handshake. Someone could imagine the number of my heartbeats within that second. I was still imagining how he could be a beast the other day and turn friend today then he continued exchanging pleasantries with me. Jessy, You need to act like all is well. Though I whispered it to myself it sounded as if someone used a megaphone to announce it to me. I continued faking smiles.

Sandra on the other hand was excited to see her husband-to-be and me having a good time just as we introduced ourselves to each other. She grinned as if there was something special about that particular moment but Jessy knew everything was fake.

Ken, won't it be better if I give it to her now? I heard Sandra asking Ken

Yeah, that's good. Ken replied as he also nodded his head continuously.

Sandra went inside the bedroom and brought out a small carton

Jessy take!!!! Sandra gave me the carton. I was confused but had not to ask what was that because as the house was warm and happy tonight, may I not spoil the fun? I took the carton and opened it right there

Oh, My God!

I screamed aloud.

Aunty Sandra, you bought the phone for me? This time, the happiness wasn't faked. I jumped up for the surprise

I didn't buy a phone for you, Ken did.

Grew cold shoulder instantly but was still happy because I now have a phone, something I'd been craving.

Uncle Ken, thank you, sir.....

You're welcome Jessy

Sandra collected the phone from me and powered it on.

There's no sim card in it yet. Later you'll register a sim card and slot it inside, then you'll be good to go

Aunty Sandra it. God bless you.

You're welcome baby Jessy.

A few seconds later, the celebration of the new phone was over. Sandra brought out roasted fish wrapped in foil paper. She told me to bring a tray which I did. She unfolded it and we all ate together. She also brought wine from the fridge. Though the wine is alcoholic, only Ken and Sandra drank it. They were enjoying their alcoholic beverage while I was comfortably sipping the remaining fruit juice we had in the house. Those guys forgot that I'm the kid among them. They were making out in my presence. I knew not whether it was the influence of alcohol but such never happened before. Initially, I coughed and they paused. But within some minutes they'll start afresh. It was then that Ken promised to take us out the following day. He said that we would go on time to register a sim card for my phone and then we go and watch either one or two movies.

I knew as they started such play in my presence, I need not be told that they owned the bedroom for the night. I left them there and arranged the house as I could. Took my bath then put on my nightwear and carried the blanket to the couch. It was like Sandra was waiting for me. As I relaxed on the couch, they then left the dining room and went to the bedroom. The expression on their faces was lovely. If that's what love is like, I think it's a beautiful thing. As they got inside the house, they slammed the door. I needed a witness to see how beautiful the moment was. Ken carried my aunt like a small baby. And Sandra was just smiling unnecessarily. She smiled at whatever Ken said. Though I was far, my eyes and mind weren't far from them.

Finally, I'm now left alone in the pallor.

I already have many things to remember tonight. I now have a handset. Aunty Sandra officially introduced Ken to me. And Ken promised to take us out. Happiness was written all over my face. But when I remember what happened the first time I met Ken, it always sends shivers down my spine. How sure am I that Ken won't be a hindrance to my future? Imagine I was slapped in our own house while he was around and he did nothing. If it was to be in his own house, he might even be the one that'll slap me. Even if aunty Sandra get married to Ken now, can I live alone? How would I pay my rent? and even continue with my education or am I going to live with them? That's not just happening. I need to devise a means. Would it be better if I go back to Abuja? But in whose house will I stay? Would I stay in uncle Jude's house? No no no. Uncle Jude doesn't even care about my well-being. How will I just take myself to him like that? What of Jimmy? Jimmy is friendly but I'm not that close to him. Have they even ended their misunderstanding with Senator Yakubu and Sam his accomplice? I don't want a situation where I'll be declared wanted by enemies again. Hmmm. Jessy is now in between the devil and the blue sea. But I need to think fast. Ken doesn't look like someone I can comfortably stay with.

I was still contemplating how I may continue my life when I remember I haven't done my homework. I got up from the couch. I got to the door and remembered that Sandra and Ken are inside the house. That was a problem because they were drunk and I could remember how they played in my presence. How far would they go in my absence? I knocked and pleaded with Sandra then she brought out my school bag entirely instead of giving me the book I requested for. I then continued with my homework.