After It Happened

Chapter 28: 27

Kelechi’s pov.

Tick. Tap. Tick. Tap. I'm lying face up on my bed with my feet hanging off the other side tapping in

synch with the ticking of the clock. I look at the clock and groan. 2:15. I can taste the boredom on my

tongue. And it doesn't taste sweet. The house is quiet with the parents at work and my over-zealous

sister at school for after-school programs. I left as soon as I heard the bell. The constant chatter was

really pissing me off. Just feed the students with a new story to tell and the school buzzes with life.

Students form groups in various corners. Each group has a storyteller telling his own version of the

story with animated gestures and expressions. Constantly hearing Denise's name as we left for

lunchbreak, it took all my resolve to refrain from hitting someone.

Speaking of Denise I wonder what she is doing. Probably sleeping. I laugh at the thought. The girl

sleeps every chance she gets. Sleeping Beauty. I have an idea! Time to wake the princess up.

I lift my hands to knock and suddenly freeze. What if her aunt doesn't let me in. I didn't even call her

before coming. I'm such a fool! Do they have light? Thank goodness. What if she doesn't have a DVD

player? My plans will be totally ruined. Taking a deep breath, I knock. I didn't come this far to turn back.

When noone answers, I knock again. Louder this time. The woman who glared at me the other day

opens the door. A look of recognition crosses her face and she frowns.

"Good afternoon ma"

"Afternoon. What do you want?"

"I...I" I stammer searching for a suitable explanation.

"Eh? Gini mere? Did anything happen?"

I shake my head no before gaining the courage to speak to the woman. "I just came to know if Ola is Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

fine now and... and..."

"Chere. Wait. What did you call her?"

I squint in confusion before squeaking out a response. "Uhm...Ola"

The woman simply stares at me and I nervously rub my neck.

"Noone calls her Ola anymore."

I watch as her face melts. She smiles at me sadly.

"You are that boy, okwa ya? The one that sat in front of our old house crying."

I nod totally at a loss for words.

"Nwa m. My child, please come inside. How is your mother?" I am shocked to find myself in her arms.

Now she doesn't seem like the stern woman who opened the door.

"She is fine. I'll tell her you asked."

"Ezigbo nwa. Your friend is upstairs." I start to head upstairs when the woman drags me back.

"I might not have the chance to talk to you again. She doesn't know a lot of things including what is

good for her and what isn't. What she needs now is someone who really knows her and will

understand. I know you are a good person. I do not know what goes on with her when she leaves my

sight. She never tells me what goes on in her head. She is like a daughter to me and I always fear for

her. Biko promise me that you will try your best to be there for her and help her no matter what."