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Inbetween 7
A loud banging outside caused me to sit up in alert. It sounded like the rumbling of the heavens but this one came too close as if the clouds had descended to my roof.
I unzipped the gown I wore to work the previous day and still sat, hugging myself in anticipation of another one so I would be certain if it was a warning of a heavy rain. Then it came again, a loud banging on the door. It seemed like an attempt to pull down the door not a knock.
It was still dark. My hands reached for my phone to check the time, it was a few minutes past five in the morning.
I made to the front door and because I was expecting my sister, I ignored all security protocol and opened the door.
Ada was there. She was wearing something white. She walked past me into the house. I noted the oversized polo she wore before loRelated chapters
INBETWEEN Inbetween 8
I started my Sunday morning on a painful note. I did not know which side I was on. I reached out for my phone that was always on the stool close to the bed. The stool wasn't there, I rolled, next thing, I was on the floor. I struggled up, trying to find my way in the darkness, I bumped into a stiff object." Damn ! " I cursed through gritted teeth, rubbing my hand on the object to feel it . It was the sewing machine. I realized then, I was in the guest room. I could not remember where I had kept my phone or any source of light. Off I went, farther into the darkness. I did not bother keeping my eyes open, I just shut it while feeling the walls till I reached the door leading to the parlour. I hit my leg on a stool twice before I found a lantern. I slumped into a couch with a heavy sigh.The rest of my Saturday with Ada was uneventful. It was like we avoided ours
INBETWEEN Inbetween 9
'SPRINGS OF GRACE' was written in clear, bold letters on a banner at the gate. Inside the place was a white storey building, with pillars decorated with colorful ribbons. It was facing the gate and beside it was a bungalow , which I saw children running around .I found a space to park in the parking lot beside other cars. Just with the crowd of cars, I knew it was a big church and I was a little late. I even expected it to be close to the time for church offering.Walking into the church, I felt swallowed up. I did a rough summary of the crowd to expect inside but I was not even close. A female usher came and offered to take my bag, I declined. I needed something to keep my hands busy while I followed her. We moved through the aisle till she found a pew with space. It was the fourth pew in the row.I was mostly grateful for the hymn they were singing that suppressed the sound of my heels and grateful I did not apply
INBETWEEN Inbetween 10
Mathew's gate was grey with a large drawing of a lion head staring in front. The gateman let us in when he saw me. I had asked Ada to wait in the car but she insisted on coming in. "Incase things go out of hand" she said. I knew Mathew. He was not violent. He was mostly quiet but that Mathew I knew was also faithful, truthful and he turned out to be a liar and a cheat. It was like I did not know the person at all.The surrounding was same and very familiar. It was a one storey building. There was the boys quarter opposite the main building where the driver and gate man stayed. His three cars were just being washed by the driver. It was his customary way of washing the three cars every day even when his Oga used just one car for a whole week or more.I rang the doorbell and waited. Ada was tapping the wall rhythmically and humming. I just stood, hugging myself waiting till it would be reasonable to press the
INBETWEEN Inbetween 11
Ada's face held anger in its pointed glare. She challenged him in silence to dare touch me. I was used to that look, she used it when we were growing up in her protective state."It's fine, let us go" I said. I brushed past her, rolling my box behind me.I played music to fill the silence in the car as we drove home. Ada was more interested in looking out the window."Are you okay? " I asked, throwing her a quick glance.She nodded with a smile. "It just feels somehow. It's like the end of a life."I smiled. Understanding her more than anyone else would. "We would be fine" I said. It was what I wanted myself to believe.
INBETWEEN Inbetween 12
I don't know why I was disappointed to see him dressed in an ash polo and jeans. He looked responsible. It's not like everyone that visited the bars to get drunk was irresponsible but still, he did not have the looks of a man that would waste his life on alcohol."My Lady " he said, coming closer with a broad smile. I looked at Auntie Maimah then back to him. He extended his hand for a handshake. I took it, rather reluctantly. I was still yet to understand why he was in Uncle Joe's house."I know you don't remember me." He said.Oh yes, I do! You were embarrassing yourself on your mother's stairs the last time we met.He looked better than he had looked that day, lying on that floor and oozing of alcohol. He was almost unfamiliar, unrecognizable if not that I was a pro in mastering faces."Yes. I don't " I replied .He let go of my hand. "I'm Ike, A friend to Wisd
INBETWEEN In-between 13
I was seated outside the next day when I saw Ike's grey Toyota Camry drive in. I sat, watching the car as it pulled in then it parked close to the other cars. I bent my head, pretending to be more interested in the designs of dresses on my phone.The clicking of shoes against the german floor announced his presence as he began to approach. I looked up at him with a smile which he returned with ease. He wore a Maroon suede jacket and a black shirt with a black trouser. His fashion sense seemed obviously alive."Good morning, " I greeted."Lady" he said, then touched my shoulder briefly as a greeting, I presume."How are you? " He asked."I am good, " I said getting up, offering him my seat." No, no, don't bother. I was on my way to work so I decided to drop by and say hello.""Oh that's nice " I said still standing. "You always do this? "I folded
INBETWEEN Inbetween 14
Early in the morning, Aunty was already in the kitchen complaining about carrots. Michelle stood at her a corner, her hands at her back as she stared like a guilty mouse."Good morning ma" I greeted.She turned from the fridge , then reached out to touch my chin, "Lady, how was your night ?" she asked with a smile." It was just cold," I replied. Then looked at Michelle who took that time to greet me."Auntie good morning " she said. I ruffled her hair then peeped in to see the carrots Auntie was complaining about."It's the carrots we bought since. This rabbit here" she said pointing at Michelle, "has suddenly changed from her nature."I laughed. The accused took some onions and began to wash."Mbe," Auntie said with a smile, "If it was when she was an active rabbit, she will finish the carrots before I even have to use them."I laughed,
INBETWEEN Inbetween 15
The sound of my ring tone pulled me out of sleep.I turned to the phone. It was a few minutes past one. Sleepily, I put the phone on mute and turned back to sleep then I heard my door open. The sound of hard masculine boots as it hit the floor followed. I immediately sat up the same time he put on the light switch."Ike" I said tiredly, rubbing my eyes."I will be sleeping here this night " he said still leaning on the wall close to the switch.Here. As in my room or the house? "Did you lock the entrance door? " I asked"Yes I did."I patted the space on the bed next to me and in two quick strides he was on my bed. I knew then it had been a bad idea to invite him to sit. He was smelling of strong alcohol and when I shifted a little away from him, the best I could do with out him noticing, he turned to me,"I took just a little, "
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