Alone

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 7

True to her words, mum didn’t give me money to buy sanitary pad. I took her advice and tore one of my towels into pieces, cutting it in a way that it would fit like pads. I had never felt so much discomfort in my life. Two days later, we had some guests. The Kalu’s family came to see us. They’ve being family friends right from when we were still kids. They had a daughter and two boys. The girl, Kamsi was my friend. The two boys, Kenneth and Gospel were Emeka’s friends. I also knew that Kenneth and Nenye were dating. Gospel was older than Kenneth and Gospel.

There father was also late.

I woke up that morning, did my morning ritual of praying, washing up and sweeping before I went into the kitchen to prepare different varieties of food as the Kalus’ would come for lunch and leave after dinner. I made a simple breakfast of bread, egg and tea and served mum and Nenye before going to the kitchen to have mine. Mum was never stingy with food. I always ate to my satisfaction and shed wouldn’t scream or beat me. I was almost through with my breakfast when she came into the kitchen.

Mum: Bia, you’ve not finished?

I shook my head and she hissed.

Mum: Vegetable soup with eba for lunch, it’ll go with goat meat pepper soup, then fried rice and chicken for dinner, it’ll go with salad. I’ll come and inspect you to make sure the meats are cooked and fried properly. Be careful while you make them because I won’t forgive any mistake from your path.

Me: Yes mummy.

She left the kitchen and I hurriedly finished my breakfast before swinging into action. Mum had turned cooking into my hobby and I was always happy anytime I was cooking.

I was putting down the peppersoup from the cooker when I heard a honk at the gate. I smiled as I was pretty sure it was the Kalu family. I didn’t bother coming out, instead, i turned the peppersoup into a cooler and started parboiling the rice. I looked at the table clock in the kitchen, it read 12:05pm. They were early and I was glad that I was at least through with lunch and everything that will go with it. I had put the coolers containing the food away when I heard chattering in the sitting room so I guessed they were already in. I heard Nenye laugh so hard and I smiled. Our house has never seen laughter since Emeka left. I sat down on the kitchen stool and waited for Kamsi to come and join me. I was still trying to remember the last time they visited when I heard her voice coming towards the kitchen.

Kamsi: Where is she? My nostrils surelg ain’t lying to me.

I smiled and stood up. She appeared at the door and we enveloped ourselves into a tight hug.

Kamsi: Look at you. You sure look like a chef, with your apron and…..

Me: You’re looking very gorgeous.

Kamsi was a very beautiful girl. She had always being. She was the one of my friends who I trusted with my life. She wasn’t there when Emeka was buried but she had always called me. Today, with her pink top that stopped just on top of her belly button, her rugged jean and pink snicker with little make up, Kamsi looked just like barbie.

Kamsi: I know. So what are you cooking?

Me: Rice. Its for dinner.

Kamsi: Oh! Come and greet mummy and the boys then we’ll come back here and finish the cooking.

I nodded and followed her into the sitting room. Mrs. Kalu was looking as beautiful as I had always known her to be, Gospel and Kenneth looked bigger than I had seen them and they were very handsome as well. Nenye was already sitting beside Kenneth and her face was glowing.

Me: Good morning ma.

Mrs. Kalu: Good morning my dear. How’re you?

Me: I’m fine ma. How’s business?

She laughed. She was a very easy woman.

Mrs. K: Business is fine my dear. Hope you’re fine?

Me: Yes ma.

I looked at Gospel and Kenneth and waved my hands. They smiled.

Me: I’ll get you all something to drink.

Mrs. K: That’ll be nice. Juice please.

I smiled and left while Kamsi followed. She had never being in good terms with Nenye. She always called Nenye a flirt and I was sure they hadn’t spoken to each other. She helped me serve juice to everyone including Nenye. I turned and Gospel was looking at me with a smile on his face. I returned the smile and we went back to the kitchen.

Kamsi: I think you should take down that rice. Its burning.

I quickly checked it and put it down, pouring water inside so I can wash it.

Kamsi: But why is she not here to help you out.

Me: Who?

Kamsi: Your sister of course.

I smiled, praying that she drops the topic, at least for now.

Kamsi: You people are spoiling that girl. Look how she’s sitting down there, enjoying senior jokes.

Me: Kamsi, help me transfer those basins to the counter.

She stood up and started doing as I said, chewing the carrots I had earlier sliced.

Gospel: I’m trying to believe you won’t finish the carrots before they’re put into use.

We turned and looked at Gospel. He was smiling so wide

Kamsi: What brings you to the kitchen?

Gospel: Exactly what brings you.

Kamsi: I see, but you won’t enter the kitchen at home.

Gospel: Why should I? When there is no Amanda in that kitchen.

We all laughed. I wished it would remain like that forever. Wish I had company in this house.

Me: Gospel!

Gospel: Yes dear. How are you?

I shrugged my shoulders and showed him my palms.

Me: God has being faithful.

He looked at Kamsi and shook his head.

Gospel: Let me not was te your time. We will talk later.

I nodded and he left while I continued with what I was doing