SPEECLESSNESS
WRITTEN BY MARIANNEADA
EPISODE 3
Debbie had a quiet dinner alone, she barely ate her food as the thoughts of her sister’s whereabout couldn’t let her be, she retired to her room looking dejected, she stood by her window watching to know when her parents would return, she was almost dozing off when the honk of her mother’s car woke her up, she rushed downstairs to meet her.
She was disappointed to see only her mum, she was tired from crying, her father returned almost immediately and joined them in the sitting room.
“I dont know why Thelma is punishing me like this, I’ve searched everywhere for her but couldn’t find, “her mother lamented
”Woman it’s your fault, if you hadn’t hit her with that vase she would ‘ve been with us now” her husband retorted
“And if you hadn’t accused me of infidelity, all these wouldn’t have happened ”
”Can you two stop this right now !!!!!!!, We’re yet to find my sister and all you can do is quarrel, if you dont stop this, you will start another search for another daughter!!!! “Debbie screamed at her parents.
Everywhere was calm, everyone was lost in their thought, a car was driven into the compound and they all rushed out to see who the visitor was.
”Uncle Ben! “Debbie screamed in excitement and ran to her uncle
Thelma alighted from the car and they were all surprised to see her.
They walked back into the sitting room,
Uncle Ben was Mrs Obasi’s elder brother, he lived in Lagos with his family, he was always the one that settles his sister’s dispute With her husband, he’s a gentle and kind hearted man, he runs a retail business in Lagos.
“I’m disappointed in you Onyinye” he said referring to his sister
She couldn’t face her brother, she busied her face on the tiled floor
“I returned from my shop to meet your daughter in my house, she told me all that happened, she begged me to take her far away from your family, it took me hours to convince her to return home, but she vowed to kill herself anytime the both of you quarrels or fights again. So if you want to loose your daughter, continue with your stupidity“ he advised his sister
”Thank you my inlaw, I promise this will never happen again, “her husband said shamefully
”Onyinye I want you to always remember that this man here is your husband, and you must respect him, you must be submissive to him, this is the last time I’ll visit your home again to settle your fight”
“I’m sorry my husband “she said nonchalantly
After some moments of peace talk, husband and wife reconciled.
Uncle Ben announced his departure, Thelma bade him goodbye and returned to her room, she locked her door and had a cold shower before laying on her, she picked up her phone and switched it on, she got text messages from her classmates asking if she was alright, she dialed her class prefect’s number and he picked at the first ring, she informed him of her ill health and promised to be in school the next day.
Her phone beeped, she checked and it was a text message from Debbie, she was surprised, she quickly opened it and it read,
“Hope you’re ok lil sis?
Take care of yourself and don’t ever think of running away from home, good night”
She smiled for the hundredth time before replying the text.
“Thanks so much big sis, i’m glad you care about me”
She slept off peacefully
****************
Two days have passed and Thelma has refused to talk to her parents, she only speaks to her sister, their relationship was getting better, the house has been free from quarrel and fight for the past two days.
They returned from school one day to meet their mother cooking, she has never cooked for the family for sometime now, their dad had travelled for a business meeting in Ibadan, and they have really missed her food, she was tempted to hug her mum but she stood her ground, Debbie greeted and mum and went to her for a quick bathe and change of cloth, Thelma greeted her mum coldly and meant to climb the stairs but her mum stopped her.
“Sweetheart, is it not time you forgive your dad and I? We’re sorry for what happened, I promise there will be peace in this house from now on, I miss your cheerful smile my baby”
Thelma was happy her mother was uttering those words to her, she hugged her
instantly as she was excited
“Mum I’m sorry, I couldn’t stand watching you and dad fight every day ”
”It’s ok sweetheart, go and have a change of cloth, I’ll set the dining ”
She hurried up the stairs like a child that was promised ice cream to her room, she quickly bathed, dressed up and went to the dining to devour her mother’s food.
After eating, their mum went to check on her restaurant while the girls decided to have fresh air outside, they wanted to look around their vicinity, the security Guard opened the gate for them, they sat down on the pavement gisting, they were engrossed in their gist when their neighbour’s gate opened and George walked out, he was looking dapper in his short and body hug sleeveless polo, he was speaking to someone on the phone, Debbie was the first to sight the cute dude, she was already drooling,
“OMG, See fine boy, this one is love at first sight, he’s so cute “She exclaimed
Thelma followed her gaze and saw George busy on the phone, she sighed
”Why are you acting as if you didn’t notice how handsome that guy is, abeg quit your pretence”she smirked at her sister
“I thought you have a boyfriend, ”
”And so? ”
”Dont you think you’re too young for this, your studies should be your priority now, ”
Debbie rolled her eyes
”Dont just start with your preaching, dont spoil our fun this evening, “she warned her sister
A bike stopped in front of George’s gate and a young lady handed him a notebook and the bike rode away immediately, he turned to go back into the house and saw Debbie smiling at him,
He waved at her and she waved back excitedly
“Why are you disgracing me like this? I wish there’s a mirror here, so that you’ll see how foolish you look with your teeth all out as if you’re advertising for close up”
Debbie smiled sheepishly
“Keep on blowing grammar while I think of how to get that guy”
“Dont you think that might be his girlfriend ”
”I don’t Care, all I know is that I love that boy”
“Love? You mean you love someone who doesn’t even know you exist? You‘re joking sis”
“So why did the Maths teacher give you his notebook today, were you not in class when the topic was taught?” Thelma asked her remembering she saw her alone in the staff room after dismissal, and she claimed he was giving her his notebook to copy at home.
Debbie gave Thelma a mind your business look, and she got the message.
They chatted about school and other stuff.
It was getting late outside, they had a great time outside, they returned to the sitting room to watch an interesting programme.
Debbie couldn’t erase George from her mind, she swore to get close to him whether by hook or by crook. A good idea came to her mind.
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