Perfectly Imperfect

79

"It shouldn't be that much of a big deal," She was quick to continue as if that'd alleviate me of my worries, "I mean, you are in SS3 and you're graduating soon, your friends must have plans of moving out of their countries to further their education too so it won't be like you're the only one leaving them behind."

Of course, we were in SS3 and we were graduating soon, we've always looked forward to that, that's what we've always been thinking about but we just never thought of what would come after.

The fact that we'd all have to go off to some other schools, that we'd all have to leave our current lives behind, start a new one with not necessarily our current friends in it.

I. Did. Not. Like. That. Thought.

I've always known I was going to study Visual Arts and if it wasn't in Coven School of Art here in the country, then it was obviously going to be outside the country but I just haven't allowed myself to dwell much on it, to think much of it but now, I was being forced to think about it.

"Korede, I know you probably don't like the idea and it might be too sudden for you but we really have to move out of the country... For security reasons..."

I sat up.

"What? Why? What security reasons? Are we..."

"Nooo... It's not like that." She interrupted and she put her left hand on my shoulders as if to reassure me. "I just don't want us to be in the same city with your dad when we finally settle everything."

I did not need anyone to tell me that the everything in the statement wasn't just about the divorce and I was torn between asking her to tell me what's up and not asking her.

Looking at her right now, she was looking happier, her eyes were shining as if there was a thousand stars in them. I've always wanted this for her. I've always wanted her to leave this nightmare behind. I've always wanted her to be fully and truly happy and I wasn't going yo deny her that simple happiness because it was just going to cost me a little.

"Alright mom. I understand. I know it's for the best and I actually don't mind."

I mind... There's Kunmi, Sophia... Kunle... I'm not sure what I'd be without them.

"Really? I'm glad you don't mind." She said excitedly before she lurched forward and she threw her hands around me. I smiled, feeling her contagious happiness. "That's why you're my favourite son." before she pulled back.

I chuckled at that.

"You don't even have any other son."

"Yeah, that's why you treat me anyhow you like."

"Mom... I love you."

She rolled her eyes playfully, "I'm not that pretty girl in school that you can't stop looking at when you're with her and can't stop thinking of when you're not with her."

I smiled, feeling that familiar tug at my heart. Just how much I couldn't get enough of Kunmi and just how little she knew this.

Mom shrank back as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"Aaah, aye mi oo, look at how my son is smiling like mumu. Won ti lo nkan fun omo mi." They've used something for my son.

I burst into laughter. I just couldn't help it. God! This woman.

"Just bring her over soon. You can invite her over for dinner."