Behind the Mask✔

Chapter 24

We sat in uncomfortable silence before she finally left and I was alone again. I rinsed my face because of the headache I had after all that crying and after it didn't work, I dragged myself up for a full bath and succeeded in cooling off. Mum drove in when I was done with my bath and already working on my assignment. I checked the time and saw she was a little late. I guessed that would be added to the reasons she was a bad wife

When I saw her come down from her car and walk inside, I went downstairs to greet her and surprisingly, I met Aunty Chika still around

"Good evening ma " I greeted her as I collected her handbag and she responded.

"So you didn't see me, ehn Mabel?" Aunty Chika asked mum who simply gave a small smile before greeting her

"Good evening Chika ". She turned to me

"My dear, how was school today?"

I smiled as I recalled maths class
"It was fine ma "

"Okay, thank God. Eh hen! I brought out a bowl of vegetable soup this morning to thaw and I'm sure it must have done so. Just heat it up and make eba so we can eat "

"Why eba? I want pounded yam " dad said coming down the stairs

"Me too " Aunty Chika said and mum laughed

"I'm very tired and I don't have the time or the strength for this drama you both want to start this evening so if you want pounded yam, make it and eat" Mum said gently

"So I can't say what I want to eat in my own house?" Dad questioned and mum scowled

"No one is stopping you from saying and eating what you want to eat but I can't pound yam this night. It's impossible " Mum warned and was about to pass when dad stopped her

"Mabel, I'm asking you to cook for me and you're here giving flimsy excuses. Has it gotten to the point where I can no longer feel free in my own house?"

"Michael what is it?!" Mum snapped "I've told you if you can't eat what's available make what you want yourself or tell your beautiful sisters to make it for you but as you see me, I'm not pounding anything for you "

"You see it, bad wife shouting at her husband " Aunty Chika said and mum stared at her in amusement then faced dad again before speaking

"Oh! That's what this is about. It has been planned out. You all just want to make me look bad . I laugh in Urhobo language because heaven bears me witness that I have tried in this house but you all are hell bent on frustrating my life. It won't work o but I must say well done." Mum said and walked out and I ran after her grateful that I was not asked to pound the yam.

I went to do mum's bidding and when the food was ready, I called mum to come and serve everyone and she came and did so. We were eating quietly until grandma spoke

"We are having a family meeting here on Saturday and all of you must be present and that includes you Mabel "

Mum's head jerked up from her plate of food surprise enveloping her face

"My Saturday is booked" Mum said and grandma eyed her vigorously

"That's none of my business. You will be there and that's final " grandma snapped

"Mama please " mum cried out "how does your family meeting concern me?"

Before grandma could speak , Aunty Chika spoke

"It concerns you because it is your bad attitude that made us call this meeting "

"Excuse me?" Mum said "My bad attitude? Please someone explain "

"So you insulting my sisters and slaping me isn't bad attitude? " Dad asked and mum furrowed her brows in a frown

"Need I remind you that you Michael laid your hands on me. Should I also remind you that what you did that night is termed domestic violence and my reaction is termed self defense. Do you need to be told that you are the one with the worst attitude in this house?"

Dad looked up from his plate of food and frowned at mum but said nothing

"This one she's saying is just grammar" Aunty Ebere muttered and mum faced her

"Ebere what did you say?"

"It's just grammar. You will attend that meeting "

Mum gave her a cold stare before speaking "That grammar was to let your brother know that his actions are punishable by the law "

Everyone kept quiet but the atmosphere was very tense and one could literally feel the heat.

"I will attend the meeting" Mum said breaking the silence

"Better " Grandma said

"But only to hear what jokes you all have to crack and to clearly state my intentions but let me first alert you . The next time Michael lays a finger on me , I won't let it slide "

"How dare you threaten me? !" Dad said banging his fist on the table and grandma held his hands and mum laughed

"What is it ? I only spoke my mind just like you all have been doing. Besides I'm not the only one you'll be harming if anything happens. I have to think of my children and know that I don't joke with them "

I smiled at mum's boldness but I hoped it won't have any negative impact on me.

*********

I was back from school the next day and after having my bath , the first thing I did was call Felicia since she was not in school. She didn't pick up the first time so I tried it again and she picked on the third ring

"Felicia, hello " I started the conversation

"Hey " she simply replied and instantly I was concerned. She sounded like she was crying

"Felicia is anything the matter? Why are you crying? "

"Jasmine, my mum is dead "

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Nwam means my child in Igbo

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