Sniffing slightly, I rub my red eyes as I hugged my pillow close to my chest. I can't believe this is happening to me. Me. Of all people.
We are not living in the 18th century for goodness sake. What sort of archaic thinking is this?! I wipe the hot tears from my bloated cheeks as i bit my pillow to muffle and contain my tears.
I just got the biggest shock of my life! I have been sold!
No.. Not into slavery, this is much more bigger than slavery.
Can-can you believe am in an arranged marriage with Olashubomi Cole?!
An arranged marriage! What were my parents thinking?
No wonder he was so bold and always felt entitled.
Another round of tears left my eyes, a set of sobs escaped my lips. Am not someone who usually cries, i do this on rare occasions like this one. This can't be happening to me.
When we got back home from the party yesterday, I sat my parents down asking and grilling the answers out of them and the answers was not what I was expecting. Not even in a million years.
My parents had an agreement with the Cole's years ago just after I was born, in other to strengthen their friendship and bond they thought it wise to put their only son and heir and I in an arranged marriage.
We are to get married when we are ready, in other words, when he is ready.
I had an hot argument with my parents yesterday night and I haven't stepped out of my room ever since. They need to call the damn thing off. Heaven knows we can't work!
I have a lot of dreams and aspirations I want to achieve and getting married to Shubomi of all people was not part of it.
I had to switch off my phone since he was so adamant on harassing me with phone calls and text messages. I sniffed.
"Teni? Can I come in?" My mother asked from the other side of the door.
" I don't want to see anyone!" I hear her sigh.
"Am off to the airport to pick your brothers. Since you are in no mood to come along, at least freshen up before the arrive. Will you?... Please?... " she begged but I stay mute.
I listen as she walks away. This is not the Christmas I was expecting...
"No, you don't look happy to see me" Seyi pestered from beside me making me let out a sigh of exhaustion.
"Of course am happy to see you big brother" I poured myself a glass of orange juice before directing my stare towards Akinola who was also sitting beside my mum staring at my exhausted face. "And you too, Egbon"
Yes... My brothers are back like they promised, my mum and Pa. Sammy picked them from the airport this morning. They were a little pissed off that I didn't come along. They knew something was off immediately they saw my fake smile and expression in which I used to welcome them.
"No, I refuse to believe that. Something is wrong somewhere. There seems to be a gloomy cloud over you ever since we got back"
I say nothing ignoring my parents heated looks as I focused on the food which looks and smells delicious but due to the fact that I lost my appetite, i find it hard to savor the taste.
"You are not eating your food" I look up to meet Bro. Akin's eyes which was staring at me in worry over the grand dining table in which the whole family was sitting.
"Nothing is wrong with your sister, boys. Eat your food" it was an order from my father which you dare not disobey.
Everyone continued with their meal while I use my fork to poke the rice, eating as much as i can but with glances they both threw my way I think they do know something is wrong.
Half way into the dinner I broke the silence.
"I will be going to the orphanage tomorrow, after church service" I stated taking a big gulp from the orange juice.
"I can arrange everything you need like always_"
"That won't be necessary" I cut my mum off, adding to the tension in the room.
"Why? I do this every year, what is the difference_"
"Well I don't want you doing it this year mum, i want it done my own way okay!" I snapped through gritted teeth.
"Young lady... I won't have you talk to your mother like that" my father glared through his word.
I huff. I was forced to the stupid dinner anyway.
"Am done with this dinner " I drop my cutleries as I quickly stood up before walking out of the room as I feel their heated stares on my back. It's a good thing I wasn't called back.
The orphanage home was located in the city, it was a non governmental organization being run by the Catholic church. The Reverend Sister was a familiar face as well as few of the children.
Ewatomi accompanied Teni to the home since she texted her a day before. After church service, Pa Sammy drove Teni to Surulere before taking both of them to the orphanage home.
The children were so happy with the gifts which contained food, beverages, toiletries, clothes etc. Her mum had gotten everything ready... Like always.
They take a few pictures and they both had conversations with the children, listening to their observations and complains.
"I am really glad you invited me to join you in doing this" she gestured back at the house accommodating the children.
"It's nothing, i just don't want to come here alone" I shrugged adjusting the silver chain straps of my small Gucci purse accommodating my iPhone, three thousand naira notes, my credit card and two chocolate candy.
We both wore a dress, mine was purple in color while hers was a dull yellow.
"This is like an eye opener you know?"
"How?" I asked curiously
"I have a mother who do all her best in taking care of me and my two siblings. Am still better than those children Teni, even though I don't have a father, I still have my mother. Those kids have none... " she purged out her emotions looking sad.
I gave her a light smile wrapping my hands around her shoulders as we both walked towards the Range Rover. I opened it as Pa Sammy got into the driver seat.
We settled in as he starts the car. I turned to look at her.
"This will be the third year"
"Uhn?" She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.
"This year makes it the third year I started doing this" I bring out my phone, going through the text messages of people wishing me a Merry Christmas.
"How did you come about it?"
My mind went back to the incident and how this whole thing started.
"Teni?"
"It's a long story, I don't want to talk about it" I shake my head raising up my phone for a picture "smile... " i chimed.
We both smiled into the camera taking one or two selfies, we made a pouty face and a funny one, laughing at the pictures as we made our way home.
🌺🏀🚙
I threw the ball to the hoop only for it to miss again. I glare at the bouncy ball trying hard to control my burning anger. I feel my friends eyes on me as they stare at me thinking about what could have caused my anger.
She is damn too complicated. My hand goes to rub the cheek she slapped two days ago. Even for a girl, she has a nice hit.
I picked the basket ball again. Presently, am in my house at Banana island. I don't want to see anyone but trust my friends to find their way in even when I said I don't want to see anyone.
They found me in the lounge, throwing a ball into the loop which was getting difficult due to the fact that I was angry.
"Don't tell me am going to spend the rest of Christmas day watching you throw a ball around" Prince complained.
"Am not holding you down" I grunted.
"We promised to spend Christmas together" Tokunbo stated. I shrugged throwing the ball again, it missed. I huffed.
"What got you so worked up?" Tokunbo asked.
"She slapped me" I finally let out.
"Who?"
"Teniola slapped me" I fumed.
Looking down at my socks covered feet not ready to see their reaction.
I look up as I hear a snicker from Folahami. I glared at their amused expressions. Adeolu was trying so hard to contain his laughter as his lips kept on twitching.
"It is not funny! " I exclaimed stomping my foot on the ground. I sounded like an eight year old throwing a fit.
"We never said it was airhead " Folahami stated with a smirk.
I narrowed my eyes at him, he is the quiet one in the group but a times when he opens his mouth to talk, you would wished he hadn't.
"So what happened?" Tokunbo asked as I shake my head "Nothing?" I nodded.
"She won't even pick my calls" I groaned.
"I never thought I would see this day, a girl slapped the almighty Shubomi Cole in his house, yet he did nothing and still tried to call her. Meeennnn... You are whipped!" Prince laughed at his words.
"Shut up! Am not whipped you idiot!" I glowered.
"She is living her life though" Folahami said as he stares at his phone screen.
"What? How?" My feet moved towards him.
He turns the phone screen towards me. He was on Instagram and it was Teni Instagram page that was displayed on his phone screen.
I stared at the pictures of her and Tomi, she posted it and it has received hundred of likes under few minutes. They were grinning at the camera, i smirk as a thought came to my head.
"I have an idea"
Translation:
Egbon ;older brother or sister.
Virtual class sucks on different levels *crying*