Married but Single

Chapter Four ( An unpleasant Surprise)

The school academic calendar for Lent term gradually wound up. Nina was excited partly because the rigours of waking up so early in the morning will end for a while; more so, she'll be spending her two weeks holiday at home. The latter makes her more happy and excited. One with a good guessing skill should know the reason. For the first time in her school year, she'll get to spend her holiday not so lonely; not with boring Grandma but in her father's compounds and with a friend, more like a sibling! She just couldn't wait to play a chess game with Alex. She couldn't wait to watch movies and listen to all those beautiful tales of the Western world!

Alex was not enrolled in school yet because their return was about the same time Schools were writing Lent term exams. So he had to wait to be enrolled next term. He stays at home while his parents who were both Medical doctors have started working at St. Gregory hospital, which is a few miles away from their residence. So, he stays at home all alone while every other person in the compound goes out in the morning and returns in the evening.

Most of the time, his parents don't even come home whenever they are on a night shift. This is the more reason Alex too was looking forward to Nina's holiday. At least, she isn't a boring company going by the few times they have been together.

The Students of Graceland Community college gathered in their hall for the end of term assembly, which was more like a Church service than normal school assembly. Students took turns in singing Praise and worship and afterwards, the Principal gave his long admonition which was rather sounding like a Reverend Father's sermon. Most Students including Nina already dozed off before the end of the speech. And when it was over, the students marched to their various classrooms to receive their results.

As usual, Nina's result was very good. She always come tops in the class. Her father had promised her that if she makes the best result at the end of her high school exam, she will go to any University of her choice. with five more years to go, will she make the best result? Time shall tell.

Mr and Mrs Pedro drove into Graceland Community college compound just as the students were about to leave for their homes. "Nina, Nina, look, your Mum and Dad are here," one of the form one Students shouted. Nina was rather surprised at their visit. They hardly come to her school except on few occasions when they came to buy her text books. Moreover, she walks home. Why on earth did they close their shop to come over here? Nina pondered!

"I'm sure you're surprised," Mr Pedro blurted!, cross examining his daughter whose face looked rather unhappy than surprise. We wanted to surprise you today, knowing fully that today is the end of term. We want to take you straight to Grandma's from here because we are traveling tomorrow.

Nina's face turned pale immediately, she was already sad about seeing her parents because she wanted to walk home with other students. Also, she wanted to have the luxury of visiting Alex at the boys quarters, to show off her results. Now, it's double bad news!

She wouldn't be able to show Alex her result, and she won't walk home alone either. As, for the third news, it's just a no.

" No, Dad, I'll not go to Grandma's. I'll stay back. I'll stay till you and mum return. I'm a big girl now. Moreover, we now have people who live with us in the compound. I won't be lonely." Her Mum tried convincing her but she kept on arguing. she soon burst into tears and this is one thing that Pedro can't withstand. "Honey, Pls let the child be. If she's fine with her decision, then we are cool. But we will not miss our trip tomorrow!"

The Pedro's drove down home together maintaining a grave silence as everyone had so much going on in their minds. Nina wondered why the sudden need for travel but she dared not ask so that she wouldn't attract her parents'wrath. She was however happy that she will finally be home alone. Free as a bird! Free to visit Alex. The thought of being with Alex makes her giggle. She was being careful so that her mum who sat next to her wouldn't notice her sudden happy face.

She simply can't wait for tomorrow!