Dark bonds

I grabbed my toothbrush and headed to the bathroom, a grin stretching across my face. Finally, school was resuming after the longest, dullest vacation in the history of vacations. Sure, California had its beaches, fast food, and picture-perfect sunsets, but I’d take the chaos of Nigeria over all that any day. Freedom beats palm trees any time. Already dressed for school in my multicolored velvet top and black trousers, I trudged out of my room, feeling like a million bucks—or at least like someone who hadn’t completely messed up their outfit. My black leather boots clicked against the tiles as I walked, my ponytail swaying behind me. I carried my laptop like it was made of glass, carefully balancing it while nudging the door shut with my foot. “Good morning, Miss Ada,” Officer Bernice greeted, standing by the door as still and serious as ever. “Morning. Here, take this,” I said, shoving the laptop into her hands like it was the most natural thing in the world. She didn’t even flinch, just followed me down the curved staircase, her footsteps clicking in sync with mine. The other officers greeted me as we passed. I barely glanced at them. Honestly, did they expect me to respond to each one? I wasn’t running for office. By the time I reached the car, I was out of breath and ready to collapse. At the base of the stairs, I walked into the sitting room—scratch that, the ballroom. The place was ridiculous. Marble floors gleamed under a parade of chandeliers, and plush cushions stretched as far as the eye could see. TVs were scattered everywhere, each tuned to something different. News, football, cartoons—pick your poison. Dad was lounging on a couch, one hand scrolling through his phone, the other gripping a glass of—wait, was that liquor? Seriously? He was smiling at whatever was on his screen, taking slow, sneaky sips like he thought he was being subtle. “Dad,” I called, making him jump. The man practically tossed the glass behind his back, but it was too late. Busted. “You never listen, do you?” I said, plopping down beside him. “Your doctors told you to quit drinking. Remember your liver?” “Adanna,” he groaned, rubbing his temple. “Enough with the lectures. You’re going to be late for school.” Ah, the classic deflection. Alarms started blaring in my head. Something was up. “The contract,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Who are you awarding it to?” “Zil Limited,” he answered reluctantly. “They submitted the best proposal.” “What kind of ‘best’ are we talking about here?” “Money,” he said, waving a hand dismissively. “They want two million dollars to clear the land before construction. Now, have you eaten breakfast?” “Bernice brought it to my room,” I replied, unimpressed by his blatant dodge. “What about Mom? Any updates?” His face tightened. “The WHO extended her contract. She won’t be home for another three months.” Three months?! My heart skipped, but I forced myself to stay cool. “She was supposed to come home today,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Guess promises are out of fashion now, huh?” Dad sighed. “Adanna, she’s saving lives. It’s important work.” “Sure, Dad,” I said flatly. “Saving lives. Amazing. Meanwhile, she just disappears for months, like it’s no big deal.” I snatched his glass and shoved it into the nearest officer’s hand. “Get rid of this,” I snapped, then grabbed my laptop from Bernice and stormed out before I could say something I’d regret. The tears stinging my eyes weren’t because of Mom. Definitely not. The drive to Nerland High School was uneventful, as usual. By the time I walked into class, Mr. Adeleke’s glare was waiting for me. “Miss Ada,” he barked. “First day of school, and you’re late?” “Get a wife, snappy old man,” I mumbled under my breath, sliding into my seat. My friends—Aisha, Luke, Obinna, and Matthew—acknowledged me in their usual ways. Aisha waved, Matthew winked, and the other two just nodded like the cool kids they thought they were. --- By lunch, we’d all gathered at our usual table in the cafeteria. “How was California?” Aisha asked, practically bouncing in her seat. “Terrible,” I muttered, stabbing my food with unnecessary force. “I couldn’t step outside without an escort.” “You’re missing out,” Luke said, smirking. “California’s amazing.” “Stick to your food, Hollywood,” I shot back, pointing at his overflowing tray. “You won’t even finish half that taco,” he quipped, clearly enjoying himself. Before I could fire back, Obinna jumped in, shaking his head like a disappointed parent. “You’ve changed, Ada. Usually, you’d have a sharper comeback. Now you’re just... boring.” I gasped. Dramatically. “Excuse me? I am NOT boring!” My voice cracked halfway through, and Aisha lost it, laughing so hard she had tears streaming down her face. “You sound like a baby!” she wheezed, barely managing to stay upright. Even Matthew joined in, his chuckles loud enough to turn heads. I glared at them, crossing my arms. “You’re all the worst.” Once the laughter died down, Aisha knocked on the table. “Guys, aren’t we forgetting something?” They stared blankly. “Ada’s mom was supposed to come home today,” she reminded them. “Oh yeah!” Matthew exclaimed. “We were planning a welcome party!” “She’s not coming,” I said quietly, stabbing my food again. “Three more months.” The table fell silent. Obinna stood abruptly. “We’ll go get her.” I almost choked. “She’s in a high-security lab in Washington,” I said. “What are you going to do? Kidnap her?” He didn’t even blink. “If that’s what it takes.” “No!” I shot back, blocking his way. “She’ll come back when she’s ready. Don’t do anything stupid.” “But—” “Don’t.” Aisha placed a hand on his arm, and he reluctantly sat back down. “Promise me,” Obinna said, his voice low. “Promise me you’ll stop pretending like everything’s fine.” I raised an eyebrow. “Who’s pretending?” I snapped. “But sure. Whatever.” The bell rang, breaking the tension. As we shuffled back to class, I could feel their concern hanging in the air, unspoken but heavy.