LIFE AFTER DEATH.

RELATIONSHIPS 2

Curly acted fast, taking her bag and fetching out her inhaler, he administered it to her. As they were occupied, I took the opening and disappeared from their midst.

* * * * * * * * * *

" How was your first day? "

Aunt Vivian asked me with a cheerful voice immediately I stepped foot into the house.

My head was bent, and my fingers roughly grazed my lap as I tapped my feet in anxiety. I had just encountered Tess for the first time and it didn't go well. My first day of school was one I can't put into a description. I was confused. It wasn't a good first experience and it wasn't totally bad since I made a friend. It was odd, but I considered Melanie and Jojo's encounter as a not-so-bad one.

" You can't keep picking me up from school, so we have to talk about that. "

" I think picking you up is a great opening for us to bond... don't you think so? "

I squinted in surprise and looked at her, " I don't want to bond. "

" Well, you can't come home by yourself yet__

" This is not Nigeria and I'm not illiterate. " I didn't wait for her to finish, " I studied the map and I know what to do if I get lost. "

Once again, aunt Vivian looked as though she was defeated, " I will enroll you for a driver's test__

" I'll take the train. "

* * * * * * * * * * *

I was almost to my room door but stopped halfway. I had a question to ask her.

" When is Tess coming here? " I needed to be sure and prepared.

" Later... later today. "

My aunt rubbed her forehead, she sounded disturbed.

" Amaka, you don't have to worry about Tess being here, I promise there's not going to be problems. "

" You know what? I do worry about her being here. " I also was disturbed, for so many reasons that I lost count.

She tried to converse with me, " Amaka__

" I met her in school today and it didn't go too well, so yeah, there may be some problems. "

I remember seeing her lips tremble, I remember watching her struggle to search for the right words to say.

" How come you said nothing about having a stepdaughter? " My anger towards her was all I needed.

" Amaka, please calm down. "

" No answer me! I'm sick of lies and you guys hiding the truth! "

" Amama__

" Why didn't you say anything? " I was overreacting, but somehow I spiraled out of control.

" I did! " She yelled at me, " I told your mother everything she needed to know. " Her tone reduced, " She chose what to tell you in return, that had nothing to do with me. "

That was when I knew that I'd lost the fight. I went mute and observed the staring contest we seemed to be having.

" I'm sorry. " She told me.

I shook my head in disbelief and stormed into my room, banging the door shut behind me.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

I remember falling helplessly on the bed and submerging myself in lucid thoughts. I remember thinking about Aunt Vivian's question, 'How was my first day in school?'

I thought about everything in detail, I thought about Tess and Curly being together and the fresh-new friction between myself and Tess.

I was still lost in my thoughts when I heard a knock on the door. I didn't have the strength to reply. A few seconds later my aunt squeaked the door open.

" I need to be alone, " I rolled over, diverting myself away from her gaze.

" There's someone at the door looking for you. "

My tired eyes opened, and my senses heightened.

" I'm not expecting anyone. " I sat up.

" He said he's your classmate. "

Aunt Vivian sounded agile and thrilled that I had a visitor from school. I swung myself from my bed and walked past her to the supposed visitor.

I expected to see Curly. I didn't know why I was looking forward to seeing him. But I figured we needed to talk, he needed to apologize for leaving out a tiny important detail.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

" Hello, "

A slightly feminine voice made me stop. I turned to see a boy I had not seen before. His black hair was tied in a bun, with hair pink stamps hooked on both left and right sides. His backpack was still with him, he was just returning from school.

I observed his clothing, his shirt stopped just above his navel and his pants were skinny. He wore a jacket and gestured for me to come. His fingers had rings all over them.

" How is he looking for me? I don't even know who that is. " I told my aunt, bending my head slightly back into the house.

" Well, I guess it's time you found out. I need to get back to work. "

" You're leaving me alone with him? " I needed to be sure.

" Don't worry, you're in safe hands. " I heard her sigh, " There's some money in the drawer by the side of my bed. Get food later, will you? "

I didn't want to engage in further discussion with my aunt, although there was a lot I needed to say. Aunt Vivian went for her car keys and gave me a smile and a nod before she went out of the house.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

" Don't be scared, " The boy played with his hair, " I don't bite. "

" Who said I was scared, " I maintained my position. " I'm merely concerned. Who are you? " I locomoted backward, ''what do you want? ''

He chuckled, " Do I have to want something to see my neighbor, what if I just want to get familiar? "

The word neighbor rang severely in my ear. That must be why aunt Vivian was able to leave the house with a stranger in it. She must know him.

I folded my arms, " I don't think you are. "

" So you're another weirdo, " He sighed, " I like you. " He smiled at me.

My stomach made a funny noise. I was hungry, but I needed to finish with the boy first.

" Could you at least be nice and invite me inside? How long will you stand there? " He questioned.

He was right, I was in my house. I boldly invited him inside.

" Hi. " I said.

" Hi, Amaka. " He replied with a smirk as he strolled inside.

" Great, " I sighed, " You know who I am. "

" I was in class when you introduced yourself. Remember that? "

I did remember, " Yeah, and are you? "

" Parish, I'm Gustavo's brother. "

My gaze became still, I scrutinized him for the second time to verify his claims, but I couldn't place my finger on it. First of all, he looked nothing like Curly, there was no resemblance. Curly was Mexican and Parish was a typical American boy.

Their names were a testimony of what I felt, so how were they, brothers? He was lying, that was my stance.

He caught me observing him, " Yes... I get that a million times, he's my brother. "

" Fine. " I sighed, I didn't believe him, but I needed to get it over with, " Why are you here? "

" Believe me, " His hands swung to his chest, " I like you... you are... " He made a funny face and gave me a head-to-toe look, " You are weird. "

My jaw was dropping, and Parish's visit irked me as it prolonged.

" But, I need to talk to you about Gustavo. "

My curiosity was at its peak, " Look, I didn't know that he was in a relationship__

" I don't care about Tess. "

I adjusted myself into the chair properly but quickly, " Then why are you here? "

" I know you've been letting Gustavo into your room, "

I patiently waited to know where he was heading to.

" Stop it. " His voice went stern, " I don't care to know whatever is going on with you guys, put an end to it. "