FACADE

Chapter Eighteen

Jason POV

There is a soft knock on the door of my room. There are only two people who knocks before entering my room. First is my mother and second is my nanny and house keeper. Christian doesn't need to knock. He walk in any time he feels like and I never complain because I do the same. 

I know it is my nanny because my mother is not at home. She is rarely at home. Right now she is in Abuja in her biggest company branch that is in Nigeria.

"Come in. "

The door opened and she walk in. I greeted her quietly.

"How was school today?" She asked.

"Fine." I replied. I don't want to say normal like I usually does and which she hates to hear.

"I saw the message about your school annual interschool competition. I already told your mom. But I guess she had also receive it for a while now because she said she had payed for it." She said. I frown. I don't need to hear that. Without any one telling me, I already know that and I don't care.

That is what she is good at. That is what she always do.

"She is still busy over there. I don't know if she will be able to come."

"I never ask her to." I huff.

She sigh. She knows I am angry already about her talking about my mother.

"I talk to Christian mom and she said she will be attending the event."

I roll my eyes. My nan could be so funny sometimes. Its a tradition. It's a must. Christian mother always attend any events that her kids are having at school. Her work give her the freedom and she really care about her children happiness. So it is not new that she will be attending the event so will his younger siblings.

"Jason, I'm sorry I won't be able to attend. My granddaughter is having her interhouse sport that same day and she had been asking me to come and cheer her up that day which I promise I will. The news about your interschool competition came late unless I won't have promised her. I'm so sorry." She apologize. She look like she just stab me a knife.

I don't know why she felt that way.

Well,they are all use to pitying me.

And I hate it.

But she is sincere and I don't want her to worry about something I never give a damn about.

"You don't have to be sorry. It's okay." I said. Its doesn't seem to change her emotion.

"I'm serious it's fine. You need to go and cheer Itunu up. She will love that. You were there last year and the year before so it is fine. And Its not like I am performing any thing." I said with a small smile.

She nodded."Thank you. Your mom may..." I gave her a look which make her to stop. I'm in a better mood now not really a good mood but I don't want to ruin my mood. She won't like it either so she stopped.

"Why are you not performing again this year?" She asked.

"I don't feel like it."

"You have never feel like it. You should have done something to make you happy."

"That won't make me happy." I said a little bit too harsh.

"I'm sorry." I muttered. I know I don't need to be rude at her. She is only trying to give me an advice.

She exhale loudly. But she was quiet. Sometimes I wonder how she cope with my mood swing,frown, short reply and harsh tone. But I guess taking care of me for eight years had make her get use to my attitude. 

"I hope you find something that makes you happy very soon." She said with so much concern and hope in that sentence.

I said nothing but stare at the expensive ceramic pot on top of my cupboard. 

"I'll leave you now. Come down early to have your dinner okay?" She said

"Yes." I nodded and she walk out of the room.

I fall my back on the blue comforter on the bed and stare at the ceiling above. I'm supposed to be angry or sad that nan won't be coming to my school event but I am not. This time I don't really care if I have no one to come.

I would have stay at home but I don't want to . There is nothing to do here than to have bad memories and nightmares. That is why my painting have sad interpretation. There represent sadness, loneliness, pain and bad events because that is just what my life is about. That is the definition of my life.

But I'm going to attend the event not because my mother already payed for it. Who cares? The money means nothing. She give them more than that each year for donations. But because i need to leave the house. 

Been in school,I get to feel different. I feel special because I am feared.

But not just that, I will go and cheer my bestfriend. He deserve it. And also I will want to watch Laila perform. I heard she will be debating. She is also helping in conducting the junior class quiz.

I love to see her talk. That had never been a problem for her. That i know very well. 

A smile crept up to my face at the thought of her. I like the way her lips move when she talks and when she smile. 

Nevertheless, I hope things turn out well that day. I don't want to ruin anybody day so I hope they stay away from me.

*****

Laila POV

I am a little sad because my aunt won't be able to make it to the interschool competition. She will be leaving two days to the time for her seminar. Mr and Mrs Anthony had gone to Canada for their yearly trip. I am alone in this.

"I'm sorry Laila. I will make it up to you." She said bringing me a little comfort. At least I know she really wish to be there and since she payed the fee I am more than grateful. 

It is one of the few times in my life that I really miss my parents and I wish they were here. I don't usually miss them a lot. I don't know why. Maybe I am just contented with the way things are.

But I know deep down I want to know them. I want to know how they look like,what happen to them, which of them is related to my aunt.

I want to ask my aunt about them but it like something is holding me back from doing so. Maybe one day I will find the courage to do so. 

I open my book and begin to practice for the debate. I am going to be the lead speaker of the opposing team and i ought to do well.