LUSTRE

CHAPTER 1

She was so tired she needed some rest. In the comfort of her bed her eyelids were closing up she needed some afternoon nap. but,the loud bang on the door denied her the chance. lazily she gets up and with sleepy eyes walk towards the door, open it to behold her mother's face.

ohhhhh mum! she sigh

Mrs Janice walk to the bed and sit on it, she ( lustre) equally does the same.

Mum what is it?

pack your bags...

why mum?

your Aunt is coming to the house this afternoon and you will tag along with her when she's going back to Abuja tomorrow so pack your bags.

But mum..... she had a sour expression on her face.

what? Mrs Janice ask.

Mum I wasn't pre informed, you should have told me before now so I would atleast prepare even though I don't know the sudden reason for this journey.

well that's why am telling you now.

mum it's just noon , it's not enough and you know it.

it was impromptu Lustre, you don't have to make a big deal outta it. Abuja is a nice place, you will continue your education there and you will make new friends.

still you should have told me earlier.

Are you deaf? Mrs Janice was growing impatient, I said it was impromptu. pack your bags now so you don't delay her tomorrow be a good girl.

Mrs Janice gets up and leave.

wow ! just like that huh? Dad has to help me out here.

in her Dad's room he is seen reading a book, she stands for a minute after knocking she enter and sits on the bed

Daddy I don't want to go on the trip, Lustre whine.

it's for your own good my dear, Mr Nathan say.

Dad you guys are literally forcing me to do something I don't wanna do , why is no one asking for my opinion?

Lustre dear you are 17years old and in your senior secondary school 2, you are free to make your own decisions but in this case you can't.

Dad it's my life.

it's your life of course but we are your parents and we know what's good for you.

but.....

No buts Lustre, no buts... this discussion is over, Mr Nathan pick up the book he was reading.

Hopeless case! Lustre screamed in her head . I thought you would be more reasonable than mum, gets up angrily and peace the room banging the door.

Mr Nathan stares after her, his face sober.

Lustre lays on the bed thinking, it's 4pm her mum knocks on the door.

lustre, your Aunt Agatha is here come out and greet her, be in your best behavior.

few minutes later, she joins the trio in the sitting room and slump on the sofa.

Lustre sit straight you are looking dead, Mrs Janice say.

she ignores her mum. Good evening Aunt Agatha she say weakly, she has been crying her father glare at her.

How are you darling? Agatha coy.

Am good.

so Janice she's in the know right?

ohh yes Agatha infact, her luggage is ready you have nothing to worry about.

that's good to hear.

Agatha, Mr Nathan calls. promise me you will let her finish high school, she's currently in her senior secondary 2.

of course I promise. besides, I would not want my God daughter to be a drop out Mrs Agatha smile.

That's good then .

Honey don't you trust my best friend anymore? Mrs Janice ask

Not that, just making sure.

lustre dear, pls get me a glass of water.

Agatha jolt Lustre back to reality. she's lost in her own thoughts, she felt as if she wasn't there ,that she was melting becoming one with air.

she managed to stand up and hand the water over to Agatha

so what do you like? what are your fantasies, your dreams?

Lustre keeps numb.

Lustre! her mum call, her tone spelling anger and irritating. your Aunt is talking to you.

I heard her, lustre muttered unperturbed.

Am sure you will love it there Lustre, her Aunt continue ignoring the cold treatment. it's beautiful, nice, superb and u can.....

I know Aunt Agatha, Lustre cuts in with a fake smile. can I go now? she attempt to get up.

Lustre sit back down! her father orders.

Mr Nathan pls let her, I understand it's sad to be away from home and from ones parent, u may go Lustre.

Thanks. she gets up , collect the cup and place it on the shelf.

Agatha stare at her retreating figure.

i mean who wouldn't stare soul-deep at Lustre? she is indeed very pretty her beauty spoke volumes, she looked nothing like her parents, although she has never seen any of her relatives , she sometimes got curious but instincts guided her especially when she itched to ask the question so bad, maybe your relatives are dead or your parents are the only child of their parents, her instinct explained.

coupled with her beauty she is blessed with good manners and extreme intelligence, the only thing Lustre lacked was a 100 percent love and affection from her parents. she is always a second priority to them, she knew that her parents didn't care too much if she traveled with a so called Godmother to an unknown place. she sometimes wondered if she is really their biological child or her mind and feelings were playing tricks on her. whatever the case may be, she is still grateful for the basic things she received even if there were not so sufficient.

Janice I really need to get some rest, it's been such a tight, hectic day. Agatha say .

ok dear, good night and sleep well. they both say in unison.

you guys too. Agatha leave towards her room shutting the door behind her.