I ADORE HER

Chapter 2: Family, Laughter, and a Call

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The evening sun draped its orange glow across the Daniel mansion, spilling through the large glass windows and painting the marble floors in shades of gold. The house looked more alive than ever—the soft hum of the generator in the background, the gentle scent of roasted chicken wafting from the kitchen, and the quiet music coming from Segun’s speaker somewhere in the living room.

Tonia pushed open the front door and stepped inside, her heels clicking lightly as she entered. The moment her brothers heard the sound, they exchanged knowing glances.

“Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence,” Segun called from the couch, pretending to stretch lazily. He had his laptop open, but his grin told her he was waiting for this moment.

Tonia dropped her bag on the couch and tossed her hair over her shoulder with mock confidence. “Oh please, don’t start. I just went to Aunt Dora’s store, not to the moon.”

Kunle laughed from where he was sitting on the floor, controller in hand. “You sure? Because you came back glowing like you just met your soulmate!”

Tonia gasped dramatically. “Excuse me! Glowing? Maybe because I’m beautiful, Kunle. Don’t hate.”

Segun smirked. “No, it’s the ‘Aunt Dora special treatment’ glow. Did she give you new dresses again?”

“Maybe,” Tonia said, twirling slightly. “But I also helped her arrange the store. And guess what—some guys were there just staring like they’ve never seen a girl before.”

Segun pretended to choke on his drink. “Oh, so that’s why! Our little princess is out there making heads turn.”

“Abeg stop!” Kunle added, laughing. “She’s still a baby.”

Tonia shot him a mock glare. “Baby? Kunle, I’m seventeen, not seven!”

Segun chuckled. “Same thing. You’ll always be our baby sister.”

Their laughter filled the house, echoing through the hallways like music. Moments like this were what Tonia cherished most—home never felt lonely or dull. Her brothers teased her endlessly, but it was always rooted in love.

Just as she was about to reply with another playful retort, her phone buzzed on the couch. She picked it up and saw Bidex flashing on the screen.

Her face instantly brightened. “It’s Bidex!” she squealed, answering the call. “Big bro! How far na?”

“Temi baby!” came Bidex’s deep, cheerful voice from the other end. The familiar background hum of Abuja traffic could be heard faintly. “How’s my favorite girl doing?”

Tonia grinned. “I’m fine o. Everyone’s fine. When are you coming to Lagos? You’ve been promising since last month.”

Bidex laughed. “Funny you asked. That’s actually why I called. I’ll be in Lagos on Thursday—with Loveth and a few of my friends. One of my guys is getting married, and the owambe will be lit. We’ll stay in my house on the Island for a few days.”

“Yayyy!” Tonia screamed, jumping slightly. “Finally! Everyone misses you.”

“Tell Segun and Kunle to behave,” Bidex continued teasingly. “And you, princess, don’t go anywhere without telling me first, okay? Lagos boys are wild.”

Segun, overhearing the conversation, laughed. “She already knows! We’ve been lecturing her daily.”

Tonia rolled her eyes. “You all act like I can’t take care of myself.”

“Just be careful, okay?” Bidex said, his tone softening. “And tell Mom I’ll call her later tonight.”

“Okay, big bro,” Tonia said gently. “Safe journey when you’re coming. We’ll be waiting!”

After the call ended, she sighed happily. She missed her eldest brother deeply; he’d always been her protector even though he lived far away.

Just then, the delicious aroma from the kitchen grew stronger. Their mother was preparing dinner, and the sound of sizzling stew filled the air.

“Dinner will be ready soon,” their mother called. “Someone go and set the table!”

“I’ll do it!” Tonia said, slipping off her heels and heading to the dining area.

As she set the plates neatly, arranging cutlery and napkins, the doorbell rang. Segun went to open it, and a familiar, elegant voice echoed through the hallway.

“Surprise!”

“Aunt Dora!” Tonia exclaimed, rushing forward with a bright smile.

Her aunt looked stunning as always—clad in a flowing Ankara gown with gold accessories glinting softly under the light. Beside her stood Nuella, her teenage daughter, who had inherited her mother’s poise and charm.

“Tonia, my beauty!” Aunt Dora said, hugging her tightly. “You’re glowing more every time I see you. I just had to come spend the night with you all. It’s been too long.”

Tonia giggled. “You saw me just this morning, Auntie!”

“Still too long,” Dora said with a playful pout.

Their mother came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands. “Ah, Dorothy! You’re here! What a surprise!”

They hugged warmly, and soon the house was buzzing with excitement. Nuella joined Kunle and Segun in the living room, instantly slipping into conversation as if she’d always been part of the household.

By dinner time, the dining table looked like something out of a food magazine—steaming jollof rice, fried plantain, grilled chicken, and bowls of fresh salad. The laughter around the table was infectious. Stories flowed easily—funny childhood memories, arguments about whose cooking was better, and Dora’s endless teasing of her sister for spoiling her children too much.

“Ehn, if you see how this girl—Tonia—was shining at my store today,” Dora began, making everyone laugh. “Even the mannequins were jealous. I told her, ‘You’ll cause traffic in Lagos one day!’”

“Not traffic, Aunt Dora!” Tonia protested, hiding her face behind her palm.

“Traffic o!” Dora insisted. “All the boys in the store nearly forgot what they came to buy.”

Segun groaned. “Aunt Dora, please don’t feed her ego. It’s already too big!”

Tonia shot him a glare, and everyone burst into laughter.

The dinner continued with warmth and joy, the kind of evening that made everyone feel grateful for family. Even Dora, despite her usual reservations about men and relationships, seemed at ease here.

After dinner, they moved to the sitting room. The air smelled faintly of vanilla candles, and the cool breeze from the air conditioner made the room cozy. Aunt Dora sat on one of the couches with a glass of juice, her legs crossed elegantly. Nuella sat beside Tonia, scrolling through her phone, while Segun and Kunle argued about football on the other side.

Tonia leaned back with a content sigh. “I love nights like this.”

Her aunt smiled. “It’s because home is peace, my dear. No matter where you go, this feeling is rare.”

Before Tonia could respond, her phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen—a strange number.

“Who’s that?” Segun asked immediately.

“I don’t know,” Tonia replied. “Maybe someone from school.”

“Pick it,” Kunle urged. “Let’s hear.”

She answered and pressed the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

A male voice came through, low and uncertain. “Hi… is this Tonia?”

“Who’s asking?” she said sharply.

“It’s me—uh, Collins. I got your number from Faith, your friend. She said you’re cool to talk to.”

Tonia’s brows furrowed instantly. “Excuse me? Faith gave you my number without asking me?”

“Uh—yeah, I just wanted to—”

“Don’t call this number again!” she snapped, her tone cutting like glass. “Next time, tell Faith to ask permission before giving strangers my contact. Rubbish!”

She ended the call with a hard tap and tossed the phone onto the couch, muttering, “Nonsense!”

The room went silent. Aunt Dora stared at her, eyes wide, mouth slightly open.

“Tonia…” she said softly, almost incredulous. “That was… unexpected.”

Segun and Kunle, however, burst out laughing, high-fiving each other.

“That’s my sister!” Segun shouted proudly. “That’s how you handle nonsense boys!”

Kunle added, “Imagine some random guy thinking he can talk to our princess? Never!”

Tonia folded her arms, still fuming. “I hate when people do that. Giving out someone’s number like it’s free candy.”

Her mother, from the corner, shook her head with a mix of amusement and approval. “Good girl. Let them know your worth.”

Aunt Dora still seemed stunned. “But… you were so harsh,” she murmured. “Maybe he meant no harm.”

Segun grinned. “Auntie, you don’t understand. Boys nowadays? They’ll ruin your peace if you let them.”

That made Aunt Dora fall silent for a moment. She stared into her glass, her expression softening but shadowed by something deeper—old memories, perhaps.

Tonia noticed the change in her tone. “Aunt Dora, are you okay?”

Her aunt smiled faintly. “I’m fine, darling. Just… reminded of a few things.”

Everyone went quiet for a beat.

They all knew, though rarely spoke of it, that Aunt Dora had once been married—to a man who treated her with cruelty and indifference. The divorce had left scars she still carried, invisible but real. Since then, she had harbored a deep dislike for men, especially the charming kind.

“I just hope,” Dora said softly, swirling the juice in her glass, “that none of you ever let any man make you feel less than what you are. Especially you, Tonia.”

Tonia leaned over and hugged her. “I won’t, Auntie. I promise.”

For a while, they sat there in comfortable silence. The TV played softly in the background, laughter occasionally rising from Segun and Kunle’s side of the room. But the warmth of the evening lingered—a blend of love, protection, and the silent understanding that this family, for all its teasing and noise, was bound tightly by affection.

When it was finally time for bed, Tonia climbed the stairs slowly, her heart light but thoughtful. As she entered her room, she took a moment to gaze out the window at the glittering Lagos skyline. Somewhere out there, life was waiting—bigger, louder, and full of surprises.

She smiled faintly, whispering to herself, “Let’s see what tomorrow brings.”

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