DESTINED TO LIVE TOGETHER

Chapter 4

BRIAN'S MOMENT

Brian, Anabella's younger brother, was happy he would be officially signing out of secondary school in a week's time. He sat at the balcony of the house listing out things he would be needing for his graduation ceremony. Just then, his phone rang. Taking a look at the phone, it was a conference call with his parents.

Good day Mum, Good day dad! He greeted her while beaming with smiles. How are you both doing? You look young and good, he complemented.

"We are good sons", they responded. Where is your sister Brian? His mother, Mrs Bright asked. We tried engaging her on the call, but she wasn't responding.

She is her room mum, she's sleeping and obviously her phone is on silent. Dad called, I'll be out of secondary school in a week's time. I feel big, he said while laughing.

You obviously should feel big, and we've got another surprise for you. My mother and I are already processing your documents. You will be joining us in Canada immediately after your secondary education.

Mum, Brian called, is dad serious or are you both pulling my legs, because this wasn't the initial agreement.

Well, you're right Son, but my father and I had a change of thought and plans, and so, we decided that you go for your undergraduate studies in Canada here and…

Don't you like the idea, his father, Mr Bright interrupted?

Of course, I do. I mean who wouldn't be, Brian responded with a smile. I just wanted to be sure and not get excited over a prank.

I'll send some money across to you and your sister, inform her to reach out to us once she wakes up, alright?

Alright dad, Brian responded happily, bye mum. The call ended and Brian was super excited. WOW! So I'll be leaving this country soon. Anny needed to wake up to hear this update, and he dashed inside the house.

Days kept approaching and boom, Brian's graduation is finally here. Brian woke up very early, likewise Anabella, because she was baking his graduation cake as well and needed to round up.

What time are you leaving for school? Anabella asked, so I'd know when to call Joyce to come over.

The graduation ceremony commences at 11:30am. I'll be leaving by 11am. I've got all my stuff ready.

It's 10am. I think you should start getting ready. I'll put a call across to Joyce ASAP. I'll come with her.

Brian went inside the room to get dressed, his clothes were well ironed, his well polished shoes, tie and his fully charged phone for pictures and fun.

You look good and amazing, Brian. I'm super proud of you, baby brother, and I'm sure mum and dad are too.

Thanks a lot, I'll be expecting you. I'm off. Your boy is off secondary school, he said with a huge smile. No more uniform, he screamed while jamming the door after him.

Anabella hastened up with the cake, took her bath and decided to call Chris; she would have loved him to attend, so they could spend time together.

(Dialing): "Hi Chris. Good morning, Anabella. How was your night?"

“Hi dear, I'm okay, how is it going over there?”

“Fine”. I wanted to ask for a favor, I don't know if you are available, Anabella said faintly, not sure of his response.

What's the occasion? I had an important meeting, Chris lied too. You should have informed me earlier.

Ooo!, my bad, Anabella said hissing...it's Saturday, so I assumed you're available. It's my brother's graduation from secondary school today. I thought I could tag you along…

Oh really, sorry about that, and congratulations to him. Let me get ready for my meeting in an hour. Chris lied again.

(Call drops) Joyce is my last option. I'd just call her and, besides, she showed interest in attending as well.

Just when Anabella was about dialing Joyce's number, the doorbell rang. Who's home? The voice asked from outside.

Oooh wow! Anabella said, opening the door for her best friend Joyce. You came right on time. I was to call your number.

What stopped you from calling it since Joyce teased her while brushing her hair over again?

I actually called Chris. I thought he would be available to tag along, but as usual he isn't. Hmmm…

You are so into this guy, but I don't think he reacts the same to you. Why are you still falling for him?

I sincerely don't have a response to that, but he says he loves me and I want to believe that because I love him too.

You want to believe that when his actions speak otherwise? And he ...

That's enough. Baby girl Anabella responded immediately, it's my brother's day today, not some lecture about my relationships.

You can be stubborn. Anny, please are you done with the cake, let's get going.

I'm done. Give me a few minutes, let me lock up and tidy the house. It's been a stressful night. Thank God it's ending today.

Anabella and Joyce arrived at Brian's school at about 11:45pm. They sat in a comfortable position and got entertained with every activity in the school.

At exactly 3:45pm the occasion was coming to an end. Brian was called up on stage to address the school and students as the best graduating student in the school.

Anabella was beaming with smiles, seeing her brother excel with an amazing grade and recognition. "See my bro is looking cute," she said to Joyce, who was busy making a video of him as he walked down the stage to address the crowd.

It's a privilege and honor to address everyone present on this occasion, Brian began. It's been six years of learning, perseverance, hard work, dedication, consciousness and goal. Our success story can't be complete without a good foundation and teachers, and on that note, I thank “Royal Diamond International School” for the effort and push to make us excel and move forward. The principal, teachers, fellow students and classmates, you have all contributed immensely to our success and we say thank you. I'll urge the students to read and never relent. Hard work pays.

On behalf of the graduating student, we say thank you and God bless. Lastly, to my fellow graduates, I'm happy riding on this academic journey with you, and I pray someday we meet bigger and better.

I remain Brian Bright, thank you.

The crowd applauded, students cheered as Brian handed over the microphone and took a bow.

Such an amazing brother you have, Joyce said. I can't imagine I literally cried at that speech she said, wiping off the drops of tears from her eyes.

I'm proud of him, and I'll miss him, Anabella replied.

The party and send-forth was over and students were seen loitering around, taking pictures and having fun. Brian spent little time with his classmates and went to see his sister and her friend.

Congrats, dear Joyce said while giving a big hug to Brian, you are now a big boy now.

I know right, Brian replied while giving a passionate hug to his sister.

Let's go somewhere and celebrate the moment, Anabella replied while lifting the cake from the table she had kept it earlier.

Anabella, Joyce and Brian had a good time, they took pictures, ate and drank and headed home.

I'll go home from here, Joyce said, highlighting the bolt ride they booked. I'll chat you up later Anny, and congrats once again Brian. Bye.

Thanks for coming, Brian replied, while clinging to his awards and gift.

Anabella got home with her brother, they both took their bath and just right in time there was a phone call.

Good evening Mum. Anabella greeted, how are you, and where is dad?

I'm fine, your father went to see a friend and may sleep over because he has a business flight to catch up tomorrow morning.

Where is your brother? His number is not going through. How did the celebration and send forth go?

It went well, mum. He is taking his bath. I'll let him know you called, so he can return it asap.

And what about you my dear, how is your final year stress going?

Uhhmm mum, I'm pushing, we are about rounding up our Internship program.

Soon your brother will be joining us. You need to be fast, so you can join us as well, don't you think so?

Mum, I will. Nigeria is still fun though.

Really? Or is there someone giving you a second thought?

No mum, Anabella lied, I'm just fine over here, but I'll sure join you all soon.

Your dad is calling. I'll call you guys later, alright.

Alright mum, take care of yourself. I love you.

I love you too, baby girl. And the call ended.

Anabella lay on the couch thinking about Chris. He got so busy that he couldn't check up? Anabella asked herself, expecting no reply. Could he be with another girl? No, maybe he got tired. She consoled herself.

Anabella stood up to get a drink from the fridge and immediately her phone rang, she rushed hurriedly to pick up the call in expectation of Chris. On getting the phone, it was Derik (Sammy) giving a long hiss. She reluctantly picked up.

Hi, good evening. She greeted grumbly.

Hello my princess, how are you today?

I'm fine, and I'm not your princess, she responded a little bit harshly.

Easy baby girl Sammy replied, neglecting her tone of response. I only wanted to check up on you and wish your brother congratulations.

Congratulations? Anabella asked, looking surprised, how did you get to know he was celebrating today?

Well, Sammy replied, what I know doesn't matter, just know I care well enough to recognize and acknowledge.

Goodnight baby girl, and the call dropped before Anabella could utter another word.

Is this guy stalking me? Anabella asked herself, or did Chris inform him? No I don't think so, Derik doesn't sound like someone that knows Chris or is close to Chris to get information about her and her affairs.

But why won't Chris call me on a day like this? It's a total stranger that is calling to say congratulations ... and yet I keep falling in love…

What an Irony of life, Anabella said calmly and sadly.