Chapter 1
Chapter One
Finding Myself.
The cab stopped abruptly, jolting me awake. I slowly opened my eyes, taking in every building structure.
There were few people outside my parent’s home, which meant they were done with my sister`s and Amy`s birthday celebration.
I knew they would be in the parlour retelling stories of the number of times I had promised to show up for birthdays, weddings, and burials and i had ended up not showing up.
I also knew Mother, the unforgiving member of the house, would have boasted to every guest about Amys` latest employment at Royal Bews Advertising, the biggest advertising firm in the country. Mum would also have ignored several questions about me and wouldn’t hesitate to throw a scornful look if anyone praised my achievements in the writing industry.
I was never in her good books, and Dad never cared about how she treated me, so I wasn’t surprised when I got the birthday invitation via hearsay from Amy. Mom and Dad weren’t expecting me to come, so I had to prepare myself for the surprise yells and sighs.
The cab driver, a young man with a dark afro and a calm smile, helped with my bags. `I hope you enjoy your stay in Avalon Little`s Valley, Miss.`
I nodded, handing over his fee, `I will try my best, sir. Thank you.`
He smiled, driving off immediately. I glanced at the few people again; they were familiar faces, relatives mostly, but they pretended to be busy with their idle talks, not my favourite cousin, Bola Adewunmi. He’s the only relative who understood me, and though we were agemates, he treated me like an older sister. He was approaching me now, pushing through the bodies and ignoring the reprimanding gazes of the relatives.
`I did not know you were serious about this surprise visit. Welcome back, Jessica; we have really missed you.` he smiled, hugging me.
He smelled of home cooking and of lavender oil scent that never left him. `I am here, right? That means I was serious about the move. Lagos just became a boring place, and I was tired of not knowing how to think properly for myself.`
He took my suitcase and bag and said, `I understand you, Jess, but I don’t think your parents’ home is where you will receive healing. You know, they haven’t forgiven you for leaving them after university to work somewhere else. How are you going to convince them that you are sorry and are ready to join the family business?`
I sighed, knowing he was telling the truth. I left home after graduation because I wanted to live my dream and not be stuck like Amy. My mom was furious and had called several times to return and help the family business, De La Eatery, but I blocked her number.
Father did call, but he never urged me to return, nor did he threaten me. I think he was scared to whisper his blessings to me because of my mom, but I never persuaded him to do so. We stopped talking after Mom found out, and that destroyed any hope of rekindling the family fire.
I knew it was too late to take care of the family business. Amy had inherited it after my parents retired, and with the help of the loyal staff, she was able to manage it with her creative director job at Royals. So, I had thought all week before putting a call to Bola that I was coming home to start a fresh life as a writing coach for an NGO, and nothing and no one would stop me.
I glance at Bola, smiling a bit. `I am not going to work for them, but stay with them, and trust me, they are going to accept my apology, so don`t worry.`
He nodded. `Okay, let’s get inside and meet your folks, Jessica.` I heaved, taking in the beauty of the environment. It was going to be a long night.
The parlour was filled with my parents, Amy, Justin, my other cousin, Bola`s twin brother, and their parents, Uncle Stephen and Aunt Lily. They were laughing over something Aunt Lily just said.
`Wow, you are home,` Amy said, interrupting the giggles of my parents.
I smile, counting their stares slowly. `Yes, I had to come. I didn’t want to miss your birthday again.`
`Welcome home, dear. We have missed you so much. I hope you aren’t leaving anytime soon?` Dad asked, standing up with a smile. His eyes reminded me of a pool with happy dolphins.
`No, I will be here for a long period, Dad. I am not going anywhere until you say so,` I hugged him, ignoring my mom`s icy gaze. She hadn’t said anything since I stepped in, but her sister, Aunt Lily, seemed happy.
`Alright, let her rest.` Uncle Stephen spoke, getting up. `Welcome home, Jess. Like your father said, we have missed you so much. Make sure you show up at our place tomorrow; Bola can bring you, okay?`
I nodded, watching him leave with Aunt Lily, who squeezed my hands a bit. `I will give you a call, Bola. Thank you for everything.`
He grinned, hugging me. `Your favourite cousin is always here for you. Take care of yourself, Jica.`
`I will,` I replied, walking him towards the door and hugging him tightly.
I returned to the parlour, but only Mom was there. Dad and Amy had suddenly disappeared, and instinct told me it was because of her silence.
I swallowed, watching her facial expression. It was dull like a stainless pot, and her fingers were still, which was strange. Ever since I knew Mom, her fingers had never been steady, especially when she had to talk with me. She needed a distraction, and her bracelets or rings always helped out.
What was happening today?
`You can’t stay here, Jessica Bassey. You disowned us three years ago for a career, cut off ties with everyone, and now, you think, you can just walk into this family and pretend that nothing happened?`she said, holding my gaze.
I wasn’t surprised at her outburst. This was expected. After all, I was the one who left them for a career while they stayed here and ensured the family name lived. I had to say something, though. Something that would make her feel the need to forgive me. I wronged her, but she was also wrong for not accepting my dream and words.
