Īt was a bright, sunny Wednesday in downtown West Crawford. The morning sun filtered in through coffee-brown blinds and reflected against the kitchen slab.

On the mahogany wooden surface, there laid several boxes filled with stuff and the rest of the kitchen was covered in black tarps to protect the equipment from dust.

A teenage girl suddenly entered into the room, pulling a large violet suitcase with her. Her long, deep purple braids danced from side to side as she moved rather sluggishly.

By the time she could get the box to stand on it's own, she was already panting wildly and leaning against her knee.

And no?- it wasn't that heavy.

Julian quickly ransacked through the bag until she retrieved a bottle of water which she desperately gulped down. Only then could she breathe.

Her tired eyes lazily scanned the dusty, old kitchen. She slid her hands into the back pocket of her jeans and toured the environ.

She came to stand right in front of the window, peering out of it in wonder. "What a beautiful town," she muttered under her breath and took a passionate deep breath.

"It's only a shame I won't enjoy staying here," she murmured with a look of disgust and dissatisfaction on her face.

"It's good to know that you'll enjoy your stay here," a feminine voice echoed in the room.

Julian turned her head to behold the owner of the voice.

"Yea," she replied. "Where's dad?" She asked her mother who had come in.

"With the rest of the luggage." The woman replied.

"I'll be in my room if you need me," she attempted leaving when her mother caught her by the arm.

"Julie, wait. I know you're still very upset with me but it's all for the best." Her mother sympathised.

Julian sucked on her bottom lip- suppressing the contempt she felt.

"I'm ... fine, mom. Just tell dad to bring me my luggage."

"Honey..."

"Forget it. You knew I didn't want to be here; I told you I didn't want to come here but you brought me here just to keep me away from Jonathan.

I don't understand you anymore. You said you trusted me. If you can't trust me, I can't trust your leadership as my mother.

Parents, do not provoke your children to anger!" She barked and stormed up the stairs.

The woman stood there for a minute, feeling awestruck. Her heart wrenched in a sour pang as her daughter's words reiterated in her mind.

It was only a matter of time until tears began to slide down her cheeks. Her body trembled slightly but before she could break down completely, strong arms caught her petite, slender form from behind.

She spun on the spot. It was him- her husband. The luggage he'd been carrying were on the floor, gathered around his feet so he could hug her.

Rena turned around and embraced her husband passionately.

"Why's she doing this to me?" She asked in a trembling voice as her body shook in his arms.

"She doesn't know what she feels or how to react. She still loves you; she just doesn't know if to trust you. Rena, she's just scared."

She broke down further. "Scared of me?" She asked, staring up at him.

Maxwell heaved a sigh of worry as he stared down at her reddened face.

He leaned into his wife and planted a soft kiss on her lips. "No." He replied and patted her head fondly.

•••

The steam kettle whistled away as the soothing steam rose into the kitchen ambiance.

In a corner of the room, Rena was on all fours scrubbing away.

"Maxwell! ... come get the coffee!" She yelled to her husband who was in the other room, moving furniture and test running electrical appliances.

"This woman, you're closer but you literally had to make me walk all the way to the kitchen," he teased amidst chuckles as he walked into the kitchen, folding up the sleeves of his shirt.

"Just get it already. I can't stand now; I already bent down." She replied and slouched in her squatting position. "I told you how this thing works," she retorted and rubbed her belly with a pout.

"I'm sorry ... your majesty." Maxwell raised his hands in surrender and got down to making the cups of coffee for them both.

"Thank you, my royal subject." She remarked and burst into laughter.

He rolled his eyes with amusement.

Momentarily, their seventeen-year-old walked down the stairs and strode into the kitchen in short, sluggish steps.

"Good morning," she muttered almost inaudibly.

"Good morning, dea-' ... 'how did you?" They coincidentally asked in unison. "You go first," Maxwell whispered to his wife.

She nodded.

"How did you sleep?" Rena asked as her inquisitive eyes scanned the girl.

"I slept well." Julian replied. "And look, I'm very sorry for the way I spoke to you." She apologised.

Rena paused for a bit and glanced at her husband- he gave her a nudge.

"It's fine but never do that again. You need to understand that everything I-"

"We." Maxwell whispered.

"We- everything we do for you ..." Rena paused, wearing a short-lived thoughtful expression. "I'm sorry. I forget what I was going to say," she grew confused and fought back laughter but Julian helped her- the girl burst into genuine laughter.

Maxwell joined her.

"Why are you laughing? You distracted me!" She yelled, slightly annoyed and amused.

It was only a matter of time before she joined in the laughter.

"My girl, what your mother is trying to say is ..." he walked over to the girl and handed her one of the cups. "You may not entirely understand what we're doing sometimes or why we do it, but we need you to trust and believe in the love we have for you as your parents ... just as we have to trust in God and His love ... even if sometimes, we don't know what on earth he's doing!" He smiled at his family as he spoke.

Julian tipped her head, staring down into her cup of coffee. "I'm very sorry. It's just that I really love Jonathan and he feels exactly the same- we talked about marriage and I know I can build a future with him!

That can't be lust, right?" She stared at her parents with a look of desperation in her eyes.

"Look, honey. It doesn't have to be destructive at first to be wrong." Rena spoke softly, thinking to herself; You're just seventeen for crying out loud! Do you know what I was doing at seventeen?!...'

"Meaning?" Julian peristed.

"Meaning that it takes time to know how right something is," her father began. "And that is why we have to be wise enough to not get so caught up in our feelings that we block out the voice of reasoning."

The teenage girl walked over to the dining table and pulled out a chair which she sat on.

"I don't understand." She said.

"We haven't cleaned that." Rena warned but the girl was way too worried to bother about a dusty bottom at the moment.

"In essence, I am saying that there are ways that seem so right to us that we're too scared to look deeper for the truth and we decide within ourselves to settle for comfort.

Julian, you are in that phase." He concluded.

Julian felt queasy inside. She quickly set down the cup of coffee and dashed out of the kitchen.

She ran outside and sat on the verandah with her smart phone clenched in between her palms- crying.

She brought the phone to her face and dialed a number.

"Hello?" She brought the object to her ear once the person answered.

"Hey," a masculine voice echoed at the other end of the line.

"My love, I miss you." she muttered amidst sniffs and sobs.

"You don't sound good. What's up?" He asked.

"They did it again. I don't think this is right. If it was, it wouldn't feel so difficult and unnatural." She buried her head in her palm as her purple-coloured braids spilled over the side of her face.

"Look at what you're saying. Look Julian the Bible says that troubles may last for a night but joy comes in the morning. You need to endure and believe in our love...

Or don't you love me anymore?"

She went quiet for a moment. Then she heaved a weighted sigh.

"Look, I do but ... I'm suffocating. It's like my parents are devising every means possible to make me feel like this is wrong."

"Then resist them. That's the devil using them to destroy such a beautiful thing we have in God.

Julian I love you ... and you know that. Like I- I haven't even touched you yet. That shows you even more how much of a godly man I am.

I'm every parent's dream son-in-law!" He remarked cockily.

From the living room window, Rena peeped out through peach curtains and eavesdropped.

Her fists clenched fiercely as her blood boiled over with intense annoyance. She scrambled away from the window only to stand face to face with her husband.

"Maxwell," she began with gritted teeth. "If I get my hands on that useless boy deceiving our daughter, I promise I'll break him in-"

"Calm down. Nobody's breaking anybody in half. It's just a phase ... and it will pass- I promise." He spoke with that heart-warming smile.

Rena collapsed into his arms, savouring the warmth of his embrace and mustering peace of mind.

"I believe it," she whispered and breathed deeply.

She wrapped her slender arms round his neck, returning the gesture.

Suddenly Maxwell shrugged her off and burst into mischievous laughter.

"What is wrong with you? Do you find this funny?!" Rena asked; evidently annoyed.

"I'm sorry," he genuinely apologised. "It's just that you were breathing on my chest and it tickled." He laughed further.

In turn, Rena rolled her eyes, feeling irritated. Then, she began to walk away.

"I'm sorry. Come back here." Maxwell acrobatically yet tenderly grabbed his wife by her waist and pulled her towards him.

"I'm sorry." He apologised again but in a soft whisper to her ear.

"Max, don't grab me that hard; I'm having cramps..." she whispered in turn.

He loosened his grip and embraced her, patting the top of her head fondly.

Julian judiciously watched them from the front door, feeling a heavy pang in her chest.

"I want what you both have ... but you don't understand.." she muttered to herself, wearing a sullen look.

•••

"Rena! My love, come to mummy... how have you all been? ... and Where's my medical doctor in the making?!"

"My princess!! ... and Where's my other princess?!"

"Good day, grandad. Good day, grandma."

•••

Rita poured out two cups of coffee- one for herself and the other for her daughter.

From where they sat in the kitchen, Rena could hear daddy and Maxwell talking in the family room;

"We're only here for a few days, sir." Maxwell informed.

"Here you are, my dear. I have kilishi. Do you want some?" She offered.

Rena shook her head in the negative, turning down mummy's offer with a forced smile.

"What is it? Is it that bad with her now?"

"It almost seems like it's worst than I thought. Maxwell can hardly handle it anymore.

I don't know what to do. Julian literally wants to marry that boy ... and she's just seventeen!"

As she spoke, she glanced around and spotted her daughter seated at the far end of the family room, idly using her phone.

Rena nervously rubbed her sweaty palms on the marigold chiffon floral skirt she had on and heaved a nervous sigh.

"You know ... she reminds me so much of my old self. I would have been in the right position to set her straight, but you are in the best place to do it- you're her mother.

All you need to do is to eliminate fear. Yes, this is difficult and new, but your daughter needs you." Rita explained.

A moment of silence passed where Rena was plunged into deep thought ... or perhaps, it was her cup of coffee?...

"So ... how do I go about this?" She asked with a stern look in her eyes.

"Simple!- first, you need to have a heart to heart with her, understand things from her own point of view. Though I know she's a tough child." She remarked.

Rena nodded in agreement and sipped her cup of coffee.

"Thank you so much." She muttered and added; "Where's the milk? Please, this thing is too bitter."

"Let me get it. Now do you want some kilishi?"

"Yes, please. And sugar too- this coffee is too strong."

Julian as already established was seated on a sofa at the right end of the living room opposite grandpa and dad, scrolling through her phone.

She put the device down on the stool beside her and glanced around the house.

Her eyes landed on mom and grandma in the kitchen. Then, she remembered- she was hungry.

Julian plucked herself off the couch and walked towards the kitchen where the air reeked of jollof rice, coffee and kilishi!

"Can I have some?" She asked as she strode into the kitchen.

Rita and Rena paused in a uninanimous stare.

"Yea! Sure, why not?" Rena gestured, raising her cup.

"Thank you but I meant kilishi. It smells really good, you know." Julian remarked with a genuine smile.

"I know." Rena replied enthusiastically.

Rita slipped out unnoticed.

"It goes really well with coffee but if you're going to have some, add enough milk and sugar to yours." She instructed.

"Yea, I know!"

"Julian," Rena called. "We need to talk."

The girl paused in motion with dried sticks of kilishi hanging out of her mouth. "Okay, but about what?"

"You! Don't act like you're oblivious." Rena scolded, feeling slightly annoyed.

"I'm sorry. What about it?"

"Julian, I know we're not your parents, but we're still very much responsible for you."

"Go on." The girl took another bite of the snack on her plate.

"Do you think your mother would be happy to find out that you're being deceived by a boy?"

"Deceived?!" Julian retorted in displeasure.

"Okay, I'm sorry. Not deceived, misled!"

"And you don't have to bring my mom into this.

You already told me that I should see you guys as my parents. Now you have to remind me that I was abandoned?!" She retorted, not cautious enough to keep her voice down.

"Julie, you weren't abandoned."

"Don't tell me what to think. I just want to be happy for goodness sake ... and he makes me happy.

Can't you understand?!"

Julian was raising her voice so much that the rukus had stolen the attention of Rita who had just left the kitchen and even her grandpa and dad who sat, talking in the living room.

Rena felt a rush of embarrassment run through her veins.

"What's going on?" Maxwell was the first to ask as he strode into the kitchen. Mr Dawson followed behind him, equally wearing an inquisitive look on his face.

"It's nothing," Rena tried her best to calm the situation.

Julian blew a solid hiss and stormed out of the place.

Maxwell passed Rena a knowing glance and she went after the girl.

The men stood in the awkward silence of the situation until Rita walked in with servings of jollof rice.

"Do you mind helping me set the table? Food is ready!" She exclaimed with a smile, hoping to distract them with the culinary delight.

Rena stood at the entrance of her old bedroom- Julian had ran in there earlier.

A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she mustered a demure smile.

"Ahh this old place," she murmured.

Her eyes scanned the place vigorously. They hadn't changed a thing since she left.

Then she spotted Julian, behind the dusty window curtains.

"Julian, what are you doing there?" She asked softly.

"Go away!" She barked. "You people are so weird. You can't understand me. Just go away. I want to be alone."

"Ouch," Rena muttered under her breath. "I am ... very sorry. You're right that I don't understand but you can make me and maybe, I'll be able to help. I was once like you, you know."

The curtain moved a little and finally, out came the girl.

"You were once like me? You mean they're not your real parents?" She asked.

"Well, not exactly but I know I can relate to most of your worries." Rena walked towards the old dusty bed and sat on it.

"Like what?" Julian asked and sat down beside her.

"For one, like you said ... don't tell anyone but, your grandad isn't my biological dad.

I've never met my real father." Rena tipped her head backward and stared into the distance as though recalling a fond memory.

She continued;

"And ... I used to feel ... misunderstood because I was in a position that no one else would be able to relate to unless they were in my shoes." She explained and finally concluded; "Then again, you seem to feel that I don't understand how you feel about uhm .... Jonathan." Rena gulped as she uttered the name.

"But you know, how did you think I met my husband?"

The girl's eye widened in amusement.

Rena stuck out her tongue and widened her eyes as well. "Well, duh!" She remarked and chuckled lightly. Julian followed.

Rena heaved a sigh.

"Do you want to know about how I met him?" Rena asked with a sparkle in her eyes.

Luckily, Julian shared the same spark and nodded vigorously at her Foster mother's offer.

"Okay, here goes." She heaved a deep sigh. "But, before I begin, I just want you to know that your mother loves you so much."

"You or her?"

"Her. She's just busy creating better opportunities for you than she had and making sure she never makes a grievous mistake with you again." She explained.

"I know that! I said all that because I was angry." Julian exclaimed in amusement. "She already told me that. We talk everyday and ... I lived with her for a few years, remember?- I came to live with you and dad when I was fourteen."

"So you genuinely don't hold anything against Joan?!" Rena remarked in shock and delight.

"Not at all. I've decided to put it behind me. Besides, it was never her fault. I'm just glad she was able to open up to me- not every parent would be bold enough to do that." She said with a charming smile.

Rena nodded, feeling impressed and amused. "That's wonderful!" She exclaimed and asked; "Do you want to hear my story now?"

"Why not? ... you know, I always thought you guys made a good couple and it made me want something perfect like what you had and Jonathan is really giving me that vibe." She explained.

Rena gulped in displeasure on hearing the name.

"That was the reason I loved referring to you as mom and dad; it makes me feel like one of you. This family seems so ... perfect!" She exclaimed. "I just wish to have what you all have. It's like all your souls belong here; in the company of each other. I just feel so out of place sometimes. But forget it ... tell me about the both of you." Her eyes glistened with the last words she spoke.

Rena fidgeted with the hem of her skirt a little before taking a deep breath.

"Well..." she began.

"Well?" Julian urged her, noticing her face redden slightly.

"What happened?" The girl asked. "Am I supposed to be cautious about a PG rating or something?" She teased.

Rena nudged her playfully and laughed heartily.

"It was seven years ago ... I was about... no, I won't tell you my age..."

•••

***Golden rays of light filtered through Rena's window the next morning. She yawned, stirred and stretched on the soft mattress before realising it was dawn already.

The soothing morning breeze blew across her brown skin as she sat up on the bed, reminiscing her ordeal with Nike the previous day.

A smile etched up her lips. Then suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.

She stood up from her sitting position and went to answer the door- it was mummy.

"Good morning, dear." Mrs Dawson returned her earlier greeting. "Joan will be leaving soon. I'd like us to eat breakfast with her as a family one last time." She informed.

Rena nodded and followed her mother out of the room.

The women strode into the kitchen where a pot of water steamed in the corner and slices of bread tanned in the toaster.

"What are we making?" Rena asked her mother, feeling enthusiastic about breakfast.

"I'm thinking just eggs and vegetables but ... if this should be memorable, I'm going to ask you to put off the toaster." Mrs Dawson explained.

"So what do you have in mind?" Rena asked and poured the kettle of water into a ceramic cup- for herself!

"I'm thinking we should go a bit traditional."

"Then let's do lunch instead." Rena suggested and asked; "Is she in a hurry?"

"Here she comes. You can ask her." Mrs Dawson replied as Joan drowsily walked into the kitchen in her plus-size nightie.

"Good morning mummy, Rena how did you sleep?"

"Wonderfully!" Rena exclaimed, nursing a warm smile. "When are you leaving?"

"Haba! Are you chasing me away?!" Joan remarked.

Rena burst into laughter- so did her mother.

"You know I can't. I'm just curious." She replied.

"Oh well, I'll be leaving by noon. I don't want to miss the bus so I can't go any later." She explained.

"Will there be a bus tomorrow?" Asked Rena.

Joan nodded and took the bread out of the toaster.

"Then go tomorrow!"

"Well ... I don't know, oh..."

"Come on, Joan." Rena urged her.

"Okay. One more day," she agreed.

"Yes!" Mrs Dawson flung her arms in the air in celebratory delight.

"We're having eba this afternoon! Rena we're heading to the local Market right after breakfast." She informed.

"Oh no." Rena objected.

Mrs Dawson turned from what she was doing to face her. "Why no? You'll be home all day; you said it yesterday."

"Mummy, I can't."

"And I ask again- why?"

Rena's face reddened as her lips twisted - a potential smile was coming on. So, she bit her lips. "It's nothing." She muttered.

"What? You're going out with Maxwell again?!" Joan interjected. Rena's heart sank as she shot her a short-lived glare.

"Rena, you're going out with the doctor!" Mrs Dawson exclaimed with something beyond surprise in her eyes.

"Mummy ... let's not make this about me. This is about Joan." And with that statement, she slipped out of the kitchen.

Lucky enough, she didn't have a date with the young doctor that night. She had turned down her mother's earlier suggestion because Rena naturally detested crowded areas.

So, she remained home and helped around while Joan volunteered to go with her.

"Mummy thought it would be a good time to bond with her so ... Good for me!"

"Good for us. Kitchen duty make sense die!"

"Or stealing steamed meat make sense die... foodie! Glutton!"

"Now you've started oh. I'll not take that insult ohh- and even worse, on an empty stomach. Abeg, una get bread for this house?

There's this mad sandwich I'll make now. Where are the vegetables?"

Rena rolled her eyes and pointed to the fridge at a corner of the kitchen.

"Spread nko?"

"Nike, the fridge is right there. Open it and look inside."

"I just hope you guys don't have that smelly igbo spice that looks like shit." Nike rummaged through the fridge as she asked.

Rena heaved a sigh of frustration, carrying on with washing the leaves. "It's called ogiri."

"That one concern you. Just show me where the toaster is."

Rena pointed to the drawer right above the kitchen slab.

Nike found it but not after knocking down a few cans and causing a rukus.

"Nikeee..." Rena scolded.

"Calm down na. It's not my fault. Why did you guys cover everywhere with leaves ... crayfish and dried fish. See how this place is smelling like that gateman in our school." Nike remarked.

"Oh God! Nike please make your sandwich and leave if you don't want to help me. I did not beg you."

"Actually, you did. You were like; 'Nike please come and help me before I'll pass out in this kitchen." She imitated her mockingly.

"Then you're not even helping." Rena emptied a bowl of fresh peppers into a blender and pulsed it.

"I need energy. Let me make my sandwich first. Did you use all the fresh pepper?"

"Nike inside sandwich again?"

"Yes na. You want it to taste like baby food?! ... abeg shift!" She shoved her aside and picked a ball of pepper for her sandwich.

"I'm using some meat oh!" She announced.

Suddenly, the house phone rang. Rena strode over to the corner of the kitchen where it was kept and answered the phone.

"Hello?" She placed the receiver to her ear.

As Nike fried her meat and vegetables in shallow oil, she noticed her friend's express light up with shock and then dampen.

"What happened?" She asked as Rena put down the phone.

"They're on their way. They're coming Nike and we've not even cut these leaves.

The meat itself is still strong- you did not allow it to cook, we've not grinded the melon talk more of making the soup!" She panicked.

Nike's face sunk into a frown.

"I thought your mother was going to be the one to cook it. I thought she went to the market with Joan." Her brows furrowed in disarray.

"They went to buy the garri!" Rena flung her arms on her head in defeat. "Her instructions were; 'Rena cook the soup. When I return with the garri, we'll bake and serve it!"

Nike pressed her lips together in guilt.

"Calm down first. I'll fix it." She assured and turned off the fire to the stir-fry she was making.

"How?!" Rena asked in bewilderment.

"Look, foodies know how to handle food under pressure." She assured and got down to work. "Just do me a favour; take my phone and follow the recipe for that sandwich.

You'll feed me while I'm cooking- I still need energy." She instructed.

"What?!" Rena exclaimed.

"Trust me," Nike spoke sternly as she grinded the melon.***

Rena's mind danced back to the present as a nostalgic smile played on her lips.

Julian gaped at her expectantly but got disappointed in return.

"Is that it?" She asked with furrowed brows to reflect the displeasure she felt.

"Hmm?" Rena stared at her in confusion, obviously previously distracted by her own thoughts.

"I already know how to make egusi soup, mom. Where's the good part?" She asked.

"Ah, but that's a good part. I and Nike were very close friends and that last minute stunt Nike pulled symbolised the faith we have in each other as good friends." She explained. "But often times, faith is hard because you have to be displaced to put it into practice because trust is hard without evidence

This is why it is important for people in relationships to keep proving to each other that they can be a shoulder to lean-"

"I don't really feel like hearing about this stuff. I thought you're telling me about you and dad."

"Yea, I am but I'm using my friendship with Nike to highlight the theme for this chapter; Out of the Comfort zone," Rena explained.

"What are you talking about?" Julian asked, feeling further displeased and confused.

"Never mind." Rena nursed a blank expression. "I'll carry on.."

***Nike put off the faded, blue apron she had on and took the hot boiling pot of the fire. It's incense enveloped the entire kitchen.

"Done!" She exclaimed and spun on her heels wearing a delightful smile as she chowed down the last piece of the stir-fry sandwich Rena had made earlier.

"So fast?! Oh, I love this girl!" Rena exclaimed and rushed to embrace Nike.

Momentarily, the door bell rang.

"They're back!" Both girls turned to themselves and exclaimed alarmingly.

"Set the table! Set the table! Nike, set the table."

"Do you want me to break the plate?" She asked in a panicky tone.

Rena quickly flung open the bottom cupboard and retrieved a stack of fine, white China and dashed out of the kitchen and into the dining room.

Nike leaned across the cooker and took a longing glance at the pot.

"It will not kill any body. Besides, how will they know?" She muttered in guilt filled whispers and began serving a heaping helping of the thick, steaming soup into her plate.

"Did they count the meat?- I don't think so." She assured herself while scooping the sixth piece into her bowl. "Chef's benefit." She remarked.

Rena dashed into the dining room, wearing a calculative look on her face.

She set down the first dish, the second dish, the third...

She adjusted the table cloth, glanced at Maxwell standing at the entrance, made for the door to get the spoons...

Turned back slowly to be sure she just saw who she saw... Rena gulped, frozen in motion.

Beads of sweat from the heat of the kitchen trickled down her face. She stood there, wide-eyed.

Then she glanced down at the badly stained apron she wore- there were splashes of yellow palm oil, vegetables from Nike's stir-fry ... and a thick dark greenish substance which she hoped wasn't ogiri.

"Hi, Rena." He greeted as his soothing, sonorous voice echoed in the dining room.

He was also wearing the familiar warm smile.

"Maxwell." She called alarmingly, not in the usual soft voice. "What are you doing here?- at my house! ... when nobody is sick!" She asked and waved her hand in melodramatic gestures.

"I ... actually, your-"

"I invited him over, Rena. He's family too, you know." Mrs Dawson spoke and Joan followed behind her, pulling the bag of garri they'd gotten at the local market.

Rena's heart and voice sank into her stomach.

"Let me help you with that." Maxwell offered and relieved Joan of the load. He lifted it to his strong shoulders and walked into the kitchen, leaving Rena a charming wink as he exited.

"I hope you used enough meat in the soup." Mrs Dawson inquired, wearing a calm smile and a look of satisfaction. "Well did you?" She asked once more.

"M-mummy why would you ... why did you tell him to come over? It's a family thing."

"But he's family too. Or ... isn't he your boyfriend anymore?" Mrs Dawson asked in a whisper.

"Oh my God!" Rena exclaimed and concealed her face with her hands in embarrassment.

"Mummy that's not ... what are you talking about? Who says I'm dating him?"

"Joan told me everything."

"Joan!"

"I'm sorry. Let's not make this about me. This is about soup and garri." She remarked and slipped out of the dining room.

Soon, mummy served lunch and they all sat at dining to eat- even daddy who had started making time for the family lately.

Perhaps, Joan's anticipated departure reminded the man of the fact that his own daughter like her, would one day get up and leave.

Rena anticipated that day; she would pack her parents house in a suitcase and leave with it ... but then they would be homeless.

But then, it didn't matter- she loved the house! She often times imagined herself visiting with kids on weekends or holidays.

A smile crawled up her lips. It was already late when Rena realised she had been sheepishly smiling to herself- And everyone saw!

Maxwell was seated to her left. When she glanced at him, he was smiling back at her, seemingly amused by something and then when Rena glanced around the room, all eyes were on her- well, except Nike who was knee-deep in enjoying the enticing meal.

Her face reddened. She buried her gaze in the plate before her, hoping and wishing for someone to start up a conversation or something.

"So, Joan my dear, how is the apartment you're planning to secure coming on? Can't you wait a little for the place to be ready for you before you travel?" Daddy finally broke the ice, asking Joan the question as he swallowed a dollop of eba.

"I'll squat with a friend over there. I have to be available before classes begin." She explained. "Private Fashion schools in the Capital are very strict with their administration."

Mr Dawson nodded in understanding.

Rena sank into her chair, waiting for the stunt mummy was going to pull. She had to pull one cos, she couldn't have invited Maxwell over just like that!- for no reason.

She knew small talk will arise soon and mummy would completely embarrass her. She just needed to time it right and excuse herself right before the woman got any ideas.

Rena moved a little in her seat in an attempt to stand up and excuse herself. But momentarily;

"Maxwell, how is work?" Mummy finally asked. Rena's heart sank into her stomach.

"Very well ma. I actually..." his voice trailed off because Rena didn't hear the rest of it since her mind was far too clouded.

Conversation moved but Rena sat still through out the entire meal. She was present but not there; she didn't even notice it when Nike swapped her plate with her empty one.

Only then could Rena catch her breath.

"Thanks for the food ma. It was delicious." Nike commented and gathered both of their empty dishes.

"Let's go." She nudged Rena and they left the dining.

The girls dashed into the kitchen rather haphazardly with Nike pulling her counterpart by the arm.

"Ewh! Nike, that's your soup hand."

"Sorry." Nike apologised and licked her fingers. "But what is wrong with you?" She asked as she lowered the dishes into the sink.

"Mummy invited him."

"Who?- Maxwell?" Nike nursed a blank expression.

"Yea, him! Why?" Rena paced about, running her non-soup hand through her dark, curly locks.

"I don't know. Ask her, na." Nike was all the same, indifferent.

"What is she up to? ... Nike, you don't understand, do you?" Rena made panicky gestures at her.

"Exactly." Nike muttered. "Look, Rena. Why are you stressing your life for nothing? So, because you're embarrassed to have him meet your family, that's why you were acting like a ghost!" Nike scolded.

"No, it's not like I'm embarrassed of him."

"Then what is it?"

"I'm embarrassed of ... Nike look." She strode over to the kitchen window and stood there. "I don't think I've ever spoken to my parents about dating- not even in my teenage years.

So, it's ... it's kind of weird for me. I don't want them to know that I'm dating and especially not him because they know him.

Do you get it now?" She asked in desperation.

"I understand ... church girl. If you had dated since, this would not be new to you." She teased

"Nikeee..."

"Sorry."

"Help me, na."

"Okay. Hmm... have you spoken to him since he got here?" She asked.

"Something like that," Rena sluggishly replied.

Nike rolled her eyes. "Get out of here." She slowly pushed her friend towards the door. "You need to talk to him."

Momentarily, the kitchen door swung open and in came Mrs Dawson and well, Maxwell!- carrying in dishes and bowls.

They were chatting happily, all-smiles as they strode into the kitchen. Rena's mouth gaped open as she shared a glance with Nike.

"Bye-bye. I'm going home," she said and left the kitchen.

Rena stood there for a while, feeling bewildered.

"Rena do you know that Max here is a good cook?"

"Me?" Rena spun on her heels as her eyes met Maxwell's- he seemed amused. There was an unmistakable glint in his eyes and he had carried that look around the whole day!

"Yes, of course you. Did you know?" She repeated.

"Well, I-I ... men should know how to cook so..."

"I'm done with the dishes." Maxwell said as he took off the faded blue apron he wore.

"Thank you so much, dear. You've been a darling." Mrs Dawson flashed a warm smile and exited the kitchen but not before giving Rena a look.

The kitchen door clicked shut.

"Why are you here?" Rena snapped.

"I ... was invited; by your mom, actually." He explained and leaned across the slab, folding his arms. Rena adjusted where she stood.

"Why?" She asked with arms at akimbo. Maxwell's brows furrowed in confusion.

"I don't know. Maybe because you didn't invite me?" He replied.

"It was a family thing; just something small. It's not even a big deal," she explained and paced about the kitchen.

"I didn't even know about it, let alone have the option to or not to attend." His voice remained subtle.

"Don't do this now." Rena placed two fingers on her forehead and halted in her steps.

"What am I doing, Rena? You've been shutting me out lately- a lot! And, it hurts."

"What are you saying?- that I'm doing this on purpose?!"

"I don't know. You tell me because at first, I thought you were really interested in us but now ... I don't know anymore." His face sunk in displeasure.

There was sadness in his eyes and it was even evident in his voice.

Rena took a moment to take in the sight of him; he was sad ... and very. She heaved a sigh of guilt. "I'm sorry." She muttered.

"But I need an explanation, not your apology." He spoke softly as he took off his glasses and pouted with eyes fixed to the floor beneath.

Rena approached him. "I ..." she heaved a sigh. "This is new to me." She muttered, averting her gaze and the sight of her watery eyes.

"Rena ..." Maxwell called softly and took her palm in his, drawing her closer to where he stood.

"Is that all?" He asked with intense curiosity behind his usual demure gaze.

"Yea." She replied and slightly brushed his hands off. "Goodnight, Max." She hugged him- rather, patted his back for about ... a split second before leaving the kitchen.

•••

On a chilly evening in June, Nike sat on the bed by the window at one end of Rena's bedroom, with a book and a pen in her lap and her knee to her chest.

Rena sat at the other end of the room with several clothes scattered all over her and on the bed; a red dress, shirts, chiffon gowns and trousers, pairs of jeans and well ... just more denim.

"Next, the red top and jeans." Nike announced and ticked something off her list.

Rena on the other hand quickly changed into the outfit.

"I don't know. This top is too tight and ... definitive." Rena complained.

"Haba! English. Rena, better wear this thing oh. It's fine; there's nothing wrong with it! Besides, I'm tired of pairing clothes. We're at number twenty already." Nike scolded.

"Already?!"

"Yes, already. Now, pick one cos I'm not doing this again."

"Okay, I'll go with the dress."

"You're going mount climbing, yeye girl." Nike pursed her lips in a fit of annoyance and scrambled off the bed.

"Why are you behaving like this lately? Don't you like him anymore? ... I mean, it's okay if you don't want to date him anymore."

Nike stood beside her, patting her messy hair as she spoke. Rena heaved a sigh.

"Maybe you're not attracted to him anymore or he doesn't appeal to-"

"The attraction!- that's the problem, Nike!"

"Sorry, what?..."

•••

The evening breeze blew quite gracefully at the top of Mount Crawford. The air was different up there- it was frosty and dryer. There were stunted trees and a few shrubs around.

The grass was definitely greener on that side of town. There were evergreens all around. Then there were a few springs back the way they had come.

The sight of Crawford from way up there was quite blissful in itself- it looked like a little million fireflies against the gray and dark blue.

Rena breathed in deeply, feeling the soothing nature of the environ. She had fed her eyes to their fill, but then she felt hungry.

"Are you hungry?" She heard him ask, momentarily realising that he had been sitting there beside her the entire time.

How could she have zoned out like that?!

"No, not really. Why do you ask?" She lied, feeling a sour pang in her chest.

"Well, I am. I'll just get the snacks from the tent. If you'll like some, you can tag along." He offered.

"No, I'm fine." She declined once again, avoiding his gaze.

She refused knowing fully well that she would have to go into the tent with him if she had to eat.

She would have to go there- into the confined, dark, lonely and secluded tent with him- just them both!

Maxwell tipped his head forward, mustering a smile.

"Rena, I heard your stomach grumble. Being hungry isn't something to be embarrassed about," he teased and poked her arm fondly.

She jerked slightly at his gesture and shook her head from side to side. "Maxwell, no. I'm good." She muttered.

He stared at her for a while. Rena felt his gaze and the heaviness of it. She was forced to look back at him- and she did!

He was wearing that sunken, sad expression again. She gulped down the pang in her chest. "I'm fine," she voiced softly and flashed him a forced, coy smile.

"Rena, are you sure?" He placed a hand on her shoulder as he asked.

"Max! I am fine! I said I'm okay so you go ahead. Maybe you can bring me some bread or something..." she heaved a sigh- seemingly frustrated.

Rena expected some kind of confirmation from him like; 'Okay, Rena. I understand' or 'Soothe yourself...' but he stunned her.

Maxwell actually grew upset and he ... well, stormed off- into the tent.

Rena felt a knot in her stomach.

"I can't go in there." She muttered to herself as she stood up from where she sat and dusted her dress- yea! She'd

worn the dress afterall.

It was a dark red, knee-length flayed dress and she wore denim over the top half of it.

Sweat in the breeze of the evening trickled down her face as she dragged her feet towards the tent.

"Maxwell," she softly called his name, standing at the tent's entrance.

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry," she apologised.

He didn't respond.

"Max," she called once more.

He didn't respond.

Rena sat right outside the tent and waited on him.

"Max, I'm very sorry." She repeated.

"Rena, come in." He muttered.

"I don't want to," she replied. "You can say whatever you want to from here. I can hear you clearly."

"Are you scared of coming inside?" He asked from within with only his voice resonating. It was way too dark for her to see anything.

"No. It's just ... the breeze is good out here."

"Rena, you're not telling me something."

"Something like what? The tent is just too stuffy and that's all."

Her skin crawled in discomfort.

"Are you sure that's the only reason?" He asked as rain clouds soon began to roll in.

"I think it's going to rain. You should come in." He suggested.

"It's just a little change in the weather. It's not actually going to-"

Suddenly, it poured!- and heavily too, stopping Rena in her words.

"Rena, come inside." He spoke sternly.

"I'm fine. I'll just wait in the car." She brushed him off.

"The car keys are in here, the car is at the other side of the camp grounds ... and it's pouring!"

"Maxwell, I'm fine."

"No, you're not." In one swift motion, he reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her into the tent.

"Leave me alone! Let me go!" She cried but she was already in.

"Rena," he called with worry and confusion in his eyes and voice. Then he turned on a torch. "See? It's fine." He muttered.

She slowly scooted on her bottom until there was a reasonable distance between them but the fact that she was almost completely out of the tent was unreasonable!

"Rena, what has gotten into you?" He asked as he watched her bow her head on her knees.

"I'm fine.I just need some fresh air." She muttered without lifting her head.

"Rena, you're not fine." He moved closer to her.

He held her hand in an attempt to move her deeper into the tent so he could sit at the entrance instead.

"What are you doing?!" She shrieked.

"Rena trust me." He replied softly. "You should sit-"

"Leave me alone!" She screamed in terror, beating his chest- hard! He did leave her alone.

As soon as he let her go, she stormed off- running! The young man stared in shock and confusion for a while but then he went after her.

If she was going to leave in that state, someone was going to have to drive her.

Inside of the car was warm and dry but Rena's skin itched a little from the rain. Wet hair stuck to the sides of her face and her body shook violently with the cold that had bitten into her.

The ride lasted about an hour from the mountains uptown to downtown West Crawford and it was in complete silence the entire time.

When they got home, the red Sienna pulled up in front of the Dawson residence and Rena hastily got out and shut the door.

Maxwell turned his head to her- he was about to say something but she was in too much haste.

She ran off, leaving his hand hanging in mid air. "Goodnight." He muttered inaudibly and zoomed off.

•••

Mrs Dawson was in the kitchen the next morning and breakfast was sitting on the stove in hot, scrumptious balls.

She had taken to doing more traditional food and trying local dishes so, there were wraps of moin-moin in hot boiling water, on the stove and she had gotten to work, crushing a block of raw pap in a large bowl.

It was like a fresh love for cooking had suddenly replaced Joan's absence in the house.

She heaved a sigh and breathed in the fresh morning air- the aroma of the food rather.

The sunlight filtered in quite nicely, causing the kitchen to appear in shades of brown and gold due to the colour scheme of the decor.

Momentarily, the house phone rang in the corner of the kitchen. She heaved a sigh of slight frustration and went over to answer the phone.

"Hello? Good morning, who is it?" She asked, placing the receiver to her ear.

The next minute, there was a shout of;

"Jesus! Renaaa!!"

Mrs Dawson slammed the phone back in it's place and dashed out of the kitchen, into the dining and climbed a few steps up their staircase.

"Rena!!!" She yelled once more.

In a brief while, the young lady came rushing down the stairs in her nightie, rubbing her drowsy eyes.

"Mummy, I was going to wake up sooner. Good morning," she greeted as her words slurred.

"Rena, I just received a phone call. Maxwell had an accident!" She exclaimed as she clenched her palms to her chest.

"Hmm?! How?! ... just now?! But, he was fine yesterday!" Rena asked as she ran back upstairs to freshen up.

"Rena people are usually fine before accidents happen. Hurry!" Mrs Dawson yelled and scrambled around the living room to find the car keys.

She soon came rushing down the stairs and they left for the Institute where he must have been admitted.

•••

They arrived at the Institute sooner and hurried to the reception. Mummy talked with the lady at the front desk for a few minutes.

As they spoke, Rena froze in motion as she took in the environment. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as memories flooded through her mind- the garden, her hospital room, even the brick walls of the hallways...

She simply stood there; recalling...

"Rena," a hand rested on her shoulder. She jerked a little and spun on her heels.

"Mummy! ... what happened, can we see him now?" She asked.

"They said he was discharged earlier this morning and that the accident wasn't serious

His car must have hydrobladed in the rain yesterday- that rain was quite intense. Thank God he made it. I'll call him later but maybe you should visit him on our behalf later." She suggested.

Rena nodded slowly and began to walk out of the hospital. Her mother followed behind her.

They walked out of the main building as a subtle wind blew.

"Now where did I park the car?" Mrs Dawson asked as she brought a palm to her eyes; scouting the environment for their vehicle.

"Ah, mummy." Rena whined.

"What? This place is so packed! ... and all the cars look like ours."

"Mummy are you serious right now?" She asked in amusement and helped her mother look for the car.

"It should be over there." Mrs Dawson pointed to the far end of the parking lot and started walking towards the place.

Rena stood there, hoping to spot the vehicle from that spot. She realised that ever since the incident with her health and her reconciliation with Mummy, she had never for once taken out time for one of those mother-daughter hangout stuff.

A smile crawled up her lips as the thought came to mind. Somewhere there- in her mind, she had been scared of finding out if they could at all relate or if there was anything they had in common.

But with every passing awkward moment since they reconciled, she got to understand that she didn't need to do anything else but to be present in the current moment, genuinely participate and finally, to respect and value it and Mummy of course.

Her mind returned to reality as she scanned her immediate surroundings for her mother- the woman was nowhere to be found!

"Mummy!" She called out of shock and stood on her toes, stretching her neck above the vehicles in the lot.

Then she spotted her!- but from a distance.

Mrs Dawson waved back at her daughter, with a wide grin. Rena walked briskly towards where the woman stood.

"Rena, I found this amazing sharwarma stand ... and their meat is fresh!" She exclaimed in delight.

"You mean they kill it on the spot?!" Rena exclaimed, feeling mesmerised.

"Yes!" She replied and received two rolls of the good stuff from the vendor guy inside the stand.

"This comes in handy since we didn't have breakfast." Rena commented. Her mother nodded in agreement with a full mouth.

"Wow! That's really fresh. The only thing that would go nicely with it is-"

"Ice cream!" Rena watched in shock as her mother shrieked in excitement and hurry towards another vendor that had just pulled by.

"Are you serious?" She muttered to herself and crossed one of her boots over the other.

"Honey, which flavour do you want?" The woman asked with a spark in her eyes. "They have chocolate. I'll love to get chocolate. You can even get two flavours. Did you know?"

"Yea! I know. I've had ice cream before. But have you heard of a sundae? Mummy, it's heaven on earth!..." she gushed and walked towards her mother.

They took their wraps of goodness and creamed cones and sat on a wooden bench at the corner, chatting heartily as they devoured hungrily.

It was only a matter of time before a few vehicles drove out and they spotted theirs.

"The car!"

"Finally! ... but I don't really feel like going home."

"I know a place."

"We have to make lunch for your father ... but it can't wait, joor. Let's go!"

•••

Rena brought her mother to Mandy's because according to her;

"I want your soul to experience a heavenly delight- every bite is like it's mate." She quoted the glowing signboard at the entrance of the bakery.

Rena pulled the woman in by the hand and headed right to the front desk.

"Hi, Rena! ... 'you're welcome.." all the staff at the front desk exchanged pleasantries with her.

Then she introduced Mummy to them and they complimented and offered her a meal on the house.

Of course she didn't decline!

"Rena, this is very delicious. See me thinking it would be just sugar-sugar." Mummy remarked.

"Now you see why I love this place."

"You love this place?"

"Yea." Rena affirmed, realising that mummy didn't know this before now.

"Rena."

"Hmm?" She answered with a mouth full of cream.

"How come all those people know you?"

"Well ... you see, I do something called food blogging as a hobby." She explained.

"Food ... blocking?!"

"No, mummy. Blog-ing! ... I use the Internet to talk about food and restaurants that have great food and people like my posts and they visit the restaurants.

When the restaurant has more customers because of what I do, I get paid."

"Wow! That's so intelligent and creative."

"Thank you."

"I used to love cooking in my day."

"Wow! Really?"

"Yea! ... but I wasn't a glutton like that your friend, Nike."

They both burst into laughter. "Yea, Nike is a glutton." Rena agreed and checked her wristwatch.

"Oh my God! Mummy it's 4:00pm already!"

"Already?"

"Yea. Didn't you have to make lunch for daddy?"

"I did but he must have eaten the..." Mrs Dawson's voice trailed off as pictures of the boiling moin-moin flashed in her mind- she had forgotten to turn off the cooker!

"Rena let's go, ohh! I forgot to turn the gas off."

"Jesus!" Rena exclaimed. "Mummy, the house!"

They tried to keep calm in the restaurant as they rushed out and into the car.

"Mummy our house ohh!" Rena lifted both hands to her head as they rode home.

"Calm down!" You're not helping matters." The woman scolded.

"I'm sorry ... sorry, but I don't want us to be homeless. Mummy say your last prayer." She panicked.

"Rena!"

"Sorry."

•••

The duo arrived at their residence. Rena was the first to dash into the house, being relieved that the house didn't burn down.

Neither did the living room... or the dining room because daddy sat at the table eating when she entered.

"Good evening, daddy." She greeted and looked around in shock and curiosity.

"You're welcome, my princess." He replied with a blank expression, hiding amusement and slight annoyance underneath it.

"I ... I don't understand." Mrs Dawson stuttered as she walked in. "But, I ... I left the fire on."

"I know." He replied and took a bite of the moin-moin in his plate. "Luckily or rather graciously, I drove in as you both were driving out and I saw this delicacy bubbling on the stove.

Yours is in the kitchen."

"Thank God!" Rena exclaimed. "But we're too full already. Thanks, daddy. And mummy you should be more careful next time."

Mr Dawson raised a brow at his daughter's statement.

"Maxwell had an accident." Mrs Dawson muttered her excuse, hoping to cushion the embarrassing situation.

"I know that- I got a call earlier. I'm just coming from his house. I had to go because as you already know ... he has no one." He explained.

The words stung Rena's chest as she realised that she hadn't even called to see how he was doing.

"It only affected his left leg." Daddy further spoke, deepening the sting.

Guilt overwhelmed her as she concluded to herself; "I'll go tomorrow."

•••

It was about 10:00am the next morning and Rena stood before her full-length mirror trying out outfits.

"I've never been so self conscious in my entire life," she muttered under her breath as she did her hair.

"If Nike knew I was going to his house, she would tease me to death." She mused.

Her outfit for once ... was not a hassle.

She had managed to find a comfortable pair of loose-fitting dark brown, chiffon trousers to wear over a white long-sleeved top.

As for her hair, she parted the thick curly locks in two and held them at the back of her head.

If she was going to visit a sick person, she would have to take goodies with her.

So, she packed fancy biscuits as Nike would call them, chocolates, bread!- very important, a tub of yoghurt, get-well-soon notes and a box of confidence because she would need them.

Then she left for his house ... which location she did not know so she asked daddy to drive her instead.

•••

No. 4 Awele Close, the sign read. It was a decent residence; serene and modest. Nothing fancy but Rena wouldn't judge though, because he didn't seem like the most tastemaking personality even if he could be with a doctor's salary.

"Do you want me to come pick you up later?" Mr Dawson asked as she got out of the car.

"Daddy, I'm twenty-three." She replied with a chuckle. He smiled and gave her a thumbs up. Then, he drove off.

Rena adjusted her outfit and walked down to the door. She sounded three stern knocks and waited;

There was no answer. She raised her hand to knock again but hesitated. "I'll just..." she muttered to herself but then, the door swung open.

"Sorry for the delay. I-" Maxwell paused in his statement as he took in the sight of her. "Oh. It's you." He remarked.

"Yea, I..." Rena clutched the cellophane bag in her hand as she struggled with her words. "I heard you had an accident." She finally voiced as she noticed the heavy layers of cast on his left leg.

He was also using crutches.

"Can I come in?" She asked.

Maxwell blinked rapidly like he had been absent-minded for a while.

"Yea," he replied and made way for her to walk in.

She did.

His place was beautiful. Unlike hers, it had a brighter lighting instead of the warm lights they used back in her house.

It had a classic and modern feel with all the cream, white, maple and ivory colours- it was lovely.

"I like your place." She mused.

He turned around and looked at her with an expression. She couldn't tell what it was but it was blank and inquisitive.

"Thank you." He replied and gestured to her to sit. She did and so did he ... but at the other end of the room.

"Why are you here, Rena?"

"I heard you had an accident that night. I'm so sorry about that. How does it feel?"

"Better."

"That's uhm ... Good to hear," she commented weakly, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"It's fractured ... and it hurts like hell when I move it, but it's better than the pain you cause."

Rena's heart sank. "I'm... I'm-"

"And don't tell me you're sorry cos I don't want to hear it." He got up and started walking away. "You can leave when you're done with your quarantine." He remarked bitterly.

"Wait. Max."

He stopped and looked over his shoulders.

"Can we talk ... please?"

He returned to the chair after a slight struggle with the crutches.

"I have a lot to explain but I'm very nervous so..." She looked down and fidgeted with her fingers. "You ask me questions and I'll answer and I promise to be completely honest."

She took a deep breath and raised her head.

"If you say so. Well, first of all, why are you scared of being in close physical contact with me?- do I disgust you?!"

"No, no. Max, it's infact far from that. I- I mean, you don't disgust me. I love you."

Maxwell pursed his lips and heaved a weighted sigh.

"Well that makes everything easier to understand." He muttered though she heard him. He adjusted in his seat, suddenly wearing a calmer expression. "Rena, are you afraid of sexual tension and why?"

A sour pang formed in her chest.

"I'm sorry, hmm?" She awkwardly caressed the back of her neck, wide-eyed.

"Yea!" He affirmed. "I noticed but I needed to run a few tests to be sure ... and that was why I suggested the camping trip; a place where we could be alone ... like we are right now."

"What are you even talking about, Maxwell?"

Her brows furrowed deeply in displeasure- or perhaps to hide the embarrassment.

"You know exactly what I am talking about." He replied with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"How did you know?" She asked in defeat.

"I did research ... and you're a mirror." He smiled warmly but there was nothing warm or comfortable about how Rena felt at the moment.

"Did you also stage the accident?"

"No, this thing actually hurts like hell." He replied, looking down at his cast with a chuckle.

"It's not like I'm scared."

"Then what is it like?" He urged.

"I ... it's like.." she sighed. "I don't want us to sleep with each other before marriage."

"Who said anything about marrying you?"

"What?!"

"Calm down. I'm just kidding. I understand that but why exactly do you think I would want that?" He asked.

"Well ... you see ... because..." she struggled with her words and nervously played with sleeves of her top.

"I didn't look at it that way," she confessed.

"Look, Rena. I've come to understand who you are in my life and why you're here in the first place.

I've been doing a lot of deep-diving lately. And also, you're not the only one who's been reading this book." He displayed the Holy Bible.

"What the heck?" Rena chuckled and burst into laughter.

He followed shortly.

"Look, I promise not to do anything to hurt or endanger you ... and since those promises can't be proven as full-proof right now, I won't take my chances in the first place because I value you, Rena.

Do you understand?"

She nodded in agreement. Maxwell got up from where he sat. "Now I know it would take some time for you to adjust but, you'll have to tolerate physical contact from-"

He was cut short in his words as Rena walked up to him and embraced him. "I get it now," she muttered with her slender arms wrapped around his abdomen.

Maxwell couldn't help the smile that etched at the corners of his lips. So he smiled! ... and hugged her back.

"You're so thin." He commented.

"Don't do that." Rena jerked off and beat his chest playfully.

"I'm sorry. Pity me. I'm a one-legged man!" He exclaimed amidst laughter as she beat him with one of the throw pillows.

"Okay." She calmed. "Now sit down let me babysit you." She offered ... or rather commanded.

"Yes, ma'am." He obliged and sat on the couch with his feet up.

Rena bent down to examine the injury but momentarily, a voice sounded in the room;

"Maxwell you don't have seasoning cubes."

Rena's brows furrowed. She tilted her head backward to see who it was and to her surprise, there stood ... A woman?

"Oh hi. You didn't tell me you were expecting a guest." The woman spoke again.

Rena flashed him a look and lifted herself off the floor.

"Oh uhm. Stella, meet Rena my girlfriend. Rena, this is Stella; she's my close friend." He introduced them.

Close, Rena thought to herself.

"Hi, Rena. He's always talking about you. I finally get to see you in person. So you're actually pretty? I'm stunned because-" she went on and on.

"Stella, I thought you had something on fire." Maxwell interrupted her, feeling annoyed.

She cooks for him, Rena made another mental note as the girl exited***

Rena's mind journeyed back to the present as she wore a sour look. "This part is so embarrassing. I don't even like remembering it." She confessed.

"Does that mean you would be jealous if you met her again?"

"What are you talking about? Who said I was jealous? By the way, what have you learned up till now?"

"Wait. Just in case you're wondering, I'm still a virgin!" Julian exclaimed as she raised her hand in surrender.

"I didn't even ask that but, okay." Rena replied subtly. "Anyway, the lesson from this part is that a romantic love doesn't have to be erotic. Amen?"

"Yes, ma'am." The girl agreed.

"Thank you. Also, like the theme implies, it's extremely important for both parties to have a common ground or basis of understanding and if they have this, but do not communicate, it won't work either."

"I guess we agree on a few things." Julian said with uncertainty in her tone.

"Who?"

"Jonathan and I." She replied.

Rena's face twisted into a sour frown on hearing the name.

"Well? How did you handle jealousy and the lady?"

"You see... don't emulate this. I'm just telling you so that the story connects."

She continued to recall;

•••

"Would you like to join us or you want to eat out?- I'm so sorry. I would have prepped if I knew you were coming.

Come to think of it, this is the first time you're visiting my place."

Rena was silent as he spoke, gushing with excitement.

"It's fine. I'll eat here." She replied. She had decided to stay because she wanted to find out the exact relationship the girl shared with Maxwell- her man!

"Food is ready." The Stella-girl poked her head out into the living room as she announced.

"Let's go." Maxwell spoke with the same glint in his eyes.

Rena helped him up and they walked to the dining.

"For our visitor," Stella pulled out a chair for Rena, wearing a half-baked smile. When the latter was seated, she also helped her friend sit.

"So, how long have you both been together?" The girl asked.

"It's only been a few weeks." Maxwell replied.

"A month." Rena chipped in. "Four weeks make a month," she whispered to Maxwell.

"Yea, you're right." He remarked.

Rena and Stella shared a look- she wasn't sure what the look was all about but the environment was definitely tensing up.

Nevertheless, they all dug into the meal- noodles. Stella had made stir-fry noodles!

"Only a month?! Maxwell and I have been friends for seven years." Stella commented.

Rena pursed her lips as her fork danced inside strings of the hot, spicy noodles. Her veins bulged through her forehead.

"So, uhm Rena ... what kind of name is that? It sounds foreign. Have you lived abroad?...

Wait. I hope you you're not like one of those spoilt rich brats." Stella kidded and giggled mischievously.

Rena boiled over with anger and embarrassment.

"I also heard you were sick. How is your health now? ... Are you enjoying the meal?- Max likes to cook a lot so I hope rich kids like yourself can, too." She blabbered on.

"Uhm, Rena. Isn’t it getting late? Would you want to leave?" Maxwell who understood the delicate nature of the situation asked.

"Yes, please." She replied bluntly as they both stood up from their seats.

"Oooh... rich girl has a curfew." Stella teased further.

But Rena didn't hear that one because she and Maxwell had already left from the dining.

"What is that?!"

"Rena ... I'm very sorry about the embarrassment." He placed a hand on her shoulder and apologised once they reached the living room.

"I'm not talking about the embarrassment. I'm talking about that!- her." She pointed towards the dining room.

"Stella can be a handful sometimes but I'll talk to her."

"You had better done that because I can't put up with that! Why is she even here?"

"She's a friend, Rena and maybe one day ... you two would hit it off and get along."

"She's so razz and rude!- even Nike is far more put-together."

Maxwell smiled at the statement. "Yea." He replied.

"I'm going home. I guess I'll call you ... or not."

"Just like that?" He asked in shock.

"Yea, goodbye." She spotted the white cellophane bag she had come with and picked it up.

"Here." She gave it to him. "Feel better soon ... and invite me to your place sometime- probably when that animal of a girl is not here!"

"Come on. Rena!"

The door slammed shut- she had left.

"So she's finally gone." Stella commented as she strode into the living room.

"Shut up."

"What? ... she's not even fashionable, Max. Were you ill when you fell in love?!" She burst into mocking laughter.

"Leave." He thundered.

"Fine. Sorry. I'll come back for my boots. My feet were killing me, so I took them off. I'll borrow your slippers. Thank you!"

She left with a satisfactory smile as the door slammed shut.

Maxwell sank into his chair and heaved a weighted sigh.

A coy smile crawled up his lips as he realised ... she could've been jealous!

•••

"And then she called me a spoiled brat! A spoiled brat!"

Rena sputtered as she diced down a colony of vegetables on the kitchen slab.

"Stella can be like that, sometimes."

"Even to you?" She asked in slight annoyance and curiosity mingled in her voice.

"Well, I'm used to it." He gulped down the orange juice in his cup and stretched out the empty glass to her, beaming with anticipation like a toddler. Rena refilled his cup.

"I can't get used to her; she's rude and annoying. Why and how do you even put up with her?"

She lit the cooker and placed a skillet on it.

"Why?" He asked soothingly ... too soothingly- suspiciously soothing.

"What do you mean why?" Rena stopped what she was doing and turned, waving a wooden spatula in her hand.

"I mean why does it bother you that much?" He repeated with that eerie glint in his eyes that consisted a bit of mischief and amusement as he sipped from his glass.

"Because of who I am to you. And also, why would you even keep a person like that in your life for God sakes?! What are you gaining from such a toxic person? Blah!"

She stuck out her tongue in irritation and made a sour expression with her face.

In response, he chuckled.

"Stella has been my friend since we were teenagers."

"Is she your ex? ... I mean, did you date as teenagers?" She asked with fury and desperation in her eyes.

"Rena ... why would you ask that?"

"I'm ... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have." She brushed imaginary hair out of her face and turned to face what she'd been doing in an attempt to hide the embarrassment.

Though she had the right to ask!- it was eating deep into her and it made her skin crawl and her blood boil over!

Maxwell noticed that she was a wreck. He loved it!- it made him feel ... well, good to know that he had an 'effect' on her.

"But we did; once." He remarked with mischief in his tone, watching for her reaction.

Rena's heart wrenched.

"What?!" She exclaimed and abruptly turned towards him. There was a short-lived look of dread in her eyes right before she composed herself, but he saw it.

His only mistake was mistaking the hurt he'd seen in her eyes for some kind of desire or devotion to him.

"But it was a long time ago." He added and further sipped his drink, feeling elated to push more of her buttons.

He seemed unusually calm and it made her skin crawl.

"And you didn't deem it fit to tell me?- I easily told you about my dating history!" She yelled, completely losing control of her emotion.

The corners of her eyes had even begun to water, but he didn't notice it.

"That's because you don't have one." He pushed her further.

Rena's heart sank on hearing the words. She gaped at him like a bewildered idiot, trying to recognise the person sitting in the chair- it just wasn't him..

"Are you serious with me right now? ... Maxwell!" She snapped- grabbed the kitchen towel off the slab and aggressively flung it at him.

"Rena..." he called her name and struggled a bit to get off his seat with the crutches.

He nursed a smirk at the corner of his lips, still taking it all as some sort of entertainment.

"Rena!" Seeing her not stop, he called once more as he limped into his living room. "I'm sorry. Please don't go." He uttered with regret in his voice.

She stopped at the door with her hand on the knob. Then she turned towards him. Maxwell saw them- tears! She was crying?... he thought to himself, feeling a stronger wave of guilt and confusion.

He watched her cover a bit of the distance between them as her stony expression softened.

"I wasn't going to leave." She said soberly. Something melted away inside of Maxwell, but then she added; "because I forgot my bag!"

Rena reached down and picked up her black leather bag from a stool where she had left when she arrived earlier.

Then she came even nearer, leaving a few inches between them.

"I came here hoping I could pour my heart out to you since in the first place, you were hurt because I was ... distant!" She barked out the last word. "But it turns out that you're either an insensitive jerk ... or a plain moron!" She thundered as tears now flowed freely from her eyes.

Maxwell froze on the spot watching her cry as words stuck in his throat. "I

..." he stuttered- barely in a whisper.

"It's okay!" She stuck her palm out to him. "I don't need any explanation... but you need help."

"Rena..." he called in a quaking voice and grabbed her passionately.

She jerked out of shock, not expecting the action. Before she could turn around completely or understand what he was doing, Maxwell had kissed her.

Rena paused in motion and slowly lifted her head after the action was done.

Maxwell watched her silent melodrama, hoping his sudden action didn't stun her too much.

He watched her face redden- embarrassment, he thought it was but he was wrong when rushes of hot tears streamed down her face.

Rena suddenly raised a hand and tore a brutal slap across his face.

"How dare you, What has come over?!..." she ran out of the house and slammed the door.

The intensity at which she'd run out of his house made Maxwell feel like a monster... like he'd done something ... heinous!... shame crept up him.

•••

It was a Thursday; a demure casual day

like any other. Rena laid on her bed with her feet up and leaning across the wall right by her window.

She had no scheduled meetings at Crawford Arts for that day so she'd been home all morning in a white polo and her tithes.

Mummy was out shopping for lunch- ogbono soup ingredients; she was on a hot streak with the whole traditional dish revolution and daddy who was in full support of it had driven her to the local market.

Honestly, the woman was sheer serious with it- she'd bought lineups of traditional cookbooks.

As for Nike- she just needed a break from the girl sometimes because she could be... too much.

Rena was rhythmically bouncing a small green ball off the wall and thinking of brunch since she'd slept into breakfast time.

Ideas skipped across her mind- a bread and butter sandwich or probably Nutella, Nike's stir-fry sandwich or maybe stir-fry noodles instead? ... perhaps snacks or small chops?... she imagined.

Suddenly, sleep took her eyes.

Her mind blurred into a familiar light... 'The place of gray'- or at least, that was what it once was...

Reality folded up before her eyes as her body lightened. She stepped into the old place- her good old mind.

"Welcome. It's been a while." The throne attendants greeted as she entered. Rena gaped in wonderment at just how beautiful the place had become since she'd last visited.

"I love what you've done with the place." She remarked.

"Thanks. Pleasure is all mine!" The man in the white tux replied with a cheery smile.

"Can I see the other rooms?" She asked in curiosity.

"Of course, sure! Why don't we start with this one?!" He asked as they walked down the now brightly lit hallway and stopped at a red wooden door with the sign; "Insecurities."

"Wow." Rena said with a sigh. "Let's do it." She muttered as he pushed the door open without needing a key.

"Why didn't you... I thought I entrusted you with the keys to each of these doors?!" She asked in shock, also noticing that there were no able-bodied suited men at the door like there were at the other doors.

"Didn't you read the sign? I don't have the key to this one because it's well ... not secure." He replied as they entered.

When they entered, it was well- a room! ... but with so many disorganised drawers and cupboards.

Stuff that was meant to be sequentially arranged like it was in the other rooms weren't.

"Why is it so ... trashed in here?" Rena asked.

The man pulled out chairs and a desk for them to sit at.

"You know ... I'm not the only one who comes here. The enemy is keen on this room but of course he is, it's the only one I can't protect right now."

"Okay ... so, if this room is for my Insecurities, then what are all these files that are suffering from the insecurity?" She asked.

"All these files are the remains of the precious and delicate fragments of your soul that have been suppressed due to those Insecurities." He explained and poured some red wine into a glass.

"Am I supposed to drink that?" Rena asked in curiosity.

"Not without first knowing why." He replied and stared keenly at her. "Why did you slap him?"

"Because he kissed me! ... and I specifically made it known to him that I am not comfortable with physical contact."

"That is not the answer I am looking for, Rena. What I am asking is what you felt that caused you to hit him."

"Well..." She hesitated. "He ... when he did it, he made me feel ... things. Things inside that I don't want to feel. I can't explain it but it feels like-"

"Desire?"

"No! I mean, maybe. I don't know."

"Or you don't want to know. Rena listen, feeling emotions is human. It's how you manage them that makes the difference and defines you as more than just human.

Max didn't kiss you because he desired you. He did it because he hoped to convince you through that action that indeed you matter to him and he values you ... even far above Stella.

Though he didn't make his point in the best way, he still tried to. That doesn't mean he's right!"

"I'm sorry. But, why am I this way?"

"You see, it's in the human nature to recognise the unknown as danger. Rena, this is all new to you since you've never even experienced anything close to this before now.

But if I can walk you through it, you'd have enough understanding of it not to hold back and build your own defences around your beautiful, delicate self."

"Well, if I built walls, why can the enemy still penetrate?"

"Because Rena, those walls aren't full proof and secure. I've known that guy longer than you have so I know all his tricks and how to create the perfect security system, dear."

"Okay. Thanks a lot. But, how then do I fix this?" She asked in genuine concern.

"It's not going to be easy; for him that is. It's true that you've learned to be more open but he'll have to learn to value you, else this relationship cannot work." He explained.

"So in essence you're saying..."

"We'll be unraveling all the pitfalls causing this insecurity and help you loosen up in those aspects.

And as for him, you'll give him some space and set some boundaries but not after apologising for hitting him."

"Understood. How do I unravel the pitfalls in myself that are causing these insecurities?"

"He'll still be in this part of the learning process. I'm going to be teaching you how to make your partner value you in a courtship while still not holding back on them." The man explained further.

Rena felt slightly distraught.

"I don't understand." She said. "I'm not avoiding him?..." she asked as her voice suddenly echoed in the room.

"Drink up, Rena." He said.

She lifted the glass and emptied it into her mouth, gulping down the grape red liquid.

Her vision blurred and her body felt heavy again...

Rena opened her eyes; it was over. She quickly looked around for her cell phone, found it and dialed Maxwell's number.

When it rung, she hesitated, feeling a slight pang in her chest.

"He was the one who started it ... should I be apologising?" She muttered under her breath.

But then again, it was too late.

"Hello?" A voice echoed at the other end of the line- it wasn't his.

Rena felt her heart wrench as her teeth gritted fiercely.

"Maxwell's in the bath right now." The familiar feminine voice spoke at the end of the line; Stella.

Rena opened her mouth for words but only a faint gasp escaped. She hung up and flung the device across her bed and put her feet back up on the wall, thinking to herself.

I can't let things affect me like this, she assured herself. "He needs to know that he doesn't have a hold on my emotions." She muttered under her breath as her bedroom door suddenly swung open.

"Rena! Come help me in the kitchen." Mummy had returned from the market. No brunch for her.

•••

Don't go to his house unless it's absolutely necessary ... don't dress for him; your body is still yours ... Be open not reckless ...

She stuck the last piece of the sticky notes on the board and looked at the work so far, feeling satisfied.

"Now all I have to do is to memorize and follow them."

"Sorry oh." Nike who sat on the bed chewing on a packet of chips interrupted. "But, this is still the same dating that everyone else is doing, right?"

"Are you mocking my method?" Rena asked in slight annoyance.

"That's if you put it like that because me, I don't feel all this is necessary." Nike pointed her oily fingers at the board as she spoke.

"Then thank God we're not doing things based on how you feel." Rena retorted and slapped her oily fingers away.

"Meaning what, na?"

"Meaning I need you to just support me." Rena sunk into the mattress right beside Nike.

"But how do I support what I don't understand. You know you've not yet told me what this is." She emptied the crumbs at the bottom of the packet into her mouth.

"Okay." Rena sat up on the bed. "This is like ... a guide but it's just for me personally because I'm going through a phase that I have to be able to open up to him in such a way that he would still respect me."

"Hmm... ok. If you say so. Where did you get this idea from?"

"I prayed, Nike." She replied and got up from the bed, pacing.

"I mean the plantain chips; how did you come up with the idea of frying and stocking them in the snack shed?" Nike asked with enthusiasm in her eyes and voice.

Rena slouched and replied;

"It was mummy."

•••

Dry leaves took flight as a steady wind blew across Crawford on that fine afternoon. The weather was great and all, the sun was out and the skies were clear... but Rena wasn't at all in sync with nature's vibes.

Her heart half- wrenched and half-skipped a few beats at regular intervals. She'd taken the advice of the man in the white tux and had earlier suggested an outing ... with Stella included.

Somewhere in her heart, she wanted to prove that she didn't care and wasn't well ... insecure about anything concerning Maxwell- especially the rude girl!

Rena strode across the tar, making her way outside the yard to wait for them. As she stood there, the wind blew her dress and caused her slight, short-lived discomfort.

She blamed herself, though. Besides, she was at the chiffon game again but this time, in a short-sleeved, ankle-length flayed dress with abstract blockings of all the colours that soothed her and in all the nice shades too.

It was only a matter of time before a red Sienna pulled up right in front of her. She adjusted her dress and moved closer to the driver's seat. "Hello." She greeted subtly with rehearsed enthusiasm, not even bothering to make eye contact, despite his lingering gaze.

"Hi. You look ... good." He genuinely complimented.

"You're not so bad yourself. Hi, Stella." She greeted rather mechanically.

The greeted waved back. Maxwell opened the car door from inside and Rena hopped in.

"So where are we headed?" Stella excitedly asked from the back seat where she sat.

Rena looked quite absent-minded so Maxwell answered instead. "Let's go to a park!" He blurted with excitement in his eyes.

"Which of them?"

"Maybe Springfield Park!"

"Yea, the one we did your last birthday?"

"Stella, that was your birthday."

"But it's the park, right?"

"Yea, it is. It's at the G.R.A close to that foreign housing estate downtown."

"Oh yea... Remember when you really wanted to be a family doctor for that foreign couple and their son at Street B?!" She gushed with excitement as she recalled the fond memory.

"Let's not talk about that," Maxwell muttered and glanced at his Rena who sat, gazing out of the window; probably feeling clueless and left out.

Stella's expression turned sour.

"Rena where would you like to go?" He asked but she still looked lost.

Meanwhile inside of Rena's mind, she had already lost it and was struggling for oxygen and patience as she listened to them go on and on about fond memories.

She'd thought that she would be mature and make Maxwell understand that she was mature, in control of her own emotions, not vulnerable and all of that but ... it proved to be quite harder than she'd thought.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't even hear Maxwell's question; even when he repeated it.

At that point, the young man took it to be that she was still somewhat upset with him, so he let her be, hoping to make it up to her during the rest of the outing.

•••

Springfield Amusement Park- they had arrived. Stella jumped right out in excitement once the vehicle stopped moving.

"We're here!" She exclaimed in her white tee and black boot cut jeans with both arms at akimbo.

From where Rena sat, she peeped out the car window and breathed in deeply. Suddenly, the car door swung open- it was Maxwell who had opened it. "Won't you come out?" He asked from where he stood outside with excitement in his eyes. She didn't reply, but she came out.

"Springfield," she muttered under her breath, wondering how she'd never seen this part of town before.

"This way." Maxwell placed a hand on the small of her back and led her towards the ticket booth. Stella had already gone ahead of them.

Rena froze once she felt his palm on her back but she composed herself with unnoticed steady deep breath and an emotionless expression that masked the unease she felt.

Suddenly, she saw the-Stella-girl running back towards them! "Maxwell!" She yelled, seemingly excited about something. "You'll never guess who it is." She grabbed his hand and pulled him along with her and away from Rena who stood there in bewilderment.

"Who is it?" He hesitated for a bit. Rena felt somewhat satisfied that he did. But then, Stella replied; "Miss Chi!"

The young man's eyes widened as his hand slid off Rena's back. He followed Stella in sheer excitement as they ran off into the crowd of people up front.

Rena stood there with her arms crossed, feeling her blood boil over with rage. Her heart wrenched as her face nursed a sour frown.

"I can't keep up with this." She muttered under her breath and sat on a bench that was just beside her.

Her skin crawled with dissatisfaction. She wondered if she had made a bitter mistake inviting her to come along with them but then again, what could she have done if it was left to just her and Maxwell..

She heaved a sigh, allowing the breeze that blew across the field to bathe her skin.

She anxiously watched her wristwatch as the minutes ticked by. Her stomach begun growling so she decided to get something to eat.

"Where can I?..." her voice trailed off as she looked around the large field- empty except for the crowd of people at the ticket booth. She needed to get a ticket first.

Rena thought it hopeless and decided to look for them instead. She stood up from the bench and started walking towards the crowd of people at the booth, hoping to spot either Maxwell of Stella somewhere ... but unfortunately, the crowd was too thick.

Rena decided within herself that she wasn't not going to plunge through a crowd of probably not-very-hygienic strangers so she went back to the bench to wait for a little while.

"What if they've gone in?" She muttered to herself, peering down at her wristwatch again and feeling panic well up in her.

She stood again but paced around this time around. When the crowd had loosened up, she went over to the booth and bought a ticket.

"Thank you," she said to the attendant at the booth and went into the main park.

Her stomach still growled fiercely, so she scouted out for nearby eateries or food vending booths ... while still looking to see if she could spot the duo anywhere.

At that point, she found one and began walking towards it, but felt hopeless. "How can he just do that?" She murmured to herself, feeling the pang in her chest return. "Why does he always do this?..." She pondered.

Rena pushed the restaurant door open and walked in. She spotted an isolated table that seemed to match her mood at the moment, so she sat there.

"Good day, ma'am. What would you like to have?" A waiter approached her and asked..

She sluggishly picked up the menu on the table and pointed at nothing in particular.

"I'll be right back with it." The young waiter said and left.

She poured herself a drink of water with the glass and jug that was already set on the table. As she gulped down it's content, she watched as Maxwell and Stella walked into the restaurant, beaming with smiles. Rena nearly choked on the liquid.

It was only a matter of time before they spotted her. "Hey!" Maxwell exclaimed as they neared.

"We were looking everywhere for you." He spoke as they both sat before her. "When did you get in? ... we went to say hi to our old secondary school teacher and when we returned, you had disappeared." He explained, still wearing a grin.

Rena tipped the glass and sipped her water idly. Momentarily, the waiter returned with her food.

"You even ordered without us." Stella remarked.

Rena glanced down at the platter; eba and White soup. She heaved a sigh and clutched her purse- she'd lost appetite.

In one swift motion, she rose from her seat and walked out on them and out of the restaurant.

•••

"And we're back to square one, aren't we?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"But you said we were going to go out today and now you're on your lazy butt again."

"Because I changed my mind."

"Why?!"

"Because I realise that only bad things happen out there; it's why I hated going out in the first place. I wonder why I went."

"Oh God! Rena, what is wrong with you for crying out loud?! He's been here every other day since then and you've not even come down from your room to at least see him!"

"Too bad."

"Rena!"

"Hmm..."***

Rena suddenly stopped remembering but Julian wasn't at all pleased with that. Her face sunk in a sour frown as she gaped with expectation.

But this time, it wasn't her foster mother's fault.

A curvy, brownskinned woman in an afro had yelled out her name from the bedroom door.

"Nike!!..." Rena ran towards the door and embraced her friend.

"Good evening, aunty." Julian forced the courtesy, though she was displeased.

"I'll be waiting downstairs." The words rung in her ears as delightful echoes.

"Okay, so where was I?!" Rena asked in excitement and sat on the bed.

The teenage girl gazed at her, feeling satisfied and amazed. "Did you just send your friend away for me?"

"Yea, I did! But technically, I didn't send her away; she agreed to go wait downstairs." Rena explained and plunged back into her memories...

***"You need to stop all this rubbish and put yourself together." Nike looked at her friend in dissatisfaction.

"Nike, I am put together." She replied with a bland tone as she peered into the books before her.

"No, you're not. You've just been burying yourself in books and more books! What are you even reading?..." Nike tugged at Rena's books as they both struggled for them.

"Our final exams are in a week!" Rena yelled with gritted teeth.

"No ... there's more to it!" Nike was resilient and finally got a sheet of printed paper from the pile, but not without ripping off a piece of it by mistake.

"Nike!" Rena yelled in annoyance.

"I'm sorry, but you won't let me..." Nike's voice trailed as she gaped down at the sheet of paper in her hand.

Her expression was that of shock- not yet fathomable.

"Give me that!" Rena snatched the sheet back but it was too late already- Nike had seen the content.

"Rena ... why didn't you tell me you got in?!"

"I didn't want to blow my own trumpet till I was sure. I just decided to take their exam. I didn't ... really plan to get the-" she lied.

"We need to celebrate this. Mummy!" She squealed in excitement and attempted to run outside of the bedroom to call the attention of Mr and Mrs Dawson.

Momentarily, Rena ran her down and tackled her. "You can't tell them." She whispered into her ear.

"You haven't brushed your teeth." Nike replied in a whisper with a sour frown.

"Sorry." Rena apologised and got off her friend.

"But why? I don't understand" Nike spoke as she handed her the acceptance letter.

"You do realise that Bernard is in the Capital, right?" She asked with sadness and shock in her eyes.

"The Capital!" Nike exclaimed with both hands on her head.

"Yea and I don't know if they're ready to hear about it." She explained, suddenly wearing a sullen look.

"By they, do you mean Maxwell included?"

"He can go to hell," she muttered.

"Rena!"

"What?!"

"You've changed! Why are you so angry with the poor guy? He's been trying hard to win you back for the past two freaking months!"

"Oh please. He's the one that took me for granted in the first place."

"He took you for granted- yes, he's wrong for doing that but you are being overly paranoid for no reason. You wallow so much in self-pity that every pinch is like a blow and things like that keep eating you up like.. cankerworms!" She blurted angrily.