Chapter 7

One week after we got back from the hospital mom was preparing for a midwifery entry exam while I stayed side by side with the baby who was just named Lesley. That evening dad got back from work and mom who had visitors althrough the day while I played with Lesley in his room, had lost track of time as her friends came over and she forget to prepare dad's dinner. Hi love Dad said as he entered the living room, oh you're back, i see you're studying he said. yes just revising, welcome home. love where is the baby?, in the nursery with Ella sge replied. okay...is my food ready? dad asked. I will get it done now, wait my food isn't ready? it's passed 8pm dad said jokingly. let me get it done now, Ella! she called, yes ma I answered. come assist me in the kitchen she ordered. ok, let me take Lesley to dad. I met her standing at the entrance of the kitchen,then I asked? ma what should I do. Ella, didn't you do the dishes todayshe asked me. i did after we had breakfast, these are from when your friends camei answered. why haven't you washed them she yelled? ma you asked me not to leave Lesley's side till you come get him i responded. go and do the dishes immediately she ordered. I walked into the kitchen and began washing while she brought out dad's dinner from the freezer. whats going on? I heard shouting Mr Sam asked. it's nothing this girl is making me raise my voice. Love you haven't started on the food yet he asked again?. it will be ready soon she replied. Dad went back to the living room and immediately mom looked at me and said just pray nothing happens or else. I quickly washed a medium sized pot filled it with water and placed the the frozen dinner in the pot so it could dissolve faster. now it was like time went by faster and dad became restless waiting, Ella he called out. Yes dad, i answered. What's taking so long with the food?. On hearing this I couldn't say a word because mom was watching from where she sat. Get me the car key he ordered. ok sir I said quickly. He got up and left without a word, i stood at the balcony watching him drive off meanwhile Mrs Grace sat in the living room studying. Ma i said to her, dad just left. Did he say where he was going she asked?. No he didn't say, what should I do with the dinner on fire i asked?. you can go she replied without answering my question, i walked slowly and quietly away back to the kitchen. A few minutes i brought out the food and set the table, and an hour later dad returned home. i went downstairs to welcome him as it was a habit of mine to always run down to welcome him before he gets down from the car. Where did you go dad? i said to him, he looked at me and smiled. i bought some chocolate for you and few things for the house its in the backseat he replied. I smiled happily and replied your food is served, it's okay Ella i had something on the way, okay i answered. I took the items upstairs and said, ma... dad is back, he bought me chocolates i said happily. so? she asked, where is he? he's in the car i replied. I went round the house placing each item in their supposed places after which i went ahead to clear the table i had set up for dad. What are you doing Ella? Mrs Grace asked. dad said to clear the table, she looked right at me and frowned, soon after Mr Sam came up and went straight into the bedroom. while I stood at the balcony, he called with a loud voice, Ella come immediately! yes sir i answered rushing to him. carry your brother to his room andbith of you stay there. okay i replied, noticing the tension in his voice I walked into the bedroom and what i saw shook me mentally I looked at mom who was standing angrily by the wardrobe then i walked to the bed and picked up my baby brother, as i walked away dad walked ahead to open the door for me, then he said don't come out no matter what happens.