Chapter 6

I had just woken up and done all the necessary chores to be done. Today is my graduation day. After waiting for two months and a half, the list came out. I was a little disappointed that I didn't emerge as the best graduating student, I thought I was but it's all good since I still came out with something good. I was to go to school with Jessica and her mom and her sister Jacintha. I wasn't sure if her brother, Jeremy was going to make it. He was supposed to arrive last night with his family but their flight got delayed at two different times.

I slept over at their house and Jessica and I had stayed up all night reminiscing on our four years journey, the happy

times and the sad times.

"Do you know Michael was interested in you?" Jess asked

We were sorting out our dresses and other stuff on the bed before going to take our bath.

"Michael? The nerd? How? When was that?"

She burst out laughing, "Look who is calling someone a nerd, what would you call yourself if you call him a nerd."

" I am not a nerd or I wasn't a nerd. Anyone."

" You were all books and no play."

" I just didn't have the time to socialize."

"I know right. I am glad it's finally going to be over.

You're still moving?" She asked.

Jess has always been opposed to the idea of me moving out of the country. She was moving out of the house, yes, but

out of the country, she wasn't just ready to accept it. It's a very tough decision for me too. But it is what I've always wanted. A fresh start.

" The decision is final Jess, I have submitted my CV already to a few companies. I got feedback from one of the

companies, it seems they are considering it."

" Really!!!"

" Hmmn"

" Oh my God, that's good news. What about housing, feeding and at least some money you'd use to sustain yourself for

the first 6 months? Do you have plans for that? I mean, you can't be stranded in a place you know absolutely nobody."

" I have some money but I don't know if it would be enough for six months' sustenance. Why don't we talk about this

later? Go take your bath. I'll go prepare us something to eat."

"Okay"

Just as I was about to step out of the room, Mrs Thompson opened the door and came in with a tray full of food.

" Oh, you girls are awake. I thought you would still be asleep, you girls slept late."

"Good morning mom"

"Good morning Mrs Thompson"

We said in unison

"Good morning to you too" she replied then turned to face me

"Mrs Thompson, I thought we've passed that stage now, honey."

" I'm sorry Grace. It's just a little bit hard to get used to it."

"Keep trying till you get used to it. You're my daughter too, okay."

"Why aren't you girls getting dressed yet?" she asked

" I was just about to go into the bathroom Mom, who did you bring those for? Are you feeding foodlums?"

We all busted out laughing.

"Foodlums, really?. What the heck is foodlum?" I asked

"Foodlum is just a slang used for a person who eats a lot, same as a glutton," she explained

"Where did you get the slang from? I am sure I haven't heard it before." Mrs Thompson asked as she set the tray on the

table.

"One of my friends, Abiola, Abbie for short. She's African...Nigerian. I meet her on Instagram a few weeks back." she

placed toothpaste on her brush.

"WOW!!!! So you're making new friends without telling me. Nice." jealously kicks in

Jess looked at me, then her mom, she looked back and forth again, kind of confused with my tone, Mrs. Thompson just

smiled as she watched us.

"Don't start to get jealous. She's just a new friend. I was going to tell you about her, it just slipped my mind. She's moving here. She studied in the Netherlands but she's moving here because she got a job. You'll get to meet her before you leave."

"A replacement. I haven't even left and you're already replacing me." my voice was laced with hurt

"That was not what I meant Aurora and you know it. I'm sorry for not telling you about her in the first place. She's not

your replacement, nobody can ever replace you. There's nothing wrong in having new friends."

"Hmmn, there's absolutely no wrong in having new friends. I hope I get to meet your new friend before I go." I said as I matched into the bathroom. I was so pissed off. I don't know why but I couldn't just help it.

"I'm going into the bathroom, please don't after me. Let me take my bath in peace."

"Aurora, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. Why are you still angry?"

"Aurora! Aurora! Aurora!!!! So we are playing the silent treatment game right?"

I ignored her as I took my bath. I heard her mom talking to her, and then she left. I took my bath and came out of the

bathroom after cleaning my body headed towards where I laid my clothes.

"Are you seriously going to ignore me? On a day like this? I'm sorry. Everything sucks when you are mad at me. I

promise it won't repeat itself."

"Whatever," I said with an eye roll

We ate before dressing, no girl would like her dress or makeup stained. Then dressed, wore our makeup and left for

school with Mrs Thompson with Jacintha.

_____________________________________________________

" Congratulations Jessica, Congratulations Aurora" Jacintha said in a little tiny voice giving us both flowers.

"Thank you, my love" I pecked her cheeks as I collected the flower.

The ceremony had just ended. Jeremy couldn't make it but he'll meet us at home. Mrs Thompson or Grace rather went

to make a call. She organized a small party for us, all our friends from Nora's place were invited, Nick and his wife were also invited. We do not have friends at school so we were just standing in one corner waiting for Grace.

"Aren't you going to look for your parents?" Jess asked

"Are they looking for me?"

"Wouldn't it be awkward if you don't take pictures with them? Just try looking for them."

"They don't want me near them. They don't want to associate themselves with me so why should I bother myself."

"Aurora, let's go. Please. I'll go with you."

I looked at her. I don't just get why she's pushing it.

"Okay."

"Where are you girls going to?" Grace asked

"We are going to search for her parents. Are you done making your call?"

"Yes, Jeremy just arrived at the airport. He came with his wife and their daughter."

"Thank God they could come, I thought Jane wouldn't come. Take Jacintha with you, we are coming." Jess said

We went ahead to search for my parents. Looked for them everywhere, and we found them after 20mins of searching.

We found them taking pictures and talking with their friends. I stood a few distances away from them.

"Dad, Mom," I called

They both turned their heads.

"Oh, Aurora, you're here," Dad said

"I'm here. I'm also convoked today, Dad. I guess you did not know about that, because you do not care. You didn't even

come here for me so asking you for a picture with you is........ it just doesn't seem..... "

I couldn't find the right words. I was boiling inside

"What kind of father wouldn't know his daughter is graduating. You're here dining and celebrating with your friends. I

thought I could come here and ask you for a picture but seeing as you do not give a fuck about it hurt and it's pissing me off. I think now is the best time to tell you guys that I'll be moving out of the house."

" That's the greatest news you've heard today right." I chuckled loudly. This called for everybody's attention(everyone

under the canopy).

"You should be happy. Very happy in fact. Should I say thank you for housing me for 23 years? Thank you for the love and care, both you and I know I didn't receive that. I'll make sure I repay your kindness for housing, clothing and

feeding me for 23years."

Everyone was watching now.

I laughed out loud. I was trying so hard not to burst into tears. I hated seeing people pity me.

"Have a good life, Mom, Dad, you too Vivian. You can all live happily now that I am going to disappear from your lives." I said and turned on my heels

"Jessica let's go."

"Told you I didn't want to go. I hate being pitied."

"Are you okay?" she asked

"No, I'm not. But I am going to be."

We drove out of the school premises as I said my final goodbye to the school.