Chapter 67

Now tell me, Jessy, for how long have you been standing outside with that miscreant?

Madam Ruth asked as I met her inside the house. It seemed as if I didn't u understand her question. The word MISCREANT kept sounding and resounding in my head. I kept mute in other not to say anything that might bounce back on me. She repeated. her question just made it more understandable to me. I got chocked by the question and couldn't control my emotions

"Mummy" I called her in a gentle tone

"Don't mummy me, Jessy. Answer my question"

"Would you like it if any of your sons is addressed as a miscreant?" I asked her

"Jessy, what do you mean?" She asked in a meek voice

"Well, would you call any of your sons a miscreant? mummy!"

"Jessy, we're now mates that you can talk to me anyhow you want." she made her sentence in an interrogative manner.

Knowing what she's capable of, I gave her some steps gap so her hand can't reach me in case she wants to administer her unforgettable slap.

"I. never said we're mates but Dave is not a miscreant. And I wouldn't want someone to address him as a miscreant for my sake." While replying to her, I made her know that I was already angry with her.

"Imagine the morale. Who do you pull such a stunt on me? Jessy!!"

Anger was written all over her. I couldn't even. look straight into her eyes. I never intend to disobey her but I couldn't just allow her to belittle me in such a manner again. She's been displaying her hatred for Dave. And truly I couldn't continue to tolerate such from her. But noticing how hot the environment just turned for us, I started with casualty control measures. Then I said

"....Mummy, I never meant to offend you. But the young man means well to me. You know how long we've known each other but he's opposite to what you're saying"

"Is that all? Jessy is that all? I've been. trying my possible best to make sure you don't make the mistake of choosing the wrong person. But it's obvious you're making me an enemy"

"Mummy, if choosing Dave is a mistake, I guess that must be a necessary one"

On hearing what I said, she walked away from me. I felt this relief in me. For the first time, I ever stood my ground before her. Though I. was trembling and my heart almost fell out from my mouth. I couldn't imagine myself confronting Madam Ruth, but truly I did. In all that was transpiring between us, Jeff and Derrick were comfortably watching the episode that was filled up with emotions. None of them could say any word. They knew not whether to support their mum or their sister. What got my attention was the look on Jeff's face when I made my last sentence. He got shocked and started signaling me to calm down before his mother left me at the scene.

Though the conversation was over I knew it was not yet over. I knew when Madam Ruth tell Uncle Jimmy what happened, he must say something about it. Though he's not as stiff as his wife. He's an easygoing someone, I must attest. I know how I play my card with him.

I entered the kitchen to continue what I was doing when Dave came into the house. Jeff followed me into the kitchen.

"Babe! did you test alcoholic drink or smoked? Why did you talk to mummy in that manner" Jeff asked displaying seriousness on his face and in his voice

"Bro, you need to understand me. Mummy has been suffocating me with her endless interrogations whenever Dave comes into the picture" I replied him showing less concern about how Madam Ruth might be feeling at the moment.

"Hmmm, you people should take it easy on yourselves. As much as I don't support you, I don't support her as well. You've grown to the age that you know what you want. But remember you need to have something doing before you make such a relationship open at least so that you won't be a slave to anyone for any reason" He replied. me. passionately

"Bro I'm more than 18, if don't do it with who they know, what do you think might happen when I finally gain admission into the tertiary institution?"

"You think so?"...Jeff asked

"You need to put it into consideration. Already, my goal is to further my education which every member of this family is aware of. Though I don't support Dave for coming to our family house unannounced. But she was supposed not to display such hatred and even obviously in such a manner. I will tell Dave not to pay me such a visit again. But, Jeff..?"

I turned to him and was in a more passionate mood.

"Jessy" He replied

"I love Dave, I won't lie. I can't imagine ending the relationship with him

" I know! but don't lose your mind because of that. Play your cards smart and it will last. If you continue forcing mummy to accept him, my dear, she. won't for a reason best known to her. But when you play smart, at the due time, he'll surface and it would be hard for mummy to resist him" He said in a calm voice as he came close to me

"You think so?"

"Yesssss! And that's true" He replied

"I'll follow your words," I said then hugged him.