CHAPTER NINETEEN

Shirley sat in front of the television and as usual, she scanned through to find something to watch. She did not notice Bukky who had just entered the living room.

"Mummy good afternoon" she said

Shirley looked at her, "Bukky, I did not see you there. How are you?"

"I am fine ma" she replied as she sat down

"I got the chips yesterday. Thanks so much"

"You are welcome, ma'am"

"Ma'am, I was wondering if I could suggest something to you" Bukky said

"And what will that be?" Shirley said absent mindedly as she fiddled with the TV remote

"May I have your attention ma'am? The subject I would like to discuss is trivial and delicate" Bukky said after observing her for a while.

"What is it?" Shirley said as she turned to face her

"I was talking with Tola yesterday and I found out that she is yearning for love and attention; I was wondering if you could spend more time with her before she goes to school" Bukky said

"I do not understand you on this subject" Shirley retorted

"Well, I am just suggesting that you get to know your daughter more; her dreams, ambitions and aspirations" Bukky said while Shirley grumped

"How is my daughter a delicate matter?"

"She is delicate because we do not want her to end up as a bad child or someone that heaps disgrace on her family. I am thinking that both of you should go out and talk; you know, have a mother-daughter discussion" Bukky said a bit sternly.

Shirley stared at the lady positioned in front of her. She never liked her. She always thought so highly of herself, the most holy sister Mary. What lies had Tola been telling her?

"So, you are really suggesting a mother-daughter talk to me?"

"Yes"

"What exactly brought this up?"

"Tola is hurt that her parents are never around, and I am hoping it could change before she would have to leave for school?" Bukky was getting uncomfortable with Shirley's answers

"Bukky, are you alright this morning?" Shirley asked

Bukky was shocked at the question, "yes, I am"

"I don't think so! You're here telling me nonsense. Are you saying that I am a bad mother? You are also telling me that my child would disgrace me in future. Why don't you call you brother and tell him that his daughter is alone and hurt? Why are you insulting me?" Shirley ranted

"I am sorry ma'am, but I did not insult you. I just…."

"Sorry for yourself! I do not care if you are my husband's sister or not; I can't tolerate insults from anyone! Your visit is now over, leave my house now"

Bukky stared at her sister-in-law in shock; she never imagined that she would get offended at what she said.

"Bukky, I said leave" Shirley said getting up from her chair

"I said leave!" she shouted

"Who should leave our house dear?" Daniel Adeogun asked as he walked into the living room

Shirley and Bukky were both shocked to see him. He took a look at his sister who was now standing and turned a questioning glance to his wife.

"Bukky, Shirley" he called when no one answered him

"Bukky!" he called again

"Sir, welcome big brother"

"Thank you. Tell me what is going on here"

"My sister and I were just having a discussion when you came in" she replied

"A discussion that warranted shouting?" he asked sarcastically

"Were you telling my sister to leave our house dear?" he asked his wife who shook nervously avoiding his gaze.

"I dare not, we were just talking" she laughed nervously

Daniel eyed the ladies suspiciously turning his gaze from one to another, "Ok then, since no one here is concerned about me and my journey; I will be heading upstairs for a bath"

Daniel left for the stairs leaving them in shock while Habib brought in his boxes

"When did my husband arrive?" Shirley asked Habib

"Madam, we just come. Oga dey worry when him hear you shouting, we think say thief enter or something bad dey happen that na why him come rush here. I just thank God say una dey alright" Habib replied while scratching his head.

"Did I ask you for such a long explanation?" Shirley hissed at Habib and left quickly for the stairs

Habib was shocked at the reply he got, and he turned a questioning glance at Bukky who just nudged at him and left

Habib followed her with his gaze "I no understand this house I swear" he said with a sigh.