She's Calling

Over at Ekpoma, Lanre was already complaining bitterly that she was tired of waiting for Eno’s grandmother. Since they have been waiting, no elderly woman has come to the compound. In fact, the one they met in the compound left over 30 minutes ago. Seeing how she was complaining, Eno suggested that they leave and that perhaps fate is against them meeting her grandmother. But Lanre objected. She told Eno that it was against her principle to give up on anything she has started. Eno frowned. She really did not want to be here. She only wish they would leave without seeing anybody.

“I seriously don’t think her grandmother will come now if she is yet to arrive after we have waited for two hours. I suggest we leave unless you want to sleep here over the night”. Tega said to Lanre. Lanre told Tega they would just wait a little longer. And if the woman does not show up, they will leave.

A little longer turned into hours and soon if was evening. Lanre already felt stressed out. Sitting at one spot waiting for someone who fails to show up could be so tiring.

“It is already past 5 pm, do you still want to stay?” Tega asked. Lanre shook her head. She asked him to take them to a hotel around where they will spend the night and leave for warri the following morning.

Just then someone knocked on the window by the driver’s side. It was the young boy who was helping the old lady interpret. He signaled for Tega to bring down the glass.

“Mama said you should come in with the woman that wants to see her”. The young boy said to Tega. This got Tega confused. When did the woman arrived? The only woman that has returned to the compound was the one they met in the compound.

“Is she back?” Lanre asked. The boy did not reply. He just walked away. Lanre sighed. She told Tega to wait in the car while she goes in with Itohan.

“I do not have any strength left in me. I can’t walk. Aunty Lanre let us just ignore them and go. Were we not about to leave just now?” Eno said. She was refusing to meet with her maternal grandmother. She did not want to meet with anyone from either side of her family either.

“Eno!” Lanre called giving Eno a warning look. Eno got out of the car and followed Lanre reluctantly to the house which the old woman was in.

On getting in, Lanre saw no other older lady aside from the one they met when they arrived the compound.

“Mama, I was told mama Itohan is back”. Lanre said to the old lady. The old lady just nods her head and offered both Lanre and Eno seats to sit on. Then she asked Lanre why exactly she was looking for mama Itohan. Lanre pointed at Eno and said she wanted the woman to see her granddaughter, Itohan’s child.