Phebe Returns home

Phebe Returns Home

Phebe had imagined this moment countless times. After a year of service away from home, she was finally back where she belonged—with her sisters, Mabel and Cecilia. Though she had grown accustomed to the routine of her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) life, nothing compared to the joy of returning to family.

As the bus pulled into the station, she peered out the window, searching for familiar faces. The moment she stepped down, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. The bustling streets, the chatter of passersby, and the scent of roasted plantain from a nearby vendor reminded her of home.

Then she saw them—Mabel and Cecilia, standing near the entrance, their faces lighting up the moment they spotted her.

"Phebe!" Mabel shouted, rushing forward with open arms.

Phebe barely had time to react before her older sister wrapped her in a tight embrace. Cecilia joined in, the three of them hugging tightly, as though afraid to let go.

"We've missed you so much!" Cecilia said, her voice thick with emotion.

"You have no idea how much I've missed you both," Phebe replied, pulling away to get a good look at them.

Mabel had her usual confident smile, though there was a tiredness in her eyes that Phebe couldn't quite place. Cecilia, on the other hand, looked different—softer, more pensive. Phebe made a mental note to ask about it later.

Back to Familiar Places

As they drove home, the conversation was filled with laughter and updates about everything that had happened in the past year.

"How was NYSC?" Mabel asked, turning from the driver's seat to glance at her younger sister.

"It was an experience," Phebe said with a chuckle. "I met some great people, learned a lot, but I also faced my fair share of struggles."

"Did you meet anyone special?" Cecilia asked teasingly.

Phebe laughed. "If by special you mean stubborn students who made teaching a challenge, then yes, plenty!"

They all laughed, the sound filling the car with warmth. For a moment, everything felt just as it had before she left.

When they arrived home, Phebe sighed in relief. The house hadn't changed much, though she noticed small details—new curtains, a different arrangement of the living room furniture, and a few more framed photos on the wall.

"I see you both have been busy," she said, running her fingers over a new decorative piece on the shelf.

"Just trying to make the place feel cozier," Mabel said.

"Come on, you must be starving," Cecilia added, leading Phebe to the dining table, where a feast awaited.

Phebe's heart swelled with gratitude. It felt good to be home.

Catching Up and Hidden Tensions

As they ate, Phebe noticed something strange—an unspoken tension between Mabel and Cecilia. It wasn't obvious, but years of growing up together had made her an expert in reading their emotions.

"So… what's new with you both?" Phebe asked, trying to sound casual.

Mabel exchanged a glance with Cecilia before answering, "Work has been busy, but nothing much has changed."

"Really?" Phebe raised an eyebrow. "You're telling me you've been living the same boring routine while I was gone?"

Cecilia hesitated, then said, "Well… Mabel is in a relationship now."

Phebe's eyes widened. "Wait, what? You have a boyfriend, and you didn't tell me?"

Mabel smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I wanted to tell you in person. His name is Kenze."

"Kenze," Phebe repeated, letting the name roll off her tongue. "Sounds interesting. Tell me more."

Mabel shrugged. "He's charming, sweet, and ambitious."

"Sounds like a dream," Phebe said, narrowing her eyes playfully. "I'll need to meet this mystery man soon."

Mabel nodded, but something in her expression made Phebe uneasy. She turned to Cecilia, who had gone unusually quiet.

"You okay, Cece?" Phebe asked.

Cecilia forced a smile. "Yeah, just tired."

Phebe didn't believe her, but she decided not to press—at least not yet.

A New Presence in Their Lives

Over the next few days, Phebe settled back into life at home. She caught up with old friends, revisited her favorite spots, and enjoyed every moment with her sisters. But one thing remained on her mind—Kenze.

The day finally came when Mabel introduced them.

Kenze was everything Mabel had described—charming, well-dressed, and confident. But there was something about him that made Phebe wary.

"It's great to finally meet you," he said, extending a hand.

Phebe shook it, studying his face. "Likewise."

She watched the way he interacted with Mabel—how he held her hand, how he whispered in her ear. To an outsider, it would seem like the perfect romance. But Phebe wasn't an outsider—she was Mabel's sister, and she knew when something felt off.

Then she noticed Cecilia.

Cecilia was avoiding Kenze's gaze, looking anywhere but at him. Phebe's heart skipped a beat.

Something was wrong.

A Growing Suspicion

That night, as she sat with Cecilia in their room, Phebe decided to ask.

"Cece… do you like Kenze?"

Cecilia's head snapped up. "What?"

"You've been acting strange around him."

Cecilia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's complicated."

Phebe frowned. "Try me."

Cecilia hesitated before whispering, "I think I have feelings for him, Phebe. And I don't know what to do."

Phebe's stomach dropped. The unease she had felt earlier now made perfect sense.

This wasn't just a love story. It was a love triangle. And it was only a matter of time before everything fell apart.