Eventually, I noticed that I began to miss Eric more than usual. I do know not whether it's just to see his face that I missed or to relax my head on his broad chest. All I know is that wish to see myself being hugged by Eric. I missed the way he turns everything to play. I can't tell, whether it's because of the multiple dreams I do have about him. But frankly, something in me was missing him so dearly.
Since my mother has been both a friend and a mother to me, and we do spend our days together, excusing myself from our daily activities just to meet with Eric won't be easy. Besides, she won't even tolerate such nonsense from me if I eventually tell her that I want to go and see a man. I got puzzled by the thought of what to use as an excuse. When I thought of informing her that I intend to visit May and use it as an excuse, I know May's mother won't for any reason allow me to skip helping my mum just to visit them. And there's no way I can spend an hour elsewhere without providing a genuine explanation and, if need be, evidence of my whereabouts. I finally decided to tell her that I would be visiting May during the weekend. She easily granted the request, since May had been visiting us.
This is among the reasons why I decided to maintain my relationship with May. Once I told her my plans, she didn't waste time before notifying my mum that she wants me to visit. She made everything easier for me. One thing that turned out to be a burden to my plan was that May's mother refused to do their normal weekend shopping for groceries. Rather, she sent the list to my mum and requested that I go along with the items when I will be visiting. I had no choice but to agree with whichever plans they came up with, since I initiated the idea of visiting them. In some occasions, good outcomes don't come from the best decision. When things are destined to fall into place, the human decision seems to play little or no role. As May sent me the address, I got shocked to realize that they live in the same Estate as Eric. And even in the same street. I couldn't be happier than I was.
All I could imagine was just the days would be passing faster so that my dream day would come. How I would excuse myself from May's compound has also been a puzzle to me. But since May is a person of my kind, we would have our way to solve any puzzle that may ensue. However, I told Eric that I missed him, but never did I informed him that I would be visiting. I decided to make it a surprise visit.
"Rose, you've suffered. Would I be carrying all this luggage just because I lied? Nah! Something has to be done".
I whispered to myself as my mum continued bringing out loaded bags, notifying me that those are the stuff I'll be taking to May's mother. Mumbling to myself wasn't just enough expression of how I felt. My facial expression was so audible that my mum instantly noticed that something was wrong.
"It seems you can't carry all the stuff to May's mother. Or can go along with both of them?"
Her question was more rhetorical to me. Since she already knows the answer, what then is the essence of asking me? Whether I like it or not, those stuff needs to get to them on that same day. And it's not as if we have a car, so I would go with it. Since I was mute for some while after her question, she gave me a wicked grin. It was when she laughed that I couldn't contain the anger in me any longer. Then I uttered with a coarse voice…
Is this not wickedness at its peak? How on earth does she expect me to go along with any of this luggage? She should have told me not to come instead. Rather than expecting me to carry all these loads…
I was still lamenting when my mother intruded;
Rose! I never see this version of you since I gave birth to you. So, you can be this infuriated? Calm down, Rose!
I knew not whether she was mocking me or something relating to that. All I realized from her smiles and body language was that there must be a truth she kept from me as a secret.
Mum, this isn't funny at all. It'll be better if I stay back than to carry all these along…
I already called a taxi that will pick you up. You need not bother yourself.
She became serious since she realized that I was more serious than my face could express. Her words forced a smile on my face.
"I knew that must be your reaction. Well, I know Mrs. Andy must pay for the taxi when you get there, but still, I will give you the money in case she doesn't.
.she jokingly said
Mummy, so you've been playing some pranks on me?
I chipped in stylishly
"Haha," she chuckled.
How do you think I would allow you to carry all these loads just like that?
Hmm, I remember that you once told me, if the fowl start pursuing me all of a sudden, I should run because I don't know whether it's grown teeth overnight.
I replied to her with an innocent tone.
Chai! It's okay, Rose…
She was still saying her words when the taxi driver arrived at our compound.
There he is! She commented.
At least, now, I know you're serious.
I made my words sound jokingly since I knew mum might get annoyed by my choice of words. The driver helped us to load the goods and then the driver and I left the house.