The sun was just beginning to peek through the curtains, casting a soft golden light over the kitchen. The scent of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, making its way up the staircase and into the bedrooms.
Downstairs, Kenita stood at the stove, humming softly to herself as she flipped pancakes with one hand and stirred a pot of oatmeal with the other. She was dressed in a floral apron, her hair pulled back in a loose bun, a few strands escaping to frame her face.
In the rooms above, the smell of breakfast slowly stirred the rest of the family from their sleep. First to wake was the Kamara, his nose twitched as he caught the scent of syrup and his eyes popped open in curiosity.
What was the aroma?
It couldn't possibly be auntie, she was no way a cook to that level, so who could it be?. He jumped out of bed, his feet thudding against the smooth floor as he raced down the hall, not bothering to change out of his yesterday coat or clean up.
Next was Lisa , who stretched lazily under her blankets before letting out a groan. She was not a morning person, but even she couldn't resist the allure of whatever it was. Quick her legs paced the stairs after a one minute routine of her face cleaning.
"Good morning" Kenita waved at Lisa who stood frozen as her brain tried to comprehend the scene. Was the woman infront of her really her mother?, the same mother who feared of ruining her skin so she never stepped a feet in the kitchen ,was now wrapped on apron and flipping pancakes like nothing.
What's next , a zombie apocalypse?. She faintly whispered in her thoughts as she stalked for the dinner room.
"I made breakfasts" she informed while setting the table with the plate of pancakes, beside was auntie aiding in arranging the plates.
"You went in the kitchen and made these?" Lisa asked pointing at the different meal infront of her, her mind still in dazzled at what happening. Continuously she asked if she was dreaming but the pain her wrist from the pinch said it all.
"Yes, I decided to make you breakfast" her voice cheerfully came out.
"You made it?"
"Why sound so surprise?, didn't I make you breakfast or food to eat?"
" Actually no, you barely were around and the times you were, we barely bumped into each other" her voice died through as she end the words. To her , her mother was no less than a guest whom showed less concerns towards her or her well being, she was a plague that she wanted rid of.
"Auntie?" Kamara voice came by. They turned to see him standing behind, with less said he grabbed a seat and scanned his eyes on the table decorated.
"Auntie you made these?" He asked in amusement
"I didn't, ma did" his brows raised as well as his eyes that stared in doubts. Since when did she learned the art of cooking?, no doubt she was an awful cook. Well how did he know, she never once marched to the kitchen talk less of cook.
"You did this?" His speech barely formed pattern
"No you did" she sarcastically responded with rolled hers at him. His nerves to doubt her, she could cook with her eyes closed. She had been cooking since she was a young girl, well she didn't had much of a choice.
After moving to the states her mother gave no attention to her but bothered about her, all she cared about was herself and her many suitors. To survive she had to learn how to cook and take care of herself.
" Auntie have my breakfast served in my room" Lisa said headed for the stairs but was pulled back by Kenita, who worried about her.
"Honey am very sorry, I don't remember the past but am sure I must have hurt you. I'm going to promise yii on u that I will never hurt you again, I'll try my best to be the best mother to you" her words were strong and pleasing to their ears and for a second Lisa's feet halted, her mind warned as she stared in Kenita's face. There was sincerity but yet her brain won't let her heart decide.
"No thank you, I rather I be left alone than be given false hopes" her words politely yet harshly came out, soon her presence was lost for the stairs and back to her room.
It was more safe to be alone than to have a hope that was soon to be crushed once her memories recovered. She knew her mother's behavior now was only being good caused she had lost her memories and once they were back she would treat her no less than before.
"What's wrong with you?" Kenita scolded , her fingers clutched in her palms as she stabbed glares at Kamara whom seem unaffected by the whole scene. She expected him to talk or best convince the child to sit and have her first meal of the day but instead he sat unbothered while stuffing his stomach full.
"Didn't you hear what the child said, couldn't you have stopped her and tell her to eat" her voice uncontrollably lashed out at him.
"I don't know about you but I rather have my daughter decide for herself. Also if anything you should ask yourself why your daughter seem distant from you instead of blaming others" right, like she hadn't. Sure she knew of the bad relationship between her sister and her daughter and she was at it.
"I didn't make these for you" her eyes pierced at him as he rolled the pancake and omelette.
" I don't care, it my house and food so I get to it eat" he dashed the words at her with a crooked smirk that sent displeased chills in her body. She could argue but was right, it was his house and his resources, she had no leverage on him.
"Oh, get ready you leave for work with me" he unadorned said.
"Work?" she flinched at his words.
"Yes, the doctor advised to have you in familiar environments and where best than the company" he justified. She was an addict to the company's premises, she mostly spent her hours in her office doing nothing.
Sure he did not wish for her to gain her memories but he couldn't say it out , so he had to mask his dissent. Refusing to do as the doctor advised would only paint him to hold ulterior motives.
" But, I don't have memories of my job" she lied. A day in the company would exposed her , she had no knowledge of her sister's job . Her only talent was painting anymore was a void.
Great she was really doing it, her words could not compelled his damn big head to drop the taking back her position idea. There she was infront of the gaint building of five floors, it outer decors reflected the early light of the day on each floors.
'Quite impressive' she had mumbled while she followed his steps through the glass door that went gliding at the motion of the two guards. Their eyes which popped at the sight of Kenita, their moths left unhooked in deep stares.
Wasn't she dead?, how was she infront of them?' Their minds wondered through as were many of the employees who set eyes at her. Murmuring and chasing , the whole atmosphere was a disaster of wonders.
Right, Mr Kamara had not published the news of his wife nor dead to the public , that explained their reaction.
"Kemidia?!" A broken voice faded out, straight her eyes went to fall at Alima whom seem taken by her appearance.
"How?" Alima eyes met Kamara,
"You're alive" she said stalking out the gap between them, her eyes still in disbelieve. Her funeral was held so why was she alive?, the thought lashed in her head barely unable to hold her tongue that wanted to vent out.
"Clear as you can see and you're?" Kenita's question got Alima staring at Kamara for an explanation.
What did she meant by that?.
"I'll fill in you later" Kamara cut in not wanting anymore discussion between them. The last of their discussion was in discontent which landed both of them in a hospital. "Let go" he said to Kenita taking the lead for the elevator.
Right at the third floor the elevator stopped and then they walked out for a short lobby that led to a door. Kamara unlocked it and led her in with a brief introduction of it being her office he stalked out after a sudden appearance his assistant Beth.
"My goodness ma am so happy you're alive" she pulled Kenita into a warm embrace "when I heard the rumors I was in disbelief" she said covering her mouth with her hands. "You're really alive" she joyfully said with sparks at the end of her eyes.
"This is a miracle" she thrilled
"I'm going to have to apologize but I have amnesia from the accident. I don't remember many things specially of the last few years" she inform excusing herself from any future blonders.
"That's okay, Mr Kamara already filled me in on it. You don't have to worry I've got your back, am here to assist you and fill you on any information" she cheerfully said with a nudge on Kenita's shoulder.
"Just so you know am Beth, your best friend" Kenita brows crooked as she detailed , dubious at her words. Her sister wasn't the friendly type nor seek others association, which raised questions.
"Okay fine, am not your best friend but am your work friend which count as best friend" Beth corrected on notice of her doubts.
"That's fine" Kenita chill chuckle eased her up, "so what's my role here?" She asked in reference of her job in the company, certainly someone failed to tell her what she was required to do.
"Well you're the head design director but if am to be honest you're actually do nothing" Beth blunted out " truth be said you're only good at claiming others hard work. Like the time you claimed to have sketched those designs of a newbie in your department then ended up firing her caused she tried to tell on you" she furthered explained all of Kemidia schemes. As a head designer against Alima, she always stole others designs or bought them at a low cost all to prove she was better than Alima.
"But that's what I liked about you, you were true to yourself and know what you wanted" Beth swiped in with praises on seeing her crooked brows and tended hands that clutched her sides.
"That was the past, I hope to change that scenario of me" she said determined to help give a clean reputation to her sister.
"Oh I should tell you about your nemesis" Beth face went in disgust at her measure.
"My nemesis?"
"Yes, the sea witch who wants to take your place"
"That bitch" a yelled came banging the walls of the size office "how is she alive?"another scream popped out her painted lips, her hands trashed diwb the files on her table while her legs stumped on the floor. Her heart paced and clustered at the same time on the mere thoughts of her rival coming back.
She had thought Kemidia death would mark a start of happiness for her , with her gone she was going to fill in her place and become Kamara's wife.
"Why?" Her hands fell on her face as she clutched on her knees. All her plans were falling , she never predicted that.
"Are you okay?"
Her face raised to see her knight staring at her with concerns. She gently stood up and dried her eyes in discreet before facing him.
"How is it even possible?, when we're you going to tell me?" Her voice came out uncontrollably, "Why didn't you inform me of her revival and how is it possible?"
"She was found by some villagers and rescued in time before the car explored" he explained to her displeased. Curse on whoever throes villagers were and once she was to found them , she was granting them hell.
"Since when?"
"Just days ago" he stated
"And you didn't think it fit to tell me about it, I'd to find it out from others. Do you know how hurtful I am?" Her voice cracked out, as much as she tried to controlled her tone she couldn't neither was she to her eyes that felt runny.
"This means nothing"
"Are you sure?, you very well know what she did before. What if she tried it again?" Again she ranted. As much as she feared of her return standing in her way of getting the man she wanted, she feared her return would hurt him. To her his happiness was everything to him and for him he was capable of anything.
"I don't want the past to repeat itself" her voice flatly came out while her hands went for Kamara's grasp.
"If that ever happens then I would get rid of her" he coldly stated making her lips to splits at each ends.
Back at Kenita's office she scanned her eyes through, the two manicures detailed insight of the company being based on production of clothes, the pages of sketched pinned at the craft board sent giggles at her lips. Stunned at how much little talent her sister had, well she always loved fashioned and was good at dressing up, it just that she wasn't good at creating designs from scratch.
Good thing she was into art of such.
Just as she was getting comfortable in the chair her phone buzzed and she quickly picked it on sight of the caller's name.
"Yes David" she voiced the second the phone was at her ear
"I found your driver" David's voice scrambled through.