'' Ahn ahn! Made! What is this na?'' Isoken asked turning to look at her daughter as she entered the living room.

'' What's wrong?'' Steve asked lowering his newspaper.

'' What are you putting on? Is this how you want to dress to school? Like a...what am I supposed to call this?'' Isoken asked.

'' Mummy, its the school uniform. Is there something wrong with it?'' Yomade asked looking herself over.

'' Is there something not wrong with it? Why's your skirt not pleated?'' Isoken asked.

'' But its ironed na, Isoken. Give the girl a break,'' Steve said and turned back to his papers.

'' Please Steve, let me scold this girl in peace. Abi what's your own again. Made, back to you, why isn't it pleated? And, try dolling yourself up at least. You look like you're headed to a funeral,'' Isoken said.

'' Mommy, I'm going to school. I feel way more comfortable this way. Are you going somewhere?'' Yomade asked looking at the boxes by the wall.

'' Yes. I have a few things to take care of back at the agency in Abuja, just a few meetings. Steve is travelling too. Don't worry, it won't take a week,'' Isoken said.

'' But we just got here. Are you going to just leave me alone at home? Like seriously?'' Yomade asked.

'' Made, abeg stop complaining like you're still a little girl. Grow up. Your mates are living at home alone already. Its just going to be for a few days. I've sent five hundred thousand to your account already, so you don't need to sorry, you won't be lacking anything. Are we good?'' Isoken asked.

Yomade sighed. Did she have a choice?

'' Yes mom. Have a safe trip,'' Yomade said with a little smile.

'' Me nko?'' Steve asked getting up.

'' You too. Bye,'' Yomade said.

'' Made, I don't want you to mess up this time. Try not to fail this one o, can you hear me?'' Isoken asked.

'' Isoken,'' Steve called accusingly.

'' What? Can't I talk to my daughter again? Shey, you've sha heard me?'' Isoken asked. Yomade nodded.

'' I'll do my best. I'll call when I get back. Bye,'' Yomade said and left.

***

Yomade Badmus was an only child. Tall, chocolatey brown complexion and right in the middle of slim and plump. Her hair was cut low, no style added.

Small eyes, broad nose(not big), pimply face with a lot of dark spots. Describing her this way must make her sound ugly. Well, the only really pretty thing about her would be her lips. They were full and pink, and had a slight parting at the bottom.

Her mother, Isoken Badmus was an Edo lady. She was the Chief Security Agent of the entire country. She was tough as nails but as pretty as any model.

Her father, Olajide Badmus was dead. He had been dead for 3 years now. Steve Banks was her step father. They just moved to Lagos. Yomade was going to begin a new start to her new life.