"How did you get the recorder! I find it hard to believe that you spoke to Ken after what he did to you. Where did you guys meet? When and how did you both meet?" My mum asked. She sounded worried and it was exactly what I was trying to avoid.
So much for hoping that she wont ask.
I exhaled and hoped for the best. I prayed that I could say something meaningful. Coming up with an on spot lie wasn't one of my many strengths.
"Mum" I began." Ken used to visit me in the shop sometimes. Sorry I didn't tell you. It all started one morning when I was sweeping the shop because my boss was coming. Someone came in to buy something and as I looked up I noticed it was him so I asked him to leave. He knelt down crying and apologizing to me for what he had done. I asked him to leave or I leave, and he left.
"But he kept coming back everyday. One time when he came to see me, I was standing outside recording my voice for the solo I was going to take. You know with that my ancient recorder." Which doesn't work again, I thought laughing. Well this lie was coming out pretty good. "He came that day looking very sad so I agreed to talk to him. I asked him what was wrong. That's when he started confessing to me about his affair with aunt Lisa. He was so remorseful."
"At least he feels guilty unlike my friend. To think that I thought he was the bad influence on her. I've been totally wrong about Lisa." My mum shook her head, letting out a strangled laugh.
"I guess so."
"I kept asking her how you got Ken to confess about the affair but she kept putting it off only, only to talk about her fifty million....." Her voice trailed of and I smiled.
I was thankful that Lisa didn't tell my mum what really happened, although it would have been worse on her side, it would have still been bad for me. I just could not imagine talking to my mum about the kidnap, it would have hurt me deeply to see her reaction.
Besides she had subtly asked me to stay away from Scar after that fire incident. She had a right to, as no one knew anything about him not even his name. That was going to change though. He was going to tell me his name. He will finally let me in. I almost squealed at the feeling I got thinking about it.
"You are such a great daughter." My mum confessed, taking my hands. I felt so happy. Truly happy.
"I totally accept." I said, placing my hands on my chest. We both laughed.
Later that night my mum promised to start working on everything the next day. She also expressed how happy she was that we were soon to leave this street.
I could not be happier.
Like I have said and I'm going to say again this is not a street to live in everyone, gossips like I gossip too but there is a kind of gossip that is I Dont know overwhelming. Mostly when people had nothing else to do but to pry in your personal affairs.
It was not as if we lived in the ghetto. I lived in a street for the average Nigerian who rested more in the boundary of poverty than wealth. Its upsetting, annoying, and all other things relating to vexing how people chose not to mind their own freaking business. I was so elated at the thought of finally leaving.
I was washing the plates we used to eat in the kitchen when my mum waltzed in. Our kitchen was very small so when someone walks in you know immediately.
"Mira I have been hearing about your relationship with that strange man people call Scar. What's going on with you both?" My mum suddenly chipped in.
I was so taken aback by her question, I almost dropped a plate.
My heart started beating fast against my chest. "Nothing, Mum he is just a friend." I hastily answered.
"Hmm. Well I'm not comfortable with your friendship with him. There has been a lot of rumors about him and they are not good ones. No one knows who he is to begin with. Look I love you and I will always want what is best for you, so for now try to keep away from Scar. I don't want people having the wrong impression about you neither do I want him to harm you."
"Mum Scar will never harm me!" The mere thought of Scar harming me was unthinkable.
"Even so. Cut down on the amount of times you see him. People are talking."
I exhaled, and continued to wash the plate I was holding. "Alright mum. I will try, but just know that he is not a bad person, people should stop judging a book by its cover."
"Mira! Why are you so hard headed stay away from him that's it."
I was about to say something when she cut me off.
"Wash those plates fast. After you are done with them call your brothers so that we can pray. I am not about to argue with you on this."
My mom walked out and I was left to grumble alone in the kitchen.