It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it.  – Amelia Barr

A storm was coming, the weather forecast claimed. However, Fola almost laughed every time she heard the news. Because a storm had already arrived and was ravaging her soul.

One week had passed with everything going at a snail's pace. At work, two designers called in sick. Three sewing machines suddenly broke down. The mishaps caused activities to slow down and the workload of the other staff increased.

However, it was a different story in the Akande mansion. An era of change had descended upon the house and its inhabitants.

Although Nora still monitored her and bossed her around, it was done with less fervor. Fola felt amused when Nora looked nervous every time she spoke to Chief Naade about the house allowance. Bisi was right; she should have stood up to Nora long ago.

The presence of Tobi and Olivia added life to the house. The sounds of their laughter echoing across the house gave Fola a relaxed feeling. Nevertheless, she made sure to avoid them. Banke's constant glare served as a reminder. It always broke her heart when she had to turn down the children's invitations to play with them.

But things didn't change in her relationship with Chief Naade. She felt his domineering presence but hardly ever saw him, except when he wanted her to follow him to his social events which seemed to come up every other day. She wondered why he didn't take Banke along.

Apart from being his escort, she didn't fulfill any other wifely duty. Banke had taken over in that regard so she wasn't surprised that he didn't want her anymore. Nevertheless, that didn't stop him from wielding his control over her and reminding her that she was bound to him.

Fola pushed her thoughts away and dragged herself into a sitting position. She blinked away tears. Being woken up by nightmares wasn't a new thing to her. But the nightmare that plagued her that morning was more painful and tortuous than the rest. Images from the nightmare flashed before her eyes and a tremor rushed through her.

Her eyes darted to the clock on the wall and she read the time. If her heart wasn't so heavy, she would have smiled at her obvious accomplishment. For the first time in years, she had ignored Nora's command to wake up and get ready for the day. It was difficult being quiet and keeping her eyes closed as Nora shook her body. A grin threatened to appear on her lips as Nora groaned in frustration and stormed out of the room.

Although it was a Tuesday and Fola had a to-do list waiting for her at the office, the pain poking every part of her body rendered her unable to get up and face the day. The heaviness in her heart and eyes drove away any thought of going to work.

All she could think of was her siblings. She wanted to meet them, grieve with them, and comfort them. Because that day happened to be the day they all lost something precious.

Tears stung the back of her eyes and one tear snuck out of her eyes. Fola vehemently wiped it away as she held in a sob. What must her younger ones be going through? She wondered with grief.

She needed to be there for them. That conviction pumped energy into her and she jumped out of bed. Her mission for the day was decided. With rigid shoulders, she marched into the bathroom. After having a quick shower, she slipped into her dressing room. She didn't waste time wearing the dress Nora had picked. Maybe because the black dress matched her mood and the occasion. However, she ignored the black pumps and slipped into a pair of sandals.

Satisfied with her appearance, she returned to the room. She packed a bag that consisted of her phone, charger, and a jacket, after all a rainstorm storm was predicted. Her eyes swept over the room before she hurried out.

Her heart raced as she ambled down the stairs. Fright filled her and her eyes darted from side to side. Every sound startled her. The last thing she wanted was for Nora or Chief Naade to spot her. Her fear lessened as she reached the front door and slipped out of the house.

However, her breath hitched as she came face to face with the security guards stationed at the gate. They acted as extra eyes for Chief Naade. She gripped the straps of her bag as she stared at them. They looked upon her with suspicion gleaming in their eyes.

"Do you need anything, ma'am?"

Fola swallowed as she searched her mind for something to say. "Uh, I have an important meeting to attend. Please open the gate."

Distrust flickered in the man's eyes. "If you have an important meeting to attend then it is best you use the car."

Fola nodded her head. "That's true. But I gave Pete a day off."

And I don't want to drive. Chief Naade might have installed a tracker in the car. She silently added.

She shuffled on her feet and sent them a pleading look."I am getting late. Please allow me to pass."

Time seemed to drag as the security guards stared at her with uncertainty shining in their eyes.

She crossed her fingers, hoping that for once they wouldn't act like the minions of their boss. Maybe it was her good luck or fate but the security guard shrugged and pressed a button to open the gate.

Happiness surged through her and she barely controlled the urge to run out. She sent them a wide grin and walked out with quick steps. Her sandals slapped against the sidewalk as she headed toward the nearest taxi stand. Several minutes later, the first lap of her journey began.

The taxi skidded to a stop in front of a huge white building. Fola brought out her phone and made a quick call.

"I'm outside."

Her heart pounded in anticipation. A slight smile graced her lips as her sister appeared and approached the vehicle.

"Morning, Kala!" Fola greeted her sister as she slid into the car.

"Morning, Sis!"

The sisters embraced and clung to each other for a few moments before letting go. Fola's eyes roamed over Kaa's face and pain stabbed her heart. Kala's lips were turned down and her eyes were red, a sign of tears shed. Their eyes connected and they shared a sad smile. Within them, their hearts mourned together.

Fola turned away and informed the driver about their next destination.

"Have you informed her?" Kala asked.

Fola gave a nod and leaned her head on the headrest. The drive was mostly quiet as the women were too burdened to talk.

Fola's eyes were closed when the car stopped.

"There she is!" Kala exclaimed.

Fola's eyes flickered open and she turned to the side. Emma stood in front of her hostel gate as the car pulled in front of her. Just like Fola and Kala, she was dressed in a black ensemble.

She slipped into the front seat and greeted Kala and Fola. Just like her older sisters, her eyes were bloodshot.

"Where next?" Emma asked.

"To Marilyn and Jordan," Fola stated.

"Hmm, would they allow them to come along?" Kala questioned with a thoughtful look.

"I don't know. But they should; they must spend a few hours with us today."

Kala hummed in agreement. "That's very true. We need each other in such stormy times."

Fola agreed but felt too weak to voice it. Silence reigned for the remaining part of their journey.

The banner of St Clare's high school appeared in sight and the car stopped in front of the big black gate.

"I shall talk to the authorities," Fola announced and alighted the car. Concrete grated under her sandals as she headed past the gate. After completing the formalities at the door, she strolled into the school building. As she walked, she prepared the words she would say. But she didn't need to do much talking.

Surprise coursed through her at what she witnessed. Marilyn and Jordan's teachers were waiting for her with agitated expressions. They claimed that they were about to contact her because Marilyn and Jordan had been in tears all morning and were unable to participate in any schoolwork.

Fola's heart fell and she rushed to her youngest siblings who were huddled together in the corner of the room. They fell into her arms as she crouched in front of them. Pain sliced her heart as the sounds of their weeping filled her ears. She rubbed their backs and offered them words of comfort. However, they remained inconsolable.

Her eyes darted to the side and with unshed tears shimmering in her eyes, she asked the two teachers, "Can I take them with me for some time?"

The teachers shared a look. Fola held her breath as she waited for their answer.

Marilyn's teacher took a step forward. "You can take them. They have never behaved like this since they started this school. I am sure something serious is bugging them and as their guardian, you are the best person to handle it."

"I agree," Jordan's teacher asserted. "I will inform the principal of the new development."

Fola sent them a watery smile. "Thank you so much." She rose to her feet and pulled Marilyn and Jordan up with her. "Let's go," she whispered loud enough for them to hear.

She sent the teachers another smile of gratitude and ambled out of the building. Kala opened the door as they arrived at the car. Fola settled Marilyn and Jordan in before squeezing beside them.

A cloud of gloom hung over the group as they headed to their last destination. Apart from the occasional car honk, light sniffles filled the silence.

Tears gathered in Fola's eyes as the car slowed down in front of a rusting iron gate with overgrown grass In front of it. Her eyes landed on the lopsided board hanging on the gate. She whimpered as her eyes traced the words.

Oak Wood Cemetery.

It took all her willpower to stop herself from weeping. The sobs of her siblings reminded her that she needed to be strong for them so she schooled her emotions. Nevertheless, her hand trembled as she paid the taxi driver. The driver sent her a look of empathy. Understanding gleamed in his eyes.

"Let's go," she said in a hoarse voice.

She slipped out of the car and guided Marilyn and Jordan out. Kala slid out after them. Emma alighted from the front seat and came round to meet them. With arms wrapped around Marily and Jordan, Fola led the way.

Grass ruffled under their feet as they walked. Fola's stomach churned as they reached the gate. Her hand shook as she pushed the gate open. The hinges of the gate squeaked loudly as it swung open.

The group crossed the threshold and began their trek down a familiar path. A path they walked on every year for twelve years. They passed dozens of tombstones hidden by tall weeds. The leaves of the grass grazed their legs. They did a left turn and continued walking until they reached the end where a lone grave lay.

Fola's eyes fell on the grave and a thick lump clogged her throat. Tears gathered in her eyes as they traced the words encrypted on the concrete headstone.

Kit. J. Gregory
2004-2009
An angel gone too soon.

As she read those words, a loud sob escaped her lips and her tears broke free.

                 ★★★★

Oh boy... Who saw that coming? 👀😬

I know that we all knew Fola had lost her parents but did you suspect she had lost someone else?

Let your comments roll in. I anticipate them. XD

Before we go, I have one more question

What relationship do you think she shares with Kit Gregory?

I guess we might find out in the next chapter. So see you there

Ciao  ❤️