Lela's POV

  It was the middle of the term and the school had vacated for the midterm break. It was a Friday evening and I was lying on my bed with my phone, chatting with Huoma and Judith on Facebook. The girls and I were so excited about our little get together tomorrow. We spent hours over the phone planning the activities we would have. A small knock came on my door and I turned on my back  to see who it was.

  “Lela.” I heard my mom call my name and I sat up immediately.

  “Come in mom.” I said and she pushed the door open and walked in. She was wearing a yellow empire dress with a blue head wrap.

  “What are you doing?” She asked with a smile.

  “Just chatting with some friends.” I answered and made room for her to sit on the bed.

  “I see,” she smiled while sitting down beside me. “So, your friends are coming tomorrow?” She asked hesitantly, but managed with a smile.

  “Yes and I'm so hyped about tomorrow.” I grinned.

  Mom nodded and smiled and after a little silence, she said, “Lela, do you remember the first time we moved here and I told you I met a woman whose daughter also attended your school?”

  “Yes?” I answered, wondering why mom remembered that lady all of a sudden.

  “You see, I supply goods to her. She's like a customer to me.”

  “Oh wow. You never mentioned that.”

  “Oh, is that so? I thought I did. Sorry about that.” She squeezed my hand and smiled.

  “That's alright mom.” I said.

  “Well, the lady and I have become really close friends and herself her daughter are kinda coming over to visit...” She said it as if she was being cautious, treading on dangerous grounds and wondered why, because it would be nice to have the said lady come visit.

  “Well, that's great mom. Aren't you happy to have them over?”

  “Of course, but the thing is that they're coming... tomorrow.” The words left her mouth slowly and it felt like she was bracing herself for something and I knew what that something was.

  “What?!” That was the outburst mom was bracing herself for. “Tomorrow? But I'm having my friends over!” I was trying to hold in all the anger and disappointment I felt.

  “I know dear and I'm so sorry,” she looked at me apologetically. “That's why I came to talk things over with you. Please understand.”

  This was too much to understand, we had already made plans. “But mom, you knew I've been planning this visit for a while now.” My eyes became teary.

  “I know dear. Do you think you can move yours to Sunday?” Her eyes pleaded, “For me?”

  I let out a sigh, “It's going to be hard.” What was I saying? It was going to be more than hard, but I just wanted to do this for mom. I looked at her and she was looking at me expectantly.

  “Please Lela.” She placed her palms together.

  I heaved a sigh, “Okay mom.”

  “Yay!” She squealed and pulled me into a bear hug. “Thanks Lela...I'm going to make it up to you, I promise.”

  “It's okay mom.” I smiled and mom got to her feet.

  “I've got to go make arrangements now...Take care.” She grinned and turned towards the door.

  “Okay mom.” I replied and she left the room, shutting the door behind her.

  The girls would be so disappointed. I had to tell them of the change of plans. I grabbed my phone to check if they were still online—only Judith was.

Lela*: Judith, there has been change of plans o.

BaeJudy*: Ehh! What is it?

Lela*: My mom is having some visitors over tomorrow.

BaeJudy*: Whaaaa? Chai :(

Lela*: I'm also disappointed...I'm so sorry :(

BaeJudy*: It's okay. There's always a next time sha.

Lela*: Yeah. But can't we make it on Sunday?

BaeJudy*: Uhmm, Sunday is still cool by me o, but have you told Huoma?

Lela*: She isn't online rn. I'll still tell her sha.

BaeJudy*: Okay na. Tell me your conclusions after you've spoken to Huoma.

Lela*: No problem.
My mom says the daughter of the lady who's coming over tomorrow, is a student at our school.

BaeJudy*: Really? Have you met her before or do you know her name?

Lela*: Nope and I didn't even ask my mom what the girl's name was. I'm looking forward to meeting them sha.

BaeJudy*: Ahkay. I've got to run...TTYL

Lela*: Okay. Bye.

If Huoma agrees, then we could definitely hang out on Sunday. I logged out and placed my phone on the side table, then I laid down and drifted off to sleep.

****

“Mom, you said this girl goes to my school?” Mom was helping Eka-ette lay the table.

  “Yes. Now, go get dressed Lela. They'll be here soon.” Mom didn't even look at me she spoke, she was so engrossed in getting everything ready and perfect before the guests arrived.

  “At least tell me her name mom.” I pleaded. Mom walked to me, turned me towards the stairs and pushed me.

“Lela, go. I'm really busy.” Then mom went back to the table, “just wait till they come and you'll know her name and get to know her.” Mom was saying when I ran upstairs to go get dressed.

  I opened my wardrobe and I was confused on what to wear. I flung several clothes on the bed and few minutes later, I was frustrated. I didn't want to wear something that would make me seem overly dressed and I didn't want to seem underdressed either. I wondered who this girl was and what she'd be wearing. All I wanted was to wear something nice; something that was just simply okay. Just then, in the midst of all the confusion and frustration, I heard a knock on the door. It was Eka-ette.

“Your mother wanted to know if you were dressed already,” Eka-ette said as she strolled towards me. “What's all of this?" She asked, pointing at the pile of clothes on my bed.

I sighed and said, “I have no idea what I'm going to wear.”

  “Your mother is dressed up already. She would be so freaked up and furious if she finds out you're not ready yet. The guests will soon be here you know.”

  “Like I don't know all that? Just help me out, please!” I was freaking out.

  Eka-ette smiled, then she searched the pile of clothes on my bed, “here,” she said. She was holding up a blue floral dress. Mommy had got that for me months back and I hadn't even worn it once. “This one's nice,” Eka-ette continued, “it has some yellow in it, so you could probably wear some yellow flats.”

  I smiled at her and took the dress from her, holding it up in front of me. It was an off-shoulder dress and it was quite a beauty too. “Thank you so much aunty. I'll get dressed now.”

  “And I'll leave you to it and go check if your mother needs my help with anything else.”

  “Okay aunty.” I smiled and she smiled back and left the room. I got into the dress, did some light make up and got ready to go down stairs. I took one last look in the mirror and satisfied with what I saw, I left the room and shut the door. On my way down the stairs, I heard the doorbell ring and mom yelled my name, “Lela! They're here!”

  'Well, let's meet 'em.'

Hello guys, yup I'm back and I want to apologise for being inactive. But I'm back now and I'll be needing your support. I've missed Wattpad and I've missed you guys too. I'll try to make up for my absence by posting two more chapters later today, but before that, lemme know what you think about this chapter.

If you liked it, please vote and comment. It makes my heart merry.

With love, your own sweetheart
Anna💓😘