Chapter 5

He stuffed the fried tilapia in his mouth before his mom could see.
"Danny I counted the fish, one is gone, where did it go?" Mrs Asamoah said her hands on her waist.

Daniel gave a sheepish smile when he saw his mom's stance most of the time in his mind he expected lightening to struck whenever she placed her hand on her waist, it mostly meant trouble was coming and it was mostly coming for him, "Sorry it called to me"

"Oh really? This was why you volunteered to help me cook?"

"Mom you know he can't resist your cooking" Rhoda came to his aid.

"Yes mom you know that" he licked his fingers.

"That's why you should know how to cook yourself" his sister reprimanded giving him a look that just said payback.

He gulped, "I'll just go out now"
"Yeah you better because if the frying pan ends up in my hand you are in trouble mister" Rhoda said a smile on her face.

He was already at the door when his mom called, "Would you mind getting her, it's time for supper"

"Sure thing mom" he went unwillingly. The fact that she got to sleep in his old room making him sleep in the couch was enough to harbour a little ill feeling against her.

But its not her fault, you knocked her down, the voice in his head reprimanded him. His conscience was his criticizing voice. He felt it did a too good job at the criticizing him.

He knocked but got no response, the door was unlocked so he entered.

"Sorry to barge in but you are needed. It's time for supper" he trailed off before realising she was asleep.

Well that means more fish for me.

He turned to leave when he caught sight of his old books on the table. He drew near opening one of the books, the first page had a drawing of his father. He had gotten Daniel the drawing books as he had always said, Daniel was his artist. His dad had been the first to actually encourage him to paint. As a thank you he had drawn his dad on the first page. It was not his best drawing because his skill evolved over the years, but he could see the small resemblance of his dad in the drawn figure.

Daniel sat down overwhelmed at the thought of his father. He had been his best friend and had died due to a cardiac arrest, he already had heart problems. His death was a big blow to him as he was close to him and had been his mentor and the one.
His death had been the end of his passion for drawing.

He's in a better place, he reminded himself.

He opened the second page which was a cloud painted dark blue with trees that seemed to be swaying in the wind. It was a picture he'd drawn on a rainy day. Getting lost in the old drawings he turned from pages to another, reminiscing the memories of the lost passion for drawing.

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Her eyes shot open sensing someone in the room. Turning her head, she saw a dark figure by the desk, a scream burst out of her as she scrambled backward toward the headboard.

The startled figure shot up and in haste tripped over the chair. The door burst open and Mrs. Asamoah rushed in with Rhoda in tow.

"What happened?" Mrs Asamoah asked looking between the figure on the floor and her. Rhoda thankfully switched on the light illuminating the room as light flooded the room

The figure she now realized was Daniel groaned on the floor before standing up supporting himself with the chair

"Are you okay?" she asked him.
He stared at her like she was something strange, "Me? I'm wonderful"

"What happened here?" Mrs Asamoah asked again.

Daniel rubbed his side in pain, "Apparently she thought I was a caricature or something out for her"

"It was dark I didn't really see you sitting at the table. I'm sorry" she apologized

"You were asked to call her for dinner and not to sit down in her room and do God knows what. Now you scared her"

"Mom I was just looking through my drawing..." he stopped abruptly shooting an accusing glare towards her."Besides she was asleep"

She stood up from the bed supporting herself with one hand looking at him, "I really didn't mean to cause trouble. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Dinner is about to be served. That's the reason why I came here in the first place"

Daniel told her and walked out.

"Don't worry dear you didn't cause trouble. Why don't you just freshen up and join us downstairs for dinner, okay?" Mrs Asamoah told her.

She nodded, "Okay"

She watched as Mrs Asamoah and Rhoda left before walking into the bathroom.

A skinny girl waited for her in the bathroom mirror. Tired brown eyes stared back at her, there was a darkish red bruise on her temple and her jaw. Her naturally curly dark hair which looked darker against coffee coloured skin looked wild from sleep, running her fingers through it gently she made sure it at least appeared presentable. Splashing water on her face she walked downstairs to meet them.

Mrs. Asamoah sat at the head of the table with Rhoda and Daniel at her left and the little girl at her right. Two chairs remained empty.

The little girl pointed to the chair next to her which was directly opposite Daniel.

Sitting down, she noticed they all bowed their heads. Doing same she waited her eyes automatically closing, her hands clasped together on the table feeling the lacy covering till Rhoda finished saying grace. The meal was spicy and she felt surprised she liked it. She must have pulled a face because Mrs Asamoah asked what was wrong.

"It's just the meal" she said.
Mrs Asamoahs' face fell, "You don't like it?"

"No far from it, it's not like that. Just that I like it but I feel I have not liked it before" she said quietly hoping they were not offended.

"That's great news. You must be remembering something" Mrs Asamoah smiled.

She smiled along. When the meal was done, she stood up to help Mrs. Asamoah and Rhoda pack the plates and started with carrying her own be it with only one available hand.

"Oh no dear you don't have to" Mrs Asamoah chided her. She noticed Rhoda was smiling lightly at her as she headed to the kitchen with dirty dishes.

"Please I want to, at least in appreciation of a delicious meal today" she pleaded.

Mrs Asamoah smiled widely, "I can't say no to that. Come with me then my dear"

She followed them to the kitchen carrying her plate and the little girls plate, placing it in the sink. Rhoda had already made soapy water which was lathered with foam in the sink. Feeling at a loss, she stood at the sink staring at the plates in foam.

"Let me help you with the dishes" Rhoda said taking over to wash the dishes. "My guess is you've never done the dishes before huh"

She shook her head, "I'm...I'm not sure"

"Don't worry its easy. I'm going to teach you. Who knows, it might be fun" Rhoda offered to teach her.

Her mother didn't seem to agree, "Aren't you being a little too eager to teach her? Seeing as she is one handed now?" Indicating her slinged arm.

Rhoda turned to face her mother, "What? No. I just want to teach, you know its my passion" she said with an exaggerated motion of placing her hand on her chest and tilting her head up with faked annoyance.

"I want to learn to do it" she said voicing her thought.

Rhoda gave a triumphant smile, "See? I'm a wonderful teacher she will pick up soon"

Mrs Asamoah just shook her head and went on with her chore of clearing the cooking area.

When they were done with all kitchen chores, Rhoda invited her in to her room. Sorting through spare clothes of hers she found four perfect fit for her. She packed all the dresses and some toiletries into a small bag for her.
"Unfortunately most of my other clothes are maternity wear which I'm sure wouldn't fit you" Rhoda teased.

She did nothing but nodded.

"Okay...why don't you go freshen up in your room and have a rest? And remember you've got to take your drugs" Rhoda suggested.

"Thank you Rhoda" she said before turning to leave that she actually missed the bright smile on Rhoda's face.

"You are welcome dear"

Ko si se me te monka........stay blessed:)