3rd PERSON POV

The Edogo's were having breakfast and everyone was silent. Papa taught them to always keep table manners while eating so it was no surprise that the table was quiet. But there was something about the silence that ensued.

"Papa is anything the matter?" Adaku asked and Uzo nodded at their father.

He sighed. "Yes my dear. We lost your uncle Buchi last night and we will be leaving for his burial tomorrow and it will take some days"

Adaku and Uzo gasped. Uncle Buchi was their ever jovial uncle who just got married few years back and just had a child last year. He was super nice and always got gifts for all of them when he visits.

"Edozie is driving us to Imo and Eyinna is coming with us." Papa said. Uncle Buchi lived in Imo even though he was from Abia state. He was Mama's younger brother and the only male child in Mama's family.

"Grandma must be devastated" Uzo said and Papa nodded. Mama kept silent as the conversation went on for the fear of breaking down in front of her children.

"Adaku you'll stay with my sister Ifeoma and her family" Adaku squealed as soon as she heard that. Aunty Ifeoma was a really nice woman and she had a really cute two year old daughter called Zara from her name Chizaram.

"I can't wait!" Uzo beamed.

"Oh Uzo. You're not going with her. You'll stay with Mr Ade and his family"

Uzo eyes widened at the bombshell her father dropped and her expression mirrored Adaku's. "Why is that Papa" Adaku asked.

"Mr Ade told me yesterday that he will like it if you two spend the holiday at his place. But you'll be leaving for school in few days time for your extension lessons so I decided Uzo would go and you'll stay with Ifeoma. It's an added advantage for you as her place is closer to your school"

Adaku nodded in realization and Uzo was still as appalled as ever. "My dear you will be fine. His wife is really nice and she will take very good care of you."

You can't understand dear father!

"Ayomide is also going to be there so you have no issues" Papa added but this time to Uzo.

Ayomide is going to be there? Worse.

"Papa may I ask a question?"

"Yes Ada. Speak up" papa replied

"How is Mr Adenuga related to the  Adedeji's"

"Ohh. Mr Adenuga is Mrs Adedeji's older brother"

Adaku nodded and Uzo smiled. She wanted to ask that question but she didn't know how. Adaku read her mind one again. She was relaxed. They are just cousins. No one is taking away my Timi from me. she exhaled.

Did I hear you say your Timi?. Her subconscious mocked her.

Uzo sighed. "Don't worry girls, it's going to be fine. Anyways, you have to start packing. We will be leaving very early tomorrow morning so I need to drop you two at the places you'll stay. Okay?"

"OK sir" They replied is unison and continued with their meal of fried plantain, fried egg and tea.

Uzo was in her room packing her things when Adaku walked into her room. The door was open giving her easy access to the room.

Adaku sat down on Uzo's bed watching her scurry around to get her things in order.

"I would have loved to go with you but you know, I have extension classes"

Uzo sighed. "I understand. Don't worry, I'll be fine"

"Of course you will. I just have a word or two to say to you" She paused getting Uzo anxious. "No matter what, don't apologize to Timi because you're not wrong. Be careful there, and please stay safe. Okay?"

Uzo nodded. "And if you have a problem, I'm just a phone call or text away. We'll talk it through"

Uzo hugged her sister like it was the last they would see each other but the reason wasn't because she would miss her. It was because she was really nervous. The next day did hold a lot for her. "You can let go now. You still have to pack" Adaku said as soon as she noticed the hug was getting tighter.

Uzo chuckled and got back to arranging her stuff and Adaku joined her. "Don't you have your stuff to pack too"
"I've already done that" Adaku responded and Uzo nodded.

"What! Dad why didn't you tell me about this before?" Timi said as soon as his dad rounded up with his so called speech.

"My son. You will enjoy this holiday. This guest I speak of isn't one for trouble. You have no problem."

"That's not the issue dad. The issue is bringing a total stranger home to us"

Mr Adewale smiled. "This guest of mine is no stranger to you. You'll see" he said and walked away leaving Timi as furious as he could be at an elderly person.

Dad never seeks my consent for anything. Did I tell him I needed a playmate or babysitter? He fumed angrily as he jogged up the stairs to his room.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

It was morning and the whole family were ready to leave. Uzo would be dropped first with the Adenuga's and Adaku with her father's sister. The rest of the family will then begin their journey to Imo state.

They were ready and were already in the car. Papa gave a short sermon as they could not observe their morning devotion. "Uzo" he called after he ended the sermon

"Yes Papa"

"Be a good girl. Don't trouble Mr Ade and his family. Remember the child of whom you are my dear"

This one that Papa is being dramatic ehn. She thought rolling her eyes mentally. "Okay sir" She said instead and Papa prayed for her. They drove in silence once again and she sighed as the estate gate came into view.

            GREENLAND ESTATE.

"If this person is not worth it ehn, I'll be mad at you auntie" Ayomide said looking away from her phone. Timi snorted.

"Sweetheart you won't be disappointed" Mrs Adenuga said to her. They were in Timi's room while he was standing at his balcony listening to their conversation. My dad just loves doing things without my permission now doesn't he? Timi thought.

"But auntie why do we need a guest"

"Mide my dear, I did it because i wanted to have a daughter this holiday"

Well this guest is a girl. Timi thought.
"So unlike dad" he muttered.

"But I'm like a daughter. Am I not?" Mide pouted.

"Yes you are my dear. I made this request before I knew that you'll be staying here for the holiday. Besides I could have two daughters." Mrs Adenuga added smiling.

Mide beamed. "Yes and we can taunt Timi together"

"Exactly" Mrs Ade said in amusement.

"Not happening Mide" hollered making her laugh. "Trust me you don't want to know what we'll do" She added.

Timi groaned at what his cousin said. Typical Mide!
He sighted a car drive into the compound as soon as their gatekeeper opened it. "Hey Mom, I think your special guest is here" He said using air quotes at special guest.

"Great!" Mrs Adenuga squealed making Timi and Mide roll their eyes. The trailed right behind her as she made her way downstairs and outside. Mr Adenuga was already outside with the family.

Timi watched as his mum went over to the parked car and exchanged pleasantries with the family standing right beside his dad but he couldn't see the faces in the car. At least not clearly but he was very sure that the person driving was a young man probably in his twenties.

He scoffed at all the formalities and tried to make his way back inside but his mum stopped him. "Timi where do you think you're going? Won't you give your guest a warm welcome?" She asked and he turned rolling his eyes mentally. "My bad" he muttered under his breath.

He looked up to the so very special guest and the pair of eyes that met his, made him speechless and motionless too. He stood fixed to a point gaping at his 'guest' even till the car drove out of the compound. All that was ringing in his head was Uzo! And she was standing right in front of him looking so breathtaking just draped in a T-shirt and jean trousers to go with.

Chapter sixteen is out 💃💃💃

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Have a nice day y'all and stay safe🤗

Qhupid out 🐾🐾