CUSP

I don’t know what was in that water but whatever it was has made me feel really relaxed, the pain that I was feeling is gone and I am lighter.

‘I made you some soup.’ Aunt Naomi says immediately I enter the living room

When we arrived earlier I didn’t take the time to look around the room, it’s only now I am paying attention to the simplicity of the place.

‘I never thought a day would come when I would get the pleasure of decorating this place the way I wanted.’ She says with a huge smile on her face

‘Really now?’

‘Mother has had a way of doing things for a while that we didn’t get to change the place.’

I don’t respond to that, I can’t remember how it was like being with a mother so I don’t have anything to say.

‘She loved things to go her way, my siblings and I wanted so much but because she was queen we couldn’t do much. I envy people of your world, where you can live the life you want and no one to dictate you. Unless of course you meet the wrong people and you have to be made aware of things of our world.’

She has lost me there, I have no idea what she is talking about.

‘In due time you will understand everything, for now let us make sure that the baby is fine.’

I am not convinced, she is speaking in parables and it’s a little creepy.

We walk to the kitchen together and it has this touch to it, not like the living room but more like a traditional style.

‘Do sit down whilst it cools down.’ She says

I sit on the stool and allow my eyes to wander around the room

‘Who are you and what is your relationship with Astridah?’

‘Ass who?’

‘Astridah, the lady that sent me here. Besa’s ex girlfriend?’

‘Is that what she is calling herself now?’ She asks before laughing

‘What is she supposed to be called?’

‘Nothing.’ She says before laughing again

A gentleman walks in, he looks a little younger than Aunt Naomi but older than me.

‘Hey Curtis.’

‘Hai.’ He responds totally ignoring me

‘New project?’ He asks pointing a finger at me

‘Don’t be like that.’

‘It’s the truth isn’t it?’

‘You know I can hear the two of you right?’

‘I don’t like her, she needs to leave. When is mother coming back home?’

‘She doesn’t know anything.’ Aunt Naomi responds looking at me

He chuckles

‘What’s your story?’

‘Excuse me?’ I ask realising that he is talking to me

‘What’s your story? Why is my mother helping you?’

‘Your mother being?’

‘She really doesn’t know anything?’ He asks looking at Aunt Naomi

‘Curtis this is a special case and mother has warned against making her feel uncomfortable.’

‘What is she? Some sort of gift to us?’

‘She is carrying Yakari.’

‘Hold on the both of you, just stop.’ I say feeling my headache come back

‘You just can’t be talking about me like I am not here, because I am able to hear you but all this sounds foreign to me. I would like to know why my elder brother gave me abortion pills and tried to kill my child, a child I didn’t know existed, how Astridah knew all this and decided to fly me to another country. And most of all why this woman here made me bath in herbs. Who are you people?’ I ask

They look at me before looking at each other again and before I know it I go into a deep sleep.

..

‘What have you done?’ I ask Naomi and Curtis immediately I enter the house

‘Mother.’ Curtis says light returning to his eyes, I miss our lives before our world was attacked. I miss the peace and tranquillity, I miss being me without having to change into different people just to get things done.

‘We didn’t do anything.’ I say walking past him

I know my children feel abandoned but this is more important than emotions, besides we have been a loving family for years.

‘Nothing that you have to worry about.’ Naomi says

I don’t believe them both so I walk into the room where Wane is sleeping, she looks peaceful as she and I can’t help but fear for what is about to come.

Walking out of the room, I change into my true self.

‘Astridah.’ Wane calls and I quickly change into my avatar

‘Wane.’

‘What time did you get here?’

‘A few minutes ago, I didn’t want to disturb your sleep.’

‘I am glad you are here, I need answers and I don’t think I can wait for them any nolonger.’

I feel my headache coming back.

‘Are you okay?’

‘The headache is back.’

She looks at Aunt Naomi and then Curtis.

‘We don’t have time, both of you meet me at the river.’ She says before changing into an old lady, Naomi and Curtis change too but weirdly they are younger than her.

‘Who are you people?’ I ask

..

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Winnie

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