Written by: Eunice Nwodu Ifunanya
It was visiting day and there was so many flashy cars parked at the school surrounding.
One of the days Cassey hated because she’ll have to make sure the girls were in order and in good shape to see their parents.
Juicy and Astrid were still in their rooms talking and waiting to be called out.
They are clueless about what happened the previous night and Astrid had woken up very late that morning too.
Heather was already out to see her strict father who came first before any parent.
“I want a new boyfriend, Juicy. I can’t live like this.” Astrid complained dropping her head on the pillow.
“Live like what?” Juicy asked with a curious look.
“Live this boring school life. I hàte the fact that our new principal banned us from dating and we practically have to do it in secret if we have to.” She peeved.
“What’s so bad about that? We’ll be out of school soon and finally get to do what we want.” Juicy said rolling her eyes.
Their discussion was interrupted the moment a student informed them that their guardian had arrived.
They scurried out of the dorm and finally got to the hall. Her mother was the first person she saw waiting by the door and embraced each other. Astrid also hugged her and that was when she saw her father, running off to him.
As Juicy and her mother sat down, she noticed the hairstyle her mother was carrying and that made her realize that her grandmother had visited – that was certainly the reason behind the braids.
“So, how have your studies been so far? Your exams are coming up soon, I’m sure you know.” Her mother asked holding her hands.
“Yes, I know mom. I’m studying really hard as well. Just not getting enough sleep lately. Well, how is everyone at home? Including grandma?” She asked with an imperceptible shake of her head.
“She’s still strong and stubborn. She even has something for you.”
She dipped into her bag and brought out the bracelet.
“What is that thing?” Juicy asked dumbfounded.
“A bracelet of course. It looks old but I think you can manage.” Her mom beamed and she took it from her slowly.
She took a close look at the brown carved beads and the darkish ribbon.
She wore it reluctantly since she loves her grandmother very much.
“She also said you should never take it off but don’t worry about her. You can do whatever you choose, dear.” She said and Juicy frowned when she remembered her father was not with her.
“Where’s dad? Why didn’t he come??” She asked curiously.
“He traveled, sweetie. Don’t be worried. He’s gonna come meet you another time.”
She just stared in silence.
_______________
Ryan was on his bed gazing at the ceiling, trying to distract himself.
He’s gonna live forever unless he’s staked of course. He’s going to watch his family get old and die while he’s still young and strong.
This wasn’t really the best life.
The doors of the dorm opened and Mr Brad, the male coordinator entered astound to see Ryan alone and on the bed.
“We have been looking for you everywhere, young man. Your parents here. They want to see you.” He said folding his hands.
“I don’t want to see them.” He said coldly and Mr Brad cracked finding it amusing.
“You know who your father is, Ryan. You need to obey him.” He refreshed his memory of his worst nightmare.
He left the bed and approached the mister who was still standing at the door.
He compelled him into forgetting that he ever said he didn’t want to meet his parents before walking away.
He decided to see his family even though he hates to.
At least before they send in their guards to capture him.
He got into the hall walking past Juicy and his mother. He saw that her mother’s eyes were perfect brown and wasn’t green as Juicy’s.
He twitched taking his eyes off instantly.
He arrived at the table where his parents were and his mother embraced him like he was once lost but found.
“Ryan! My handsome baby boy!” She ecstatically said kissing his cheek.
A few persons saw this and chuckled.
They finally sat down and Ryan buried his eyes on his father’s as they engage in an intense staring contest.
Juicy was listening as she heard someone yell *Ryan, my handsome boy!* .
She slowly looked towards the table and saw the Ryan. She was gazing at him like he had never seen a boy before.
The ‘Ryan’ name she once heard in her dream and can’t seem to forget.
For some reason, she felt a hot burn around her wrist were she had worn the bracelet.
She quickly took it off panicking mentally why her mother was going through her bag, she didn’t notice what was up with Juicy.
She rubbed her wrist that was hurting and wondered why that happened.
She took the bracelet and dipped it into her pocket feeling uncomfortable.
*
*
TBC
