I'm shocked to see an update too. So I just decided to drop this, I wrote my first paper today and I have some time before my next.
This is quite long, I don't know when next I'll update.
I dedicate this to all the ghost readers❤️
Please comment and vote this time.

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ANNIE'S POV

I had mixed feelings as I sat and watched the media team set up the movie. I never expected Clara to be here but oh well.
Marcho was deeply engrossed in his phone to notice that Carlo and Clara have been gone for quite a while.
They were already turning off the few lights that were left on previously.

Isabella was not online as she went off a few minutes ago claiming she was letting me enjoy my 'moment'. So I decided to go check on Clara and Carlo.

I gestured to Marcho that I was coming, he mumbled a few words and nodded.
More people were coming in, occupying the few seats left, I just hoped Marcho guides our seats.

Glancing around through the hallway, I made my way down to the popcorn vendor but Clara and Carlo were not anywhere in sight. I was confused and brought out my phone to call him.
On second thought, I decided to check the few corridors beside the one that led to the movie hall.

My eyes widened as I saw Clara in Carlo's embrace, her face was deeply buried in his shoulder. I couldn't place the expression on his face as his side faced me.

"Carlo!" I called out before I could think about it.
He turned back immediately with a look of shock on his face. My heart tilted.

God please!

Clara muttered some words I didn't hear because I was a few feets away, before she walked out towards the restroom.
Carlo took a few steps towards me with a face filled with apology and slight confusion.

"I have to go, my dad is back. I'm sorry I could not stay, bye." I deadpanned before he could say anything. That was a lie but not totally though.
I turned back and quickly walked out.
Thank God, I took my bag along with me.

I tried to convince myself that it was none of my business, that he was just a friend.
But my eyes became blurry quickly.
As I stood at the road trying to book a ride, I looked at the big billboard showing the movie for today - THE END GAME.
Well, I guess this was the end of my stupid crush - yes, I finally admitted it.

Π

Immediately I got home, I rushed upstairs blocking out the words of Jaden, I guessed Mom was in her room and I was so grateful for that.

I threw my bag on the floor and laid on the bed.
I didn't fully understand my actions, or the chokehold this crush had me in until today.
My head was in a spin, I finally decided to chat with Isabella.

Chat❤️

This was the reason Isabella was my best friend, she basically lifted my spirits up and made me set my priorities straight.
A crush was bound to get crushed anyway.

I changed to a more casual cloth - A light gown with the face of a teddy bear.
As I went downstairs, I noticed Mom and Jaden at the kitchen.

"You finished quite early," Mom called out as she noticed me.

"Yes, uhmm, the movie didn't take so long and he had somewhere to go to after that," I lied blatantly, hoping God forgives me.

"Alright, come and join us then," Mom said slowly as if doubting my words.
She has this sixth-sense thing but I hoped it malfunctioned just this once.

Jaden looked at me briefly, but sighed as if he decided to let the issue be. I'm sure he noticed the way I ran upstairs.
Well, I'm so glad he didn't spill.

We finished cooking and setting the table by Five in the evening. Jaden already went to the supermarket while I was out so we basically just had to cook, like I did any cooking.

Mom made three dishes, called it her special triad combo. Well, it was a special event indeed.
The three dishes comprised of - Pounded yam and Afang soup, Coconut Rice and Grilled chicken and Small chops which contained Samosa, spring rolls, small puff-puff and chicken shreds.
I sold Mom the idea of doing a mocktail and she totally bought it.

She decided on a banana and coconut milk mocktail after a long session of browsing on the internet for recipes.
It came out really well.

The dinning table was filled to the brim and looked so beautifully decorated. Mom was a beautiful chef, one of the feathers on her cap.
After everyone went to get refreshed, We all came back downstairs and watched a movie - God's not dead, a recent Christian movie.

Mom's eyes were slightly red when she came back down and I knew she had been crying, tears of joy this time. I remembered going through her novels and seeing her fallen tears sitting where the words had bled slightly from the page.
I spoke to Jaden with my eyes and he nodded, to show he was aware too.

Few minutes later, we heard a slight knock, then the door was slowly opened.
We all turned around eagerly, as I saw Isabelle.
Okay, I was shocked but this was not what I expected or who I expected.

She greeted my mom and brother shyly, I noticed the look of disappointment on their faces but I was so glad Isabella was here.
I ran over to the door and hugged her as I dragged her upstairs.

"You didn't tell me you were coming," I stated excitedly.

"Well, then it would spoil the surprise and I can't afford to miss food too," She giggled, as she sat on my bed.

"For food only, I thought you came to console me," I complained jokingly

"It's not only console, please I'm here for the food, that table looked so deli-" Her words were cut off, as I heard the sound of the door opening downstairs and a happy shriek.

I didn't know that I had such speed in me honestly. I found myself in the sitting room in no time as I saw my mom and Jaden in Dad's embrace.
Tears dropped from my eyes as I saw my dad for the first time in a long while.

"Annie, come over here," His deep baritone voice resonated in my ears, I ran over quickly as I jumped in his arms, an ecstatic feeling lurched at my heart.

Jaden already carried Dad's suitcase upstairs. When I finally left Dad's embrace, He walked over slowly to meet Mom and carried her in his arms.
They embraced for a long while, Mom crying softly on his shoulders.

Jaden raised his hands to cover my eyes, I slapped his hands off as I glared at him. Isabella chuckled at our little rift.

"Well, it feels so good to be back home. Isabella, right? How are you?" Dad asked as he noticed Isabella, he still remembered her name.

"I'm fine sir, Welcome back," Isabella muttered shyly.
Dad nodded as he turned and saw the dinning table;

"Now that's a feast I've not had in a while," We all laughed as we walked over to the table. He went upstairs to refresh and by the time he was back, Mom already dished out our food.

Dad led us in a long prayer before we began eating.

"So, when will I get the gist on recent happenings?" Dad started, paying no mind to table manners.
Mom chuckled.

"Well, Jaden has started loosing his basketball skills," I teased as I tore at the grilled chicken.

"Says someone that's not sure of winning next Saturday," Jaden attacked in return.

"You guys will never stop this rift abi, Jaden can not loose his skills, he got it from the best," Dad shrugged his shoulders in pride.

"Hmph"
Isabella laughed as she ate her meal, she was so engrossed in the food, a real foodie.

"My competition is next Saturday, I hope you'll be there o," I inquired as I glanced at Dad.

"You won't even allow him rest at all," Mom finally spoke up. She missed her husband, but even though.

"Of course I'll be there. I can't miss that for anything," Dad said as he gave Mom a knowing smile.
After the meal, Jaden, Isabella and I cleared up the dishes.
It was already kind of late so Isabella left almost immediately.

We praised, prayed, laughed and gisted through out the night. The usual way. The way it was and is supposed to be.
Tomorrow was Sunday and Mom already hinted us that we were going to do a special Thanksgiving at church tomorrow.

I slept that night, with so much joy pushing aside every contrary thought.

₱

The next morning, Mom woke us up so early for devotion. Everyone was so happy, Jaden didn't even doze off during devotion unlike him.
We all dressed up for church, Dad in a black tuxedo, same with Jaden but his was in a dark blue shade.
Mom was dressed in a long, body-fit, blue flowery dress.
I wore a coral peach dress too and carried my choir robe along with me.

Dad drove that morning, Everything was back to normal. Mom beamed with smiles as we walked into the church.
I left them as I walked towards the choir seat, which was few feet away from the Podium.

I noticed Carlo's stares at me but I ignored them as I walked towards Isabella who was already seated. Despite our early rise this morning, we were still a little bit late.

After the usual Praise and Worship that morning, we had hymns and finally it was testimony time.
Mom signalled me to come and meet them so we would all go out together.

As we walked towards the altar, People glared at us, some casting knowing looks at my dad as they recognized him. Jaden and I exchanged nervous and funny glances till we finally reached the altar.

Mom took the microphone,

"Praise the Lord, I just want to thank God for his mercies on my family. My husband was posted to a dangerous location that caused us sleepless nights and prayers, but God in his infinite mercies brought him back safely,"

Her voice shook as she spoke, Her eyes was moist as tears threatened to fall. Dad held her closely.
I wiped out few tear drops from my eyes too. The Pastor prayed for us and we danced back to our seats.

Carlo smiled at me as I walked up to my seat at the choir stand. Well, I saw him through my side eye.

After the service, Dad, Mom and Jaden went back home as I had rehearsals.
We all gathered in front of the altar as we took our parts.

Carlo walked up besides me, but I kept my face straight, trying to maintain a plain face. Isabella kept making faces from where she stood as we both faced the choir.

Immediately after rehearsal, I planned to leave quickly but as everyone packed, he held my hands, I turned to face him,

"Annie, I'm so sorry about the other day," He started

"There's no issue, I just had to leave early," I stated, still trying to act nonchalant.

He shook his head,
"No, actually about Clara. She has some issues with her father, I'm not supposed to tell you but I guess it's best I do,"

I became interested immediately as I faced him with quirked eyebrows,
"What issues?"

"Well... He basically does not have the interest of his daughter at heart and forces her into stuffs," He hesitated before he finally spoke up.
I finally put two and two together. I felt so ashamed that I had concluded so quick.

"This is quite serious,"

"I don't really know what to do and she confided in me," He rubbed his temples as he leaned on the wall

"I don't think we can do much on our own, but I promise to talk to my dad," I suggested.

"If that's not an issue then, Thank you so much. I'll see you at school tomorrow, I have to run along now," He said in relief.
As he waved at me, the butterflies I had killed suddenly began to fly.

I looked around for Isabella but I could not find her, she doesn't go home without me.
I decided to use the restroom before I leave.

I tried to unlock the door to the restroom but it was locked. I knocked and tried to push. I heard some mumbles before the door was finally opened.
I was surprised as I saw Isabella with red eyes trying to hide something behind her.

She looked surprised to see me too and was speechless.
Before I could say anything, a little glass bottle filled with a white substance dropped to the ground, making a shattering sound.

Her eyes grew open as she bent down to try to salvage the left over.
"Isabella, Isabella," I called out softly, as it dawned on me the contents of that bottle.

She tried to walk away as she paid no attention to me, but I held her hands and hugged her tightly. Few seconds and I started hearing her sniffles,

"I'm s-orry, I'm so s-orryy, it's all W-ale's f-ault," She cried as she talked.

"It's okay, I'm so sorry I was oblivious," I tried to calm her down, as we both sat down on the clean white tiles.

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Please pardon all errors, I'll edit once I'm done with my exams.
Don't forget to vote, share and comment.
I'll be reading.

With love,.
Féranmi❤️