"This is it, this is my home" I sighed as I stared at the house I was ashamed of but eventually turned into the only home I ever knew.
The compound was very quiet because it was still early, no one has started stirring. The cock that crowed was like a delight to my ears. I missed the sound. Finally I was home.

"And you hid all these facts about yourself because....."

" I was ashamed." I looked straight ahead. I couldn't bear to look at him."I didn't want anyone to know I lived in a slum"

I spared a glance at him. Surprisingly, his expression was calm and neutral.
"You don't seem upset"

"Upset?" He turned to me. "About what?"

"That I lied? That I pretended to be someone I'm not."

He sighed heavily and looked straight ahead. " I should be upset. I mean I'm your friend. I should know where you live"

I couldn't help but wince at that word 'friend'. I realized he never saw me as anything more than that.

"But just like you said" He continued. "You were ashamed. I understand that. Especially with the fact that your friends live in mansions. You feel you're not in the same level with them. Plus, you're on a scholarship so it's common that you would want to belong."

I couldn't believe my ears. Couldn't believe what was unfolding in front of me. I thought Isaac would burst out in anger but he did quite the opposite. I couldn't believe he understood me. Not all rich kids are spoilt.

"It must have been stressful. Covering up for your lies"

"It was. It really was. Story of my life,Isaac. I'm a big fat liar" My eyes welled up in tears as I remembered everything I went through just because I was ashamed of who I was.

He held my hand. "But you chose to open up to me. That means a lot. It means you're finally done with it, right?"

"Yeah, I am."

His eyes were still on me. "It's not gonna be easy. I mean, your friends don't know right?"

"I....I plan on telling them when school resumes" I shuddered at the thought.

"You're gonna be prepared for that, you know. Being a loner and a school's outcast is no joke"

"I know." I felt my voice breaking. Tears threatening to fall.

"They might not take it lightly"

"I know. They're not talking to me now so....."

"Why?"

I didn't want to delve into the story of being caught by Chioma kissing Isaac. That is another headache I didn't want to think about.

Suddenly I dreaded school resuming.

"Hey" He touched my arm. "It's okay, you're not gonna be alone. I'm right here."

I noticed how sincere and caring he was and I was immensely touched. I hugged him without a second thought. My shoulders shook uncontrollably.

When my eyes rested on the window, I saw an elderly woman  peeping inside the car. She looked like someone I knew. As I rubbed my eyes very well and looked again, I realized it was my grandmother.

I gasped as I quickly pulled away from Isaac.
What was she doing here?

It has been long since I visited the village. About 5 years now.

I realized that she wasn't the only one outside. Some of my neighbours were also awake, looking towards our direction.

Inquisitive much?

Suddenly I heard a rap on the window.

"Eliza, Is that you? Come out let me see you clearly"

I started gathering my bags then I remembered Isaac.

"Thanks for bringing me back. But you have to go"

"Are you kidding?" Isaac said as he was reaching for the door. "I want to see your grandma, she's your grandmother right? And I haven't seen your mom."

"You'll see all my family but not today. And you don't want to meet my grandmother. She's crazy"

"That, I want to see" Isaac chuckled as he reached for the door and went outside.

Here we go

"Good morning ma" He greeted her.

"Ehe, How are you?" Her hands on her hips as she glared at him.

"I'm fine, ma"

As I appeared next to him, I greeted her as well.

Her glaring eyes turned to me.

"Eliza, Is he your suitor?"

Isaac chuckled and folded his arms probably enjoying the old lady's antics.

I was expecting this to happened that's why I wasn't shocked.

"No grandma, he's not my suitor. He's my senior in school"

"Then why are you with your senior in school? And why were you hugging him and crying?" She drew close to me and surprisingly her voice grew loud. "Wait, are you pregnant?"

I gasped. Now here's the shock.

Jeez, what the  heck!!!

Isaac burst out in laughter.

I looked around me and our neighbours curious stares were now intense with the mention of that word pregnant.

"No! grandma, i'm not!" I covered my face in embarrassment.

"And you, why are you laughing?" She turned to Isaac.

"Nothing ma" He stopped immediately, feigning a serious expression.

"Eliza! What are you doing here?"

I turned and saw my aunt Agnes who surprisingly has grown taller and was looking rather beautiful.

"Aunty!" I screamed as I rushed over to her and hugged her tightly. "Oh My God, I've missed you so much"

"I've missed you too honey" She replied, as we withdrew, her eyes rested on the luggage. "Is that your luggage? I thought you wouldn't be back till school resumes?"

"Um" I sniffed. "Something happened aunt. It's a long story. Besides, why didn't you tell me you'll be coming from the states for New year and why are you here in our house? I thought it was forbidden"

I realized that a lot has changed in my absence. With my aunt back and in our house? knowing my mom, she wouldn't allow that. Plus, my grandmother is here too. Someone has to fill me in with what's going on.

"It's long story as well." Her aunt said and her eyes landed on Isaac immediately. "And who's that hottie?"

I rolled my eyes. "Aunt, he's 17years old."
My aunt hasn't lost her flirty nature.

As I turned to call Isaac to come over, I  noticed that Isaac was busy laughing at what my grandma was saying to him.

I got confused.
What were they talking about anyway?

"Eliza?" My mom appeared behind my aunt.

I greeted her.

She ignored my greeting.
"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at your dad's place?"

"I...." I began but was cut in by aunt Agnes.

"That's something we'll have to discuss inside sis"

Sis? When did they start referring each other as sis? I narrowed my eyes. Something fishy is definitely going on here.

My mom nodded.
"Who's that boy with your grandma?"
My mom asked me.

"Oh" I  called Isaac to come closer. "This is Isaac, my senior in school"

Isaac greeted her.

"Isaac, nice to meet you" Her mom smiled, extending her hands for a handshake. "I'm Eliza's mom"

"How are you doing ma?"

"I'm doing pretty great." She smiled. "You know, it's been long Eliza  brought a friend home"

"I noticed" He replied.

"And good thing he's not her boyfriend" Her grandmother chipped in.

Here we go again. I thought.

"Isaac was just leaving" I  said immediately before things got worse
and started pushing Isaac away slightly.

"Nonsense, you're invited to join us for breakfast Isaac" mom said.

"Um...." Isaac looked at me for permission.

Nope, definitely not.

" Isaac" I cut in "has an errand to do for his parents. It's very urgent. Right, Isaac?" I turned to him.

"Yes, right" He reluctantly agreed. "But I would love to come back next time, ma"

"The door is always opened for you, son" Her mom replied, smiling.

As he finally left.

I heaved a huge sigh of relief.
I noticed that our neighbours have already lost interest in us and carried on with their normal activities.

Thank God for that.

"Where's John?" I looked around.

"Oh, he's over at his friends house" mom replied. "Can you call him on the phone sis, tell him his sister's home" She gestured to Aunt Agnes.

Sis? Again with the sis?

Hi guys, I'm back with a whole new chapter.
I know I've been away for a really long time and most of you has lost interest already but I hope you guys will come back again and read my book cus I intend on finishing it.

Have a great day ahead.