"Mum." A voice broke through Maria's slumber. She startled awake and found Declan's rheumy eyes gazing into hers.

"Yes, baby. What time is it?" She rubbed her tired eyes and reached for her wristwatch on the nightstand, 10:30 am it read.

"I am hungry."

"What? She sat up as thoughts of recent events filled her mind. The sadness she had felt earlier filled her heart once more but before she could succumb to it, Declan spoke.

"There are too many people downstairs. Aunt Anna said that I should come and wake you." Maria swung her feet off the bed and stood up. She instantly missed the warmth afforded by her comforter but she pushed her feet forward and followed Declan out of the room. 

"Come let's get you something to eat." As they walked down the steps, murmurs and silent sobs filled the air. Maria froze mid-step as the living area finally came into view. It was like opening a door into the past because her living room was filled with the faces of people who hadn't been part of her life for a long time. Scratch that, it was filled with people who had abandoned her since her ungraceful downfall from society.

Anger rose within her as she remembered how these very people had treated her like you would an expired carton of milk. Standing there, she saw how some of them threw subtle glances around her furniture. By the longing looks on their faces, she knew that they hadn't expected her home to still hold the antique pieces that they had once drooled over.

"Mum! Are you coming?"

Maria pulled her gaze from her greedy guests and focused on her son who now stood next to his piteous-looking twin.

"Oh honey," Maria whispered as she descended the remaining steps two at a time and picked up Dean. "I am so sorry." She said as she avoided the stares of her visitors. She walked to the kitchen and placed him on a stool. "What can I get you?" she asked knowing full well that the boy would rather have his father than any type of meal at the moment.

"Cereal," said Declan.

"Uhm, we don't have milk," Maria said apologetically.

"Actually, we do." Said Joshua as he joined them behind the kitchen counter. "Anne went shopping this morning."

"She did?"

"Yes, she did. It was the least she could do after inviting all her cronies to your home." Joshua jabbed a finger towards the living room where Anne had now gained the attention of the room.

"I don't talk to any of these people anymore," Maria said.

"I know," Joshua whispered. "She posted on her social media and an hour later, the house was overflowing with them. I have talked to her and she promised that they would all be on their best behavior."

"I don't understand, Anne has her issues but she is a decent human being. Why is she still friends with these people? And most of all, why do you let her?"

"Her styling business survives because of these women. If she cuts ties with them, she would close shop. So, we tolerate them and she gets to keep her dream business."

"Okay, but the minute one of them throws a rush comment my way or towards the boys, they are all out of here. I have already been blackballed I couldn't care less what they think of me anymore. Deal?"

"Deal!"

"Now can we please get something to feed these two?" Maria opened the fridge where she was met by overflowing shelves of groceries. "Wow, Anne outdid herself. I can't remember the last time this fridge was so full."

"What can I say? She has her challenges but she certainly knows her stuff."

Minutes later, the boys were eating and Maria was making the dreaded walk towards the living room to finally welcome her guests. She made a short introduction and thanked them for coming after which she sat down and let Anne take over the planning of the funeral. Soon, the pledges started flowing in and Maria marveled at how much these women were willing to pledge just to impress their friends. Checkbooks were pulled out of designer purses and figures were filled in the blank lines. Anne collected the cheques and before she could tally the final figure, a loud shrill filled the compound startling the congregation of high society ladies.

"Oh, my word what is that noise?" Asked a lady whose face was etched with horror at the noise.

"That's the sound of my opening gate." Said Maria, eyes scanning the crowd as if daring them to say a word.

"Oh, my dear you should have that oiled. I know this great grounds-boy who takes care of all the appliances around my compound. I will give you his number." Said another lady who was oblivious to Maria's warning glare.

"Oh, you mean Wachira?" asked another lady, "he is gifted. He did my bougainvillea last week and that fence has never looked so good. I bet he would return your compound to its former glory within no time. There is a serious need for new grass on that lawn."

"She needs someone to fix up that driveway too. It is more gravel than concrete. I almost lost a heel off my Louboutin while coming into the house..."

Maria had been listening in shock as the women dropped their initial pretense and resumed their natural selves. "I have had enough of this." She stood, a little too fast causing her chair to tumble backward. "You ladies can take..." A hand clamped on her shoulder stopping her from calling the ladies out. She turned to give the owner's arm a piece of her mind only to find Joshua's pleading gaze fixed on her.

"You have other visitors." He said.

"Who? More of them?" She jammed a finger toward the appalled crowd.

"No, Ben's relatives."

Hardly had those words left Joshua's mouth when a mournful cry tore through the air. Maria followed Joshua out through the front door where she watched in shock as three minibusses drove into her compound. The buses were filled with wailing relatives who spilled out the minute the buses stopped. Screams and cries filled the air as the mourners dropped themselves onto the gravel and rolled around. Gasps of disgust came from behind Maria who couldn't be bothered to care what the high society ladies were finding undignified.

"What kind of a gathering is this?" One lady asked.

"Professional mourners!" Said another.

"Anne, you should have warned us that this event would turn out like this. I can't be caught in such a gathering. This was a complete waste of my time." Said one lady who then proceeded to walk to her car. The rest followed suit all making excuses for how they were expected elsewhere. Maria ignored their meaningless apologies and focused on the drama that was unfolding in front of her. She scanned the faces of the mourners and only recognized a few until her searching eyes landed on an elderly woman who was being helped out of the last bus. The minute her walking stick hit the ground, the mourning and thrusting intensified.

"Ben's Mother," Maria murmured.

"I thought that..." said Joshua.

"Yes, she hates my guts. I didn't expect to see her here. In fact, how are they all here?"

"I have no idea, but I think it would be wise to go and welcome her into the home."

Maria obliged and walked towards the elderly woman staying keen to dodge the thrusting mourners who were strewn all over her compound.

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Who is following along with this story?

Talk to me, I'd like to know what you are thinking as we continue along. 

Also, weekends are my free time so that's when new chapters will be coming your way. Enjoy the week ahead see you next week. 

Love, 

June.