~Adam~

Dad chuckled exaggeratedly as mom climbed down the stairs. They were going for an Owanbe and dad was already waiting for mom at the foot of the stairs. I looked back from the couch where I sat down. Mom was dressed in an onion-colored cord lace with matching headgear. She looked like a bride with her perfectly made-up face.

"Oh wow. Look at my beautiful wife. Ego oyinbo is proper. All other women should come and learn about beauty from you. You're the perfect definition of beauty."

Mom smiled coyly and when she got to him, he kissed her on both cheeks.

"Just look at you. I have to be the luckiest man alive."

I rolled my eyes at his words and I continued the game I was playing.

Luckiest man ko, beauties man ni.

"Adam, you should come and snap us. We can't allow this beautiful moment to pass."

I ignored his words for a while before I finally dropped my phone. They were both standing in front of the left wall of the dining room, the one that has butterfly graffiti on it. It was the picture spot in our house. The few times Sophia had been at our house, she'd taken lots of pictures in that very background.

I used my phone to snap them and I couldn't deny the fact that they looked good together and everything looked so perfect with all the smiles and the way dad was looking at mom. Looking at them, no one would be able to guess what lies underneath, the layers of scars and pains the smile and facade were hiding.

"Now, that's enough, young man. We don't want to be too late to the party and..."

Dad was cut off by the vibration of his phone. He brought it out from his inner pocket.

"See, it's one of my friends. They must already be waiting for us. Let's go dear."

Then he picked the call and started to walk towards the mom. Mom turned to me with a pretty smile on her pretty face.

"So Korede, your friends are still coming over, right?"

"Yes, Ma."

"Good. Shey won lalajo dada oo."

"Of course mom."

"Good! Now, let me go and meet your dad before he gets angry."

Then she walked out of the living room. I heaved a sigh as I walked back to the couch. Yes, Sophia and Kunle were coming over. It was five days to Christmas and we were supposed to hang out at the mall but Sophia suggested we meet in a more private space. They picked my place because I hardly invite them over. Kunle made a joke that is it because I live in a sprawling mansion, that's why I don't invite them over? I tried to dismiss his joke with a wave of my hands because I knew it was an innocent joke but I couldn't.

They don't even know I don't invite them over because I don't know when the monster in him will act up. That I was only free to invite them over whenever he was away on business trips. I've not even sat down when my phone vibrated. It was Sophia.

"Hey, fine boy. How're you?"

Sophia shouted immediately they entered. I raised my eyebrows at her as she pressed her slim body against mine.

"Tiny girl. I'm fine."

I replied with a crackle in my voice. She hated being called tiny and it was only Kunle and I that can call her that and get away with it.

"Adams, the problem here is that I'm fatter than you are self. You're the real definition of tiny."

"In your dreams. You're just a perfect example of...."

Kunle cleared his throat and we both turned to look at him. He was already sitting on the chair with his legs crossed.

"If you guys are done with your cute bickering, please remember that I'm also here. And Sophia, please why did you drag me here if you were going to ignore me?"

Sophia shook her head at him before turning to look at me.

"Adam, abeg why is Kunle always jealous?"

I shrugged.

"Guys, it's not kuku your fault. If Aminah was around, this wouldn't be happening."

There was a brief change in the air, so brief and fleeting that I thought I had imagined it.

"So, what do we do? Play a game or......"

Kunle, who already picked the remote and had turned the TV channel to channel 36, a sports channel interrupted her.

"Wait, let's watch this match first."

Sophia snatched the control from him immediately.

"God forbid. You and who? Match ko, wrestling ni. Please, guys, let's not ruin today. No match, in fact, no TV today."

She started to press the control but Kunle was quick in snatching it from her hands. Sophia raised her brows. I sat on the adjacent chair.

"Sophia, it's just the highlight. It's going to take less than 30 minutes. Haba! Just spare us 30 minutes."

"No way. I can't..."

"Just 30 minutes! Take a nap or go and snap pictures. See, Adams changed the color of your butterfly already. Go and snap there."

Sophia turned back to look at the graffiti.

"Alright. 30 minutes oo!"

Then she stood up and walked to the far end of the dining room. I shook my head. They can use pictures to kidnap this girl.

"But Kunle, you have to come and snap me oo. Selfies ain't going to work."

Kunle facepalmed himself and he mouthed something like Sophia will be the one to kill me.

"Use a timer and put it on the flower vase oo."

Sophia muttered something that sounded more like a grumble. Then everything was quiet from her end save the occasional click-click sound of pictures being snapped. Kunle exhaled as we started to watch the highlights.

**********
Three hours later and five different highlights after, Kunle stretched and yawned and I messaged my knuckles. Sophia was sitting on the floor, her back pressing against the couch Kunle sat on. She was drinking directly from a Hollandia packet, the big size and she was also crunching the chin loudly.

I exchanged a glance with Kunle. Highlights after highlights, we begged her to allow us to watch one more, and now, it was almost 5 pm and we've done nothing except watch the highlights.

"Soph Soph. Let me see the pictures you snapped."

Kunle reached for her phone, unlocked it, and started to flip through her pictures, and still, Sophia said nothing.

She finished drinking the Yhourgout and she dropped the packet on the tray.

"Are you okay? Should I get you another one?"

She chuckled humorlessly.

"Because it's the only food I know, abi? You guys should just continue to ignore me. Keep watching your highlight."

She scooped the remaining chin and she crunched them loudly in her mouth.

I exchanged another glance with Kunle.

"But you used the time to snap na. You have more than 200 new pictures here."

"Shut up here. Pictures that I finished snapping a long time ago. This is the problem with being the only girl in the group. I seriously need a female friend."

"There's Aminah na."

There was another brief silence and I glanced at Sophia whose eyes were fixed on the packet as if she was examining the label. I was surprised when she nodded.

"I guess."

Kunle's face brightened at her words and he immediately slide down from the chair to sit beside her.

"You see? I noticed you guys were getting cool with each other before we vacated. Just try to know her first and you'll notice she's not bad. She's very nice and cool."

Sophia smiled brightly and I couldn't even tell whether the smile was fake or genuine. Something was very odd about Sophia's new fondness with Aminah and I couldn't even place my fingers on it.

"Definitely. She's nice and cool."

Kunar said nothing for a while, he only stared intently at her as if he was trying to see through her. Sophia cleared her throat and looked away.

"Sophia, don't you feel you need to explain why you were bitchy last Thursday or at least apologize."

She looked back at his face and she eyed him.

"Do you want to eat the apology? I'm all good now so..." She shrugged. "Just let it go."

I was not going to interfere but my mouth acted on its own volition and I was talking before I knew it.

"This is not about the fact that you're good now. It's about the fact that you acted weird and as your friends, we deserve to know why. We can't just let it go."

"Exactly! I couldn't even concentrate on anything until the next morning when you sent a van and I could tell you were back to your normal self."

Sophia heaved a sigh, her head downcast. This is why no matter how shitty my mood is, I'd never allowed it to show because I knew they'd probe and there are things I can't tell them.

Things I couldn't even whisper to myself.

"Okay, guys. I'm sorry I acted like that. It's just the stress of my sister taking a toll on everyone in the family. I'm sorry I snapped at you guys."

Kunle moved even closer to her and he grabbed her hands that were clamped together.

"Sophia, it's okay. We're your friends and we'll always be there for you. We know it's not easy and you're touching it. You're a very strong lady. Hmm?"

She said nothing and I was sure she was blinking back tears. That got confirmed when I heard a sniffle from her. Kunle moved even closer to her and he patted her back.

I opened my mouth to say something when I heard a car honk and the sound of the gate being opened. I froze.

My parents were back and I did not know what to expect. Sophia already moved away from Kunle and she was dabbing at her eyes with her face towel. I breathed in, then out, not knowing what to do. I could only pray nothing had happened at the party to make him angry.

I heaved a sigh when they both entered the living room with dad's laughter vibrating through the entire size of the mansion. I was so relieved that I slumped fully on the chair with my head thrown back.

"Ekaabo Sir. Ekaabo Ma."

Kunle and Sophia greeted, curtseying a little.

"Oh! My son's friends. How're you?"

"We are fine Sir."

I chuckled. Look at these two fellas acting like responsible teenagers.

"Hope he entertained you probably?"

Mom asked, the smile evident in her voice.

"Yes, Ma."

"Good. Now, let's leave you guys. Korede, Shey dada lo wa?"

"I'm okay mom."

She nodded and started to climb the stairs after Dad.

"Wow. Your parents look so good together."

I smiled at Sophia's honest compliment.

You guys don't even know half of it.

"And you are the only child again. God! I wonder what it feels like to be an only child. Must be enjoyment galore."

I smiled again. I did not even want to think about not having a sibling, about the reason why I don't have any. I've always loved having siblings but I was glad I don't have one. No other kid deserved to go through what I was going through.

"And your mom is too pretty. God! Just look at her smile. She's too beautiful."

Sophia smacked the back of Kunle's head at his words and the tone he used to say it.

"Ode! Are you crushing on your friend's mom?"

"She's too pretty for me not to oo. Adams dad is a very lucky man oo."

I already lost interest in the conversation. The only thing I wanted was for them to leave now that my parents were back. The monster in dad could get activated anytime. And I was glad when less than 5 minutes later, Sophia's phone rang and it was her driver who was already outside the gate to pick them up.

************
~Kunmi~

My younger brother shouted and fist-pumped the air before running to hug Mayowa. She just got back home with Mom, who had gone to pick her up from the airport.

"Aunty Mayowa. I've missed you."

I watched as she knelt to his level and she hugged him, wrapping her hands around his body.

"My baby. I've missed you too."

She hugged him even closer and he buried his head in the hollow of her neck. It was a beautiful reunion but I was still sitting on the couch.

"Where are my goody oo?"

"Hey. No chill pill. I bought every single thing you asked for."

He smiled brightly even through his two missing incisors. I chuckled to myself.

"Hope you did not give Kunmi and mom wahala? Hope you've been a good boy?"

He moved back and he nodded gingerly.

"Of course. Ask sister Kunmi, she can testify to it."

Mayowa's eyes flickered to where I sat at the mention and subconsciously, my lips stretched into a smile. She smiled back. She looked prettier and her cheeks looked fuller. weirdly, ed her. I've always thought if she wasn't home, then the comparison would stop but that did not happen, if anything, it only worsened.

She closed the distance between us and I was standing before I knew it. She hugged me.

"Baby sis. It's good to see you. I missed you."

"I missed you too."

"Oya, Oya, You guys will continue with your reunion later. Mayowa, you should come and eat. I cooked your favorite meal myself."

I raised my eyebrows and mom saw that. She smiled.

"Okay. Kunmi cooked it. I only assisted her."

"Oh Good! I missed eating Kunmi's food. No one cooks better than my sister."

Something fluttered in the pit of my stomach. Mayowa's good appraisal was something I hardly, I've never gotten. I paused for my moment as mom semi dragged her to the dining room.

Hours later, Mayowa walked to the sitting room. She was supposed to be resting and mom's mouth opened in a small surprised O when she was dressed. I smiled. She was probably going to one hangout like that.

"And why are you dressed up? Ain't you supposed to be resting?"

Mayowa got to the sitting room then and she sat beside mom on the three sisters.
sisters I have a hangout to attend. My friends organized a mini welcome back party for me."

Mini welcome back party for someone that was gone for only three months oo.

"Mini kinni? My friend, go and sleep share. After that long journey. Go and rest. You can do your party tomorrow."

"Mom, it's three days to Christmas. Tomorrow would be so hectic. Let's just do it now. I'll be back before you know it."

Mom did not say anything for a while but I knew she was going to agree. She always agrees to everything Mayowa wants.

"Okay then. Don't say long oo. Everywhere is already rowdy because it's festive period."

Mayowa smiled brightly and she kissed mom on both cheeks.

"Kunmi, do you want to go with me?"

I turned to look at her with my eyebrows raised. Where was that coming from? She knew I would never attend so I wonder why she had to ask. I mouthed no before turning back to the TV but I already lost interest in itself.

"Alright then. I'd be back soon."

Then she stood up and walked out of the sitting room, the car keys jingling in her hands.

"You should have gone with her Kunmi. You should socialize more."

I heaved a sigh, mouthed okay ma.

Then waited for like 5 minutes before going to the safe corners of my room.

**********

~Adams~

I returned from the field to meet an eerily quiet house. That wasn't unusual because our house was quiet. We don't have any maids living with us. The maids we have come to the house three times. Dad would never allow any maid to live with us. That's just to make sure nobody finds out about his secret. He would never want words to get out about how he treats his wife.

My eyes scanned the entire length of the sitting room with my throat in my mouth. Unease settled unto the pit of my stomach.

This isn't good.

I only felt like this in my entire life and those two times were totally bad.

"Mom"

It was only the echo of my voice that answered me. I broke into a sprint as I climbed the stairs and entered my parent's bedroom. It was shelved.

A rock started forming in the place my heart was supposed to be. I couldn't trust myself to say a word. I could only mutter a silent prayer.

God, let it not be what I think it is.

My worst fear was confirmed when I saw dad's call. My phone tumbled out of my hands when I tried to pick it up. I picked it up and leaned against the wall.

"Hello, Sir."

God, let it not be what I think it is.

"Adams, your mom had a relapse. We're in the family hospital right now. I told the driver to take you to your cousin's house. You should........."

His voice was controlled but I could make out the fear laced underneath in it. I muttered shit as my phone fell on the floor with a loud thud and I sank into the floor with it. My hands worked of their own volition to cradle my face and I ran my left hand through my hair.

The only sound I could hear at that moment was the sound of my heartbeat. It was beating so fast that I had to take calming breaths to control it.

I knew mom had no relapse.

I had an idea what exactly he had done to her.

Hmmm.

They were showing a film about domestic violence on Africa Magic Yoruba as I was typing the last part of this chapter and it broke my heart to see a wife being reduced to a punching bag. Now, try to imagine how Adams feels like 💔💔💔. He's probably more damaged than we know about. An abusive relationship is not worth it. It would never be worth it and don't allow anybody to deceive you, you can always leave.

Have you ever been the only girl in a clique? 😂😂 It's not easy at all. See how they used Sophia to watch football 💔💔

Aunty Mayowa is back and they had quite a reunion.

Apologies for the late update again. I have a lot of things to do off Wattpad and to avoid apologizing every time I update, I'm going to have to cancel the Friday and Monday updates for now. I'll update randomly, any time I'm opportune to type. And don't worry, I won't go AWOL.

So, see you when I see you.

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Love you guys ❤️❤️