TIDES OF LUST (Episode 22)

 

I have made it a habit to return to school a week prior to the official start date, allowing myself ample time to settle in and get organized before the academic term begins.

The holiday was a whirlwind of activities, featuring a mixed bag of exciting experiences and mundane ones that failed to leave a lasting impression.

Before the school semester drew to a close, Sandra mentioned that she'd be traveling and, rather than taking her car with her, she'd leave it in my care.

Evelyn also shared her own travel plans with me, mentioning that she wouldn't be leaving immediately after her exams. 

Between the lines, I understood that she was hinting at staying with me until her departure.

It didn't pose an issue for me, as it was a familiar arrangement that had been a part of our relationship from the very beginning.

I was the first to complete my exams, with Sandra following shortly after, and Evelyn finishing last among the three of us.

Since my family's house is conveniently close to school, I've decided to head home for the extended break.

I couldn't just arrive home with a car and expect my parents to accept the vague explanation that someone had asked me to look after it.

I knew my mum wouldn't be easily convinced by the explanation, and would likely have numerous questions and concerns. To avoid any unnecessary drama or suspicion, I decided it would be best to take Sandra with me to my place.

Following Sandra's last exam, I rode with her to my family's home, ensuring that my parents were aware of the car's rightful owner, and could vouch for the arrangement.

Since Sandra had already packed her belongings, we made plans for her to stay at my family's house for a brief three day visit before embarking on her journey.

Initially, Sandra was quite apprehensive, but I reassured her that my family is extremely warm and welcoming, which helped ease her concerns.

Being the baby of the family, I've grown up with three older sisters who delight in giving me a hard time. I jokingly call them my lifelong tormentors.

One of their favorite pastimes has been trying to coax me into bringing my female friends home, but I've always managed to evade their persistent requests.

As soon as they laid eyes on Sandra, I could see the excitement and mischief written all over their faces, and I knew Sandra was in for a wild ride. My sisters have a playful and cheeky side that can sometimes be a handful.

Upon arriving at my family's home that day, I was greeted by my immediate older sister and my mother, while my two other sisters were out and about, enjoying a shopping trip.

The moment my sister laid eyes on Sandra, her face broke into a wide smile, and it was clear that the two were going to get along famously.

They quickly discovered common interests and began chatting effortlessly, forming an instant bond that was heartwarming to see.

Rather than showing Sandra to the guest room, my sister swept her away to her own bedroom, eager to continue their lively conversation and bonding session.

I was busy unpacking in my room when my mum dropped by for a chat. Given our strong bond, I could sense that she had something specific on her mind.

Unlike my dad, who's often away from home, my mum and I have always had a close and open relationship.

“Mumsi what’s up”........I hailed, as she settled on my bed with a warm smile on her face.

“I dey, my pickin......how was your exams?”........she asked gently.

“Fine oh.....But I dey vex for you sha, Shebi na only once you call me during my exams, and after now you go talk say I be your paddy abi?”........I complained.

“Don’t be angry my dear. You know I went to visit your Dad now and you know na”........she responded, giggling alongside.

“Me I don’t know anything o. I spoke with daddy last night sef”........I muttered.

“Ok that’s good”.......she replied, smiling and staring at me intently.

I recognized that telltale look instantly, but I pretended not to notice, opting to play it cool and see how the conversation would unfold.

“What? Why you dey look me like that na?”........I asked in pretense

She didn't utter a word. Instead, she just kept smiling warmly and fixed me with a curious stare, as if waiting for me to crack.

“Ok, ok she is not my girlfriend if na im make you dey look me like that”........I responded.

Despite the awkward silence, she continued to gaze at me with an enigmatic smile, her expression a mixture of amusement and quiet curiosity.

“Mum come on, what else do you want to hear? she is not my girlfriend, she is just my friend.........She came around because she will be traveling home and wants me to look after the car for her since she is not traveling with it”..........I explained nervously.

“Really? But you both don’t seem like just friends to me oh.......Anyways, I will find out myself since you don’t want to tell me the truth”........she replied, but I could tell the sarcasm in her tone.

We engaged in a lengthy and enjoyable conversation, and it was only after a considerable amount of time had passed that she eventually got up to leave my room.

“I will be down stairs”.......she announced, standing to leave.

“Ok I will be down soon”.......I replied.

“By the way, she is beautiful. I know you always have the eyes for good things but just be careful oh”........she advised, before walking out from my room.

Immediately my mom left my room, my phone beeped. Checking my whatsapp messenger I saw a message from my sister which reads.

“interview session loading 90% The babe too correct” I laughed heartily, and replied to her; “she is just a friend please, mind how you interview her oh” 

As the evening unfolded on that Friday, we all converged in the living room after dinner.

 I was absorbed in watching sports highlights, while the girls were engrossed in their own lively conversation, discussing their latest interests and gossip.

The girls were eager to switch to a fashion show, but I controlled the TV fate, holding the coveted remote control. In our household, an unwritten law has always prevailed, the remote holder reigns supreme.

The person with the TV remote determines what everyone will watch, if you don’t like the station, bye bye.

That rule only held sway among my siblings and I. When Dad was around, it was a different story altogether, no one dared challenge his authority over the TV remote.

After a while, my mum decided to retire for the night but not after she opened the room for the interview session between her and Sandra.

“Sandra, where are you sleeping tonight? hope you wouldn’t mind if I steal your boyfriend for the night?”.......she asked, which got my sisters laughing.

My sisters were well-versed in Mum's questioning style, but Sandra was caught off guard, her shyness getting the better of her as she struggled to respond, managing only a nervous smile.

“Hope you wouldn’t mind?”.........mom asked again, and the already shy Sandra nodded in affirmation, smiling sheepishly.

“Don’t mind me dear, you can sleep anywhere you want but you two must be careful”........she advised, walking towards her room.

“Mumsi you try”........I yelled behind her.

‘Thank you”........she replied, without looking back.

The moment Mum stepped out, my sisters descended upon us, clamoring for every account of our lives. But our storytelling session was abruptly put on hold as my phone suddenly sprang to life, ringing loudly.

I beat a quick retreat, dashing upstairs with my phone, leaving my sisters inquisitive faces behind, and bringing the evening's activities to a sudden, decisive close.

Sandra had initially planned to depart on Monday, but my sisters' persuasive efforts convinced her to extend her stay. And truth be told, she had grown comfortable and was no longer in a rush to leave.

I stayed away from Sandra throughout the weekend. I know she was a screamer, and should anything as little as intimacy happen between us, everybody in the house will know.

Monday morning unfolded with a flurry of departures. Mom and two of my sisters headed off to work, while my elder sister set out for a job interview. As the door closed behind them, Sandra and I found ourselves alone in the quiet, empty house.

It was Sandra who roused me from my slumber that morning, a rare occurrence since I'm not exactly known for being an early riser at home.

I heard the knock and with my morning glory, I went to answer the door. I hid my already hard rod behind the door before sticking out my head.

“Good morning lazy boy”........she greeted

“Good morning, how was your night?”........I asked, yawning loudly.

“Don’t swallow me oh, I came to inform you that food is ready.......Go and freshen up and come down downstairs”........she announced, and turned to walk away, swinging her waist.

My gaze followed Sandra as she walked down the hallway, her hips swaying gently with each step. When she reached the stairs, she turned and caught my eye, a bright smile spreading across her face before she continued downstairs.

To Be Continued.........