"It's been nearly a week since school vacated. Do you think Kwame will come home soon?" Tansy asked during dinner.
"He might," Aunt Kathy replied. "Alchemy called earlier. She's arriving tomorrow."
"Oh no, why is she coming?" Tansy asked, her voice sharp with frustration.
"Be kind to her," Aunt Kathy said firmly.
As usual, Uncle Mike drove to the airport to pick Alchemy up. When he saw her, he opened his arms and pulled her into a hug.
"I missed you so much, Alchemy," he said as he hugged her.
She smiled widely and replied, "I missed you even more, Uncle."
The drive home was mostly silent until Uncle Mike finally asked, "How are things going between you and Marvel?"
Alchemy gave a small smile and answered, "You know how distance relationships are, but we will make it work."
When they reached the house, Alchemy paused before getting out of the car. She looked at Uncle Mike and asked with frustration on her face, "Is Kwame back?"
"No, not yet," Uncle Mike replied. "We are expecting him to arrive tomorrow."
Unlike previous times, the house was quiet. No one came out to welcome her.
Alchemy frowned and asked, "Where is everyone?"
"Your aunt is still at work," Uncle Mike said. "She should be on her way home soon," he added.
Alchemy went to her room to rest for a while. After resting, she walked to Marvel's room.
As she stepped inside, she saw Marvel on a phone call. The moment he noticed her, he ended the call immediately.
He stood up and exclaimed, "Oh my God! I missed you, babe," then pulled her into a hug.
Alchemy gently pulled away and sat on the edge of the bed. She looked at him and said, "You knew I was coming back today. You probably knew I had arrived. Why did you not come to see me?" she asked, her voice filled with anger.
"Oh, I only wanted to give you space to rest after such a long journey. I am sorry," Marvel pleaded. "I will make it up to you," he added.
"You had better do," Alchemy replied firmly.
Alchemy went to the kitchen for water and found Tansy washing dishes. Tansy turned and hugged her immediately.
"I am sorry I could not welcome you. I have many chores to finish," Tansy explained.
Alchemy gave a small smile. "Don't worry. My boyfriend didn't even welcome me."
"Kwame would have," Tansy said after a brief silence. Alchemy simply looked at her and smiled.
Later, Alchemy sat in the living room when she heard the front door open. She saw Aunt Kathy enter, she ran to her, and wrapped her arms around her.
"I have missed you so much, Aunty," she said, her face bright with joy.
Aunt Kathy kissed her cheek and smiled. "I have missed you too, my dear."
Aunt Kathy, Tansy, and Alchemy worked together to prepare several dishes for dinner. Marvel joined them later to help set the table.
"I think we are ready now. Go and call your father," Aunt Kathy told Marvel.
While they were all seated for dinner, Kwame walked in unexpectedly.
"Oh my God! Kwame!" Tansy cried, jumping up to hug her brother. Everyone at the table stood in surprise.
"When did you arrive?" Aunt Kathy asked.
"Only a few minutes ago. I came in to get some water," Kwame replied calmly.
"Please join us for dinner," Uncle Mike invited.
Kwame ignored the invitation. He picked up a bottle of water and walked away without another word.
"I must call Femi. What has he turned my son into?" Uncle Mike said angrily under his breath.
After dinner, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Mike went to Kwame's room. Uncle Mike sat on the edge of the bed and asked, "Are you alright?"
Kwame looked up and replied, "Of course I am. I didn't join you because I stopped at a restaurant to eat."
Aunt Kathy frowned. "Why would you do that?"
"I was famished, I couldn't wait," Kwame answered.
"Is that why you are here?" Kwame asked, changing the subject.
"You will not be returning to Uncle Femi's house," Uncle Mike said. "You will continue your education here with us."
"Why now?" Kwame interrupted.
"Marvel is in his final year," Aunt Kathy explained. "A college in New York has offered him a scholarship, so he will be leaving soon. We thought it would be better if you stayed here as well."
Kwame's eyes lit up. "Really? That is a great opportunity," he said, clearly impressed.
"So you will not be going back," Uncle Mike confirmed.