After resting for a while, Chioma's tummy rumbled. Noodles seemed like the ideal remedy for her hunger, prompting her to venture into the kitchen. As the noodles danced in the simmering water, her mobile phone began to ring. A quick glance revealed an unfamiliar number on the screen, and she let the call fade into silence. Perhaps, she feared it was the man who occupied her dreams. She wasn't prepared for a conversation, uncertain of the words she would offer. In truth, Chioma was tired and not in the mood to receive calls, especially from an unfamiliar number. Instead, she focused on the comforting aroma of the noodles.
Just as Chioma finished transferring some of the steaming noodles into a bowl, the front door creaked open. She paused, folk poised in mid-air, her brow furrowing in surprise. Who could be visiting at this hour?
And then, as if in answer to her unspoken question, her brother Andrew walked in while she began to eat her noodles, surprising Chioma. She glanced up at the wall clock and realised it was almost two in the afternoon. However, seeing her caring brother by her side brought a smile to her face. She knew he must have returned home just to check on her. Feeling the warmth of family, she embraced him in a hug.
Andrew returned the hug, then pulled out a chair. Chioma rose to get him food, but a wave of his hand stopped her. Placing the snack he had bought for her on the table, he looked at her with a serious expression.
'Why didn't you tell me about your accident? You rejected my calls because you were afraid to talk about it, right?' Andrew scolded, his smile barely noticeable. 'Why the secret squirrel act?'
Chioma nearly choked on her noodles upon hearing Andrew's words. How did he find out? Who could have informed him? Did he race home for this interrogation? Her tongue twisted, struggling to formulate an answer.
'What? Cat got your tongue, or are you wondering how I figured it out?' Andrew rolled his eyes. 'Don't worry, I didn't resort to hacking or surveillance footage neither did I crack any secret agents' servers or install hidden cameras in your noodle pot. You know I have no clue about those skills. If I did, I'd be invincible,' Andrew remarked, his tone slightly teasing. 'My information skills are tragically mundane.'
Chioma choked on her laughter, the noodles sticking in her throat. How did he always know? 'Of course, my brilliant brother, the master of deduction,' she offered, a grin stretching across her face despite the tightening knot in her gut, attempting to change the subject. But Andrew was perceptive.
'Flattery won't work today, sis. Spill the beans,' Andrew insisted, his smile fading. 'Why didn't you tell me about your accident? You thought I wouldn't know?'
Chioma scratched her head, a blush creeping up her neck. 'I didn't mean to keep it from you, I swear. I was just... afraid. You worry so much, and I didn't want to add to your grey hairs.' She pouted playfully.
Andrew smiled faintly but remained silent.
'I'm fine now. It was just a minor scratch. I could handle it. Please forgive me... I had planned to tell you about it later in the evening...' Chioma explained, seeking forgiveness.
Andrew softened again, a faint smile gracing his lips. 'It was just a scratch, right? Nothing serious I couldn't handle?' His voice held a quiet reproach.
Chioma avoided his gaze, picking at the tablecloth with her fork. 'I told you, I'm fine. And I planned to tell you later, I promise.'
Silence stretched between them, the only sound the rhythmic tap of Andrew's finger against the tabletop. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, his eyes boring into hers. 'Who was he?'
Chioma's grip on her fork slipped, causing it to fall to the floor. She was completely caught off guard by such a question. She hesitated to lie, fearful that Andrew might have seen the man. She didn't want to lose her brother's trust over a man.
Although Chioma had hoped to avoid discussing the man who had caused her accident, it seemed she had no choice but to reveal his identity. He was the man she had fallen in love with from the moment they met, and her feelings still lingered.
Andrew was taken aback as he witnessed Chioma's fork clatter to the ground and observed the unusual expression on her face. He couldn't help but suspect that Chioma was in love with the man.
'Are you all right, little sis?' Andrew's voice was gentle, laced with concern.
Chioma retrieved the fallen fork, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes. 'Of course,' she chirped, but the forced cheerfulness couldn't quite mask the tremor in her voice.
Andrew wasn't fooled. He knew his sister too well. 'Chioma,' he started, his gaze unwavering, 'is it possible he's the same one you've been writing poetry about?'
Chioma chuckled, a nervous sound that echoed in the stillness of the kitchen. 'Maybe,' she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. 'I never wrote poetry about him. Stop making things up,' she smiled, and said with a sigh. 'Anyway, we're worlds apart, as different as sunshine and shadows.'
I was just teasing you about the poetry,' Andrew murmured. 'But then, you should know that even fireflies and the moon share the same sky,'
Chioma looked away, tracing circles on the table with her fingernail. 'Some stars burn too bright to reach,' she mumbled, her voice lost in the sigh that followed.
'What foolish nonsense are you spouting?' Andrew retorted, referring to Michael. 'He only has the trappings of this world, nothing more.'
'That's precisely why we're worlds apart,' Chioma replied calmly. 'We can't change that fact, big brother.'
'Maybe I should find this man and teach him a lesson,' Andrew suggested.
'No, don't. You have to stay calm. I'm fine now,' Chioma reassured him.
'How can you expect me to stay calm? What if something worse happened to you? Based on the fact that you seem to have nine lives, of course, you'll be fine. When I heard about the accident at work, I was genuinely worried. My boss had to let me go home. If nothing is done, that guy might hurt you again,' Andrew looked at Chioma, his voice filled with concern. 'Father is dead. I don't want to lose you too,' he added in a soft voice.
'He won't hurt me,' Chioma insisted, convinced of her words.
'And you think you're in a Korean or Chinese romance movie? Wake up! This is reality. While you might be lucky with him, movies are just movies, and reality is reality,' Andrew replied sternly.
Chioma walked over to Andrew, her smile sweet, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, whispering, 'I am fine. You don't have to worry so much about the accident. It was all my fault. If I had been more careful while crossing the road, if there was a zebra crossing, I would have been more cautious.' She lovingly kissed his head.
'When did the zebra crossing come into our conversation?' Andrew tilted his head, giving Chioma a playful look.
'Your sister is a genius,' Chioma cheerfully lifted her chin and said.
'You certainly succeeded in changing the subject,' Andrew said, raising his hand to pinch her rosy cheek.
'Isn't that cool?' Chioma laughed.
'So you found my weakness and decided to use it against me?' Andrew teased, and Chioma joined in the laughter.
'My big brother Andrew is the best in the whole world,' Chioma declared.
Andrew smiled. 'Go ahead and continue with your food. I'll go to the kitchen and check if there's any milk left.' He headed to the kitchen while Chioma resumed eating her noodles. She felt happy now.