Chapter 2: Chapter 2

It was already evening, when Michelle informed Daisy that she's ready to leave since her mum instructed her not to be late.

"Why so soon?"Daisy queried

"I have to obey mum's instruction. Moreso, Roland is the only one at home"

"Okay, I'll walk you. Let's get going" Daisy heaved a sigh.

Amidst smiles, they both stood and started walking down the road that leads to Michelle's house which is six streets far from Daisy's. They seemed to be enjoying the silence between them as each of them continued to think of how the day went and everything they talked about until Daisy broke the silence when she told Michelle she saw Richard the day before.

"What! You don't mean it!" Michelle exclaimed.

"I'm serious. He asked about you; and I told him you're doing just fine then he sent his regards." Daisy said

Michelle sighed "I don't know what he might be up to this time around."

"With the way he talked, I think he has plans for the new term and I guess he only asked about you to know if you will still attend the school or make a change since it's the beginning of a new session and we are just about to begin the senior high education."

Michelle looked at her with a frightened face.

" But trust me, i didn't relay any information about it" she added immediately ,scared that her friend might get angry.

Still, Michelle wore a gloomy face. One could tell with the look on her face that she was worried. Daisy saw the effect of what she said on her friend which was nothing new to her and was also the reason for her not bringing up the topic earlier.

"You don't have to wear that face, you've always been putting up with him and doing well"she said.

Forcing a smile, Michelle replied "It's nothing...I'm really okay".I'm just wondering what the kid is up to this time"

"Don't let your guard down..... I'm rooting for you. Okay?" Daisy assured her as they walked up to a point midway to the Arrowhood's .

Michelle nodded slightly, hugged her friend, and bade her goodbye.

"It's okay, I'll do better. Goodnight!"she said

"Goodnight dear!. We shall meet in school"replied Daisy.

They starred at each other for sometime without saying a word and parted ways waving at themselves.

*******

Michelle got home safely only to meet Roland waiting for her at the door.

"Finally, big sister is back" he announced joyfully running over to hug her as she stepped into the compound.

"I thought you were angry with me. You did not say a word when I bade you goodbye earlier" she said

"I can only get upset at you, but you're still the sister I love" he smiled

"Big head, you're not serious" she playfully hit his head smiling. Roland signalled her to bring her ear closer which she did.

"Big brother is around" he whispered

"Stop joking around. No one is expecting him home today"

"I'm serious, but if you think it's a joke, go in and see for yourself".

"Bro Des!" Michelle shouted as she ran into the house calling on her elder brother Desmond, the first and oldest child of the family who just came back on holidays.

"Little sis! I'm back" Desmond called out to her standing in the sitting room and opening his arm for a bear hug. Michelle ran into his arms and he rubbed her head slightly like a mother would do to her baby.

"I missed you a lot. You didn't even call to tell me you would arrive today. I wouldn't have stayed out that long if I knew". She paused then continued all in a rush.

"Anyway, when did you come back. I know it's today but whet time?, what did you bring for me? , and when are you going back?."

"Sister Mich!" Roland screamed "One question at a time!. Don't you think that's too much?".

"Leave her Roly, she's always been my little girl. I arrived not long". Desmond dragged Michelle to sit on the sofa beside him. He placed his arms across her shoulder as she rests on the chair.

"You are still as beautiful as ever" he said looking at her

"God's blessings. You didn't change either. Still handsome as ever" she winked at him.

"I heard you went to Daisy's today. She must have missed you the whole while" he changed the topic.

"A lot!"

While the conversation was going on, the door bell rang . Little Roland went to check who it was. Happily, he announced

"Mum is back!"

"My little darling!. How was your day?. Hope you enjoyed it?

"Where is your brother?" she asked again not allowing Roland to answer her previous question.

"Do you mean bro Des?"

"Yes!. Or do you have another?".She stopped for a while.

"How did you know he's back?"

"He called ahead. And that was the surprise I had for you this morning"

"I guessed right then" Roland said clinging to his mother walking towards the living room.

"Good evening mum. I'm home" Desmond greeted calmly

"How are you Desmond?

"I'm fine as usual"

"That's my boy! You're looking more masculine" she complimented.

Michelle stood arms akimbo beside her mother in jealousy.

"Mum! It's not fair. I went out today and you're asking after the boys alone. What about me?. You ought to ask about my outing ".

"I was about to ask before you started rehearsing your speech!" Mrs Arrowhood teased.

"Don't mind her. She's just being mummy's girl" Desmond interrupted

"Are you jealous?" Michelle asked.

"Why would I be?. I'm no longer a kid like you are"

"But to mum, you will always remain her kid"

"Mum, I'm terribly famished. What's for dinner?" little Roland asked.

"What would you like to eat?" she asked the trio.

"Anything would do" They all replied in unison looking at one another.

Mrs Arrowhood headed to the kitchen in company of her baby girl to cook for the family after she freshened up.

**********

The Cole's mansion was beautifully illuminated at night. Every member of the family gathered in the dining room to feed on the readily served dinner. The room was so silent until Daisy's younger brother Brian broke the silence by informing thier parents of Michelle's visit.

"I guess my girl had a lot of fun today" thier father said.

"She had more than fun. I was totally left out and bored". Daisy glared at him to shut him up rather he continued.

"I could have joined them but they were too girlish" he whispered to his dad. His father chocked on his food while laughing at his son's statement.

"Cole, I've always told you to stop spoiling this children yet you keep indulging them" Mrs Cole poured water into a glass cup from a jug for her husband.

"I'm sorry Claire, it was just so funny" he apologized. He faced Brian and told hm not to worry.

"You'll be making new friends in school too" he said. Brian nodded.

They all kept talking except Daisy who was thinking of what she could do to help Michelle avoid Richard for the new session. Suddenly, she asked a question.

"Mum! what could be the possible reason for a boy bullying a girl?. They have the same potentials and they don't know each other before they met in school"

Claire looked up at Cole surprised by thier daughter's question.

"Well, he might have a personal grudge or reason for that" she answered.

"He might as well be jealous of her" Coke said. Daisy nodded her head sideways doubting her father's option.

"Is anything bothering you?" her parents asked.

"Nothing much. Just wondering." she replied but they didn't believe her. Then Brian spoke up " he might as well like her"

"What?" Daisy and her parents were shocked.