Chapter 3 Too Hard To Say Goodbye

At Avril Williams Obinma's hometown

Waterlines, Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Chichi, Chi come here, Mrs. Laura yelled from her room.

mom am coming. Chichi replied as she hastily wiped her tears and gently walked to her parent's room to answer her mother!

saying goodbye to her childhood friend was something she never thought she would be doing anytime soon, but she had to. it's all for the best, I have to let her go!

The truth is that she and Evelyn were inseparable, they became friends when they met at their local church at the age of 2, and 16 years later, they had become more like sisters!

the month of June is always a very special month for Chichi and Evelyn as they always mark their birthdays together. Chichi was born on June 12 while Evelyn was born on June 13.

Chichi's overprotective Elder brother Emmanuel named the two best friends gossip partners because they behave more like two women gossiping at the hair salon than friends.

Chichi, Mrs. Laura called again.

Mom, Chichi answered back.

come sit beside me, my dear.

she entered the room and sat down next to her mom.

Chi baby, I don't know how to tell you this, but I will be leaving Nigeria soon Mrs. Laura managed to say in one sentence.

Why?

what happened, mom?

Chichi asked surprised and angry at the same time, Evelyn left today because she was awarded a scholarship to study abroad by Mr... Avril Obinma's foundation.

now, mom is also leaving. who knows Emmanuel will also leave as well, I don't know why everyone is leaving, she thought to herself.

My dear, Mrs. Laura called out softly while taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, baby I got a job offer that can change our lives for good, the pay is good and it's a lifetime opportunity to improve our standard of living.

Mr. Avril Obinma helped me to secure a high-paying job in the united states.

Mom, if that man wants to help you, he should help you secure a job in this country, in our state to be precise, you don't have to leave.

Chi, why do you dislike this good man so much.

Mom, I don't like the way he stares at me, the way he praises me is too good to be true!

how does he stare at you, tell me, did he tell you anything?

no mum, nothing in particular but I have this feeling that...

wait my daughter, Mrs. Laura said cutting her off, you just said that he didn't say any tangible thing and he didn't do anything to you. so hold your peace!

he only stared at you and you are complaining, someone looked at you with his own eyes and you are making a big deal out of it, have you forgotten that this man in question is married to an amazing woman.

sorry, mom.

keep your apology to yourself.

this man in question is our benefactor.

and is high time you start seeing the good in other people, not every time you always have something to complain about.

it's okay mum, I have heard you, African mothers and too much lecture are inseparable she murmured to herself.

back to our main conversation, Chi, this is a great opportunity to enlarge our coast!

Mom, I don't know what to say.

Say something my dear, don't you want me to go Mrs. Laura asked her calmly!

Yes, I want you to stay here with us. Chichi said calmly, but to be honest, am happy for you, am happy for us!

it's going to be hard not having you around here, we have never been separated, am sad and happy at the same time. Mum, a part of me wants you to stay, another part wants you to go.

Chi Baby, In as much as I don't want to be separated from my family, I also want to give you and your brother a better life. and there are lots of opportunities in the United States.

think about it this way, I will go there, get settled, and then send for you, your brother, and your dad, how do you see it, my love?

Mum, it's ok, Chichi answered, trying so hard to avoid the question. I think we all have to learn how to adapt, we will be fine and we will be together soon that's all that matters.

That's my daughter, Chichi, I know I can always count on you, I wish your brother could be more understanding like you, I didn't want him to find out the way he did!

What happened mom, Chichi asked?

Your brother overheard my phone call conversation with my friend Lisa then he got angry and stormed off.

Mum my brother tends to overreact sometimes because he is too soft and sensitive. don't take it to heart. Just give him some time to process things, he will come around.

I certainly hope so my dear, I just wish he could be more reasonable and considerate as you.

Mom, don't worry, I will talk to him.

she decided to check their usual hideout, the family farm nearby!

My Better half, Emma, Emma my love, brother, brother, Chichi called while searching around the trees.

Stop disturbing my peace, Emmanuel yelled!

Huh, I got you better half, I have searched all over for you, you thought you could hide from me, I knew you would show up, you can't ignore me for long.

You know me too well Sis, I just needed a quiet spot to cool off Emma said while hugging his sister, sis am just sad!

I know brother, but you can always talk to me, am ever ready to listen to you, am your best friend.

Chichi, mom is leaving, and am so sad!

I know, but it's for the best, don't you think so, you know is also hard for her too.

Chichi, You don't understand Emmanuel cuts in.

then make me understand dear brother, Chichi said while staring straight at her brother.

In two weeks, mom will leave us, the notice is too short, we have never been separated from her, why can't we all stay together as we used to. Emma said.

She just sighed deeply, took a deep breath, and continued. You know mom would never accept the offer if it was not worth it.

Evelyn never left my side before but I have to let her go. I know it's not the same thing but it almost feels the same, hmmm she stopped briefly and continued.

I still think you need to talk to mom, talking about it can help ease the tension Chichi said trying to make her brother see reasons with her.

Ok sis, you know why you are so special to me, you have the remedy to all my problems, talking with you makes me feel alright.

Chi, do you know that you just lifted my spirit?

is that so, she said softly while smiling.

Let's go swimming later I have to talk to Mum now Emma said smiling broadly.

the river will be too crowded now, we can always go back later. It's okay better half, hurry up brother, don't keep mum waiting.

At home, Mrs. Laura is seen pacing up and down the room feeling restless, just then someone hugged him from behind, mom,

mom is just that I was caught unawares but after speaking to a special person, I think I understand everything now he said while smiling at Chichi.

Come here Chi baby Emma said trying to mimic their mom.

Just then Mr. Chiagoziem entered the living room and sees the heart-touching scene" Hello family, am back he said smiling like a little boy.

special hugs for you my loves, he said as he joins them in a hug, what did I miss my love, you missed a lot sweetheart Mrs. Laura replied... we have less than one week to spend together let's make good use of it, let's make sweet family memories.

At the Gym

my plans are gradually falling into place, Chichi, soon your support system will leave the country, then I will have you all to myself, you are going to bear my next heir, I love Victoria but I need a heir, as an African man and a titled man, I can't wait any longer.

I hope you won't prove to be stubborn?

I hope you will love me, as much as I love you Chichi. now I can have a child from an undefiled girl, and still, keep my marriage intact.

you are the chosen one.

Avril keeps speaking to the picture of Chichi that he took when she was busy sweeping his compound.

the chosen one.