Chapter 2 Visiting Her Bestie

By evening, Michelle informed Daisy that she was ready to leave since her mum had instructed her not to be late.

"Why so soon?" Daisy queried, raising her eyebrows.

"I have to obey Mum's instructions. Besides, Roland is the only one at home."

"Okay, I'll walk you. Let's get going," Daisy sighed.

Amidst smiles, they both stood up and started walking down the road that led to Michelle's house-the Arrowhoods' residence, six streets away from Daisy's.

For a while, they didn't say anything to each other, seeming to enjoy the silence between them. Michelle continued to think about how the day went and everything they talked about until Daisy broke the silence by clearing her throat.

"What is it?" Michelle asked, holding Daisy's hand.

"Well... I saw Richard the other day," Daisy said, and Michelle laughed, thinking she was pulling her leg.

"I'm serious. He asked about you, and I told him you're doing just fine. He sent his regards." Daisy's tone was serious, and Michelle realized she needed to take her words seriously too. Nothing was completely impossible in this small world.

"Did he say anything more?" Michelle asked, feeling nervous.

"He didn't say anything more. You know, typical Richie..." Daisy paused and continued while Michelle listened intently, picking up every word.

"But with the way he talked, I think he has plans for the new term. 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 senior high education," Daisy added.

Michelle turned her head sharply towards her, looking frightened.

"Trust me, Mich, I didn't relay any information about it," Daisy said immediately, scared that Michelle might get angry at her since that was something she did whenever it suited her.

Michelle's face looked gloomy, clearly showing she was exceedingly worried. Daisy saw the effect of her words, which was nothing new to her and was likely the reason she hadn't brought up the topic earlier. If it had been something else, she wouldn't have delayed unless she forgot, which was rare.

"You don't have to wear that face. You've always been putting up with him and doing well," Daisy comforted her.

Forcing a smile, Michelle replied, telling her it was nothing and that she was okay. Truly, she couldn't say she was okay as her thoughts were filled with wonder about what the boy was up to this time.

"Don't let your guard down. I'm rooting for you, okay?" Daisy placed her hand on Michelle's shoulder, assuring her that she had little to worry about.

Michelle nodded slightly, hugged her, and bid her goodbye. "It's okay. I'll do better. Goodnight!" she waved, trying to put up a smile.

"Goodnight, dear! We shall meet in school," Daisy replied. They stared at each other for a while without saying a word and then parted ways, still waving at each other.

After the long walk, Michelle finally got home safely. To her surprise, Roland was 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.

"What's wrong with him?" she wondered, though she reciprocated his hug. They might be the best fighters in the house, but they loved each other dearly. In fact, he was the one thing she couldn't trade for anything, not just him but her whole family.

"I thought you were angry at me. You did not say a word when I bade you goodbye earlier," she teased him, but he didn't show a slight sign of anger.

"I can only get upset at you, but you're still the sister I love," he said, holding her hand and swinging it in the air.

"Big head, you're not serious." She hit his head playfully. Roland signaled her to bring her ear closer, and she answered. She bent her head to his height since she was a bit taller than he was.

"Big brother is around," he whispered. Michelle wasn't expecting that from him. If her big brother were coming home, he would have told her in advance.

"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!" she ran into the house, calling for her brother Desmond, the first and oldest child of the family. If he was really back, he would answer her call, and she heard his response. "Little sis! I'm back."

There he was, standing in the living room with his arms open wide for a bear hug. She ran into his arms, and he embraced her, rubbing her head slightly as a mother would do to her baby-a habit she loved between them.

"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 and continued in a rush, not giving him a chance to answer.

"Anyway, when did you come back? I know it's today, but what time? What did you bring for me? And when are you going back?" She couldn't contain her joy. Having him around was something she always craved whenever he was absent.

"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 ago." Desmond dragged her to sit beside him on the sofa. He placed his arm across her shoulder as she rested her back on the chair.

"You are still as beautiful as ever," he said, and she smiled.

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

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

"A lot!"

While the conversation was going on, the doorbell rang. Little Roland went to check who it was. Happily, he squealed that Mum was back. Sometimes, the way he acted made Michelle think he was still a five-year-old kid, but he wasn't.

"My little darling! How was your day? Hope you enjoyed it?" their mum said as she returned from her outing. Normally, she would be coming from her supermarket or one of her stores, but Michelle didn't know where exactly she went today.

"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 at the door for a while as Roland held onto her hand.

"How did you know he's back?" he asked her.

"He called ahead and said I shouldn't tell you. That was the surprise I had for you this morning."

"I guessed right then," Roland clung to her as they made their way into 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," Mum complimented.

Michelle stood with her arms akimbo beside her mum, acting like she was jealous. She wanted her mum to pay attention to her too.

"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!" Mum teased.

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

"Are you jealous?" Michelle asked, sticking her tongue out.

"Why would I be? I'm no longer a kid like you are," he responded, grinning at her.

"But to Mum, you will always remain her kid," she said defensively. One habit about her was that she didn't back down in an argument, especially when she felt she had a point to defend.

"Mum, I'm famished. What's for dinner?" little Roland asked. Michelle knew well that he didn't want her to bicker with bro Des, else time would be far spent unless big bro didn't reply to her.

"What would you like to eat?" Mum asked, directing the question to them all.

"Anything would do," they replied in unison, looking at one another. Then she headed to the kitchen to cook for the family after freshening up. Gently, Michelle followed behind her. She couldn't be left out of the cooking task.