🌻🌼

Gene lifted the serving dish off the table in the kitchen and carried it out to lie on the dining table. Her sister-in-law did the same and so did her mother till everything was all set. Gene took out a seat and sat down. A look around and it would seem her family was a little reluctant to do the same.

"Did I miss something? Are we not eating now?" She threw the question at no one in particular. She'd left work earlier than usual to meet up with this dinner. Yet, her dad seemed more comfortable on the couch watching the news. Her mother and sister-in-law, well, they practically did nothing and her brother... she hasn't seen him since she got here about thirty minutes ago.

They all spared her a glance, but only her mother spoke up. "Be patient. We have to wait for the guest."

"What guest?" Gene asked right away as a little confusion spread out on her face. To be honest, she'd forgotten, or perhaps, too out of it to have heard her younger brother telling her a guest would be present. Her mother spared her a glare. The bell rang.

"That must be them." Queen, her sister-in-law, chirped as she clapped her hands in excitement before rushing towards the door. Gene furrowed her brows for a second at her unusual behaviour. Queen has always been the excited and smiley type but, to Gene, it just seemed a little too much even for Queen to be excited about her parents' visitors.

While her mother and queen poured their attention at welcoming the people at the door, Gene reached out for the glass cup in front of her. She picked up the jug of water and poured some into her cup. She brought it to her lips just as she heard voices and exchange of greetings.

They walked into the dining area and as she lifted her eyes to them, they widened. She coughed, nearly choking on the water she was drinking.

"Are you alright?" Her mother rushed to her aid and Gene lightly nodded as she got up from her seat. "Here, drink some more." She poured more water into her cup and had her drink even a little, regardless of her poor attempt at rejecting it.

"I'm fine." Eventually, Gene defended, as she tried to stop her mother from making anymore fuss about the situation. Meanwhile, she spared the stranger beside her brother another glance, looking away almost right away.

How is this possible? How is he here?

She rhetorically queried herself. The worst was happening and there was nothing she could do about it.

"Gene, you remember Elliot, right?" Victor, her younger brother, started and Gene struggled with shaking and nodding her head nearly at the same time. She was a terrible liar, yet she had to act like everything was fine.

"We attended the same primary and a few secondary school classes together. He lived just down the street. Do you remember?" He narrated a little excitedly. Gene thought for a second and then the few memories came rushing back in, slightly faded but she knew it was it. She lifted her eyes to the young man by her brother, who expressed a warm smile as she exchanged glances with Victor.

Shoot!

How could she not have recognized the dorky-looking kid that used to hang around her brother? His eyes met hers and she was quick to lower hers. Gene nodded at her brother's question and Victor chuckled at it.

"You recall my older sister, right?" Victor asked his friend, almost for the sake of introduction. Gene gradually lifted her eyes to catch even a glimpse of his reply.

"Of course." He replied alongside a smile as his eyes met hers. She was first to look away once more.

He doesn't recognize me, right? Another question puzzled her mind, as her gaze rested on him whilst every other person at the table busied themselves with their meals.

"This is delicious, Mrs Ukaji." He appreciated with a smile, and her mother gave a hearty chuckle on her part.

"Thank you, dear. I prepared this jollof rice especially for you. It's my welcome gift to you." She added, and he nodded in understanding. "It's the best." He cheered alongside a thumb up. She laughed some more and so did the rest.

"Hmm, flattering will get you everywhere." Victor pointed out.

Gene narrowed her eyes, forming a crease between her brows. Is he pretending? She wondered. She'd been drunk that night, but she could still recognise who he was at first glance. Was that the same with him?

"Gene." Her mother called, forcing her to withdraw her gaze away from Elliot and onto her. "What happened? Why aren't you eating?" She queried at once.

"Nothing. I'm eating." Gene defended before scooping some rice into her mouth.

Perhaps he shouldn't remember a thing. If he does, the embarrassment will surely be unbearable for me. Yes, I pray he never remembers. She accepted and now it was time to leave the past in the past.

Gene washed her hands and made her way out of the kitchen, heading towards the living room her family relaxed in. Elliot walked into her path and for a second, Gene halted, wondering whether to continue down that path even as he walks up to her or simply turn back.

No time. She didn't want it to seem like she was avoiding him. That would be suspicious; so she drew in a quick and deep breath before heading on. She made sure her eyes never met with his and they walked past each other. Almost instantly, Gene released the breath she never knew she'd held in. That was a close call.

"Excuse me." She drew to a halt. He'd called. Should I turn? Should I not turn? She contemplated in her head. Ignoring it, she turned to him.

"Yes," she replied, calmly.

A light furrow surfaced between his brows, but it was quick to disappear. Next, a simple smirk wore on the side of his face. He lifted his right hand and a gold chain necklace dropped, suspending from his fingers.

"I think you dropped something."

Gradually, her eyes widened at the sight of the familiar necklace.