Lemonade

By Grace Ecklu

Lesley Hyde has a second chance, yet she knows she is going to lose-
A child her family doesn't know exists, a job where the man she once loved is boss, true love.

Even her life.
Raised by a family that is passive at best and dysfunctional at worst, Lesley doesn't have the luxury of making more slip ups. After she has a baby with her cousin, he tires of her and things go south very quickly. Lesley hightails it, keeping love and affection at bay.
Now older and wiser, Lesley Hyde has finally found someone her heart desperately desires. Roger is gentle and caring. Everything she wants.
However, the past catches up with her.
Her baby daddy is back, and he wants everything- Lesley and his son. He is rich and already married but that doesn't stop him. Things are about to get a lot more complicated.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Ecklu
• Release date: Nov 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393315230

Book preview

Nairobi

chapter 1

Lesley pressed her nose against the window, looking outside as the plane taxied down the runway for take-off. Her eyes tried to take in everything at once since it might be a long time before she was able to return to Kenya. As the plane lifted off the tarmac, she had a clear view of the city where she had all her friends, where her life was...and now she was leaving it all behind.

She leaned back and sighed as the picturesque view disappeared behind a layer of white clouds. She still could not believe she was leaving without saying goodbye to Chris.

Are you all right?

She turned to look at her uncle.

You’ve sighed loudly for about the tenth time now.

I’m just thinking, I guess.

I am still very sorry about this, Lesley, her uncle said seriously. It was not my intention to drag you away from your friends.

She shrugged. It was not really his fault.

"My sister, your aunt, well, she wasn’t prepared to let you stay and speaking from experience, I know how unbearable she can make things if she chooses to. That is why I insisted you come with me. Besides, I promised your father that I would take care of you."

Lesley sat straighter. Anything which had to do with her father, she was all ears.

I made a promise and I intend to keep it. Unfortunately, Edith was the best person to take care of you at that time. He looked at the stubborn set of her jaw. Let me do this for him, Lesley. Let me do this for your father.

Lesley managed a thin smile for uncle Alan. It really was not his fault. How many people’s lives changed so quickly in one month? Lesley sighed. If only she had not decided to give Chris the silent treatment...

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A month ago

Christopher was here earlier.

Lesley looked up from her dinner at her aunt, not in the least surprised to hear her say that.

Really, her aunt continued. The only reason I tolerate him coming here is that at his age, he’s quite a gentleman and there are so few boys like him these days.

What did he want? Lesley asked.

Her aunt Edith shrugged. "To see you, naturally. What else would he want here? But please, Lesley, I hate having to say this but I prefer not to have any of your male friends come here."

All right, aunty Edith. It won’t happen again.

"Lesley dear, someone would think you were older than I, the way you keep forgetting things. I am tempted to believe you choose to disobey me. Besides, I have told you not to call me aunty. I am not really your aunt and you know that."

Lesley knew that and aunty Edith was right. But sometimes it felt good to rattle the elderly woman.

"I’ll be up in my room, Edith," Lesley said, rising from the table and taking her plate into the kitchen.

Suit yourself, her aunt said, turning her attention back to the television.

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It was going to be a quiet evening and Lesley did not mind. Stefanie, her best friend, had decided to join the cheering squad and was off practicing with them today. And since she was avoiding Chris, Lesley was going to be spending the evening alone. Lesley sighed and threw herself on her bed. It was incredible how slow guys could be sometimes. Here she was, a girl who had just turned sixteen, never been kissed and everyone thought she had a boyfriend. Lesley could not think of any greater injustice. She had known Chris for nine long years. Nine years! For as long as she had been in Nairobi, she had known Chris. And that, she figured, was the problem. He was taking her for granted and she was fed up with that.

She still remembered the first time she met Chris. It had been in school and she had just met Stefanie. And then Stef had introduced her to Chris. After that, the three of them had remained inseparable. Their friendship had helped Lesley to adjust to her new home after moving in with her aunty. That was just after her father died.

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Lesley had been living with her father before he had fallen sick and gone away, never to come back. Then there had been the huge debate about what was to become of poor J.J.’s daughter. She had remembered looking through the crack in the door and wondering why everyone had been silent. And then someone had suggested that aunty Edith take her because Edith did not have a family to take care of. And someone else had nodded and said that he agreed with the first person- it was perfectly logical that aunty Edith takes poor J.J.’s daughter to live with him since they themselves had so much to do already.

It had not been hard to pick out who aunty Edith was since she had looked bewildered by what was being suggested. And so it had been decided, Lesley was to go with aunty Edith to live with her in Nairobi. Where was that? Lesley had asked. In East Africa, someone had said. But how far exactly was that? But they had just smiled and told her it would be all right. But she had checked the old world map on her father’s table and had found exactly where Nairobi was.

It was far.

Lesley had packed a small suitcase. She had been told not to take too much, the airline luggage policy was outrageous these days, and they had walked out of the small house she had shared with her father and at one time, he had shared with the mother that Lesley never knew. She left the small house on the outskirts of Katsina in northern Nigeria, never to return to it again.

And how afraid she had been of the great big city called Nairobi. Everything seemed to be faster, noisier, and grander than she had ever known. And no one looked like her. She had thought that perhaps, Nairobi was where her people were, where she would really fit in. She thought she was from Nigeria but people in Katsina used to say that she and her father were foreigners. So Lesley was never really sure where she was from. It was the hardest question ever for her to be asked where she came from. But she had been born in Nigeria, hadn’t she?

She had been a very lanky child and it was easy to see she would be much taller than her friends. And she was pale. Not fair with the yellowish tinge that was common among some of the Kenyans here but brown, with a whitish tinge. Pale. That was the word. She could never decide if that was a good thing or not. But it seemed it did not matter at least, to her friends. It seemed they understood she was different and different was natural, even though her long hair always sprang back into tight ringlets no matter how hard she combed and nobody’s hair seemed to give them that much trouble. But her friend Stefanie said it was her greatest asset. Stefanie called it baby hair. Stefanie herself looked like everyone else because she was from the Rift valley region of Kenya and had hair like everyone else. But Stefanie’s hair, in particular, was tough and broke combs. So her friend had finally relaxed it a year ago. Lesley felt that she had become best friends with Stefanie because they understood each other so well.

But later on, between Lesley and Chris, there had been something more, a spark, that others had come to define and tag as being ‘sweethearts’. Lesley had not minded other people saying that. But what upset her was that between her and Chris, there was no such understanding. And now she was determined to make him speak, even if it meant pushing him to the wall. So she was making herself scarce. Perhaps Chris would see that he needed to do something official about their status.

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The big basketball game was this weekend and even though Lesley knew how much time practice took, she also knew that this was when Chris needed her ‘calm and sweetness’ to be in top form. And she would be at the game. Yes, she would. But for now, she was going to make him squirm.

Hey, Stef, have you seen Lesley? I can’t find her anywhere. Chris joined Stefanie as she came out of the school with a company of her new cheerleading friends.

Oh hi, Chris. Thanks for asking how I am doing, Stefanie said, disentangling herself from the laughing group, still sweating from jumping around so much.

Chris smiled. "I’m sorry, Stef. How are you?"

Not bad. I just got done with cheering practice. We’ve got some new moves you guys are going to love. Stef spun around, waving her pompoms in the air.

Chris laughed. I’m sure the guys will love it. He bounced a basketball. So, is it safe to ask about Lesley now?

I think she’ll be home. Where else would she be?

She wasn’t there when I checked earlier today.

Stefanie looked puzzled. Then I have no idea where she’d be. Lesley had not let Stefanie in on her plan to get a ‘love confession’ out of Chris. But don’t worry about it too much, Stefanie continued. The game’s tomorrow and I am sure she’ll be there. Stefanie was chipper, not seeing the disappointed look on Chris’ face. She wouldn’t miss your game, she said.

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Lesley waved to Chris as the basketball team filed out, met by screaming fans. She was impressed that he was able to pick her out since she was not seated at her usual spot close to the court. Or maybe Stefanie had shown him where she’ll be sitting. Earlier, Lesley had gone down to the court to see her friend. Now, she leaned back into her seat, making way for someone to pass. The person took the empty seat beside her. She turned to look at who it was. Eric Mutai! Uh oh, what was he doing here?

He smiled at her and she smiled back.

Hey, I know who you are, he said after a few seconds.

Yes, you do. She knew she did not sound as impressed as she should be when the top striker of her high school soccer team says he knows her.

He grinned. Yes. I see you a couple of times around, but not enough. But now I see why. He nodded towards the court. He’s your guy?

That was the trouble with attending a small school like hers. Everyone knew everybody. Lesley shrugged. What makes you think so?

I hear things.

What kind of things?

The game had started fast and hard, and the cheering squad was taunting the rival team with songs but Lesley was not paying attention.

It was his turn to shrug, Or maybe not.

She smiled coyly. You need to make up your mind, Eric. Lesley was surprised at herself for flirting.

He laughed. I think I like you, he said, after a while.

She tossed her head and turned to watch the game, a small smile playing on the corners of her lips. When at the end of the third quarter Eric reached out to hold her hand, Lesley felt things were going better even than she had planned. What was better than throwing in a bit of competition?

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Lesley went down to meet Chris when the game was over but before she could reach him, Stefanie pulled her to the side.

"What is wrong with you?" Stefanie whispered, angrily.

What? Lesley feigned innocence.

"Don’t play dumb with me, Les. You know what I’m talking about. Eric Mutai?" she hissed.

Lesley put her hands on her hips. "And what is wrong with him?"

Give me a break, Les. I know you better than that. What is going on? They stared at each other.

Hey, ladies, what’s going on here? Chris looked at the two of them, from Lesley to Stefanie and back to Lesley.

"Nothing. Lesley turned to him. That was a great game," she gushed, giving him a hug.

Thanks, Chris beamed. Loved your moves, Stef.

Stefanie smiled.

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"He makes you feel something? Stefanie was appalled. Are you even listening to yourself? Les, this is stupid. Stop it before it gets messy."

What are you so upset about, Stef? Lesley asked calmly as they picked out movies for the weekend the next day. What is wrong with Eric?

Eric is a flirt, a player. Everyone knows that.

Maybe he really likes me.

Stefanie just shook her head. Yeah, right. What about Chris?

Lesley sighed. I don’t know.

Les, take it from me, you don’t want to do this.

But what am I supposed to do with Chris?

What do you mean? He likes you, you know that.

Whatever, Lesley said dourly and Stefanie shook her head as they went to the counter to check out their movie collection.

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It was after school and Lesley was waiting. She leaned against the wall and looked at her wristwatch for the second time. Where was he? He did say he wanted to see her, didn’t he? She sighed and let her bag drop to the floor. Maybe Stefanie was right. Eric was no better than other guys.

Hey, beautiful.

Lesley jumped, startled.

Sorry I scared you.

She looked at him, a frown on her face.  You kept me waiting.

Eric stood just in front of her and she had to crane her neck to look at his face. She was tall but he was much taller, thanks to his genes.

I am sorry, he said, his hand brushing the side of her face. Forgive me?

She nodded, a bit sourly.

Eric laughed. You look good even when you frown.

Lesley flushed.

I am one lucky dude.

Yeah, whatever. Can we get out of here now? Lesley asked.

Hey, not too fast. His hand went to her hair and as his head bent towards hers, Lesley closed her eyes. This was it, she thought. She was going to be kissed. Finally.

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Lesley?

She heard her name from far away and wished it would go away.

Les? She heard it again and jumped. It was much closer now.

Oh, no! she thought.

But she realized, even as she pulled away from Eric and looked up, that it was too late.

She was looking into the dark, confused eyes of Chris.

What is going on here? Chris asked, not bothering to look at Eric. Les?

Lesley looked away, her face hot with embarrassment.

It’s not what it looks like, Chris, Lesley heard herself say. But Eric still had his arm around her and even though she tried to shrug it off, she knew what it looked like.

I can’t believe this, Chris said, shaking his head. He turned around and began to walk away but not before glaring at her with a look of contempt.

Chris, wait! she called, running to catch up with him. He continued walking. Stop, for goodness’ sake! she said, a bit angrily now.

He stopped but did not turn.

I don’t know what I was thinking, Lesley began, but even to her ears, it sounded lame.

Come on, that’s not fair. That was Eric. Apparently, he was following her.

Shut up, Eric, Lesley said, turning around. She turned back to Chris and was surprised that he had an amused look on his face.

I have to hand it to you, Les. You got me, you really did. Go back to him. He looks like he really likes you.

Lesley watched helplessly as Chris walked away. Eric came to stand beside her.

What was that all about? he asked.

Lesley sighed. Was he that stupid? That was my boyfriend, she said. And now I’ve ruined everything.

Hey, you’ve got me. Eric looked wounded.

Lesley shook her head. I’m sorry, Eric. You’re a great guy but, she pointed in the direction where Chris had walked off. "I still like him." She went to pick up her bag and began walking away.

Eric walked quickly to keep up with her. So what? You’re leaving already because of him?

Lesley stopped and nodded. This was not how she had planned it to be.

Goodbye Eric.

Stef? Lesley was at her friend’s house. I need to tell you something.

Stefanie turned to look at Lesley. What is it?

When Lesley went to Chris’ house to see him, she was told by his mother that Chris was not feeling well and so could not see her. Then Lesley knew she had to talk to someone. I messed up, she said to Stefanie.

Stefanie squinted at her friend. How?

Okay, I’m going to tell you but promise you won’t go ballistic.

Tell me already!

Lesley took a deep breath. Eric kissed me.

He what?

Stef, that’s not all.

"What could be worse?" Stefanie asked.

Chris saw us, Lesley said quietly.

Stefanie exploded. What? Say that again!

Lesley looked at the door. Keep your voice down, Stef or your mother is going to come up here.

Let me worry about my mother. Lesley, what is wrong with you!?

Lesley sighed. She had been thinking about it all day. What was she going to do? She had known that sooner or later, she would have to tell Stefanie.

You are right this time, Les. You have messed things up, real bad.

They both sighed and fell silent.

What did Chris say? Stefanie asked.

He didn’t want to talk to me.

Well, I don’t blame him.

Help me, Stef! Lesley wailed. What am I going to do?

Hey, don’t cry on me. I told you this was a bad idea but did you listen?

Please, Stef? I need Chris to talk to me.

Stefanie took a long look at her friend and then said, I’m making no promises but I’ll see what I can do.

Lesley beamed. Thank you, Stef.

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Here comes your girl, Chris.

Some of the guys whistled as Lesley walked towards the basketball court. The practice had not yet begun and they were taking turns shooting balls into the hoop. Most of them turned around to watch Lesley as she walked towards them.

Hi guys, she smiled. Can I take this guy away from you for a sec?

Sure, Les, the guy with the Mohawk grinned. Maybe you and I can hang out later if Chris here doesn’t mind.

Lesley smiled. Not going to happen, Steve. Lesley turned to look at Chris. He was not smiling. Hi Chris, can we talk? she asked after she had walked over to him.

He turned, jumped, and shot a ball through the basket. This is a bad time, he said, running to catch the ball.

She followed him. "Chris, please. I know you are mad, but at least, allow me to say something!"

He turned to look at her, frowning. Honestly, it’s bad enough that you’re here. I really don’t want to see you.

Come on, Chris. It’s me. It’s us. You’ve got to talk to me sooner or later, you know.

Oh, yeah? You’re sure about that, aren’t you? How does Eric feel about that?

Grow up, Chris! What you saw was a mistake.

She noticed that some of the guys were beginning to look at them, realizing that an argument might be unfolding.

So are you going to just stand there and not talk?

Give the girl a break, Chris. That was Steve.

Yeah, Chris, come on, some of the others called.

Shut up, guys! Chris snapped. And since you all care so much, he raised his voice, "she’s not my girl."

He looked meaningfully at her and Lesley felt he couldn’t have embarrassed her in a complete way.

They stared at each other for a long time before Lesley turned and started to walk away.

That was bad, Chris, she heard one of the guys say.

Yeah, man, harsh.

Whatever, Chris muttered.

It was all Lesley could do to keep from crying before the entire basketball team.

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Lesley could not believe Eric was still interested in her. What did she have to do make him go away? What was it with guys, she wondered? Could they not read the signs? He had called her twice already today and aunt Edith was beginning to fume, saying something about strange phone calls. Lesley wondered how he had gotten her phone number. He wanted her to be his date for a party one of his friend’s brothers was throwing.

Lesley told him ‘no’ the first time and repeated herself much louder the second time when Eric said he still wanted to see her anyway. But Chris had been avoiding her all week in school. Not that he had to. He had made it clear enough the last time she tried to talk to him. She tossed her cell phone away and looked out the window. A posh rental had come to park in front of their house. A man she had never seen before stepped out of the car and walked to their door. A moment later, she heard the doorbell ring. Lesley wondered who it was and decided to go downstairs. She could already hear Edith’s excited voice and was all the more curious as to who their visitor was.

It was her uncle, Alan Hyde. And even though Lesley could not remember his face, she knew she had met him before when she had been much younger. He looked nothing like his elder sister and more importantly, he was happy to see her. Then Lesley remembered. She had seen him in Nigeria when the family had gathered for her father’s funeral. Lesley had hardly understood what was going on those times. So many people had come and gone and they had called her poor J.J.’s child. Only her uncle Alan had squatted by her, called her by her name and told her that it will be all right.

So how have you been getting on? her uncle asked, after she had hugged him tentatively, exchanged pleasantries and Edith had made him taste her freshly baked buns. Seeing how you have to say your goodbyes and all. That is never easy.

Lesley looked at him in confusion. What do you mean?

Now it was her uncle’s turn to look confused. He looked at his sister. Edith?

Edith harrumphed.

You didn’t tell her? Her uncle looked incredulous.

Don’t look at me like that, Alan.

What is going on here? Lesley asked, feeling panicky.

Alan turned to her, his eyes full of apology. Lesley, I want to talk to my sister alone. Can you please excuse us?

No, I’m not going anywhere until someone tells me what is going on! She was now truly afraid.

Her uncle sighed. "Edith? You want to tell her now?" Her aunt looked away and Alan muttered angrily under his breath.

Tell me what? Lesley asked.

Alan turned to her. Lesley, this is not how I meant for it to be. In fact, I was under the impression that you wanted this and were ready to go.

Go where? Lesley asked fearfully.

To Accra. To live with me and my family. My sister, your aunty,’ he glared at Edith, ‘called me a few months ago and said she felt it was time I do my part by taking you into my care. And that you were all right about making the move. He said the last part looking at his sister in irritation. This trip was for me to come and get to meet you before you join my family in the next few weeks. But obviously, I was wrong.

Lesley stood up, shaking. What is this? You are sending me away? Lesley looked in disbelief at her aunt. Without telling me? Say something, for goodness sake! Lesley was angry.

You will not talk to me in that tone, her aunt said. I will not have it!

Edith, this is not the time for that. Lesley is understandably upset.

Lesley looked at the two of them. I’m not going anywhere, you hear me? I am not! She stormed out of the room, ignoring her uncle’s calls.

This is what I’ve been talking about, Edith said with an I-told-you-so look after Lesley had banged the door to her room. This is what I have to deal with.

Alan was angry at his sister. Well, she has a right to be upset. What is the meaning of this, Edith? Why didn’t you tell her about this? I mean, you called me about this, months ago!

"It doesn’t matter whether I told her or not. She is getting out of control and I don’t know what to do with her. Do you know the number of boys that have begun to come here these days? Edith shook her head. You have children her age. You can cope with her better than I will ever do."

I don’t mind looking after her, Edith. But you were supposed to have talked about this with her. You gave me the impression that it was what the both of you wanted.

Pshaw! The girl doesn’t know what she wants. She will go, Alan. I can’t take care of her anymore. I won’t! I’ve done my part. It’s time for you to do yours.

Alan was quiet. What a mess, he thought. He would gladly take on the responsibility of looking after his brother’s child but not this way. It was not fair to pull anyone out of where they lived and separate them from the people they knew without warning.

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Lesley, I know this has been, frankly, a surprise. Edith was in her room but Lesley had covered her head with a pillow. But you must understand that it is becoming very difficult for me to keep you here.

So you just dump me on the next available person? Is that how it is? Lesley said scornfully. But inside she felt frightened. These people had the power to change her life and there was nothing she could do about it. Yes, aunty Edith was right, they were not really her family, that was why they could toss her around like a pawn. Her anger, frustration, and distrust of them came back with a staggering force. She was going to be sent to Accra! That was three time zones away!

I am not leaving Nairobi, Lesley said stubbornly.

Grow up, Lesley. You’re not the only orphan in this world and you won’t be the last. You should count yourself lucky that you have people who still have your welfare at heart. You can’t get it any better than at Alan’s. So put yourself together and count yourself lucky.

I hate you! Lesley choked, going back under the pillow.

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Lesley was angry at God...again. She sat glumly in the dark pew, her mind far away from the proceedings of the church service as she stared hard at the image of the crucified Jesus hanging from the church wall. The priest said that it was out of love for her that Jesus came down to earth and died on the cross for her sins, for the entire world’s sins. But Lesley did not feel she was such a bad person. And she certainly did not feel she deserved all that was happening to her especially from a loving God. Why was she being sent away from her friends, from her life here? Just when she was starting to feel as if she could live in Kenya all her life. Why was she being sent away to a strange place again? To live with strange people? And why was Chris so mad at her? Had she done such a bad thing? Once Lesley started asking why it was hard to stop.

Why had God allowed her father to die? Or her mother? Why did she have to depend on people who did not particularly care for her to survive? Where was God in all this? Why didn’t she feel his warm embracing love? Was she a bad person? What did she have to do to win his approval?

Lesley felt a nudge and looked down. Everyone was kneeling. With a start, she realized she had completely forgotten herself. She clumsily shuffled to her knees and looked to her right and met the hard stare of aunty Edith. She knew she would hear it when they got home.

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You have to talk to her, Chris. She is really sorry. Stefanie tried to reason with Chris.

Chris stopped abruptly. Stefanie, you have done nothing wrong to me, so please, drop this before it becomes a problem.

Why are you being so stubborn? She still likes you!

Chris sneered. That was not what I saw.

Yeah, so she made a mistake. We all make mistakes.

Not this kind.

Chris, I’m surprised at you. Come on! Talk to Lesley.

It wouldn’t make a difference.

Then talk to her all the same, Stefanie insisted.

Chris shook his head. "You don’t understand, Stef. I can never be with Lesley again."

Stef looked at him funny. And why’s that? What’s the big deal? It’s not as if she’s committed some mortal sin.

That’s where you are wrong, Stef. Chris took a deep breath. It’s like this. I can’t be with a girl who can throw herself at just any guy.

Stef tried not to laugh. But she looked incredulous. Are you serious?

Chris nodded. I am a Christian, Stef. And I want my girlfriend to be a certain kind of person, to have standards. I thought Lesley was that kind of person, but now I see she’s not.

Okay, hold it there, Chris. I know you take God seriously and all but aren’t you going too far here? Are we not all Christians?

Chris shook his head. He had always feared that he might need to have this conversation with his childhood friend and that Stefanie would not understand his point of view. Yes, they all went to church, but a couple of years ago, at a youth camp, Chris had discovered what being a Christian meant and he was not sure Stefanie had made the same discovery. And from what he had seen a few days back, he was sure Lesley did not know what it meant either. He had tried to bring up the subject of knowing Jesus as one’s Savior but Lesley often brushed it aside, chiding him for being too spiritual and pious. But he had stuck with her, hoping that one day she would come around. After all, there was a charming quality about her that he liked. Even though she was without a doubt the most beautiful girl in the whole school, in fact, the prettiest face Chris had ever seen, Lesley seemed not to have a clue that she was that stunning. And with her disarming smile, she had won his heart completely. Up until now. Now, he looked up at Stefanie, wondering if this was a good time to bring up the prickly subject of his faith again.

Are you planning on becoming a pastor, Chris? Stef asked, wondering about what Chris had said.

Chris looked at her to see if she was mocking him. He couldn’t tell. He sighed. I’d hoped you’d understand, Stef. But, I now see you are as bad as Les.

Really! Now Stef was angry. I am the one who told her not to go out with that silly Eric fellow, but did she listen to me? No. Now here you are accusing me of being as bad. I can’t win with you, right? I suppose no one can be as good as you, Chris Davis.

Uh oh, Chris realized he had made a mistake. He had to admit even to himself that he had sounded self-righteous. I’m sorry, Stef. I didn’t mean to come off as judgmental.

Whatever, Chris. Stef was still upset. Just get off your high horse and talk to Les. Maybe you can convert her.

Even though she meant well, her words still stung all the same. Chris shook his head. It’s over Stef. Don’t you understand that?

And I thought Christians were meant to be forgiving.

Chris didn’t know what to say to that.

She is leaving, Chris. Stef said.

What do you mean?

Her uncle is in town and he told her she will be going to live with him in Ghana.

Stefanie watched as Chris absorbed this news. Then he shrugged and said, I guess that’s how it ends then.

"Come on, Chris. That’s all you have to say to that? You can’t be serious!"

I’ll see you tomorrow, Stef.

Chris, you are not going to forgive yourself for this, Stefanie said. "You know it."

Whatever, he said, walking away.

Stefanie sighed. She had done her best.

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You told him I was leaving and he still didn’t want to talk to me? Lesley was hurt.

I tried, Les. I really did. But it was as if he wasn’t even hearing me.

Lesley sighed. You did what you could do, Stef. Thanks.

So are you really leaving?

Lesley nodded. She felt like crying again. My uncle will be coming back at the end of the month to take me with him.

That’s in barely two weeks. Couldn’t they wait until the end of the school year?

Lesley shrugged. My aunty says she is tired of me. I should have seen it coming. It was stupid of me to believe I will be staying with her for as long as I wanted.

Oh, Les! It will be so awful without you!

They both sat glumly, thinking about the big changes that were happening and soon to happen.

Chris is such a jerk! Lesley said suddenly. I mean, if he wanted me that much, what stopped him from letting me know? It had to take me to do a stupid thing like that for me to get his attention.

He’s just hurt, Les.

And I am not? Lesley had tears in her eyes. I feel so awful, Stef. I am young and maybe silly, but I really think I can say I love Chris.

Oh, Les!

The two friends held each other.

Accra

chapter 2

They were met at the airport by her uncle's chauffeur. They rode together in silence as they drove through the streets of Accra. Her first impression of the city was that it was clean. And then it got dirty at some parts and then unbearably dusty. Some of the roads were being constructed. It was two hours later before they approached a suburb where the houses were few and far between, the nearest neighbor a mile away. Lesley saw farmlands and uncompleted houses and she wondered if her uncle's family lived in the bush.

And then she looked in amazement as the car turned off the gravel road into a driveway and a sprawling mansion came into view. She tried to remember if there was anything which said her uncle was rich but nothing came to her. She knew she had not lived in poverty with aunty Edith, but she could not call it riches, too. Although, in hindsight, someone could only own a house like aunty Edith's only if they had a lot of extra money. Perhaps, she knew less about her family than she thought which was not surprising as Edith did not talk about them with her, her argument being that the Hydes were not really Lesley's family, even though Lesley herself was a Hyde. But what aunty Edith never tired of reminding her was that even though Lesley's father had grown up with Hydes, his birth had been a mistake. Edith made it clear that having a step-brother was the worst thing that had happened to the Hyde family. And to add insult to injury, it had fallen on her to take care of her step-brother's daughter. So over time, Lesley had come to accept herself as a Hyde with no real rights. And the fact that Lesley looked like her mother and not like her Hyde cousins seemed to seal it.

As she stepped through the opulent doors of the Hyde mansion, Hyde Hall, as her uncle Alan called it, Lesley now felt that being a Hyde meant something more, something she did not yet fully grasp and something Edith probably never wanted her to have a part of. But here she was. Her grandfather had been a diplomat and when he had gotten tired of roaming the world with his family, he had bought a huge tract of land very cheaply outside Accra. He had developed it and had brought his family together, or rather, what was left of it, back home to settle in it. Aunty Edith, for instance, had already had a good teaching career going for her in Kenya and had never come back home to this grand family house. But this was where Uncle Alan and his family lived and now, it was also to be her home.

––––––––

Lesley watched her cousin, Vera, bouncing on her bed, talking excitedly. Lesley had met aunty Afia, her uncle's wife, their two younger daughters, Serwaa and Isabel. And now, here was Vera. Vera was a carbon copy of her mother. She had cute, dainty features and large eyes that made you want to hug her especially as she was not very tall. Lesley had been pleased to meet Vera because she and Vera were about the same age. Vera was just five months older than Lesley was and they hit it off rather well. She had not yet met Kojo, Vera's older brother.

Lesley loved her room and the new house- she was still discovering it- and somehow, in the excitement, Nairobi and Chris had been mercifully fading off into the background until Vera asked about the watch she was wearing. It had been her last birthday gift from Chris.

It is so beautiful, Vera exclaimed.

Lesley had to agree. If Vera Hyde, with all her money, thought her watch was beautiful, then it really must be.

Was it a gift?

Lesley nodded. A birthday present.

Ooh! Vera exclaimed. From your boyfriend?

Lesley laughed. How she wished Vera was right. No, Vera. Just a friend.

Come on. Don’t lie to me.

I’m serious. Although I’d hoped we’d be something more. She shrugged. It’s a sore topic for me so I don’t really want to talk about it.

All right. But before that, I’d like to know. What’s his name? How does he look like?

Does it matter?

Just tell me. I need to visualize this heartbreaker.

Lesley laughed again. The way Vera said it, it almost sounded silly, her whole falling out with Chris.

His name’s Chris, and yes, he’s tall, handsome, plays basketball, the works. Is that enough visualization?

Chris, Vera repeated. Sounds dreamy. I don’t know what happened, but he’s blind for letting you go.

Thanks cousin, for the solidarity.

"No problem. I’ve always wanted to have a