CHAPTER ONE 

                    THE ADEYEMI'S

Mum, guess what?

What, Excel? That it can't wait?

Well, today in Biology, I learnt about reproduction in humans.

You what?

Well, I said...

When was that topic added to your curriculum? Children your age don't need to know that.

But I'm not a child anymore, Mum. I'm now a teenager, and most of my friends...

That's enough chat for today. I need to head to work.

But Mum...

Love you, honey.

She kisses her on the forehead.

Bye, my love.

Shuts the door behind her.

Bye, Mum. Have a nice day at work, she said with a sigh.

Hours Later

What's up, Excel?

A voice came from the electronic device beside her as she lay on the bed, facing up.

Nothing. I don't feel like talking, she replied sadly.

Excel, your mood swings are at it again. Talk to me. What happened?

I don't feel like talking, Stella.

Okay, if that's what you want.

Yes.

Okay then, see you in class tomorrow. Bye.

Bye.

  Call ends.

She starts sobbing while still on the bed, her voice frail.

Oh God, why don't my parents have time for me? I always feel all alone. I know they are trying their best to give me a better life, but they are neglecting my feelings and emotions. I wish they could see it and change. Oh God, I feel all alone.

Family Dinner

It had been two weeks since Excel cried her heart out to God. Surprisingly for her, her Mum proposed a family dinner, which she was so excited about.

It's so beautiful to do this, Mum, Excel said after saying a word of prayer.

Yes, honey, her mum, Mrs Deborah Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, replied.

Dad, I'm so happy you're here too.

Thanks, sweetie, her dad, Mr Joshua Tolani Adeyemi, also answered.

In Between the Meal...

Well, I wonder who Cynthia is because somebody with that name called yesterday, and I was wondering who she called for, her mum said.

He coughed and then sipped water from his glass cup.

Can we just eat our meal in peace, Deborah? Aren't you enjoying how peaceful this meal is going?

Ooh, I can see that the guilty has spoken.

And what's that supposed to mean, you this woman?

I wonder. Maybe you're unfaithful...

What! How dare you accuse me of that?

Then I wonder why Cynthia knew who you are and was saying all manner of nonsense, thinking it was you.

Aaah, Deborah, Deborah, let me warn you. You have no respect for me at all. How dare you answer my call?

I was just acting as a good wife would, honey. I didn't commit a crime.

Mum and Dad, please, can you people just stop? Let's eat in peace, please.

How dare you put your mouth in this matter? her dad asked, annoyed.

Please ooh, don't raise your voice at my child.

Is she not both our child? You can't tell me how I'll treat my child.

Excel just ate her food silently with a heavy heart.

  Well, welcome to the Adeyemi's home, complicated right.