Chapter 88 LATE RETURN
Godiva POV
Thankfully, the date went well. We were blocks away from our block when we sighted the mothers anxiously waiting for us outside the house.
“Di, didn’t I tell you they’d be outside already?” I spoke to Dina who was in front laughing.
“Your mothers really love you girls,” Jerald mocked sarcastically, laughing along as the car drove close to where they stood.
“Hey Mamas,” I beamed, hugging Mama and then Mrs Job, smiling hard.
“Hello Mums,” Dina chimed, imitating me and hugging them too.
“Hey pretties,” Mama joined in the trend.
“You girls know you’re late, right?” Mrs Job smiled at us.
We were about responding when Jerald and Ben approached us from the car.
“Hello Aunties.” “Hello Mamas.” Ben and Jerald chorused simultaneously with respective bows.
“How are you gentlemen doing?” Mrs Job asked in between laughter.
“Hope you enjoyed your date?” Mama threw the question immediately after.
“Yes, we did,” the four of us chorused at once, making us laugh.
“Here Aunt, I got this for you,” Ben offered, handing Mrs Job the gift package they got her.
“Aww, that’s so thoughtful of you boys,” Mrs Job squealed ecstatically, collecting the package from them.
“And here’s yours, Mama, we couldn’t let you two miss out on the fun completely,” Jerald teased, handing Mama her package.
“Thank you boys,” Mama replied in her usual grumpy manner.
“We need to leave now, good night,” Ben bowed lightly.
“Have a good night rest,” Jerald followed with a slight bow. “Good night, Zhin,” he added, unexpectedly pecking me on my cheek.
We all kept quiet in puzzlement at his temerity. I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the way Mama glared at him in surprise.
“Easy with the eyes, Mama,” I said, still laughing.
“Sorry Mama,” he muttered after smiling uncontrollably, taking another bow as they turned to leave.
“That reminds me, you all know the big competition is barely a week away.” Mrs Job’s voice came out of the blue, making the boys halt.
The four of us turned.
“Please kids, try to keep away from any distraction,” she finished, pointing a warning finger at us.
“Yes Ma,” we chorused, locking eyes.
It was finally time for the mothers’ excitement to begin. They couldn’t stop going on and on about how expensive the wine was and how thoughtful Jerald and Ben were to get them gifts at their tender age. Mama was ecstatic about the pizza because she wouldn’t have to be up early preparing my meal for at least two days.
In all their merriment, Dina and I sat on a couch at the corner of the living room going through some funny pictures and videos we made through all the fun.
“So, what did you girls do for fun today?” Mama asked, smiling as she walked toward us for the details.
In school the next morning, our appearance was the talk of the school. Our permed hair and nails, that was something we had never done before, and for those on snap, they knew what had motivated us to get all pimped up.
All through the week, the school gave Leo, Lis, Dina and me free hours at school to study hard for the regionals which was scheduled for Saturday, before the final state level scheduled for Monday.
Seeing Lis and Leo became a compulsory everyday thing. On some occasions, we had to be meeting with the principal to address us, on other occasions we met at the library while we studied.
“Why am I feeling a bit off since Leo and Lis, your besties, have been off your case for a while now?” Dina teased sarcastically, laughing. “Or have they repented?” she continued, laughing harder.
“I’m not sure, but I know for sure they haven’t repented. Maybe they are just focused preparing for the competition,” I replied with a shrug.
“That reminds me, who says Lis and Hakeem are sworn enemies? Bro, I saw them smile at each other on Monday,” Dina noted seriously as we marched to the restroom.
On Friday, the day to the regionals competition, the school organized a tutorial for all four of us to refreshen our memories on the basic things we needed to know. The school didn’t care who won, they just wanted the honors to come from their school.
All through the tutorial that lasted three hours, Ben and Jerald waited anxiously outside for us until we closed the tutorials minutes past four.
“Are you certain you won’t be penalized today?” I asked Jerald, hugging him as we got out from tutorials.
“We won’t, we’d have to take the car with you girls,” Ben replied, taking Dina’s bag off her shoulder.
“What if the second we drop by the bridge we sight your father?” Dina asked, laughing hysterically.
“The probability is very slim because he rarely steps out, only for important meetings, and he doesn’t move around without his car that came to pick us up,” Jerald explained as we walked to the car.
Our drive back home with them was incredible but very short. We got to interact because we didn’t have time within the week to do so.
“Here, your good luck charm,” Jerald announced, handing me a box of customized yang necklace which also had the initials J.D.
“My Bling!” I exclaimed excitedly, wrapping my arms around his neck almost choking him.
“And here is yours,” Ben added, turning from the front seat and handing Dina a cute musical notes neckpiece.
“Aww, this is so cute,” Dina squealed, putting on a puppy face. “But how do I hug you now? You’re far from me,” she continued, pouting at Ben who was seated in front.
The second we dropped out of the car, Dina rushed to hug Ben when suddenly a car honked behind us.
It was Mr Young.
“Damn you Dina, you jinxed it,” I whispered to Dina, getting off the car.
After taking a deep breath, Ben and Jerald dropped to go greet him when we followed behind.
“Good afternoon Dad.” “Good day sir.” The four of us greeted at the same time.
“How was school?” he asked coldly, staring at Dina and me.
We were about giving a reply when he turned to Ben and Jerald.
“Why weren’t the two of you in research school today?”
Ben was about denying when he continued.
“Don’t even think of denying because I’m just coming from there.”
Locking our eyes, I could see the terror and fear coming from Jerald as he stood still.
“Get back to the car, we’ll talk better at home,” Mr Young commanded, starting his engine.
We got home terrified for Ben and Jerald because of what had just transpired.
“I really fear for them, their Dad looks really fierce,” Dina said, shuddering as we paced around my room.
“How about we call them?” I suggested, taking out my phone.
“Definitely yes,” Dina seconded, taking hers too. “Let me call Ben first,” she murmured, dialing Ben’s number.