He didn’t come (Short story)
Baami,
Today I turn 16. You promised to make up for your absence last year remember. Maami had told me not to bank on it but I knew you would prove her wrong. After all you told me after this year’s crossover that this was our year of new beginnings. maami cannot relate but I trust you. After a billion calls since the beginning of the month to remind you of this day, you kept to your word. You came to take me to school from Maami’s. I had butterflies in earnest expectation as you reeled out your plans for my birthday.
Drop me off at school,
Have a mini birthday at school,
pick me up as soon as school is over,
take me to a nice shop for a birthday dress;
get ice cream and everything I want. Yes! finally, I’ll get the chance to spend the night at your house with your girlfriend. Though, maami says you are promoting child marriage because you are twice your girlfriend’s age and she would influence me badly. Oh! The thought of how today would pan out made me lose concentration in class. I can’t even remember who taught what today and I really can’t be bothered. It’s my birthday why are they talking too much?
When Miss Adesuwa, my class teacher came to class with my birthday cake and packs of Ribena, I knew I had won the award for “overraw” best student all thanks to you Baami, beneath my thoughts, I couldn’t wait to give maami the side-eye of: “I told you he would make it, in your face maami”.
But as it is, maami was right. It’s 8:00 pm and I’m still in school. Miss Adesuwa has tried to reach you but you haven’t responded to her calls. Hence the letter. I don’t want her to call maami. We both know she would detest you. I am still waiting for you baami. I know you might have been caught up with work but could you send your girlfriend over to pick me from school? It’s really late. I’m cold and hungry baami. This was not what you promised my 16th would be like.
Just in case you get this from the security man at my school, I’m at Miss Adesuwa’s house, waiting for you.
