June 10, 2013 — Rexie_A
June 10, 2013 — Rexie_A
I had fallen asleep on the couch, the result of trying to catch up on my short list of TV shows. Epic fail, as usual.
Barely opening my eyes in an attempt to restrict the bright light in my living room, I looked at the clock. 8:30am. Enough time for my siblings and I to get ready for service. As I struggled to get off my favorite brown leather sofa, I felt my phone beneath me. Sure hope I didn’t body dial anyone, I thought to myself. I made a mental note to get in the habit of putting my phone away before bed time. Yeah, right.
I pulled my phone from its resting place and glanced at my cracked Blackberry screen. Three missed calls. Kay called me twice, Aunt T once. Something was wrong. I knew it. I dialed Kay’s number.
Hi Kay. Are you alright? Her response confirmed my fears. She said my name repeatedly. She always did that when there was a problem. Sobs.
Damn, this was bad. Too scared to face reality, I hung up. Searching for Aunt T’s number, I called her.
Hello Aunty, good morning. You called? Please tell me everything is okay? Kay called me, she didn’t sound good. Is everyone okay? Silence. I will NEVER forget her next words.
I’m sorry to tell you this Didi, but O has gone to be with the Lord. Her voice cracked.
What do you mean my little sissy O is gone? To where? Will she be coming back? And when, please?
No. This was it. She was gone. The tears flowed. The pain persisted. My sisters were inconsolable. O was their sister too. My best friend, L (O’s sister) who lived in a different state, heard the news about noon. Rexie, why my sister? Why not me? O was so perfect; why so sudden, so soon? It was dark when I arrived at Aunt T’s house. I walked up the familiar, steep driveway to the house I visited often in happier times.
Do NOT cry in front of my mother, L had warned. I knocked, inhaling the cool Georgia air.
No more tears, Rex. They need your strength now.
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Rexie_A is a twenty something female who lives in Atlanta but is currently experiencing a culture shock back in Lagos on a 3 month stint. Last Saturday she visited O’s mum and brothers, and spent the time laughing at everything from personal hygiene (or lack of it) to potential suitors.