Tiara's POV
These past few weeks have been incredibly painful, but I can sense myself slowly healing. I'll miss my Dad so much; I wish I could have been there to take care of him. As I hold our family picture frame close, tears threaten to overwhelm me once more. My Dad was truly the best; he showered me with love and care. Growing up, we were inseparable. He'd sing to me, share stories, and we'd spend hours playing and talking. He treasured me deeply, and I'll miss every moment of it.
A knock on my door interrupts my thoughts, it was Aunty Valerie.
"Tiara dear, your friends are here, do you want to see them? " Aunty Valerie informs me.
"Ok Aunty," I respond, not feeling quite ready for visitors, but they've come all the way, so I should see them. It's probably Paula and Janet, and maybe even Jason, though that's unlikely.
As Janet enters, she rushes over and envelops me in a tight hug.
"Oh my God, I've missed you so much, Tiara! How are you? Are you eating well?" she bombards me with questions, her genuine concern evident.
"I'm fine, I promise. It's so nice to see you again, Janet," I say, offering a smile. I glance at Jason, who's still standing awkwardly by the door. "And you too, Jason," I add.
"Is it true that you're leaving us and going back to your old school?" Janet blurts out suddenly.
"Leaving? Who told you that? I'm actually staying. My uncle and mum decided that I should finish my secondary school here in Lagos," I clarify. Janet hugs me again, her clinginess endearing.
"I'm so happy that you're staying," she exclaims. I look up at Jason, and he's smiling too. It's comforting to know that people care so much about me.
We all chat for a bit, mainly Janet and I, with Jason not saying much. Janet fills me in on all the events that have been happening since I was absent. As evening approaches, Auntie Valerie enters the room.
"Hi, Tiara's friends! I've made dinner. You should join us," she announces warmly.
"Yes, thank you, ma'am," Janet quickly accepts, while Jason hesitates, casting a questioning look at Janet.
"Thank you, Ma'am, but we should be leaving now. It's getting late," Jason declines politely.
"Jason, I'm famished, and I want to spend more time with Tiara," Janet insists.
"Come on, guys. I won't let you leave here without eating something," Auntie Valerie insists.
"Okay, ma'am, thank you," Jason acquiesces with a smile.
"Come on, Janet, let's go set up the table," Auntie Valerie suggests, and Janet follows her enthusiastically. As the door closes, I'm left alone with Jason, and the atmosphere becomes awkward.
Deciding to break the silence, I say, "Thanks for coming, Jason. I really didn't expect it."
"Yeah, Janet was really worried, especially when she heard that you might be going back to Abuja, she insisted we came" he replies nervously. I can't help but feel a twinge of disappointment; did he only come because of Janet? What was I expecting?
"Oh, you came because of Janet," I remark.
"No, I was..." Jason begins, but Janet's voice interrupts us, calling us down to eat.
"We should join them," I hurriedly suggest, eager to escape the awkwardness. They eat, Janet quickly forming a bond with Auntie Valerie and praising her cooking skills. As it's time for them to leave, Janet gives me a tight hug, and I thank her for coming. Jason nods at me, and I express my gratitude before they depart.
