Resurgence

2. Stranger Tides

“There are some unlikely beasts in the world, so it’s best you stay near the ones you’ve bought drinks for.” – Tim Powers.

•••

“Lani, could you pass that bag over please?”

Fisayo pleaded from the opposite end of the room, and Lani went about as requested. Latching onto one of two straps of the purple Jansport bag perched on the couch, she hardened her wrist to ignite energy in them, before hauling the bag to its destination in a projectile motion. Her friend’s eyes widened in horror, and she ducked her head to its side before launching her hands in the air to shield her face from being rammed into.

It was then Lani realized she hadn’t made the best call.

“Oops...” Lani gritted her teeth, as she studied her friend with concern hearkened to fear of what her retaliation could be. “Sorry, that won’t happen next time.”

“What you said the last time you almost damaged my rib cage. Remind me never to tell you to ‘pass’ stuff.” Fisayo retorted. Her eyes narrowed in contempt, as she lowered herself to her knees and attended to her child. It was the wee hours of Tuesday morning, and as protocol demanded, her best friend and sister-in-law was putting her children into order and getting them set for school. The union between Fisayo and her elder brother had lasted for about three years and had been fruitful also, as they had produced two children of opposite genders―two very energetic, impulsive and adorable kids, whose presence exuded that of an entire squadron of soldiers.

Lani was mostly baffled, about how a mother could contend with that every single day.

“What do you think you are, a quarter back?” Fisayo scoffed, as she crouched over Finidei―her second child and son. Aged four, the boy’s height had surpassed that of children, who were a couple of years older than he was and one might have been fooled into believing he belonged to such age group if he hadn’t such a restlessness and defiant nature. The boy was quite rebellious and rogue as compared to the rest of his peers. “I really don’t get it with schools of nowadays, though. What the hell do they think they’re doing? There are about five textbooks and workbooks in here, for a boy that is barely five years old?” Fisayo rolled her eyes and scoffed. “What are they teaching them, rocket science?”

“Well, that’s plausible given the fact that he is very energetic and always charging about the place like a rocket. Could be what he’s learning after all. Who knows?” Lani humored her friend, settling on the arm rest of the couch by her side. “I don’t get mothers like you, though. It’s people like you that complain when you feel the children are not being challenged enough and are being taught little things but yet you complain when you feel it’s too much. Just pick a struggle. Make up your mind.”

“Go outside to the car and wait.” Fisayo massaged the crane of Finidei’s neck gently before shoving him towards the front porch to head outside. He barreled out of the house with the speed of a stone shot from a catapult. “You won’t understand until you become a mother, Lani.” Her friend’s line of sight was still transfixed on her son in helpless admiration. “Then you’d understand that there is a side like being on the fence.”

“Please,” Lani held her hands out, with its palmar side faced at Fisayo. “You’re just twenty-seven, okay? Don’t start with all these your elderly speeches as if you’re not just a year older than I am.” She folded her arms, bracing herself for a retort. The words echoed in her head, and the essence behind them struck her like the bell of midnight. At age twenty seven, her friend was all settled with the man of her dreams, had two kids that meant the galaxy to her and her most cherished relationship intact―while she couldn’t boast of any feat that wasn’t in correlation with her career.