Mates 99

Chapter 99

FREDA WHITLOCK

Soon, it was time to pick Cisco from school. I glanced at everyone still watching the movie as I stood up to get ready.

“I have to pick Cisco up from school” I stated as I stood up. “Oh okay”, Elle and Gina replied without looking away from the TV and I shook my head.

The comedy we were watching was really funny but if I didn’t leave now, I’d be late and Cisco wouldn’t like that.

“Do you want me to tag along?” Cole asked as he glanced at me with a light smile. I heard Lyra give a small snort and I glared at her. “Did she really have a grudge against Cole?”

I sighed as I shook my head. I would revisit the matter later. Cole was still looking at me, expecting a reply. “There’s no need Cole, it’s not that far anyway”. I said quickly as I gave him a smile. The guy was just too kind.

“Oh okay then” he stated a little dejectedly as he leaned back on the couch to watch the comedy and I sighed as I headed to my room to get dressed.

I grabbed my car keys from the table and was about to head out when Lyra stopped me. “Stay safe”

she muttered softly and I nodded and gave her a smile and left the house.

I headed straight to Cisco’s school and was just in time to see the kids filing out. I scanned the swarm of heads for Cisco and

spotted him in a comer as another kid tried to engage him in a conversation and he nodded shyly

I chuckled at his adorableness as I hurried over. “Cisco sweetheart’ I called out as I crouched down and opened my arms wide for him to hug me.

“Mummy” he yelled as he ran as fast as his little legs could carry him: His shy face transformed into a bright smiling face as he rushed into my arms, the impact of it almost sending me to the ground.

Woah, my boy had gained some weight.

“Mummy, I’ve been waiting for you” he stated as he drew back and I smiled. “Oh honey I came as soon as I got the chance” I rubbed his hair affectionately and kissed him on the cheek and he smiled cutely.

I glanced around. Strange! Harper was usually hovering around Cisco, they were inseparable.

“Cisco honey, did Harper not come to school today?” I asked curiously and he shook his head.

“No mummy, Harper was absent today” he muttered sadly and 1 was a bit worried. I just hoped she was okay. There was no way I could call to check on her as I wasn’t on speaking terms with her parents.

“Okay let’s get going” I stated as I took his school bag from him and held his hand. “We can’t go yet mummy” he disclosed and I stopped in my tracks. “Why?” I asked curiously.

“Because my teacher said she wants to see you” he disclosed and I was puzzled. ‘Why did Cisco’s teacher want to see me?” “Cisco honey you didn’t do anything right?” I asked and he shook his head. “I didn’t do anything bad mummy I promise”.

Okay I believe you”. I held his hand and walked back to his

classroom where I met his class teacher Miss Campbell, sorting some notes

“Good day Miss Campbell I greeted cheerfully and she looked up from what she was doing as she acknowledged me “Good day to you too Mrs Whitlock” and smiled.

“Cisco here informed me that you wanted to see me?” I asked and she nodded. “That’s true ma’am, I wanted to remind you again of the upcoming award ceremony that Cisco was chosen for

“I remember I told you that the attendance of both parents is important as well as mandatory or Cisco would be disqualified. I hope Cisco’s father has been informed and would be present on the said day?” She asked and I sighed.

“Yes, I’m aware. He’ll be there, I stated even though I knew I was threading on thin ice. “Okay then, that’s all I wanted to ask you malam, because Cisco is a really bright kid, I’d hate for him to be disqualified”. She stated softly and I nodded.

We said our goodbyes and left the school premises. In the car, Cisco wouldn’t stop talking excitedly.

“Mummy is my daddy really going to come?” He asked for like the umpteenth time.

“Yes honey, your father would be there”. I said through gritted teeth as I offered him a strained smile.

I just made a promise I wasn’t sure I would be able to fulfill. I had no idea how I was going to tell Kaiden about it.

We arrived home and I helped Cisco out of the car as walked to the front porch and opened the door. Cole and the others except

291 Vouchers

Lyra were still were I left them as they stated fixatedly on the screen. I almost laughed at their expression.

“Hello everyone” he greeted and they all drew their eyes away. from the screen as the glanced at him.

“Sweetheart you’re back from school” Elle stated as she gave him a small smile. “How was school today?” “It was fine,”, Cisco replied with a big smile. He was still ecstatic about the

upcoming event.

“Cisco honey go change your clothes” I stated as I gave him gentle push in the direction of his room.

I walked to the kitchen to make dinner.I made spaghetti and meatballs and served it on the dining table.

a

“Dinner’s ready” I called out and it seemed that was the magic. word they needed to hear because everyone came out of wherever they glued their bottoms to, as they came in a single file and I laughed.

“Wash your hands first” I ordered and they willingly obliged and soon we were all seated. “Oh my days” Gina moaned in delight. as she chewed on a meatball.

“Freda has successfully surprised us again with her cooking skills” she stated as she closed her eyes and dramatically chewed on the food and I laughed.

“Don’t be so dramatic” Elle stated as she rolled her eyes. “Though the food’s amazing” she admitted and I smiled.

“This is really great Freda, just like always” Cole stated as he devoured another meatball. Lyra smiled sheepishly at me she

she reached for another meatball and I laughed out loud.

12 11

“Mummy’s the best cook ever” Cisco muttered with the meatball in his mouth and everyone nodded in agreement. “True” Gina stated as she continued eating.

I watched everyone eating with a smile on my face as I had barely touched mine. It was times like this I cherished the most.

Warm moments spent with family. It made me happy,but I still couldn’t ignore Miss Campbell’s words as it played over and over in my head. ‘The attendance of both parents is mandatory’.

‘What the hell was i going to do now?’