Chapter 5 _ Sister's drama

Mrs. Tonia greeted Anita with a subtle smile, before stepping aside for Glory to pass with the tray of soup. 

Anita then proceeded to enter the kitchen. She remained silent in the presence of her mother, yet her expression conveyed a deep sadness that her mom could empathize with.

"Anita," Mrs. Tonia exclaims, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and concern, as she calls out to her. "What's going on, Mom?" Anita inquired, strolling alongside her mother.

"I just want to assure you that your father genuinely cares about you, as he does for all your siblings, and he supports your aspirations," Mrs. Tonia reassures Anita, gently holding her hand.

"Hmph," Anita sighed. "I understand, Mom, but that doesn't matter to me. Whether or not Dad approves of me is inconsequential. I will forever regard him as my father, and that's all."

"Anita." Mrs. Tonia calls once more.

"Mom, where is the fufu?!" Flora enters the kitchen and catches Anita's attention as she heads towards their mother at the kitchen cabinet.

"Mom, what's going on? Why are you holding her hands and having a conversation with her?" 

"Are you pleading with her for something?" Flora asks, crossing her arms around her chest.

"No, Flora, I am simply offering her some guidance," Mrs. Tonia responds, her gaze fixed on Flora. 

Flora asked once more, "I don't care, Mom. That's irrelevant. I came here for fufu as Glory only served us soup without fufu. Where can I find the fufu?"

"It's right there, look on the chair next to you," Mrs. Tonia replied, and Flora turned and noticed the fufu. She takes the fufu and exits the kitchen, leaving them alone.

"As I was suggesting, it might be beneficial to let go of any resentment towards your father, alright? There's no one quite like him, irreplaceable in every way. He's your father, and I can assure you with absolute certainty."

"Mom," Anita says with a frown. "There's no need for you to use profanity. Let's grab a bite to eat before I tackle my remaining tasks and check in with Temisa to see if she's made it home safely."

"Alright," Mrs. Tonia finally released Anita's hand, and Anita made her way to the sink to wash her hands in the kitchen washbasin. 

Afterwards, Anita emerged to join the rest of the family for dinner, while their father also made his way out. He savored every bite of the mouthwatering okra soup prepared by his wife, lost in his own thoughts.

The dining hall is quiet, and after their dinner, Glory is the first to stand up, having finished her meal before the others. She takes her plates to the kitchen and heads to Anita and Flora's room, patiently waiting for Anita to finish so they can have a discussion.

After everyone else finishes their meal, Lisa takes on the responsibility of clearing the plates and washing the dirty dishes. She takes turns with Glory in washing the plates every week, while Anita returns to the room she shares with Flora and finds Glory waiting inside.

"What brings you here, little sister?" Anita inquired of Glory as she entered the room and approached the bed she shares with Flora, taking a seat.

Glory replies, "I came here to have a discussion with you, big sis," and Anita gazes at Glory for a few moments, realizing how much her baby sister has matured. She is now capable of asking thought-provoking questions, unlike the young ten-year-old girl she left behind when she went off to university.

"So, what's on your mind? What would you like to talk about?" Anita inquired, and just as Glory was about to respond, Flora interjected with a chilly tone. "What brings you here, Glory? Go back to your room immediately!" Flora demanded.

"No, Flora, let Glory be. We have a few matters to discuss. I just returned," Anita says, and Flora becomes upset. "I wasn't addressing you, so please refrain from interfering!"

"What does it mean?!" Anita rose from the bed, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she confronted Flora. "I've been staying silent for you, Flora. What do you mean you're not speaking to me?" Anita asked, her gaze icy as it bore into Flora.

"You heard me correctly. I have no interest in dealing with white witches. Now, Glory, please depart from this place. I need some rest," Flora insisted, while Anita smirked and reclined on the bed.

Anita unzipped her box to take out her laptop and phone, leaving Glory perplexed as she glanced between Anita and Flora. 

Anita is her older sister, just like Flora, and she is not pleased with the ongoing quarrels between them.

"Glory, depart!" Flora demanded once more and approached Glory, ready to pull her away.

"Do not even think about laying a finger on her!" Anita cautiously opened her box, carefully retrieving her laptop and phone, and gently placing them on the bed.

"Or what? What will you do?" Flora asked, and Anita looked up at her. "Back off, or you'll be the one to face my wrath!"

"I'm leaving, no big sisters." "I'll ask you later," Glory nervously replied.

"No Glory!" Anita casts a quick glance towards Glory, causing a shiver to run down her spine. "Step back immediately, Flora! If you're looking for a place to relax, the bed is located over there. However, kindly give us some space as I am currently engaged in a conversation with Glory." Anita cautioned.

Flora glared at Anita with frustration. Anita has a slender physique with a well-defined waist and a generous bust, while Flora has a fuller figure. Flora believes she has the advantage over Anita due to her height and size. 

"And what if I don't?" Flora swiftly approaches Glory and pulls her out by the arms. Anita refuses to tolerate any form of disrespect as she swiftly confronts Flora, forcefully grabbing her by the hair and delivering a series of slaps to her face, leaving no room for Flora to catch her breath. 

They find themselves locked in a heated battle. "What's happening here?" Mr. Joshua inquired as he entered his eldest daughter's room, causing them to quickly part ways.

"Father, she initiated the conflict!" Flora gestured towards Anita, prompting Anita to let out a deep sigh and fix her attire. 

Mr. Joshua has always seen Anita as someone who avoids conflict, so what could have caused their disagreement? He gazes intently at Glory, and in that moment, his daughters and wife burst into the room. 

"What happened, father?!" They interrogate him as they enter the spacious room, their gazes shifting from Anita to Flora, who is panting, and then to Glory, whose face is filled with concern. 

"What on earth happened, Glory?" Mr. Joshua finally questioned Glory and she struggled to find her words.

"Father, I entered this room to have a conversation with Aunt Anita, but Flora unexpectedly barged in and demanded that I leave. Despite Flora's persistence, Aunt Anita stood her ground, leading to a heated argument," Glory recounts.

"Flora, what was the reason behind asking Glory to leave while Anita is still engaged in conversation with her?" Mr. Joshua asked, his gaze fixed on Flora, whose cheek was already swollen. 

Anita's swollen red cheek was more noticeable than Flora's. Flora was in tears, desperately seeking her father's support.

"Father, she hit me first!" Flora gestured towards Anita.

"I didn't inquire about that. I inquired about the reason for sending Glory away," Mr. Joshua repeated.

"I want to sleep, father, and I cannot sleep if they're discussing," Flora responds.

"Hmmm," Mr. Joshua pondered, fully aware of his own responsibility and the caution he had given. "Let's make today the final day that any of you dare to show any disrespect towards your older sister, Anita. 

"When it happens again, you'll have to deal with me. Now Flora, gather your belongings and attire; you will be moving to share a living space with Lisa. While Glory will now be sharing this room with Anita starting today. If there are any additional reports or complaints, I will address them later."

"No, Father!" Flora exclaimed, but Mr. Joshua had already walked out.

"You're responsible for all of this, Flora. Why would you disrespect your older sibling?" Mrs. Tonia inquired, yet Flora expressed her disapproval with a frown. "Mom, are you also favoring Anita, perhaps because she won a couple of insignificant awards?"

"Please be quiet, Flora. Don't you feel any shame? In the previous session, you had some unfinished tasks, and it seems that you are not able to improve your reading skills or take guidance from your older sibling. All you seem to excel at is speaking negatively," Mrs. Tonia remarked.

"Mom!" Flora is overcome with tears once more as her sisters in the room express their frustration by crossing their arms tightly across their chests.

"Now, make sure you apologize to Anita first, before you begin packing your bags!" Mrs. Tonia commanded.

"I won't do that, Mother," Flora firmly declined.

"And I insist, otherwise you'll have to deal with me now!"

Flora is left in awe as she gazes at their mom, her siblings, and Anita, who calmly sits on the bed, opening her laptop and patiently waiting for it to start up. She gulps and gazes defiantly at their mother.

"No, mother!" Flora let out a piercing scream, causing Anita to fix her gaze on them. "It's fine, Mom. I don't need her apology," Anita retorts as she types in her laptop password.

"Anita, it is imperative that Flora apologizes; otherwise, our relationship will be forever altered."

"Mom!" Everyone burst into shocks as Mrs. Tonia turned to address them. "Consider this a clear warning from now on, and be aware that I have the ability to sever ties and disown all of you if you choose to defy me. Now, Flora, apologize!"

Flora gazes at Anita, who is seated on the bed, and softly utters the words, "I apologize, Anita."

"Say it aloud."

"Mom!" Flora gazed intently at their mother.

"Now!" Mrs. Tonia is extremely focused.

"Okay, I apologize, Anita. Please forgive me," Flora pleads with sincerity.

"It's alright, Flora. You are forgiven and free to go," Anita remains engrossed in her laptop, completely unfazed by the situation. Flora swiftly gathers her belongings and exits the room, leaving everyone else in stunned silence.