It was a warm afternoon, and the aroma of Aunt Kathy's cooking wafted through the living room, making everyone's stomach hum with anticipation.
"Kwame would arrive today, would he not?" Tansy asked her mother while taking water from the refrigerator.
"Yes, dear, I am preparing his favorite meals," Aunt Kathy replied, a smile spreading across her face.
Tansy took a sip of her water, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I am ironing Father's shirt; I shall assist you afterward," she said, heading towards the laundry room.
Just then, Marvel entered, wearing a frown upon his face. "Are we going for him or is he coming on his own?" he asked, plopping down on the couch.
"He will be here soon; just sit and wait," Tansy said, walking back into the room, and promptly walked away, leaving Marvel looking puzzled.
"What is wrong with her?" Marvel asked, turning to Aunt Kathy.
"I do not know, but she is correct; please be kind to your brother when he arrives," Aunt Kathy said, her voice gentle but firm, as Marvel nodded in agreement.
Aunt Kathy shooed Marvel away. "Now leave; I have to finish this before he arrives," she said, focusing on the dishes in front of her.
Marvel rolled his eyes. "You all really need to relax; it is just Kwame coming home, not Jesus Christ," he muttered, just as the sound of the gate creaking open signaled Kwame's arrival.
Everyone's attention turned to the door, except Alchemy, who was still upstairs, and his father, who was nowhere to be seen.
Tansy was the first to react, rushing to hug Kwame tightly, whispering, "Welcome home, I miss you so much."
"I miss you all too. I'm sorry for not reaching out," Kwame said.
"Oh, come give Mummy a hug," Aunt Kathy said, pulling Kwame into a warm hug.
"Where's Dad and Alchemy?" Kwame asked, pulling away from his mother's embrace.
"Your dad had a meeting. He really wanted to be here. Alchemy isn't feeling very well; she's upstairs," Aunt Kathy explained.
"Okay, Tansy, take my bag to my room. I have to go see Alchemy," Kwame said, making his way to Alchemy's room.
Marvel followed, trying to catch his brother's attention, but was ignored.
Kwame knocked gently on Alchemy's door. "Come in," she said.
"Oh my, when did you arrive, Kwams?" Alchemy asked, hugging him happily.
"Just now," Kwame said.
"Why didn't you tell me he'd come this early?" Alchemy asked, looking at Marvel.
"Well, it's nothing. I have something to tell you. It's about what you told me before I left," Kwame said, holding Alchemy's hands.
As Kwame held Alchemy's hands, a hint of concern etched his face. "I wanted to talk to you about what you said before I left," he said, his voice low and gentle.
Marvel, still standing by the door, cleared his throat, trying to interrupt the moment.
"Before you do, you should know that... Alchemy is now my girlfriend," he said, the words tumbling out of his mouth.
Alchemy's eyes widened in shock, and she turned to Marvel, her expression a mix of anger and disbelief. "Marvel, what are you talking about?" she demanded.
Kwame's face went still, his eyes narrowing slightly as he turned to Marvel. "Are you serious?" he asked, his voice measured.
Marvel nodded, a smirk spreading across his face. "Of course, yes. We even kissed."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Alchemy's face flushed with anger, and she took a step forward, her voice rising.
"That was a mistake, Marvel! You kissed me without my consent!"
Kwame's expression remained unreadable, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion.
"Congratulations," he said finally, his voice neutral.
"I really have to do something in my room. So later." He added.
With that, Kwame turned and left, leaving Alchemy and Marvel staring at each other in the midst of a brewing storm.