It wasn’t too late. I had to look for a way to salvage the situation. If she got home without me
telling her that I had guests at home, I would be in very big trouble. I had to act urgently. So, I
called again. The phone rang for a long time with no response. I was already losing hope when,
to my greatest relief, she answered.
“Hello, I am on my way.” She spoke.
“Okay, I want you to come to my office right now. There is something I need to tell you.” I said,
trying to sound as normal as possible.
“What is so urgent, babe? Can’t it wait?” She was slightly irritated.
“No, it can’t. Just turn the around and come to the office.”
“Alright, I am on my way.”
About ten minutes later, she walked into my office, carrying a well-stocked shopping bag.
“What is the matter, Babe?” She asked.
“I am sorry, I didn’t inform you. My little cousin came in yesterday, she and her small daughter.
They are in my house now.”
“Really? So, why didn’t you inform me that they were coming? I would have prepared properly
for them?” She sounded excited.
“Did I even know? You know these children. She just called me suddenly and said she was in
town. What could I do?”
“Alright, so, she’s at home now?”
“Yes.”
“Alright, it’s a good thing. At least I will finally get to meet a member of your family. You know,
since we started dating, I haven’t met anyone from your side.”
“That is true, now is your opportunity.” I concurred.
“Alright, let me be going now. What’s her name, by the way?”
“Jane.”
“Alright, let me go home now.”
As soon as she left the office, I called Jane. She waited for a long time before picking. When
she finally picked, I was very angry.
“Where did you keep your phone?” I barked.
“I am sorry, I was feeding the baby.”
“So? In fact, I don’t have time for your trouble this morning. I just want to let you know that my
fiancée has discovered that you are in my house. But don’t worry, I have already come up with a
solution.”
“Oh my gosh, Sir. I am very scared. What should I do now?” She sounded panicky.
“Will shut up and listen, my friend?”
“Okay, Sir.”
“This is what I want you to do. When she comes home, and she will be doing that in a few
hours, you would be putting up an act. You will be acting as my cousin from the village. You
have to be very careful not to break character. Just one mistake, and you are doomed. So, be
very careful. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Don’t fail me on this. Of course, you know the consequences of failing.” I warned.
“I understand, Sir. I won’t. Please, there is someone at the door.”
“That could be her. Go open the door for her and remember to do the right thing.”
I dropped the call and sat back heavily on my comfortable office chair. I was seriously sweating
in spite of the fact that it was still morning and the AC was on. I had done my own part, and I
believed I had done it well. If Jane spoiled things for me, she would face the consequences, and
she knew that.
Back in my home, Jane was welcoming Sandra.
“Hiii!! Welcome, you must be John's fiancée.” She spoke.
“Yes, I am Sandra. I am pleased to meet you. He told me his cousin was around.”
“Yeah, I just came here yesterday.” She replied, taking the shopping back from her hand and
shutting the main door.
“Wow! Welcome. I was told you came with your baby. Where is she?”
“Oh! Chloe, she is sleeping. I am just from feeding her.”
“Okay, I brought some things to cook for John, they are in the bag.”
“Thank you so much. I had been wondering what we were going to cook today. You have saved
us the trouble.” Jane spoke.
“It is a pleasure.”
They were now in the kitchen preparing food.
“You know, you are the only John’s relative I have ever met. I am so excited. You guys really
look alike. You are as beautiful as he is handsome.” Sandra spoke.
“It runs in the family.” Jane laughed nervously.
“I hope I get to meet more of your family. He is really a nice man, and I am blessed to have him.”
“Thank you for loving my brother.”
I came back from work that day earlier for two reasons. One of the reasons was that I was
famished and couldn’t wait to get home to eat Sandra’s food. She was really a good cook, and
she was cooking my favourite. The other reason was that I wanted to reduce the amount of time
the two ladies would spend together all by themselves. Every one minute they spent together
could be precarious for me. All that was needed was one mistake from Jane, just a slip of the
tongue and everything would come crumbling down.
“Honeyyyy!!” Sandra said with delight as I walked into the living.
“My baby, how are you?” I asked.
“I am good babe. Guess what? I have two good news for you.” She said excitedly.
“Good news? Then, that is good news. So, what is the good news?”
“The first one is that I bonded so well with your cousin. The second one is that your food is
ready.”
“Wow!! That is excellent news Thank you so very much. Talking of my cousin, where is she?”
“She is in her room with her daughter.”
“Alright, let me freshen up. Please, set the dining table while I do. I am really very famished.”
“Yes, my love, I will do exactly as you say.”
After I had freshened up, I came back to the living room and started eating my food. Just then,
Jane came into the living room. I looked at her sternly, warning her to continue playing her role
perfectly.
“Welcome, Uncle.” She greeted.
“Thank you, my dear. How are you?” I asked with a fake smile.
“I am fine, Uncle. We missed you.” She was doing her job well.
“I miss you girls too. I heard you both had a nice time?”
“Yes, Uncle. We did.”