CAMARADERIE TROUBLES novel Chapter 19

IK ignored the sting in his buttocks as he walked home with his siblings bouncing along. He was really happy with himself. He knew his mother hadn't exactly praised him or endorsed what he did but he had glimpsed that happiness in her eyes. That look that said louder than words that she was proud of him. That was all that mattered. It more than made up for the lashes of cane he got for arriving school late. Seeing his siblings happy at the prospect of good food was all he needed. He truly felt like their big brother.

Amanda and Solomon went ahead, running at intervals, carefully avoiding the water puddles. "How was school, Love?" IK asked Selena who walked quietly by his side. She wasn't her usual chatty self.

"We had a new comer today" she stated.

"And?"

"The whole class likes her" she frowned.

"You don't?"

Selena twisted her mouth. "She answered so many questions today, even my teacher likes her already"

IK saw what the problem was and hid a smile. "She must be very brilliant. That means you would have to read a lot for your exams"

"I don't read a lot but I always come first" she said proudly.

IK smiled. Selena wasn't exaggerating. Even without reading, she always came first. But he didn't want her to rely on that so much. He didn't think this 'new comer' was a threat to Selena but she didn't have to know that. "That was before this new comer arrived. You don't want her topping you in class, do you?"

Selena's eyes flashed. "Never. I would read everyday. Lydia is not taking my first position from me".

That was the fierce determination IK was hoping for. And knowing Selena, this 'Lydia' wouldn't have a prayer.

They walked into the house and IK soon started cooking. "When would you teach me how to cook?" Selena asked as she watched her brother put ingredients in the pot of rice on fire.

"You are still too young for that" IK answered.

"I'm not young" Selena said aggressively. "You are just four years older than me"

IK noticed her emphasis on 'just' and shook his head. "Well then, when you are four years older, you'd be allowed to cook"

Selena smirked, her small mouth moving to the side. "I would make rice and beans all by myself, you'll see"