Uncle Nolan

d of muffled voices down the stairs. I hear the slam of the front door, followed by

intense heartbeat surging up, and

lowing a series of thuds echoing

ect time see him: the man who will be s

the house. Nolan stands behind him, tall and imposing, his dark bag

nreadable as he fits his hand into his poc

alize he doesn't look the same. He is different, totally different fro

ember. Before he can look up the stairs and catch me staring, I sked

er wish to see re

a pair of my favorite sneakers. My phone has been charging all night, face-down the lampstand because I had

ng faster than wildfire, b

bag, and turn the knob on the door, o

the door tightly closed behind him. I nod my head absen

taken a bathe, and his dark eyes

. I want to run into his arms and scream his n

h us." I say awkwardly, my gaze

ust want to get out of th

ks, like he's been dying to talk so

d, polite and nothing else, even though I want to

of his movements, which includes his measured footsteps, the faint s

playing tricks, making me

for the kitchen and walking up to the fridge and send

s and placing them on a chop board. I turn aside to the washing sink after

g the stairs." I reply quickly

to know it is him. Out of the corner of my left eye, I catch hi

dishtowel. "You should eat something before leaving. I see you gra

t school." I lie, already ed

nt TV show and bend a little to plant a kiss on

Nolan is standing by the dining table now,

something particular about me. Trying to fathom why I

have any idea why I feel things mig

and looking ahead, I see Frank already waiting in the car. He's

I walk closer.

s day. "Morning, Frank. I'm sorry for snubbing you yesterday.

one of the few people who really understa

tand." He

the back sea

ly till we gradually reach the school's env

clusters of students who gather in small groups, their v

l and I don't need to guess that they are still gossip

but I keep my chin high, not allowing the gossips to get

my department, that is, the Department of Electrical Engineeri

turn quickly to see Caleb approaching too casually and wearing that c

ing me boil from within. He continues, "Why didn't you reply to my

nects with his cheek in a loud, shar