Sharp Tongue

Episode 3

John and Eureka sat opposite Sheila in the
sitting room. They wanted to have a word
with her before they head to Sheraton hotel
where Martha was having her birthday party.

She turned forty a few days ago and had
decided to throw a party and celebrate with
her family and a few friends and colleagues.
She hopes her parents won’t talk at length.
She wasn’t sure if she could sit and listen to
them for more than an hour. There was a time
they spoke to her for three long hours! She
thought she was going to go mad that day. At
times, she wonders why parents like giving their
children lectures.

“We have beaten this same issue to a pulp.
I am tired of talking about it. We are your
parents and we love you, but, we will not
tolerate this senseless attitude of yours, ”
her father’s stern gaze drilled into her blank
ones.

“Must you reply anyone, I mean, anyone
that insults you? Must you retaliate whenever
someone offends you? Why can’t you let
peace reign in your relationship with people?” Her mother’s angry tone wasn’t lost to her.

Everybody including her parents feel that
she has a bad attitude. But, they don’t
understand.

A long time ago, she had decided that she
won’t allow anyone to take her for granted.
Whoever brings trouble her way must be
prepared to fight a war. She can’t just sit
back and allow people to walk all over her. She
was not a weakling.

“You used to have good friends at school.

But where are they now? You have driven all of
them away with your braziness. Your are
going to graduate from school soon, aside from
getting a certificate, you are suppose to
build meaningful relationships. This world is a
small place. You can meet anyone anywhere.”

Sheila looked away. What does her father
know about her friends? Ex-friends since the
beginning of the second semester. She
hopes their lecture will end soon. What time was
the party supposed to start?

“As a born again Christian, you are not
representing Christ at all.”

She rolled her eyes. Here we go again. Trust
her mother to bring God into the conversation.

God himself is not silly. Didn’t he say an eye for
an eye in the Old Testament?

Although in the New Testament, Jesus said,
if someone slap you, one should turn the
other cheek. Hogwash! That is being chicken-
hearted.

A very dumb response to an angressive
action.

She believes in God and all that, but, at
times, following biblical principles was suicidal,
especially in this age and times.
“Are you listening?”
Sheila shifted in her seat and avoided
looking at them directly. Why won’t she be listening?

She has ears, and the last time she checked,
they were working perfectly. John and Eureka
exchanged glances.

“It is your aunt’s birthday, we hope today
will end in peace,” her mother eyed her.

A frown creased her brows. Peace? Of
course, as long as no one antagonizes her. Does her parents think she goes about looking for
trouble everywhere she goes?

“We have being labelled with bad names
among the entire family because of you.”
Her frown deepened.

“Just try and avoid trouble today.”

Her parents got to their feet. Sheila crossed
her arms against her b0s0m.

“I will stay back.”

Eureka placed her hands on her hips,
“Young woman, pick up your bag and let us go. I
am not in the mood for any of your tantrums. It
is your duty as a member of the Adams family
to attend all the family functions, except if you
are sick. Are you sick? Answer me!”

Her mother rarely raise her voice at her,
except when she has lost her temper. Duh! She was also upset too. She doesn’t like when
people assume things about her.

John placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder,
“It is okay darling.”

Sheila picked up her bag and stormed out
of the sitting room. Everybody should just
avoid her at the party. If anyone dares attempt to
upset her, heads will roll.

Eureka collasped in her husband’s arms, “I
am tired honey. I am so tired. That young
woman…

I am at my wits end.”

“I know love. I know. God never fails,” he
held her closer.