VOICES UNHEARD

      CHAPTER NINE!

  Lucy sat on the kitchen chair lost in deep thoughts. She had been bothered for awhile about her daughter and how to go about her educational finances. Since the death of her brother, it occured to her that it hadn't been a small feat and also, it was up to her to take up the full responsibility.

She decided that she would talk to her husband and try to persuade him to help out, since she was in her final level in secondary school. 

       Earlier that day she bought condiments for his favorite "nsala soup" which was usually her way to his heart. She had to close her store earlier than usual so she could have more time to accomplish what she wanted. She refused any of her children helping her in the kitchen as she hoped the energy she used in making the dish would help her get what she wanted.

It took her a few hours to prepare the meal, then she sent her children to her neighbor's house and asked them to stay out till it was 8 pm.

      Her husband, Anthony, returned home later that evening reeking of alcohol, though he wasn't drunk. She hurried went to welcome him and take his bag from him.

        "Good evening my love. How was work today? She asked him, consciously pretending not to perceive the reek of alcohol on him.

        "Ohhh, it was blissful. We had a birthday party for the company's co-founder. So there was a lot to eat and drink, yeah, I enjoyed it." He answered smiling calmly.

Lucy's heart sank, because that could mean that he wasn't hungry and her plans would be a waste. Perhaps, she should have prayed against wasted effort, she said within her.

        "Oh, is that so. Well, I've prepared a bath for you already. So, you should have your bath first, them join me later." She opined.

        He rolled his eyes over to her with a touch of surprise and confusion written all over his face. "You prepared water for me to bathe? Is it some kind of special water or something? He asked.

Lucy laughed coolly. "No, not really. I was home early today, so I thought I could do that, it's not something serious." She encouraged.

He shrugged lightly. "If you say so." He answered, loosing his tie and taking it off. He searched around with his eyes, but could not fathom what was happening.

       Lucy went ahead to dish his food and waited for him to join her downstairs as she had requested. It took him over thirty minutes and she wondered if he was going for a show or something.

      "You must have enjoyed the bath since you took quite some time to take yourself out of there." Lucy commented as she saw him walk into the sitting room, just across the dinning area.

Anthony chuckled softly. "It's been a while I had a warm bath, perhaps that was the reason. Besides, I really needed it." He replied. "Uhm, who made dinner? 

      She blushed casually before responding. "I did, and you would definitely love it." 

He looked around like he was searching for something. "You made dinner and..." He paused momentarily . "Hold on, the kids, what happened to the kids?  

      "Oh that, I sent them to the neighbors. I wanted an alone time with my husband you know."

       He nodded. "I wondered why the house was so calm, which was unusual." He continued. "I am quite full, the birthday party? He tried to explain.

Her face hardened as he started talking about being satisfied. "Love, it doesn't matter. You'll just have to find a way to eat some of these. I didn't spend so much time in the kitchen just to be ignored." She complained.

       "Alright, alright." He tried to pacify her. "I'd eat some of it, though not much."

She calmed down. "Now, that's fair. I made your favourite dish, you cannot afford to miss it." She said as she dished out some of it in a plate in front of him and some for herself.

       "You always know how to get to me, right? Anthony smiled, gulping down some of it. "This is very delicious. Did you add anything special to this? He asked excitedly as he continued to pounce on the meal.

Lucy smiled gently, trying not to laugh in order not to choke on the food. "I've always been a good cook and you know it."

       "Yeah it's evident." 

They continued eating quietly for sometime till Anthony broke the silence. "Luu, I know you want something from me. I've enjoyed your meal, so you can spill it out now." 

Lucy felt a little embarrassed. "Am I that easy to read? Was it that obvious? She asked.

       Anthony smiled. "Actually, the warm bath water gave you away, but then, I'm your husband so I know some of your tricks." He continued eating.

She delayed for awhile trying to find the best way to start. "I need your help. I've been trying to gather up some funds for something important but, it hasn't been that easy, but I know you can help me."

       "What's important that I don't know if yet? He asked, now showing more interest.

She hesitated for awhile before speaking up. "Rachel, I was informed that she would have to forfeit school if her fees aren't completely paid."

      His countenance changed. "How has that got to do with me? You know I can't possibly take care of another man's child."

      "My love, I know. But, she's in her final level and changing her school would be quite difficult for her. Please, just help me this last time." She pleaded.

He got annoyed and left the dinning room without uttering anymore word to her. Lucy, seeing that her plea had fallen on deaf ears bent her head in tears and disappointment. She hoped the situation had turned out better than it actually did. 

      She wondered what she would do about Rachel. After a while of sitting, she decided that she would go ahead with a different plan, no matter how hurtful it might be.