FORGOTTEN SON

FORGOTTEN ?? SON 3

The results were finally released and not only did I scale through, I won the state scholarship. My joy knew no bounds as I saw my result. My dad wasn't left out. Infact he was the happiest man on Earth. My family, relatives and friends were all happy for me. They all came to share in the joy. From that day onwards, I was treated specially.

I was alone in the house one fateful day and I thought I heard the kitchen door open. I slowly walked towards the door and saw it slightly opened. I peeped inside and......

Wait. What. Jones?

No no no. It can't be him. I must be imagining things.

I pushed the door opened and froze. It was him. Jones?

He was just staring at me coldly. Then I saw him smile.

"Jo-jones? What on earth are you doing here?"

He brushed me aside walking towards my room. I hurried after him.

He collapsed on my bed.

"Jones"

"Where's Mabel?"

"Out with mum. What are you doing here? How did you get out of prison? When were you released? You were supposed to be..."

"In jail right" he said cutting me halfway. "Well, too much question for a start but I can only answer one."

"What happened?"

"How would you know? You were just here taking all the glory forgetting about me and shutting me out forever"

"You can't say a thing like that. You know dad."

I watched him raise a brow with mouth opened. "Dad asked you to forget me or you did it for your selfish self? You're now the most worthy son of the Bakely's. Isn't that what you have always wanted? I've watched you from time and I've seen how you've always wanted to be like me."

"I've only admired you as my brother and that isn't a crime. Besides I don't want to end up like you."

"And what make you think you'll ever be different? Because you won the state scholarship examination?"

I stared at him "how did you know that?

"Down the street I guess. Besides who won't hear about it when your name is written on everyone's lip."

"Then why are you here? Aren't you scared of what will be dad's reaction?"

"I need a second chance. Though he pushed me away and left me to rot in jail but he's still my dad right?" He brought out a cigeratte and brought it towards me."You can share with me"

I looked away. He smiled and I watch him lit the cigeratte puffing at it.

"Dad won't want you back if you continue this."

He said nothing.

"Mabel never stopped talking about you." I watched him. "I don't know how she got to know much about you."

He kept mute puffing immensely at the cigeratte.

I sighed. " You've got to start going. It's getting late. Besides where do you live now?"

"Down the street. Why?"

"I could check up on you anytime. Wait. Down the street? Where's that?"

"None of your business."

Wow. That was rude.

I scratched my head. He smiled. "I only came here to congratulate my younger brother on his success."

I smiled. "thanks bro. You really took a big risk. But are you really ready to come back? Are you really a changed person?"

He smiled. "Excluding this." He meant the cigeratte.

"But you can change from that too."

"What do you know?" He stared right at me with his expression serious. "I really had a change of mind. But is dad still living with the past? Abandoning me to die in jail was way too much a punishment for me but I was ready to accept it if it will make him accept me back."

"Dad will definitely accept you though I'm not..sure but I don't see reasons why he won't."

"I've really missed you Dan." He smiled. "I....

We watched the door open and in walked mum with Mabel.

Jones?

"What on...Jones?"

Mabel eyes popped out. Jones? Jones! Finally!

She rushed forward grabbing his arms.

"Is this Jones? Are you Jones?"

Mum was already weeping.

Jones stared at me then back at the little girl right in his front. "Mabel?"

"Oh it's me."

She stared at me quite worried. "Why is he lean? He's also rough."

I lowered my head. Jones stood up walking towards mum. She hugged him tightly.

"I'm sorry" was all she could say as tears streamed down her face.

He looked into mum's eyes and saw the pains of the past.

"It's alright mum. Talking of why I'm like this, I've struggled to survive on my own which has never been easy. I'm home now. I want a second chance."

Mum nodded sheepishly hugging him tightly again. " You're welcome"

"Mum I told you he'll be back. Now he only needs a second chance to prove how worthy he is too." Mabel said tugging at Jones shirt.

Jones smiled, carrying her in his arms. "You're so pretty and wise."

"And outspoken" she completed and we all laughed.

"Mum.." Jones frowned. He dropped Mabel on her feet. "What has been happening? Why are you like this?"

"I should be asking you. When were you released? How did it happen? Is your dad aware? Where have you been staying? What's happening?"

"Everybody keeps asking hundreds of questions."

"But we're eager to know bro" I chipped in.

"Story for another day"

"Guess you heard about your brother winning the state scholarship." Mum said.

"Of course. That's why I'm here to congratulate him. I felt you all abandoned me but we're still families right? I forever misses you all mostly Dan." He held mum's hands. "And I'm sorry for the pains I've caused you. For Everything you went through because of me."

"You really went pass the boundary but you still remain my son. And your dad, he..he loves you." I stole a quick glance at mum. "He was only acting as a father should. He was really hurt but with what I'm seeing now I think you've really changed and deserves a second chance."

Mabel tugged at my trouser. " I told you"