CHARLES AND HIS TWIN SISTER(3)
Mr Iyke angrily, pushed her away and stormed back to his flat.
Sister, daddy want to kîll us.
Sister Daddy wants to kîll us.
Sister help us please.
We miss our mummy.
Charles and Rachael don’t worry there’s God. I know how you feel right now. Please let me go and boil some water to treat your wounds. The remaining money I have left is to buy detergent and soap to wash my clothes.. Mrs. Joyce sadly commented, as she observed the harsh marks on their backs, which were accompanied by traces of blood.
She went to gather firewood for the kitchen and boiled water to clean her children’s wounds, gently applying some ointment to ease their pains.
The maltreátments from their father continued till they grew up to twelve years of age. Charles wouldn’t dare to open his shirt in public because of the devastating scars his dad had implanted on him. Which was why he usually wore a long sleeve or better still a cloth that wouldn’t expose any part of his body.
Mr. Iyke called one of his friend one evening when he was polishing his shoes in front of the kitchen. His name is Adesola, who owned a welding workshop. They discussed and he asked Adesola to take the children along and train them in welding. Mr. Iyke explained to him that their mates were already out there working hard to provide for themselves, and he believed his own children should not be left behind. He emphasized that their prolonged stay at home was becoming excessive.
Charles and his twin sister heard everything that evening. Seeing that their father was distracted, they quickly use that as an opportunity sneaked out through the back door to meet Sister Joyce whom usually keep them company. Meanwhile she had already assured them that if they have anything bothering them, they should report to her.
Sister… Rachel tapped her shoulder, she was in her bed sleeping.
Sister. Sister… Charles tapped her hard and she woke up.
Sister please sorry for disturbing you. We wanted to tell you something.. Rachel voiced out frowning her face.
What is it my dear. Go on… Sister Joyce said worriedly, sitting Rachael on her laps and removing some dirts from Rachael’s eyebrows.
Daddy want us to go and work.. Charles muttered fearfully.
Sister… Sister my head is paining me. It has been paining me since yesterday.. Daddy use to hit my head everytime. Even yesterday when I was washing the plates he hit my head Many times telling me that the plates are not clean… Rachael cried out, tenderly touching the two swollen areas on her head. Rachael’s hair were short, making it was easy for Mrs. Joyce to notice the swelling. Unfortunately, Mr. Iyke had never given the children any money to buy personal items, let alone getting their hair done. He typically barb them skin cut using either a shaving stick or a razor blade.
Blood of Jesus Christ. When is this man going to change… Sister Joyce muttered, observing the spot. Charles’ face and arms bore the marks of previous injuries, with some spots fully healed while others were still in the process of healing.
Ouch it’s paining me.. Rachael cried out
Sorry eh. Rachael I’m so sorry. I’ll use my remaining change to get you some drugs.. Sister Joyce assured her and Rachel nodded.
Oh this children have started misbehaving again abi! Rachael! Rachael!!” Mr Iyke shouted from the outside. Observing from the window he had already pulled his white top groaning and holding two thick long water canes.
You people need to go to your room now. It seems the person that we heard him discussing with has left. Rachael that’s your father calling you. I don’t want him to know that you’re here if not he will punish you… Sister Joyce told them.
But daddy is going to bèat us. Sister I don’t want to go. Daddy will beat me…. Rachael cried out, covering her left eye.
Written by 👉 Nicholas Stephen.
To be continued.
