CHARLES AND HIS TWIN SISTER(12)
Please tomorrow. Tomorrow abeg, it’s the remaining money I have that I gave you…. She said begging him.
He held her train and tossed it away. His voice was filled with a mix of anger and desperation as he threatened her.. Rachel I don’t care how you’re going to do it but if you don’t give me the money from now till on Wednesday next week, you will hate. Read my face very well. Rachel, do I made myself clear?”
Yes– Yes sir. Yes. Please I won’t fail you please. Abeg.. Abeg my madam might be waiting for me… Time has gone far. Rachel cried out in distress, nodding her head, wiping her tears with her left hand and stamping her bare foot.
He yelled at her to leave and locked his door. Rachel began wiping her tears, rushed over to pick the tray, wore her sandals and cleaned the sands from the tray with her skirt and began heading home. She was walking lame like someone without strength. Charles was just speechless and puzzled by the situation. He knew her sister was in trouble but what could he do?
Charles ran to meet his sister and pulled her to the back of the small caravan shop that was closeby and questioned her about his relationship with the man and the thing that led to such crisis.
What was he requesting from you? And where are the money you made from today’s sales?
Please Charles don’t tell madam yet. That’s why I don’t want to go there for now. I’m still thinking of what to tell her. I gave all the Money to him, he was one of those people that use to threaten me. I…, I.., I., Charles please…
Ever since we left daddy, Madam has been tirelessly struggling to train us. And now, this is how you choose to repay her? Why is it that you’re the only one causing problems for Madam? Rachel, why? Why do you always bring trouble upon us?
Desperate to make her brother understand, Rachel stuttered, her voice filled with emotion as she clutched onto his sleeves. Charles, please listen to me. I… I…” Her words trailed off, tears welling up in her eyes.
In a fit of anger, Charles shook off her grasp. Just leave me alone. I will tell her everything,” he snapped, storming off without looking back gripping the nylon tightly. Rachel desperately called out to him, but he refused to listen, closing himself off completely.
Charles revealed everything to Madam, confessing how Rachel had been secretly diverting all the money she earned from her sales to him. This revelation infuriated Madam, and her annoyance with Rachel boiled over. She lashed out in anger, physically assaulting her.
If this is how you want to continue sabotaging my business, you and your brother should better call your uncle to come and take you both back… Madam scolded, her voice filled with frustration. I won’t let you people kîll me before my time, especially you, Rachel, with your stubbornness.” With her words still hanging in the air, striking Rachel forcefully across her face.
Rachel pleaded for forgiveness that she’d never try it again, but Madam would hear none of it. She ordered Rachel to sleep outside for the next two days as punishment. Not just that she also banned her from selling adding that she most follow her to the farm whether she’s fine or not. Rachel’s actions had ignited Madam’s anger, leaving her deeply upset.
During those periods Annie couldn’t gather money to buy bananas and oranges. The small business she was managing crash because of Rachel. Why? simply because, she was making sales but all the money were no where to be found. Anytime she sees Rachael by her sight she’s always annoyed making Rachael to completely avoid her.
Due to what Charles did, Rachel started having grudges with Charles and most times disrespecting him. When he’d call Rachel, she’d pay dêaf ears at times she’d yell at him.. Just leave me alone. Leave me alone! Don’t disturb me.
Charles would always see her sister crying at their backyard but anytime he questions her she’d yell at him.
When sister Joyce officially came to deliver them some foodstuffs as usual, Charles reported the issue to her and she called the three of them for a talk including Annie…
Rachel…
Ma… Rachel answered, frowning her face and tugging both hands on her legs.
