A LIFE APART
EPISODE 2
WRITTEN BY RUKEVWE MERRY
Clara and Aaron’s search for their relinquished triplet had spanned sixteen agonizing years. Mirabel, Christabel, and Annabel were now teenagers, living vastly different lives.
Mirabel’s life with the Smiths had been a never-ending struggle. One fateful day, while running errands, she seized an opportunity to escape. She fled to her male friend’s place, leaving the Smiths frantic and worried.
Meanwhile, the orphanage made a groundbreaking discovery. While searching for documents, they stumbled upon Mirabel’s adoptive parents’ contact information. Eager to reunite Clara and Aaron with their lost daughter, they promptly informed the couple.
Clara and Aaron’s hearts swelled with hope as they visited the Smiths. But their excitement was short-lived. The Smiths delivered devastating news: Mirabel had run away three months prior, leaving no trail.
Unknown to Clara and Aaron, Mirabel’s life had taken a perilous turn. Without education or guidance, she fell into the clutches of exploitative individuals. They trained her in harmful activities, transforming her into a tool for their nefarious schemes.
SIX YEARS LATER
Six years had passed, and the triplets were now 23 years old. Their lives had taken vastly different paths.
Annabel, raised by Clara and Aaron, had grown into a disciplined and confident young woman. She had pursued a career in law enforcement and was now a respected police officer. Her parents couldn’t be prouder.
Christabel, adopted by Mr. Edwards, had spent years abroad studying law. She had recently returned to Nigeria, eager to make a name for herself in the legal profession. Her sharp mind and quick wit made her a force to be reckoned with.
Mirabel’s story, however, was starkly different. Still entrenched in a life of h@rm and deception, she had become a skilled th:ef.
She lured unsuspecting men to hotel rooms, only to stæl their valuables and disappear into the night. Her life was a dangerous cycle of cr:me and desperation.
One day, Aaron and Clara sat Annabel down in their cozy living room, their faces etched with a mix of guilt and determination. The warm sunlight streaming through the window seemed to fade into the background as they held hands, taking a deep breath before revealing a long-hidden secret.
“Annabel, we need to tell you something,” Clara began, her voice trembling. “You have two sisters, born on the same day as you.”
Aaron handed Annabel a faded photo. She stared at the image of herself, flanked by two identical babies, all three no more than three months old.
“Who are they?” Annabel asked, confusion etched on her face.
Clara took over, explaining how financial struggles and desperation led them to relinquish two of their triplets. “We were young, overwhelmed, and thought we were making the best decision for all of you. We couldn’t afford to care for three babies, and we believed giving two up for adoption would ensure they had better lives.”
Aaron chimed in, “We were wrong, Annabel. We realize that now. We were impatient and didn’t consider the long-term consequences. We’ve spent years searching for your sisters, but to no avail.”
Annabel’s eyes widened as the truth sunk in. “You gave them away?” Her voice shook with anger and disappointment.
Clara nodded, tears streaming down her face. “We did. And we’ve regretted it every day since.”
Aaron pleaded, “Forgive us, Annabel. We were blind to the h@rm we caused. Help us find your sisters and bring them home.”
Annabel’s emotions swirled. She felt betrayed, yet empathized with her parents’ past struggles. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” she asked, her voice laced with hurt.
Clara sighed. “We were afraid of losing you, of you h@ting us for our mistake.”
After days of anger and introspection, Annabel finally promised to help. “I’ll do everything I can to find them,” she vowed, determination in her eyes.
AT THE POLICE STATION
A frantic man, John, burst into the station, out of breath.
“Please, help! They’re r*bbing the SuperSave Supermarket!” John exclaimed.
The dispatcher sprang into action. “R*bbery in progress, SuperSave Supermarket, 3456 Main Street.”
Sirens blared as Officer Annabel and her team mobilized.
“Let’s move!” Annabel commanded.
They rushed to the scene, surrounding the building.
“Police! Freeze!” Annabel shouted inside the supermarket.
The r*bbers were caught off guard. Annabel’s team quickly apprehended three suspects.
Annabel approached the fourth, masked suspect, her gun drawn. They were alone in the aisle.
“Drop your weapon!” Annabel ordered.
The suspect hesitated, then surrendered. Annabel carefully removed her mask.
Their eyes locked. Annabel’s heart skipped a beat.
For the first time, she faced her identical triplet.
Annabel’s gaze roamed Mirabel’s face, her fingers trembling as she touched Mirabel’s cheek.
“You’re… my sister,” Annabel whispered, her voice trembling.
Mirabel’s eyes widened, but her expression quickly shifted to alarm.
Without a word, Mirabel pushed Annabel backward and made a break for the window.
Annabel stood frozen, shocked.
Time seemed to stand still.
“Wait!” Annabel cried, but Mirabel was already escaping.
Annabel didn’t move, her eyes fixed on the empty space where Mirabel vanished.
Moments passed.
Officer James tapped her shoulder, breaking the spell.
“Annabel! Annabel!” James called, concern etched on his face.
Annabel blinked, returning to reality.
“The… the suspect escaped,” Annabel stammered, pointing toward the window.
James’s expression turned stern. “What happened?”
Annabel hesitated, unsure how to reveal the astonishing truth.
“I… I need a moment,” Annabel requested, still reeling.
James nodded, radioing the team. “Suspect escaped on foot. Secure the perimeter.”
As the team responded, Annabel stood alone, her thoughts swirling.
She had found her sister, but she turned out a cr!m!nal
TBC
