Episode 12
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Van filled the glasses with the white liquid as she sat back on the seat and continued.
My mum was passing through hell, when I came home in my third year, my mum was in a pretty bad condition. Her face was swollen and from the little she told me- my step dad did that to her. I was so angry and then Ahmed, Bike (from episode 1) and I came up with a plan because I knew that one day all this would be over and justice would prevail. I got the two a good Android phone so they would record future scenes of the battering without Chief or his son noticing…that would probably serve as exhibit in the nearest future.
I come home to receive numerous videos and to top it up, they recorded other scenes which included when Step dad killed his best friend right there in the living room. He asked his boys to dispose the body as usual while his son mopped the floor with a smirk.
I opened a separate folder on my system where I saved all the videos and photos so my ‘friends’ could delete the ones on their phones so they wouldn’t get into trouble. With Niks help, I got different flash drives where I copied everything into. In as much as Niks wanted to help as a law student, proved abortive as she was still an undergraduate.
I came back home after my youth service at Enugu state feeling fulfilled until my step dad decided to give my hand in marriage to his new found friend who was also ugly and mean too. When I sensed danger I refused. I got a job at the bank which kept me away from home most of the time and I thought I was free from the pressure of marrying a man old enough to be my father until that Sunday afternoon…
‘You’re evil! I have always done what you wanted all my life and just this decision, you don’t want me to make by myself?’, I shouted my voice echoing in the whole building.
Ahmed was recording!
‘Oh oh…Chief said laughing evily! I never knew you’ve grown wings that you now have the effrontery to talk back at me!’ He barked but I cared less.
‘You both are evil, I said pointing from father to son with n***d hatred moving an inch closer to them where they stood fuming. Unfortunately, my mother stepped in when my dad wanted to hit me, she was coming back from mass. She dropped her bag with fear as she sprinted towards me. Step dad calculated and shoved her as she landed on the tiled floor blood gushing out of her deep crack.
I called her but no one answered. Her body went pale, eyes closed and she breathed her last! I wailed shouting for her to get up, blood flowed! Then I. Left home that day I ran into you! My question now is why does God hate me this much? Why? My mother didn’t deserve to die- no- she just back from
Church the day she was murdered in cold blood
Step dad killed her! Step brother raped me!
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Episode 13
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Van was already weeping as she finished her sad story so also Sharon. Francis stood up to console her where she sat.
Her body shook more as Francis patted her shoulder, she leaned closer as she cried into his chest.
Sharon crawled to her and cried, ‘Aunty why should it be us every time?’ She said putting her hands on Van’s lap.
Van shot her head up at the question clearly surprised. ‘What do you mean? I should be the one to say that Sharon!
‘Aunty I am also a victim of sexual abuse!’ Sharon said and it was now Van’s turn to console her. I had an abortion which has disrupted my womb and now guess what the doctors said….when I finally want my own children, I can’t have them.
Van was still in shock when Francis continued
‘Yes Vanessa, that’s why I came home and mum will arrive tonight’
‘Who-di-id th-at to her’ van asked and her voice cracked.
My Aunty’s husband. I was to live with with them till I finish my SS 3 so I would continue my education abroad since mumu’s visa clicked faster. I couldn’t tell anyone because I was so ashamed and when I wanted to tell my aunt, she shunned me! She doesn’t listen and there was no way I could contact my mum plus I didn’t want to give her unnecessary headache.
But then Aunty Van, I met him, I met God who is filling the deep vacuum. He is good. He saved me, I might have died but he is asking for something to give my rapist- forgiveness but it is hard.
Aunty cone to him that I found and he that found me.
I loved him! But where was he when I needed him mist, I served him since I was a little child but he deserted me to suffer since I was young to put matters together! Van said shaking her head. And Francis you are good, kind and I don’t even know…I have always thought you are one of the kind but then you’re different and exceptional. Sharon you will great someday and because of that I receive him that you’ve found. And why not forget about the doctors report because I know the God you serve will not leave you and I strongly believe now that I have found him he won’t leave me to suffer.
Sharon was amazed at such an easy way she convinced her. She couldn’t say anything other than to hug her. And they felt an unusual peace. Tears ceased and smiles replaced the torment. She took turn to hug Francis and the door creaked open to admit Niks….
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