The girls club Episode 13

*EPISODE 13*

*FINAL EPISODE*
(THE GIRLS CLUB)

Philomena found herself walking through a beautiful and quiet flower garden. The environment was so calm and peaceful that she wanted to remain there for as long as she could. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. She quickly turned and was shocked to see her late mom walking up to her with a smile on her face.

“Mom?.” Philomena called out in her heart as she stood confused and curioused watching her mother walk closer till she got to where she was standing.

“How have you been my child?.” Her mother asked with sadness in her eyes.

“Mom?? It’s you…” Philomena said in disbelief as she embraced her mother in excitement.

“It’s me my child.” Her mother said embracing her while she stroked her hand through her hair.

“It’s nice to see you again after so many years.” Philomena said in excitement. Then she remembered that her mom was already dead. “Wait a minute.” She said freeing herself from her mom’s embrace. “How am I able to see and embrace you? I thought you were already dead? Or am I dead too?.” Philomena asked curioused and confused.

“Relax my child. You are just in-between life and death.” Her mother revealed.

“Life and death? How?” Philomena asked confused.

“The more you stay here, the more you risk your chances of going back to your body.” Her mother said

“There’s no point returning cause no one cares about me. There’s absolutely no one waiting for me back there mom. I want to remain here with you in this peaceful and quiet place. Far away from my problems.” Philomena said.

“Running away has never solved any problem. I made that same mistake. And I still regret my actions. I’m glad you didn’t end up like me who thought that killing myself or getting killed in that hell of a marriage was the solution to my problems. I didn’t think about my kids and how my absence would expose them to lots of maltreatment and abuse. I should have voiced out like you did. Not minding what people would say. If I had walked away with you girls, then you wouldn’t have gone through all the afflictions you’ve been through because you were trying to become a mother to your younger sisters. I deprived you of living your own life like every other 16 years old children out there. What kind of mother abandons her responsibilities on the shoulder of her little girl? You’ve suffered a lot because of my irreversible mistakes. I urge you to go back for victory is already yours. Don’t run away like me. For you will regret it.” Her mother said with tears in her eyes.

“Mom…have you been watching over us all these years?.” Philomena asked with tears dropping from her eyes.

“Yes child….I’ve always been there with you when you struggled and battled to be freed from the hands of Lawrence. I watched helplessly when my little girl got defiled by that beast. I watched when you had to beg for freedom. I was there with you all through your journey my child and I believe that’s how every mother who left their kids behind, followed their children around helplessly. After I died, I came to realize that we don’t get to appreciate the gift of life till we’ve lost it. It broke my heart to watch you go through hell and I couldn’t be of any help to you. I tried holding you several times but I couldn’t. I tried comforting you several times but I couldn’t touch or embrace you. Then I realized how precious and valuable the gift of life was. I regret ever taking my own life. I thought that dieing would bring end to my anguish but I was wrong. Death introduced me to a new chapter of anguish. If only I had known, I would have walked out of that marriage with my life intact. Then you wouldn’t have gotten into all these in the first place. Please forgive me my child. For leaving you with such heavy burdens. I’m sorry for running away from my responsibilities as your mother. I’m sorry for chosing death over life. I’m sorry for being concerned about what people would say rather than how to protect my kids.” She said sobbing.

Philomena could not say a word. She just embraced her mom firmly crying profusely.

“It’s okay my child. I learnt my mistakes very late. You need to go back and tell other victims of sexual violence and domestic violence that it’s more honourable to voice out and walk away with your life intact than dieing with your mouth closed. Tell them to put their lives first. Tell them that it’s more honourable to be a living divorcee than to go six feet below the ground because of marriage. Tell them that marriage or relationship is not a do or die affair. Tell them it’s best to leave when it gets toxic in order to protect their psychological and mental health. Tell them that in as much as the society frowns at divorce, there is no award for a woman or man who died trying to remain in their marriage. Marriage is meant to be enjoyed and not endured. I regret leaving my kids behind because I wanted to protect my image. Because I didn’t want the world to judge me. Whereas, the world would surely judge me regardless. If they don’t want to divorce, then they can separate for sometime while they keep praying for a change. Tell them not to ignore the early signs in their relationships. A man who hits you in a relationship will finish you in marriage. And as for you my child, I want you to start living for yourself now. Go out there and find happiness. Live your life and pursue your own dreams. Whenever things gets tough, you are free to cry out for help. I wish you well my child.” She said smiling at Philomena.

Back at the hospital, tears dropped from Philomena’s eyes as she moved her finger again for the first time after being in coma for two months. She opened her eyes and found herself lying on the hospital bed with her sisters beside her. They quickly alerted the doctor as soon as they saw her opened her eyes.

* * * * * * * *

A month later, Lawrence and madam Flora appeared in court. After listening to other victims confess to Lawrence sexual violence, and illicit drug abuse, coupled with the drugs they found in his house, the judge sentenced him to life imprisonment for sexual violence that involved both genders (male and female), for illicit drug trafficking with a fine to compensate the victims. Madam Flora was convicted for sex trafficking that also involved young girls below the age of 16 and for intentionally aiding her son in sexual violations and at the end, she was also sentenced to life imprisonment with her business properties (prostitution houses)seized.

A year later, Philomena was made the leader of the girls club. She used the club as a medium to reach out to women and girls who were going through different forms of violence in their relationships and marriages. She made the group accessible by all. Both rich and poor. Natasha came to her and apologized for always attacking her in the group. Of which Philomena forgave her. Vera has given birth to a cute baby boy after getting married to her school boyfriend. Their marriage was sponsored by Philomena who gave them financial support that was enough for them to start up a business of their own while Vera continued schooling.

Philomena had the privilege to travel back home to see her grandma once again after being away from home for 5 whole years. She was free at last and had the privilege to dream again.

Meanwhile, Joshua heard that Philomena would be hanging out with her family at her beach house like she had always wanted. So he got dressed and was about driving out when cynthy came in through the gate.

“Cynthy is that you?. My goodness it’s been a while. I can’t believe a whole year has passed already.” Joshua said as soon as he saw her.

“Yes Josh. Time waits for no man you know.” She replied smiling.

“Yeah that’s true. So what brings you here?.” He asked curioused.

“I’ve come to apologise for the way I mistreated you in the past. I just realized that, you were the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never realized how much love you’ve shown me till I left. I’m really sorry for comparing you with different guys. The truth is that, you are special Josh. You are unique and your type is rare to come by. I just came to ask for your forgiveness.” She said

“Come on, it’s fine. I believe everything that has happened was for a purpose. Cause my disappointment has turned into a blessing already. All I will say to you is, don’t ever make the mistake of comparing your next partner with other guys. Don’t let social media display of affection make you belittle the efforts of your partner who sincerely loves you. And I pray you find your type of man soon. I was actually on my way out for a family hangout before you came.” He said.

“Family hangout? But I thought none of your family members lives in this town.” Cynthy said.

“Actually, my soon to be family are in town. Take care dear.” He said starting his car engine.

At the beach house, Philomena was eating with her grandmother, her sisters and her brother in-law (Vera’s husband) when Joshua Walked in.

“Look who we have here!.” Vera shouted waving at Joshua who smiled as he walked in.

“Son in-law you are welcome. Please make yourself comfortable and join us.” Philomena’s grandmother said pointing out a seat for him.

“Son in-law? Grandma…!.” Philomena said not believing her ears.

“Did I say anything wrong?.” Her grandmother asked. They all burst into laugher.

“It’s obvious that he is in love with you big sis. When will you stop playing hard to get?.” Luisa asked.

“Look at this one talking about love. What do you know about love?. Big sis I hope you can hear her talk?. My own is, you better not get pregnant like me.” Vera teased.

They all burst into laugher.

Later that evening, Joshua was standing by the sea side watching the sea wave when Philomena walked up to him with a chilled can drink.

“Enjoying the view?.” She asked walking up to him.

“Yes. Someone once told me that she liked how peaceful and quiet the sea was. And she wished her life was as peaceful as the sea.” Joshua said.

“And finally, her life is now peaceful. Thanks to you and everyone who stood by me through it all.” Philomena said handing the drink to him.

He collected the drink from Philomena and opened it. After sipping from it, he took a deep breath and continued.

“So finally, you’ve fulfilled one of your wishes. How about the others?.” He asked looking at her.

“It’s been a year and you still remember my wishes?.” Philomena asked amazed.

“Of course. I have a sound memory you know.” He said laughing.

“Whatever. You are just looking for every opportunity to hype yourself. Anyways, I’m glad I’ve accomplished one of my wishes. Right now I’m left with two other wishes. To go camping with my family, and to go on a real date.” She said.

“What happened to your dream of becoming a doctor?.” He asked curioused.

“I will be working on that this year. And I will need to refresh my memory a lot. My brain has been through a lot already.” She said.

“Yeah that’s right. Then how about I fulfill your third wish?.” Joshua asked turning to her.

“Which is?.” Philomena asked.

“Taking you out on a real date. And letting you know how it feels to be sincerely loved.” He said.

“Wait a minute. Are you indirectly asking me out or something?.” Philomena said smiling.

“What would be your response if I were to ask you to marry me?.” Joshua asked gazing into her eyes.

“That’s a tricky question Joshua. What are you doing?.” Philomena asked smiling.

Before she knew it, Joshua went down on his knees and proposed.

“Please Philomena give me the opportunity to teach you everything you wish to know about true love and friendship. I will be honored to spend my life with you. I want to be the man you can always get loosed with. I want to be the man you can lean on. I want to be that man you can always count on cause I will never let you down. I know you need more time to heal completely from your past but I’ve patiently waited for a whole year yet it feels like I’ve waited for a decade. I don’t think I can stand waiting any longer. Please be my wife and the mother of my unborn children.” Joshua said stretching forth the ring before her.

“Joshua……” She said in shyness not knowing what to say or do.

“No more excuses and restrictions Philomena. This young man can no longer wait to make you his.” Joshua said with sincerity in his eyes.

“I’m sorry Joshua I can’t do this please. Not now.” She said.

She quickly turned and walked away. Leaving Joshua heartbroken and disappointed. He remained kneeling with his head bowed in shame and disappointment. He quietly stood up and turned to leave when Philomena ran back to him.

“It was a prank….! I got you… !.” She said laughing at his reaction to her rejection.

“You silly girl. How can you joke with matters of the heart?.” He asked smiling with tears in his eyes.

Philomena pulled his head lower against hers. She kissed his forehead and said.

“I don’t think there will be any man worthy of my heart except you Joshua. And yes. I will marry you.” She replied smiling brightly at him.

“You know, smile looks good on you.” He said admiring her beautiful smile.

“What are you doing? Slip the ring into her finger already.” Vera said walking towards them with the others.

“How did they know about this?.” Philomena asked surprised.

“I told them before coming. Dumb head.” Joshua teased.

“What? I can’t believe you all fooled me.” Philomena said still in shock.

Joshua didn’t hesitate to slip the ring into her middle finger and they embraced each other warmly.

“Big sis. You deserve everything good in life. And I hope this new found joy of yours will last till eternity.” Vera said in her heart while fighting back tears.

“You’ve always put our happiness first. I hope that your new found happiness will never seize. Cause you deserve everything good in life.” Luisa said in her heart as well.

✌️ THE END.✌️

THANKS FOR READING TO THE END. DROP ONE LESSON YOU LEARNT FROM THIS STORY 💖

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