RECALL
1329 Words
Chapter two Recall
I was so grateful and happy that i finally have something to eat for the day.
I Sat down in the kitchen, and started eating, I barely ate three spoons of rice when my stepmom appeared. Damn! I caused, she just appeared out of nowhere, with the look on her face, I already know what was going to happen.
"Who gave you the audacity to eat my food", where did you bring that food from, how did you find the key to the cupboard?, My stepmom roared like someone who's about to devour her prey.
Which of her questions do I answer first, I trembled in fear, not knowing what to say to her, I looked down out of fear of meeting her ferocious gaze.
I.. I.., I stuttered, and before I could form a sentence, a hot blinding slap landed on my face, my vision became blurred, I staggered. my Stepmom snatched the plate of food and poured it on me.
I knew she was going to do it. I felled down from her push, and she kicked me, "touch my food again and see what I will do to you" She sneered and left the kitchen.
I lay there crying and rolling in pains, to think there was food, yet she locked them all in the cupboard, what more can she do.
I slept off in the kitchen with the hunger and pains, not knowing how long I've slept I was woken up with a bucket of soapy water, Ahh my eyes, I screamed in pain. "you dirty pig, what are you still doing here, haven't you been hearing your name. It was my stepmom again, this time she came in with Betty and Rachel.
Fool are you deaf? my mother is talking to you, It must be Rachel, I couldn't see them, neither could I open my eyes, but I could tell their voices apart. The soap in my eyes was so painful that I dare not open my eyes.
I screamed in pains as someone forcefully grabbed my hair, "don't mind her she's just a pretender like her mom. Betty said, while grabbing my hair.
Stop it! Stop it! I said stop it, what's wrong with you guys, are you planning to kill her? Take your hands off her hair now, it was Michael, the aura in his voice could send shivers down one's spine.
Haven't you you guys done enough, what is it that this poor girl did, What's her offence?, That you all want to kill her in this house. for the fact that I kept quite doesn't mean I like what you're doing, Michael continued, neither do I support it. Let her be for once.
"Michael am I the one you're talking to like that? what gave you the nerves to talk to your mother like that?, so it has gotten to this extent of disrespect, because of this i***t, no problem, we shall see. Lynda said angrily and left, so did Betty and Rachel.
I hate Injustice, Michael murmured.
He gently led me out of the kitchen and helped me wash out the soap in my eyes.
You good? He asked. Yes am fine now, thank you. It's nothing he replied.
I bought you something to eat, don't worry my Mom won't bite you this time.
let me go and get it, one second, he said and left for the food.
Ann who was standing not too far from where I was sitting came and apologized.
Am so sorry sister, I didn't mean to put you in trouble, am so sorry for not helping you out, she said almost crying.
It's not your fault Ann, it's okay am fine now, I assured her. Ann wouldn't listen, she hugged me, and continued apologizing while crying.
Ann she's fine now, let her eat before you squeeze her to death, Ann and I laughed, despite being cold, Michael has a way of making someone laugh.
I took the food and thanked him. who knew he would buy porridge Beans and roasted yam, my favorite food. I pounced on the food and ate like someone who has been starving for weeks. and of course I haven't eaten any good food since Michael traveled out for his work.
He is the only one in the house that always buys food and snacks for me. each time Ann tried sharing her food, either her mom or her sisters would warn her not to, unless she wants to do all the work in the house.
As if am not the one doing all the works.
Here have some water, Michael said as he opened a bottle of water for me, while Ann carried the plates.
Rose you need to rest here, don't answer anyone that calls you to do any kind of work for them. Micheal said in a concerned warning tone. I nodded.
How was your work today, I managed to break the silence after ten minutes of no talking . It went well Rose, he replied, however I have some good news and bad news, all related to my work.
Uhmm... you can share the good news first. I said
Alright here comes the good news, I got a new job at an engineering company.
wow brother that's great news, Am happy for you, Congratulations. You can share the bad news now, I said, not knowing what to expect or guess.
I will be relocating to Tokyo, but it's not so soon in two months time, and I will be .....
what?! Tokyo? in two months time?
brother two months is too soon, I thought you would say in nine months time. I caught him off not wanting to hear the remaining bad news.
Are you not happy for me that I got my dream job in my dream country? He asked puting on a fake smile, Come on cheer up, I know it's going to be hard for you when I leave, I want you to know that you're my dearest little sister, and I love you so much. Micheal assured.
But I don't know if I can last in this house with all the things Mom, Betty and Rachel does to me.
when Daddy was alive, he made sure I eat three square meal a day, even though he couldn't stop my sufferings they were lesser when he was alive. He is gone and you will be leaving soon.
No one is telling me about my mom's whereabouts anytime I ask, it will definitely become unbearable for me, when you leave, I said in-between sobs.
It's okay, Don't worry I will come back for you, just wait, in the next two or three years, 1 will arrange your passport, so you can come over there. But I have a confession to make concerning your mom, she's alive and I think she misses you too, Michael said.
You mean my mom is alive?, why haven't she come to check up on me, I don't even know her, I don't have her picture, what if I've seen her somewhere, without knowing she's my Mom? there are so many things I want to ask her. she must hate me, for her not to show up in my life since.
Don't worry Rose, she must have her reasons, no parents hates their child.
Micheal said trying to comfort me.
Meanwhile my stepmom and her two daughters Betty and Rachel were busy talking behind our back.
Who knows what they are talking about that could be so interesting to discuss for thirty minutes, Lynda said Loud enough for us to hear.
Don't mind them, go inside and have some sleep, am here no one would dare to disturb you. Micheal said.
I stood up and headed to my room, ignoring My stepmom's angry stare.
****
After Two months, Michael traveled out of the country, and my whole world crumbled in hunger, excess work, and domestic violence.
- Writer
