Secrets of the Past

THE PRESSURE

CHAPTER 2: THE PRESSURE

Mrs. Frank was now more focused on her job than ever, trying as much as she could to keep her promise of giving Kelvin a good life.

Kate was unusually bored at school that day, and it was becoming concerning. She tried her best to concentrate, but she couldn’t. Eventually, she gave up and just wished school would close early so she could go somewhere to clear her head for the day.

Kelvin got home that day and saw that his mother was back early. He was surprised.

"Don’t be," Mrs. Frank said, then continued, "We closed early today because there isn’t much work at the office."

"Alright, Mum. I have something to tell you," he said.

"No problem, but first go and freshen up, eat, then we can talk later. We have all the time in the world," she replied.

"Alright, Mum," he said, heading to his room while his mother focused on her laptop.

Kate didn’t wait for the driver to pick her up. She left for the beach without informing anyone and even put her phone on flight mode to avoid calls.

Back at Dr. Johnson’s house, everyone was worried when the driver reported that he didn’t see Kate at school, and none of her teachers or classmates knew her whereabouts.

Kate later returned home late. Her mother almost hit her out of anger, but her father stopped her. He took Kate upstairs so she could freshen up and eat.

"When you’re done, call me. We need to talk," he said before leaving her room.

Kelvin later told his mother about the shortage of teachers at his school.

"They got better jobs and left," he complained.

Mrs. Frank became lost in thought upon hearing this.

"Mum!" Kelvin called, tapping her gently.

"Yes, son," she replied.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Oh, I’m fine, son. It’s alright. I hope one day I’ll get a better job in the city so I can put you in a very good school," she said with a smile.

"Yes, Mum. I hope so. Don’t worry, our wish will come true," he said.

"Give me a hug," she said, and they embraced each other.

Mrs. Johnson kept thinking about everything that had happened that day. She stepped outside to call her friend.

"Hello, Mercy," she said, explaining the situation.

"Why don’t you just open up to your husband and explain why you don’t want your daughter to mingle with anyone?" Mercy asked.

"Never!" Mrs. Johnson replied sharply.

"You know nothing is hidden under the sun," Mercy said.

"Yes, there is—and this particular one, I’m taking it to my grave," she said angrily before hanging up.

She went back inside, acting as if nothing had happened.

When she got to her room, she saw her husband going through her bag. He had just taken out some files when she walked in. She quickly snatched the file from him and closed her box.

"Oh, honey, what are you looking for in my bag?" she asked, trying to hide her worry.

"I was looking for some documents," he replied.

"Have you forgotten you kept them in the drawer?" she asked.

"Oh! Thanks," he said as he found them and left for the sitting room.

Mrs. Johnson then thought about how to get rid of those files. They contained detailed information about Kate. She knew she needed to meet a good doctor who could alter the information perfectly before she destroyed the originals—and she was ready to pay any amount for it.

Later that night, Mrs. Frank checked her email one last time and saw something shocking. She couldn’t believe her eyes. She quickly called Kelvin to confirm the message—and it was true.

She jumped with joy and hugged her son. After all the stress, struggles, and moments of doubt, it had finally worked out.

She quickly picked up her phone and called Stephanie, while Kelvin ran to his room, overwhelmed with happiness. He couldn’t believe that his life was about to change for good, a big smile lighting up his face.

Dr. Johnson’s mind drifted back to what had just happened in the room after he went through the file, but he brushed it aside. “Maybe it’s nothing,” he muttered as he walked toward Kate’s room.