Between the Sun

Scattered lines

Chapter 3

          “Mama” , a voice called aloud waking Ann from a deep sleep .

Ann couldn’t be mistaken ,that sounded like Sam . She searched round about her but couldn’t find anyone .         “Mama!” ,this time her heart was troubled, her boy is probably lost and calling out for her .

          “Sam ! Hold on, Mama is coming okay .Don’t be scared I’ll find you “ ,She stood up hurriedly into a brightly lit room ,”Sam where are you ? Mama loves you ,come out from hiding “

                     She could hear him giggle but couldn’t find him . While trying to seek him out she immediately caught a glimpse of his boots ,same boots she got him for his birthday .Moments later he just seems to have disappeared from where she thought he was . What could be happening ? Where could they be ? This place looks nothing like Dutse ,the calm here is something different from what she had ever seen or imagined .The bright light, firmament ,the wind blew peace like she was at a mountain top and at the same time like the breeze of the ocean ,it was beautiful . She stood for a while admiring where she was when she felt someone grab her forcefully by the shoulder as if bringing her back to life ,”Sam is that you ?”

            “No mum ,its me Eunice . I had to wake you up ,you’ve been calling out Sam from your sleep “ ,She looked at her mum with so much concern . She blames herself for what had happened .If she had delivered the flowers herself ,Sam would still be alive . Seeing her mother in such state broke her even more ,she couldn’t fight back her tears

“Mum ,I’m sorry . Its all my fault ,I shouldn’t have …”

“Shhhh,come here! Sam would be fine, you did nothing wrong . He’s not dead, God gave me a sign “ ,pulling Eunice to the bedside and hugged her tight .

“Don’t ever blame yourself ,okay “

“I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to mickey “

Eunice held on to her mother tightly and she looked at Sam and tears rolled down her eyes ,She closed them tight to prevent her eyes from pouring out an ocean of tears and wrapped her arms round Ann like she didn’t want to ever let go .

After a long minute of silence ,Ann lifted up Sam’s hand and beaconed to Eunice so they could have a short prayer together in faith ,hoping a miracle would happen . Eunice let out a soft sigh reaching out to hold Sam when a knock at the door interrupted their prayer .

“Anna?” ,the visitor asked making sure she was in the right room

“Yeah come on in “

“Aunt Ellen !”

Eunice jumped to hug the visitor at the door ,while Ann looked like she had seen a ghost

“Ellen ,you’re here ?”, Ann asked with curiosity

“yes I am . I know I shouldn’t be here but I couldn’t help it .I was there when you fainted at the scene ,I called out your name but got no response so l I called the attention of the police man “

“uhmm thank you but we’re all fine “ ,Ann didn’t hide her expression ,She wanted her gone immediately

“I know you don’t wanna see me so I’d leave . I brought you a little something and I hope you accept please “, Ellen reached out to her purse and brought out an envelop , “its just a little something to help with the bills ,I know its small but just take it “

           Ann looked at the envelop with disgust ,” Thanks Ellen but I won’t be needing it . I don’t won’t no one coming to my door harassing myself and the kids “.

“ Ann, we aren’t kids anymore ,that was in the past and I’m sorry. I’m a better person ,a Christian just like you. I don’t wanna preach but we’ve been taught severally to forgive and forget “

“I’m happy for you Ellen . I really am happy to hear that but I can’t accept it . please leave ! “

Eunice could sense the feud between her mother and Aunt Ellen but she has always known Aunt Ellen to be a good person ever since she was a kid, at least from all what she had been told . Whatever happened must have hurt her mother deeply but that shouldn’t stop her from taking the money they really need to save Sam .

“Mama just take it ,we’ve got no money to pay up these bills ,please ! “ ,she hugged her mother by the waist but Ann stood stiff

“listen to the kid , I’d just drop it here if you won’t take it . Ann, I’m truly sorry about what happened between Louis and I “ ,she dropped the envelop and left .

               Ann stood silent ,a lot of sad memories flashed through her mind . Ellen was a neighbor and a friend she shared most of her problems with . She would always advice Ann to bare with Louis’s troubles even when he gets drunk and beats her up . One afternoon ,after dropping two year old Eunice at her babysitter’s, Ann rushed home to get some items she needed at work . It was typical of Louis to be home at that time doing nothing or gambling with friends in the living room but this afternoon was different ,from the footwear at the entrance of the house she could tell he brought in a woman .

     “ Louis ! I’m home “ ,she called out as she sat to rest her back for a bit . She got to response ,the whole place was quiet and that was unusual especially not with footwear at the doorstep .Even while she was pregnant she still cleans up his mess around the house, he cares less if she is stressed or not . This time it looked like he got his visitor some small chops and a bottle of whiskey which was already empty ,something he has never gotten her all their lives as a couple ,the room reeks of alcohol . She bent gently and picked up every piece of dirt and quickly rushed to the bedroom to get the files she needed .

She opened the door gently ,unsure of the sound she could hear . Her eyes almost popped out from what she saw . If she could make a wish ,she’d sure wish she could go blind or have an accident and lose her memory. Louis brought home a woman to their bed room without any fears . She fought so hard to breath just so nothing happens to the baby . She wasn’t so surprised that Louis would bring home one of his play girls but she never expected it to be Ellen. Louis didn’t look remorseful a bit but Ellen in shame hid her face under the duvet .That was the last thing she remembered before she woke up at the hospital. Flora was the nurse who attended to her ,

    “Oh ,you’re awake Ann “, she said checking Ann’s temperature. “you need to rest more Ann ,Louis isn’t worth all the trouble .Look what he’s done to you and he’s sure out there gambling or selling drugs .Anyways ,you’re doing fine ,no internal injuries ”

        Ann buried her face in her palm in confusion and sobbed . It wasn’t Flora’s words nor what had happened ,her abdomen hurts real bad ,so much that she could telll something had happens to the child,

“And my baby ?,she finally asked fighting back the urge to cry the more

“Sorry Ann ,we lost them ,they were twins . You need to be strong “

“Twi…twins !”,she gasped for breath ,gnashing her teeth so hard . Louis had hurt her deep and she’d never forget this pain as long as she lived .

Flora leaned close to her bed and kissed her palm ,” Ann I know what it feels like ,I’ve been there . Sometimes I feel its Gods way of punishing me for what I and George did to you . Nothing I say would comfort you ,nothing they said did when I lost my boy but you just need to be strong Ann . Get a divorce ,I can get you a job here at the hospital ,start a new life with your girl “

“its not that easy , Eunice is just two years old .I cant have my child see her parents go through a divorce, no!”

“Don’t be a fool Ann . where has this gotten you ,here ! The hospital God dammit “ ,Flora responded furiously but was careful in choosing her words wisely to avoid opening old wounds .

A short knock at the door interrupted their conversation ,“ Flora ,are you in ?“

“ Oh George come on in “ ,she responded with a smile

                    ‘George ? Why on earth is he here ‘ . Ann thought to herself ,she hasn’t seen George in years after he got married to Flora .She felt so ashamed he had to see her in such a condition ,Flora would definitely tell him about Louis ‘oh my ‘ . George could sense her discomfort when he looked straight at her

“Ann ,you’re here. So nice seeing you again .I mean not in that bed though but yeah “ , George sounded tensed .The last time he was between these two women it didn’t end so well . Seeing Ann brought him so much joy but he knew better than show it right before Flora .He didn’t ask questions pretending to be unbothered about Ann’s condition .

“uhmm George, why are you here ?” Flora asked breaking off the short silence

“yeah, yeah . I was gonna share some good news with you “

“And it couldn’t wait till I’m home. You’re never around here much so it has to be a really great news “

“yeah ,I got the letter ,to transfer here “

                Flora jumped for joy as if she was reaching for the skies and then reached out to hug him . They always talked about his transfer to Dutse City Hospital so they could run the hospital together .But to George ,it was a means for him to mend his marriage after the series of heartache they’ve been through . Its been years they lost their child before birth. Ever since that event ,Flora always fought to stay happy each day . she always had a smile on her face but deep within she was really broken and he knew that . Having her in his arms right now was the best thing he has felt in so long .

(Ann coughs)

“And yeah George ,well Ann would be joining us at the hospital too ,that’s if she takes the offer .”Flora smiled comfortably even though she knew it was a wrong move on her part knowing the history between these two .She turned to hug George again giving out a sign to Ann that George belonged to her now .

Some years back ,that used to be Ann in George’s arms ,a part of her hates Flora but she couldn’t help but forgive . After a few nights she recovered fully having her parents pay the hospital bills again Flora’s offer of free treatment .She returned home with Eunice to stay at her parents while she sought means to get back on her feet .

Months later, Louis came begging Ann to return home with him after abandoning her at the hospital for days .He gave excuses

“I swear on our child’s life ,I came back but your goddamn friend won’t let me in .Her husband even hit me in the face “

“what? I mean who,George ?”

“I guess that’s the name of that son of a b***h ,He’s screwed “ ,Louis was furious

“No don’t !”

“what? Why do you care what I do with scumbags like him . By the way, I’m surprised your dad isn’t out with a gun to throw me out of this old place you call a house “,he spat on the ground in disgust

“You should leave .Even if you don’t ask ,Eunice is fine too .Now leave !”

“uhhhhhhhh feisty, I’m scared “,he laughed hysterically

“Mum and dad will be back soon .I don’t want Eunice seeing you around no more “

“Sure but if you don’t cone back in three days ,I’d pay that George guy a visit and trust me you won’t like it “

“How can you be so heartless Louis ,he’s done nothing wrong to us “

“ Three days my love ,I’ve missed your soft skin so bad . Can’t wait to make you call out my name while we make love like magic “, he pulled her hair and dragged her close .

(Ann groans in pain )

“Stop it please I beg you . Leave us alone “

“That’s it ! You always want me to hurt you like I’m the bad guy . I can’t leave you because I love you Ann “. He kissed her forcefully and pushed her to the ground “Three days or he’s gone “. He blew goodbye kiss and vanished.

         Moments later her parents returned with Eunice after a long day at the play ground. They returned with news about Louis and some drug Lord .

“Ann honey ,I’m happy you came to your senses about that God forsaken boy . Your dad heard some news about him “

“Welcome mum .Dad. “

         They were old but they can tell when their daughter had something on her mind . She wasn’t good at containing her feeling especially in times when she was deeply hurt . Her mother didn’t butch thinking Ann’s mood was a means to change the conversation. she was in a hurry to tell Ann all that was going on in town .

“He’s run into some debt with the big drug guys and they’re after him . The police seems to have something on him too .” ,her dad finally said waiting for her to say something but Ann was quiet .

“I’m going back mum “, Ann fixed her eyes on the ground avoiding the crazy gaze of her mother who looked like she wanted to tear her daughter in two

“where honey?”, Mr McDain asked unsure of what she said

“I’m going back to Louis . I’ll get a job ,Flora offered me one you don’t have to worry .Don’t mind the news ,Louis is a good man !”, she hurriedly responded not waiting a second for anyone to say a thing

“Are you mad ? What has come over you . I didn’t raise you to be this stupid ! What ! You want your kid to see you go through so much pain ? How about me ,your mother ? Is this a joke ?”

              Ann haven’t seen her mother this raged all her life ,not even at the time her mother found out about her dad’s affair with another woman. This wasn’t going to be easy ,it wasn’t an easy decision for her either .If Louis can raise his hand against the mother of his child ,how much more an unknown fella like George who was like a puppet to Louis .There was no way out of this ,not even the police can help with all their futile search for evidence against him and his drug dealing business .

“I’ve decided ,I’ll be leaving with Eunice tomorrow “

“No you don’t ! You can go to hell for all I care but not with this child .You got yourself into this mess so you go fix it. Go kill yourself ! I can watch you kill yourself out of stupidity but not my grandchild !”

“Listen to your mother Ann ,stay here please. I’ve made wrong choices in the past and I regret it. Think about it Ann “

“You both think its easy for me ? I’ve thought about it hard .Louis was here to…”

“what ? That bastard, I knew you wouldn’t just taka such decisions .He should have stayed longer so I can get my hands on him .No one messes with my child,my only child “

“ Dad stop ! Don’t make this difficult “

“ If you leave Ann ,you leave me no choice but to curse you “

“As it is mum, this family has already been cursed . Curse me ! It changes nothing “.

              Ann grabbed the little child by the arm and went for a walk , she can’t bear to see her mother in so much hurt . She was sure her father won’t let her return to that house if Louis messes up again but Ann was willing to take her chances . She carried Eunice on her arms ,though little but the child could sense the trouble in her mother’s heart .The child could barely speak but that instant she did without difficulty,

“Mummy, house “,the child shook her head in hesitation

          Ann cupped Eunice’s face to her neck and put her to sleep . Why should the little girl have to worry about what she went through. This wasn’t the kind of life she wanted her child to live in,its probably best to leave Eunice with her parents . Ann walked about the neighborhood till almost mid night . thinking about what to do and what not’s .On reaching home ,she expected world war 2 from her parents but found them sitting calmly in the living room .Her mothers eyes were all swollen up from crying all day but her father sat patiently waiting for Ann to say something and she did after studying their faces for a while .

“I do not wish to hurt you mum but you have to trust my decision “

“Ann ,you can go . You have until tomorrow to pack up but you are not leaving with my grandchild .Your mother and I have decided . Once you find something decent doing and can prove you are capable of taking care of my grandchild ,only then will you have custody .”

“Okay”

“And promise you’d come at least once a month to see Eunice “

“Okay dad ,I promise “

“And another thing .You can always come back once you realize you’ve made a mistake “

“okay “

Her mother looked at her in disbelief, she didn’t expect it to be that easy .She knew how much Ann loved her child ,but for some reason she’s willing to let her go . Somehow ,she pitied her daughter.

‘Okay', those were her last words to her parents .She left early the next morning at a time no one would notice she was gone . She made no mistake in going to see Eunice because her heart won’t let her leave the little child.

                    Several years passed and Ann kept her promise by seeing Eunice once a week whenever she got the chance without Louis knowing . Things turned sour when she found out she was pregnant with Sam ,Louis denied being responsible claiming George was the father after . It became the latest news in town, Flora regretted giving Ann a chance to work at the hospital .

One cold evening ,it all happened like a dream .Ann returned from work and everything was gone – everything. Louis had robbed her of all she had and Ellen came claiming rights over the house on a debt for which the house was collateral. Ann was homeless and confused but summoned the courage to call home in shame and they took her in .After the birth of Sam, she left to start a new life with both her children and continued to work at Dutse hospital ,but this time Flora made life miserable for her.

Its been years but to Ann it all happened the night before . How could people be so despicable and heartless especially the ones who are so dare to you .

“mum?”, Eunice placed her head on Ann’s breast like a child

“ You shouldn’t be around people like that ,how did you know her ?”

“well she told me you always dropped me at her place when I was a baby ,and she’s an aunt to Troy from school . She’s really cool .”

“ pffff , it runs in the family I guess . You were still a baby then ,you don’t remember a thing. Don’t believe strangers “

“ Yeah I was a kid ,I’m supposed to remember good people . Troy and aunt Ellen are good people and I believe them . Thank Goodness I don’t remember the man that hurt us this much “, Eunice responded with so much disgust.

They never spoke about him ,Ann made sure to act as both a father and mother to her kids ensuring they never miss out on anything .

“ don’t you say that about him. He’s sill your father young woman “ ,Ann ordered

“why mum ? Why ? You still love him ? You want him back ? As a kid I always heard Grandma and Grandpa talk about how much they miss you while you’re here in Dutse suffering for love . What has love gotten you ? What has he done to deserve that much respect from me ? “

“Shut up !” Ann raised her hand to hit her and immediately regretted it .She has never hit her daughter for as long as she lived but the anger that burned inside her was beyond her .

“Mum “

( Eunice sobs )

Eunice was right ,Louis didn’t deserve the smallest of respect . His name brought nothing but pain to them . Deep within, she wished she got a chance to change all the wrong decisions she made in the past especially with George .

Ann sat far from Eunice without a word . Ma’am Ferg came in shortly with flask containing some food .

“Ma’am Ferg, you really didn’t have to “, Ann returned the food even though her stomach grumbled

“from the sound I’m hearing ,you sure don’t need it . Silly ! Take it “

Ann blushed shamefully .Ma’am Ferg noticed the silence between them but wasn’t sure what was going on .

“ you two need to settle whatever you have on . It isn’t good for the boy you know . He needs strength to stay alive, its already hard for him as it is fighting for life don’t let some petty fight make you lose the little faith you’re fighting to keep . I’d take my leave now ,I think you should drop by at my place first before heading home “ ,She nods her head to Eunice as if sending a message and steps out .