A HOUSE FULL OF SECRET
800 Words
CHAPTER 1
The sound of birds woke me up.
I slowly opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. My heart was beating fast.
The dream again.
I couldn't remember everything, but one thing was always the same.
Someone was calling my name.
"Kemi..."
The voice sounded so close, like the person was standing right beside me.
I sat up and rubbed my face.
"What does it mean?" I whispered.
"Kemi!" Mom called from the kitchen.
"I'm coming, Mom!"
I got out of bed and walked into the kitchen.
Mom was making breakfast.
"Good morning, Mom."
"Good morning, dear," she said with a smile. "Did you sleep well?"
I forced a smile.
"Not really. I had that strange dream again."
Her smile faded.
"You've been having that dream for weeks now," she said. "Maybe you should see a therapist."
I shook my head.
"I'm fine. It's just a dream."
"If you say so."
She smiled again, but I could tell she was worried.
"Now go and get ready for school before you're late."
I nodded and turned to leave, but I stopped at the door.
"Mom..."
"Yes?"
"Is Desmond coming here today?"
She let out a small sigh.
"Kemi, stop calling your father by his name."
I folded my arms.
"He's not my father."
"Kemi..."
"He isn't."
"Then who is your father?"
"I don't know," I replied quietly. "But I know it's not him."
Mom looked at me for a few seconds.
"Whether you like it or not, Desmond is the man who raised you."
"That doesn't make him a father."
"Kemi."
"He has never treated us like family."
"Enough."
Her voice became firm.
"I don't want another argument this morning."
I didn't say anything.
I went back to my room and got dressed.
When I came downstairs, the first person I saw was Desmond.
He was sitting at the dining table, laughing with Mom.
Amanda, my little sister, was laughing too.
Seeing him ruined my mood immediately.
"Good morning," Mom said happily.
I didn't answer.
"Come and eat before you leave."
"I'm not hungry."
"I'll give you money to buy something in school."
"I don't need it."
Before Mom could say another word, Amanda ran toward me.
"Big sis!"
She hugged me tightly.
"You promised me something."
I smiled.
"What did I promise?"
She pouted.
"You forgot already?"
I laughed.
"Tell me."
"A big lollipop and a teddy bear."
"Oh!"
I gently touched her nose.
"I remember now. I'll buy them after school."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
She hugged me again.
"You're the best sister."
I smiled.
At least someone in this house still made me happy.
Then my eyes met Desmond's.
The smile on my face disappeared.
"What is he doing here?" I asked Mom.
"He came to visit."
I looked at him.
"So you're finally tired of chasing other women?"
The room fell silent.
Desmond slowly stood up.
"What did you just say?"
"I asked if you're finally tired of cheating on my mother."
"Kemi!" Mom shouted.
"Stop."
I looked straight into his eyes.
"You abandoned us, yet you suddenly remember this house."
"Watch your mouth," Desmond said coldly.
"Why should I? Respect is earned."
"Kemi," Mom warned. I noticed her hands were shaking.
"No, Mom. Tell me I'm lying."
Desmond slammed his hand on the table.
"I am still your father."
I laughed bitterly.
"No."
His face darkened.
"I don't even think you're my father."
The next second—
Slap!
Mom's hand landed across my face.
I froze.
"Mom..."
"Apologize to your father."
I slowly looked at her.
"You slapped me... because of him?"
Amanda started crying.
"Big sis, please stop."
Desmond pointed at me.
"I told you this girl has no respect."
My anger exploded.
"Respect?" I shouted.
"You spend your money on other women while your family suffers, and you expect respect?"
"Kemi!" Mom screamed.
Slap!
She hit me again.
Tears filled my eyes.
Desmond walked toward the door, then stopped.
Without looking back, he said, "I warned you to train this girl. One day, her mouth will get her into trouble."
A chill ran through me.
Then he walked out.
The house became quiet.
I looked at Mom.
She was trembling.
"Why are you protecting him?" I asked softly.
She lowered her head.
"You don't understand."
"Then make me understand."
"I can't."
"Why?"
She looked into my eyes.
"If I leave him..."
She paused, as if she was afraid of her own words.
"He'll destroy me."
My heart skipped a beat.
"What do you mean?"
"I've already said too much."
She quickly wiped her tears and turned away.
At that moment, I knew she was hiding something.
Something big.
Something that had kept her trapped with Desmond for years.
I clenched my fists.
No matter what it takes... I will uncover the truth.
- Writer
