Beneath The Quiet Moon

Chapter 2 – What's Mum's Secret?

Home at last, Valerie sat all curled up on the floor.. still shaken by the events she had encountered, she wondered helplessly how he knew her, what was her mum's association with this strange man and what secrets her mum could possibly be hiding from her.. her hands reached to touch the phone that was damaged by the men who'd nearly r***d her..

Two weeks later, she summoned the courage to leave for school..it was her final year in high school and she needed good grades to make her eligible for a scholarship in the university.. "Valerie" Fiona screamed.. bringing Valerie back to earth.. "where have you been? I tried to call you soooo many times, your phone's been unreachable.. even stopped at your old place but your Dad says you've been gone for weeks!"

Valerie briefed Fiona on everything that had happened, "oh my God! thank goodness you're safe, I was so worried".. "I'm fine".. Valerie said dismissively.. settling her head on the table, her mind wandered off.. she wondered if her Dad knew anything about it, the strange man didn't look like he was ordinary..

After class, she slipped away, making sure no one was following her..a little knock on her Dad's door and her step mother's face greeted her.. she never understood the woman and was therefore very careful around her..

"Dad" Valerie gave her Dad a small hug wishing everything could go back to the way it was, he asked for her well being and invited her to join them over for dinner, unable to refuse, she sat down quietly at the dinner table.. food untouched.. observing everyone present at the dinner table..

Finally together with her Dad, Valerie didn't think it was wise to tell him everything that had happened, particularly because of her step mother..the room was getting uncomfortable and tight for both parties.."I know you miss her" her Dad's voice suddenly cut through the silence, Valerie thought what a coincidence.. ever since her mum had died, her Dad never mentions her, "you're still so young, I get that you would never accept her, but for your safety come back home child"

"Dad, let's go to the woods together, there's something I need to speak with you about", Valerie said dismissing the topic of coming to live with her Dad and step mum.. her Dad a little confused agreed

On reaching there, Valerie explained how she almost got r***d and how someone had come to save her and this particular person happened to know her mum.. "Dad, was mum in any secret society?" Valerie's Dad looked just as confused.."none that I know of, Oh Valerie how long will you drown in sorrow.. you almost got r***d, can you at least come and leave under the protection of your Father, if not for anyone, please do it for your mum, she would never forgive me"

"Then why Dad? why did you marry that Fickle woman".. "Valerie! Not a single word, what has she ever done to you?"

Valerie's eyes reddened, why're you so blind? Valerie shrieked, the clouds began to darken in the woods.. frightening her.. she pulled her Dad's arm and they got out of the place..

Her Dad rented a small room not far from home so she could stay.. Valerie had other plans in mind for the next day..