Episode Two
765 Words
It’s been exactly two weeks since the unfortunate incident happened and each time I close my eyes; it still feels like it’s happening all over again. I haven’t been the same since that day. I have been having sleepless nights because of the nightmares I keep on having. I look so lean and tired. Frustrated with life. Thoughts of ending it all has crossed my mind more than once. My parents have been trying to get me to open up to them, but I can’t. I still feel so ashamed of myself. I’ve formed the habit of only leaving my room to eat. Thankfully we were on break so I didn’t have to worry about classes or so but school would be resuming in less than a week and id have to face the world again. I sigh as I go through text messages from my best friend Esther odunlade asking what’s wrong and why I wouldn’t see her or return her text messages. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t blame her or anything, I just don’t have the courage yet. I’m still reading her latest message when I hear a soft knock on the door.
Temilola: who’s there?
Mum: it’s me dear.
Temilola: oh, come in.
(my mum opens the door and closes it softly behind her)
Mum: how are you doing oko mi
Temilola: I am fine mummy (smiling weakly)
Mum: are you sure sweetheart? Your father and I couldn’t help noticing how you’ve been in the last two weeks? You know you can tell me anything right? I wouldn’t judge you or anything. I love you more than anything in this world. You and your siblings are my treasures. I would die if anything happens to you guys.
Temilola: yes, mummy (looking up to her trying to decide if I should tell her or not)
Mum: temilola? Did anyone hurt you?
( there’s an awkward silence, my mum moves closer to hug me and that’s all it takes, I break down!)
Temilola: oh mummy, they touched me. (still crying uncontrollably)
Mum: who touched you temi? Talk to me Omo mi.
Temilola: I don’t know. I don’t know! They cornered me and…. And… and…
Mum: and what? What happened? (looking scared already)
Temilola: I was r***d mum! I was r***d! (crying hysterically)
Mum: you were what?? Oh lord! When did this happen? How did this happen? Where did this happen? (stands up tears rolling down her eyes)
Temilola: I was coming down from esthers’ house and decided to pass through the shortcut because I was already late when two boys cornered me and forced themselves on me. I couldn’t do anything. I begged and begged and struggled! They wouldn’t stop. I eventually passed out. When I woke up, I was all alone violated. I struggled and found my way back home. You and dad wasn’t home. It was the night you guys went out for a dinner party. Brother tunji was out with his friends I think and folake was engrossed in the channel she was watching in the parlor so she didn’t notice me sneaking in.
Mum: Olohun o! Ah! Omo mi o! I'm so sorry this happened to you. I’m so sorry. How could this happen to my princess?! Ta ni mo sè( sobbing uncontrollably)
Temilola: mum calm down, there’s nothing anyone can do again
Mum: I should be the one consoling you not the other way around. How do you feel?
Temilola: I don’t know! Broken!
( my mum sits down near me and hugs me rocking me)
Mum: oh sweetheart! I don’t even know what to say!
Temilola: there is nothing to say really.
Mum: but why didn’t you come to me when it happened? Why?
Temilola: I thought you would blame me. I felt maybe it was my fault. Maybe if I hadn’t followed that way, it wouldn’t have happened. I felt angry and ashamed of myself. I thought you and dad wouldn’t love me no more! I thought… I thought… ( starts sobbing again)
Mum: how could you ever think that. You are our child! We could never stop loving you! Never! And its not your fault that those low lives couldn’t control their urges. They are animals! Nothing more. Do you think you are ready to tell your dad what happened to you? He has been worried sick.
Temilola: I’ve already told you. He deserves to know too.
Mum: yes, he does. Come cuddle with mummy, I love you so much my baby. ( kisses my forehead)
Temilola: I love you more mum!
..........
Meaning of the Yoruba words in this episode❤️
Omo mi.. My child
Olohun o... My God o
Oko mi... My husband
Ta ni mo sè... Who did I offend.
..........
Thank you as you keep on reading ☺️❤️
- Writer
