CHAPTER ONE
1482 Words
The Windows rattled violently as the wind got heavier and stronger causing me to jolt from my sleep.
Then I remembered…
“Oh the clothes…”
I sprung up immediately, although still feeling drowsy and headed for the dryer to get my clothes before the rain would start.
The chill wind brushed against my skin as I got outside causing me to shiver.
I Immediately packed the clothes into the basket one after the other before the rain would start
“Ugh finally,”
‘‘I muttered softly as I dropped the last basket of clothes inside the house.
Just as I was about to go in, the rain finally started.
*The next day*
The morning sun shone upon my face as it passed through the window. I could hear the honk from the cars, and chatters from the neighborhood.
I planned to get a little more sleep, but the noises outside just wouldn't let me.
“Urrghhh”, I stood up and stretched my body, exhausted from yesterday's event. I got up and headed to the kitchen to assist mom with the cooking.
“Good morning mom,”
“Morning, Soph”.
How was your night?” Hope u slept well.
Mom asked, as she continued preparing breakfast.
“Yes mom, I did.”
“Good morning, sis Sophia”,
Addy greeted in his usual cheerful mood as he continued setting up the dining table.
We all sat down and continued chatting happily over breakfast.
I took the plates back to the kitchen and got ready to go for my part time at MC chows restaurant.
Ever since I could remember, mom had always been the one taking care of both I and Addy ever since dad abandoned us. Addy was just a few months old then.
I could remember mom begging him with all her might not to leave us that night, but he still chose to go with his mistress and her child.
Mom became the breadwinner of our home. We had a lot of debts hanging over our heads, so I took it upon myself to assist mom. That was when I also decided to get a job.
Yesterday was extremely hectic as Valentine's Day was approaching, and the manager ordered us to decorate the restaurant in colours of red and white, which made me exhausted, after I reached home that night.
I got to work a few minutes earlier and met my colleague Aria already present there.
“Morning Aria, How was Ur night”?
“Morning Soph”,
“It was fine and especially cold.”
“The wind almost brought down my home.”
Aria said, in a rather amusing than serious tone.
“We both laughed.”
Just then, customers started coming in and I had to put on my uniform fast.
The restaurant was crowded that day, making me and Aria work tirelessly. I really couldn't feel my legs anymore.
“Hey Aria”, I called her name, from quite a distance.
“ I need to take a call". I told her, pointing to the screen of my phone as I stepped outside the restaurant.
I stared at my screen wondering and thinking of possible reasons why the debt collectors were calling me now. I had tried every measure possible to escape them. Well, not until we got their money back
I finally decided to pick the call and a husky voice called out my name causing me to shiver.
“Sophia Reynolds, long time no see.”
The man said, while laughing over the phone.
“Hello…. Who's speaking”?
“What can I do for you”? I replied to him with my voice shaking”.
“Well, I was around the area you know, and I decided to make a quick visit to your home hoping I'd see you there, but unfortunately, I only saw a cute little boy here.”
“I wonder if my money would come out if I took him with me.”
“Please”.....
“I beg you! Don't hurt my brother, I'm coming over now”. I said, as I pleaded in tears.
I cut the call and went into the restaurant to take a leave from the manager, after which I immediately ran home, with my heart pounding heavily and tears dripping down my face.
I reached home and saw that they had already smashed and scattered most things in the house.
“Welcome Sophia, didn't expect you would be here this fast”.
The man with the husky voice said with a crooked smile.
“Now, back to business. Where is my money!!”? He shouted, causing me to tremble.
“I….. I'm sorry, but….but I don't have your money yet,”
“Please…give me more time”. I said, as I knelt down crying and begging him.
Addy was also crying seriously.
A sharp pain spread through my scalp as the man yanked my hair.
“Don't play with my patience girl, I have given you and your mother enough time”. He said, while causing me more pain by dragging my hair harder.
I screamed in pain, and continued to plead with him for more time.
“Give me two months please… if I don't get you your money in the next two months, you can do as you please”.
I said, while silently hoping he would agree.
He released his grip from my hair gently and went towards my brother.
He brought out his dagger and passed it round Addy's face.
“Remember your words Sophia, you have two months. After that, don't blame me for what happens next”.
He said as he passed the dagger around an already trembling Addy.
He got up and left with the rest of his men.
“And also, say hello to your mom for me, okay”.
He said while smiling crookedly before he finally drove off.
A smile that irritated me.
I ran towards Addy who was already crying hard, and hugged him tightly.
“It's okay Addy, you're safe.” I said, as I consoled him while still scared myself.
I took Addy to the neighbors to stay. I had to go back to the restaurant, or I might get fired. I couldn't afford to lose the job now.
I put on my uniform and wore that fake smile like everything was alright with me, but Aria always knew how to spot when I was not alright.
“Hey, Soph what happened?”. Aria asked, looking at me with so much concern.
“Nah, it's nothing. Just some household problems.?” I said, still smiling at her.
She kept staring at me for a long time, and before I knew it, I burst into tears.
“It's okay Sophia. It's okay.” Aria pulled me in for a tight hug and rubbed my back gently.
I explained everything that had happened to me and she consoled me.
Aria had always had my back ever since I started working there and I also felt relieved that I was able to speak out my problems to her.
I got home that night, and explained everything to mom. I felt so bad for her because she was already working four jobs, but the money was still not enough.
She started crying and blaming herself for not being able to take care of us, but I and Addy just went over to her and hugged her tightly.
We wiped the tears up from her face and decided we would all push through this ordeal together.
We got up and started cleaning the house and thrashing all the objects that were broken. Just then, my phone buzzed inside my pocket and I took it out to see the notification.
“Arrrrrrghhhh!” I screamed out loudly.
“What is it,Sophia?” “Why the screams?” Mom asked, already feeling terrified.
“Mom, mom, look.” I ran to show her the message.
“Oh my God!” Sophia, congratulations.” “Your dream of attending a prestigious school has finally come, and you can finally go back to school.” Mom said almost in tears.
“The message reads….”
Dear Miss Sophia Reynolds, you have officially been given the scholarship to study at Westfield Academy. Click on the button below to accept the scholarship.
I applied for this scholarship two months ago, and I was already scared I wasn't going to get it.
In our joy, we had almost forgotten what had happened during the day.
I went to my room and lay on the bed looking at the ceiling and said to myself.
“It's time for another chapter of life.” And I slowly drifted off to sleep.
- Writer
