No Need for Apologies

Chapter one

It was dawn already when Zoe opened her eyes. She yawned and stretched out lazily on her bed, closing her eyes again, not yet ready to stand up and begin the new day. Her mother's voice brought her out of her fantasy.

She stood up abruptly from her bed pacing around in a daze not knowing what to do. Immediately she heard her parents door slam shut with a bang and heard running footsteps. She opened her door and peeked through she was just in time to see him pass to the sitting room.

Immediately she heard the front door shut. She knew they weren't seeing him throughout that day or maybe two, Zoe scoffed.

She opened her door widely and stepped out, she went to her parents room and there she saw her mother on the floor by the bed with her head on the pillow. She could tell from her position that she was crying.

Mummy, Zoe called softly. She felt like crying also. Why did their father keep on hurting her, this was a question she was getting tired of asking herself. Her mother did not deserve this.

Mummy, Zoe called again sitting close to her and touching her cheek.

Zoe, her mother called trying to hide her tears. What are you doing here?

Mummy you're crying, she answered.

It doesn't matter Zoe, her mother replied wiping her tears sniffling.

Yes it does, Zoe answered angrily. If not to him it matters us your children, Zoe said hugging her mother.

I don't know how much longer I can put up with him, I can't just stand by and watch him say s**t to you, watch him make you cry always.

You keep on saying it doesn't matter, you keep on begging me to keep calm, mum that man does not deserve the love you have for him, he does not deserve your affection, your respect. Mum f**k this African mentality that a woman has to stick with her husband forever, it doesn't matter whether she's been hurt, he is her husband and she's not expected to leave.

Zoe cringed hearing collins talk like that, she loved her mother and she felt her hurt also but she couldn't bear it if she left them, she would leave with her, the luxury and comfort did not matter to her.

He's still your father Collins their mother replied and you still have to give him that respect. Zoe I'm fine, she turned to Zoe holding her cheeks in both hands forcing a smile. Collins I'm fine she added.

Aren't you tired of putting up with him, Collins asked ignoring what she just said.

Your brother's coming home today she said with her forced smile.

For goodness sake, mum do not change the topic, Collins said almost yelling.

Zoe gave him a scared look, she didn't like him stressing the whole issue and making that statement she should leave them

Collins caught her looking seeing the fear on her face.

Collins there's no need talking about your father this morning, we have a busy day ahead. All will be fine.

Zoe could see that he wanted to say something but gave up and walked out.

There would be a time he would rebel, Collins thought walking out and his sister did not deserve a broken family. He would wait for the right time and who knows maybe with Nathan coming the man might change.

Zoe prepare breakfast so we can start our day, her mum said.

Zoe nodded obediently and stood up. She walked to the door, opened it gently and looked back she was just in time to see the worry on her mother's face.

Why can't she just have a normal family, she thought or was this how all family were always full of trouble.

No, a tiny voice said in her head. Not all Zoe not all.

Breakfast was eaten in silence no one made any attempt to start a conversation, thanks to dad Zoe muttered.