WALK ME HOME

CHAPTER 2

Helena’s uncle,Mr Graham,hugs her affectionately as he murmurs. “Helena what did you expect me to tell your mother? That you had disappeared? She wouldn’t have been at peace Helena. You don’t have to repeat this again.” He pulls away from her.

“She doesn’t love me Graham. If she did she and dad wouldn’t be doing this to me.” She starts shouting in the presence of Lucas,Leo,Louis(her 3rd oldest cousin who is just a year older than her;acts hostile to her) and Cromwell. “They are selfish. Why wouldn’t you tell me now that this is my permanent home and that mom wanted to dump me elsewhere until you insisted I rather come stay with you,hun?” She begins to panic. “Why you think I don’t know you’re just doing me a favor? Trying to cover up for your sister so that she’ll look like an Angel in my eyes? Uncle Graham,I love you so much and I acknowledge what you do but why would you ignorantly lie to me that mom loves me when you know that she was looking for a way to get rid of me,huh. And don’t you act so clueless Uncle. I overheard her conversation with you before she dropped me here. I just don’t want to ever meet her again.” She runs up to her bedroom crying bitterly.

Cromwell’s intension and move to follow up is stopped by Mr Graham.

“ And you Cromwell,thanks for your honesty but I’m highly disappointed in you. You could’ve called any of us to tell us what she planned on doing rather than siding with her decision because you ‘would do anything for her.’ You are maturer and you could’ve thought of a mature way to handle her in such a situation.” Mr Graham scolds. “And you Louis,acting nonchalant about everything,where were you and didn’t I ask you to keep her company all the time,huh?Didn’t I? You need to learn how to treat her as an older brother and so you’re grounded till I change my mind. I hope for you to be nonchalant about this too. Lucas,please can you go up to your sister and cheer her up. I notice you two getting along lately.” To Leo and Cromwell . “ And you talk to your friend. Cromwell,just as you skipped school with her ,be here with her tomorrow (Wednesday) till we all return. Mind you, act mature.” Mr Graham leaves them staring from one to another.

“ Man,how obsessed are you with my cousin? You made all of us miss school today bro. Only if you had been calm with her after the kiss,I would’ve been in school today doing same with Kristy.Damnit! Let’s go to my room and play some games though.” He grins.

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“Lucas,I feel lost. I want to forget about mom and dad. They both have hurt me so much. Like,how could they?” She sobs.Lucas sits on the floor as she has folded herself on the bed with heavy teary eyes. Lucas parts her hair and peck her on the forehead. He’s so worried about her he feels uncomfortable not being able to cheer her up. “Lucas,be honest with me. Do you love me being here or you’re tolerating me because of Dad? Don’t you lie to me?”

“Why would you ask such silly question Ena. You know I’ve loved you from childhood to the extent that I thought you were actually my sister and not cousin. Don’t forget the number of times I disturbed your parents at midnight only to have you come over so I can see you, and now that you’re here why should I pretend that I like you here when I don’t. It doesn’t make sense Ena. I’ve wanted you here for a very long time before this whole drama. You don’t realize my effort in trying to make you happy,Ena. Yes I know. I know that that Louis does not make you feel comfortable over here but trust me ,don’t look at him,look at Dad,Leo and I and I know that overtime,Louis will even get to love you more than even us. You’re our only lady and we desire earnestly to make you as comfortable as you would be at your home. This is your home Ena. You’re a Graham now. You’re my Ena Graham. And my little pinky is yours,remember?” Helena smiles and Lucas climbs into to the bed next to her and cuddles her till they both sleep.

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Helena knocks on the door to Louis’ room with fright.She knocks till the door is opened.

“What do you want Helena?”Louis asks cruelly

She stammers. “Umm I wanted to come and talk to you.”She looks down at her feet and stretches her hand to him with his phone in her hand.Louis takes it and shuts the door to her face without saying thank you. Helena breaks down and walks sadly to the kitchen.

She warms the pizza and take out of the fridge,a can of coca-cola and goes to sit in the living room,watching a Christian movie. Her phone rings. It’s Cromwell. She rolls her eyes and hesitates before picking up.

“Helle can I see you outside? I know it’s late cold but I wanna make things right. I don’t feel at peace and I’ve already spoken to your uncle that I’m here to see you so can you please come out?”

“Okay,fine. I’m coming.”

Cromwell opens the car door for her to sit at the passenger’s seat. She folds her arms across her chest looking at the street light. Cromwell breaks the silence. “ Ena,do you love me?”

Helena gives him a cross look that shows fear in her eyes. She remains still,staring into the eyes of Cromwell.She finally speaks. “ I don’t even know how I feel now to know what love feels like Cromwell. I just wanna do a lot of things that can help me take my mind all of these. Can you sleep over tonight? After all we’ll be left here alone tomorrow so why don’t you just sleep with me tonight so you wouldn’t bother driving all the way here again tomorrow morning?”

“Helena. Fine.”

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Lucas knocks on the door of Helena the next morning. Getting no response he opens the door and Helena wakes up in shock covering her body with her blanket. “ LUCAS!” She exclaims which wakes Cromwell up sits up shirtless with a shameful face.

Lucas ignores Helena. “ Cromwell what are you doing in my sister’s bed,shirtless,huh? What is going on between the two of you? And why are you half naked Ena? Cromwell come to my room

And let’s talk before my dad sees you two like this.” Cromwell looks at Helena with an ‘I told you so’ expression.

“ Cromwell what is wrong with you,huh? You know she’s underage. You know you’re 4 years older and you could get arrested. She’s a virgin Cromwell. She’s already depressed and you want to make it worse. How do you think she’s gonna react if she finds out you have a girlfriend? Do you wanna play her or what? If you love her then break up with Gabriella and wait for her till she’s eighteen. What is wrong with you?”

“ Lucas I’m sorry. We just made out. She wanted to go further. She pleaded me to go into her but I said no. She got pissed off and slept off without putting her clothes off. I don’t mean to hurt her Lucas. I really love her but she’s young and I feel bad. And yes I already broke up with Gabriella. But I promise you to avoid Helena as much as possible cause I honestly find it difficult say no to her. I’m sorry.”