THE COME BACK

In the dark woods; lying weak and helpless was a young girl, with blood all over her face and between her thighs. The only sound that could be heard was the chirping sound of the night birds. Fear gripped her. she had no idea of where she was. Her blurred vision could not give her a clear sight of where she was. But the Cold ground, dry leaves, hard trunks, and moving branches of trees caused by the cold wind that blew around them, gave her an idea of where she might be. She shuddered from fear and cold, knowing that she was in a forest. She tried to stand but the pain in her stomach brought her down on her knees. They had kicked her so many times on the stomach. She couldn't understand why she was still alive. She had wished for death, prayed for it, closed her eyes in anticipation of it, and tried to welcome the silent and sweet feeling of death. But instead of dying, she had woken up to the pain of reality. Being alive was supposed to be a gift from God. but lying helpless in the lonely forest, she cursed herself for being alive. when she saw that her legs were taking her nowhere, she stopped struggling and laid quietly on the cold ground, waiting for some wild beast to use her as its dinner. she would be very willing to sacrifice herself, but thinking of it again, she cried in fear, afraid of the pain that would come with her skin being shredded into pieces. just then, as she was still panicking, she heard the sound of a moving vehicle. That brought back in her the strength to survive, the hope of living, the courage to escape, with the new thought that she may not be far from civilization, she scurried on her feet, ignoring the pain, she took one step at a time in the direction to where she heard the moving vehicle. Another vehicle passed and she hurried her footsteps. She walked, though exhausted until she could no longer feel the cold soil under her feet but the new feeling of tarred road. She cleared her eyes for a brighter vision and not far away stood the building of the Methodist Church. A smile came across her face, a smile she never dreamed of having. she breathed a sigh of relief knowing that she knew where she was. she clutched her hand on her bleeding side and made her way to the church. After some minutes of walk, she came to stand at the front of the church building. she looked at the engraved words on the building saying the Methodist Church. And when she was about to take a step towards the entrance, she heard the opening of a gate. looking in the direction of where the sound had come from, she saw a car drive into the gate. it was the street lord. he was known for his illegal deals but the fascinating thing about him was his clean records. No one knew how he did it but he was never caught for any crime he committed. He was the most feared in the street and the state. This man was also a powerful killer. She looked at the church than at the house of the street lord and there was a second thought. one thing was certain. the church would teach her to forgive her offenders and even pray for them to repent, or she did become a nun in the church. But the street lord would teach her how to kill and how to survive and there was only one thing she knew this second chance to live was for. it was for her revenge. And revenge was what she chose as she turned her back on the church building and made her way to the magnificent duplex of the street lord. Looking at the black gates and the security surrounding the house another thought came in. what if they kill her. oh no she thought. how did she get so much courage to come here? she had heard a lot of stories about the street lord, what would the street lord do with an 18 years old girl like her, or she might as well be used to satisfy his s****l urge. thoughts of what may happen to her started flowing like water in her head. she turned back to leave when a deep and husky voice stopped her and with that, she quietly said her last prayer, oh lord. "hey. what are you doing here". hearing the deep voice, she turned to face him. she thought it would be one of the bodyguards of the street lord and not the street lord himself. But shockingly for her, it was the street lord himself. "I'm finished" she whispered to herself. "I said what are you doing here," the unsmiling voice said again. and with no other option she knelt and bowed to him. "save me Lord I beg of you. "save you?" he chuckled as if she was only a second class actress. "why should I save you. don't you think it's only Jesus Christ that saves?" he questioned mockingly. "look, kid, find your way to that church or there's a police station down there, you can explain to them why your bloody. he concluded making his way back inside the compound. "Teach me how to kill," her uncertain voice said. with that, he stopped abruptly. he turned back to look at her and after looking at her from head to toe, he let out a rough laugh. "Child I know you want to prove that you though but I don't have time for kids, especially female ones. I have pitied you already if not you would have served me some purpose on my bed but already messed up so you can go. he said eying the bruised and dirty girl. he had no time for jokes like this. he made his way to go back in but was held back by the girl kneeling on the ground. "They killed my family, they r***d me, tears begin to stream down from her face. and I want them all dead, all of them" she cried. the Lord looked at the pitiful girl she was too young he thought. "report to the police the would help you" with that he made his final leave. he had no use for a desperate girl. She continued to kneel the pain which she was no longer feeling started coming back to her Her head began to buzz. she looked at the closed gate. she was rejected she told herself as she began to choke on her tears. Darkness started to get her, life seemed to be leaving her body not able to control it, she fainted. When she opened her eyes, she was surprised at the warmth and comfort she felt. she was in a white room scented with cinnamon. the bed was big and soft different from what she was used to. she was suddenly clean and fresh. finally, she was dead and had made it to heaven. she thought. that was the only thing that explained the new environment she found herself in. A dark woman entered the room her face was too small and oval she had baby lips and large eyes. she was holding a tray of food. she was beautiful but her dressing said it all. she was a servant. She looked at the woman that had dropped the tray of food for her. curious about her environment she asked the woman" please are you an angel here? the woman only smiled that made her even more beautiful. "no dear. I work here" she said. "so you mean this is not heaven. I mean I'm still alive? she asked her with a frown on her face. "yes dear. very much alive". she assured her and then left. unable to believe what she had been told she sat up from the bed and started to feel herself. she could still feel some slight pain on her sides and face. the sourness between her legs lingered. She forgot to ask the woman where she was and how long she has been here. sighing out of disappointment, she looked at the food on the bed that was kept for her, spaghetti and boiled egg. The sight of the delicacy made her hungry. Though she was supposed to be cautious of the strange place, she mind be went for the food and started on it. when she had finished eating, the door to the room was pushed opened and a young man of about 24 entered inside. "Boss wants to see you," he said. "boss? she questioned. What boss please" she asked. please come downstairs. She did not remember having any boss. the only thing she remembered was when she was on the floor begging the street lord for help. but he had rejected her. wanting to find out who this boss as she made her way downstairs. Holy mother of Mary" she exclaimed silently as she made her way downstairs. wherever this place was it was a mansion. she looked at the paintings which screamed of millions, the sculptures, the chandelier. it was the first time she saw a live chandelier apart from the ones in the movies which was little compared to this one. she continued to feel the railings stroking them as she made her way to the last step and was greeted by a large sitting room. seated on one of the well-furnished cushions was a man. He was backing her from where she stood. the man who had called her came to her and directed her towards the man" that's the boss he said. As he made his way back upstairs. She examined the whole place first then made her way to the man. She gasped as she looked at the cruel and familiar face. "Street lord" she exclaimed. The man eyed her quietly from her head to her toes, pouting his mouth and moving it left to right. Meeting her eyes he said"Don't call me street lord. My name is Janina. you can call me Jade. he corrected. "okay sir Jade she agreed with a quivering voice. shocked that she was in the street Lord's house. He smiled noticing her discomfort. "you want to work for me? or you want me to teach you how to be a killer" he asked. "both sir she said not hesitating. "hmm so what is your name?" he asked. I'm Lilian sir" she answered, head low, looking at the white and gray pattern on the floor tiles. that was better than facing those cruel eyes. "I want to know that you're very sure of your decision. I'll teach you what you want and in return, you will work for me for free. after some pause, he continued. "I've checked your file and everything. your background is not threatening. you're dead. Or rather Lilian Orji is dead. I don't know-how but your assailants think you're dead. someone purposely let you escape. when he said that. Lilian looked up at him. "no one saved me. They left me in the bush thinking I'm dead. she said. hmmm"jade chuckled. "that's what you think. the man that left you in the bush left you there to escape. you are very lucky. he said. it's good you don't have a family he said bringing out some documents from his file bag. Sir?" she wanted to be sure she heard correctly. this man was thanking God, not even feeling sorry for her for losing her family. "I'm just being sincere. after all, that's the reason I let you in." at least you don't have anyone to think about. " Sir" she caught in. how long have I been here. how did you gather information about me so quickly," she asked. You've been here for only a day" he said. an elderly man walked in holding a tray with two cups of coffee. the man looked at the girl, she looked familiar. like he has known her from somewhere. "sir this is your coffee. he said then dropping the coffee on the table. "That's Mr. John. he's the head of the kitchen staff. he introduced. Lilian wanted to ask him why the old man chose to be working for him. she had also noticed his continuous glance at her when he was serving them the coffee. she could tell that the old man was bothered about something. Here is a document that contains your new identity" he said handing over the brown envelope. she took the envelope from him and started to go through the files "Susan?" she questioned. "yes that's your new name. Susanna martins. your my adopted daughter" he said. he spread his large arms across the cushion. "but you should know I'm not your father" he reminded, taking the cup of coffee and sipping from it. "ah-ah" he frowned. John" he called for the old man. Lilian squeezed her brows wondering the cause of the sudden change in mood. when the man came, quietly and conservatively waiting for another order. Jade scolded him. "you know I don't like my coffee with sugar eh how many times do I have to remind you. "or do you want me to slice those ears of yours before you do the right thing he threatened the poor old man. Lilian who has been sitting there quietly couldn't help but scoff. the man indeed has no respect for his elders. "please take this away and get a new one" he ordered. the old man took the rebuke with a smile and left obediently. Not able to keep to herself she asked. "do you have to correct him in that manner' he smirked. seems your forgetting where you are. feel comfortable now while you still can. I'll pretend I didn't hear you talk to me' and just as he said. Lilian had started to feel comfortable that she forgot that the Lord in front of her had a reputation that she dreaded. coming back to her senses, she apologized stuttering"I'm sorry sir". the Lord did not reply he just sat there pulling puff of smoke from his pipe. "go to your room and go through the files. I'm done with you for now." he finally said. Lilian understood that the man was not in a good mood so obediently, she rose from the seat and headed straight for the room at least she was free from looking at the scary face in her mind she only said thank you. Arriving at the comfort of the room, she breathed a sigh of relief. she sat on the bed, opened the envelope containing her file, and started to go through the content. in it was an international passport, student passport, some ID including a driver's license. she widened her eyes in surprise. This man was prepared she thought but the most shocking thing was that the person in the passport wasn't her. the girl had short dark hair, brown eyes, a birthmark on her jaw, and a pointed nose. the girl in the picture was way too beautiful and innocent than who she was. well, that is Susanna she thought not Lilian. Lilian died some years ago and Susan was born. she went to stand in front of the mirror starring at her reflection. she ran her hands through her beautiful long hair. what the whole new look thing means is that she was going to change her look and cut her long brown hair which had taken her a long time to keep to its current length. Nevertheless, she didn't mind if it was what was going to help her get what she wants she was ready to sacrifice that. prepared to be anything for the sake of revenge. she had nothing to live for except that. she sighed then went back to seat on the bed. looking at the room she felt more like a prisoner than anything. she decided to leave the room. She closed the door quietly behind her and began to tiptoe downstairs when she heard voices of several men in the living room. not one or two of them the voices she heard sounded as if they were billions of them. she halted her step then started to climb back up. corridors were leading to a passage both on her left and right. she decided to take the one on her right side. she wanted to explore the Beautiful house. she started to move. there were more paintings as she passed by. the house had too many rooms and she was curious to see them all. she started to open it one after the other. the first room was just like her's but smaller, the second room was filled with books and a table it was his library she guessed. But when she got to the third room she was shocked by what she saw. Embarrassed, she closed her eyes and apologized quickly two couples were making hot love. the lady who she guessed should be around 25 screamed when she saw her and started to curse and throw pillows at her"get out of here you shameless pig"Lilian rolled her eyes wondering who among them was shameless. while the girl was cowering and trying to hide her nakedness, the boy was just relaxed with an annoying smile across his face, it was the guy that had called her earlier on today to see the boss. "calm down Ruthie" he said to the annoyed girl. "she's the boss's nephew I don't know that's what the said. Lilian stepped out of the room still confused and shocked. "f**k her" she over had the girl say in distaste. she was about to turn back for her room when the door to the room opened and standing right in front of her was the shirtless and sweaty boy. for some reasons she could not look at his face she just looked down at her feet and all she could mutter was"sorry". "what are you looking for the boy asked. "mmmm the kitchen she lied. it's downstairs" he said eying her from head to toe then he smirked. At that point, Lilian felt that she found one person she hated. She made her way downstairs since the boy was still standing there monitoring her, she had no option but to go downstairs. Now, she would have to pass through the living room. oh my God, she exclaimed in her mind. reaching downstairs, she looked up but found that the boy has gone back inside. she wanted to go back up but whatever courage that made her continue her steps to the kitchen she did not know. They were too many men in the living room about thirteen of them. she greeted them and continued to make her way to the kitchen when she had her name or rather she knew. at first, she continued to walk when she remembered that it was her the street lord was calling. "Susan" he called again. She turned back to answer him. "what's wrong with you he asked. I'm sorry sir I did not hear you. she started sweating knowing that she was being observed by the piercing eyes of the visitors. it was obvious that they were all bad men. Jade did not seem to mind her as he introduced her. "this is my daughter Susan, my adopted daughter he said for clarity." Susan smiled softly at them and greeted a good afternoon. she's beautiful, one of the men acknowledged. She smiled shyly at the remark. Jude nodded his head at her a sign that she can now go. happy to be released from the scrutinizing eyes of the men, she headed straight for the kitchen. The woman, who had served her previously was slicing a tuber of yam when she entered. The woman on noticing her presence lifted her face to face her do you want anything ? she asked. water Susan replied. The woman got a glass of water and handed it over to her. She seemed to be a less talkative woman. My name is Lillian hmmm Susan she corrected the woman raised an eye at her that was the only emotion, Susan has seen her make. seeing the look of questioning on her face she explained herself to her hmmm people call me Lilian because I look like Lillian the actress so I'm used to the name Lillian but my name is Susan she lied. There was no more conversation between the two ladies until Susan broke the silence that began to grow on her. She wished she could hear her thoughts just so she can be free of the uncertainty of being discovered. And when none was coming, she sighed. "can I help you with something? she asked. The woman who had been busy pilling and slicing the white yam nodded her head and smiled. " I would appreciate it if you are more sincere to me and stop taking me like an Illiterate. At that moment when she spoke, Susan wished she could just evaporate into thin air. She felt more like an i***t cut in a mishap than guilty. Not finding any excuse for lying to her, she apologized. "I'm sorry," she said. She watched aunt parie put the sliced yam inside the pot and on the blue fire from the gas cooker. looking at the blue flame, she wondered why something as hurtful as fire can be so beautiful. But so was life. you can admire things from afar but coming closer to it, burns you, hurt you, and leave a scar on you forever. Williams she thought. "I'll come back for them". Parie who has been there watching the girl get lost in her thoughts wondered why a young girl Iike Susan stays in the house of a dangerous man like Jude. Her parents must be oblivious to the fact that her uncle is from the Underworld. She decided to start up a conversation. " Your uncle is very fond of yam porridge," she said. Susan nodded her head and the next thing she said shocked parie. "He's my dad". She said. " Your dad?" Parie questioned doubtfully. Susan smiled looking at the lines that formed between her raised eyebrows. " I'm his adopted daughter". she clarified. "oh" Parie nodded not saying another word. The two ladies continued with their business. Susan brought the dishes from the cabinet while Parie dished the hot yam porridge on them. Susan followed behind, after Aunt Parie, holding a jug of orange juice as they made their way to the dining. In the living room, Jude was sitting on the couch, immersed in the newspaper. After the meal has been served, Parie informed him that the food was ready. When he lifted his eyes to look towards the dining, he furrowed his brows seeing Susan standing there with Parie. At first, he thought she was there to join in the meal but then he saw the White tray on her hand. She swung the tray too and fro grinning from ear to ear like an i***t. He sighed wondering what exactly he has signed up for. "What is this?" he questioned as he made his way to the two women. "Parie what is she doing with the tray" Susan was shocked she did not expect this reaction from him. She feared for the young woman. She wondered how a man can sound like a God. " I..I...em wanted to help. " she stuttered. she wanted to save aunt Parie the stress of explaining herself but that wasn't necessary. Parie seemed to have better control of the matter. "Jude the young girl was being reasonable and polite to help me out in the kitchen I don't see any wrong in that." Susan stared at the woman surprisingly then at Jude. she did not understand what was going on. Just as Parie was done speaking, she left with the empty tray. Jude was not surprised by her outburst. it seemed as if he was already used to it. Susan stood still not knowing what to say. Jude smiled seeing the shocked expression on her face. "please come and seat he urged her as he sat on the dining chair. Susan hesitated not sure he was being serious. She eyed the White and golden chair. The furniture cried of money. too much money. She wondered how he makes his money. She felt uncomfortable living here not that this was the first mansion she had been to. Williams lived in a much bigger mansion. They were in the socialist group. But the mansion could not be compared to this one. It was like an ancient mansion yet it carried its beauty that people would admire. But the street lord's mansion' screamed of luxury. Jude did not call her for the second time he left the girl to fight her conflicting thoughts as he started on the food. After some time, she made her way to the chair and heart on it. She could not relax on it so she sat out at the tip of the chair as If the other part of the chair was filled with ants that would bite her if she dared. Jude chuckled. " please relax, nothing is biting you". Susan adjusted a little back now she got approval from him. "And don't mind that woman, it's been long since I disciplined her". She forced out a smile and nodded. And Jude carried out his words because the next day Parie came out quieter and reserved she did not even dare to look jude in the eye. Whatever discipline he gave her wasn't a light one. " I did not bring you here as a servant" Jude started to speak after some time of silence. "And make sure you don't give that woman any information of your past. if you must talk to someone you can come to me". 'but why' she asked. " Just do as I say. he said. He continued eating, cutting the yam with the knife on his right hand and picking it with the fork on his left then into his mouth it went. They had no other word till they were through with dinner. though Susan wanted to ask a lot of questions, she kept it for next time. She cleared the dishes after they were done, took them to the sink in the kitchen, and washed them. That was the life she was used to she couldn't help it. it was already 9 pm. Time flies, she thought. lying on the bed, she could not sleep many thoughts were going through her mind. She would roll and roll, sighing at each roll she made but when she thought about tomorrow and discovering new things, she closed her eyes and slept. And in her dream, she saw the man lift the knife and cut her mother's head, without hesitation. she saw the bleeding head roll out from her mother's neck with her eyes wide opened, from shock. While she watched, she was also r***d by a boy she had grown up with and had thought was her friend. Tears rolled out her eyes too horrified to say any words. Her heart seized with pain, agony, and helplessness. She laid still as he r***d her. She couldn't fight the only thing she did was cry out of frustration. She woke up holding tightly onto the bed cover, turning her head from left to right, her heart heaving up and down as bitter tears roll down her eyes. Jacking up from sleep, she looked around her. it was another nightmare. The whole thing was very fresh her bed soaked with sweat, and when she looked down she saw blood roll down from between her legs. Unable to overcome the pain she felt from the memory, she covered her hand with her hands and let out a muffled cry. She cried until sleep silenced her. The knock on the door woke her up from her sleep. She looked at the tiny clock on the bed stand to see it was 8:34. She sighed as she got up from the bed. The knocker was knocking furiously this time. Only the annoying messenger boy could knock like that. "I'm coming," she said wiping her face with her right hand to get rid of the evidence of crying and changing to another nightgown. She used the pillow to cover the bloodstain on the door. The knock came again" okay break the door since your deaf to hear that I'm coming" she answered, annoyed by the frequent banging on the door. When she opened the door, it was not the annoying messenger that stood there but Jude himself. She opened the door wider so that he can come in. She could not look at his face, embarrassed by how rudely she had spoken to him. "I thought you were the messenger" she explained. "What have you been doing," he asked ignoring her explanation and surveying the room. Her heartbeat increased. She prayed silently that he would not notice the soaked bedsheet or the awkward position of the pillow. His eagle eyes stopped surveying the room, to look at her face. "You've been crying " he observed. He came to seat on the bed. Her heart beat rapidly, which his eyes caught. "What are you afraid of?" he asked. He tapped on the bed gesturing for her to sit beside him.