EPISODE003
1133 Words
AMARA'S POV
Soft tapping sounds sounded like nature's own song as the rain pelted down on the glass. As I leant towards the window, I watched the water rushing down in tiny rivers. Everything smelled clean and new, and the sky was dark. The beep of the oven behind me pulled me back to the kitchen.
Papa Roy bought me a white cap, which I adjusted and put on my large blue apron. The banana bread had the ideal appearance. It was warm and golden, just as Miss Marcia had taught me. I am gifted in baking, she said. Papa Roy used to make jokes about me opening my store someday.
I filled a mug with hot spiced cocoa tea. It was ideal for this type of weather, Papa's favourite. When he tasted the banana bread, I was eager to see his reaction.
I walked up the stairs to his office, balancing the tray. Lately, he had been behaving oddly. He was always occupied and withdrawn. I mourned his absence. I missed our silly jokes and evening conversations. All I got lately were long silences and distracted nods.
I knocked twice. No response.
After knocking once more and waiting, I carefully pushed the door open.
The smell of books and old wood filled his office. On the left wall, a massive bookcase brimmed with books. A large file cabinet on the right had more folders piled on top. A Rasta blanket was thrown over one of the fur rugs and two plush green chairs.
The rear garden was visible from the window. The tulips and white orchids stood tall despite the rain. Papa's enormous, polished, dark desk stood in the middle of the space. He sat in an old leather chair with his back to me. The drawing of Miss Marva above the chilly fireplace warmed the room.
After setting the tray on the desk's edge, I began rearranging some files to make room. Then I noticed it.
My name is in a folder.
I didn't give it much thought. Perhaps the issues were related to adoption. They still occasionally had to deal with paperwork.
Then I noticed the words.
"Draft of a marital contract."
My hand froze. So did my heart.
No. I picked up the paper.
"Zion Zion of Montego Holdings and Amara Marley of Kingston Builders Ltd."
I blinked quickly. Perhaps I misread it. It might have been a joke. It could have been a joke or an error.
However, it wasn't. It was authentic. My name. His name. union.
The door opened. When Papa Roy saw me, he paused before entering.
I believe my expression conveyed everything.
"Amara...."
"You're marrying me off?" My voice broke. I was completely unaware of it. "Why? Did I make a mistake?
"No! No, of course not. Listen to me, please
"Well, what's in it for you? Is there anything of significance for the business? Is that it?
He turned to face the floor.
I didn't hold out. I took off running.
I nearly slipped as I went past the kitchen and down the stairs into my room. I was filled with nausea. I threw up before I had even reached the bathroom. Everything was painful. I was experiencing pain in my arms, my head, and my heart.
Cold and trembling, I sat on the bathroom floor. I was breathing rapidly, as if I couldn't catch my breath.
Then I caught sight of her.
Miss Marva, standing at the door in silence.
"Are you okay?"
I didn't respond. I was unable to.
She remained silent. She simply assisted me in getting back into bed, covered me with the blanket, and placed pillows beneath my head.
"You'll be alright," she whispered.
With the lights still on, I dozed off while clutching the blanket.
It was dark outside when I woke up. There was silence in the house. Too silent. The silence is so intense that it makes you fearful of moving.
Miss Marva entered with a tray.
"I brought dinner for you. You are under no obligation to descend. However, you ought to eat.
I gazed at the tray.
"The dinner with the Zions," I uttered slowly.
It was all in her eyes.
I questioned, "Does he know?"
She gave me a worried look. "Yes, he does."
I took a deep breath.
"So everybody knew Except for me."
She took a seat with the tray. "Amara, this isn't a terrible thing. The Zions make a wonderful family. Zion is intelligent, considerate, and well-liked. Every girl in the world aspires to be with him"
"What if I'm different from all the other girls? Could you please let me know what the options are if this doesn't align with my interests? Would you still have chosen me? if I were your biological daughter."
She didn't recoil. "Yes. That's not the main issue here. Our daughter is yours. Blood or no blood?"
I remained silent.
She touched my arm gently, Eat. And we can continue our conversation when you're ready."
She went out.
I left the lights on once more that evening. There were no dark corners or shadows.
It was three days later.
Nobody mentioned it. Not once.
Miss Marva made an effort to appear normal while discussing recipes and plants. I didn't find Darius's poor jokes funny. Papa Roy hid in his study and hardly gave me a glance.
I was outside watering the flowers this morning. Flowers tell stories, Mr. Delroy used to say. I trusted him.
From the other side of the garden, I could see Papa observing me. I eventually finished my task and went over to him.
He waited while perched on the bench.
"Amara."
"Papa."
We chuckled a little. It was strange.
"I didn't mean to harm you, Amara. I wouldn't. But this agreement it had to happen. Yes, Kingston Builders benefits from it. However, I also desired more. I wanted you to be a part of something powerful. I wanted you to be a part of a Zionist family.
I remained silent. I reflected on what Darius had told me the day before. He brought the remaining papers to me.
My name was on the list of shareholders already. Twenty percent. Darius had thirty. Zion had fifty.
"You signed me up three years ago," I muttered.
"Yes. when you returned from Hope Haven. I believed it would keep you safe. Give you something to cling to.
I gave him a look.
"You provided me with a future. But you never asked if I wanted it."
Slowly, he nodded.
I gave him a strong hug as I leant in. Even though my heart was still heavy, it no longer felt so lost.
I had to face whatever came next. All I could hope for was that I would be strong enough.
- Writer
