Hidden past

Chapter 21

Misheck got the letter and read it carefully, word after word, to ensure that he did not miss any point or part. It was so devastating to see his wife in such an unhappy state. Though he knew that it was a problem that which she started herself, he saw that his support was needed if he really was to show his love for her.

He then put down the court document and put his hand around his wife trying to console her even without saying anything.

"Theresa, I am happy that he has taken you to court" Misheck said.

At hearing this, Theresa lifted up her head to look at him. She felt like he was not being fair as it looked like he was blaming her for the mistake which she had made earlier.

"Misheck, I know I made a mistake but you don't need to say it to my face that you are happy. I need your support" she said really hurting.

"Actually, we are on the same side. Am saying am happy because the court will end this issue once and for good. Even if we had taken the paternity test we would have needed to avail the results to him. Now a platform to meet him has been created." He said.

At hearing this, Theresa knew what her husband meant by saying that he was happy for the suing.

"You don't have to worry. If the child is really his, there is nothing we can do much. The court will decide what will be best for her. So we can't worry about what will be the outcome of the court. Let's just pray that our daughter doesnt end up in wrong hands." He added.

Hearing those words from him really made her feel a bit energized. You know that moment when you are in deep sorrowful state and the only thing you need are kind and thoughtful words then someone gives the exact what you were looking for, it's really a soothing and amazing moment. That was what happened to Theresa at that moment.

"Thank you honey. This really means a lot to me" she said hugging him back.

"You are welcome. So now, let's put our mind on shifting and let things flow. Come on don't cry. He will be dealt with the court for good."

Those words made her feel better though her major worry was her daughter being taken away from her to stay with someone she did not have connection with from the time she was. Odds were there that she could be taken as a biological father has that privileged of being custody of the daughter.

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In the morning of the next day, the pickup truck came to get the things which they were to shift with. As Misheck had furnished much of the house where they were shifting to, they needed to take not much when shifting. They decided to leave other things which were already there so that they could just carry a few things and that house be use md whenever they visited the town.

After packing everything, the pickup truck moved out as the vehicle which Theresa drove followed but being driven by her brother while Misheck and his whole family drove in his company vehicle. That was how they left the town heading to start a new life together in the other town.

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After a long while of time, the family finally arrived in their new town. The kids were excited to see the new environment which was to be theirs for some time.

It was not the same for Theresa as she had to do a lot of getting used there. The plan of the house was different from the one where they had come from and the arrangement of things had to be mastered as well.

Shifting is a tedious task that some people get weak with jusbthe mention of the word shifting. The carrying,arranging, nailing, hanging, unpacking and all other stuff. But for Theresa and her family, it was easier as it was just few things which had been brought there and not all furnishing.

By the end of that day, the family had settled as they had successfully put things where they were supposed to be and all was set. They were tired but it was all nice that they were together.

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THREE DAYS LATER.

Misheck was in his office doing some documentation as it was almost time to have a quarterly report of the branch that month. He was busy when his friend walked by.

"I don't mean to disturb you but I need to say hi" the friend said.

"Oh it's okay if it's a greeting. How are you?" Misheck said.

"Am good and how is your family?"

"We are fine and yours "

"Alive and kicking. I am happy that your family finally joined you here. There shifting is a plus for you"

"Yeah am glad they have shifted now." He added.

Little did Misheck know that the time he was talking with his friend, Lilian who was passing stopped by and started eavesdropping their conversation.

"His family is here?" She asked herself then walking by.

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She immediately went to her working room and called Naomi immediately she realised that there was no one nearby. She knew that the news would really be needed to be heard by her.

"You won't believe what is here" Lilian started over the phone.

"What is it?"

"Misheck's wife and children shifted. They are here!"

"Wow. The prey has now come near the predator. I love that. Thank you."

"Anytime dear"

"Keep your eyes and ears open. Tip me if you hear anything even the change of breathing in their family."

"Count it done"

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A WEEK LATER

The day for Theresa to appear in court came and she was supposed to go to the town where she had shifted from as that was where the court was. Knowing that his wife would need his support, Misheck also got a two days leave to attent to that issue.

A day before the court case, they traveled so that they could rest before the actual day. Theresa was really worried with everything that was going on concerning the court issue. She was praying that Robert should not be granted custody of the child as it was going to ruin the child's trust in her.

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After praying together, Theresa and Misheck drove to the court for their court session.

Finally the time came for the case involving her to commence. Robert was called to the plaintiffs box after which Theresa was then called too to the defendants box.

The way she felt anxiety hormone got charged into her body, it was like she was being led to her execution. The feeling was really bad as she focussed on the negative ruling to her which was a possibility of having the child snatched away. Those who had an experience of standing in court for the first time can relate the feeling especially in a situation where you knew that you were in the losing side.

"Okay you have sued Theresa here, tell us who she is to you and why you have sued her" said the judge Robert.

"Court thank you. This lady is my ex girlfriend. When we were dating she fell pregnant for me and has a beautiful daughter. So all I need is to be part of my daughter's life." Robert said.

"Okay, she doesn't allow you to see the child?"

"No, she doesn't allow me. Infact I have never ever spoke to my daughter."

"How is she?"

"Am sure she is 9 if am not mistaken"

"But what happened for you not to know your daughter"

"After she fell pregnant, I was set to go for studies abroad. So I wasn't ready for that responsibility so I ran away and I have just come back from abroad."

"Do you work now?"

"Yes. I have been working since five years ago though it was abroad."

"Have you ever sent child support to her?".

"I couldn't because I had no trace of her. I couldn't connect to her"

The judge went on digging deeper to here the side of Robert before going to Theresa.

"Theresa, what do you say to this? Do you really stop him from seeing the daughter?" The judge asked.

"Your honour, unfortunately yes. Your honour, I am married to the man I imposed the pregnancy on and we have another child so how could I allow him into my life."

"You mean you imposed the child on another man?"

"Yes your honour," she answered looking down in shame.

"Does the girl know about this man?" The judge asked refering to Robert.

"No. She knows that her father is the one who raised her"

"That's the problem with some men. They will run away from a responsibility and then come to claim fatherhood when their sense dawns. Its really difficult for a mother to allow such a father to access the child. And in this situation, it's really difficult because there is a man who raised her as a father. Does your husband know that it's not her daughter?"

"He knew last month"

"What?! Is he here?"

"Yes"

The judge then called on Misheck to the witness box so that he could hear what he had to say on the issue.

"Before is say anything, you are a living hero. You are one of the most scarce men in the world who can raise children who are not theirs. The world is full of men who do not want to man up and take care of their children. Shame on them. I applaud you"

"Thank you your honour" Misheck said.

"So how do you feel about the child, if she was to be taken away from you, what would you say or do?"

"I would be hurt and feel bad for the girl but I would only allow that if there is proof that this child is really his."

"What do you mean?"

"We had encounter with her simultaneously so chances are there that this child could be mine too. That's why I accepted the pregnancy." He said.

Upon hearing this, the judge went on making other cross examination questions and diagnosis to see the best way forward for the case. After a lot of deliberations, the judge decided that a paternity test be taken to prove who the real father between the two was and the care was adjourned to a later date.

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