Stronger Than Pain

Chapter Thirty Two

I didn't offer her any greeting but quietly greeted my dad.

"You were running late so I decided to keep your dad company. What kept you so long?" She asked with this wide smile, her thirty two showing with ease.

I acted dumb and dad was quick to notice I was displeased. He knew I have a sixth sense and could spot when he is misbehaving.

He thanked her casually and started the car. I stepped into the back seat and slammed the door shut. He stared at me through his rear mirror but I was quick to avoid his gaze.

He slowly pulled the gear to 'D', stepped on the throttle and we jerked forward, with the car moving slowly and nearer the gate.

Then we heard mild screams from behind with the gateman also waving us to a stop. Dad hit the break and we jolted forward. Worried, I slid around to view what the noise was all about through the rear windscreen, but was disappointed to see Miss Chioma walking towards us, with what seemed to be Zara's school bag swaying as she walked hurriedly towards us.

"Emy she forgot her bag, I mean your little daughter" She said with a smile while handing it over to my dad.

"His name is Mr Emeka, please get it right next time. I'm sure you don't just go around addressing your pupil's parents by their first or pet name" I said with all seriousness. She was shocked, her face embalmed with hot embarrassment. Jolting back to reality, she scurried away and dad with one glance towards me, brought the car back to life, and drove out of the gate.

After two minutes of awkward and silent drive home, dad cleared his throat to get my attention. When I impulsively glanced at him, he began "Ada what is it again?" He asked feigning ignorance

"Hope you are not planning on hurting mum again because this time  I will never forgive you!" I said and kept mute to all his preaching. I wasn't ready for pet talks.

Back home I didn't say a word to mum cos all I have were mere speculations and nothing concrete like a verifiable solid evidence. Mum has to remain in the dark until I get a tangible evidence. I was already creating plans for that.

"Zara come do your homework. And Now!"Mum yelled, trying to sound as mean as she could which to my opinion wasn't good enough. She was sitting at the diner her eyes fixed on the texts scattered all over it.

Zara's zebra themed school bag laid on the diner with a creative writing text laying comfortably on it. A blue exercise book rocked the entire space beside the bag with different colors of crayon crazily littered on there.

Walking into the kitchen the umpteenth time, I shook my head in anger as my eyes took in the dinning table.

"Isn't she the one who brought all these out?" I asked mum who just held out her palms for me.

"She even came tugging and pulling me off the bed where I'd laid down to sleep, begging me to come help with her assignment. Now I'm here and she's hell bent on frustrating me.

I walked out from the kitchen and made my way into sitting room, my buttocks finding the leather comfy as I slumped into it.

"And don't go looking for her mum" I said a bit louder so she could hear me. "she'll come around once she figures you both aren't playing any more"

Less than twenty minutes later, Zara trots out, gently joining mum at the diner. Seeing my sister, mum faked a yawn and pretended to be sleepy.

"Let's start mummy"

"Oh you won't write today baby. I'm so very tired" She replied laying her head on the table.

"Pleaseeeee" Zara begged.

"No more plays? Running around?"

Zara nodded.

"Pinky finger?" Mum joked and Zara brings out her right palm, holding out her littlest finger and lacing it with mum's. They laughed.

Mum picked up her bag to check for her eraser but Zara scurried off almost immediately, laughing and running from being caught.

This part of Zara wasn't fun to me, though I'm certain she believes it's a very fun way to live. Finally lifting myself off the couch and catching up with her, I dragged her to a surprisingly teary mum.

She was holding and staring at an envelope as tears raced down her cheeks.

"What now mum?" I asked putting Zara down who quickly scurried off as soon as her foot touched the tiled floor. She was still laughing wildly.

Mum held out the envelope out to me and I gently slid it off her fingers.

The envelope contained a love card and a hand written note addressed to my dad. The note read:

"You make me come alive whenever your lips find mine. I love you. Forever!"

Mum was sobbing still. Heartbroken. Devastated.

As for me, I felt disappointed and less of a child. Maybe my dad doesn't love Zara and I which is why he takes it out on mum. But he used to love us, so when did he change?

My mind bled blood for my mum and I silently prayed to God to uphold her. Through this one at least.

"Not only did your father choose to cheat, he also turned your sister into a mole" Mum said amidst tears.

I was heartbroken. I was very weak and right then realized our family can never be rebuilt again.

Mum cried bitterly with pain and torture tugging constantly at her heart. After crying for some minutes, she wiped her eyes and pretended she'd seen nothing.
******

Hi all

So here it is.  A new chapter

What's your honest feeling towards this book and it's message?

Is Nneka doing anything wrong to deserve this?

What would you advise Nneka if you were to meet in person?

Do you feel like punching anyone?

I'm sorry but I won't be posting a new chapter tomorrow and next. Another chapter will up by Friday.

Make me happy by voting, commenting  sharing and recommending.

Thanks 😍