Archie's Escape

Part 17

Philomena follows the sound of music to the living room where the Taylors are currently dancing along to music being sung by Philomena's mother and Peace. She stands frozen watching her mothers dark chocolate skin buffer on the screen due to the weak service. Nothing has changed about her.

She still has the same hourglass figure covered in jewelry and the bright colour of the kente. Her mother cheers loudly, clapping her hands excitedly as Peace cheers her on.

Charles sees her hiding and takes it upon himself to pull her into view of everyone

"Is that my daughter? Philomena my baby is that you! Ehhh" Peace laughs at her friends shocked expression "Peace you have been taking very good care of my daughter for me. Ohh look at those cheeks and that body"

"She definitely took after you Efya and its all by God's grace ooo my sister. All thanks go to our God"

"Amen ohh but you have done an amazing job raising her to be the woman she is Peace, she is so big now" Efya gushes at her daughter

Charles pulls her closer by the shoulder till they are shoulder to shoulder for her mother to see as she gushes at the beautiful sight before her. Philomena moves to step out of view but he grips her shoulder painfully making her swallow a little painful cry

"And is that my future son in law, Charley is that you?" a slight blushes travels up Charles cheeks at the childhood nickname

"Its Charles Auntie" she laughs along with Peace

"Oh shut up there, you think that just because your voice got deeper and you got some baby hairs on your face you're grown. You will always be Charley the boy who always peed his pants when hungry to me"

They finally settle down in their seats after more rounds of praises is sung for the couple

"Oh how I wish your father could see the beautiful woman you have become my fifi, so beautiful. I hope you are studying hard in school"

Philomena looks at her mother with wide eyes as she is still struggling to process what is still occurring. The woman on the screen looks like her mother but is acting completely differently. So much so that Philomena does not trust the woman on the screen and the voice in her head

She is brought back to consciousness by Charles awfully dry hands crawling down her back to the skin revealed at her skin which he pinches aggressively.

"Mhhm yes ma" she answers unsurely

"Eiii Peace you and James really did a good job. She is so well mannered and obedient" Peace pride fully looks at the couple on the love seat

"Now that everyone is here we can start the meeting. Elders say the hen that sleeps early never gets into trouble. Uhhh my son here Charles has made known that he wants to ask for the hand of your daughter in marriage.

Ehh I would have said they should wait but if we have learned anything in our lifetime it is that time is never on our side. On behalf of my son I would like to ask you Efya for permission to pluck the flower in your garden and plant it in my home"

Philomena painfully looks at her mother praying to an unknown force to make her realize that what is about to happen is wrong and will only ruin her life but the longer she waits her heart shatters like glass

"Who are we to stand in the way of two lovers James? They have made their choice to be with each other. My only flower has been in your garden for quite some time, it is only right that you make it yours. You have my blessings"

With these words tears like a river break flows down her cheeks carelessly.

"Better put a smile on that face before I give you a reason to really be sad" Charles grips her arm painfully

"So when is the wedding?" Stella asks looking down at her manicured nails

"There will be no wedding" Philomena croaks out shocking everyone "I'm not getting married to anyone"

"Efya do you see what we have to deal with. She has grown wings right before my eyes and does not know how to respect her elders anymore. I say A and and says B, what do I have to do to get her on the right path" Peace agonizingly cries

"I'm sure she didn't mean to say that right Philomena" she looks at the threat in his eyes but says nothing

"James my brother please give my daughter and I a moment to talk"

He agrees leading the family out to the kitchen where they could still hear whatever was about to be discussed but not before Charles leans over to leave a trail of threats behind

"Philomena what is wrong with you. I didn't do all this work getting you into that country for you to just get sent back home. You need to stay in that country and the only way to do that is by becoming a citizen"

"I don't have to be a citizen when I can join you in Ghana"

"Join me for what huh. What could you possible be doing in Ghana? You don't belong here and you have nothing to return to. You are on your own if you choose to not marry Charles

You have alway been an ungrateful child. I thought with time you would learn to be happy with whatever live gives you but no. Philomena you have only gotten worse and I am ashamed to be your mother. I raised you better" Efya continues to mumble under her breath.

Philomena recoils from the harshness of her mother's words. She was the only person she has always hoped will be in her corner but now reality was hitting her right in the gut. She is really in this by herself

"For once in your life mom can you please listen to me. I can stay in the country without getting married to anyone and still go to school and still send you money like I always have. Peace is not the one paying for your spending habits, I am. I pay for everything for you to never be satisfied with what I do" her mother opens her mouth to respond when Philomena ends the call walking into the kitchen for water

"What did you say to her?" Philomena turns to look at Charles knowing he heard what was discussed "don't make me ask again"

"You will answer your husband you disobedient child. He is putting everything aside to settle for your useless self when even your own mother hates your existence"

Philomena boldly lifts her left hand for them to see "there is no ring on my finger meaning i'm single and can do far better than him"

Charles takes slow steps till he is standing nose to nose with her "I don't need a ring to fuck up your life. I am the best you will ever get and you better understand it now before I make you" he looks at her in disgust and hate

She turns to leave when she is suddenly pulled back by her hair. She screams clawing at the hand to let go as the pain intensifies making her drop her phone and water carelessly on the floor. The hand turns her head till she is face to face with James

"I would hate for the government to find out that you lied on your passport" his words fall on deaf ears as Philomena focuses on getting him to let go

He hisses letting go of her hair when she draws blood with her nails only to deliver a strong punch to her head. They watch as she falls to the floor unconsciously like a sack of potatoes.

Charles joins his father looking down at his unconscious fiancé just as Peace spits on her and Stella kicks her in the stomach

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