“ Do you think that would have been the best?" She asked and looked at his glaring eyes. He was busy picking his nose and seemed absent minded.
" Josh !" She yelled at him for attention.
" Jesus! " What's the problem,you nearly sent my spirit off my flesh.
He looked terrified and fidgety. One can attest he has left his flesh in a count-full of time as he tried to gain back comfort.
" Talk,what were you saying?" He asked, disgruntled.
" Hmm, you're still into this habit of picking your nose. Josh, wouldn't you embarrass me before my peers one day with this? An old man of twenty eight picking his nostrils" She yelled furiously and hitted her legs on the dried leaves loitered on the ground.
" That wasn't intentional,why calling it a habit? My nose has been itching,so I had to scratch it." He protested and started walking out of the tree.
" This is irritating Josh,you should try using a handkerchief okay" She advised and followed him.
" I have heard you, dear lover" He turned towards her and smiled.
" I think you should stop here,my father might possibly see you and start a new drama"
She walked closer to him,threw her arms around his shoulders, stared ardently at his eyes...she tipped up her toe and dragged his head down.He understood and kissed her,while his left hand caressed her right breast. She pushed it off and giggled and then went back to the kiss. He appeared so delighted and smiled over the resistance,he slowly moved his hands to her buttocks—caressing it seductively. He could hear her moan in his lips. She tightened her eyes and felt a strange feeling making a way in her. Like a flight,she took off from his grip and walked some foot away from him.
" Are you okay?" He asked, astonished at her sudden withdrawal.
" I think we have had enough at your house. My father might find us in such a position " She looked around the surroundings,the moon has set in." You have to go honey,I will call you before I sleep" She said and ran off without waiting for a response.
Josh appeared amazed,he has known her all the while—two years in their relationship,he could boast of his ability to ascertain each thought and actions Christy might take. He watched as she disappeared in the dark towards their house a few poles away from their usual stop over. He smiled and brought his phone from his pocket,he scrolled through his contact and dialed a call. His face was beaming and curls of smiles hung around his lips,he felt satisfied.
" Hey girlie" He sounded romantic.
" Babe,I have called for a thousand times and you weren't picking up,where have you been?" A female voice complained at the other end in despair.
" Sorry I was with my uncle,we were in a family meeting. Hope my lover is not perturbed?" He smiled mischievously and kicked an empty tin of milk.
" Whether I am ? Of course I am"
" Sorry for that. Are you still coming?
" That's why I have been calling to tell you I am on my way. I waited for your call but it wasn't forthcoming,so I had to be on my way"
" What ?" He asked, astonished,his eyes widened and suddenly stood still.
" I am close to your house"
" You will see me right away" He dropped the call and hastened home.
" I would have been in trouble,had it been I waited longer at home with Christy.
Women and their problem" He mumbled and increased his pace.
The sky suddenly turned more dark, leaving the sky devoid of its night moon...crisped and rumpling with thunder. Christy, feeling loved and cared for,believes that Josh was for her. She left his home with enough promises to keep faith in him ; he wouldn't spare her nor indulge in extra affairs after she left. As she walked close to the gate,she stared at the sky. Just this night she will see the rain no more till she visits again from the City. The joy of leaving the village to the city to work has no ending joy,though occasionally she felt emotionally drained...she couldn't think of missing Josh.
" Josh !" She mumbled and smiled at the sky which had left a drop in her face.
" Who is that at the gate !" A male voice roared from the compound.
That was her father, of course he knew that must be her since she must be the last to come home. African parents wouldn't mind asking who is beside them even when it was obvious they could decipher the voice and footsteps of their children at night. It is unarguably if they as well could dictate a scent; that particular aspect is more easier for those who got part of their wards. She smiled,she knew all these; her father would even ask if she's coming out of the bathroom,when it was obvious she had her bathing case and sponge on her neck. Or should she tell of the times she has to stare at him after being woken up from sleep and calmly asking if she has been sleeping. That was the least she hardly found easy to tolerate...she would mumble and sigh in disgust.
" Is me Dad" She chorused immediately as she stepped inside the compound.
"I believe you will have no reason to return home late again, at this hour each time you come home from the City. I am upset with this late night coming" He complained from his seat on the veranda.
Christy stood before him, smiling while the little lamp illuminates her face in the dark. Her father stared at her ... his only daughter. He gestured at her to draw nearer and more closely to his mouth.
" You had to pocket some dried meat in your bag while going. Eat it alone each time you feel hungry there. Rich people go hungry o,and don't allow anyone to discover you have something of that nature" He whispered softly to her ear.
She smiled,she ought to say something but words had eluded her. She found more words in her smiles and the joy of fatherhood. Though her father wouldn't have spared her if he had caught him with Josh. That's an insubordination and tantamount to disobedience to moral upbringing. Only the Goodness Being knew what would have been of her. She touched her dad's shoulder, stroking it gently and then dashed into the living room.
" It won't rain again" She could hear her father mumbling to himself.
Startled,she sat up and looked around the small room she shared with her younger siblings. It was a dream but she could remember having such a scene in a dream before. She hastily gestured the signs of the cross, muttering prayer words. She reached her hand fan made with thatched leaves and fan herself. She prayed to be out of this village,she believed to have enough air conditioning and an electricity fan in the city. She surveyed her siblings,the boys were still young but she received more attention from their father. Her mom would always insist she needs a more strict hand to be disciplined,she should have good upbringing to avoid being sent back from her matrimonial home. But that doesn't bridge the gap between daughter and mother. She willed to buy an electricity generator to generate light once she made enough money in the city,in order to bring light to this goddamn house. She couldn't remember the last time she saw light in their home. Stretching herself,she prayed for the day to come right quickly...she must have to be in the city by this time in the next twenty four hours. The thought got her smiling in the dark. Suddenly,she left a grilled scream,and stretched herself on the mattress.
" That must be a rat" She muttered amidst fear over what would have thrown the plates off the table.
She opened her eyes,her brother Sabastine stood akimbo staring at her on the bed. At fourteen years,he still looks little,one would wonder if he would even add an inch in his twenties. His oval-shaped face had rashes of pimples and signs of maturity—and that was too early,his peers would tease. Christy looked steadily and confused at him,then shifted her gaze at the window.
" Jesus !" She screamed and sprung from the bed. She rushed towards the door and suddenly stopped,took a quick look at her brother " you people didn't care to wake me up, it's already dawn".
Sabastine stood,still in his former position though staring at her with much amazement and fun in his eyes.
" It has been raining,it rained this morning and dad insisted we leave you till it stops" He replied reluctantly.
" Mmmh,that must be a quick thought" She mumbled and walked slowly to the corridor. It stopped raining,she inhaled the cool air and felt a bit chill on her skin. She hates the rainy season.
" Christy,you should be preparing" Her mother shouted from the outside kitchen from where she saw her figure through the door." I have warm water right here my daughter".
At the City
Lady Marcus stood motionless at the window staring at her husband who was obviously busy with calls. She assumed he must be furious with the person at the other end of the line, he kicked the trash can and walked sluggishly—pulling his legs on a count. She wondered who must have played his cards early this morning. The upcoming political rally and subsequent primary delegates has swallowed his attention, engrossed and engulfed with much strategic planning,he would vow to defeat his opponent and show them the wits of the Chess. But the National Electoral Commission seemed to be bought, would that have worried him? She mused, in as much incumbency might play a role,he could beat his chest that the presidency wouldn't go against their vow...he placed him there and he must subscribe to their agreement; support his gubernatorial pursuit and assent to the cyber security bill. One would have thought the second agreement wouldn't be necessary since it has no effect and relationship with the former.Lukeman Marcus has never failed with his long-run plans, either the two are met or the president has to forget about his second tenure's dream. She took a quick glance at her foot and back to the window. She doubted if her husband was making the right decision this time. She turned and walked towards the kitchen door, suddenly stopped and scratched her hair.
The thought of the new house help—she believed Bruce will find a new girl quite accommodating and industrious. She had insisted that the former maid should have stayed more two weeks before requesting to leave,but her incessant demand gave her no option. She has no problem paying up the remaining weeks she should have completed,but nonetheless the thought of her stories—the horrifying experiences she alleged she had within the few weeks left her dismayed.
"Good morning madam"
She was startled and turned suddenly towards the voice.She didn't expect her presence, however she managed to offer a smile.
" Maryanne, how are you doing today?"
" I am okay madam" She answered smilingly and moved towards the window.
" Your replacement is coming today. Hope Lucius is ready for school?" She asked, staring at Maryanne as she took turns dusting the furniture.
" Yes madam"
A long silence ensued, Maryanne turned and stared at Lady Marcus with widened eyes and mouth agape.
"Is there any problem,you look aghast?
" No madam. Is like the new girl is here" She blurted and looked steadily at Christy.
Christy stood transfixed, beside was the driver Muhammed standing with her bag looking worn out. He took a quick glance at the living room and then at Christy who seemed to be dismayed with her environment.
" This is the madam,greet her miss" He advised and stared at her with awe. " Greet her... what's that your name?'' He now sounded more authoritative.
" Oh sorry ma'am,I am Christy by name" She muttered amidst a grip of terror.
She didn't seem to understand the strange feeling that took over her, apparently that might be an environmental change,but it was so pronounced that she believed she had had such feelings the day she met an unverified ghost on her way back from church vigil. She doubted It after all, maybe she was hallucinating and there's no clue to any Orthodox voodoo practices around the mansion... inasmuch,it wouldn't be visible if there's,but she doubted It. Her eyes took a quick survey around the room and smiling in admiration,she felt intrigued with the comfort she must get herself into.
"You are welcome Christy" Lady Marcus said amidst a curl of smiles hovering on her face.
" Thanks ma'am"
"Maryanne, take her to her room and... Muhammed '' she turned towards him " get the Highlander ready" She directed and moved towards the dining room.
" She seems to be good,she must be a good woman" Christy spoke for the first time to Maryanne who led their way through the stairs.
" Apparently yes and …" She stopped and looked steadily at her" there's something you need to understand about this place,I…"
A sound drew her attention towards the stairwell,a kid stood staring at them. He looked bossy in his three years old figure,mean and unreserved.
" This is Lucius,heir to the Lord Marcus" Maryanne introduced without reservation.
" And who's this ?" Lucius asked stupendously.
" The new house girl" She answered from their position.
He chuckled and deep his hands in his side pockets,took a step down and stared grossly at Christy.
" Do you believe in witches?"
Maryanne looked sharply at Christy who seemed to be lost with the question. She rushed towards him,lifted him and began to go down the stairs.
" My bags Miss," Lucius reminded as he submitted his head on her shoulder.
" The new girl will bring it " She turned to Christy who still was obviously amazed and staring at them from the same long position, " Get his school bag from his room" She ordered and rushed down with the kid.
Christy didn't understand,she still had her bags ...clung close to her legs, wondering profusely how she would recognize the boy's room. She took time to admire the pictures hung at intervals on the stairwell,the portraits of stack breasts, antelope on an oasis...she got stuck for seconds with the picture of a kid backed by an invisible ghost. It seemed the kid was on protection and apparently aware of the presence unlike the outside viewers might have thought. Drawing closer,she rubbed her palms gradually on the picture's surface,she felt a message could be passed through the picture,it struck her mind and she suddenly remembered Josh. A noise at the stairwell's door startled her,she fidgeted and unconsciously dropped her handbag down,she couldn't figure what could have banged the door. She looked down the stairwell,and footsteps were coming up. She stood transfixed, aghast and eyes widened in awe.
" You're still here" Maryanne said more like a question and walked before her,she suddenly turned and faced her " you look worn out,come up and help me get stuffs for Lucius's school"
She took another quick glance at the picture,she remembered it,there was a pen word at the foot of the picture written in italic. Could that be the darken Lord...her mind wandered as she followed Maryanne.
Maryanne stood at a kimbo watching as she tried to adjust her belongings in the room. She couldn't understand it. She wondered if the agency didn't include the nature of the job in the narratives before she accepted the job. She felt unconcerned,sighed and shook her head in disbelief. She's leaving that morning and that was her utmost concern.
"Hey we need to go downstairs" Maryanne instructed.
" Okay ma" Christy found her voice sounding intimidated.
" Ma?" Maryanne laughed hysterically, throwing her head sideways. " Please spare me that. I am apparently your age".
" Alright,but I heard you are leaving today and that's why I am here for a replacement." She said and followed her through the corridor .
" Yes," She answered reluctantly.
" Okay. Mind asking how the job experiences have been?" She asked and stopped,stood before a door and stared at it for seconds.
" What are you doing there? Can we go down please?" Maryanne ordered and pulled her through the corridor down the stairwell.
" What's in there,I heard cracking sounds?"
" You ask too many questions " She blurted uncomfortably,then looked at her and then down the stairs,more in a gesture of avoiding third party eavesdropping." I don't know why you accepted this job,but always keep your clothes parked and your shoes worn, remember to have a quick route for exit " She murmured and quickly hastened down the stairs.
She stood beside Lady Marcus and watched as the vehicle reversed and quickly dived into the tracked street, zooming off in speed and then could only see the brake light. She felt uncomfortable and rigid,of course she wished to walk away and trod back to the sitting room and apparently take a rest in the soft bed she had dreamt in her assigned room. Maryanne would have helped in easing this temporal discomfort,but here she has watched her being driven out of the mansion,she wished a seer could tell a tale of her future. And then,she remembered she had no other tasks except taking care of Lucius and keeping the house clean,but then where must the chef be since she haven't met one since she came.Right at the moment,she felt a rumble in her belly,she couldn't tell when she started rubbing her stomach.Her eyes met Lady Marcus staring at her ,she prayed and wished the land can swallow her.
" You must be hungry and weak. Let's get inside and I will have to explain some duties to you" Lady Smith said cunningly and led her towards the sitting room.
She looked more welcoming and accommodating,her robe flinging while she held a tip to allow a free movement. Her slippers dropped crack sounds as she matched through the exortic tiles. Aside from the structure,the paintings and overall decor of the massive mansion thrilled Christy's imagination. She has heard how wealthy they're and the Lord Marcus' political campaigns. She felt delighted,she will make a good repute serving an upcoming State governor...that will give her upper shoulder among peers.
" Let's have a discussion in my room" Lady Marcus chipped more like a suggestion. She stopped beside her bed,stared at her and gestured to her to get closer.
Amazed and dumbfounded,she stood at ease and waited for her more directives .
" Loosen my bra" Lady Marcus instructed.
She hastened and unhooked it. Her nose caught the musk; the pleasant perfume oozing from her,her eyes glared at the shape of her breasts,she fought and closed her eyes to behold no more but they kept appearing still, even in her wildest imagination...they look more flesh and succulent.
" Are you okay?"
She startled back to reality, opened her eyes and beheld another view. Lady Marcus had gone stack naked; her belly was flat and off birth lines. She doubted if she really had had a child before,she looked younger and spotless.
" Hold this" She threw the clothes towards her and gently pulled her panties off her leg.
" Your job is simple and less stressful " Lady Marcus said and began to walk towards the bathroom. " You only have to take care of Lucius,do his laundry and keep her room neat" She paused, turned towards Christy and seemed confused " follow me young lady,you have a job here to do." She blushed and walked inside the bathroom.
Christy threw the duvet across him, while he stared steadily at her without a blink. She believed he must be inquisitive and thoughtful of her ;they're still strangers and time will fill up the space. She gently pulled herself from the bed foot, walked towards the head edge and turned the light off. Sighing,she took a heavy breath and began to walk away.
"Excuse me please " Lucius beckoned in a soft kiddy voice.
She halted, turned towards him and stood at akimbo, wondering if to turn on the light or just keep listening.
" What's your name?"
" Christy," She muttered.
" Does the name have a connotation with the Nazarene ?" He inquired and pulled the duvet a bit down his chest.
" Pardon ?" She beckoned with much confusion
" You're a Christian?"
" Yes I am"
" Is your name related to Krist?"
" You mean Christ?" She asked quickly.
"Whatever" He answered reluctantly and more sarcastically.
" I guess so"
" Ooh ,do you believe in demons? He asked sharply and boldly, whilst adjusting his lying state.
" What ! " She asked bewildered and thrown aback " you need to sleep child" She blurted and walked towards him. She adjusted the duvet and bid him goodnight.
She rolled over the bed and prayed for sleep. Her mind wondered about the question Lucius asked,then the pen word in the picture,the cracking sound from the room. Then, she felt weak, she tried to speak but it seemed a hand was on her throat,her legs gripped by a powerful force and her eyes unable to see her sideways. She forced out a shout and sprung up. Sweats dropped profusely, smearing her clothes, while her body fidgeted. She took a glance at the bedside clock—1;17 a.m. It damned her that she actually had slept a bit. In dismay,she stood up and walked sluggishly towards the window, peeped through the curtains — the streets were deserted and lights illuminating. She turned and walked to Lucius's room, found him sleeping face up. She walked back to her room and sat at the edge of the bed…She thought maybe stress had overwhelmed her mind and probably influenced her dream.She took a breath and lay down.
She remembered vividly she closed the door,the thought of a sound of door handles twisting got her frightened. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath,then it came again, gently the knob turned and just like the sound of a sluggish walk,she heard a footsteps and gently the door opened and closed. Her head felt swollen,while her chest tightened,she could feel her heart pounding and forcing itself through her mouth. The thought of a scream crossed her mind,but alas,that might be disastrous. Ceasing her breath,she could feel a presence beside her. A warm sensation smeared through her groin down her knee,the legs were shaking and tears began to drip slowly through her eyes. She mustered gut and gave a scream.
Sweating profusely,and in fidgety,she sprung up and hastened towards the edge of the window and squatted. A knock came instantly at the door and startled her. She stared through the darkness at the door and waited for another intrude. The knob twisted and a figure in what seemed like off-white robe walked blindly inside,she could see her approaching towards the light switch and then light illuminated over the room.
"What are you doing there Christy?" Lady Marcus asked,confused.
Christy has lost her voice,she kept her eyes clued at lady Marcus and watched her step towards her.
" Are you okay? You look aghast and withdrawn " She mumbled and sat at the bed-side cushion.
" I...I am. I am fine. Had a nightmare" She mumbled hesitatingly.
Shocked and drawn aback,Lady Marcus stared at her, adjusting her sitting as she soliloquies and took a deep breath.
" I understand,you missed home. I believe you will be alright before a week runs out' She said smilingly and stood up and walked towards the door. " Maybe leave the lights on" She advised and walked out.
She jerked up,her eyes were heavy with sleep and felt weak; it was obvious she had grossly lost some sleep. Still wondering where the sound came from,she heard another bang at the door. It was already morning and the rays of the morning sun were peeping through the curtains, creating a scintillating view for a girly photoshoot. She rubbed her palms across her eyes, pulled towards the edge of the bed...she got amazed,she remembered leaving her slippers beside the bed. On a quick thought,she shook her head and staggered towards the door as the banging continued. She stood conditioned with awe as she watched the kid stare at her, apparently he must have been up for minutes. She turned her head towards the room,took a glance at the table clock; 9;59 am.
" Jesus ! " She screamed out of surprise.
" He saves ?" Lucius asked nonchalantly.
"Huh ? " Christy found herself confused." I am finished,I overslept " She mumbled.
"Mummy knew,she told me you had a stressful night and…" His kiddy voice softly echoed in Christy's ear. " She left a few minutes ago. Had to wake you up to attend to me" He complained and held her hand, pulling her towards his room.
" When did you wake up ? "
" Did the last girl inform you about the night crisis?" He ignored her question.
" Pardon?"
" I believed mom didn't tell you after she visited you last night. Anyways.." He seemed engrossed and then paused as they got inside his room.
" What did you mean by night crisis ?"
He looked at her,his countenance looking disturbed,he lifted his hands up.
" Pull off my clothes Miss, it's time for my bath".
His intelligence marveled her,she couldn't compare his eloquence and use of words to the kids at home. But the incessant questions and remarks about her belief and Christ kept her bemused. Her thoughts wondered as she hastily arranged his room and prepared him for Saturday's leisure trip.
Feeling a bit relieved as the Landcruiser found its tires kissing the street road,she hoped to see more about the rich city and prayed that every Saturday should come in likewise. She began to imagine how Josh would be without her, though he has promised to live and keep himself for him and definitely visit a nearby city hotel for them to meet in a near time... wouldn't that be a cheap deceit,she contemplated,took a sigh and watched as the driver steered beside the road.
" Excuse me Mister and Miss, I would like to buy something across the pavement. '' The chauffeur uttered and stared at them through the mirror.
"There's no problem Mr.Jameson Hut" Lucius responded and threw his face at the left window.
"Would you mind excusing me, will like to purchase a call card and use the ATM?" Christy pleaded humbly.
" There's no problem Miss Christy" He answered without throwing a look at her
After taken a solitude at the Park's canteen,she thought of calling Josh,she wondered why he hasn't called yet.She felt disappointed,as the line was unreasonable,and then,she decided to take solace in her phone's game.Lifting her head to survey the canteen,her eyes caught Jameson leaving the counter. He obviously saw her and made a move towards her seat.
"Hey Miss" He greeted and dropped his snack on the table.
" Sir"
"You don't seem to need anything here. How's your new environment ?" He asked, brushing off his collar.
"I am confused,just lost " she mumbled, looking worried and disoriented.
" About?"
"Lucius and some strange things I experienced last night"
Jameson looked at her in awe,it was obvious he least expected the revelation too early.He took a bite of the Cake,a sip of Coke and smiled.
"Marcus' family is not Christians, though he expressed Christian faith outside due to his political ambition. I hope you understand this and regarding whatever you must have felt,I can't answer that" He took another sip," have you tried to speak with Lady Marcus?".
"Not yet" She responded warmly.
"You should keep your eyes open to symbols in the house and have your eyes on the road" He said looking unconcerned and absent minded." In case you feel bewitched and uncomfortable".
"I don't understand. I think I heard similar advice from Maryanne''
"Really?" He asked, stood up and went towards the trash can.
It doesn't seem like being ordinary,as she surveys the flower's vast in the sitting room; gold adorned and inscripted with strange alphabets. She flashed his cellular light at the interior and saw an object. In a quick,she pulled the flowers out,dug her hand and quickly shoved it out. Perceiving the content in her fingers,she hastened to the wash hand basin and rinsed her hands—the smell was stenchy. And then, returning back to the vast,she saw drops of reddish liquid round the floor. That got her imaginations,she logged into her browser, type the alphabets. It was Greek —translated as Lucifer. Fear grabbed her and sent vibrating sensations through her spine. She quickly arranged the vast and hastened towards the kitchen. The chef has left before six and the mansion has only him and Lucius inside,who has retired to his room for privacy. Except for the securities and the drivers,who occupied the outside building,the mansion is meant only for the Marcus'.
She found a dettol,mixed it with detergent and washed her hands. Her mind was occupied with thoughts, thinking of the possibilities that she would stay more than a week. She got more afraid as she ruminated over the recent sinister evidence she couldn't nail on anything yet.
Standing before Lucius' room,she could hear the cracking sound again at the end room in the corridor. She felt her head swollen,and dashed inside the kid room.
"What's the problem Miss?" Lucius asked, amazed in a kiddie voice.
" Lucius, what's making that noise in the extreme room?" She asked panting.
He looked at her in bewilderment and suddenly smiled.
"Pardon?"
"The noise at the basement" She reiterated.
" I can't tell,but it would be better to mind your business" He blurted and went back to his computer game.
"I will be back to put you to bed shortly" She mumbled and walked slowly out of the room.
*****************************
Waking up,she felt renewed and energetic.It is Sunday morning,no church service for Marcus'. She stood up,took a deep breath and walked to Lucius's room. She couldn't believe her eyes,she rushed out, hastened down the stairs calling his name in exasperation.She felt so frightened and rushed outside, and met Muhammed resting his back on the balcony pillar.
" Good morning sir, please did you see Lucius?"
"Don't bother yourself,he will be back to his room. Go inside and relax, today is Sunday" He replied nonchalantly.
" Huh,oh okay" She mumbled and walked back to her room.
She tried to fathom the circumstances so far in the house,and the most confusing part is the chef who was only allowed in the day and forbidden from other parts of the building.With the exception of the sitting room,every other ins were limited to family members and,She as well was forbidden from the room making cracking sound.
She could feel the breeze and bliss of Sunday. She hastened her morning bath, and went to the recreation arena beside the garden.She found a suitable comfort for his butt and plugged in earphones. The African highlife song took her memory back home,she imagined the beautiful Sundays in the village. Village has offered a distinguished flow of happiness to teens,a particular incident drew a line of smiles in her face. The song took her through the memory lane,as the popular Egedege hitted her ear drum. She remembered how she sneaked out through the barn on a Sunday,a day close to her eighteenth birthday. Spencer, her first lover, had invited her.The thought of how to make it out of the house was a difficult one until Priscilla came into picture,she hastened to her house on that announced Saturday and beckoned for her advice... Priscilla the known village bad girl. That day not only reminded her of her lost virginity, also her foolish journey of love. The sneaking out was a huge success except a little scratch on her skin while squeezing through the dilapidated wall,and the breath-taken pain of her first penetration.
" Teens and their juvenile madness" She mumbled and smiled over her ordeal.
Lucius has been standing a foot away,his hands on the seat of his bicycle. He watched and wondered what could have taken Christy's attention,he found her eyes closed and smiling.He pedaled the bicycle standing down, adjusted the bicycle and walked towards her and tapped her lap.
" Jesus Christ !" Christy screamed in fear, throwing her hands in the air.
" Good morning"
"Good morning young Marcus,you startled me" She responded amidst a struggle to control her fear and breathing.
"Sorry"
"You shouldn't mention, thanks "
She looked at him and then at the bicycle.
"Is that normal on Sundays and where have you been? She asked surprised.
"Yes,on Sundays I have my freedom until the eleventh hour" He blurted with a smile hanging on his small face.
"That's incredible " she mumbled audibly and shook her head in disbelief." You mean I shouldn't interfere until the eleventh hour every Sunday?"
" Exactly"
"What do you normally do, Mister , during those hours?"
" Devotion in the family's chapel and " pointing at his bicycle" that over there and few other private matters".
"This is serious" She soliloquies and folded her hands across her breasts.
"Pardon" Lucius beckoned in confusion.
" No, sorry I was contemplating. You can continue then, while I sit and wait till the eleventh hour"
"Thank you" He said with a smile and ran back to his bicycle, feeling excited.
The thought of Lucius engaging in devotion got Christy laughing.His parents have not been around since last night and contemplating on the self ritual processes Lucius had to undergo even drove her curious. She would have likely found company with the security guard or the driver,but all seems to be mindful of their utterances,to this end she wouldn't fit any to divulge her mind.She cleared her throat and spit out a mucus. Her attention got struck at the spot where her spit dropped. A circle was made on a grassland, leaving the center bare. She stood up and walked sluggishly towards the spot, squatted and kept staring at it. The driver,she remembered, had instructed her to watch over symbols,and now, could this be one of the signs of the unknown information—she kept her mind mused.
"Don't dare touch that !"
The warning startled her,she sprung up and turned to behold Muhammed.
"What was there?" She asked fidgeting.
"You shouldn't be here Miss,you shouldn't and why didn't your agency inform you about what and who you're coming to serve?" Muhammed asked, looking confused and anxious.
"Why are you saying all these strange things to me Sir? I am getting more confused" She complained and stared ardently at his eyes.
"I thought Jameson might have given you a hint,you have to follow me tomorrow to drop Lucius at school. I will speak to you at length" He divulged and walked out of her, hitting a spade on the interlock floor as he walked.
After she had settled Lucius and put off the lights,she walked down the living room.Lucius's parents have not been back,she thought of spending the night seeing movies before sleep calls. The African magic movies got her interest in the list of the channels.She has dreamt of becoming a movie star,a dream that got shattered after Priscilla had told her how disdainful the life of actresses has to be.She still kept wondering if the advice was meek and humane enough or was it a discouragement base on jealousy.She threw her eyes at the entrance door,she could remember hearing a footsteps... Apparently two people were walking into the living room.She waited for a twist or push in the door but none came.She turned back to the movie.Two minutes later, another footsteps came hitting the floor and then a soft knock at the door.
"Who could this be? Muhammed, Jameson or the security guard?" She mumbled and walked towards the door.
Goosebumps ran through her and a sudden feeling of someone by-passing her got her dizzy. She banged the door and ran back to her seat.She stole a glance at the wall clock—11;56p.m. She needed to quench her thirst and walked to the refrigerator in the dining room. She could hear murmurs at the adjacent door between the dinning and the entrance kitchen,a murmuring more like two parties in a discussion. She got frightened,took a few steps towards the door and dropped her ears at the door. The murmuring stopped all abruptly, leaving her with a doubt if that was a mere hallucination. She decided to leave, turning around and a soft laughter erupted at the spot,she reached the switch and put on the kitchen light and dashed inside. She looks around and sees no sign of any being.
Getting back to the dinning,she discovered that the refrigerator door had been opened.That got her flabbergasted,she couldn't remember touching it.
"What could be these strange things happening?" She mumbled and stared round the dinning.
She took a bottle of water,closed the door and walked back to the living room.The sound of the refrigerator door drew her attention,she walked back and saw it opened again. Without much thought,she closed it and went back to sit.She took a few gulp of water and felt the hands of sleep rubbing her eyes . And then,she knew this must not be a dream,she forced her eyes open and saw herself hung in the air without any visible hands lifting her.She quickly looked round the room in fear ,she began to struggle as she felt a strong grip and was unable to scream. Suddenly she landed on the floor,she sprung up and ran towards the stairs and then,the stairs light went off followed by the illuminating light from the television screen downstairs. She felt stranded,tears forming a river in her eyes,excruciating pains triggering and blood gushing from her head and elbow,sustained from the fall.She moaned in despair and pain.
Filled with confusion,she mused over which options to take ; descending down the stairs and meeting the demon or going up and meeting the unprepared and unforeseen. She cleaved to cry. She suddenly willed up and ran upstairs, close to the last step,she missed a foot and fall back—rolling amidst a scream down the middle of the stairwell.She prayed to end it there, maybe the earlier the death the better to end the torment.A flash of light brought her back to live,she took a deep breath and gradually opened her eyes in anticipation of a savior who might have heard a noise of her struggle. The sight of what beheld her view left her with awe,she jolted up and rushed upward,just a few steps...the stairwell ceiling light dangled out of the hook and landed in her former spot, shattering the glasses. She felt a Pierce of a glass in her left thigh and hurriedly pulled herself up and dashed into the upper passage.
A crack of laughter erupted from the suspicious noisy room immediately as she passed. She rushed into her room and locked the door. The thought of checking on Lucius came to her mind. She tip-toed back to the door, turning the door handles,she felt a strange force turning it as well from the other end. This threw her aback as she withdrew towards her bed,her head feeling swollen,goose making a quick race through her spine and sweats leaving the pores of her skin in quick sensation.She stopped abruptly,she felt she must have stepped on someone's toe. She gradually turned, stared at the ground—whilst ascertaining the possibility of a foot behind her. The light from outside the building was able to illuminate through the gaps of the curtains. There,the legs seemed likely that of an old woman on a bare foot. Her eyes followed the figure up to the face,she screamed and dropped.
The night breeze was gentle to the skin,she felt it and wondered if she had slept outside. She could hear the sound of the night animals making out in the night and the sound of the trees as they danced to the direction of the wind,the owls creating a picture of devilish night. Then an excruciating pain triggered a sensation in her wrist,she opened her eyes and whimpered. How she got roped in the balcony ceiling lamp bemused her imaginations. She remembered her last ordeal and hastily concluded;it must be the strange ugly woman that hung her up.She struggled and found her mouth unable to shout again, tears rained through her cheeks and wet her brouse. Noises of chattering of utensils and murmuring suddenly ignited from the upper living room,the television was set on and the stereo system playing a strange tone of song.The pain triggered a more severe sensation... smearing through her veins and creating a dizzy state around her frontals. She closed her eyes and dozed off.
"Get up,hey get up !"
The voice seemed real but dream like jerked her up,she surveyed the room,then stood up and walked a foot away from the bed,it seemed everything was a nightmarish. The clock ticked and the church bell rung,it was 5;30 a.m. She sluggishly went to Lucius' room and found him sleeping face up. She began to doubt if what happened was real, apparently must be a nightmare;she contemplated.On a second thought,she limped to the stairwell,there lay the shattered lamp and drops of her blood,she drew aback and backed to the door and hastened to the balcony.
"No ,no ! " She screamed and held her head in disgruntlement, while tears flooded through her cheeks.
She felt a hand on her shoulder,
"The night has not gone" A strange feminine voice echoed.
Again,she lost her voice and fainted.
"I think she needs to rest, give her some time" A strange voice woke her up.
She slowly opened her eyes, shocked and fidgety.
"She is awake nurse, she's awake!" Lady Marcus called and smiled at her and held her palms.
"Oh dear,how are you feeling? You must be weak?" The fair complexion nurse muttered and touched her forehead.
In dismay,she kept mute and stared at Lady Marcus and then the two nurses in the room.A pant of drip was making way through her vein,and bandages wrapped around her head. She stared at the plaster of Paris on her arms and whimpered.
" You will be fine dear " Lady Marcus assured.
" Let's give her some time ma'am. Probably you should go and get something for her to eat" Another ebony nurse advised and began to leave the room.
"Okay" Lady Marcus obliged, turned towards her, smiling " I will be back soon dear".
Immediately they left, Christy slowly climbed down, removed the drip and walked towards the door,she peeped and seeing no one in the hospital passage,she hastened through the back west door and bursted out the road. She immediately recognized the environment,she remembered using an ATM machine nearby. She dug her hand in the left trouser pocket and brought out the ATM she had left there the previous day and crossed the other lane where she had visited the machine. From the ATM machine,she halted a tricycle and off to the transport terminal.
The figure stood staring at her,she found it hard to discern the gender; it was old, wretched and wrinkled with an oval shape head.sprung on its head was twisted gray hairs.It walked sluggishly towards her,she curled herself at the edge of the bed in fear, and fidgeting like a child caught up with fever, she screamed as the old being drew closer and held her shoulder.
"Hey young lady,wake up " A young woman tapped her consciously.
She jolted,stared round the vehicle and took a deep breath.
"It must be a dream. Are you okay? Your clothes are dirty and you look worried?" Another lady asked from the opposite seat.
"Yes I am okay,I will be fine. Thank you" She mumbled and bent her head,as she remembered home.
I hope you enjoyed the story? Please check my other stories for your leisure time.