Kamara’s POV
As I stared up at the house it looked ridiculously giant like it would swallow me. My parent’s house has always been the space I come to for solace. But these past few days I won’t deny that I have been running from it. It’s almost like the sight of it reminds me of the puddle I am in. All I want is for everything to be over. Giving my belly one last look, I climbed onto the porch.
Since I might start showing, I have come to inform my family that I will be away for some time. My siblings are away at school and it is just my parents. That feels easy. There won’t be any sort of emotions hanging around. I peeked into my handbag to see if the fake admission letter Chantelle helped me prepare was in place.
I opened the door to hear my dad laughing heartily at something Mum said. A tight smile pulled up on my lips. At least I know they are genuinely happy. I just have to get whatever this is over in less than a year.
“Mum? Dad?” I called out dropping my bag in the living room. Both of them are seated in the kitchen. Dad loves to sit with Mum whenever she is making the family meal. It is like a common ritual for them.
“How are you, baby?” Dad asked spreading his arms out to hug me.
“I am fine, dad. How are you, mum?” I asked.
She smiled brightly. “I am doing great honey. You don’t look too good. Is everything okay?”
I shrugged. “I have just been busy with designing.”
“You should take it easy on yourself baby.” Dad urged.
I hummed in response, reaching for the apple in front of me. I am not a fan of Apple but I suddenly crave it. Taking two bites, I chewed with less enthusiasm. “I have something to tell you two.”
Their eyes were on me now and it felt like they might be able to read through me. I sunk deeper into the stool. Hoping that would shield me from their prying eyes.
“We are all ears.” My dad said.
I cleared my throat looking towards the bag where the fake letter was laid. I have never lied to my parents. That doesn’t mean I am a totally reasonable child. But I hardly get involved in things that would make my parents doubt me. If I lie about New York now. What other lie would I come up with if and when the actual admission comes? But then that seems like the only solid excuse to be away from my family for an entire year. Inhaling deeply, I let out a shaky breath.
An awkward laugh escaped my lips. “Actually, it is nothing serious. But I got the admission to study at the New York fashion school.”
They let out an excited gasp together. “That is great news baby. How can you say that is nothing serious?” Mum said.
Dad stretched out his hand to caress my hair. I leaned into it and felt heavy at heart wishing I could truly bear my heart out to them. “I have always known you will do great. Congratulations, Kamara. You make us so proud. And we love you.”
Tears laced my eyes as they fanned over me. I don’t know what my life will be like in the coming months but I will make sure to not give up on my dream no matter how long it will take me.
“When are you due for resumption?” Dad inquired.
I stared down at my belly. I am newly pregnant and should still be able to keep face for a while. “In say ten days.”
“That is just perfect enough to get your things ready. You are spending the night right?” Mum asked, staring at me expectantly.
I had the intention of leaving before. But seeing the state everyone is in. I might as well just live in the moment. I nodded my head in the affirmative. “Yes.”
“That’s great! You should go rest your back in the living room. Your mother and I will take care of things here.” Said Dad.
I couldn’t argue, it’s not like I would win anyway. As I walked back to the living room I glanced back at them. The happiness they share will always be a surprise to me. How they can get to love each other immensely even in times of trouble is something I am not sure I would ever understand. With the way my life is playing out, there is no certainty of being that lucky.
Dumping myself into the couch I stared blankly at the TV. Even though it is on I can’t seem to pick out any visual from it. The loud ringing of my phone jolted me back to the present. I reached for it quickly in my bag and a string of curses left my lips at the caller. I declined the call and he sent a message instead.
“I am outside your house.” It read. I gasped in shock.
“Are you okay, honey?” Dad asked.
“Y…yeah, I am fine.” I stuttered standing up. “I just need to take a quick stroll. I am coming.” I said hurrying out of the house.
I would be damned if Diego is actually in front of the house. What does he want? To my utmost dismay, he was standing by his car with his hand folded in front of him. My heart raced at the sight in fear. He had an amused look on his face with a smirk plastered to it. I despise this man.
Turning my face away I started walking down the street with determination and hoping none of our neighbors would notice. He dialed my phone again. I stood three blocks away from my house while he remained on the spot. I answered the call hissing spitefully.
“Why are you here? I thought we had an agreement?” I queried.
He kept his eyes on me with the phone to his ear. “Do you know how stressful it was for me to come here? You weren’t at the address you gave me. I had to find this place when you won’t pick up your damned phone. You will have dinner with me and my grandmother this weekend.”
I scoffed, “You must be delusional. Your child is what I am carrying i have no intention to meet your family.”
“Did that sound like a casual invite? I don’t intend to beg you. Your family house can still be taken. If you know what is good for you, do as you are told. I will reach out to you if there is any other thing.”
He ended the call before I could respond and drove off leaving me frozen on the spot. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks and I felt too weak to stop it.