Mary Davies
The house was kind of quite, seems like everyone was busy with their own affairs. I drag myself out of bed and went to take a hot bath. I don’t know what to wear to the party tomorrow, I was literally short of ideas. I can’t stop thinking about the new story O D Eleven just updated. It reminds me of the present me. The main lead of his book was pregnant just like me and no one in the school knows about it, her name happens to be Mary also.
I was kind of bothered about it, I kept trying to convince myself it was a coincidence but it wasn’t working. Was O D Eleven someone I know or someone who knows me, that can’t even be possible, I thought. It is definitely a coincidence.
“Mary! Are you in here?” I heard Vanessa’s voice from my room.
“I am in the bathroom,” I called out, hoping she would just take her leave.
My eyes widened as she pushed the door opened and stepped into my ensuite bathroom. Doesn’t she know what they call boundaries or privacy.
“Oh! Mary. Remember, we have an unfinished talk. She moved towards the toilet seat and closed the lid, then she did the unimaginable. She sat on it. She folded her hands across her chest as she shifted her gaze to me. I felt a tiny bit awkward as she stared at my body indiscreetly.
“Your breasts are getting fuller, you might start showing in a few days if you are unlucky.” She said softly, eyeing the ample swell of my breast.
I didn’t give a response, I remembered the breast pain I had when I got back from school. It was so bad that I had to remove my bra and remain topless in my room. Just a slight touch caused pain to it. Hearing her talk about my breast getting full, made me look down at it. I sighed heavily, I know more symptoms are yet to come. I just can’t wait for this to be all over.
“Where did you get the drugs from Mary?” She asked. I was expecting that question, truth be told, I have been expecting it. I wonder why I didn’t prepare a response for it, even if I have to come up with a lie.
“Is there a reason why you are not saying something?” She asked again.
“Can you just forget that please, I got it from a friend of mine. I don’t want to put him in trouble.” I replied. It was partially a lie, but how can I tell her I stole it from my friend, that would only make me look like a thief and I really don’t want to get into Vanessa’s bad side, that is if she has one.
“I just a need a name Mary. Don’t you want to help your friend.” She said softly. The bath water was already getting lukewarm since I’ve turned off the heater.
It does not look like Vanessa was going to give up on this case. I got out from the bath tub, turning my back to her so she won’t catch a full glimpse of my body.
“Your towel,” She said, I turned around a bit to find my towel being stretched out to me.
“Thank you, that is so nice of you.” I replied, in the hopes that she would stop asking me questions.
“I am still waiting,” she said calmly.
I knew I had no choice, but I wasn’t going to give out Xander’s name just like that.
“Logan, that’s his name.” I replied.
“What’s his last name?” She asked, that broke the camel’s neck.
“I don’t know,” I said bluntly.
“Anyway, I heard about the party.”
“Party?” I asked, as I stepped out of the bath tub with my towel wrapped around my body.
“Justin told me about it, he said he is your escort for the party.”
I didn’t say a word as we left the bathroom. I haven’t agreed to go with Justin yet, I saw a black dress on my bed with a box package.
“The dress is for you, it is mine. I haven’t worn it all. But I think it should fit you perfectly.” She added.
I walked towards my bed and I picked up the dress. It looked kind of short and it had a slit at the thigh region. It was simply a definition of sexy.
“Oh! Before I forget, you got a package this morning after you left for school. There is no name on it, but it has the inscription. H A.”
I halted immediately, H E. I hope it’s not who I think it is.
“Are you okay?”
“Oh yes, thank you Vanessa.” I said, forcing a smile. I walked towards her and hugged her tightly.
“You’re welcome. Make sure you come down for dinner. You don’t want to miss out on my tasty Lasagna.”
I turned the key to my door immediately she left. I stared down at the packaged box in horror. H A. The only person I know with that initials is Hawk Andrews.
He has found me. He is back to torment me. Different thoughts were running through my mind.
I tried my best not to evoke the memories of everything that happened in Beverly Dale, but everything began to replay. Starting from the beginning, when I stepped into Beverly Dale high school. All the traumatizing things that happened to me in the Andrew’s mansion. How my virginity was stolen, how I was mocked for being a pauper and the wrong accusations of me stealing Olivia’s Jewelries.
I don’t even wish it happens to my enemies. A great fear settled down in the pit of my stomach, no matter how hard I tried to push it off. That strange feeling keeps coming back, fear. I was scared. Is everything about to start happening all over again. Not when I am about to start a new life. Hawk Andrews, that name sounds so bitter in my mouth to the extent that I felt like spitting it out.
I was torn in between the decision of opening the box and throwing it out. I knew nothing good will be in it. I paused a bit, raising my head up to stare at the ceiling.
After so many thoughts, I decided to throw it out. I grabbed a pair of joggers and sweat shirt, putting it on hurriedly. The longer this box stays in my room, the higher my fears increased. I grabbed the box from the bed and walked towards the door. I opened it widely and stepped out, I stopped all of a sudden.
It won’t hurt to see whatever might be in this box. I stepped back into my room and closed the door, turning the keys again.
The pink fancy paper the box was wrapped in made me cringe. I tore it open roughly, not caring I was messing it up pretty bad.
Cut out papers, colorful ones were in the box, in addition to a flash drive and a huge burgundy book that looked more like a diary. A white sheet was wrapped up in a black polythene nylon. I pulled out the sheet, what I saw made me gasp. I immediately began to regret that I opened the box. There was a blood stain on the white sheet, no one needs to tell me what it was and what it represents. I shut my eyes tight as I bit hard on my lips, drawing blood.
This sheet was bringing back the memories I have been trying to forget, the blood on it was mine. A proof that my virginity was stolen by Hawk Andrews. Why the fu*k will he send me something like this, I covered my mouth with my palm as I sobbed.
I didn’t want to read what was written on the cut out papers but I could see them without picking them up. I am going to make you all mine.
You belong to me. I own you. No one can fuck you the way I did. Keep that pussy clean for me. You are mine and I don’t share. Be prepared for your punishment.
I closed my eyes tight, looking at the scattered papers on my bed with what was written on it was giving me a headache. I packed everything into the box, including the flash drive and book. I pushed the stained sheet into the box, just then, a paper fell from it.
Do you think I will be a fool to send you the real bedsheet, this is a fake one. Don’t start getting any funny ideas. See you soon my lovely Mary Davies, I don’t know when exactly. Maybe in six or seven years time. Don’t ever forget me, I will come for you one day. Be prepared.
I stuffed everything back into the box angrily, I pushed it under my bed. I am going to get rid of it tomorrow.
I wasn’t sure if I should be relieved or be happy he was gone for now. I was in a dilemma, he is going to be back. But for now I am free. I just have to make sure I am ready for his comeback. However, protecting my baby is the main priority.
*****
Aminat’s point of view
My father is a strict Muslim, who considers his home as a place of worship. He follows his religion well and makes sure we don’t miss Prayers. We might not be rich but we have everything a Muslim home should have, we are descent and comfortable. My parents have taught me love, sincerity and truthfulness. We were not allowed to get involve in haram (everything considered harmful in Islam).
We were prohibited from anything that has to do with gambling, hard drugs or even going about fortune-telling which I just developed interest in. There is a young woman down the streets of our house that charges little for you to know what lies ahead of you. I don’t believe in it but I want to give it a try. Engaging in sex outside marriage was strictly forbidden, I am a virgin and I will remain one till my father marries me off to Mustapha, his friends first son.
Mikhail is busy working in our little shop which is the first building before our home, while I stayed in my room. We are both going to the party tomorrow, but we didn’t tell Papa and Mama about it, we are forbidden from attending parties. But since Papa knows Xander as Mikhail’s best friend, we are allowed to go visit him anytime we want. I really can’t wait to introduce Mary to my father, she is a good girl and I am sure my father will like her, he has always wanted me to bring a good friend home, one who won’t corrupt me and influence me badly. He always warns me to avoid friends who sleep around with boys and ends up getting pregnant only for them to abort.
I know my dad is going to like Mary at first sight. She has a calm face and she is cool-headed.
I took in a sharp breath as I closed the book I was reading. I wore my hijab back, since I was tired of reading I should go and help mama make dinner.
I picked up my book and added it to the pile of books on the little bookshelf I had in my room. Suddenly my phone beeped, I picked it up and groaned immediately I read the message notification. I have been stalking the Principal’s son on Insta gram. Ogling his shirtless pictures, I can’t believe I mistakenly liked one of his pictures, I didn’t even notice that. I would have unliked it back immediately.
I have heard people ranting about such mistakes, I can’t believe I also did such. Now, it is too late because he sent me a message.
Justin: Are you stalking me?
I had no idea of what to reply him. I dropped my phone on my bed and walked out of my room.
I heard voices before I could step out of my room.
“As-salamu alaykum!” I heard a familiar voice say. I can recognize the voice I just started getting used to.
“Wa-Alaikum-Salaam my in law.” I heard my father say.
I covered my head well before stepping into the sitting room with my head bowed. Mustapha was here.
“Aminat, Mustapha is here to see you. Take him out to go and have some talks. Don’t spend more than five minutes, come back quickly to help your mother make dinner.”
“Yes papa,” I replied, leading Mustapha outside.
I tried not to meet Mustapha’s gaze, cause it always looks like he was staring deep into my soul whenever I catch him staring at me. As usual he was smelling nice. His cologne must be quite expensive. Mustapha owns an oil company in a far away country, but he comes home regularly to see me and his parents, sometimes I think he comes to visit me in order to make sure I was still his.
The deep blue caftan he was wearing looked fitted on him, it molds his broad shoulders perfectly. His height and long legs was one of the features I like about him, including his beards and side burns.
“How are you Ami?” His deep voice sounded in my ears.
“Very well, thank you.” I replied.
He didn’t say a word after, I already knew he was staring as usual.
“You are getting more beautiful every day. You know what?” He asked.
“When you finally become mine, you are not going to work. You will only have to take care of our children. And obey my orders. I will give you my rules when we are joined together, you will be signing a contract and have it in mind that you can not run from me.” Those words sent chills down my spine.
*****
“Are you really going to marry him” Mikhail whispered, I nodded my head in response as I washed the dishes.
“Do I have any choice, we still owe Mustapha a lot of money, remember.”I asked.
“That is why I need to make a lot of money so I can leave this house, father has started looking for a bride for me.” Mikhail whispered again, groaning.
“Don’t just get yourself in anything illegal, don’t put our family into shame.” I begged.
“Shut up Aminat, you sound like papa.”
“Are you really going to the party?” He asked.
“Yes, of course.” I replied, washing the last set of plates.
Mama stepped in and we immediately stopped talking. She looked at both of us suspiciously.
“What are you both discussing? Mikhail go and help your father close the shop.”
Mikhail left immediately without saying a word.
“What did you and Mustapha talk about?” Mama asked.
I immediately wiped my hands dry before talking.
“Nothing much, he just asked me about school.” I lied, my mum began to chuckle.
“I am sure there is more than to that. You are just shy.” Mama teased.
“We only have to find a bride for Mikhail now.”
I just nodded my head, not knowing what else to say.
“Why are you so quiet Aminat, tell me about the friend you are inviting over on Saturday. Is she from a good family?”
****