Good evening everyone. It's been quite a while since I wrote anything here. I guess I'm almost like a stranger here now but it's okay. My first work was Hidden Diamonds (a novel), followed by You're Next (a short story).
Recently, Kayo80 blew my low key cover and called me out to write so here I am. This piece is a short story I wrote some days ago.
Please mbok, biko, dakun, thou shall not post it anywhere without seeking my permission. Please, I don't bite people for a living. If you ask my permission, I'll grant it nicely. Thank you very much
Queenitee
KimberlyWest
OluwabuqqYOLO
Kayo80
Divepen1
Cbella

I've forgotten plenty names please. Help me mention others. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Even though u nor call me, i dey answer present...

Phone in hand, Lucia waited. From time to time, she changed her position on the large bed as she waited patiently for time to pass. She turned towards the cot that lay beside the bed. Her baby should have been in there, sleeping soundly but the little girl had been acting up all night, refusing to stay anywhere else except beside her mother. The little one beside her seemed to sense her anxiety and so she began to act her own little drama. Lucia felt like weeping at that moment. This was the fourth time the baby was waking up. It really was odd, considering the fact that the girl rarely woke up more than once at night. “Could it be that she senses what’s about to happen?” Lucia thought but just as quickly dismissed it, reassuring herself that babies were not that smart.
At first, Lucia pretended not to notice when she began kicking the air and swinging her tiny hands. Then, the whimpering began and Lucia groaned. She sat up and carried her baby, scared that she might begin one of her loud cries that could make the roof fall apart. She rocked her gently in her arms but the girl kept squirming. With an irritated sigh, she got up from the bed, slipped her feet into a pair of slippers and began her slow walk round the room to calm her baby down. The little girl refused to be calmed and Lucia felt like she was slowly losing her sanity. She brought out her bottle of milk from the flask where she kept it earlier and tried feeding her. The baby just took a sip before rejecting the bottle.
“Kiara, why are you doing this to me?” Lucia whispered as she returned the bottle and resumed rocking her. Kiara seemed to take it as a permit to cry more and that she did. Setting down on the bed again, Lucia resorted to the last thing she ever wanted. She placed her baby on her lap, supporting her neck with one hand while she unlaced the front of her night gown with the other. Kiara’s cries were not helping her at all. As she unlaced the gown, she freed a breast and with a prayer in her heart, she brought it to Kiara’s mouth. The little girl gladly accepted her mother’s offering and her cries ceased. Lucia heaved a sigh of relief and said a silent prayer of thanksgiving. She wiped the tears off her daughter’s eyes and watched as her four-month old sucked her breast with some serious level of concentration.
She stared at the little girl’s face longer than she ever stared at her since she gave birth to her. She knew she had not been the best of mothers to the beautiful baby in her arms but how could she be when the one who brought out the best in her was not by her side like he promised he would be. How many people could bear to live with a daughter alone while her husband was in a psychiatric ward somewhere. Jordan, her love, her whole life, her husband was in chains right now to keep him from murdering someone. Chains! Real life chains. She could feel that familiar pain in her chest as she thought about it.
He was hospitalized some weeks before her delivery. He wasn’t there by her side like he promised. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around it. She couldn’t understand what went wrong. His whole family had blamed her, calling her a witch and she had left her matrimonial home because she was tired of their visits, visits that always ended in her humiliation. More than twice, she had been slapped by his sisters. His mother had almost broken a vase on her head on the last visit. To her, she was the witch that came to quench the life of her only son.
On the street, glances of pity were thrown at her. Whispers followed her everywhere. Could she blame them? They had watched the health officials bundle her husband into the ambulance. She was aware that most shared the view of her in-laws while others just pitied her. She couldn’t even show her face in church, afraid the whispers and weird glances would follow her there. She felt like she wa trapped in a dungeon deep in the earth and the walls were closing in on her. Her baby, too innocent to understand what was going on constantly wore her out with her cries of discomfort and need. She couldn’t even smile at the child. Everything just seemed to be working well for everyone except her.
She was tired, tired of everything. Who would she turn to? Her parents were long gone. She refused to tell her elder sister about it at first, but when it became too much to bear, she had to call her. As she expected, Genevieve wasted no time in flying down to Nigeria. Genevieve had no problems with coming down so quickly as her husband was out at sea and she had no kids. Luckily, she could work from anywhere in the world too without having to explain her whereabouts to any boss. By the time she arrived, Lucia had already moved out of her house to stay in a hotel so she got a room just next to hers. The two sisters had been there together for a while. Lucia was grateful for her timely arrival.
Coming back to the present, Lucia looked down at her baby who had fallen asleep. She gently took her breast from between her lips to avoid waking her up and gently placed her on the bed again. As she stood by the side of her bed putting her night dress back in place, she broke down in tears. She checked the time on her phone and it was 11:30 p.m. Genevieve always came to her room by midnight to check on her and her baby so she knew she had less than thirty minutes to carry out her plan. She checked her bag and retrieved a pen and paper, then she sat down to write.
Dearest Gennie,
I’ve always really sucked at writing letters but I’ll try to express myself well enough in this one. If not for anything, I’ll write it well because this is the last letter I’ll ever write.
First of all, I want you to know that I’m really sorry. You taught me never to be a quitter. You didn’t just say it in words only, you lived an exemplary life, a life worth emulating. I wish I could be strong and resilient like you but I’m too tired to press on. I’m leaving Kiara with you because I know you’ll take good care of her. She needs a strong person like you in her life. I also know your husband adores her and will treat her like his own. I’m a failed mother already. I’ll never be able to give her the kind of life she deserves. We both know her father is alive but as good as dead and only a miracle can save him, a miracle that I don’t think will ever happen. His family members refused to let me take care of the bills or anything related to him so there’s no need for you to worry about the bills. They’re taking care of it.
Please take Kiara with you back to Canada. I don’t want those people to have anything to do with her. Allow her grow up knowing you as her mother and Eugene as her father. There must be no mention of me or Jordan to her. I think God made it easier for me by making her have the facial features of our family so no questions would pop up.
I’m dropping a necklace with this letter. I want you to give it to Kiara on her sixteenth birthday but remember not to mention me or Jordan.
This is where I have to drop my pen. You know I love you so much. I’m sorry it has to be this way. Take good care of you, Eugene and your daughter, Kiara. Goodbye.
She read the letter twice. Satisfied, she placed the paper beside Kiara. She walked to the balcony and looked down. It was high enough. She chose the highest floor for a reason. Standing there, the tears came to her eyes again but she fought them as hard as she could. She walked back into the room and kissed her little one goodbye. “I’m sorry, baby but I can’t do this any longer.” She whispered to the sleeping child. Slowly, she left the bedside, walking to her death. Supporting herself with a pillar, she climbed onto the railing. She looked down and took a deep breath. The security lights were on but she was sure no one could see her since she had turned off the balcony lights. All was calm and quiet. Shutting her eyes and looking up, she wanted to say “God forgive me” but she heard herself say “God help me.”
She decided to have one last look at the child she and Jordan shared so she turned. Just then, the moon decided to come out from behind the clouds. Its beams illuminated the room. She looked at Kiara who lay with her little eyes twinkling in the moonlight. She had woken up while her mother was ascending the railings. She looked like she was pleading with her mum silently. She looked like she would say “Mummy, I love you. Please don’t go” if she could talk. A cool breeze blew just then, bringing with it the many memories that Lucia had decided to ignore. Memories from the day she found out she was going to be a mother, the days of going for check ups with Jordan, the kicks of little Kiara growing within her, the moment her baby was placed in her arms. She remembered it all, the first time she got to breastfeed Kiara, even the times when Kiara soiled her diapers and she thought of buying a nose mask to save her nose, the baby sounds she always made, the many fascinating times when she sucked her little toes, among many others. The tears flowed faster than ever and then she made her decision, a firm decision and jumped.
She jumped back into the balcony, moved quickly into the room, grabbed the paper, tore it into shreds and tossed it in the bin. She grabbed her little angel who was now smiling so wide like she was saying “That’s my momma!” She held her baby close to her beating heart as she kept saying “I’m sorry, my love. Mummy won’t leave you. We’ll hang on together for daddy.” They stayed that way till it was midnight and Genevieve came into the room.
“Oh! Look at you. Have you had any sleep at all? Give her to me and rest.” She asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Don’t worry, Gen. I’m fine.”
“But you should rest. You need…”
“I’m honestly fine. I want to hold her.”
Gen furrowed her brows, obviously confused. She hadn’t heard Lucia sound like that since she arrived Nigeria.
“Are you sure?”
“As sure as your name is Genevieve.” She smiled and Genevieve couldn’t help her own smile.
“Alright then.” She pecked mother and daughter before she left for her room.
As the door closed, Lucia shut her eyes “I asked for help and you gave it to me. I do not know how best to say it but I’m grateful. I’m grateful for life, for my husband, my little girl, my sister ,for all I love and all that love me, even for those who do not love me. I’m sorry that I never thought to ask you for help sooner. I’m sorry I sought to take my life. Now, I’m at a place where I never thought I’d be, a situation so terrible. I ask for your help once more, Lord. I ask you to help my husband and put the pieces of my life back together again. I’m taking a hold of your promise now. Forgive our past, redeem our present and bless our future in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
And she slept, baby in hand , peace and promise of God alive in her heart. Later that morning, Lucia was woken from sleep by a phone call from the doctor. Seeing his call, fear gripped her at first but she tried her best to sound composed.
“Benson, is everything alright?” the doctor was a close friend to her and Jordan. On a normal day, she’d add the doctor title just to make him roll his eyes, knowing he had warned her countless times to address him as Benson but today, she didn’t even remember to add the title.
“Of course, Lucia. From what I’ve been seeing for the past few days, he’ll be alright soon.”
“Tell me you’re serious.” She said barely above a whisper.
“I am. Don’t you all say I’m always too serious? Why doubt my seriousness now?” she could hear the smile in his voice.
“Did you say ‘the past few days’? Then why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“I didn’t want to raise your hopes over nothing, Lucia. At least, I’ve seen some pretty good improvements now and I’m sure.”
She fell to her knees and wept. She wept till her hands let go of the phone.
“Hello? Lucia?”
Realizing the phone had fallen, she dried her eyes and picked it up again.
“Thanks, Ben. I’ll call you back in a bit.” She dropped her phone and turned to look at her baby. Once again, her eyes were wide open and she wondered how the girl just knew the right moments to wake up.
“Sweetheart, daddy’s coming back sooner than we expected.” She smiled and the little one smiled back like she understood what her mother just said.

Ofez:
Even though u nor call me, i dey answer present...

Welcome dearie. I'm sorry I didn't mention you.
I hope you enjoy it

just one word "Fascinating"

My baby, my love, you nailed it. You'll never lose that touch. It's Peak, it's in you. Kizzes.

Ofez:
just one word "Fascinating"

Thank you dearie.

OluwabuqqyYOLO:
My baby, my love, you nailed it. You'll never lose that touch. It's Peak, it's in you. Kizzes.

there's no blush emoji on nairaland. I really honestly need it right now. Thanks dearie. I'm still crossing my legs and waiting for you to continue your story.

Rachealfst
Chumzypinky
DemiKOL
Seantunes
Pinkfeet
Lilyjoe567
Afollyshade
Creeza
Tohyin123
Hantonia
FortunateB
Ftosino
Pearl05

So I remembered names finally. You're all invited. Bring your friends!

Adeewa18 I haff catch you

I wasn't even called

Thanks for the update

Oya come and read ooooo
Skubido
Izaray
Excelmerry
Purity23
LightQueen
Cyndy1000 and others

cyndy1000:
I wasn't even called

I just mentioned u dear

Ann2012:

I just mentioned u dear

Thanks

Our Evajael is finally back with another blockbuster.

Nice start, am so touched by this story

Thanks for the Invite, have missed your story.

Ann2012:
Thanks for the update
Oya come and read ooooo Skubido Izaray Excelmerry Purity23 LightQueen Cyndy1000 and others

Thanks dear

LightQueen:
Thanks dear

where 're u since, reading ?

Ayodipths:
where 're u since, reading ?

Not really dear

queenitee, your baby is back oo.

Evababy, glad to have you back

Ann2012:
Thanks for the update

Oya come and read ooooo
Skubido
Izaray
Excelmerry
Purity23
LightQueen
Cyndy1000 and others

I'm here dear, thanks alot!

I wasn't mentioned but I'm here

EvaJael:
Rachealfst
Chumzypinky
DemiKOL
Seantunes
Pinkfeet
Lilyjoe567
Afollyshade
Creeza
Tohyin123
Hantonia
FortunateB
Ftosino
Pearl05

So I remembered names finally. You're all invited. Bring your friends!

Adeewa18 I haff catch you

welcome am here wit my popcorn

luks like its gonna be interestin....kip em comin

EvaJael:
Rachealfst
Chumzypinky
DemiKOL
Seantunes
Pinkfeet
Lilyjoe567
Afollyshade
Creeza
Tohyin123
Hantonia
FortunateB
Ftosino
Pearl05

So I remembered names finally. You're all invited. Bring your friends!

Adeewa18 I haff catch you

Wow! Welcome back sis. Thanks for the mention.
Following......

EvaJael:
Rachealfst Chumzypinky DemiKOL Seantunes Pinkfeet Lilyjoe567 Afollyshade Creeza Tohyin123 Hantonia FortunateB Ftosino Pearl05
So I remembered names finally. You're all invited. Bring your friends!
Adeewa18 I haff catch you

thanks for the mention ma'am, lemme get ready this is going to be an interesting ride

EvaJael:
Rachealfst Chumzypinky DemiKOL Seantunes Pinkfeet Lilyjoe567 Afollyshade Creeza Tohyin123 Hantonia FortunateB Ftosino Pearl05
So I remembered names finally. You're all invited. Bring your friends!
Adeewa18 I haff catch you

Here i am. Thanks for the mention

Eberechi24:
queenitee, your baby is back oo.

Evababy, glad to have you back

Oh my God. Evaaaaaa oya give them

Thanks for letting me know. *dancing*

Wow, Eva sis this is nice

Nice. Nice ending.

How did I miss this??

Evajael, please come and continue. Jordan has to come back and shower her with love biko.

Wonderful story dear.

Awwwwwn
Thans lovelies. That's where the story ends sha. It's just a short piece

EvaJael:
Awwwwwn
Thans lovelies. That's where the story ends sha. It's just a short piece

I have a project for you. Chat me up on WhatsApp. 0 70 6 1 59 88 4 9.