Writer's POV
The Achimugu's are a very rich and happy family. Consisting of Samson Achimugu, the CEO of AUC International Company. A man in his late fifties who is successful and a husband and father. He is a man of discipline and at the same time loving
The second member of the family is Grace Achimugu, a beautiful woman in her mid forties. She's the loving wife to Samson and the best mother in the world to her three children
The first child of the family is a handsome young man of twenty years -Anibe Achimugu. He is tall and is not as dark as his father, neither as fair as his mom. Very jovial and romantic, which is why he is usually tagged The Ladies Man.
Anibe is a playboy, a clubber and a lazy child. Quite the opposite of his father. Whenever you hear quarrels from their mansion, then Anibe and his father are at it
Let's move to Unugwa Achimugu. A beautiful girl of eighteen years, tall and dark skinned like her father. She's loving and kind, famous at school and among her peers. She has both her mother's character and father's character which makes her the sweetheart of the house
Now to the last member, Chubiyo Achimugu. He is the cutest thing you could ever imagine. A boy of six years, with cute kissable cheeks, curly hair and sweetest eyes ever. He is fair-skinned like his mom and hardly talks. He's always seen moving around with his stuffed animal, a huge fluffy white rabbit
I hope you already know about these beautiful family, now let's move to the actual story
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Unugwa's POV
I sat on my bed with my phone in my hand, smiling over the video Natalie sent me. I then chatted her up and she replied immediately. I was surprised that she was online by 2am too. I guess birds of the same feather flock together
I heard my door knob creaking, my eyes widened. I immediately turned off my data connection, switched the phone off and kept it on my bedside table. Within five seconds I was already tucked under my blanket and my eyes were tightly shot.
The person entered and closed the door gently, then walked towards me. I opened my eyes and acted as if the person's movement woke me up. I thought it would be my mom because she usually checks on us in the night, just in case we didn't close the windows or maybe we left the light on, or maybe our blankets have fallen off our body. That's what I tag the act of a sweet mother
Well, it wasn't mom but my little brother Chubi. He was holding unto Mr Whyte, his bunny.
Me: Chubi, why are you awake by this time?
Chubi : sis, I had a nightmare
Me: awwn, come here
He must have come to my room because our rooms are just opposite each other
I carried him up and sat him beside me
Chubi : can you read me a story?
Me: uhh, I don't have any stories
Chubi : then sing me a lullaby
I sighed
Me: I don't know any
Chubi : what kind of a sister are you?
I chuckled
Me: lie down and close your eyes, I'll tell you a story and you'll have to imagine the characters
Chubi : okay sis
He laid down and I covered him, his bunny was in his arms
Me: once upon a time, there was a pretty little boy with a cute face and lovely eyes. One day, he went into the woods and took an apple that fell from it's tree. Then the apple spoke to him and said "please don't eat me, plant me whole and you'll never be hungry again" . The little boy was surprised, he took the apple to his sick mother and when she took it from him, the apple repeated the same words. His mother then ordered him to go and plant the whole apple at the back of their old cottage. The little boy obeyed, despite the fact that he was hungry. The next morning, they woke up to see a big apple tree behind their house with large, red ripe apples hanging from its branches. The poor family were delighted and they ate from the tree and then began to sell the apples. The villagers all wanted to buy the apples from them because they were the biggest and most juicy apples ever seen. And after a little while, the boy and his mother made a fortune and they all lived happily ever after. The end
I looked at his face and he was already asleep, I kissed his chubby cheeks
Me: love you cutie
I laid my head on my pillow and slept off
Morning came few hours later, I woke up but didn't see Chubi. Mom might have carried him
I yawned and stretched, today is really going to be fun. Natalie, Kira and I are going to select new members for this session's cheer leading team.
I jumped down from the bed and did my morning exercise, I then went straight to my closet. I picked out the new clothes I bought during the weekend and kept them on the bed. I brought out my matching sneakers and dropped them on the floor
It's a Monday morning and the first day of school for this session. I have to look my best
I took my shower, wore my clothes, styled my hair and took my school bag then went downstairs
My dad was already at the dinning table and Chubi was sitting opposite him. Mom was dishing the food out and a maid was standing behind her with a tray
Me: good morning daddy. Morning mom
Dad: Unugwa, how was your night?
Me: lovely dad
My name is funny right, well it's an Igala name. From a tribe in Kogi State, Nigeria. My dad insisted we all bear our tribal names instead of English ones so that we would always remember our roots. My name Unugwa is actually a short form of Ojonugwa, which means God be praised. My friends here found it really hard to pronounce that long version, in fact when they gave it a try, it came out that they were pronouncing something else. So dad allowed me to short form it. That was when I was five years. I actually love the way they pronounce Unugwa. It's really classic
I pecked my mom
Mom: sit and have your breakfast and stop pecking me like white kids do
I laughed and sat beside my little brother
Chubi : thanks for the story. I wish I could have a taste of the large apples the tree produced
Me: you listened till the end? I thought you slept off
Chubi : well I did, but I was still hearing your voice in my sleep
I smiled at him
Dad: where is Anibe?
Mom: still in bed
Me: so he even came home last night? I thought he wouldn't come
Dad: and now he wants us to go and call him then beg him to eat right? Look, Gracious, don't give him any food when this breakfast is over. If he wants to eat, he should wait till lunch or better still, go to a restaurant
Me : here he comes
We looked at the shirtless boy walking sluggishly towards us, his eyes were swollen meaning he didn't have enough sleep.
Me: where is your shirt?
He looked at himself and sighed
Anibe : I thought I wore it
Chubi and I laughed
Dad: I regret naming you Anibe, because it's obvious you don't have sense at all, talk more of wisdom
(Anibe means one who has wisdom)
He sat down beside me and smiled. Mom dished his own food and we began to eat silently. Table manners are always observed when dad is at home but the day he's out of town for business
Whoa, everybody party on the dinning table.
Lol
I checked my watch and it was already time for school
Me : I have to go now
I drank water, wiped my mouth with a napkin and stood up. Dad did the same and stood up
Dad: I'll drop you off today. Your car is still at the mechanic
Me: okay sir
Mom: Chubi won't be going to school today
Me: why?
Mom: he has to go and see the dentist
Chubi : the dentist is kind. I like her
Anibe : is she pretty?
I smacked him on the head
Me: face your food
Mom: don't do that to him
Anibe gave me a mocking tongues out and I glared at him, mummy's boy. Dad was already leaving the dinning room, I followed him immediately and he eventually dropped me to school
When I entered the lobby, I saw my friends standing in front of the lockers. Laura sighted me first
Laura: Unugwa!
They all looked back and ran to hug me. We even almost fell down. I laughed happily as I viewed their shining faces
Me: you girls look good
Marleen : you look gooder
We laughed
Kira: girl you need to check out Nate's new haircut. He looks so good
Me: where is he?
Laura: volleyball court
They held my hand and pulled me along.
Nate is the school's football captain. He's really handsome and of course, every girls crush except me. Though he's my friend but nothing more
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After few hours, school was already over. I strolled to the parking lot with my girls
We had a lot of fun today, and it's even going to continue tomorrow.
Laura stopped at her car
Laura: bye girls. See you tomorrow
We hugged her tight then moved on while she drove away
Natalie : Marlyn, you're driving me home. I don't have a car anymore
Me: what happened?
Natalie: mom took over it cause hers broke down
Marlyn: it's okay, I can drop you forever and ever
We laughed
I sighted Anibe's car and sighed
Me: my brother is here, gotta go
Kira: oh, my regards to him please. Tell him Kira sends her greetings
Me: in your dreams
Kira's crushing on him, wrong person to crush on
I bade them bye and walked to the car, I opened the door and sat in
Me: hey
Anibe : what's up sis
Me: I'm good
I looked up at him and saw him wearing an earring
I laughed hysterically
Anibe : it's not that bad
Me: no it's not. I'm just imagining how bad your face would be when dad's slap lands on you
Anibe : that old man is a thorn in my flesh
Me: no, you're the thorn in his flesh
He chuckled and drove into the road
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It's dinner time already and the food served has vegetables in it. I've been eating everything except for the vegetables. I'm just not a fan of veggies, my friends and I hate it
Mom: you're not touching your vegetables
Me: mom, I hate it
Anibe : it's actually delicious
Me: I don't care
Dad: look at you, just because you have the privilege of being trained here. In Nigeria, we eat Eba and vegetable soup for dinner
Anibe: and it's the best, especially the soup with smoked fish in it. Hum hum
Me: not cool to me
Dad: one of these days, I'll order some fresh garri from home. So that we all will eat Eba
Mom laughed but I frowned
Anibe: this is the first time dad is at the table and we're not observing table manners
Dad: it's because I'm in a good mood tonight
Me: really, what's the cause
Mom : your dad's business is really increasing. Earlier today, he was called from the Philippines that the company over there has been ranked the most successful and fast growing venture
Me: whoaaaaaa. Perfect! Congrats daddy
Anibe : more money
Chubi : congratulations daddy
My dad smiled
Dad: and I've decided that we all should relocate to Cebu and take perfect care of the company.
My spoon dropped
Me: what???
They all looked at me
Me: The Philippines! Hell no! We can't move there
Dad: and why?
Me: because... because.. we can't leave USA . Dad please
Mom: he has already made up his mind
Dad: we're leaving next week, I'll buy the perfect house and find the perfect school for you and Chubi. And Anibe, try to transfer to any school of your choice in Cebu
My eyes turned teary, there's no way I'm leaving the USA and then go to a place where I'll be odd. I'll be the only black girl there and what if I don't even get any friends
Ugh I hate this
Unugwa's POVI gently folded my clothes into my travelling bag. I've tried to persuade dad to let us stay in LA but it didn't even seem to make sense to himI even tried going through mom but instead she encouraged me to just try and make myself comply with dad. My dad is a type of man that if he commands that they should be no movement in the house, even a insects won't fly or crawl out that dayYesterday, my friends and I tearfully parted. It wasn't easy for them as it wasn't for me. But we decided to group call every SaturdayMy door creaked open and a handsome devil popped his head in. I looked at him and sighedMe: what do you want?Anibe: may I come in, though I'm a little bit inMe: don't come inHe chuckled and entered then sat on my bedAnibe : so how far na?
Unugwa's POVMy new driver dropped me at the School's parking lot. I took a step forward and looked back at another car that just drove in. That quiet girl in my class came out, she saw me, gave me a glare then closed the door. I stood still to see her next reaction, she passed right in front of me with her bag and books clutched to her chest. I cracked, she must be the school witchI then began to walk further. I heard someone running and calling my name. I looked back and saw Loretta running to meI smiled at her, she's really nice. She kept me company yesterday and kept showing me around. Today, she promised she was going to tell me about the significant people in the school and I'm looking forward to that, just to know who is who and how to act towards themShe got in front of me pantingLorette : good... good morningI smiled and
Andy's POVI was really glad when the final bell rang, I hurried out with my bag towards my car. I didn't have much friends. Not because I had pride though, but because I loved my own company more.Then I heard Loretta calling meLoretta: Andy, wait upI halted and turned then smiled. She's going to force me to a coffee shop, good thing I'm actually heading thereMe: heyLoretta: where are you hurrying to Andy? Is someone after you?Me: I don't think anyone would be so jobless to go after meLoretta: your father is the richest man in Cebu, he has a lot of enemiesMe: that's his problem.... not mineLoretta: whatever... Can you accompany me to the coffee shop?I gave out a little chuckle. What's with Loretta and coffee shops?Me: okay
DanielI decided to stroll through my father's estate. Everyone there knows me as the son to the land lord so I'm a respected person thereI took a walk round the neighborhood and got hi's from tenants. After about half an hour, I decided to go back home. As I strolled towards where I parked my car, I saw a car drive in.I didn't actually care but I had to look again because I saw a black person.Two black people.I stared intently and noticed it was that girl in class and the guy must be her elder brother because dad said the man moved in with his family.As if the girl knew I was staring at her, she looked back. Our eyes met, she gently looked away and faced the front door of the house she was standingI continued to look at her, wondering how I would even make her my friend. I would just approach her
To show you how crazy I was feeling, I turned back and went to the estate. I came down and looked for the black girl's carIt was still standing there. I heaved and leaned on the carDad's words rang in my ear again. He wants me to make friends with her because of his business. Normally, I'm not the type that should care about anything and I should follow my own ways but, thinking about it, dad's business will soon be my business tooI'll soon be in collegeI took few steps away from the car. Then I saw a locket on the floor, I picked it and opened it.Me: it's Andy's cousinI dropped it back and wanted walking forward but for the first time, my conscience itched me.I picked it up againShould I give it to her tomorrow? How I'm I even going to do that?I looked u
______________________________ 🧡Daniel💙Dad: have you started the friendship yet?I didn't answer, I just faced my foodDad: DanielI looked upDad: you're joking with my business.I sighedMe: how do you expect me to approach a girl for FriendshipDad: boys your age are experts in thatMe: boys my age are stupid and idle. That's whyDad: I don't care how you want to do it. But make sure she comes here before the end of next weekMy eyes widened. Then I sarcastically saidMe: oh come onThis time he faced his food while I dropped my cutlery and stared at himMe: but... What if she doesn't want to make friends with m
____________________________________________________________________ 🧡Loretta💚I turned back and faced himMe: yesAndy: uhm, the black girl.. What's her name again?Me: Unugwa...Andy: Unuga?Me: no Unugwa...Andy: UnugwaMe: yes, so what about her?Andy: she has a freedom card?Me: of course she does. You didn't know?Andy : I didn't know at all. So Agnes has a rivalMe: haha, she's richer than Agnes. ByeI left him and I entered the classroom, I didn't see UnugwaI looked to the girl beside meMe: Karina, have you seen Unugwa?Karina: we were in the workshop together. Check the locker hall fi
______________________________________________________________________đź’šLoretta đź’›I came back to the garden and didn't see Unugwa. I think she went to a class. I hurried off to my own class and waited for the teacher. Andy came and sat beside meAndy : mom wants you to come home tonight. For dinnerMe: really?He nodded and looked at meMe: uhm I already have plans for tonightHe raised a browAndy: really?Me: yes I made plans with..Andy: cancel it. You don't want to disappoint momMe: hmmAndy: you have to comeMe: is there another reason you want me to come?He sighed and looked at the board without answering me.Me: AndyI looked at him sternlyAndy: okay. Dad will b
UnugwaMe: I can't believe it. It's really youHe squeezed my hands and chuckledDaniel: I guess it isMe: you've changed. You're just... Different nowDaniel: a lot has changed Unugwa. My mom's death changed me in so many waysMe: I'm glad it did. And I'm glad you also survivedDaniel : I already apologized to Andy, but I haven't apologized to you. Unugwa, I'm sorry for my character. I was selfish, greedy and full of hatred. I'm sorry I hit you. I'm sorry I wanted to hurt Andy. I'm sorry about my father's deeds. Please forgive meI felt so emotional because his eyes were really apologizing. It was sincereMe: Daniel, I forgive you. I can't hold a grudge against youIt was when he released my hands and wiped my tears that I knew I was crying. I don'
UgwaMe: what?Anibe: Unugwa let's goMe: leave me alone!Nurse: I'm sorry but we would have to leave the premisesShe tried to wheel me away but I began to struggleMe: I want to see Daniel! I came here to see Daniel! I have to see him!The doctor was shaking his head before he left.Me: please let me see DanielI didn't know that I was already crying. Tears were falling freely like my face was a waterfall.Anibe: Unugwa stop creating a scene. Let's get out of here. Now!He began to wheel me away despite my struggles and screams. I looked back and saw that a stretcher was being wheeled into the room.I kept screaming Daniel because I couldn't accept that he was goneAnibeAs
💙💜Eden💜💙I stared at my computer blankly as if I couldn't understand what I was seeing. It was an email from one of my agents at Interpol (international police). Slowly, realization hit me. Mr Achimugu had called foreign forces on me with strong evidence. And if I don't do something fast, I'll be behind barsAlso, Daniel had returned Chubi. How stupid of the men who were asked to monitor him.I groaned and banged my fist on my office desk.I don't have any strong connections internationally to be able to bail me out. I know I can't get away with this. I need help but first I need to deal with Daniel💙💜Ugwa💜💙I watched as Andy ate the food Daniel brought. He was eating like his whole life depended on it. I smiled at him, at least he's looking better than last night. As for me, I'm in pain. My face were I was struck with a chain is so sore that I ca
UgwaI woke up to the sound of rain on the roof. I was feeling so cold and the freeze from the floor was entering my bones because I was lying down on the floor.I heaved a deep sigh and sat up, hugged my legs and sighed again.I began to worry about my family, my mom most especially. I'm quite sure they wouldn't tell her about me being missing. It would worsen her condition.I looked at the door and noticed there was a slight opening. I stood up and walked to it, the door was opened.I gasped and covered my mouth.It was not closed... For real.Plenty things ran through my mind. I thought of escape and I was bent on doing it.I went back and took the black scarf that the man wearing a mask gave me. I covered my head and hid myself in it. I gently crept out of the room and closed the door gently so no one would
đź’šDanielđź’śI returned home late after spending hours at a restaurant. I was about to enter my room when my dad cleared his throat. I looked back at himDad: and where are you from?Me: and when did you start caring about my whereabouts?Dad: since the minute you ratted me out to RebecaMe: I don't get youDad: Daniel, you're playing with fire and you'll get burntMy heart sank.Me: I still don't getDad: you had the guts to tell your stupid mother!Me: how did you know?He smirkedDad: I have men everywhere. Now you'll be followed every minute. Because you're trying to get compromisedHe walked away and I exhaled sadly. How did I get into this family in the first place?I entered my room and laid on the be
UnugwaI placed my hand on my hot forehead. Andy has been declared missing, it's been almost 24 hours and no one has heard from him. His dad even contacted Goodwill but no positive result.My mom has woken up thankfully but she's really sad, really really sad.Anibe: hey, dad said we're leavingI looked back and saw him wearing a hoodie. It's really cold tonight or is it the situation in ground that made everywhere chillyI breathed out and sighed deeplyAnibe: you're worrying too much. I mean I expected you to worry but not this muchMe: I'm scared. Those guys wanted to kill him before, something tells me they didn't kidnap him. But they took him to finish the jobAnibe: gosh girl! You think too far. Come hereHe pulled me into a hug and I really appreciated that. Made me fe
đź’śAndyđź’›Just as I feared. Mom knows Ugwa's father. When she was describing someone that she claimed Anibe looked like yesterday, I suspected it to be her father.But I just hope it's not what I'm thinking. I hope she just knows him from somewhere else.There's this nightmare I've been having. Even while I was unconscious it kept playing in my head.That Daniel hit me with his car and another scene, he shot me dead. I don't know why I feel like something is just not right.With everything that's going on, I feel insecure. I know I'm supposed to be mature and not freak out but I've got this problem with my mental health. I get panic attacks a lot. That's most of the reason I don't like getting into trouble with anyone. I don't talk too much and I don't fight because my heart can't take the tension. I'll just get a seizure and that might lead to other complications.Only m
đź’śUnugwa đź’›We arrived home in the company of one of the policemen Mr Lewis brought. Andy would be to taken home and a trusted doctor would be appointed to take care of him.Anibe: I feel hungryMe: you always feel hungryWe climbed the facade and entered the front door. The policeman had followed us in and mom was surprised to see us with him. Maybe she thought we caused some sort of troubleMom: any problem?Anibe : no, they just accompanied us backMom: what about the guards?Me: long storyMom: what?Anibe : mom calm downPoliceman : since you both are safe here, I will be going nowAnibe : thanks for your helpThey shook handsPoliceman: well, take careHe left and I sat on the cushion chair 
💜💙Daniel💙💜I laughed and stared at his face. I laughed again and sat on the couchMe: bring you the girl? Bring you Unugwa? Dad, Unugwa and I are no longer in good terms. We don't talk anymore and it's killing me. And you're saying I should walk into her house and say "Unugwa, follow me out let's go on a stroll". Then she would follow me sheepishly and I'll hand her over to you right?I stood upMe: look dad, count me out of whatever you're planning to do. I turned back and walked towards the door.Dad: I know you've been going to see your mother. And I know how close you two are now. If you don't bring me the girl, I'll rid you of your mother foreverI turned and faced himMe: what do you mean by that?Dad: you know. And you also know what I'm capable ofHe dragged