Chapter Four

I tumbled back and forth on my bed as restlessness shook me to the max. My eyes felt heavy and also like a polaroid, with streams of light trying to seep through it. I used my right hand to grab a pillow, placing it over my eyes to shield the light from piercing through. It didn't work, since the artificial darkness was worse than the light. My ears were on high frequency, getting wind of every sound that ticked.

I groaned in frustration, throwing the pillow across the bed as I sat up. The sun seemed to glare at me as I glared back at it. I sighed in frustration, you couldn't win a glaring contest with the sun. It was not humanly possible. I decided to drop it for my peace of mind.

Taking a glance at the wall clock astride me, I was shocked at the time. It was ten o'clock on the dot. Oh, my God! Today is Sunday. I'd slept in and succeeded in missing the service. What would Joyce parent's say? I can just imagine them slandering my name behind my back. I placed a hand on my chest, trying to subside the panic that cropped up my limps.

Since no one bothered to wake me, I take it that I'm the only one in this house. I climbed out of bed, craving television. I can't kill myself if I missed service, I'd rather take all the freebies available. I liked awoof. Moreover, after this vacation is over, I won't be able to enjoy my favourite pastimes liked I wished.

I closed the door securely behind me and trudged down the path leading to the living room. I was surprised to see Emeka and his sisters there. Didn't they go to church? Emeka was typing on his phone furiously while his sisters were playing Ayó. I walked deeper into the room.

"Hi, guys." I greeted.

They looked up at me with mixed expressions. Precious had a soft frown on her face and I took it to mean, she was losing while Onyinye had on a smile. Emeka winked at me, which I found incredibly annoying.

"Good morning sister Ada." Both girls greeted simultaneously.

I nodded, not knowing what to say. My siblings didn't greet me back home.

"You look like an angel this morning," Emeka commented.

"Oh, ok," I said simply.

"You didn't go to church?" I asked the girls.

"No."

"Why?" I queried.

They moved their hands in a way that said, I don't know.

I looked at Emeka, to explain. He simply shrugged.

"Money matters are more important than religious gatherings." He explained.

I shook my head in disbelief. This is what people called, misplaced priorities, I thought inwardly. I didn't say that out loud though. No need to breed anger and unnecessary arguments.

"I'd head to my room now," I informed them.

"Wait, I almost forgot. Did Joyce tell you where she was heading to this morning? I haven't seen her since I woke up and she is not in her room, I checked." Emeka quizzed.

I went still. Jeez, I'd completely forgotten about Joyce sneaky plan. I was brainstorming at this point, trying to make up a plausible excuse that would be easily accepted.

"Oh, yeah. I think she said something about going to school. It was impromptu. You know, our chemistry teacher wanted to do some revision to prepare us for the upcoming senior WAEC. Yes, that's it." I bobbed my head up and down like it will sell the lie I just spewed out.

He gave me a look. "Ok, but how come you're not with her? Aren't you both classmates?" He asked suspiciously.

I laughed nervously. "Did you check when I woke up? It was ten on the dot. There's no way I'm going to go to school at this point." I laughed again.

"You're a naughty girl. Skipping classes isn't good." He advised with a smile.

I rolled my eyes. "Just this once doesn't count as being naughty." I contradicted. I waved at them. "Alright, I'm off, bye."

I rushed to my room, feeling sweaty. My armpits felt damp. I hoped Joyce was safe, I hated lying, even though I did remarkably well. I wouldn't want all this to bite me in the butt.

Speaking of something biting me in the butt, I prayed I was safe with Emeka. I just do not know why I'm getting bad vibes from him. Though, his actions yesterday were slightly suspicious. The lies he'd told Joyce when she was looking for us, not to talk of his touches. I still hope that I wouldn't be in any harm. The last thing I needed was quarrels.

I think I can be able to hold my own until Joyce came. I was a strong girl, no point to cower for something that wasn't even proven. Nothing will stop me from enjoying my precious vacation.

With that, I went into the bathroom, stripping off my clothes, as I turned on the heater for a hot shower. I scrubbed every inch of my body, satisfied, I cleaned off and left the solace of the bathroom. What do I wear today? Placing my left hand on my waist with my right hand cupping my chin, my eyes skimmed through the little clothes I brought from my house.

I smiled as I spotted my favourite brown knee-length gown which had an off-shoulder design. I quickly donned it on as my stomach continually rumbled like a caged toad. What did my poor stomach do to me? Well, it will just have to take my analysis like that.

I walked straight to the kitchen. There were dirty dishes that were loaded in the washing basin. I scrunched my nose in disgust. I'd just eat first, then I'd wash those plates afterwards. My stomach needs to be served. I opened the pots that were on the gas cooker, hoping there was something in there for me. The first two pots contained groundnut oil and a soup concoction. Ok, I'm not eating whatever that is. I tried the last two pots. Finally, something yummy. Yam and egg.

It was hot, so there was no need to warm it. I took clean plates from the rack, rinsed them gently, then proceeded in taking some pieces of yam from the pot with a spoonful of eggs. Placing my breakfast on the tray, I stirred towards the direction of the parlour, knowing they were still there.

I was right. They were still in the same position I'd left them. I sat down on the tiles, placing my tray in between my legs. I scooped the egg using a piece of yam, planning on chewing it when Onyinye's voice sounded.

"You didn't even ask us if we've eaten." She accused.

Lowering my hand back down, I looked at her. A frown decorated her face. Ok, I'm starting to see why Joyce called them little demons. I noticed Precious was pinching her right foot, to shut her up.

"The unwashed dishes made it seem like you had. If you haven't, I'd get you some after I'm done with this food." I placated.

"Oh, don't worry. We've eaten." She said in a passive-aggressive voice.

"Good," I said simply, as I went back to my food.

I believe if she was truly hungry, she'd have told her brother, that's if she doesn't know how to serve herself yet. Or, maybe she's just like my spoilt sibling. Anyway, that's her cup of tea.

"Are you going to eat all that?" Emeka asked.

I shrugged. "It's just five pieces of yam. It's not that much, anyway."

"It's not? Well, you should reduce your food intake because you don't have much meat. The last thing I want is for the food to choke you because of indigestion." He teased with a smirk.

With a mouthful of food, I glared at him. "Shut up." I snapped.

"Oh, such a lame comeback." He taunted.

I could see the sides of his cheek curve inward in a reluctant smile. He was joking around me, intending to make me yap continuously.

"Whatever," I said dryly.

I focused on biting and chewing. This food was so delicious and sated my appetite. My mood was swinging into the satisfied one. Finally done with the food, I moved towards the door. The light snuffed out at that moment. We all groaned at once. Why couldn't there be constant electricity for once?

"This place is burning up. We need to move outside." Emeka grumbled.

"The light went out just now, thanks to our beloved NEPA." I pointed out.

"Sister Joyce, the sun doesn't agree with that statement. I'm already drenched." Precious contradicted, using her right hand like a fan.

I smiled at her. "Alright, I'd just clean this up, then join you guys outside."

"Yes." She hyped.

"Do what you have to do quickly," Emeka added.

"Sure."

**************

We were in the shed that was built at the corner of their house. I thought of going out of the compound to look around but changed my mind at the last minute. The sun was too scorching to take a stroll. I better sit here, though I was seriously bored.

I hope Joyce came home soon. I missed her already, after all, she was the reason I came here. I had envisioned spending quality time with her. Sighing, I picked at my short nails.

"Why must you always have your way?" Precious shouted all of a sudden.

"Stop being a drama queen. Discussing things helps us reason better and fiercer." Onyi shouted back.

I sighed. I didn't want to attract a migraine right now. Couldn't they get their desires without shouting? Well, they are young, which means, they were going to be at loggerheads with each other. Sparing a glance at Emeka, I knew he wasn't even fazed by the arguments, thanks to his iPod.

"What's going on with the two of you?" I inquired.

"It's precious."

"She is lying, Onyi started the whole thing," Precious grumbled, pointing at Onyinye.

"Stop behaving like toddlers and say what happened." My voice rose impatiently.

Onyi frowned at Precious. "Precious insists on playing and I just wanted to have a debate. She refused." She explained.

"Is that all?"

"No. Anytime I bring out an idea, Onyi contradicts it. I know she's older than me but that doesn't mean she can have her way all the time." Precious voice was edged with bitterness.

"Haba, Precious. Sister Joyce, that's not true o. Precious just loves to exaggerate things out of proportion." She shook her head as she folded her hands across her chest.

"Really?"

"No."

"Yes."

They spoke consecutively, looking at each other like they could strangle the next person. I sighed, as I sat up. A plan was etched at the back of my mind.

"Onyi, Precious feels that way that's why she made that comment. To avoid that type of reaction, you need to be conscious of your sister's needs." I advised.

She nodded briskly, though her face showed she wasn't pleased with my opinion. I didn't mind, though, she'd loosen up after a while. I've noted that's her personality.

"You see." Precious beamed.

"Precious, your sis loves you. Sometimes, you let her bask in her ideas." I continued.

"What is bask?" Precious asked curiously.

"It means to take great satisfaction in something," I explained.

"I've learned a new word." She beamed.

Precious truly was an amazing cookie.

"This is what we would do. We're going to play games first before the debate. That way we're all happy, right?"

They clapped their hands together. "We are." They said at once.

"Bro, leave the phone. We want to play some games." Precious ordered her brother.

He uncrossed his legs, looking up from his phone which he quickly switched off like he didn't want anyone to know what he was doing. The weird bit was, he was slobbering. He used the back of his hand to clean it off. He seemed to be unfocused for a minute, then I guess his brain cells registered who we were.

"I didn't get that."

"That's because you're obsessed with F******k." Onyinye pointed out.

Emeka just rolled his eyes. "I'm not but I'd go back to my phone if you don't explain what you were saying." He warned.

"They just want you to join them in playing some games. You're game, right?" I ascertained.

He shrugged. "Sure."

"What game should it be? Nothing stressful though because of the weather right now." He advised.

"Indoor games should be ok. Let's go for Ludo, Ayó, and Snake and Ladder." Precious decreed.

He breathed in the air like it was addicting, causing the girls to laugh. "That smells as good as it sounds. Go bring out those little toys." He spoke to the girls.

They jumped out of the chair quite fast. I almost had a panic attack, thinking they saw something scary. I tried to think of what I'd be doing at home and how my siblings and I never chatted like we were one but my thoughts were disoriented thanks to a pair of eyes that was boring a hole in my side cheek. I turned to Emeka's heated gaze. I realized we were alone like the previous day. This made me so uncomfortable.

"What? I asked.

"You're so beautiful." He whispered.

I shifted in my seat while he drew his wooden chair closer to me. It made a squeak but other than that, nothing was heard.

"Umm...Thanks. I'm not beautiful though, I'm pretty." I shot out unintelligible.

What was wrong with me? Why did I say that to someone I was awry of? I need to get my head in order.

"Who says? Sommy, you're gorgeous. I like your aura so much." He informed me as he stroked my left arm.

I moved my hand away from his reach, placing it on my thighs. "Please, I'd appreciate it if you quit touching me in that manner," I whispered.

"Why?" He queried, softly while staring at my lips.

I drew my chair backwards, trying to create some space between us. No boy has ever acted like this towards me, and I was worried about this. I didn't even know how to act or think.

"It makes me uncomfortable."

"You're saying I make you uncomfortable?" He probed.

"No, no. I never said such a thing. Please, don't put words in my mouth." I swung my hands anxiously.

I didn't want to have issues with my best friend's cousin. He smiled mischievously. My heartbeat was going higher than usual. What was he up to now?

"Prove it."

"Huh?" I cleaned my ear. "Sorry, I didn't hear you.

"I said prove it." He repeated with that same smile.

"Prove what?" I asked tentatively.

"You're comfortable with me."

I laughed nervously. "There's nothing to prove. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't." I pointed out like a smart ass I wasn't.

"Let me have your number." He demanded.

"Too bad I don't have a phone." I shrugged.

I had a small phone, I'd bought it with my savings. I hid it under my pillow so my mom wouldn't find it. I wasn't going to give him my number though, no way in hell.

"I..."

"Here are the games." The girls announced, stalling his words.

I sighed in relief. These girls just saved my life, literally. They hopped towards us, singing aloud.

"We would continue this later," Emeka whispered to me as he moved away from me.

You wish. That wasn't happening. I have to avoid him from now on. Joyce, why aren't you back yet? Why? 

The girls dropped the games on the wooden table, then started bickering on which should come first.

"Behave." Emeka snapped.

They went silent immediately but I noticed that Onyinye was on the verge of saying something, so I beat her to the punch.

"Which one do you want to play first?"

"Ayó," Precious announced.

"That's a good choice. Anyone that loses, gets kicked out and another person comes in. Agreed?" Emeka asked as he drew out the rules.

"Yes." The girls said at once.

"Alright, let's play," I announced.

************

Thirty minutes into the game, I and Onyinye have been evicted. We sat by the side watching the game unravel. It was getting slightly heated.

"You cheated!!!!!" Precious cried pointing at her brother.

"Shut up!" He rolled his eyes. "Just say you can't play the game." He pinched her nose. She slapped his hands away.

"You are the one that can't play, big bully. I'm not playing this game anymore." With that, she spewed the balls haphazardly in the case.

"You're just something else," Emeka observed.

"I just don't want to play with a cheater." She stuck her tongue out at him.

"You're just a sore loser, admit it." He urged.

"She's not bro. Anyways, it's time for debates." Onyi interjected smoothly.

Emeka was visibly displeased by this. It was practically written on his face. He looked at me instead.

"I suggest we listen to some music."

I looked at the girls, judging their expressions to know the best reply to proffer. "If that's what the girls want?"

"We want o. Onyi, say yes. We would do the debate tomorrow, it will help planning sef." Precious cajoled.

"Ok, ok. Whatever." Onyi shrugged.

"I'm going to play some on my phone." He informed us.

"Let's listen to some Christian songs," I recommended.

"No." The three said at once.

"Wow, ok," I said in amazement.

After fusing with his phone, he played joro by wizkid. The girls instantly got up to dance. I excused myself to go to the bathroom. When I got back, they were dancing profusely, almost in sync. It was impressive.

"Sister is back. Oya, dance o." Precious encouraged.

My heart pounded softly. "I will just sit here, and watch your dance skills." I tried to evade.

"Oh, not happening." Once added supporting her sister.

They danced around me trying to suck me into their contagious rhythms. After five minutes, I decided to let loose. We only lived once. It doesn't matter if he was there, I could just sway to the beat. He wouldn't do anything stupid with the girls around.

"Sister Ada, you could make a professional cower in shame." Onyi praised me.

I laughed softly. "You don't say? Do you want to hear something? You can become a dance trainer." I laughed harder.

The girls joined me. Soon, we started dancing to a rap song. I haven't heard of it before but it was nice. I could feel a body grinding to my back because I'd closed my eyes for a second, letting the music pour through the depth of my heart.

I opened my eyes, tossing my hand backwards, succeeding in shoving Emeka away from me. I was furious. It took all I could not to say something hurtful to him. I did that for the girls.

I walked into the house, completely annoyed. My mouth felt dry, so I walked to the water dispenser, to get chilled water. Sometime during the day, the light had been restored. It was nice because after drinking this water, I'd head directly to my room. Taking my chilled water, I tried to control my temper. It didn't help and I was antsy.

The clock chimed. I jumped nervously, then relaxed again. It was four p.m. and Joyce wasn't back yet. Seriously, what was wrong with this girl? I'd have to talk to her when she gets back. She can't continue living recklessly. I can't believe she wasn't scared that her parents may arrive before the stipulated time. So reckless. That boy should be the photographer. I know I always see her with him all the time. I hope she knows what she's doing.

Walking the stairs, I realized how tired I was. I was hungry but I rather sit it out if I can succeed in ignoring Emeka. I got to my room, then closed it, jumping on my bed in a whoosh. I closed my eyes, hoping to get some sleep. I hate overthinking stuff, so I always sleep to avoid just that.

All this happened because of Joyce's absence. If she was here, none of this would have happened. I was drifting off to sleep when a knock sounded on the door.

I groaned. Maybe Joyce was back. On second thought, I decided to enquire. "Who is it?"

"Sommy, it's Emeka."

"Emeka?"

"Yes. Open the door."

I frowned. What did he want? What type of temptation was this for God's sake? I tried to ignore it but it was completely impossible because he was pounding down my door. I groaned in frustration. I flung my legs off the bed, storming towards the door. Unlocking it, I stared into his brown orbs.

"What do you want?" I hissed at him.

"I want to talk to you."

"What about?" I asked.

"I will explain when you let me in." He informed me.

I sighed. If I didn't let him in, it was wrong. This was his house technically. I moved aside, allowing him to enter. He walked to my bed and sat down. I decided to stand.

"Why are you here, Emeka?"

"I..." He pulled me towards the bed and I landed beside him on the bed, I frowned. "You. I want you." He clarified.

"I'm not an object." I snapped.

He smirked. "I know. I want us to be intimate." He brushed his thumb over my lips.

I pushed his thumb off. I made a move to stand up but he held me in place. He was surprisingly strong and I was painfully scared.

"Please, let go of me. I don't want to have anything to do with you." I pleaded.

"You do. I know you like me. All of you sneaky girls are secretly crushing over me." He boasted.

What?"

He smiled softly, using his free hand to spike my gown up. I was petrified. I kept pushing his hand away and he kept replacing it.

"Be still. I will take care of you. Buy you a smartphone, and all those things you girls thirst for. Just say yes." He commanded.

"The only thing I want is for you to get the hell out of my room!" I shouted at him.

His face contorted in rage. A boy who seemed learned and friendly was anything but. I couldn't believe it.

"You better lower your voice or I'd slit your throat."

I gasped. "You're just bluffing." I mocked. "If you don't get out of here, I would scream."

"I'd like to see you try." He taunted.

I don't even know how I was talking back at him. I wasn't this bold. I just wanted this to be over. Without thinking, I opened my mouth to scream, only for a hard lip to shut me up. A stray tear rolled from my right eye. I tried kicking at this point. My foot connected with the bed. I didn't feel anything other than panic. Not knowing what to do, I pressed my lip to his, in a painful way. He let go.

"Where do you think you're going?" He barked.

I didn't reply as I tried to escape. I wasn't lucky because I was pulled towards his hard chest. I felt adrenaline surge through my blood and I tried, I tried to kick. I honestly did but I was thrown to the bed.

I watched in horror as he locked my room. "I would ask you again. Will you be my girlfriend?" His voice was dangerously sweet.

"No. Leave me alone." I whimpered.

"You said what?" he asked coldly.

"I said no!"

"Fine. I would have you anyway." He smirked. 

I moved away from the bed, trying to see if I could alert Hamza through the window. I made one wrong move and tripped, spilling some contents on the floor. I cried hard. I felt his hand wrap around my leg as he dragged me through the floor. My fingers scraped the tiles in a weak attempt to fight him off.

"Please. I never did you anything bad. I will be your girlfriend. Just let me go." I pleaded.

He slammed my foot on the bedpost and a soft pain crawled through me, almost paralyzing me. A muffled cry went through my mouth as his tongue plunged in. He made some sounds that sounded like a moan. Without thinking, I slapped him across the face.

He retaliated ten times worse. Hitting me repeatedly across the face.

"You think you're smart, eh?" He shouted in my face. 

Seeming please, with whatever he saw on my face, he smiled at me. "The time allocated for you to accept me as your boyfriend is over. It's Showtime now." He grinned at me.

With that, he shredded my gown with his hands. I closed my eyes right, wanting to shut out the satisfaction in his face but it was also difficult to do. He was thrusting now inside of me and licking my body.

"Stop hitting me, stupid bitch." He spat at me 

I hadn't realized I was hitting him till he said that. I tasted salt and blood in my mouth. My heart was shattering and my vision blurring.

In a weak voice, I said, "Your life will never know what sunshine is."

He slapped me and my head hit the tiles with a force I didn't know existed. My body shut down in response.