The pains in my stomach is killing me but I manage to make it home, it's late and the streets are quiet, As I enter I notice the television is till on which is odd because my mum sleeps early, I move towards my mum's bedroom and the entrance floor is covered with a little puddle of blood, and my heart sinks, my brain begins to move on overdrive, I cover my mouth with my hands as I stifle a cry, "that bastard" I cry silently, he said he wasn't going to hurt my mum yet, I guess I gave him too much credit, I thought to myself as the tears roll down my cheeks, I am too scared to move.
Relieve floods me when I enter the room and see mum stroking Mr pickles furs, my dad's cat, my mum is fine but Mr pickles isn't.
"Mum", I cautiously call out to her, the tears in my eyes do not stop as I rush towards her and throw my hands around her "what happened to mister pickles", my voice only but a whisper, "I don't know honey, I came into my room to get a shawl and I found him here bleeding, there was nothing I could do as he was already gone", she told me, her voice was low, really low, like at any moment she might break.
We stayed there for a while and eventually put Mr pickles away. I notice there is a note by the side of the door, snatching it so fast I look around me to see if mum saw me. "How do you like my motivation sweet peas", blood drained off my face as I read the note. I looked around me again to see if he was watching me but found nothing. My heart rate increased and my hands were shaking. I quickly usher my mum into the house.
My night is filled with restless dreams of crazy Patrick chasing me. I am glad it's morning again, I can now begin strategizing on how to raise money to pay back Patrick and pay for my mum's surgery and diabetic medication.
My mum isn't yet up so I head to her room to wake her up. "Oh mum…." I call in a sing song voice but she doesn't respond which makes me giggle, "mum" I say and shake her, "No, no, this can't be happening", "mum…." I shook her and screamed but there was no response, frantic, I reached for the phone on the nightstand, immediately calling 911.
My hands are shaking uncontrollably as we head to the hospital, the world around me seems to be spinning as the medics are trying to help. Mum is taken to the emergency ward, and I have been told to sit and calm down that she is going to be okay, but I can't seem to do that. As I pace, my eyes are bloodshot and my hands doesn't stop fidgeting, I am scared, my mother is everything to me, I have already lost one parent I don't want to loose the other surving one.
It seems like I have been pacing for days but it has only been 3 hours, I finally decided to go to the end of the wall. I hunched forward as I sat on the floor unable to find comfort in the seat provided, I stared at the white tiles on the floor.
"Miss Walter" I hear my name from a male voice, I quickly raise my head from the hauched position and scramble up to my feet. The Doctor in front of me has a clipboard at hand and a stethoscope around his neck. His blue eyes are sharp as he observes me.
"Miss Walter, your mother is stable now. She lost consciousness because she has not been eating due to achalasia her rare condition which you are aware of, now, since she is not able to eat her blood sugar has been reduced, and in its reduced state she still took a shot of her insulin medication which equally reduces the sugar in her blood, hence, it led to hypoglycemia which in turn resulted to her
Losing consciousness. Also like I told you before she needs a surgery to correct the achalasia in other for her to eat properly and retain her food as the medication are not effective anymore". The doctor explains for me to understand.
"She'll be here for a while until we see it fit for her to go home or the surgery is carried out. If we don't see to her surgery fast there's not much we can do to make her better and she may loose her life". The doctor concludes.
As I listen to the words he says my heart begins to beat faster, the sound of my beating heart flooding my ear making the sound of the words coming out of his mouth reduced. I nod my head showing him I understand all he has said, I'm unable to speak but I try to force words out of my mouth and ask him if I could see my mother. His reply is a yes. I proceed to follow him as he shows me where she is. She is being kept in a private room.
I opened the door slowly and walk in with cautious steps, the machines and tubes are all working in sync to help her stay alive, the heart monitor is beating in a rythmic manner, though it does nothing to sooth me. Seeing her like this makes my heart sink, "why is life always a bitch to me" I murmur. Taking another tentative step I reach the bed and I seat slowly on the bed, I can't seem to cry, but I do one thing which is to stretch my hand towards hers and rub mine against her soft skin drawing circle with my thumb. She looks unbothered as she isn't aware of the situation she is in, my sweet mother.
"I'll make sure you get your surgery and get better, I promise. Even if it means working till my hands bleeds and my legs give out. I'll equally make sure Patrick doesn't touch a single hair on your head". I say to my unconscious mother.
Time is relatively slow as I sit by the chair beside her bed hoping for her to open her eyes and look at me lovingly as she usually does while she rubs my head, but nothing happens, as we are still in the same position and the machines are still beating in a rhythmic manner.
The nurse comes in, greets me and checks on her, scribbling things in her clipboard, she goes ahead to adjust things while I just stare at what she's doing, But mum doesn't even move. With strong determination in my heart I proceed to make a phone call.
"Hello, I need your help".
Leaving my mother all by herself in the hospital with no one to look after her was a no easy task for me, but I had to if I have to raise money for her surgery. When I spoke to Rosie yesterday, I explained all what had happened and to say she was disturbed by what happened would be an understatement. She is willing to help me as much as she can. And true to her word she called me this morning to inform me we have a meeting with a prospective client. I'm on my way to the studio where I work, Rosie has already informed me she'll not be at work today, so I'm not too bothered when I didn't see her at work. Time passes like a blur."Hey, Ro", I say as I take a seat in the restaurant, the place is warm and cozy which I really appreciate coming from outside, she looks at me worriedly, "are you alright" she mouths to me, I laugh despite how I feel and tell her that I am, I know she doesn't believe me but she gives me a sad smile regardless. We make our order as we wait.Rosie, begins to tel
"Oh my gosh!, oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" Rosie exclaims, and I desperately Wonder what is making her this excited."We've got a gig!" Rosie exclaims again, she's jumping up and down like a child that just received a candy she has long awaited, I can't help but smile. This is a miracle that we've been waiting for, my heart soars with delight. "It's not just any gig, it's a major gig that can pay for your mum's surgery and you'll still be left with some change to spare"Her explanation leaves me stunned, and we both begin to hop in excitement, we giggle like school children as our heart is elated.I drag her towards the seat so she can explain further to me. "Look they said their photographer won't be able to make it because he came down with a flew fortunately for us they saw your work which I put out, that's why they reached out to us", she explains, her green eyes are shining with excitement and her face is red due to the blood that has rushed into her cheeks from the excitement. "De
My heart beats violently in my rib cage like it's about to explode, I stretch my hand and put off the alarm. My feet land on the floor and I am met with the biting cold of the floor. I rush towards the bathroom, brush my teeth and quickly take a bath. Heading to work like someone in a marathon I hit Starbucks for coffee before getting to work. The day is characterized by me taking a photo shoot of a month old baby, the session wasn't as stressful as my other ones because the baby was asleep throughout the entire session, the family session was next and that was a breeze in the park for me " what can I say I'm good at what I do", I later went further to edit their picture in preparation for print and soft copy.Rosie and I are at the hospital to see mum. As we walk towards her room, I notice that the door is ajar and the doctor is talking, my eyes widen in surprise, mum's awake and the doctor is talking to her as I stand there staring in awe, Rosie rushes towards her and gives her a hu
"Jesus! Who is this man" the alarms in my head keep buzzing, he isn't even talking to me anymore but I'm feeling hot and bothered, wait a minute is this feeling people get before they sex with someone?, Because if it is, then this means trouble, the guy isn't doing anything and I m so bothered by his mere presence"."Sir" some one utters breaking the silence we were in, we both turn around and a man in a well tailored suit is standing meters away from us, Gregory gestures for him to come forward and he does so, going straight to whisper in his ears."Excuse me err Denise, I have to attend to something", the way my name rolls out of his tongue, hmm good heavens, I don't think anyone has called my name better. I nod to his request since I'm too distracted to respond with my voice. As he steps away from me I can't help but watch him leave, my eyes linger on his firm back, moving down to his long legs that carry his body with grace. " Well that's a fine…. specimen" my inner self concludes
My body responds to his instruction as my legs carry me towards the area he is leading me to. Before you know it, we are standing before a black Chevrolet Corvette, despite my tipsy state I recognize it. I know this because I love cars even though I cannot afford one even if I wanted one so badly."Step into the car" Gregory tells me. "Gosh does he speak only few words", my mind wonders.The ride was quiet, not an uncomfortable one, on the contrary it was peaceful like the calm before the storm. I can't fully process my surroundings and all I know is that I am in an elevator with just Gregory and I in it and he is staring at me with those unfathomable yet beautiful gray eyes, like I'm the only thing that exist. He takes a small step forward and I take one back and my back hits the end of the elevator wall. My breathing is has become heavy as I stare into his eyes. He leans towards me despite his height and kisses me on the lip not just any kiss but a deep kiss. I k
The hurt I felt in my chest burnt like an inferno. Unable to hold my tears, l let it flow from my eyes like a river as I quickly dress up. I looked back at the door I came out from before turning to find my way out of the penthouse.The ride back home seemed fast because of the state of my mind when I rightly knew that it took an hour plus. But who cares how many hours it took when I just experienced this level of embarrassment. As we reach my home I pay the driver and rush out towards my flat and into my room. Immediately I got into my room I shut the door and I cry, like a child in pains I cried. sliding down the door unto the floor I cried. The scene of everything that transpired playing and replaying in my mind as I cry my eyes out. Regret and hurt the prominent thing I know as of the moment and I cry. The first time I decide to give myself to a man and he treats me like nothing, after everything we did together. After making him my first everything. I thought he actually liked
Rosie and I got to the hospital and the doctor immediately informed us that my mum needs to conduct her surgery as soon as possible. No matter what has happened to me between last night and this morning I am still grateful that I got that gig and I have money for mum's surgery. I rush to pay for the surgery and mum is prepared for surgery and immediately taken to the Operating theatre. The whole time Rosie is with me as we wait for the surgery to be over. Hoping for only the best. Rosie goes ahead to inform the studio where I work that I won't be coming in for some time. And my boss, being a nice person, accepts and sends his support. Calls have equally come in from my colleagues and she has been the one in charge of answering all the calls on my behalf. When God put her in my life he knew what he was doing because having her here supporting me all through has been wholesome and I am grateful.Three hours and some minutes later the doctor comes out and I rush towards him "Doctor how
Morning comes fast and I push myself out of bed to begin my day. I look at the mirror and inspect what's left of my face and the only difference is that there isn't blood all over anymore. Setting aside my usual routine of self pity I prepare for my day and eventually leave the house.As I arrive at the hospital, there is a little crowd of reporters in front of the hospital trying to get the attention of a man. But he is fast enough to escape them. I laughed to myself at how annoyed the reporters looked. I stride into the hospital and head straight to get my face checked. The doctor attends to me and I get a stitch where I need one. I know my face doesn't look like how it used to after the beating but I know my face will return to normal after a few weeks. After my checkup I moved in to see my mother.As I walked down the hallway I saw him, the man that made me feel so many emotions, the man that made me feel special one moment and feel so worthless the next. The man that took my pri
DENISE'S POVNot long after we woke up did my greatest nightmare walk in. Blood drained from my face and for a split second, my heart forgot to beat.“Patrick”“Why, Hello there sweet peas” his smile broad as a Cheshire cat.“Never thought we would meet in these circumstances, what can I say the Lord is good”. It's sickening, him mentioning the Lord. This brute knows nothing about the Lord.“Now, now, don't be sad, this will only last a few hours and we can be happy. We could even play hide and seek if you like”.He stalks closer to us, no me.“Get away from her you psycho” Luke screams. Patrick pays him no mind as he moves even closer. He raises his hand to graize my temple, I flinch in reaction. “Get your hands away from me”. He laughs heartily at my reaction.“And why would I do that, huh, sweet peas”.“I owe you nothing, I paid all of my debts with interest. So. Get. Your. Hands. Off. Of. Me”. I seeth.“Come on sweet peas”. He draws. “This isn't about debt, this is about how muc
“Dee…” Rosie badges into my room. Luke called, he said he has something to show us. My eyes widen a fraction. “He has figured out something” I murmur. Rosie nods her head frantically at me. I waste no time picking up my bag as we dash out.“Carolina…, we will be back soon”. I hollered at Carolina who was cradling Ivy in her arms.“Ra tat tat” Rosie knocks on Luke's door. There is no answer at first but the second time the door swings open. Luke stands there with an awkward smile that doesn't reach his eyes. He looks kind of nervous. “Come in” he opens the door wider allowing us enter.“Luke are you…” the words are choked shut in my mouth as something hard hits my head. I hear Rosie scream before I black out. The pain at the back of my head is heavy. I try to raise my hand to rub the spot but I can't, my hands are bound.“Ah…” A wave of pain shoots through my head. I blink slowly several times to get the black dots out of my vision.“Ro…..” I call out to my best friend. She is lump
"Target has locked in”. Luke the tech guy tells me on the phone.“This is going to take roughly thirty minutes to one hour. Rosie found a way to get me invited, being Gregory's wife propelled it though. They gave me front row seats but I declined. I opted to sit behind. Sitting behind will keep me away from the prying eyes of Ellie. My eyes are on Ellie the moment she steps in. She's wearing a cream coloured A-cut short gown. She is wearing a black heeled boot to match. She looks good, I won't lie. She greets Peggy Ross. They exchanged pleasantries soon after the show starts. I take subtle glances and I notice how she suddenly feels uneasy after checking her phone. Is she unto us.? Has she found out her phone is about to be tapped. I quickly text luke. He doesn't respond, this gets me worried. My fear bites deeper, my legs bounce on their own accord revealing my anxiety.Ellie puts down her phone focusing on the models as they walk down the runway. I watch her for a long time and
The sad thing about me is I tend to forget too quickly. I forget how he can be and then I get hurt. I need to constantly remember my place. In less than three months I would be gone from this life.My ears perk at the sound of my name. Rosie pokes her head into my room. “Denise” she calls me in a quiet manner. Her eyes stare directly at me as she walks in. “Denise, l knows you are mad at how Gregory reacted towards our suggestion. She sits down on the bed getting comfy. “And just because he says it doesn't mean we are going to stop. You have my full support to pursue this to the very end”. She stretches her hand placing it tenderly on my arms. I wrap my hands around her instantly. Having a friend like Rosie who supports you is a big blessing. “What are we going to do?. We don't have the necessary information to help out”. I detach myself from our hug. “I was banking on our alliance with the guys to get info”. Worry plasters my face as I tell her this.“Don't worry we will figure
Denise's POV: Gregory and Isaiah have been avoiding Rosie and I. Purposefully if I might add. We know the reason they are avoiding us. It's so they don't get to give us details on what's going on with the Ellie thing. They leave the house pretty Early and return late at night. We are asleep when they return and we don't get the needed information. Tonight is going to be different though. Tonight we are not sleeping a wink till they return home and tell us all we need to know. “Dee, I'm not sure I can stay up any longer, my eyes are closing on their own”. Rosie yawns. Her eyes shutting down completely as she yawns. “Common Ro, we need to stay awake if we want to know what's going on.”. Rosie nods her head at me with her eyes still shut. When I look at the clock for the fifth time this night, it shows it's just eleven forty five. I sigh in annoyance knowing any moment from now I'll be falling asleep. I need to stimulate myself in order to stay awake, not just me but Rosie as well.
Denise's POV:Gregory mentioned Ellie has returned to her parents house. She must have figured something was up. I mean it is obvious non of us are home anymore or she is simply evading being caught either way she is out of the house. You would expect us to return hom but we didn't we are still staying in Isaiah's mansion. Isaiah has refused to let Rosie leave as well. I don't blame him though, after the whole incident he wants us to be safe. Not that Gregory's Mansion was not safe but Isaiah's mansion is on another level. The place is surrounded by so much bodyguards that are armed, I mean heavily armed. It's scary sometimes. The men don't look friendly, they all have similar tattoos but it's located on different parts of their body. It makes me wonder what agency Isaiah found such terrifying looking men. Men that have access to such heavy weaponry. Then again he is a billionaire, money can buy alot of things..Rosie and I step into the balcony were Gregory and Isaiah are having a
Denise's POV:Flashes, blood stains, pleas. I jolt up from my sleep breathing heavily. My forehead is covered in sweat despite how cool the room is. “You're awake” Gregory says, stepping out of what I assume to be the bathroom. His voice scared me a little since I wasn't expecting him here. He rushes over to my side. “You look frightened”. He noticed my fear. “I-I had a nightmare. My voice comes out hoarse. Gregory rubs my arms affectionately. “It's just a nightmare you are safe”. I nod my head and he wraps his strong arm around me holding me in a warm embrace. “I made a warm bath for you. Figured you'd be waking up soon”. He kisses me on the forehead, breaking our embrace. “Ivy”. I say. “She's fine she's downstairs with Rosie and Carolina”. Gregory holds my hands to help me out of the bed. I notice that I am still in the clothes I wore yesterday. The site of the dried blood raises bile to my throat. I close my eyes for some seconds to pushing it down. Gregory is patient with me.
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ONE (Anger)Gregory's POV The blood within my veins like molten larva ready to give way, ready to melt these people with my rage. The only thing holding me back is Isaiah and the thought of harming the mother of my child in my blind rage.Isaiah and I move closer. Isaiah takes two precise shot. The shots are faster than I anticipated. Two of the men surrounding Denise fall flat on the ground. The last guy pulls Denise fast, holding her captive by the neck with a gun pressed by the side of her temple. He cannot see us but he is certain of where the bullet came from. Her captors eyes are wide in shock and fear. His expression almost mirrors that of Denise. Hers are rounded in fear of the unknown. I can see her visibly shaking in his hold.“Come out or I'll kill this slut”. He roars, eyes focused on our location.“At the count of three if you don't come out you'll pick up her carcass”.My eyes dart to Isaiah and he has an easy smirk. In this horrible situation m
I turn my head to Rosie and her eyes are round and wide mimicking my own. “shit” I mouth. “Who’s there?”. Someone shouts from inside. The sound of footsteps approached us. My heart is beating faster than I can process. This wasn't how I planned it. I was just going to sneak up on her and find out what she's up to. The sound of a gun being corked is heard and colour drains from Rosie's face. I bet my face mirrors hers “On the count of three we run”. I mouth to Rosie. She nods to my suggestion like an understanding child. “One, two, three, run”. I mouth to her. We both rose, hitting down the cans we hid behind. They have all realised that people were indeed in their territory. Various footsteps are heard as we run; they are after us. “Boom, boom, boom”. Shots are fired at us but luckily we've taken a left. Soon enough I find some men hot on our trail. “Rosie”. I call out to Rosie as we run. She briefly looks back at me before keeping her eyes on her track we need to split up. “what!