I was due to leave the clinic in a weeks time . My condition is improving rapidly Josy seems a bit worried of late. She seems to have a lot on her mind. I hope it's not because of the thought that I'll be leaving here soon . She occasionally came to sit by my side . She would sit silently by my side fidgeting . She seemed detached and worried . This isn't the Josy I had grown to depend on . She seemed subdued. One day she made a remark that unsettled me " Riley will you ever be able to forgive the murderer of your mother " she asked. I jerked up right ,stared at her with an injured look on my face and retorted " Certainly not . This man took away from me the light of my life. I will never ever forgive him. He took away from me the only thing that made life meaningful to me . I want him dead " Josy looked at me silently for a while and slowly asked " What if he is a changed man who has done everything possible to give back the society what he took from it . I looked into Josy's
When I got home nothing had changed. My room still had the black and pink theme I left two years ago . With my pictures hanging on the wall near my bed and my painting and poems stuck on the other side of the room. The room felt different. I felt like something had changed . All these colours were giving me a different vibe. It felt dull and lifeless. I went near my art wall and used the tip of my fingers to brush over the words. I sat on my bed thinking of everything that had happened in these two years. From the part where I was kidnapped to where I was raped and how I met Josy. Life is really funny,the older you keep getting the more you see things in a different way. It has a funny way of teaching us. One thing life has thought me is to love the people who saw me in my misery,when I was invisible to everyone . Those that stuck by my side encouraging me. Life has also thought me that to pluck a rose there are two outcomes, to either get hurt or to pluck it with ease if you are l
I thought of what Josy wrote all night and I realized that forgiveness is really the only way to move forward . I walked into my step father's room and watched the man I had longed for love from for years . There were so many tubes attached to his body and despite that he stretched his arms to welcome me for a hug ." I missed you little fairy." He said with pain laced in his every word. " I missed you too papa." I said ." Dear, I know along the line I have made some mistakes and I'm sorry for that . I look at you and I see the passage of time . My little fairy with a paint brush is now the woman I look at with pride. You are a big girl now and you understand much about life and death. Papa has to leave this world because God needs him. From now on you must be strong enough to look after mummy and your elder brother. I love you and will always do . Please work hard in your studies and do well in your exams. Your mom and brother will continue to teach you when you make a mistake but tha
Months have passed by quickly and so has time . During these five months I have stayed with my adopted family, I have had the best time of my life and created so many memories. My adopted dad came home two months ago because he insisted he wanted to have a feel of home before he passed on . Mum was upset with him because she did not want to lose him or see him die at home . She claimed it will be very painful and that the memory would haunt her for life but seeing how happy papa was she gradually accepted the situation .I was in my room writing down a poem I intended to give to Papa when I heard a loud scream . With the speed of light I descended the flight of stairs to come face-to-face with mum staring at Daddy's closed eyes with her eyes brimming with tears as she stroked his hair to wake him up . He looked too peaceful and quiet his skin looked pale . Mom begged for me to wake papa she continuously said " Riley , your dad doesn't want to wake up . He's mad at me for not bringi
After dad's funeral I decided it was time I continued my studies. During my childhood I wanted to be one of the best doctors and even now that dream still remains . I decided I did not want to continue staying here , because it brought back so many bad memories . Although I had forgiven all those who hurt me the memories were still there . Every where I went held a memory. Today I have decided to discuss with my mom my decision to leave the country to study abroad . I knew it would be tough for her. She might think I'm leaving because of her but honestly I wanted to be away for sometime, to heal ,to start my life again, to pick up from where I left off and to do that I needed to leave here where it all began.I walked into my adopted mom's room and sat beside her ." Mom I will like to speak to you about something. Well the thing is I was to be in the university two years ago but because of certain circumstances I was unable to . I remember dad telling me to do well in my exams and to
On arrival I went over to a hotel for my stay. Things are going to be great tomorrow . I encouraged myself before falling into deep slumber.The rays of sunlight fell upon my eyes as I rose up in discomfort. I quickly checked the time and found that I was twenty minutes late for school. I quickly maintained my personal hygiene as I took my luggages and hailed a cab for school. I was to be placed in campus today which was great news since it would spare me excess traffic .When I arrived in the school there was much agitation among the students , it was the mixture of confusion and excitement. News got to them from different sources on the arrival of a new student. Having a new student in Sky high was no new thing , but a dark skinned in an all white school was what they found weird . The news spread like wildfire during the harmattan. Some students confirmed they saw the new girl but her being dark skinned was excluded by the tale bearers.I followed the secretary whom I got to kno
Well if someone asked me how my college life has been for the past five years I would say it's been hectic. Making room for my friends , making room for my books and above all making room for my family . I can't believe it's left with three weeks for Jessica to graduate and I am happy for her but all the same I'm going to miss her . She even stayed up late several nights to make coffee for me. I'm going to miss the heart to heart talks, the shoulder that is always there for me to lean on and the sister who always have a solution to my problems. Although I had other friends like Brandon, Anthony ,Genevieve and Dave who are always there for me Jessica is really a gold bar that means a lot to me.Today we decided that after class we will have a sleep over since it's really been a long time since we did that and also since we wanted to spend time with Jessica. After my class is over I went to my campus and put the blankets on the floor as I packed the drinks and snacks we would need . A
As the months passed by I realise that happiness is what you make of things not what others say or do to you.. You can be the reason for your own happiness. I looked around me seeing the happy faces of my loved ones standing beside me as I took my certificate and we blew the candle on the cake. I can't believe we've survived 6 years together. Even after Jessica completed school we still continued our friendship and made time for each other. I saw Jessica run to me as she entangled me in a hug . This is my family. A family made up of people who care for me. Get ready mum I'm coming back home tonight.Upon arriving at the airport I picked a taxi. A gentle breeze ruffled the leaves on the maple tree. Sunlight gently bathed the houses around in a warm light. Birds flying to and fro chattered to one another. The taxi parked near the garage . I opened the door with the spare keys I had and took a deep breath. I had arrived. Nothing seem to have changed . The rickety old basketball hoop seem
I'm Irene Essah . Born and raised in Ghana . A sixteen year old girl. Student of labone Senior High School. I guess writing books was always a part of me for the moment where I began acting in my mirror to the moment I began placing my Bic pen on my notepad to write .Most of my books are written based on my own imagination and emotions . Beneath The Scars is actually on of them . When I began writing this novel I was going through alot . I had my b.e.c.e to think of ( it's actually an exams written to promote you to the senior high school of your choice.) as well as some other family matters . While writing this book I wanted to bring out an inspirational message to all those fighting with mental health . I wanted them to know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. That's why I used this song "God on the mountain"Life is easy, when you're up on the mountainAnd you've got peace of mind, like you've never knownBut when things change and you're down in the valleyDon't
EmilyLife can sometimes hit you real bad. To think that you will wake up everyday and see that beautiful face . That face that means the world to you . To come back from work and be greeted by that person . I had just closed from school and I decided to go to the nearby food stand I saw ,since I can't live with an empty stomach I'll probably die . I sat under the tree at the corner , put out my notepad and began doing my homework . I love nature and everything but I go by one rule you hate me, I hate you .Sitting under the tree listening to the whistling sound of the air passing through the leaves I felt a chilly breeze along my skin . The Rusty looking leaves creating melodious tunes as they begin to sway . The blue sky loosing sight of its cloud as the sun gradually begins to move descending lower and lower until it disappears . My lunch was then placed in front of me .I shut my notepad as I picked my fork and dipped it into my fries and chicken. " Oh God! , the food is so good
Upcoming bookBEST FRIENDS WISHDedication: Dedicated to that Richmond in my life that I did the same thing Anabell did .I'm sorry I realized too late what you were to me and by then you were gone. RenieDarling_14. Prologue The old lady looked feeble. The minute our subway train started, she was going to keel over. Then she'd be a sick passenger, and the train would stop while we waited for an ambulance, and I'd be late for school. Plus she looked terrified . I gave her my seat. I helped her into it. " Thank you, dear. You have done me a good turn." Her tone was like music to the ears ,so round, sweet and juicy like an anchorwoman's. " And you know what they say about a good turn ." " That's okay." I said . Was she gonna tip me ? I thought " I don't want anything." I added. " Yes, you do Anabe
Moral lessonA scar tells your story of how you survived . Never be ashamed of a scar. It means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.Each scar I’ve gained has been a badge of survival. It tells me that I was strong enough to beat something. It shows me the strength my body has to overcome whatever is thrown at it. Everyday I look back at my scars and I think about the stories behind them .They’re a sign of survival.The moral lesson for the story is to never give up . Sure there might be ups and downs but let's not forget that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.Thank you So, we have come to the end of yet another book and I just wanted to say a big thank you . I got to a point I wanted to give up writing but some of you came in my message board asking for more update to those of you that are writers you know how much of a push that is , so , thank you so your support.
I remember their first steps , theirs first words their elementary school days , middle school , junior high school , senior high school , college and now . I remember their sixteenth birthday gift , the letter I wrote . I really hope they understood every word written and I hope they always remember it like I do cause it would send them far in life . I remember writing "Life isn’t fair. Sweet girls, I love you so, but life sure does have curve balls. Just remember momma said there’d be days like this. If I could keep you little forever, I’d bottle you up and hold your heart so that nobody could hurt it. If I teach you anything, I want you to learn how to have mental toughness and grit. Overwhelming feelings may come, but know that they will also leave. And I’m here for you every step of the way. People aren’t always going to like you. Oh, if I had a penny for every time I heard this… I’d be a wealthy woman! To tell you the truth, girls, I’ve always struggled with this. Until I
Some memories are hard to let go of like to one that keeps repeating in my head , memories of when my two most precious jewels were given life . I quite remember , I stood at the balcony of our home watching the stars in the mid night sky . Sleep was far from me with the thoughts on my mind . I wondered if I would be a good mother . If I would be able to give the love my twins needed to them. I was scared . Scared that I won't be what they needed . Being in my last week of pregnancy I had become an emotional wreck. I placed my hand on my bloated tummy feeling some contractions. I felt a hand on my shoulders and I turned and melted in his embrace . Henry had always being there for me even at times I feared I won't be a good mother . He was my strength so far . Throughout these nine months he had tolerated my mood swings without a single complaint . Even at night time when I craved strange things he found ways and means to get it for me. He even stocked the freezer with lots of strawb
I walked into the cafe and scanned the area to find Josy and my dad. I was nervous about this meeting yesterday but after a phone call from Henry encouraging me I gathered courage . I spotted the two sitting at the far end with an extra chair placed near their table . With heavy steps I walked towards the table and took in the appearance of the man before me . He had similar hair and eye color like mine . He had prominent cheekbones and a long chin. He had dark circles beneath his eyes like he had not slept in days . He looked like a well built man despite his age . There were a few grey hairs round his temple .Indeed he looked miserable just like father Augustine said . I walked up to them and took a seat near them as I noticed my father looking at me strangely . What was I thinking? I thought . He had not seen me for close to 18 years and I expect him to talk friendly . I'm Riley Essah . I introduced myself . "Are you my daughter my baby girl who use to crawl with mischief and give
After the church service was over I walked over to the Catholic father to greet him and inform him of my arrival back in the country . He inquired how things went by over the span of my 6 years absence and also informed me of a middle aged man who always came to ask for information about me . He further explained that the man had just been released from the jail where he normally went to preach and had come to see him for shelter . He explained how miserable the man looked like one guilty of a crime which can not be forgiven . He said he spoke to the man and inquired the source of his misery and the explained to him in every detail from how he left his family to how he met Josy and again met the man whose daughter he had mistakenly killed .. He was able to get into contact with Josy with my help but now all he wants is to find his only family left. The reason he is still alive ,the reason he choose to change ,the reason he stopped doing drugs ,his daughter his everything. He c
Early this morning Josy messaged me the address to her husband's cafe . She spoke of how she wanted to hear everything that had happened in the past six years and also she wanted me to meet her husband Edward since I couldn't make it to their wedding two years ago . I walked to a flower shop and bought a bouquet of red roses for Josy . When I finally came out of the shop I picked a taxi and headed for cafe Rosa . When I arrived I texted Josy to tell her I have arrived that was when I spotted Josy with her seven months old pregnant self approach me . " Josy , oh my goodness I missed you so much these are for you ." I said . " No need to be so formal come here , meet my husband Edward." She said . " Nice to meet you Mr. Edward Jones ." I said . Josy took me to the far end of the cafe served ,me a cup of coffee and a plate of cookies and began talking . She told me that the man she met at prison had been released and that with the help of father Augustine he had gotten in contact with