THE ANTONIO'S MANSION
It was a lovely Friday morning. The sun gave its light gracefully and the wind exhibits its talent, filling the air with the aura of the lilies, roses and sun flower on the compound making the house dazzel with beauty.
Lizzy, Gina and Agnes , the house maids were busily doing their house chores. Moving restlessly like ants." Hurry, go finish with the meal, Mrs. Fiona will soon come down for her breakfast...." Gina exclaimed, turning to what she was doing at the hall.Agnes looked grumpily at her and left to the kitchen." Good morning ladies", Mr. Antonio called descending down the stairs. "How was your night?" he queried on with a smile." Good morning sir", they cheerfully chorused. Lizzy took his bag and trolled out to the car." Your breakfast is served sir ", Agnes uttered from the dinning table. Mr Antonio just giggled as he trod to the door." Never mind, dear. I ought to rush off to the office now. I'll have my breakfast at work. But make sure Fiona lacks nothing and call me if anything pops up, OK".He expressed exiting the house in a hurry." okay, sir", Gina replied.On the other side of the house, Mrs. Fiona lay lazily on the bed with her baby bump, fast asleep.
FEW HOURS TIME
"Aaaah- aahhh " a loud scream eluded, Fiona's room which sent, Gina and the others wondering with panic.
"what is that?–why is Mrs. Fiona screaming?" Agnes ,the silly one among them queried which sent Gina and Lizzy's deadly gazes on her.
" Dump head–she might be in labor! ", Gina swiftly exclaimed, rushing off to the room." Oh, no, what do we do now ?", Lizzy and Agnes chorused as they followed suit. They opened the door and saw Fiona lying in a pool of blood on the floor, screaming."Madam ? –Madam " They shouted as they sped to her side."Ah– the baby–is–coming" Fiona stammered, faintly in pain as she hitt Gina in the process." Go– go, get a cab, hurry!", Gina shouted at Lizzy which made her flinch." OK, OK, am going ", She cried, dashing out of the room." Agnes, call Mr Antonio –now ", She roared at Agnes too. The atmosphere was a bit tensed as they tried to safe Fiona and her baby." okay , i'm going– I'm going." Said Lizzy while she rushed out. She picked the phone and started calling" He' s not answering ", she shouted, nervously." Keep calling !" Gina called, her eyes still fixed on Fiona while she kept cleaning her up with cold water.Agnes suddenly entered, panting heavily." Let's go– the cab is here." She swiftly eluded They quickly carried her out to the entrance where the cab was and placed her gently on the back seat." Agnes, please stay back and take care of the house as you continue calling master. Lizzy and I will go with her, we are taking her to Family Health Hospital. Inform Mr. Antonio when you get through his line." Gina ordered and Agnes nodded." Sure , I will".Gina instinctively turned to the driver. " Please let's go now" she eluded and with no time, the cab dashed off with the speed of lightening.OFFICE
Antonio was busily having a meeting with his board of directors at the conference hall deliberating on issues of the company while his phone kept ringing without his notice. After hours of discussion, the meeting finally came to an end.
" we have come to the end of this meeting and everything is decided . We can return to our various duties now"
He announced as he dispersed the meeting. After everyone left, he faint into his chair and exhaled." Now back to business "He picked a huge file from his table and started working on it. Just then, he heard his phone ringing. He gazed at the phone, wondering." Who could it be?" he low whispered as her reached out for the phone. He checked and it was from home." Lizzy?– hope all is okay", he uttered worriedly to himself as he answered." Hello , Lizzy , what is it? " he queried."Boss, is not Lizzy, is me, Agnes " a voice came through." okay– okay, Agnes ,what is it? Is everything alright? " he asked." Its–madam " She answered with shaky voice." What's wrong with her? –Talk !! ". Antonio cried nervously." She's in labor – Gina and Lizzy" She went on but Antonio's voice swiftly interrupted, frustrated." Where are they?, where did they take her? – which hospital? "" Family Health Hospital ",she cried and the line went dead. He hanged up without any other word, picked his car keys and dashed out of the office. " Take care of everything, am not sure I will be returning today." He said to his assistant as he trod off."Okay– Is everything alright, sir?" He asked. "You look distressed "." Yeah, all is well–Just take charge for me. I' ll be off now." He assured his assistant and left in a rush.HOSPITAL
" Be strong dear– push!" a midwife exclaimed."aaaaahhh–aaaaah !!! ". Fiona screamed ,panting heavily with pain as she pushed all she could. Her face was pale and sweaty. She felt all weak since she had already run out of strength."oh, God, I can't do this anymore– I'm too tired.", she cried in agony." Don't say that ,try a little harder", a nurse encouraged her.*************************
OUTSIDE THE LABOR WARD
Its almost 4 hours now but there was no sign of any of the nurses coming out. Gina and Lizzy were growing more and more impatient as time passed.
" Are they coming ? – Is everything alright in there?" Lizzy asked Gina who was looking through the door." I don't know dear–I can't actually see anything." Gina replied nervously." Gina!! , Lizzy, !!– where is Fiona, is she okay?" A voice shouted from behind They swiftly turned towards the direction of the voice." Boss, you're here" They exclaimed. " She's still in there", Gina replied depressed.They suddenly heard a loud scream followed by the cry of a baby from the ward . Antonio, Lizzy and Gina immediately rushed to the door with beaming smiles." Congratulations, you now a dad, "Gina and Lizzy chorused happily." Thank you ", he uttered cheerfully. The door suddenly slummed open, a nurse came out with a tensed look." congratulations, is a baby girl sir– but sorry we lost her." She announced, gloomy."What!?", they all exclaimed, shocked." She lost a lot of blood in the process", the nurse explained." I'm really sorry for your lost." She added. " Stay strong " She mumbled.Antonio fainted into a chair beside him, shocked ,speechless and lost. He felt his whole world collapse under his eyes. Gina and Lizzy sat beside him, consoling."So, where is the baby.?",Gina asked." At the children's ward" She replied." Okay, thank you. Can we see her now" Lizzy asked."Yes, follow me". She said. Gina and Lizzy followed her to the ward.Antonio stood in front of the labour ward as he watch the nurses push out the body of his wife from the ward to the morgue. He held her hand helplessly as he wept." Fiona, please wake up, I'm here – waiting for you. " He moaned.
"Please wake up, who will take care of Gisella. –How can you leave without letting her know her mother and the love she has for her?" Tears slowly rolled down his eyes as he mumbled on. His heart completely rocked apart.*******************************
The nurse pursed at the entrance and spoke up, pointing to a cot in front of them." Come, here she is"She showed her to them. Gina and Lizzy was stunned for a moment after seeing the baby. She was quite different from all the other babies they've ever seen in their life. " Wow, this baby looks so strange." ,Lizzy expressed." Very, very,strange – do you think she is cursed". Gina wondered.Lizzy nodded her head indifferently.Gisella lay quietly in her cot as she stare at them with her long brown/black hair. With a blue and green coloured eyes. She has a mark like the sun on her forehead.
Antonio got to the babies' ward and stood by his daughter's cot with a stressful look. He looked into her eyes, marvelled. " Wow? You are such a special child– and look just like your mother." He expressed with tears in his eyes." Sir", Gina called from the door." Gina–what's it?" he queried faintly." Everything is done, the doctor said we can take her home now." Gina answered." Okay, come for her", he replied and left the ward.Gina carried the baby carefully and followed him to the car." Where is Lizzy?" Antonio asked, his eyes lurking around, in search of her." She left to get the baby's room ready for her arrival", Gina replied."Alright, let's get going– its getting late" Antonio mumbled as he settled at the driver's side.They drove off from the hospital.
THREE YEARS AFTER Gisella sat in the kitchen alone with Gina and Lizzy who were busily doing their chores. Fiona suddenly appeared by her and sat beside her. Gisella instinctively giggled which gave Gina and Lizzy the chill as they watched her giggle alone to herself, staring at an unknown person." Who is she giggling at so cheerfully, Gina?" Lizzy swiftly mumbled in a single breath which brought back Gina's glaring eyes to her." Why asking me, Lizzy? – Does it look like I'm a sort of deity who knows all?" She wittily asked. " How can I know when we're all speechless over here, wondering what's going on over there."Lizzy gave a sheepish smile and turned back to her work. "Let's just forget it – It's actually kinda getting creepy in here." She mumbled to herself. " Hey, honey" Fiona called with smiles and Gisella chuckled. " How is my little baby today?" she asked." Good, mum, just missed you–What took you so long today..?, she cried with a grumpy look
ANTONIO'S MANSION It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the Antonio's mansion. Gina, Lizzy and Agnes were busy as usual with their chores but this time, trying to avoid the sight of the scary and wired Gisella as they call her." Lizzy, where is that cursed girl, Gisella..?", Gina asked nervously, her eyes earnestly searching around. Lizzy swiftly lurked around as well." I hope she's not around here or?" she went on." No, Gina, she might be in her room", Agnes replied.Gina sighed, relieved. " Ermm, Agnes, won't you go and serve her food?–she might be starving now"Lizzy called which made Agnes flinch out in fright." who?–me?" She queried as she pointed herself and chuckled wittly. " You might be kidding, right?–Li?" She went on. Gina and Lizzy just glared at her with a straight look."No–No, that must be over my dead body will I do" She cried with a faint chuckle." Do, what?", a voice swiftly interrupted. Lizzy and Gina instinctively turned toward
It was a lonely and sad evening for Gisella. She sat on her bed with her mother's ghost beside her, crying and famished since no one was ready to make her some food since morning." Mum?" She called " why won't dad believe me(sobs)I'm so hungry as well. There is no food in the house for me.", she cried and grumbled her face. Her stomach had already started hurting due to luck on food." My stomach hurts so bad, mum. It lacks food–Ouch...", she cried in pain. Fiona instinctively rose to her feet." You'll be fine Gisel, let me get you some food.", Fiona cried worriedly." No, mum, they'll see you. Don't go.." She mumbled." Don't worry, honey. I'll be right back.."She turned to leave for the kitchen but the door suddenly slam open with great force. They both gazed at the door expectantly. And to their surprise, Natasha entered angrily, with a scornful look and threw a deadly gaze at Gisella which made her panic at her sight." What–do–you– want in my room? ", sh
ANTONIO'S APARTMENT Gina, Lizzy and Agnes entered the house, exhausted. Upon seeing them, Antonio and Natasha hurriedly approached them expectantly in frustration." Did you find her..?", they chorused worriedly." No, sir– we searched everywhere we could think of but still no sign of her anywhere".Gina cried with a sad look.Antonio faint sadly into the sofa, his mind felt blank for a moment as he stared with anxiety written all over his face. " How is this possible?– where could she be?"Natasha instinctively snarled, her lips curved in a faint satisfactory smile. "This is just the beginning, Antonio –Better sit tight for the trilling days ahead." She mentally mumbled, swiftly masking up a fake nervous gaze as she joined him in the sofa." Don't worry honey,I know she'll return safely–Trust me.." She consoled. Antonio glanced at her, his eyes clearing exposing his nervousness and frustration." Are you sure she'll return safely?"
TWO DAYS AFTER Finally, Antonio and Natasha's marriage ceremony was on. The house was beautifully and heavily decorated with blue and white colours and flowers, making the place glitter with beauty like the heavens. People kept trooping in and out of the mansion for the ceremony.Gina, Agnes and Lizzy were extremely busy with the arrangement and meals for the ocassion. Gina swiftly paced down the stairs, carrying a tray of mugs and wine glass. She trod into the kitchen, calling out Lizzy's name.Lizzy hurried into the kitchen with quite a pale and stressed gaze. "What's it, now, Gina?– why are you calling? I really got to rush to the bakery for the cake and pasteries before the ceremony begin so kindly be fast about it." She lamented." I need you to pass by the super market for some foodstuffs, please?" Gina pleaded. " I can't go at the moment else things would get messed up over here."" But Agnes can take charge while you rush over and return in a
TWO YEARS AFTER THE BRILLIANTS SCHOOL COMPLEX It was a sports day at " The Brilliants School Complex". All the students were happily and busily getting ready for the match between the "Roses" and " Dandelions " of the school and Gisella's class was no different but no one was ready to mingle with her because of her nature." Come on, guys" Loretta mumbled as she trod pass Gisel along with her friends. " Let's join the rest at the field and leave this wiredo here– the sight of her alone disgust me" She chuckled as she pushed Gisella' s head, which made Bianca and Paola teased, giggling." Sure– such a bad luck she is." They all laughed as they sauntered out of the class.Gisella gazed at their back, pained and desolated. She was the only person left in the class with her ghost friend, Annabel." Is okay,Gisel– Just know that i'll always be your friend and will be by your side whenever you need me", Annabel consoled. She tickled her which made her burst out
ANTONIO'S OFFICEAntonio sat behind his desk, lost in some document he was busy with. Just then a knock from the door drew his attention, he instinctively gazed up." Come in." He eluded and turned back to the documents.Gideon slowly pushed the door open and trod in. "There's a bad news, sir". He mumbled, nervous. Which made Antonio swiftly gaze up, tensed." What is it? Tell me, Deon?– whhat happened. "" The main quarters,sir– where all the products are kept , just caught fire." He answered in a single breath. Antonio sprang up, shocked. His face suddenly went pale as if the colour in his face had dried out." What?" He roared. " How is that possible?– what do to mean!?"" I don't know sir" He stuttered. " But we couldn't retrieve anything from there."He added. Antonio suddenly felt numb. He sauntered back and slowly faint into the chair, devastated. " God, this can't be happening."He exclaimed. Without further thoughts and hesitation, h
A MONTH LATERGisella and Agnes fully recovered and were discharged home. Gisel returned back to her studies and handling of her father's company, being herself without fear or intimidation with the help of Mr. George, Antonio's secretary.She became very brave, confident, bold– full of herself. She no longer allowed the words and behavior of others to pull her down.She became a role model to a lot of young ladies going through low self-esteem and excelled in everything she did.Loretta finally got out of coma and was later placed on a therapy to help her overcome the experience she went through in Bello's hands.Few weeks later, she confessed her relationship with Bello and how she planned to eliminate Gisella with the help of him.Ciara and Ben on the other hand, were so disappointed in their daughter after hearing her confession." How could you do this, Lore? – Is that how we trained you?" Ciara had exclaimed in tears." Your mother and I worked en
Bello strolled towards Loretta, chuckling with the gun pointing at her head. She cried and crawled back, finding means to escape the ruthless beast in front of her." Please, spare my life""Huh? – Spare your life, you said?" He smirked amidst chuckle. " Do you think I'm so dumb to let you off the hook so you can expose me? Huh!! Never, bitch, not even in your dreams " He roared, kneeling beside her with the gun over her skull." Please " She pleaded in tears." Just say your last prayers, honey" He shouted. *********Paola, Bianca and Loretta's parents, Mrs. Ciara and Mr. Ben sped towards the location shown on the GPS in their vehicle." Drive a little faster, Ben" Ciara cried in devastation." I am, honey– Just pray we're not so late. I've already informed the police and I'm sure they're already on their way. They should even be there by now " Replied Ben w
ON THE ROADLoretta drove along the road, looking all distressed on noticing a white cab which followed keenly behind her; keeping a close watch on her. She instinctively turned her gaze to the seat beside her as she reached for her phone. Loretta anxiously surfed through and dialed Paola's line, staring through the side mirror as she balanced her gaze between the road ahead and the mirror." Hey, Lore, what's up with you ?" Paola's voice echoed from the other end of the phone." Fine, I guess " She answered absent mindedly, still gazing at the car behind her through the mirror, wondering." Hey, girl, is everything okay? You seem so down and absent minded– Come on, tell me, what's it?" Her question spontaneously drew her full attention on her." Huh? – oh, yeah, umm, are you home? I need to talk to you " She answered." Yeah, I'm home but can you tell me what's going on now? I'm a little worried" Paola insisted but she instinctively pull a blunt excuse
Antonio sighed and stood up from the floor, turning back to Gisella, Desmond and Lizzy. Gisella stared at her father with teary eyes which just burst out of joy– Her lips slightly twisted and she raced to embrace him; thorn between tears and chuckle. Desmond and Lizzy stared at her as she buried herself into his arms.Antonio hugged her, comforting, "It's okay, honey. Everything is finally over. " He slowly withdrew her from his embrace and curbed her cheeks with his hands; a faint smile dazzled on his face. " I'm so sorry for not listening to you, dear. I'm really sorry for everything, baby"Silent tears dropped down his eyes which Gisel instinctively dried it up with the back of her hand, embracing him in a warm hug, a faint smile spontaneously formed on her face." It's okay, dad– I've already forgiven you for everything and I'm so sorry for not saving you" She sobbed. " Forgive me dad, forgive me for returning so late from the hospital " The tears she tried to hol
THE ANTONIO' S MANSION RECAP" Get out of here, I'll handle this." Said Gisella, turning her gaze back on Natasha as she monitored her every step but Desmond stubbornly insisted." No, Gisel, we can't leave you here all alone with this evil woman. Lizzy can go with her while I stay with you."" No, you can't be here.....Leave now....", Gisella yelled.Natasha laughed, " Aww, such a touching scene....but I've got a bad news for you, honey. No one is living here alive...", she responded, approaching with dark eyes.Lizzy and Desmond trembled. Gisella shaded them and began to pray. **************Suddenly, a heavy wind blew across the room, lifting and sending things flying in the air with Agnes still lying unconscious on the floor . A thick smoke hung in the air like a blanket despite the heavy breeze. Gisella, Desmond and Lizzy surveyed around wit
THE ANTONIO'S MANSIONNatasha got to where Agnes laid unconscious and crouch beside her and she gently brushed her hand through her hair– Her lips curved in a mischievous smile." Poor thing, I didn't want to do this, Aggie but you left me no option. Curiosity, they say kills the cat and for now, I think is time for you to go home, honey" She faintly chuckled. "Fare thee well and send my regards to those over there..." She smirked.She rose to her full height and gazed down at her with dark eyes. Gisella, Desmond and Lizzy arrived and pulled over in front of the gate. They hurriedly got down and sped towards the door."Agnes.....!! Aggie !!! ", Lizzy cried as they approached the door.Gisella banged the door but there was no response or sign of anyone approaching from inside. She tried to open it again but suddenly found out it was locked." Oh, God.....it's locked.....", she cried." What?" Desmond exclaimed, nervous. " So what are we going to do now?– Don't yo
Desmond drew her from his bosom and held her hands, wiping her tears. Gisella stared at his face with a faint smile."Enough with the tears, Gisella– Come on, save the rest for future." He joked. "Now,let's go; this calls for a celebration. Don't worry, the bill is on me." He uttered with a smile. Gisella nodded, her gloomy look instinctively replaced with smiles and she hugged him." I'm so lucky to have you beside me, Desmond– Thank you for choosing me" She whispered underneath her breath. Lizzy who silently stared at them with smiles, instinctively let out a tactful cough."Huh...huh...huh..." She cleared her throat, drawing back their attention." Snap out of it, Love birds–Don't forget I'm still here." She teased with a chuckle and their lips swiftly curved with a sheepish smile as they withdrew from each other, feeling embarrassed."Sorry, Aunty." They both exuded and she chuckled."No worries, dear– Shall we go now?"" Sure, let's get out of here an
RECAP The trailer was very close now. The kid stood in the middle of the road, just staring at both vehicles in shock. Lizzy, Desmond and Gisella cried in fear, screaming for a miracle." Oh, my God....oh my God..... Oh no... "The car approached head on with speed. **************Suddenly, a shadow flashed in front of their car and it veered off the road. The trailer passed with great speed without stopping and Gisella's car immediately came to a halt some meters away along the road. It was a quite street with bushes along the road. It's hardly you find people walking along the street.Gisella, Desmond and Lizzy sat in the car, panting breathless with shock spread over their faces." What was that?" Gisella stammered which brought Lizzy sweat soaked gaze on her." What was what, Gisel ? Didn't you see what happened?– We nearly had an accident." She cried." No, Aunty, i was not talking about that." She swallowed a lump of
Desmond had been standing at the junction for the past 45minutes now but still no sign of Gisella anywhere. He gazed worriedly at the roads leading to the junction he stood, expectantly, depressed." What's keeping her? Is every alright?" He mumbled with a furrowed brow and as of on an impulse, he stuttered. " Let me call and find out what's happening?" He drew out his phone and dialed her line but it couldn't get through. He sighed with his fixed gaze, nervously on the screen as he paced around.peep....peep.....peep.....a sound from behind drew his attention. He swiftly turned to find out who it was. It was the sound of Gisella's horn; She instinctively beckoned him in. He gave a broad smile and hopped onto the car." What kept you so long, Gisella?" He immediately asked after settling in but then, he swiftly brushed it off. "Just forget it– Let's get going before the meeting starts." He assumed, turning to Lizzy who all along, stared from the back seat."Goo