GLENDA'S POV
I approached my room with trepidation, fearing what sight awaited me on the other side of the door. The image already forming in my mind was gut-wrenching. I hoped it wasn't what I was thinking but I'd be foolish to believe otherwise. "You like it, yeah? You like how I hit it right? Damn, you feel so mighty good. The best I've had in days!" I heard the male voice, a voice I recognized all too well. It was Brian, my boyfriend. The Brian I had left everything for. The same Brian I had abandoned my family for. The Brian I worked my ass off while he did nothing but lived off the paltry sum I earned at the cafe. I peeled the door open as quietly as I had come in. At any time, I could recognize the naked male figure who had his back to me with slender white legs wrapped around his waist. My mouth was left agape, my hands began trembling, and my eyes blurred with tears at the sight before me. I couldn't watch it anymore. "Brian?" I whispered as I trembled back into the living room. I could barely hear myself speak and I didn't think he heard me either, but he did. He rushed into the living room, tugging at his boxers as he tried to put them on. "Glenda, it's not what you think." He tried to explain. I raised my tear-brimmed eyes to him. My lips quivered with sobs. "She's just a friend. She doesn't mean anything to me." He said lamely. I felt rage instantly consume me. Did he think I was a fool? Did he think he was talking to a child? Did I look that stupid to him? "How about I go say hello to your friend," I said, getting up to head for the room. The lady emerges from the room before I can rise from the sofa. She had a shawl wrapped around her head to hide her face. The sight of her jabbed at my soul. I wanted to claw at her and rip her to pieces for her shameless act. As I charged towards her, I felt a restraint around my waist and a force pull me back and toss me roughly back against the sofa. "Leave, I'll call you," Brian said to her over his shoulder, his eyes intent on me, daring me to do what I had in mind. "You'll call her? Who is she to you Brian, that you protect her?" I asked as shock consumed me. Filled with rage, I raised my hand to hit him but he caught my hand mid-air and flung it away from him. He was no longer calm nor did he try to explain himself any further. His eyes stared at me resentfully as he crossed his arm over his chest, clenching and unclenching his jaw like he was trying to control his anger. He was angry? Was he supposed to be the angry one? I just caught him cheating! Yet he was giving me berating looks for reacting. I couldn't believe he was mad. He was in the wrong yet he was mad at me. I suddenly felt weak, my shoulder slumped and I began to shake with sobs. I slapped at his chest in a bid to vent. "How could you? How could you Brian?" I sobbed bitterly as my hands made repeated contact with his chest and arms across his chest. "Oh come off it! Stop this nonsense!" He bellowed at me and violently pushed me away from him, knocking me to the ground. From my ground position, I looked up at him in shock. Tears blurred my vision, my heart shrunk with deep pain. This was all nonsense to him? My lips trembled with sobs as I tried to speak. "Nonsense? This is nonsense to you Brian? I left my family for you. I gave you my all! I dedicated the past year of my life to you. I …" "Glenda, I didn't ask you to give me your life or whatever you said." He rudely interrupted me. I was pained and my pain stirred nothing in him. It made me wonder if this was the man I fell in love with. Has he always been this cold and heartless? My eyes began to blur again. "But you never refused my nonsense, instead you took it all, and you enjoyed every moment of my foregoing. I worked my ass off for you, and gave you every penny I earned, you never said it was nonsense then, did you?" I asked him as new tears rolled down my face. He chuckled. "We both enjoyed every moment of it or didn't you?" His words left me speechless. I opened my mouth to speak but words failed me. "And don't you even begin to brag about the peanuts you earned? We were barely getting by. I was sick of the miserable dinner you brought home every day from that stupid cafe." He said ungratefully, his voice laced with irritation. I couldn't believe love blinded me so much that I never saw Brian for who he was. A monster! "Listen, we both enjoyed it while it lasted, but it's gotten boring. I've been bored for a while now and I think it's good you found out about this, it makes it easier for us. I think we should move on, you know, go our separate ways. Let's break up." He said so casually and indifferently like it was an everyday conversation. I felt like I died all over again. I had just caught him cheating and instead of apologizing to me, he was breaking up with me. I shut my eyes tightly. Maybe this was all a dream. Disappointment stood, cheering at me when I opened my eyes. I wasn't dreaming. It was all real. Brian was doing this to me. "You should leave." He added with disdain in his voice. I shook my head at his lack of remorse or pity. I didn't even want his pity. I became angry at how foolish I was to believe that he loved me. "You'll pay for this Brian," I said with a shaky voice, trying to sound confident. "Oh please get going already!" He shot at me with irritation. I was broken. Brian had broken me. With a broken heart, a despairing spirit, and trepidation, I boarded a bus heading back home.GLENDA'S POV "And the prodigal daughter returns!" My aunt Helena chimed but not with excitement as she opened the doors for me."Let me guess, he dumped you!" She added with a triumphant smile as she noticed the lines of dried tears on my face."Hello Aunt." I greeted in a small voice, my head kept low in shame. I thought I had escaped this life. It turns out I had only taken a short break from it."Hello to you!" She shot back, not sounding welcoming. She shifted to the side to give me passage. Her nose wrinkled in disgust like I was a piece of trash.I didn't blame her. I did feel like a piece of trash, worthless and stupid. Very stupid. I let Brian deceive me. His betrayal had stripped me of any ounce of dignity I had left.I struggled alone with my suitcase into the house and Aunt Helena just stood by watching me. It has always been like this. I have always been alone, taking care of myself alone."Where's my father?" I inquired of her. Desperately avoiding her eyes. I was feeli
GLENDA'S POVMaybe I'm cursed or destined to experience mishaps in this life. It's been barely forty-eight hours since I caught my boyfriend cheating and now I am getting married to a man twenty-six years older than me.Sent off like an animal for the attornment of the sins of my family. Could I even say I have a family? Family don't treat each other the way mine was treating me.What did I ever do to deserve this treatment? I guess my crime was in being born. Curse the day of my birth!"Sign here." The registrar's voice startled me out of my reverie. I took the pen from him, wielding it with an unsteady hold.My eyes blurred as I signed off my freedom. A tear trickled down my face."Keep it together Glenda! You're not the only one here." Dad whispered in anger.I wasn't even allowed to feel pain. I didn't have the liberty to express my hurt. I was no human before them. I was nothing but a worthless tool, picked up at will.My life was a rollercoaster, taking turns at will. I had no c
GLENDA'S POVI struggled to recover from the numbing shock. I bowed my head to look away from him. It was at that moment he saw me. His eyes grew wide with surprise, confusion and disgust etched on his face.Nana beamed at Brian, taking his attention away from me for a split second and they said their hellos. "Your father's wife." Nana offered, noticing the way he was staring me down.Maurice had continued his feasting a little over naturally. He swallowed his food and wiped at the corners of his mouth before speaking."It's nice of you to join us for dinner after, how long has it been?""It's nice to see you too, Dad," Brian replied, returning his father's indifferent attitude. His eyes remained on me even while he spoke to his father."You got married.""Isn't she beautiful?""Isn't she too young for you?" "Makes it all the more better, wouldn't you agree?""You're a pathetic old man.""I don't see why you're so upset about my marriage. You should grow up.""And be like you? I'll
MAURICE'S POV"How are you feeling this morning?" I asked Glenda as she joined me for breakfast.Last night, I walked into a scene of her coughing and wheezing. It looked pretty bad. She said something got stuck in her throat. Brian just stood there watching her. He couldn’t even help the poor girl. I wonder where I went wrong with him."I'm fine. Thank you." She spoke shyly.She looked tired. Her eyes were drawn with exhaustion. I could tell she barely got any sleep last night and it didn't help that she had gone to bed without dinner."Hope you worked up an appetite. You didn't eat last night."She looked surprised and then bowed her head in embarrassment. I bet she didn't think I cared to notice. Of course, I didn't want her sick. It would ruin my plans."If you don't like the food, I can ask them to make you something else," Nana interjected.This was one of the qualities I loved about Nana; her kindness. I was a firsthand benefactor of it.Nana has always been very supportive of
GLENDA'S POVI heard Maurice curse under his breath. I wondered if he was cursing at me. The answer fell on my lap or should I say my husband's lap when an unknown lady walked into the study and sat on him.I watched in surprise as the strange lady sat on Maurice's lap and kissed him. I could tell they were close, but he didn't seem pleased to see her. Maybe because I was there."Aren't you happy to see me? Didn't you miss me? Why are you giving me cold shoulders? Are you mad at me?" She threw Maurice a torrent of questions, barely giving the man any time to reply."Okay, I know you are mad because I didn't fly in last night as planned and you miss me. My flight was delayed. I would have been here sooner.- She cooed- "I'm sorry baby." She whined and pouted, splaying a seductive hand over Maurice's chest as she tried to fix a non-existent crease on his shirt.I guessed her antics were effective because Maurice's expression softened and he spoke to her. "How was your trip? How did it go
MAURICE'S POV"Wife! You got married!" Lucy jerked away from my lap as she processed the information I just dropped on her.I gave her a look that she understood very well. She got a hold of herself and kept her mouth shut.I turned to Glenda and dismissed the poor girl. She wasn't supposed to have seen any of this. At least, not now. It would not help any of my plans."What do you mean by your wife!" Lucy snapped immediately when the doors to the study clicked shut."You heard right," I replied noncommittally as I tried to get to work. There were files lined on my table that needed my attention."Who is she?" Lucy demanded.I ignored her and picked up a file. I began to read through, trying to determine what needed my approval on that particular file.The file suddenly disappeared from my grasp as Lucy angrily yanked it away. I sighed in irritation.I raised my head to her and she was glaring at me. Women. I muttered under my breath.I was in no mood to deal with Lucy's tantrums righ
GLENDA'S POVI tried to get a hold of myself after the encounter in Maurice's office. The events I had witnessed made my stomach churn with disgust.I reminded myself that I was nothing to him. Of course, he could behave however he deemed fit. But what I didn't understand was why he married me if he already had a mistress, someone who warmed his bed. What use was I to him?This thought consumed me as I approached the foot of the stairs to head for my room. That room was the only haven for me in this house. It was the only place I could fit in and I was grateful for it."Ma'am?"I heard someone call out behind me. I spun around to see Nora, the maid curtsied behind me.I didn't think she was referring to me. I was not used to getting respect from anyone. Not even the maids at my father's house. Aunt Helena ensured that I was nothing before the maids and stripped me of any respect they may have had for me.I kept looking at Nora who had her head slightly bowed, unsure how to respond to
GLENDA'S POV"Brian, you're up. Nice of you to join us. " Nana turned to the entrance and greeted him with a warm smile. After he had regained composure from the surprise at finding me sitting with Nana, he spoke. "Nana please, where are the boxes in my room?" Brian was speaking to Nana but his gaze settled menacingly on me. Like me, I guess he was finding it hard getting used to all this, seeing me here."We moved them to the basement for more room. I'll just get Nora to get them for you." Nana grunted as she struggled to get up from her seat."I'll go get Nora for you." I offered, standing from my seat, seeing how the old woman was finding it hard to stand up. "It's fine my dear. These old bones need some exercise and I have been sitting for too long already." Nana replied motioning for me to sit back.I looked at Nana and hoped she understood my silent plea. I didn't want to be left in the same room with Brian. After last night's encounter, I didn't know what to expect from him n
GLENDA'S POVONE WEEK LATER“Where is he? How is he?” Concern adorned my weary voice as my worried gaze rested on my brother-in-law.“He’ll live.” Sam said with a grin.Jane nudged him and gave him a warning glare. “Be serious for once! Don’t scare her with your silly jokes!” She reprimanded him.Sam pouted, but his eyes didn’t discard the mischievous glint they held. “I’m serious. I’m sharing good news.” He said with a shrug.Jane’s irritation at her husband stood up a notch. Her glares intensified. “Can’t you see that she’s worried?”Sam sighed resignedly. “I was only trying to lighten her mood.”“Well you’re doing a terrible job at it!”Sam raised his hands in surrender. He shifted and gave way for Jane to come closer to my gurney.Jane approached the bed with a sweet smile. “We came as soon as we heard. How are you feeling dear?” She helped adjust the gurney so my upper body was elevated. It gave me a better view.“I’m doing fine... Where is Maurice?" I asked again.It has been two
MAURICE'S POVBrian acted impulsively. That's what I thought and I couldn't resist the urge to scold him. He shouldn't have taken such a risky task upon himself. I was most certain that he had hurt himself, his hands were hurting and he was hiding it.“Scold me later, after we leave here.” He smiled at his deed, hiding his pain behind those genuine smile.I couldn't help but manage a half smile. He looked charming. Brian was a good boy. He just needed to be pointed in the right direction and I'm glad he found his way back home.I promised myself at that instance that things would be different from there on. He would be my son and I would be his father.I nodded for him to come along and went ahead with Glenda, expecting him to follow behind us. I had only taken a few steps when I heard the crash.I immediately turned around. “Brian!” I yelled, but it was already too late. “Dad.” He choked out in response. He blinked, sighed and seemed to relax. He looked calm, smiling up at me. As t
BRIAN'S POV“Elsa?” I asked him in surprise.It only meant Elsa had run after me when she couldn't stop me from going into the house. That crazy bitch!With everything that my father had told me, it was clear that she hadn't entered with good intentions. She must have sensed my intentions and she wanted to act ahead of me.She wanted to cement her plans, ensure everything happened according to how she wanted it. It was her house after all. She knew where she had left Glenda and could find her easily.Maybe it was a good thing she came in. This unit was large and finding my father and Glenda in this fiery mess was already proving difficult until I stumbled on the door, and heard the thudding coming from within. If she hadn't locked them in here, then maybe I would not have found them.I wanted to lift Glenda, carry her in my arms, but I thought against it and allowed my father to carry his wife.“I doubt that she's still in the building. Quick, let's get out of here.” I ordered and w
MAURICE'S POVA miracle did happen. Only it wasn't how I expected it.“Glenda!” I thought I was hallucinating someone calling Glenda. I braced myself. The thief had come. Death was near. It was so close, looming over us and breathing over my neck. I could feel it. But I wasn't scared. I wasn't afraid. I was ready for whatever was to come.“Glenda!” The call came again.My eyes flew wide open when I heard the second call. I was not hallucinating. I was not imagining things. Someone was indeed calling Glenda.Quickly, I raised myself from the forlorn stance I had assumed on the floor.My dead hope resurrected instantly. Someone was here. Someone had come for us.“Is anyone there? We are in here!” I yelled. My voice had become hoarse, dried from the smoke. I prayed whoever it was out there had heard me.“We are here!” I tried to increase my volume. I ended up wheezing from the strain.I guess my coughing gave away our location as I heard shuffling, then someone approaching.“Elsa?” I as
MAURICE'S POVHis reaction only confirmed my fears. Glenda was in that heat.I watched in horror as the flames grew taller into the sky. My breath hitched. My fears skyrocketed. Anxiety clothed my core. I was shaking with fright.That's when I caught sight of the approaching figure. A ray of hope stirred within me. Maybe. Just maybe.Brian strode past me like a zombie, his gaze set upon the fire like it was beckoning to him.Once the outline cleared to reveal Elsa, every ounce of hope and logical thinking within me vaporized.At that moment, nothing else mattered. Not Brian. Not Elsa. Not me. Only Glenda.I willed my legs to move and like a flash, I ran past Brian into the fire. The dense, hazy smoke welcomed me. Everything blurred in my vision. I squinted in an attempt to adjust to the smoky view.I squinted through the smoke and raised a hand to fan out the smoke. It didn't help to clear my view.“Glenda!” I called out. A raspy cough escaped my throat as the smoke filled my lungs.
BRIAN'S POVI caught a whiff of the familiar perfume as I entered the house. My heart began to beat at a double rate. My worst fears came alive when I stepped into the room to find it empty. Glenda was gone.“Shit! Shit!” I cussed and kicked.I exasperatedly ran a hand through my hair. Just when I had everything ready. When all my plans were ready and set. That sick bitch had to appear now. Why did I ever bring her here? What had I ever found attractive about that sick witch? I looked down at my crotch and cussed myself for my lack of control. But how could I have known then that this would come back to bite me in the ass? How could I have known that Elsa was as sick as the woman who birthed her?“Darn it!”Was this how all of my plans would be ruined? Would I not be able to protect Glenda? Would I allow Elsa and her mother to have the last laugh?No! I swore to protect Glenda and I would fulfill that promise.But where do I even begin to look for Glenda? Where could Elsa have taken
GLENDA'S POV I didn't want to accept how foolish I had been. How gullible I was. How blindingly trusting I was. “Elsa, please tell me this is all not true. Tell me this is all a prank. Say it. Laugh all this off… Say you're joking!” I yelled at her. I shook my head as though doing that would dispel everything that I had heard. “You are a liar! I don't believe you!” I broke into a sob. “I trusted you, Elsa. I loved you! I trusted you!... You were my sister! That's how much I cherished you.” I spilled through my teary, pain-filled voice. “And I hate you! I hate you Glenda! I hate you!” She countered, panting with dark rage. The room was filled with the heat of the hate emanating from her. The stench of her loath towards me was palpable in the ambience of the room. It felt so surreal. Like acting out a scene with the evil villain. Only, this was far from a dream or a movie. It was my sick reality. I could never have thought Elsa, whom I considered akin to my sister, harbored su
MAURICE POV It was a long drive. It had been two hours ago since Lucy agreed to take me to the place she talked about, yet we still hadn't reached. We kept taking neverending turns and corners. “Are we there yet?” I asked like an impatient child eager to reach the park sooner. “No. It's right up that corner.” Lucy replied. “How many more corners are we going to take?” Exasperation embellished my tone. “How did you even come to know about this place?” I asked out of my impatience and eagerness to quickly reach Glenda. The long hours of driving was beginning to make me rethink my decision. I couldn't help but begin to consider that this may be a ploy to distract me. “Um, he brought me here one time when we needed to talk privately. This is his hideout.” she spoke shyly. From the sound of her voice and the expression on her face, I understood that this was where they came to do all their plotting. Could Brian and Lucy still be working together? Could this also be one of
BRIAN'S POVI repeatedly slapped the passport against my palm, relishing in immense satisfaction as I walked to my car. It had taken longer than I had anticipated to get it done but I was finally holding it. My ticket to leave this place without being spotted by anyone.Best part, I was taking the woman I love along. Everything was falling into place. I smiled to myself as I got in my car. Aunt Helena had no idea how smart I could be. By the time she'll realize anything, we'd be long gone. Far long gone! To a place where no one can ever find us! Our disappearance would be a huge disappointment to Aunt Helena. It would put a big hole in her plans.As I sat in my car, my hand rested idling on the steering wheel. I gaze through the windshield, staring fixated at nothing ahead, my mind traveling back to that day at the hospital.★★★Flash back★★★“I've lost him.” She was crying profusely. “We failed.”I glanced over to Lucy curled on the gurney, an irritated look draped my expression.