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Chapter 10
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OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 11
High School... With time, Valery fully recovered. She burned the midnight oil, working her butt off to stay ahead in most subjects- including the ones she did not fancy. That was not the only thing she broke a sweat to maintain. Hiding her friendship with Leo was another hustle. He made it harder to handle each time he sent random notes to her class, demanding her presence. She agreed to see him at every second recess and closing hours. But it wasn't all bad; she did benefit from that enclosed environment. Derrick lay on the lazy beanbag, throwing a ping-pong ball against the wall. He peeked behind intermittently, with a sour expression on his face. Valery had developed a new habit he found problematic. She preferred doing homework and studying to amusing him. "You're getting noisy again," Valery said, her eyes still buried in an exercise book. "Can't you do your homework when you get home?" "Do you want me to leave?" Valery raised her head. At least it got her to look at h
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 12
Saturday took forever to arrive, but it was met with the same energy; suspense, a bucket of nervousness and a hint of thrill. With her homework done and chores out of the way, Valery approached her mother about going for a walk outside. "I'll be at the neighbourhood basketball court with Margret if you need me." It was the perfect alibi for a girl who had never lied about where she went. "Be back before four," her mother said. Valery was in her favourite pair of blue jeans, a white top, a jacket, and a cap to match. No one would suspect foul play in such a simple outfit. By the time she reached the junction, Derrick was fiddling with his cell phone, flooding her messages. He got the locks, and she hurried inside. "For a moment there, I thought you'd bail on me." "Yeah, right. Move before I get spotted." Valery strapped on the seatbelt. She turns, and this guy is just sitting there, staring at her with an arrogant smirk. "What?" "You look normal," he said. "And you look fla
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 13
Present Day... Valery felt a lasting sensation when their lips came apart. She was at peace as her mind recalled the day a young girl found her first kiss in a hallway. At that time, she was scared of being discovered by a student or staff, yet her body remained stagnant. It was a thread in time when she only had eyes for Derrick. "Your parents must be looking for me. Should we get back to the party or..." "Go, Derrick. I will catch up after powdering my nose." Valery let go of him. "No more drinking." "I promise," Valery assured him. Derrick was dismissed with a smile. Craving liquor was one of the effects of Derrick's return. Valery needed assistance carrying the weight on her head. Of course, alcohol would not do the carrying, but it did motivate her to struggle less. She picked herself up and churned out the tired look in her eyes. A sprinkle of fake grins and happy thoughts, and she was good to go. Valery stopped serving and pulled a chair beside her plus one. "Took you
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 14
Five months in, their relationship flourished, and life looked simpler. Derrick got invited by Benson's parents for dinner on several occasions, so it was safe to say that her family supported him. While he spoke less about his family, Valery became abreast with the idea of sharing her space. She shared her world and home with Derrick in exchange for companionship. They would hit the road to an unknown destination on her days off. Fun lay with the white beaches in the Volta Region and the green hills at Eburi. Anywhere they could pass the weekend without affecting their work was a plus. Derrick did everything to please her, to be in her good books. He liked what he saw when they were alone, but the question of Valery wanting the same thing left him pressed. Each time they kissed, she was the first to pull back. His hands could not cross her abdomen without her flinching and making excuses to leave. "Do I repulse you?" Derrick asked one night. He showed up at her house for a scary
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 15
"Do it, Leo," Valery moaned, bending backwards to show she meant it. Derrick devoured her lips in return but slowly backed away and said, "I'm not done with the massage." He chuckles at the frown on Valery's face as he forces her back down to knead her muscles like dough. "It's time for your front." "Umm..." Valery suddenly remembered that her chest was bare. "Don't tell me you're shy. You were practically telling me to fuck you five minutes ago." "Did you have to put it that way?" Valery died of shame. She covered her face as she turned, refusing to look at the naughty masseuse. "Don't worry, we'll blame it on the red wine," said Derrick. It was all fun and games until he emptied a quarter of the small bottle on her chest. The fragrance was not overpowering, yet it fed her nose pleasantly. She could almost taste the almond extract as Derrick smeared it all over. The masseuse slowed his pace each time his thick palms crossed her breasts. Derrick fondled them intentionally, pin
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 16
Derrick stood by the glass wall in his bedroom, holding an expensive bottle of whiskey. Four buttons on his white shirt, undone, belt unhooked. He peers at the quiet neighbourhood with a ghostly expression. Being alone with his thoughts never did him good. He was facing a threat from a foe he squashed a long time back. It appeared they wanted to remain on his blacklist. Lunch with Margret was a disaster; a fabulous box of chocolates filled with maggots and sand. They concealed their mutual conflicts before Valery, playing the civil card. Drawing her into it could cost him more. The past had taught Derrick well that those two were inseparable. Margret was his lover's central support system. "There is nothing she can do," Derrick told himself. Nonetheless, he had to be vigilant. For when a blind man openly threatens to attack, his foot is most probably resting on a rock. Derrick dug into his pocket after a buzz in his pants. He swiped at the screen and held it up to his ears. "Hm.
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 17
The world was a stage, and at that moment, she was standing face to face with her biggest fear. Valery shuffled to the back, clutching hard at her phone. Her eyes were frozen on the man in the bed, swaying his head at the older woman. She backs up slowly, hoping to retreat in peace. "Valery?" Hecate Wood squinted at the figure behind the professionals. "Are you not Valery Benson?" The woman affirmed loudly. The rest of the people inside turned to that effect. Valery had to come forth and face them. "Do you know each other?" The Director seemed impressed. He could not stop smiling. "..." Valery lost her tongue as she glanced at Mother and Son. Son, most especially, stared at her like a blank wall. "What a small world we live in." Hecate brightened at the lovely surprise. "My son here attended the same high school as Miss Benson. They were very close back in the day." "Oh, then you'll be happy to know she is one of the specialists taking your case." "Ahh, then I won't have to b
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 18
Margret walked out of the kitchen with a hot mug in hand. She cautiously sits on the floor and hands the cup to Valery. The latter was snivelling, trying to dry her eyes.Valery: "I wish I could put this baggage down."Margret: "I know."Valery: "I'm tired of being afraid and helpless."Margret: "Do you want to try therapy? Valery, you never really got over the trauma of losing Riley. That is the explanation I can think of. You should be happy to see Ryan, not hide like a hedgehog."Valery: "Haa, you don't understand, Marge."Margret: "Then make me understand. Is it because they are identical? Is there something else you're not telling me?"Violet: "Derrick..."Margret: "Ugh! What about him?"Valery: "I swore to never get back together with Derrick, remember?"Margret: "So what? Ryan is not Riley Valery; you owe nobody an explanation for your choices. Or are you going to dump Duncan because of this?"Valery: "No. Derrick has been nothing but good to me. He cares about me, and I care a
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OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 23
"We should head out. I'll help you." Valery pulled her hand back, carefully lifting Ryan by the shoulders."I said let’s dump that stupid chair. I can walk." Ryan’s brows furrowed as Valery brought up the wheelchair. She had no choice but to listen, though she nearly regretted it when he stumbled. Fortunately, some nearby strangers stepped in to help."Thank you, I can take it from here," Ryan said politely as he steadied himself."A park, huh? The sunlight is blinding," Ryan remarked, taking a deep breath. "No harsh detergents or repugnant medicine. The air is fresh, and the grass is as green as it gets. No beeping machines or footsteps echoing down those eerie corridors. I could get used to this.""I can imagine how hard it’s been," Valery said."You might think you understand, given your profession, but the pain... it’s beyond what your brilliant, feeble mind could ever process." Ryan’s voice was edged with bitterness.A small smile touched Valery's lips. Ryan had no obligation to
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 22
Days later...By the time the sun came out, the first storm had passed. Ryan responded to treatment, though he appeared so frail that there were speculations he wouldn't make it through the night. Yet after two days of slumber, he opened his eyes.His vision was blurry at first. His throat was sore, his head a mess, and something was strapped to his face. When the fog in his eyes cleared, Ryan discovered he wasn’t alone. Valery was there, reclined on the couch not far from his bed. Her elbow rested on the window frame, her head tilted in an uncomfortable position.Ryan sighed, his chest relaxing. He stared at her a little longer, baffled that such a day had come- where he would be at the receiving end of Valery's attention as he possibly lay on his deathbed. Time may have altered their bodies, but it certainly hadn’t changed their hearts- at least, not his.‘Forget it. This won’t last,’ Ryan thought, convinced that Valery would break her promise, leaving him to wallow in misery again
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 21
Ryan sat in the sterile hospital room, staring blankly at the wall. His mind was swirling in doubt and despair. He had all the time in the world to think, but none of it brought him any solace or clarity."Valery is one of the best doctors in this country. This could be your last chance at a cure, Ryan. Are you going to throw it away because of the past?" Margret's words echoed in his mind. Ryan was sure of his decision, yet he owed Margret his attention; she was the only one who stood by him through the bitterness and painful procedures.As he brooded, the door creaked open. In stepped a figure clad in a crisp lab coat and sensible shoes. It was Valery, the woman he despised. She dared to approach him with a smile as if they had something to discuss."I wasn't gurgling water in my mouth the last time," Ryan said, the drugs making his speech sluggish. He would have howled at her intensely if he could."Your mother and I agreed that having me on the team would be beneficial, Master W
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 20
High School... Derrick ventured out of his cherished hideaway, ascending to the rooftop. Valery had altered his man cave to the point where it was difficult to enjoy some of his favourite activities, like having a relaxing smoke. Seated on the floor, away from the wall, he took out a cigarette, lit it, and inhaled deeply. He released it in circular rings, a trick that took a lot of practice to master. Watching the swirling smoke blend with the surrounding air was oddly calming to him. After the third drag, he paused, scratching his brow and gazing at the cloud-strewn sky. A faint sound interrupted his reverie. "My apologies, I thought it was unoccupied," the intruder said. "You're the kid who took on Ralph the other day, right? Riley?" Derrick's lips curled into a gentle smirk. "Would you mind a smoke?" He offered the pack of cigarettes.Riley, with his hands in his pockets, approached Derrick. He adjusted his school shorts and sat down beside him. "My mom would kill me if she fou
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 19
High School. "Hello. My name is Riley Kwesi Wood, and I am excited to be here. I'm a little behind, so please do not be offended if I ask for help." That was the day Marget met Riley, a seemingly shy student joining the class in the middle of the school year. As he combed through the crowd, looking for a seat, Margret raised her hand. "Sir, there's an empty chair behind me," she said. "Okay. Riley, sit behind Miss Margret." The teacher gave way, beaming at the fresh fruit uniting with the 'good and rotten' bunch. "What are you doing, Marge?" Valery whispered to her friend as the new kid walked over. "Helping out the new student." "But we do not know him. He could be annoying." "You say that about everyone, Val. This one seems different. My spirit tells me he's a good person." "Yeah, right." Valery rolled her eyes. She shushed up when Riley took his place and hung his bag on the backrest of his seat. Margret, as bubbly as ever, turned to him with a smile. "Do you have a l
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 18
Margret walked out of the kitchen with a hot mug in hand. She cautiously sits on the floor and hands the cup to Valery. The latter was snivelling, trying to dry her eyes.Valery: "I wish I could put this baggage down."Margret: "I know."Valery: "I'm tired of being afraid and helpless."Margret: "Do you want to try therapy? Valery, you never really got over the trauma of losing Riley. That is the explanation I can think of. You should be happy to see Ryan, not hide like a hedgehog."Valery: "Haa, you don't understand, Marge."Margret: "Then make me understand. Is it because they are identical? Is there something else you're not telling me?"Violet: "Derrick..."Margret: "Ugh! What about him?"Valery: "I swore to never get back together with Derrick, remember?"Margret: "So what? Ryan is not Riley Valery; you owe nobody an explanation for your choices. Or are you going to dump Duncan because of this?"Valery: "No. Derrick has been nothing but good to me. He cares about me, and I care a
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 17
The world was a stage, and at that moment, she was standing face to face with her biggest fear. Valery shuffled to the back, clutching hard at her phone. Her eyes were frozen on the man in the bed, swaying his head at the older woman. She backs up slowly, hoping to retreat in peace. "Valery?" Hecate Wood squinted at the figure behind the professionals. "Are you not Valery Benson?" The woman affirmed loudly. The rest of the people inside turned to that effect. Valery had to come forth and face them. "Do you know each other?" The Director seemed impressed. He could not stop smiling. "..." Valery lost her tongue as she glanced at Mother and Son. Son, most especially, stared at her like a blank wall. "What a small world we live in." Hecate brightened at the lovely surprise. "My son here attended the same high school as Miss Benson. They were very close back in the day." "Oh, then you'll be happy to know she is one of the specialists taking your case." "Ahh, then I won't have to b
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 16
Derrick stood by the glass wall in his bedroom, holding an expensive bottle of whiskey. Four buttons on his white shirt, undone, belt unhooked. He peers at the quiet neighbourhood with a ghostly expression. Being alone with his thoughts never did him good. He was facing a threat from a foe he squashed a long time back. It appeared they wanted to remain on his blacklist. Lunch with Margret was a disaster; a fabulous box of chocolates filled with maggots and sand. They concealed their mutual conflicts before Valery, playing the civil card. Drawing her into it could cost him more. The past had taught Derrick well that those two were inseparable. Margret was his lover's central support system. "There is nothing she can do," Derrick told himself. Nonetheless, he had to be vigilant. For when a blind man openly threatens to attack, his foot is most probably resting on a rock. Derrick dug into his pocket after a buzz in his pants. He swiped at the screen and held it up to his ears. "Hm.
OUR MOON HAS STRINGS Chapter 15
"Do it, Leo," Valery moaned, bending backwards to show she meant it. Derrick devoured her lips in return but slowly backed away and said, "I'm not done with the massage." He chuckles at the frown on Valery's face as he forces her back down to knead her muscles like dough. "It's time for your front." "Umm..." Valery suddenly remembered that her chest was bare. "Don't tell me you're shy. You were practically telling me to fuck you five minutes ago." "Did you have to put it that way?" Valery died of shame. She covered her face as she turned, refusing to look at the naughty masseuse. "Don't worry, we'll blame it on the red wine," said Derrick. It was all fun and games until he emptied a quarter of the small bottle on her chest. The fragrance was not overpowering, yet it fed her nose pleasantly. She could almost taste the almond extract as Derrick smeared it all over. The masseuse slowed his pace each time his thick palms crossed her breasts. Derrick fondled them intentionally, pin
