Chapter 1: Regardless of what transpires between us

I never had the chance to know my father. My mother always told me that he left us when I was just two weeks old. It's frustrating to think about it. My mother had a difficult upbringing herself, leaving home at the tender age of 12. I feel lost, not knowing where my extended family might be. I tried broaching the topic with my mother before she passed away, but it didn't go well. I let it rest, as I knew it would hurt her to revisit those memories.

Now that she's gone, I can't help but feel deceived by her actions. She's no longer here to provide me with the answers I seek. I'm left alone with my estranged stepfather, who wants nothing to do with me. Even if she had disclosed the whereabouts of my family, it wouldn't have been easy, but at least I would have had someone to lean on during difficult times. I don't blame her, though. She had her burdens to bear. She couldn't even find solace with her own family, who were abusive. Nevertheless, I still love her as my mother.

Our bond has always been strong and unbreakable by anyone's efforts. But now, I realise it's time to let go of the past and allow my mother's spirit to rest in peace. I've been contemplating this for some time, understanding that she deserves to be with someone who can take better care of her. Although she may not be physically present, she remains with me emotionally and mentally. A mother's love is an unstoppable force that can overcome anything. Regardless of what transpires between us, that love will never be extinguished. Even in moments of anger, a mother's love remains unwavering.

It's an early, peaceful Sunday morning following the funeral of my beloved mother when Mr. Ronald Bowie himself visits me to see how I'm doing. I sit outside, tears streaming down my face, contemplating the uncertain path ahead, as I have an education but no place to call home. My stepfather has taken everything that belonged to my mother and callously informed me to fend for myself since she never left a will for either of us. Mr. Ronald Bowie arrives, dressed impeccably in a stylish tuxedo, chauffeured in the finest cars, and accompanied by his bodyguards.

As he steps out, one of his bodyguards opens the car door. I wipe my tears away to get a clear view of the man who has come to see my stepfather, for I know no one else who drives such a vehicle. I cease crying, stand up, and compose myself.

My stepfather emerges from the house, a smile on his face, believing that Ronald has come to see him.

"Why would this man be associated with someone like my stepfather?" I question silently.

"Good day, sir. What a pleasant surprise. Would you like to come inside?" my stepfather says, attempting to be cordial, while Mr Ronald approaches me, leaving him behind.

"Dick, I'm not here to see you but your daughter. Now, get out of my way and leave me be. Asshole!" Ronald asserts, his voice filled with disdain.

"Sir, did I-I-I-I do something wrong?" Peterson stammers, looking at Ronald with fear and trembling. He knows Ronald can become quite aggressive, lacking the patience to let things slide.

"You disgusting piece of shit. By the end of today, you will vanish from this town. Take everything that belongs to you and leave because if you don't, I will..." Ronald's sentence hangs in the air as I interject.

"Mr. Ronald, there is no need for threats. My father said what he said out of anger, and I'm not holding it against him. I blame the circumstances. Please, don't do anything to him; let him be. I will find a place to stay; it's not that big of a deal," I say, mustering a forced smile.

Although Ronald's initial impulse was to confront Peterson head-on, he understands my plea. He has a soft spot for me, Divine, and nothing can change that. "I understand, Dee, but I'm a man who values justice. What your father is doing is completely out of hand, and he should face the consequences," he says, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

"I understand your perspective, but I will handle him in my way. Please, tell me why you're here. Why is a successful and respectable man like you fighting for someone like me?" I inquire, rolling my eyes at Ronald's claim of being a man of authority.

"Dee, I'm here because I heard what Peterson did to you. This is my town, and I won't stand for such injustice. I want you to come with me," Ronald says, taking my hand with a wide smile.

"Why should I go with you? I'm fine where I am. I don't need your help," I retort, trying to pull my hand away from Ronald's firm grip.

"Come on, Dee, deep down, you know you need my help. I can change your situation and give you a better life and a brighter future. Just say yes, baby, I'll come with you, and everything will be fine. Can't you see the bigger picture? Can't you see that I'm trying to help? You don't have to be stubborn like your father. Just do as I say if you're wise enough," he insists, and frustration begins to well up within me.

"First of all, my name is not Dee. It's Divine, and I expect you to address me by my name and nothing else. If you don't even know my name, then kindly shut the fuck up," I assert, clapping my hands together, leaving Ronald momentarily bewildered.

"Alright, even though I don't understand the need for hand clapping, fine. What's the second thing, considering you mentioned the first thing?" he asks while his bodyguards chuckle.

"Secondly, watch your language. I don't appreciate it. Speak to me like a decent person," I demand, my irritation palpable.

"Okay, fine. That's not an issue for me. I can use appropriate language, sweetie," he replies, attempting to appease me.

"The final thing is that you must leave my stepfather alone. You mustn't bother or pursue him because if you do, I will return to him," I declare.

"How can I let you return to such an evil man, your stepfather? He's despicable, for goodness sake! I can't agree to that," he protests, his frustration evident.

"No need for violence. I will come with you, but only if you let him be," I propose.

"Fine, whatever you want, Divine," he concedes, and a genuine smile graces my face.

"Good."

"Take care of him," Ronald whispers to his bodyguard as he walks back to his car.