27/01/2025
UNGROUNDED FEAR
I wasn't expecting him to show up, he wasn't supposed to. His threat had seemed empty, a desperate attempt to regain control.
But, as he barged into my compound, his fearless stride and determined gaze sent a shiver down my spine. I choked on my Hollandia yogurt, spewing it out in a most unladylike manner. My mom's disapproving frown and my sister's incredulous stare only added to my mortification.
As he approached us, my stomach began to churn, and I felt an urgent need to visit the restroom. But, I couldn't abandon my family, not with him lurking around. He was here for me, and I knew it. Wait... He was really here. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me breathless and lightheaded.
He greeted my mom with a charming smile, and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. "Good afternoon, ma." His voice was smooth, but I detected a hint of menace beneath the surface.
My mom, oblivious to the undercurrents, returned the greeting, and he asked to see me. His gaze never met mine, as if I were invisible. My mom gestured to me, and I rolled my eyes inwardly. Of course, he could see me.
"Thank you mummy." He said and glancing at me, he tilted his head towards the gate and started off.
Mummy? The heck!
Avoiding my mum's gaze, I placed my yogurt down, trying to appear nonchalant, and followed him outside. As soon as we were beyond the gate, he pulled me close, his lips inches from mine. I pushed him back, my heart racing.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.
His eyes darkened, and his voice took on a menacing tone. "I asked you to come, but you never showed up."
"I already told you I don't want any of this."
"Don't play this game with me Honor." He warned. "You either come with me or I go in there and tell your mum that her holy daughter has been going out with men and sleeping with them."
"That's not true. You can't keep threatening me. And you can't keep controlling and ordering me around, you don't own me, neither do I owe you anything."
"Are you talking back?" He growled and my shoulder fell in fear. He grabbed my arm tightly, sinking his long sharp fingers into my sink like talons, making me wince. "Don't dare me Honor. You do as I say or you'll be punished."
"Stop, please. You're hurting me." I whimpered, my eyes wet, feeling my arm already having sore.
"Make your decision."
"I'm not going anywhere with you. I told my parents about you already and you don't want to know what they are planning to do to you if they know the face behind the name." I said, summoning all the boldness I could muster up, and he let go of my arm, but his gaze remained cold, calculating.
For a fleeting moment, I saw fear flicker in his eyes. Then, his mask slipped back into place, and he scowled
"They are ready to find you to the ends of the Earth if you try anything funny with me." I added and he scowled.
He gritted his teeth, fi***ng and unfi***ng his hands. And like that he was gone.
I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a sense of empowerment wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, I had finally found the courage to stand up for myself.
As I walked back into the house, I knew that I had to tell my parents everything. It was time to speak up, to shed light on the secrets that had been hiding in the shadows. I took a deep breath, ready to face whatever came next. Maybe it just takes speaking up.