Redemption - Episode 12

 

Benedicta:

  Luis is back and he was at my church, probably looking for me. I have mixed feelings about that. I don't want anything to do with guys right now but according to Ade, Luis has the right to know about his baby. Yes, after puking my guts in front of Ade, I had broken down and she consoled me. I just wanted to get everything off my chest so I told Ade . I needed someone to advise me and since Jules who is the wise one of our group isn't in town right now, Ade was my only choice.

   She had been mad that I kept it all from her but she still gave me a shoulder to cry on.
"You need to talk to Luis. You have to get a test done to k ow how far gone you are. You are probably more than a month pregnant so I am not sure if the pregnancy can be flushed. Talk to Luis. He should know more. Hell, he might want to keep it." These were are words and I keep pondering them. I have to speak to Luis. I don't know how to face him. I avoided him for more than a month only to meet him and dump this on him? He won't be happy and I know that but he has to know. I need to find a solution ASAP.

"Benedicta, you ain't eating your food "my dad's voice bring me back to the present where I am having breakfast with my family.
"I don't have much appetite" I tell him and concern wash over his face.
That face would blow up once he discovers my condition. I can't do that to my dad

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/redemption

. God, please.
"Are you okay baby? You have been behaving sluggish for some days now. Saw you sleeping on the couch just yesterday morning and your choir members told me you left early before the end of yesterday's practice." Dad says.
"Ummm" I am already hyperventilating.
"Are you sick" he continues and I choke on my food. I am sure I look green right now. Does he know? No no. No!
"This is why I told you to stop staying up at night, watching all those Korean movies. Those mosquitoes must have feasted on you." He says then turn to Philip. I heave a deep sigh. This is the advantage of having a single dad. He doesn't understand these things or he would have busted me weeks ago Even before I find out about my condition, a mother would have.
"Take your sister to get a malaria teat done later today okay?" Philip starts nodding but I quickly stand up and walk to stand behind my dad's chair. I rub both his shoulder.
"No need to bother Philip. I am sure he has a lot to do today right Phillip?" I give my brother a sign which he catch up on easily.
"Uh, yea dad. I won't be chanced today" he says which questioning me with his eyes.
"But__"
"Ade's aunt walk in the lab so ade can take me." I say cutting my dad off.
"Perhaps I am no longer a kid. When this long strike is called off, it's just me out there. I need to start taking care of myself without you guys." I tell him.
"Just let her be." I hear Favour grunt from his plate of eggs but I ignore him.
Dad gets up from his chair and hug me.
"I am so happy to hear you talk so maturely baby. I love you okay?" He says into my ear and tears threaten to spill. This pregnancy hormones are just annoying. I pat my dad's back and wipe my tears discreetly. Philip raise his brow at me but I just smile at him.
"Okay, I am off to a meeting in the church then I would handle some counseling session. Don't know when I will be back so take care guys." Dad wave at us before flying out the door.
"I have to go out too" I say and start walking out but Philip's voice stop me.
"Bennie. Wait" I roll my eyes but stop anyways.
"What's going on with you?" He question and I shrug.
"Look Philip. I don't want you to worry. I just have the flu. I would be fine after taking my drugs. Right now, I have to go" I tell him and start walking away but he grabs my hand and pull me to him in a hug.
"I can see something is bothering you and you don't want to tell me. I just want you to know I will always be here for you okay?" I hold the sob that wants to burst out but just hug my brother tighter.
"Thanks" I force out before he let's me go.
"Laters Philip" I wave before walking into the street where I hail a taxi.. I let the car start moving before I burst into body wracking tears. My life is over. I can feel the taxi man watching me.
"I am a disappointment" I sob out. I see him shake his head before handing me a Kleenex to wipe my face with.
"That your brother?" He asks and I nod. He must have seen me through the mirror because he continues speaking
"When your family love you, they don't care if you disappointed them. You just have to make things right." He tells me before pulling over beside Luis's house.
"Your stop, ma'am" he says before getting out of the car and opening my door. I offer him money but he just shakes his head. I don't know why but I hug the strange taxi driver. He pats my back soothingly. I need to get my self together. I take several deep breathes to steady me but then I hear Luis yell my name and I pull away from the taxi driver.
"What the hell are you doing hugging another man in front of my house? Oh, you came to tell me that you can't be with me so you wanted to make it clear by bringing your new boyfriend? Wait, did you seduce him like you did me before you dump me Six months ago?" He keeps ranting and my anger gets the better of me and I slap him across the face.
"Bennie" he seems stun but I don't stop there.
"I am sorry for causing troubles. I will get going." The taxi driver says from behind m.
"No. Don't leave. Just give me two minutes." I say and he nods before walking back to the car. I turn my teary eyes back to Luis.
"Benedicta. I am sorry. I didn't mean all that. I just got so angry seeing you with him after you have been avoiding me for months" he tries to grab my hand but I move back, away from him.
"Don't touch me. I just came here to tell you, I am pregnant with your child. I thought maybe you would be of help but it is obvious you wouldn't. No need to worry, I will get rid of this problem myself." I say and walk back to the car, leaving Luis stun.

************
Luis:

I watch Benedicta storm off and into that car which takes her away from me.
She's pregnant. Yes!!! I am going to have her forever. I do a little victory dance outside the house as I am overwhelm by the good news.
  We are going to be a very beautiful couple
"I would make you happy, Benedicta." I say to myself.

Read " The fill-in wife " by the same author ( Ameh juliet )

. This is good news. I have to tell Lucas. I quickly go back inside the house and find my phone.
"Hello" Lucas voice sounds a bit down but I ignore it.
"Guess what?"I ask him. He doesn't answer for a while so I continue.
"You are going to be an uncle, bro" I break the news but my ears are only met with silence.
"Lucas? Ain't you happy for me? I knew it! You like her. That's why you left earlier to port Harcourt." I spit out.
"What are you talking about?" He dares try to play dumb?
"Listen, Lucas I own Benedicta now because she is carrying my child" I grind out then end the call. What a betrayer. He should be happy for me but no, he wants my woman.
  I already own her now. She is going to be begging me to accept her soon.
My mind goes back to her ranting that she would get rid of the problem herself.
No no no no. She can't mean my baby is the problem. What if she gets an abortion? I can't let that happen.
  My genius mind provide me with a nice solution to protect my baby and I quickly put it into action.
  I take a cab to benedicta's church and I am able to deceive the secretary of the pastor to get the pastor's number and I send a short message to him.

YOUR DAUGHTER IS PREGNANT. I ADVICE YOU GET HER TO THE LAB FOR TESTS BEFORW SHE DOES SOMETHING STUPID.

I hit send and grin at my screen.
"I am sorry Benedicta but you belong with me."