Chapter 5

Faking The Generosity

*Rhoda Point Of View*

I never believed manners would fall from heaven for my sake today. I should really be grateful that I am still alive. Maybe God kept me this long for a purpose, I need to continue living no matter what the situation is. I believe everything will be alright soon.

It's really cold here and I need to get some sleep.

*

*

I overheard my aunty voice with her husband discussing about me,”My love, I just wanted to punish her for doing the wrong thing and I forgot she is still here.”

“I understand your temper, honey but we need to keep her alive, we have so much to get from her, let's just check if she is alive.”

I noticed a hand on my body tapping me to wake up and I opened my eyes slowly seeing my aunty husband,”Wake up Rhoda, you need to bathe and smell nice, your breakfast is on the table already in the living room.”

I was dumbfounded the moment he said these nice words to me. I got happy and scared at the same time. He has never been kind to me and seeing my aunty having a big smile on her face as well.

“Is today your birthday aunty?”I questioned her as I stood up.

“When i say she lacks manner, people think i just hate her, we are trying to show some care to you and you cant even open your mouth to greet your senior in the morning, well after eating, you need to follow me to the market, i will be leaving now to see my sick friend with my husband, make sure the house is in order child.” They left and I was blushing. Long I heard someone call me child, maybe something took place over night,that's why they became good to me or they realised I am such a good girl they have been treating me so badly.

I left the room I was locked in and walked into the bathroom to have my bath. I spent time in the shower whenever they were not around. I always love catching my cruise here.

i opened my bags of clothes since i no longer have a closet, i felt bad knowing i don't have anything reasonable to wear, everything in here looks like a rag but what can i do, i just have to wear them.

I almost forgot that I was to sweep the house this morning but I saw no sign of dirt or sand on the floor, all the plates washed too. Who did all my house chores? I asked myself, feeling really scared because I can't tell if I am in trouble again.

I saw the food my uncle talked about in the living room covered in a plate along with hollandia yoghurt beside it. I missed the taste of this very yoghurt.

I opened the food and saw jollof rice with turkey on the plate. I doubt if this meal is for me. I can not remember the last time in years I had the opportunity to have such tasty food.

What exactly is my aunty up to? All these can't be free? Well let me just enjoy the moment while it lasts. You know, I took my seat on the couch I wasn't allowed to sit on and started devouring the food and I made sure I finished the hollandia.

My stomach became so full to the extent that I couldn't even walk with my legs. I had to rest a bit before taking the plates to the kitchen.

My aunty returned as promised to take me to the market, she let me hold her bag as i sat at the front seat in the car, they never allow me to ride in the car with them but today looks like my lucky day.

“You know you look more like your mother right? you have grown so beautiful.” She appreciated me for the very first time and I thanked her for it but the question in my head was why this much kindness from her today.

I noticed we arrived at a boutique and she said to me,” Let's do a little shopping, your birthday is fast approaching you know.”

“Thank you aunty.” She gave me instructions to pick the outfit I like here. I think God answers prayers right now.

I tried on a gown and stepped out. I noticed everyone in the boutique admiring me in this dress. I felt loved by everyone, even a guy winked at me. I felt so embarrassed.

I noticed the smile on my aunty face changed, I just used my head to go in and tried another outfit, it seemed that every dress revealed my curve so much.

She also got shoes,a bag and lots of accessories for me. I went on my knees to thank her.

*A few days later*

I have been enjoying these few days with no beating or curses from my aunt and her husband, though Irene still kept up with her wrong attitude.

My birthday is months from now. I finished the house chores as usual then decided to pay a visit to my late parents grave.

I got some chops on my way there and plucked a flower to make the place my parents are to be attractive.

“Father, mother, guess what? your daughter is here to see you, hope you both are well wherever you are?” I checked the necklace I kept in here ,it's still safe.

“Mom, dad, care for some chops, it's delicious and you both need to try it too, trust me, I miss you both.” Tears dropped from my eyes.

After spending a great time with my late parents, I had to rush back home.

I got informed by Irene that her parents have something important to discuss with me. I can feel my heart beating so fast as I took the very first step to where they were both sitting.

“Rhoda we have something important to ask of you and we need you to tell us the truth okay?'' I nodded expecting the question.

“Where did you keep your parents insurance book?” my eyes widened.

TBC..

I guess the kindness was never genuine right?