Chapter 9— IT’S TOO LATE

Mr Andrew and Charlotte, stayed for sometime at our house that evening trying to reason with my Father.

"Please Philip don't do this, I can help you with money, we could be partners join me on my ranch!". Mr Andrew suggested.

"I don't need your money! Besides it's too late, Susan is already Frank's wife, there's nothing you nor I can do about it!". He shrugged.

I stood in a corner of the room close to a little, brown table, listening.

"Please Philip think about what Angela would want for her daughter, you're her Father you can still end the marriage, open your eyes! You're giving your daughter out as a slave to Frank, an old man!". Mrs Charlotte put in such nice words. But no amount of pleas would ease my father. Him and Frank had made an unbreakable deal with my name on it.

"Leave my wife out of this! You don't know what she'd have wanted, Susan is Frank's wife now, that's final! She can now finish her studies, wear good clothes and I never have to go to that stupid mine again, you hear that? Now leave my house Andrew, you too Charlotte, now!"

I had never seen my Father like that before, it was as if he was possessed with the spirit of an angry, wild beast.

I locked my pitiful soul in my little room, I could hear Andrew and Charlotte leave for their home. I thought about everything, about David and I, Stella, the hills, the fields, my books, my garden, all the years I've been in this house. The memories were ever flowing, I couldn't cry anymore.

Father hid himself in his room, I never heard his voice again that night. I got out of the house through the little window in my room and ran off to David's house.

Knock knock, Charlotte opened up.

"Oh Susan dear, come in!". She welcomed and gave me a warm sweater to put on, she made me tea too. I felt safe with them, if only David was here with me, I sighed.

Stella hugged and gave me hope with much love in her eyes. I was gonna miss her.

"Thanks Mr and Mrs Thompson for standing up for me, my Dad's gone mad that's what it is!". I raised my brows and lowered my eyes.

"We're very sorry dear, everything would be fine". Mr Andrew encouraged me.

"I don't believe anything would be okay again, I can't even be with David ever!" I whispered. Immediately, David's parents exchanged a quick look.

"I knew it! You and David are in love!"

"Yes Stella, we are, and its been taken from us now". I sighed. "Please could I spend the night here?"

"Please Mum, Dad let her stay!", Stella's gesture gave me an inner laugh.

"Of course Susan, stay!"

"You could use David's room", Andrew added.

Stella followed me. We stood in front of David's room.

"I'm sorry about you and David, I like you Susan, you're like a sister to me!". I kissed her on her cheek and we exchanged good nights.

David's room was well arranged. It had a slightly bigger bed than mine, the room was filled with beautiful things, it was painted white. Our houses were simply built bungalows. There was a blue rubber dolphin on the wall, a rack for his clothes and shoes and a red rug covered the whole floor. The room was filled with an amazing scent, it was the first time I entered the place and it was lovely!

I lay there softly and quietly on his bed, feeling a soothing kind of warmth. I fell asleep within a short time and was awakened the next morning by a disturbing knock on the door.

"Susan! You have to get ready for today remember? I know you're in there!". Father came demanding for me that cold morning.

"Alright father that's enough shouting, I'll get ready!" I pushed out of the house, angrily.

"Thank you Mr and Mrs Thompson". I hugged them all and bade farewell. I squeezed a little note in Stella's palm and whispered to her, "Give this to David", and she returned a smile.

That was it, I got ready and there was Mr Frank my new old husband to take me with him.