She has to pay
She is mine
By Obodozie favour Chioma
Chapter Nine
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me to Jeremy's house. He was the only one I trust and love so much.
"I have to show him this" I told myself knocking on the gate.
"And you are?" The gate man asked.
"I'm Jeremy's friend" I told him.
"Hmm but I have never seen you here before"He said about locking the door.
" Sir Please let me in. I promise he knows me"I told him and he said.
"Okay wait there"He said and was about closing the door when I ran inside.
He ran after me but still I ran to the garden where I called out Jeremy's name.
I was being dragged out when he came out.
"What going on? Let her go" He said staring at the Man.
"Small sir,she tried coming in"He told Jeremy who said.
" She is a very close friend of mine so please let her in next time Mr Jik" Jeremy said and held my hands.
" Come in let me properly welcome you as a guest" He said and I followed him.
" I'm so sorry about what my mum did to your dad. She isn't like that, I just don't know why she acted like that"He said and I tried nodding.
His mum had every right to besides I'm not even my dad's real child.
"Hey! Paula" He called out noticing I wasn't paying him any attention.
"I'm sorry Jeremy but what your mum full name" I asked him and he stared at me.
"It Jane Rachel"He said surprising me.
"Ja.. ne.. you sure?" I asked him and he nodded.
"Jeremy you have got to hear this" I told him and he stared at me.
"Why are you shaking Paula?. Relax okay let go to my room"He said to me and I followed him there.
His mum was the one who my mum Bella drugged my dad to rape. Now everything is really clear to me now.
Wait! So Jeremy must be my dad's son and we are both in love.
"Who are you talking to?" He asked me and held the phone in my hand.
"Who owns this?" He asked.
"It mine! My dad got it for me on my 6 year old birthday"I told him and he smiled.
" You should have told me you wanted one, I would have gotten it for you" He said and I smiled.
" Please listen to this"I told him and he did.
"What?. Wait I don't understand something so I'm your dad's son and he raped my mum based on drugs"He asked me and I nodded.
"Everything looks clear to me now I know why mum couldn't tell me about my dad because of the shame she had to bear"He said and I smiled.
"Your mum loves you a lot"I told him and he smiled.
" But what of your parents? "He asked me.
"I don't know but I will find them. Somehow I feel free knowing I was never that witch woman daughter. I always thought I deserved every ill treatment I got from her because I couldn't be her perfect daughter".I said crying. I watched Jeremy wipe my tears.
"I got scared thinking we would he siblings cause I want us to get married when we are all grown up"He said and I chuckled softly.
"You are really serious about this?" I asked him and he nodded.
" Am dead serious about you Paula but let the future decide. I told my mum that I would marry you and she smiled not saying a word.".He told me shocking me.
" Wow. So where's your mum so we can show her this but first I will send you the recording so you will have a copy I don't want what happens in the movies to happen in real life"I told him and he nodded transferring the recordings to his phone.
I tried calling my mum but there wasn't any response.
"It getting late and I just can't go back home" Paula said to me and I could sense fear in her voice.
"Don't worry. You are spending the night here, I'm sure my mum wouldn't mind. I just don't know why she isn't back from work"I said still calling.
I decided to call Mr Nathan but still no response. We heard people talking downstairs and I ran down to see Aunt Julia and Her mum [Mr Nathan sis and Mum]
"Aunt I missed you" I said smiling and hugging her.
She hugged me too but there wasn't any smile and I could sense they were both arguing.
"What going on?" I asked and god grandma said.
"Nothing"
" Okay why does it look like you both just finished arguing?" I asked being nosy.
" It really nothing darling so tell me who is she?" Aunt Julia asked staring at Paula.
" I'm Paula"She said smiling.
"Paula nice name. What brings you here?" She asked and I smiled.
" She is a close friend of mine and she is spending the night here"I told them and watch them stare at each other.
"Close friend?. "Aunt Julia asked and I could sense she knew we had feelings for each other even at this tender age.
"Won't your parents complain darling?" My Aunt asked.
"I can't find my dad. I don't think he is back from work yet and my mum hates me"Paula said shaking.
She was really scared yet she acts all tough and brave.
" Aunt there's something I want you both to listen to" I said staring at my god grandma.
" What that my love?"She asked staring at me.
I stared at Paula who nodded as we played the recording. After that we explained everything we knew and surprisingly my god grandma started dancing.
"I knew my God wouldn't fail me so this is all proof about the misdeeds that witch Bella did. God I thank you"My god grandma said smiling.
" You know my mum Bella?" Paula asked.
"I do and sweetheart that witch isn't your mum. She doesn't deserve a rare gem like you at all"I told her and she smiled.
" No she doesn't"My Aunt said and I asked about my mum.
" Where's mum?"I questioned.
"Mum is at the hospital" My Aunt Julia said.
"What?. Why?"I said concerned.
" She is alright but someone isn't" My Aunt Julia said staring at I and Paula.
" Who isn't?"Paula asked.
"Look Jeremy when your mum got to know I had arrived from London to spend the holidays here she asked I and your god grandma to come take care of you. She is spending the night there"Aunt Julia said scaring me.
" Who got injured aunt?" I asked worried.
"Your dad,Jake"She said and I and Paula were in tears.
I didn't know him that well but he was my dad.
"My dad?" Paula said as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Don't worry Bro Nathan would do anything in his power to save him. He is still in the theatre room,all we can do now is pray"My Aunt said scaring me.
" Let pray little ones"My god grandma said and we tried smiling.
"Lord your children are gathered here in your name pleading and asking that you go with your son in the theatre room and you help him recover please do so Lord. We thank you for the ones you have done and we hope that you you save your son"My god grandma said and we all chorused
"Amen".
By then we heard a phone ringing, my aunt checked it and it was my mum.
"Hello Aunt Jane" She said and we watched her smile and say
"Hallelujah!"
"What going on?" My god grandma asked.
"Mum! Mum Jake is alright. He is busy resting now and Bro Nathan says He is fine now"My Aunt Said Smiling.
" Thank God"I and Paula said and embraced each other.
"That foolish girl has escaped" I said staring at Gambo.
" What will we do now?" I asked him throwing the pistol away.
I was extremely scared. I couldn't be locked up in prison Hell No I rather die than get locked up.
"It best we elope and travel out of this country" He suggested.
"What?. Are you okay?. I can't"I told him realising I would be leaving all this wealth just to go start life afresh.
"Then get used to the taste of prison food cause that all what you would be eating."Gambo said and I frowned.
" I hate that stupid girl paula she caused all this. I hate her!"I said already in tears.
" Start packing. I will call a few friends to book us tickets to Italy that where we are going to live in from now on'"He said and walked out to make the call.
" Starting life afresh in a new place with no money that wouldn't be possible."I said parking all my things.
" You can't stay here tonight. You sleep in my house in case the police come for you and yes we can't leave with no money we will have to sell this house. Get the property papers, I called a few friends and tomorrow the buyer is coming to review this house and in a few days he would buy it"Gambo said to me scaring me.
" We don't have a few days. We have to leave this country fast gambo who knows if that witch has told the corps already"I said almost in tears.
" Wipe that tears. It too late to cry it time to act fast, you spend those few days at my house all locked up and as soon as we get the whole money for the house,we leave"He said and I got the property papers and all the money from the safe that was for the company.
I dropped my luggage inside the car and that was when my mum came out. I think she had woken up from her deep sleep.
"Where are you going to Bella?" My mum questioned but I ignored her.
" None of your business mum. "I told her and entered the car with gambo.
"What?. You're leaving me here all alone. What of Paula and Jake?. Who is this man?"She questioned and I got fed up.
" Look mum, Paula and Jake went for an outing. This is my agent and he is helping me get my papers so I could sell a few things and then I get my company back so you could eat as much as you can"I told her and she smiled.
" Okay darling drive safe"She said and Gambo drove us out of the compound.
" That mother of yours sure prefers food to you" Gambo said and I laughed.
" After my dad's death that all she could do. That old hag could eat the house if she is given the opportunity to"I told him and we both laughed.
" Mum..."I called out running to her.
I hugged her tightly and she only smiled.
"Aunt Julia brought you food and coffee" I told her and she smiled.
"Thanks for spending all night with my dad ma'am" Paula said staring at my mum who smiled.
" It nothing my love. Tell me where is your mum or did you come here alone?"My mum questioned her.
" Jane I will explain later. Could you go home and freshen up?"My god grandma said smiling.
" Thanks mum but I don't want to leave Jake here"My mum said and I wondered if something was wrong.
" But you told us dad was fine" I said and my mum stared at me in bewilderment.
"Did he just say dad?" My mum asked yawning.
"Go home and freshen up Jane. We are all here" My god grandma told her.
I watched Mr Nathan walk in, he also looked tired.
"My little fighter what brings you here?'He said patting me on the shoulder.
"Mr Nathan we all came to see my dad" I told him and he was also as shocked as my mum was.
"Wait you told him?" He asked my mum who shook her head.
"I didn't"She said and he smiled.
"Bro Nathan I will explain later" Aunt Julia said smiling back.
"Hmm okay. My shift is over how about we both head home and freshen up" He suggested staring at my mum.
" Sure I need it now" She responded and I watched them walk out.
I had always thought my dad was Mr Nathan and maybe he had a fight with my mum that was why they broke up as they were both so close but now I know he isn't my real dad I just have to get to know my biological dad and know what he is like.
"Can we both go see him?" I asked my god grandma who called a nurse and she directed us there.
Everyone were familiar with my god grandma as her son owned the hospital. Mr Nathan was her son and has being single since I knew him.
We opened the door and entered seeing my dad sleeping peacefully on the hospital bed.
"Dad" Paula called and he opened his eyes slowly.
"Who are you?" He asked staring at the both of us.
"I'm Jeremy your son and this is Paula she was your daughter but now as the truth is out she isn't"I said holding her hands.
" Jeremy? I don't remember having a son. Where's Jane?" He asked staring at us.
" You mean my mum. She has gone back home"I said smiling.
"Home? But she just had a surgery. We just did undergo a kidney surgery"He said and I wondered when.
" I don't like what going on?" Paula said staring at me.
"Do you think he doesn't remember us existing?"I asked her and she nodded.
" It best we wait outside for Mr Nathan. He will know what to do" I told her and we walked out.
After freshen up Nathan came over to my house and he joined me to have breakfast.
"I waited for the both of us to be together cause what I'm about to say should remain between us?"He said staring at me.
" What wrong?"I asked a mouthful of bacon.
I was struggling to talk right so I decided to finish it.
"What wrong?" I asked again after devouring the bacon.
" Jake has still not recovered fully. He might lose his senses and would be taken to a psychiatrist tomorrow"He said and I lost my appetite.
" What?. But you said he is fine"I told him and he said.
" Yeah for a little while. Doctors aren't meant to reveal things to you till you are all calm."He said to me and I rolled my eyes.
" Why is he going to be taken there?" I asked him.
" He is losing some of his senses and it is due to that drug Bella was giving him. It is an hard drug and from the looks of it, he has become addicted to it"He said staring at me.
" Can't we do anything?"I asked him almost in tears.
" We could try praying he recovers fast before he actually runs mad. I think I have a solution to his situation"He said staring at me.
" What the solution?"I asked him and he smiled.
"A female friend of mine Nancy once told me how she saved a patient from running mad but it is worth our trail and prayers cause if it doesn't work his situation will only worsen"He said to me and I wondered when everything would be over.
All this pains.
"We get a sample of the drugs he is addicted to then we use it to make an antidote for him so he would take that drug for a week or two and he would be back to normal"He said and I smiled.
" Thank God."I said and he smiled.
" He has to go through three stages before he runs mad and the first is loss of memory. The second is mix emotions and the third is he speaks gibberish."He told me and I stood up.
" How are we going to get those drugs from Bella?. You know she wouldn't give us"I told him and he stared at me.
" We can't get the drugs but Paula can"He said and I smiled.
" You could help us sneak out the drugs but we have to hurry" He said and I smiled.
" Thank you so much for all your help"I told him as the driver drove us out of the compound.
"You know I could do anything for you" He said holding my hands.
" Yeah I know. So tell me when are you planning on introducing her to us?" I asked him and he stared at me.
" Her?. Who?"He asked and I smiled.
"Don't act all innocent on me. Doctor Nancy" I told him and he just smiled.
" She is only a colleague plus I'm not in her standards" He said and I smiled.
"Ohh but she is in yours"I told him and he smiled.
"She only sees me as a friend. A close one nothing more" He said to me and I could sense he wanted more than that.
"Tell me do you have feelings for her?" I asked him and he stared at me.
"Is it that obvious?" He asked and I laughed.
"Nope. I'm your close friend so I could sense you do" I said and he smiled.
" Does she know you like her?"I asked him and he smiled.
"No she doesn't and I don't just like her, Jane I have fallen head over heels in love with her and I blame you for that"He said and I stared at him.
" Me?. What did I do?"I asked him.
" You stopped me from loving you. Remember that day when I tried kissing you"He said staring at me.
" Ohh yeah I remembered. The first time you got drunk" I said and he stared at me.
"Well I still was in my senses when I attempted to do that. I had grown to like you but when you said you were only comfortable with us being friends I restrained away and that was when I met my old classmate Nancy. She helped me forget you and also she made me love her but then now I don't know if she feels the same way. I don't want to end up getting hurt again"He said my hands still on his.
" You won't, don't worry"I told him and he smiled.
"So tell me what she like?" I asked him and he smiled.
"She is really beautiful, jovial, friendly and open minded" He said and I could sense he loves her a lot.
" I think you should ask her out on a date and hear her response"I told him and he said.
" What?. You are kidding right?'And I shook my head.
" I'm not"I answered him.
"Look Jane she only dates guys with muscular appearance and we both know I'm managing the little packs I have. I don't gym and so I can't have a perfect body"He told me and I laughed.
" You men knowno nothing about what a lady wants. Not every girl is after that and it normal to want a man with that but at the same time she would want a caring man, hardworking, who puts family first and risk it all for them and that you"I told him and he smiled.
" You think so"He asked me.
" I know so. Come on let go in Jake needs our help"I told him as we walked out of the car and into the hospital.
"Paula darling we need your help" I said to her and she stared at me.
" With what ma'am?"She asked curious to know.
We explained everything to her and she refused saying she can't go back home and I wondered why.
"Why can't you?" I asked her and I watched Jeremy bring out his phone.
He played the recordings out to me and I couldn't help it. I got mad immediately and wanted to rip Bella in half. That witch have had someone helping her out with her dirty work.
"Ohh today marks her end.She had to pay for all the suffering everyone had gone through all because of her"I said and dialed the General officer of Police.
He was a close friend of mine and he owes me a favor. He agreed and sent his officers down to Bella's house to arrest her.
They went there and informed us all her belongings were gone. They arrested her mother and they searched the whole house and shockingly found a warehouse filled with drugs. Hard drugs.
It was discovered that was the drugs she was giving to Jake. They took in the drugs and gave us a little sample before sending the rest to the NDLEA department. It was tested and found to be an illegal drug that one use to control the brain of the individual using the drugs.
So Jake was being controlled by Bella. A search arrest was done and before the end of the day all posters were up and Bella was declared wanted.
I added a Bounty of 5 million naira on her head if anyone could find her location and Informs the police that person gets 5 million naira from me.
The whole search started and all the police department went stationed to look for her and if she tries to escape they were permitted to shoot her.
The whole thing was on every news channel as everyone were looking for her.
"Bella there is no escape for you" I said to myself.
" Hey I'm Nancy"I heard a lady say.
" Hi Nancy"I said giving a welcoming look. I turned to see Nathan's reaction when she walked in.
It was as I expected, He was dumbfounded.
"How come she is here?" He asked me and I smiled.
"You said you needed help with the surgery for Jake and so I called her and she came running. I think she likes you"I told him and he struggled to believe that.
" No she doesn't. I'm way out of her league. She is all beautiful and sweet and I'm no way near her".He told me and I held his hands.
" Stop bad mouthing yourself okay" I said to him and he smiled.
" How were you able to get her number?"Was his question.
"I checked your phone"
" How were you able to crack my strong password? "He asked and I gave a short laugh.
" Strong is a big word. You saved it as Nancy" I told him and he stared away, I could sense he was blushing.
" So can we start the surgery?" Nancy said dressed and ready for the operation.
"Yes" Nathan said ready for the Operation.
After one hour.
"Any news about Bella?" I asked the general officer in charge of the police department.
"No news. I have my men searching round for her" He responded and I ended the call.
I turned to see the light bulb switched on. A nurse came in and asked that I come in with her.
"How is he?" I asked dressed in a blue gown and wearing nose masks.
"He is quite better but needs some rest " Nancy responded and I tried smiling.
"Why am I here?" I asked them.
"He called your name during the surgery and so we had to call you here"Nathan said and I hugged him.
" That means he would be alright"I said disengaging from the hug after watching Nancy look away.
"Yeah I think. It was really a miracle for him to react and call your name after I injected him with a sleeping pill.
"Yeah it was" Nancy added.
"Jane" He called out.
"Yes Jake" I said smiling non-stop.
" I didn't mean to hurt you" He tried saying but I interrupted him and said
" Please rest we would talk about this later"
He nodded and tried closing his eyes.
"I will leave now" Nancy said and I smiled.
"I really have no idea on what to say to her"Nathan said watching Jake sleep.
" I will help out" I said, pecked Jake on the cheeks and left.
" Nancy"I called out as she was about leaving the hospital.
"Yes. I'm I forgetting anything?" She asked and I smiled.
" No. Thank you for saving Jake's life"I told her and she smiled.
"It my duty as a doctor to save lives" I watched her and noticed she liked simple things just like Nathan.
"Um don't mind my asking but are you interested in Nathan? "I asked her and she chuckled softly.
"I thought you liked him"Was her response and I knew why her eyes were on me when I embraced Nathan.
"As a close friend".I corrected her and she smiled.
"So you both are just friends?" She asked and I nodded.
" Yeah. So tell me do you like him?"I said smiling.
" I do. But please don't tell him I don't want our friendship to end due to the awkward way things would be around us if he knows"She said and I smiled.
"It won't be"I assured her.
"Why?" She asked.
"Well let me tell you a little secret. He feels the same way about you too"I told her watching her eyes light up.
" Are you sure?"She asked not convinced.
"How about you let him tell you himself?" I said staring at Nathan who had been spying on us.
He had opened the door a little bit and was watching us.
"Nathan" I called out and he stared at me walking close to us.
"It a hospital Jane please be less loud" He said and I smiled.
" Sure. I will leave you both to talk" i told him leaving.
"Hey" He said staring at her.
"Hi" She said and I got fed up.
"She likes you, He likes you please talk people"I said and hid in a corner listening to every word.
"Um okay. You can do this Nathan" I heard Nathan say and I shook my head but then Nancy Chuckled and I thought to myself maybe it working.
"I really do like you a lot Nancy and I have for months now. I can't get you off my mind even when I try to. It's hard"I heard him say and she smiled.
" I can't either Nathan"She responded and I smiled.
"Are you free this Saturday?" He asked and she smiled.
"I can be" She replied and I smiled watching them.
"I would love for us to go on a date if that fine by you." Nathan said and I smiled.
"It's fine by me"She responded and I knew it was time I leave the two love birds alone and maybe go write my own history.
I opened the hospital room and sat down watching Jake sleep peacefully.
"Hey you" I heard and opened my eyes to see Jake.
He looked alright and stronger unlike the way he was lying on the hospital bed.
"Hey" I responded quite shy.
"I missed you" I told him and he smiled.
"I missed you too" He responded and I tried hugging him but I couldn't.
Bella came close smiling, she held Jeremy pointing a gun at him.
"Let him go" I said but she refused.
"It would be best for you if you stop the hunt for me. Drop the case about me and make it a forgotten case else I kill your son"She threatened.
" Look it would be wise for you if you just let Jeremy go for your good"I warned her but she laughed.
" I don't think you are aware of what I can do, for your own good you better do as I say, else?"She warned and I got scared.
" Mum please I don't want to die save me from her, please mummy" My son begged and I stared at her.
" This isn't over you witch"I screamed out and when I opened my eyes I saw Jake staring at me.
"A nightmare?" He asked staring at me.
"Yes I told him" Explaining everything that happened.
" I'm really scared Jake"I told him and he held my hands.
" I really don't understand everything that is going on right now but I want to assure you that I'm here with you and I won't let anything harm you or our son"He said and I smiled.
"Thank you but it's best if I call"I said dialing Julia number.
" Sorry but the number you are trying to call is currently switched off"Was the response I received and I got scared.
"Try calling again" Jake said a bit worried.
I tried again still the same thing so I tried calling Nathan"s mum number.
It was ringing at first then it stopped.
"Call again" He said trying to assure me that everything was going to he fine.
I stared at him and dialed Julia's number but it was switched off. I didn't stop there I tried Nathan's mum number it was ringing but there wasn't any response.
I called Jeremy's number but it was switched off so I called my house number and all I heard from Jeremy's nanny was that they went out for ice cream.
"Who?" I asked and she responded.
"Jeremy, Paula, Madam Julia and Sir Nathan's mum" Was her response and I wondered why they weren't answering my calls.
"God what going on?" I asked scared.
"My love, try calling again" Jake said and I held his hands hoping and praying I was only assuming things.
I tried calling Julia but her phone was still switched off, Jeremy's phone was no different and Nathan's mum's phone kept ringing and eventually it pulled through.
"Where are you guys?I'm having a bad feeling about Bella so please come home"I said and I heard a familiar voice laugh.
" It Bella darling and I'm keeping them hostage" Was the response.