The Blood That Hurts

The blood that hurts [Juliet Abudei]

Chapter 11

2 pm on Friday.

Catherine got home after work.

"Hi Rose, how was your day", Catherine smiled at Rose.

" I am fine Catherine, how was work today?".Rose smiled back.

"Work was fine, thank you for asking", Catherine replied.

Rose was Andrew's girlfriend, they have been together for the past 1 year.

After Rose had gone, Andrew decided to discuss something with Catherine.

" Cathy, the.... thing is that we can no longer live together I mean, your staying here is draining me".

Catherine couldn't believe her ears, although she suspected that it was soon going to happen because of her brother's cold attitude and comments towards her, it had lingered enough. Although she was hurt, she felt maybe it was better that way because her health was gradually deteriorating from excess thinking; she tried to choke back her tears.

"Thanks so much, Andy for allowing me to stay with you, will leave first thing tomorrow morning because it's getting late already."

"That's good, I wouldn't like to see you here by tomorrow evening", Andrew said as he walked away.

Catherine was so restless all through the night, sleep was far from her, and she cried out. [how could my brother hurt me this way, where am I going to go from here? I don't even have a well-paid job; she continued to ponder.]

The next day, Catherine packed her things and left to stay with her Aunt Martha, she had no other option.

Aunt Martha saw her from afar and smiled.

" You know where to put your things, I am getting old so I wouldn't want to be shouting every time, so be careful and do the things you ought to do without me reminding you; are we clear?"

"Yes Aunt Martha, I won't disturb you".

Catherine replied with a tearful eye as she carried her things inside.

1 week later.

Catherine was in the kitchen preparing dinner for Aunt Martha when her phone rang.

" Hello".

It was Kimberly, she had found Catherine's number in a note.

"Cathy, is that you?" Oh my goodness, I was afraid you might have changed your number".

Catherine was so overjoyed.

"Kim? Is that you; How I have missed you, my dear friend; I never thought I would hear from you again".

Kimberly couldn't contain her excitement.

" Cathy we have so much to talk about, chat with me when you are done with what you are doing".

Catherine and Kimberly spoke all night.

Catherine begins to narrate all that was going on with her.

"How could Andrew do this to you? Although it hurts, he's still your brother; am sure he does know what he's doing; perhaps things are tough with him; don't forget he's your blood, Cathy".

" This blood hurts so much; I would never have done this to him", Catherine was so sober.

"Everything is going to be fine Cathy, in no time. God still watches over you and he will make a way for you; meanwhile, I have a boyfriend now and we love each other very much", Kimberly smiled.

Catherine giggled.

" I am happy you found love Kim; well I also have one and he loves me very much; he has been very supportive and comforting",

Kimberly gibed.

"Lover girl, see love na".

" I have to rest my head a little now Kim, if we continue, I might end up sleeping in class while teaching and Aunt Martha wouldn't be happy if I don't prepare her breakfast in time. We 'll talk later".

"Okay, talk to you later Cathy". Kim replied as they ended the call.

At work.

Catherine's phone rings.

" Hey babe, how are you and I hope you have eaten?".

It was Seth, she was always happy to hear his voice.

"I am fine babe, how are you?

Seth continues.

" I will be taking you out this evening, hope Aunt Martha wouldn't mind?".

Catherine smiled, she enjoys every time she spends with Seth, he is a very caring and loving man.

"No, she won't, I will inform her in time; she has been nice of late".

"Okay teacher, I will see you later then; I love you teacher". Seth smiled as he ended the call.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months; Andrew never called to know where his sister went nor how she was.

Catherine picked up as her phone rang." Hello Kim, what's up?".

Kim was calm while she spoke.

"Nothing much, just having a tiring and stressful day. That reminds me, have you heard from your brother?".

" No Kim, I haven't; he hasn't called. He isn't replying to any of my chats either.

Kim was surprised.

"Hmmm, maybe he will call you later; don't worry Cathy, I am here for you".

" Thanks, Kim you have always been a good friend", Catherine cheered.

"I have to go now Cathy, talk later". Kim ended the call.

A few days later.

5 pm.

Aunt Martha suddenly started being nice to Cathy.

" Catherine, come sit; I want to talk to you".

Catherine wondered what she had done wrong, she was so uncomfortable.

"I hope there is no problem Aunt Martha".

" Not at all child, I just wanted to apologize for my behavior, I shouldn't have treated you and your brother the way I did; I shouldn't have transferred whatever I had with your mom to you guys; I am so sorry Catherine, you don't deserve all this. Please find it in your heart to forgive me." Aunt Martha said regretfully.

Catherine was shocked at her Aunt's change of attitude, but she was glad.

"I forgive you, Aunt Martha, we are family and family should always forgive and stand for each other. Catherine stood up and hugged her Aunt.