Chapter 11: Why isn't he home?

Hads kept looking at me throughout the class. It was Saturday but since we were going for an internship soon we had some elective classes to finish up. Hads seemed so worried and I felt so guilty about it. I couldn't tell her about what happened the previous night even though she was worried because I didn't want to talk about it. I got goosebumps just thinking about it. And I didn't want her to keep worrying about what the old man could do to me like I was worrying but not telling her was even making her worry more. I shook my head in frustration, if only she didn't know about it like Liam then she wouldn't be so worried. As we walked out of the class to the cafeteria, I couldn't help but say

" Hads I'm fine okay, stop worrying." It was more like I was trying to encourage myself instead as I thought about going to the same house again. 'Will he be as mercy as he was last night?' I thought with fear.

" Then tell me what happened please Lisa?" Hads was looking me in the eye now and I had to say something to her.

" He's a womaniser after all Hads, so there's only one thing he'll keep wanting"

" Don't tell me he....." Hads voice broke.

" No Hads, keep calm. I just don't know how I'll keep protecting myself from him. I keep living in fear." It was the truth but I rather not explain what happened the previous night to Hads.

" We still haven't gotten any way for you to get a divorce without him hurting your dad, what do we do?" I could feel the worry in her voice. I knew I was blessed to have a friend like her but I felt even more grateful now to have her in my life.

" Maybe I should just accept my faith. Maybe I won't fret so much about him taking my virginity or whatever if I don't hate him so much for forcing me to marry him. So I will try to understand him and hate him less if possible" I didn't know if I could do what I was saying but I wanted to try. Maybe I will not be so scared of him.

" Are you serious right now? Accept a fate you were forced

to take?" Hads was in shock at what I said. I was even more shocked at what I was saying than she was. We had gotten to the cafeteria now.

I was about to give Hads a reply when Liam joined us so I didn't say anything but I could feel Hads eyes on me like she was confirming I'd gone mad. I wouldn't blame her though I wasn't even sounding sane to myself." Hey girls" Liam hugged us both as he greeted us.

" Hey Liam," I said smiling at him. "Hey, dear" Hads greeted too. Liam kept on complaining about how he hated being in school on Saturdays and how he couldn't wait for his elective courses to be over.

We had our lunch and went back to class. It was just a class we had after lunch. We went o the Library and studied for the next three hours and went to the cafe afterwards. Hads always came around to help in the cafe when she wasn't busy. I couldn't concentrate on anything as I kept contemplating whether to go to Hads place instead of going to the old man's house. I thought I could just call him and tell him I had something to do at Had's, but that was when I remembered his number wasn't even saved on my contact list. The old man is so smart so He'll know am just trying to avoid him. Am not just avoiding him, am running away from him.

I decided to just go to the house, whatever he wants to do let him just do it after all my dad sold me out. I was tired of running and feeling afraid.

" Are you really okay Lisa?" Hads could no longer hold it in. She had been watching me the whole day worriedly. I gave her an assuring smile each time but she was still worried.

"Hads for the hundredth time am fine." I came and hugged her as I said this.

" Are you sure that he didn't do anything to you last night baby girl?" I smiled when she asked this. I knew she had been finding it difficult to believe he didn't do anything to me. I sighed, knowing Hads am sure she wouldn't let it go.

" He made a move on me last night, but he let me go when I thought I was done for." I gave a little laugh as I said this to lighten the mood.

"You've been through so much in such a short time Lisa, am sorry I can't even help...." Hads broke into tears as she said this.

"Hey, It's alright okay. Just being there for me is enough okay? I'm so blessed to have you in my life Hads." I hugged her tightly as I said this. She was sobbing in my arms as I hugged her. Hads is the most empathetic person I've ever met.

We closed the cafe by 8 pm, Gabriel was already waiting for me.

" Hello, ma'am." He greeted as I walked up to him, before turning to Hads "Hello ma'am"

" Hi," Hads greeted with a little smile.

" Gabriel this is Hadassah, Hads met Gabriel." They both smiled at each other. " Gabriel, can we drop Hads home before going to the mansion?"

" Sure ma'am" He answered.

" It's okay Lisa, I can take a cab."

" No Hads, I insist" I looked at Hads stubbornly to let her know I wouldn't take a no. She smiled as we entered the car. "When will you come to visit Hads?"

" Hmmm....." Hads bent her head slightly with a hand on her chin.

" Come on drama Queen" I was laughing now as she continued rubbing a hand on her chin dramatically.

" I will visit next week. " She finally said.

" I'll hold you to your words Sis" Hads was smiling as a said this. We talked about our internship for the rest of the drive till we got to her place. After dropping her off we headed for the mansion.

When we entered the gate of the mansion my heart started racing again.

" Gabriel?" I called. " Yes ma'am." came his reply.

" Stop the car please." 'Should I just turn back and go to Hads place or my place' I pondered as I ran a hand through my hair frustrated. Is there even anywhere I can hide from him? Will my dad be okay if I ran? Tears had wailed up in my eyes and were threatening to drop. If I went to Hads place wouldn't that even get her in trouble?

" Is everything okay ma'am? " Gabriel asked quietly like he didn't know if he should be asking.

" Yeah, thanks Gab" My voice was shaking now " Let's go" I told him with a whimper as I held my face with both hands. Gabriel started the car and started moving.

"Everything is gonna be okay ma'am" Gabriel encouraged me before he came to a stop in front of the mansion. I nodded even though I knew he wasn't seeing me nodding.