Chapter 6: My father is in Jail

Their eyes met and for a moment they just stared at each other.

Albert walked over to Mariam, his eyes locked on hers. Mariam's heart was racing as she wondered what he wanted.

"Mariam," Albert said, his voice low and smooth. "I didn't expect to run into you here."

Mariam's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Albert?" she asked, her tone cool.

Albert hesitated for a moment before responding. "I wanted to talk to you about Ryan," he said, his eyes serious.

Mariam's expression turned skeptical. "What about Ryan?" she asked, her voice guarded.

"How's Ryan doing?" Albert asked, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Mariam's eyes flashed with anger. "You have the nerve to ask about my daughter's well-being?" she spat, her voice low and venomous. "You, who put her in this state?"

Albert took a step back, his eyes widening in surprise. "Mariam, I—"

"Don't even try to explain or justify yourself," Mariam cut him off, her words dripping with contempt.

"You're responsible for Ryan's condition, and you'll pay for what you've done."

" Mariam, Stop blaming me. It was just an accident !" Albert tried to explain to her.

Mariam's eyes blazed with anger and hurt as she looked at Albert.

"You broke her heart, Albert," she spat. "You discarded her like she meant nothing to you. And now, she's lying in a hospital bed, fighting for her life."

Albert's face fell, and he looked away, unable to meet Mariam's gaze. "I...I didn't mean for things to end like that," he stammered.

Mariam's laughter was bitter. "You didn't mean for things to end like that?" she repeated.

"You didn't mean to break my daughter's heart? You didn't mean to drive her to attempt to take her own life?"

Albert's eyes snapped back to Mariam's face, and he took a step forward.

"That's not fair, Mariam," he protested. "I cared about Ryan. I never meant to hurt her."

" Then why did you breakup with her ?" Mariam demanded.

" Our relationship was just a contract. Ryan knew it but she insisted that we must continue dating." Albert revealed.

" Ooh, I see." Mariam chuckled.

" So that is how you be playing with our daughters. This time you got a wrong one. You will pay for all your sins !" Mariam said and walked away without giving him another chance to say anything.

Albert stayed there with confusion and after he went to the lady he had been talking to.

——-

Mariam walked into Ryan's hospital room, feeling emotionally drained from her confrontation with Albert. But as she saw Alena sitting beside Ryan's bed, holding her hand and talking softly to her, Mariam's heart swelled with gratitude.

Alena looked up and caught Mariam's eye, smiling warmly. "Hey, Mrs. Wilson. I've been taking good care of Ryan. The doctors say she's stable, but we need to keep a close eye on her."

Mariam felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Alen. She had been Ryan's rock, her confidant, and her best friend. And now, she was taking care of her when she needed her most.

"Thank you, Alena," Mariam said, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for being here for Ryan."

Alena's smile faltered, and she looked at Mariam with concern. "Of course, Mrs. Wilson. I'll always be here for Ryan. But how are you doing? You look like you've been through a lot."

" Thanks for the concern. But I am okay." Mariam said and sat down besides Alena.

" Mrs Wilson, I will get you a drink." Alena spoke and got up to leave.

As Alena returned with the tea, Mariam couldn't help but notice the way Alen looked at Ryan.

It was a look of deep concern and care, and Mariam realized that Alena was more than just a friend to Ryan.

Mariam's eyes narrowed as she observed Alena's behavior.

She noticed that Alena was around the same age as Ryan, and she wondered if there was something more to their relationship.

"Alena, how old are you?" Mariam asked, trying to sound casual.

Alena looked up, slightly startled by the question. "I'm 24, Mrs. Wilson," she replied.

" Ooh, Do you live with your parents ?" Mariam asked.

" Yeah, My Mom is a teacher. " Alena answered.

" Ooh, What of your dad ?" Mariam asked.

" Huh, My dad…." Alena went silent when Mariam asked about her father.

Alena's voice dropped to a whisper, and she looked around the room nervously before speaking.

"My father...he's in jail, Mrs. Wilson."

Mariam's expression turned sympathetic, and she reached out to put a hand on Alena's arm.

"I'm so sorry, Alena. That must be very difficult for you and your family."

Alena nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "It's been hard, Mrs. Wilson.

I've had to grow up too fast and take care of my mom and brother."

Mariam's heart went out to Alen. She couldn't imagine how difficult it must be for Alena to deal with her father's incarceration on top of everything .

" Do you mind telling me why he is in jail ?" Mariam asked.

Alena's voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke.

"My father...he owed someone money, Mrs. Wilson. A lot of money. And he couldn't pay it back."

Mariam's eyes widened in surprise, and she leaned forward slightly. "I see," she said softly. "And that's why he's in jail?"

Alena nodded, her eyes dropping to the floor. "Yes, Mrs. Wilson. He's been in jail for a one year now ."