CHAPTER 1

Dad" I called. My Dad one Saturday morning. I was just five years old by then and a smart kid.

"Yes, my angel. What is it?

"What happened to Mom? Where is she? Why did she leave us?" my dad's mood changed automatically when I asked him that question. As a little girl that I am, I know that something is wrong.

"I'm sorry to ask you that question, if it hurt you"

"Don't worry sweetheart, Daddy is fine "

"But you look troubled"

" Yes, because mommy left us to meet God"

"But Uncle Jude said that God is in heaven. Is she also in heaven?"

"Yes, my love"

"But Daddy, what did you do for her to leave us? I want her back. I want to know how she is. If I look like her"

"She's not coming back, my angel. When someone goes to heaven it means the person is dead. The person does no longer belong here with us but with God"

"What happened Dad?"

"She died because she was sick "

"Did I look like her?"

"yes, you look exactly like her"

"Please Daddy don't get sick and leave as Mom did." 

My Daddy was quiet, he didn't utter a word. He hugged me in tears, petting my back but I was waiting for him to assure me that he will not leave me in this lonely world. still yet; he didn't utter a word to me. I cried and said

"Daddy, are you going to leave me too? Will you follow Mummy?"

"No, my angel. Daddy will never leave you"

"I love you so much, Daddy"

"Daddy loves you too more than you do"

Sometimes I do wonder what happened. What kind of sickness did she suffer from that doctors can not heal? Doctors and nurses are meant to heal and take care of us.

Sometimes, I do pity my Dad, playing the role of both mother and father.

Life Is not beautiful without a mother at a tender age. Mother knows when their children are sick or healthy, When the child is happy or unhappy, when the child needs attention, and when their child is hiding something from them. She knows when her child's character or behavior changes or adapts to the environment they are in. Mother tells the father what is happening to their children. Without the mother, the father will not know what is happening because fathers are always busy with work. They don't have time to stay close to their children, mothers do. Only stupid mothers stay far away from their children.

My Dad is trying his best but it's not enough for me. Sometimes, he will travel for a week or even weeks. I will be lonely because Mom is not around with me, only the maids and security that always keep straight faces that annoy me.

Three days after my eight year birthday party. My dad came into my room with a look on his face that shows that he want to tell me something important to him but will hurt me

"Are you okay Dad? Your face doesn't look good"

"Yes, I'm fine sweetheart. What book are you reading? Daddy wants to know"

"About animals "

"Interesting, so are you going to teach Dad everything you know about animals?"

"That's okay Dad. You know that I love you. what is it?"

"Yes, I know and I love you more. hmm, angel?"

"I'm all ears, Dad"

"I'm traveling out tomorrow"

"Oh my God. Dad!"

"I will stay four weeks"

"What the shit are you talking about Dad? that's a month"

"No curse word angel"

"I'm sorry but" I was hurt, no, more than hurt. I feel dejected and lonely. Name me it all. He always leaves me all alone all the time 

"I'm sorry angel"

"You know what Dad? You have to get married before you leave So that I will have a mum that will take good care of me if you leave"

"Christabel! How can I get married tomorrow? tell me I want to know. You have maids and nanny"

I know what I said is impossible. I imagine four weeks without my Dad. Everywhere will be hell for me. I begin to cry

"Please Dad, let me follow you. I can't stay here all alone without you "

"What about school sweetheart?"

"must you go? send one of your managers"

"No sweetheart. This is important. Don't worry, Uncle Jude will stay with you throughout these 28 days".

I was happy when he mentioned Uncle Jude's name. Staying with him is fun. He treats me like a queen while my dad treats me like a princess. They treat me special.

" But Dad promise me you will get married when you return"

"if that will make you happy" he answered, but not immediately.