Chapter 5: Her sacrifices

"What is that case of rice still doing on the floor?" Frank roared behind Rutendo, making her jump startled.

"I am so sorry. I will pick it up right away." She said and quickly picked up the case and packed it away, avoiding looking at Frank's face.

"I didn't hire you to just sit here and do nothing all day. I am running a business here. If you can't do your job, then leave."

Rutendo kept quiet, her gaze scanning the empty shop. This had been her life since the day she vomited in his mouth. He had become so rude with her, and he would insult her every chance he got, but she was grateful that he never tried touching her again, though that did not make her feel safe around him. She wanted to quit, but she knew quitting was not an option.

Her father had told her that if she quit, then she would have to find somewhere else to stay. She didn't mind leaving. What worried her was leaving Mike behind. What would become of him if she leaves? He would obviously suffer in her absence, and she didn't want that for her little brother. That's why she was at work, sucking up to Frank's bullshit every day.

"It will not happen again." She said quietly.

Frank clicked his tongue and turned to leave, but Tendo stopped him. It was month end, and she needed her money. She already made plans with it.

"What do you want?" Frank barked angrily.

Tendo sighed. He was always angry these days and it was not funny anymore.

"It's month-end." She said quietly, trying to keep her voice steady. "I was wondering if i could get my salary?"

Frank turned around, a deep scowl on his face. "You think you deserve a salary after the way you have been performing?"

"I have been working hard, Frank. I have been doing my best." Even when he didn't appreciate all her work.

"Your best? Your best is not good enough." A small smile formed on his lips. "But i will give you your salary on one condition."

Rutendo frowned. "What condition?" Wasn't working her ass off enough to get her a salary.

"Marry me."

Tendo's eyes widened in horror as she took a step back. "Marry you! You can't be serious. I am only 14."

"Age is just a number. Just think about it. I will take care of you. I have the money to. You will never have to work a day in your life ever again. Your brother will be taken care of, even your family. I will make everything happen all in the snap of a finger if you just agree to be my wife."

"I will never marry you! Aren't you ashamed of yourself? You are older than my father! You are not even supposed to look at me in that manner." The thought of marrying Frank for the money she worked so hard for was just repulsive. What kind of a man was he?

Frank's face twisted with anger. "Okay then. There will not be a salary for you. Get back to work."

"You can't do that." Tears filled her eyes. "I worked hard for that money. You can't - "

"You think i care about that? I was never looking for anyone to help me with the shop. All i wanted was just to be close to you. All i wanted was you, so i don't care if you worked or not. It doesn't make a difference to me as long as you are not mine. Now, get back to work."

Tears rolled down her face as her reality slapped her in the face. It was all a plan. It was all part of his well crafted plan, and she fell for it. Why did all of these things keep on happening to her? Why her?

She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, but they kept on falling. "I am not going to keep on working for you anymore. I will never work for free. I quit. You can keep your money. I don't need it. I was doing fine without you and your money. I will survive."

"You are making a mistake, Rutendo."

"It's a mistake i am willing to make, and i know that i will never regret it. I will never marry an old man like you."

She turned to leave, but Frank's voice stopped her.

"You will regret this. You need to know that i always get whatever i want, no matter what. You are no exception."

Her heart pounded in her chest as she shivered at the threat, but she didn't dare look back. She was done letting people think that they could treat her however they wanted just because she was poor. She walked out of the shop with her head held high. She took the road that led home. She was going to deal with everything later. Her father would have to understand why she couldn't continue working there. She was too young to be married, especially to an old man.

**

Frank paced around in his shop, his hands on his waist. Who does she think she is? What was so special about her that she would turn him down. HIM!? All the women loved him because of his money. They would do anything for him as long as he promised them money.

He rubbed his chin, frustrated. Rutendo was the first girl to give him a hard time, and with her situation, she should have been begging him right now. But the more she fought him was, the more he wanted her. He wanted her even more now that she rejected him.

He clicked his tongue and locked up the shop. He crossed the road and went to the bar where Trymore was.

He took out a few notes and gave them to the bartender. "Give me 4 blacklabels." He ordered and waited for his beers.

The barman returned with the cold bottles of beer and handed them to Frank. He smiled as he took them, then went to where Trymore was trying to get some men to give him a sip of their beer.

"Trymore, my friend, come sit with me." Frank said as he sat down on the bench under the tree.

Trymore didn't need to be told twice. He smiled widely and went to sit next to Frank, who handed him a bottle of beer. He took it and thanked him, then opened the bottle with his teeth.

"This is what i call beer. This is really good." Trymore said after taking a sip of the cold beer.

Frank smiled. "I am glad you like it. I actually wanted to talk to you about something."

"Okay. I am listening."

"I don't know how to say this, but i am going to say it anyway. I have taken a like into your daughter. I think she is very beautiful, smart and hardworking. I would like to ask for her hand in marriage."

Trymore kept quiet, digesting Frank's words.

"I understand that this may come as a shock to you, but i really love her. I am willing to pay whatever amount just so she can be my wife. I will give you cows, goats, money, whatever you want i will give it to you."