Chapter 8: A future lost

Rutendo stood by the gate outside Frank's house. She didn't even know what she was doing there. After she saw Frank driving away with Mike, she just couldn't think straight. She knew she just needed to be there for her brother. She walked for almost an hour, asking around for the address until she found it.

She wiped her tears as she searched for any movement around the yard but there was nothing. It was quiet, way too quiet for her liking. Where was her brother? She could see Frank's car parked outside. Could it be that they were inside? What were they doing to him? He must have been so scared wherever he was.

"Did i make the right decision?" Was the question she kept asking herself over and over again. She was knowingly throwing herself in the pit of fire. She could have been so far away, running for her life, but her heart wouldn't just let her leave, not when her brother's life was at stake. She didn't know what they would do to him if she doesn't show up and she didn't want to find out.

Tendo took a deep breath, then wiped her face clean. She knocked on the gate and waited, her heart beating fast. This was it. This was the end of her life. Thanks to her father, her life was over. Her fate was sealed. She was going to be stuck with Frank for the rest of her life. She would have to do everything a wife did for her husband. She was married to an old man at the age of 14!

A few moments later, Frank walked outside. His lips stretched into a wide smile when his eyes landed on her. He pushed his potbelly as he walked towards the gate.

"Ah Rutendo," he said, smiling even wider. "I have been waiting for your arrival." He unlocked the gate and opened it. He grabbed her hand and pulled her inside the yard, before locking it again.

"I told you that i always get whatever i want, didn't i? You just had to make it difficult for all of us."

Tendo remained quiet, pushing back her tears. She didn't want to break down in front of him. He was going to think she was weak. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her crying.

Frank shoved her forward when he didn't get a reply. Tendo stumbled, almost falling, but she quickly balanced herself.

"Goodness, you smell. You need a proper bath. I will tell your sister wives to prepare you for tonight. I cannot wait to have all of this. You have made me wait long enough." He slapped her butt, making it jiggle as her body tensed. He licked his lips, staring at her. So much beauty for one person should be a crime!

Frank opened the door to the dining room and walked in, followed by Tendo. Mike jumped on his feet and rushed to his sister's eyes, throwing himself in her arms.

"Sis Ruru! Where were you? I slept alone last. I thought you left me."

Tendo enveloped him in her arms, hugging him tight. "I will never leave you, baby. Ever." She whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

"I thought dad was lying when he said i can find you here. I am glad you are here."

"Me too baby. Me too. Have you been behaving?"

"Yes! I watched TV! And... and i ate rice and a lot of chicken. It tasted really rice. I left some for you." Mike said, smiling.

Tendo tearfully stared at him. So much innocence. She never wanted his innocence to be tainted, and she was going to do everything in her power to protect him.

"Thank you for leaving some for me." She smiled.

"Prepare her for me. I want her ready for me tonight. I am going out." Frank said, and grabbed his car keys before walking out.

Tendo swallowed and remained on the floor, not knowing what to do or where to sit.

"Come and sit down. I will dish up for you. I am MaDube by the way." The second wife said.

Tendo faked a smile and muttered a small thank you.

"I will prepare your bath. I am MaMoyo. The first wife."

"Thank you." Tendo whispered.

**

Later that night, MaDube led Tendo to her room, where she was supposed to wait for Frank until he was back. Mike was going to sleep with the first wife. She wasn't okay with that, but her feelings didn't matter. She didn't have a choice.

They walked inside the room, and MaDube switched on the light. Rutendo nervously went to sit on the bed, fidgeting with her fingers.

"I am sorry." MaDube broke the silence. "I know exactly how you are feeling right now. I have been there before. I have been in your shoes, so i know how it feels."

Tears finally tricked down Tendo's face. "I don't want this. I never wanted this. I don't..." she broked down crying, unable to continue talking.

MaDube locked the door and went to sit next to her. She reached for Tendo's hand and gave her a gentle squeeze.

"I know. I didn't want it too, but i didn't have a choice. My mother chose money over me. I was sixteen then." She took a deep breath. "I hate him. I hate him with everything in me and sometimes i just wish i can smother him with a pillow. He is a pedo and because he has money, people turn a blind eye. I hate what he did to me, and i will be damned if i let him to it to another child."

She took out a small plastic from her bra, then went to the closet and took out a packet of pads. She opened it and took out one, then went back and unwrapped the plastic.

"I put this aside for you. It's already crushed. All you have to do is put some inside you vagina and on the pad."

Tendo's eyes widened. "What? Why?"

"Tell him you are on your period. If there is anything he hates more than anything is mensturation blood. It will buy you enough time to think of something."

"Why are you helping me?" Rutendo asked, sleptical.

A car pulled up outside. MaDube glanced outside fearfully.

"We don't have much time. Hurry."

Tendo quickly took off her panty while MaDube put some of the crushed chike liver on the pad.

Rutendo used her finger to shove some of it in her coochie. She quickly wore her panty while MaDube hurried out.