"You! Adina! Where's the money?" Lucas's voice was heard through the dimly lit living room, reverberating off the walls. His brow furrowed with anger, eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on her," I know you have been working somewhere else these past few weeks. I haven't received any money from you in a while, I told you to always remit $500 every two weeks to my account and you haven't sent any in the past week. I demand an explanation from your end, so let's hear it" Lucas said.
Adina stood frozen, her heart racing."Father, I don't have money to give you this time, I'm not working as much as I used to because I have to keep up with school that's why I haven't sent you money". Her voice wavered, but she pressed on, determination seeping through her fear. "And secondly, Dad, we can't keep doing this you need to get a job. We still have to cover the mortgage bills because you squandered the money due to your frivolous lifestyle. I'm not going to do this with you forever. You need to get a life and get your acts together"
What? How dare you? Who gave you the audacity to speak to me in such a tone and manner? Lucas's face twisted with rage in his eyes. "I don't care if you have to crawl or beg and I also don't care about you going to school. If you don't get your acts together you won't be able to withstand what is coming next".
With a new found strength, she faced him he voice steady despite her fear "Come off it Dad! I'm tired of this life! There's nothing you can do to make it worse than it already is and I couldn't care less either. Now Dad" she said in defiance " it is me against me and nothing and no one else matters". I'm done enabling you, yes you need to start taking responsibilities for your actions. Oh wow! It seems the school has given you wings that have made you believe that you can lash out at me in such a tone. Lucas rushed towards her, and he hit her severely with each blow a brutal reminder of his power. She was overpowered and almost lifeless and he threatened to kill her "If you ever looked him in the eye again, I'll make you regret it"
There she was, Adina, looking battered on the floor, tears rolling out of her eyes uncontrollably, she felt the whirlwind of sadness, hurt, and abuse, unsure of what the future held. She, Adina, is feeling overpowered by the circumstances of life. She said; "Why is life so unbearable, I never asked to be born into this chaos ,is it my fault that I decided to make him my father? Why am I paying the price for? I don't know what went wrong or where I made a mistake in choosing my family. I'm exhausted" she said as exhaustation washed her on the weight of her choices, with tears in her eyes, Adina vowed to herself;" no more living in fear, I'm reclaiming my life no matter what ".
After the brutal confrontation with her father, Adina decided to walk in the park later that evening after the ordeal with her father. She promised herself to always put herself first before anyone else. While walking, she bumped into an old friend" I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there" she said. "It's fine "the voice answered. Wait, Adina!" Is that you", as Jessica's familiar voice rang out, warmth filled Adinas heart. Memories flooded her thoughts. Reminding her of the times where the situation was lighter. I can't believe my eyes. It's been ages since my parents moved us out of the hood." I never thought I would see you again". "Oh my! Jessica, I'm so happy to see you, I have missed you so much. You look amazing". Adina said.
So do you my love, Well dear I just got admitted to Brentford University tonight here in the heart of Manhattan. Really? Such a coincidence! I'm also a student of that school. Fate brought us together once again and this time I'm not letting you go so easily, she smiled.
" I'm sorry for your loss too, I heard what happened to your mum. It must have been tough, one should not have to go through such an ordeal. It's terrible ". But I'm here now and I will keep you company for as long as I live My mum couldn't stop talking about you anytime you crossed her mind, she would be so happy to know that we reunited at last. There is so much to catch up on and I have all the time in the world. They both laughed as they walked around the park.
"Life has not been the same since my mum died, I have had to go through the worst of every situation. Did you know my dad became a word? He now does the unthinkable, he hits me just like he used to hit my mum. He made my life a living hell, I can't recall the last time I smiled happily without the fear of being abused by my father. I had to work three part-time jobs to cater to my needs in the past. And now with school activities taking most of my time, I have to become a stripper at the town-only nightclub because that's the only way I can cater to my needs and afford to pay 30% of my tuition as well as save up for the mortgage bill my dad used our house as collateral for a debt he incurred at the gambling house he usually visit. He has never contributed anything to my life or education". Adina said with tears in her eyes.
You have been through so much at such a young age. You have got to live for yourself from now on and you can move in with me if you would like to, I will be happy to have you around. Really? You have lifted a burden off my shoulders. She smiled and they walked out of the park to Adina's house.