I laid motionless in bed after the doctor left. I didn't say a word; I just stared at the ceiling, tears rolling down my face.
"Kendra, talk to me. What happened?" Aunt Grace asked, her voice full of concern.
"Aunt Grace…" I whispered through my tears—that was all I could say.
"Kendra, you're like a daughter to me. Please, talk to me. Or do you want me to die of worry?" she asked, tears brimming in her eyes.
"No, Aunt Grace, don't say that," I said, sitting up, my own tears streaming. "I know you'll be mad at me. I'm sorry for disobeying you."
"It's Daniel, isn't it?" she asked calmly. But I knew this calmness was more dangerous than when she raised her voice.
"Aunt Grace, please… calm down and hear me out." I explained everything that had happened. By the time I was done, she was shocked to her bones.
"WHAT!!! Mr. James? Are you sure of this?" she asked, her voice rising in anger.
"Yes, Aunt Grace," I replied weakly.
"I'm calling the cops now. Those miscreants don't deserve to walk freely!" she fumed.
"Aunt Grace, please don't. Let's watch them for a while and find out what they're really up to," I pleaded.
She narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure? Or is it because you still love him?"
I couldn't answer. I just looked away, guilty.
That night, Daniel called. I stared at the phone with pain in my eyes. By the third ring, I forced myself to pick up.
"Hello?" I said, trying to sound normal.
"Hello, my angel. How are you doing?" he asked sweetly.
"I'm good, and you?" I forced the words out.
"I'm okay. You were supposed to come around today, babe, but you didn't. It's fine, I'm not mad—just come over tonight, okay?"
His voice disgusted me, but I swallowed my anger. "Daniel, it's late already, and you know I don't sleep out."
"Kendra, what are you saying? Are you a child? So you can't even do this for me?" His voice turned manipulative.
"Even if I wanted to come, I can't. I'm not feeling well. I'll make it up to you on Monday, okay?" I said quickly, trying to end the call before I exploded.
"Okay, baby. I love you. Bye." He hung up.
After the call, I sat frozen, my mind racing about what I would say or do to him on Monday.
Aunt Grace came in. "Good evening, my love. How do you feel now?"
"I'm fine," I forced a smile.
"That's good. Make sure you take your medications and go to bed early."
"Okay, ma. Goodnight." I laid down immediately.
---
Monday morning, I was eager—burning inside to see the face of the animal I once called my boyfriend. I dressed in no time and went downstairs.
"Good morning, Aunt Grace," I greeted with a smile.
"Good morning, my love. How was your night?"
"Fine, and yours?"
"My night was good, dear."
I rushed through breakfast and dashed out. But the sight of Mr. James waiting for me almost made me throw up.
"Good morning, Young Miss," he greeted with a smile.
"Good morning, James," I replied coldly, walking towards the car. He was visibly shocked I called him by his name.
"What's wrong? Won't you open the door?" I asked, pretending as if nothing was wrong. That respectful, cool-headed girl was gone.
"Sorry, ma'am," he stuttered, quickly opening the door.
We reached school in less than thirty minutes. Mr. James jumped out to open the door, and from afar, I could see Daniel staring in confusion—his father had never treated me this way before.
I ignored him and went inside to prepare for PE. While in the dressing room, I noticed Daniel hurried after a girl whose face I couldn't see. She looked upset, and they slipped into the next room.
I froze when I heard his voice.
"Baby, calm down. Just let me date Kendra till college. By then, all her father's properties will be in her name, and I'll manipulate her to transfer them to me. Once I get everything, I'll dump her immediately."
My heart sank.
"Make sure you do that, baby, because I can't bear watching you two play love right in front of me," the girl replied.
That voice… it was my seatmate, Delilah.
"Jesus…" I gasped quietly, pressing a hand against my chest. How many more people are involved in this?