Chapter 2 Does he love me

Yenochi

Chapter two

By Obodozie Divine Chinoye

"So your name is Yenochi?" A farmiliar voice said and I turned to see the boss.

I stared at him and stood up.

"Good afternoon sir"

"You haven't answered my question. Why are you behaving formal?"

"You haven't answered my greeting sir and that's how employees are meant to behave around their employers sir"

I stared at him knowing this would get him to talk on why he bought me.

"You're not an employee and you know that"

"How so? I clean, cook. Pretty much the duties of an employee sir"

"You're not an employee."

"Why?"

"You're special"

I stared at him and he smiled.

"Special?"

"Yes you heard me. You are not my maid I didn't buy you to make you a maid you know that"

"I'm sorry sir but I don't know the reason you bought me"..

"Then it's left for me to show you"

He replied coming close.

"What are you doing?"

"You will find out when I'm done" He replied and placed his hands around my waist.

I could feel a strong sensation run through my body.

He held me close and made me lean on his chest.

I felt his body accepting mine but then what was I doing?

What was he about to do?

I stared at him and he smiled staring at my face.

I pushed him hard and ran away to the maid's quarters.

I sat on my bed and felt my heart racing.

"I can't do this..no..no..no" I kept on repeating.

I laid on the bed and then I saw two versions of me staring at me.

"Okay I must be crazy now" I told myself staring at them.

"Indeed you are crazy, Crazy for pushing him away" One version said.

"No you were right for pushing him away who does he think he is?"

Another version said.

"The both of you must be Angel me and Devil me"

I said staring at them.

"What's demonic about accepting him?You like him don't you? So why are you pushing him away?"

"You are meant to push him away just because he bought you doesn't mean he can do whatever he likes it's your body and that can never be put on a price"

"When he held you close, you liked it right? So stop all this drama and run to him to accept him"

"What did you see in his eyes when he held you? Pure pleasure no love attached"

"Love? He has shown her enough of it" The devil me said angrily

"No he hasn't. If he loves her it will show in his actions not in his touch"

Angel me replied and I knew she was right.

I stared at the both of them and walked out of the room and headed for the boss room.

I knocked on the door twice.

"Come in" He replied and I did.

"You are ready. That's quick"

"I'm not your toy sir. I have my rights to my body and I demand to leave this premises"

He stared at me and laughed.

"And what happens to my money?"

"You spent it the way you chose to. I didn't force you to buy me" I replied about to leave but he held me.

"You are not going anywhere"

"Who's going to stop me? You and your army of bodyguards?"

"No just me"

"Let go of me!" I said angrily.

"No.. You just came into my life and you can't just leave"

"You don't have a right to me"

"I'm sorry"

He said and I kept mute.

I turned to face him.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I tried doing"

I stared at him shocked at what I just heard.

"I shouldn't have" He replied letting me go.

"I know I bought you but it's your body and I shouldn't have disrespected you like that"

I stared at him and tried smiling.

"Am I forgiven?" He asked in a cool voice.

"Yes" I managed to say about to leave.

"No.. Don't leave"

He said and held me close hugging me tightly.

"I don't want to lose another person I care about"

*Did I just hear him say he cares about me?*

*Is this a dream?*

"So your name is Yenochi?" He asked disengaging from the hug.

"Why are you bothered about my name?"

"I want to know. It's been days and I still don't know your name"

"You never asked until today"

"There's time for everything and now that you are here it's good. You will tell me directly what your name is"

"My name is Yenochi"

"Yenochi? Nice name. It has the characteristics of a beauty"

I stared at him and he smiled.

"You are beautiful" He continued.

"Th..than..Thanks" I replied.

*What's wrong with you Yenochi? Is this the first time you've been complimented? keep yourself together*I heard and I knew it was the devil me talking.

"Are you shy? It's just a harmless compliment"

"I know and I'm not shy"

"I know that."

"So Yenochi tell me about you"

"Me?"

"Yes... I want to know everything about you"

"My story is a sad one"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't want to bore you with my story"

"I'm listening"

"I'm Yenochi. A simple minded girl with big dreams. I come from a middle class family, we didn't have everything but we were happy. My parents loved me and I loved them too. They wanted the best things for me and their biggest dream was seeing me complete my studies and achieve my dream.But death just didn't spare me it took them in a car accident on their way back home from a wedding, hearing the news of their death I couldn't take it I wanted to end myself as my world had already ended. As if life had not being cruel to me all my father's property was handed over to my uncles and I placed in the care of a demon incarnate of an Aunt"

*

With tears flowing down my eyes I stared at him...

"My Aunt subjected me to prostitution which I refused to do and this was a problem to my aunt as her customers kept complaining that I didn't come or I injured them and so she to,rtured me continually.. The day she sold me to you I had run away from one of her customers so to compensate for her loss she happily sold me to you.."

I said finally ending my sad story...

"I didn't know all this"

"A woman was willing to sell you a child, did you think she was an angel?"

"No..But I..."

"Sir, why did you buy me?"

"What do you mean?"

"If it were for your sexual pleasures you would have had your way on my body by now but you haven't"

"There are plenty of reasons a man would want a woman apart from satisfying himself"

"And the reasons are?"

"Yenochi I see you as more than a maid"

I stared at him and tried to smile.

"I have noticed you rarely smile.. I want to bring back that smile on your beautiful face"

"What's the reason to smile? I don't have a reason to"

"You now have"

"What?"

"Me" He said and stared at me smiling..

*What does he mean?*

*Does he feel the same way for me?*

"You? How?"

"You have gotten a new friend today"

*Oh he sees me as just a friend*

"Thanks" I replied and tried smiling.

Stan's POV

I stared at Yenochi and smiled.

I don't know what to do..

Seeing her makes me happy, after losing my wife and daughter she has being the only person that has made me smile and I just can't let that go..

*What was happening to me? Am I falling for a girl who's in her timid teens? I can't do this...*

*It's best we are just friends*

I heard a knock on the door..

"Who's that?"

"It's Mary sir..."

"Mary, what happened?"

"A woman is here with a lady and she says she wants to see you"

"Hmm okay I will be done soon"

"Okay sir"

"In the meantime Mary, entertain the guests"

"Okay sir"..

"Yenochi, let's go downstairs"

She smiled and walked out while I followed put..

On getting down the stairs I was shocked to see Yenochi's Aunt and a strange lady with her..

*How she (Yenochi's Aunt) knew my house was what I found shocking*

*What was she doing here?*

"Morning" I greeted on getting there..

I stared at Yenochi and the look on her face was just as shocking as mine..

"Mum! Mum?" I heard Yenochi say on staring at the strange lady..

*Is that her Mum?*

*I thought she was dead*

"Yenochi.. It's me your Mum" The strange lady said smiling..

I stared at Yenochi and then at her Aunt who kept smiling...

"Yenochi she's your mum" Her Aunt came shocking I and Yenochi..

"Aunt Sue...My..mum...no she's dead"

Yenochi said staring at the woman..

"I didn't die dear. I survived the accident"

"No...no..Why didn't you come for me?"

"I landed in a hospital where I was paralyzed for some months before I was finally discharged..A nice Samaritan had helped me pay for all my bills..."

"Then she came to me last week, after this nice man took you in asking for you"

"Took me in? Aunt Sue why are you lying?"

"You are staying with him right? So he took you in" She said giving me a harsh look..

"She came to me asking of you and after a lot of searching we found you" Aunt Sue replied smiling..

Yenochi's POV

I stared at my Aunt and then at the strange lady claiming to be my mum..

*Aunt Sue is probably up to something and my innocent mum doesn't know about it*

"Mum" I called hugging her tight..

"Why did you leave me? Please don't leave again" I replied crying my eyes out..

"I will never leave again"

"Enough Yenochi, you have all the time in the world to hug your Mum. It's time to leave" Aunt Sue said smiling..

"Leave?" I asked

"Yes to your house" Aunt Sue said smiling..

I stared at her angrily wanting to throw something at her, wasn't she the one who sold me in the first place now she's claiming to be my savior..

*I will surely tell Mum all what she made me go through*

"Leave?" I heard Stan ask staring at me..

*Somehow I felt he didn't want me to leave and surprisingly I too don't want to leave*

"Madam please a word" I heard Stan say to my Aunt..

Knowing Aunt Sue she happily excused herself to talk with him..

"Mum.. I missed you so much" I replied hugging her again..

"I'm here now dear"

"What happened to you in your neck?"

"What do you mean?"

"The scar you got from the accident you and I had isn't there anymore"

"Oh, the doctors must have removed it. I had a surgery"

"That's strange, because we tried removing it but all doctors said it was impossible"

"Why are you suspicious Yenochi? It's just a scar!" She yelled at me..

*What was wrong with Mum? Mum would never yell at me no matter what I did. She loved me so much and that scar.. How is it possible that it was removed*

*No..Mum is here, I don't need to be suspicious of her*

"Yenochi "

"Yes.."

"I want to tell you something"

We both said and we smiled..

"You can go on Sir"

"You are still going to keep on calling me sir"

"Yes sir.. "

"You are not a maid..You live here now as a guest"

"I know that Sir, but you are still older than me and I want to show my gratitude for allowing i, Aunt Sue and Mum to stay here by giving you the respect you deserve.."

"I'm allowing you to call me Stan because I don't see us as just ..."

"Just?..."

"I see us as friends"

"Why are you quiet Yenochi?"

*How do I tell you I consider you as someone more than a friend..*

"I consider you more than a friend"

*

"I like you"

"You like me?"

"Yes... I've liked you for a while Yenochi"

I stared at him not knowing how to feel...Was I to tell him I liked him back or stop all this...

"Yenochi"

"Yes..."

"Do you like me too?"

"Ehmm..."

"Yenochi!..."

Aunt Sue shouted my name..

I stared at him and smiled..

"Aunt Sue needs me" I replied walking away..

"Phew..That was close Yenochi..You almost admitted your feelings to him"..

"But he likes me" ...

I told myself trying hard to stop smiling..

"Tell him you also like him"...

A part of me told me..

"Then what happens? You are just sixteen and he's thirty that a lot of years difference. Wake up from it Yenochi"

Another part said and I knew that part was right...

I barely knew him and he's way older than me I shouldn't place my head over the clouds...

"Aunt Sue... No one is here so cut the crap you call acting and tell me your reason for being here"

"You won't change your ways Yenochi.. you should be glad I sold you to this rich man"

"Glad? You sold me as a prostitute"

"You don't seem to be treated that way.."

"What do you mean?"

"I should be asking you.He must be treating you well even in his bed.."

"You are so disgusting.Your mentality disgusts me Aunt Sue. I should have known you would never change"

She stared at me and laughed.

"I will tell mum all what you made me go through and you will be kicked out of this house and sent to prison where you belong"

"Yenochi if I go my your lover goes with me.."

"What do you mean?"

"I thought you had a brain use it. Legally is he suppose to buy you?.."

She asked staring at me then she continued

"Foolish girl. You have always being foolish, telling your mum is a sheer waste of time and energy. She believes only what I tell her to"..

I stared at Aunt Sue and knew she had a motive for being here.

"Look girly, if you aren't careful I would get you kicked out of this house without thinking twice.."

"You have no right Aunt Sue"

"I made you stay here didn't I? I can kick you out even before you know it. If you don't do as I say you can as well kiss your lover good bye"

"You are a witch and I hope you rot in hell"

"I see your tongue is still as sharp as it was"

She said holding me by the hair.

"I'm going to cut it"

She replied using her long nails to open my mouth.

I cried out in pain remembering all what the witch had done to me In the past..

No.. enough is enough..

I told myself and freed myself from her grip.

I pushed her to the ground and she cried in pain.

"What have I ever done to you? Aunt Sue I refuse to be in pain because of you. I will make sure you pay for all the pains you've made me gone through. I will make your life a living hell just as you've done to mine.

This is just the beginning"

I told her sternly then I walked away..

"Yenochi is growing wings and now has the courage to fight back"

*What do I do?*

She can't fight back..no!.. I need to do something...

After all my planning I can't lose it..No! Never!...I won't leave rather that Yenochi would..

I stood up and walked into her room..

"Is this what you were paid to do?"

"Oh because I came here I wouldn't eat again"

"You need to learn to keep your tongue in check when talking to me"

She stared at me and mumbled some words under her breath..

"You came here to work face it else you will be out living on the streets"

"Is that a threat Sue?"

"Take it as you want. I brought you here to work and if you aren't willing to do I will get rid of you..Now that's a threat"

"You want to kill me?"

"Depends..Depends on your willingness to work, I didn't go through what I did just for you to mess everything up"..

"Sue don't try doing anything"

"Then do what you are meant to do, be that little witch's mum"..

"I will.."

"Good, now go do your job"

I watched her angrily leave..

"Nonsense, I came here to leave poverty. My plans must work"..

YENOCHI'S MUM POV

"Yenochi dear"

"Yes mum"

"Tell me why you are acting the way you are with your aunt, my sister"

"Mum, Aunt Sue is a liar"

"What do you mean?"

"She made me go through hell when you had the accident with Dad"

"That's just her way of training you"

"Training? She wanted me to be a prostitute"

*So that witch Sue does prostitution?*

*And this girl. Stupid girl she thinks I'm her mum. If Sue likes she can turn you to a prostitute that's her business. I don't care, I only care about the money and living in this house is just a big bonus*

*See the way she's staring at me, what does she want me to do? Like I care what happens to her..Let me pretend to care and do my job*

"What! What the hell is wrong with Sue..How dare she?. I'm going to confront her now"

I said walking away..

Yenochi's POV

*This is definitely not Mum, Mum would never say 'what the hell'...I need to find out what Aunt Sue is up to*

I told myself about to follow her when Stan came..

"Yenochi"

I stared at him and couldn't stop the smile that appeared on my face..

"Sir"..

I replied trying my best to stop the feelings I had..

"You can't run away from me all your life, you know"

"I'm not running"

"You are"

"I'm not.."

I replied and he came closer, seeing this I moved backwards..

"See, you are"

I just kept mute..

"Did I make you uncomfortable by telling you how I feel?"

"No..no..you didn't"

"Then why do you keep drifting?" He replied this time he was even more closer...

I tried moving back but he held me by the waist..

"Don't.. Please.."

He begged..

"I don't want to.."

"Then why do you?"

"I can't like you"

He stared at me and dragged me even closer to him..

"Why can't you?"

"You.."

"Me?"

"Yes..You are older than me"

"So? It's what you feel that matters"

"I'm Little, that matters. What would people say?"

"What they want to..I don't care"

"I do.. Please let me go"

"Yenochi, I got you from your Aunt not to let you go easily"

"You are only lusting after me"

"Is that what you think?"

"That why I was sold in the first place"

"If I was I would have had my way with you but I didn't"

"You instead chose to play with me"

"Stop.. Stop it"

He said angrily and let go of me..

I stared at him and he walked out.

"Yenochi you need to be strong"

I told myself walking out to the kitchen to get water to drink.

"What wrong with you?"

I asked angrily taking the drink from him.

"What wrong? You are still asking me what's wrong"

"Whatever I said isn't a reason for you to be drinking Stan"

"I am not drinking because of you. Don't misunderstand the situation".

I stared at him and he continued.

"You have made your decision so I won't object to it. This is my house and I choose to drink when and however I want, if you aren't okay with it then leave"

He said to me angrily, his words hurting me but he was right.

"I won't leave"

"I don't care"

"I will stay here with you"

"It's on your own risk"

"I don't care"

"You should be. I'm older than you and I may lust after you"

"I know you wouldn't"

"Don't underestimate me Yenochi"

"Saying the truth isn't underestimating"

"Try this truth"

He replied coming closer.

I didn't move back rather I stayed staring at him.

He came even closer till I could feel his breath on mine.

"I want you"

"I don't care"

"You don't?"

"Yes"

He stared at me lifting my chin up, my lip close to his.

"You sure?"

"Very sure"

He stared at me one more time about to place his lips on mine when we heard.

"So.. sorry"

I turned to find Bekky staring at the both of us.

"I'm sorry"

She said again and then reality dawned on me, she was in love with him and I was caught almost kissing him.

"Be..Bekky" I called and she ran out.

Stan just stared at her leave..

"This is why I don't want us to be close"

"You said you didn't care"

"Maybe I did"

"I knew it"

"That?"

"Your mentality is still the same"

"It's not. I don't want us to be close"

"So do I"

"Then we are cool"

"Yeah.."

"I'm leaving"

"You're still here Yenochi"

I stared at him about to leave when he held me back and dragged me close to him.

"Don't leave"

"Is it you or the alcohol talking?"

"Your heart knows"

"It wants to leave"

"That's a lie"

"It not"

"If it wanted to leave, you would have left a long time ago"

I stared at him quiet.

"Your silence proves it"

"We are hurting others"

"Others?"

I stared away.

"Our story is an impossible one"

"Then it will make a lasting story In history books"

I watched him smile at me letting me go.

"Let's go"

"Where?"

"My room"

I stared at him my eyes wide open.

He stared at me and laughed.

"Don't worry miss, I'm not going to touch you"

"You suggested your room"

"Yeah, it's quiet there. No one will disturb us and I can freely stare at you without any interference"

He said smiling.

"Yenochi"

I heard and My Aunt walked in.

"Speaking of interference" I heard Stan mumbled as he drifted from me.

"Aunt Sue. Is anything wrong?"

"Am I interrupting anything?"

She asked suspiciously staring at the both of us.

"No you aren't. I will leave you both to talk" Stan said leaving.

Before leaving he blowed a kiss to me making me blush non-stop.

"What making you blush?"

"You want to know why?"

"You had the guts to tell your mum I wanted you to be a prostitute"

"The truth they say is bitter"

"You really have grown wings, you little witch"

"I'm only standing up for myself."

"I see, ungrateful little thing"

"What should I be grateful for? You almost making me a prostitute or selling me"

"If it hadn't been for me you would never have been able to live in this mansion and that mother of yours wouldn't have found you"

"I should have known you would never change"

I said angrily walking out.

As I did I felt someone hold my hands and drag me..

"Mmu..mm"

I tried saying but my mouth was closed.

"Shssshh"

I heard him say.

He held me and dragged me into his room.

"This is kidnapping" I said as he slowly removed his hand from my mouth.

"It's not when you are willing to come with me"

"Who says I am?"

"Your heart, your body and your non-ending smile"

"This is crazy"

"Yeah..You are in my arms finally"

"I don't want to leave"

"I don't want you to leave"

"Truly this is crazy"

"Crazy? How?"

"You and I falling for each other"

"We are both crazy then"

"Crazy in love"

I said smiling.

He smiled and kissed me lightly on my forehead.

"Why the tears Yenochi?"

He asked noticing my tears.

"I don't want to hurt anyone"

"What do you mean?"

"Bekky"

"Bekky? What do you mean?"

"She's your age mate and so she is perfect for you"

"Age doesn't matter. I want you not her"

"She loves you"

"And you?"

I stared at him trying hard to lie.

"I don't"

"You are lying"

"I'm not"

"Then why are you here?"

He asked staring at me.

I stared at him walking away but then I ran back and hugged him tightly.

*

"I love you so much"

I said still hugging him

"I love you too Yenochi"

I heard and woke up realising it was all a dream.

*Oh no, Why?*

I struggled to get up from bed, took my bath and started my duties as a maid.

Bekky had made breakfast.

"Good morning Bekky"

I greeted but she silently walked away..

"What's going on?"

I asked myself.

Breakfast was served and everyone came to have breakfast.

"Good morning Sir"

I greeted staring at Stan who smiled..

"Wonderful morning to you Yenochi"

He replied smiling non-stop.

*Why was he smiling so much?*

*Did he also have the same dream as I did?*

*Wasn't it all a dream?*

Aunt Sue walked into the dinning room alongside mum and then it all dawned on me, everything I thought was a dream wasn't.

*Oh no! I told Stan I loved him!*

I thought to myself.

"Yenochi! Yenochi!" I heard and saw everybody staring at me.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry"

I replied getting back my senses.

I had poured hot tea on Stan while lost in my thoughts.

"It's okay"

"No it's not, you are injured"

I replied angry at myself.

"It's okay, I will get it cleaned"

Stan replied staring at my worried face.

I stared at him and was about running to get the first aid kit but Bekky had beaten me to it.

"Let me clean it for you"

Bekky offered.

"No Bekky, you didn't make the mistake. Yenochi was being careless so she has to be punished for her carelessness"

Stan replied angrily.

I stared at him and knew I was in trouble.

"She was careless enough to pour her boss hot tea so she has to be the one to clean the wound not you."

Stan continued and somehow hearing that made me happy.

"I'm sorry Sir"

I said and he frowned.

"Sorry wouldn't pay for your carelessness, it's your duty to clean and you failed at it, now you will have to clean my wounds since you were the one who got me injured in the first place. Bekky hand over the First aid kit to her".

Stan said and Bekky immediately handed the kit over to me.

I bent down close to Stan so I could get a clearer view of the wound on his chest.

"You need to pull off your shirt"

I told him

He stared at me and I helped him pull off his shirt.

As I did, our eyes met.

I could see love in Stan's eyes for me.

As i slowly pull off his shirt I felt his hand on mine.

Trying hard not to smile I slowly released my hand from his.

I took out a piece of cotton wool and gently cleaned his wounds.

He didn't say a thing but I could feel he was in pain and this hurt me a lot majorly because I was the reason he was in pain.

"I'm sorry" I muttered slowly as I watched him in pain.

"Yenochi.."

He called out slowly.

"Yes"

"Stop saying sorry, it has happened already"

He replied.

I stared at him and applied the menthylated spirit on the wound.

He didn't say a word but I knew he was in pain.

I cleaned the wound and covered it.

"I'm glad you are okay sir"

Bekky replied smiling.

"Thanks for your help Bekky, I really do appreciate"

Came Stan.

*But I was the one who cleaned the wound*

I said to myself.

As if hearing my thoughts, Stan answered.

"Yenochi is the reason I'm in pain no thanks to her carelessness so I feel cleaning the wound was a deserving punishment for her carelessness hence she deserves no praise"

*How nice? He keeps blaming me*

"But you..You had no hand in her carelessness yet you ran to get the first aid kit, thank you"

Stan said and Bekky smiled non-stop.

"It's my duty Sir"

She said smiling.

"Yenochi.."

Called Stan

"Sir!"

I replied staring at him.

"You should learn from Bekky, she is taking her duty seriously what you should be doing"

Stan said and watched me frown.

"I'm sorry Sir"

"Again with the sorry, is that all you know how to say?"

Stan asked hurting me bad.

"I will take my duties seriously from now on Sir"

"Good. Clean here up"

He instructed leaving.

Everyone too walked out to different parts of the house.

*Why is he talking to me like this?*

*I didn't mean to hurt him*

I asked myself as I cleaned the dinning.

After cleaning, I went out to the garden contemplating what I would do with my life.

I was so sure I would run away from this house and start my life afresh at first but now I have no idea what to do.

I wanted to get away from Stan but now I find myself drawing close to him.

*Did I really tell him I loved him or was it all a dream?*

*But then today events seemed like I did*

"Yenochi.."

I heard and looked back to find Stan staring at me.

"Sir!"

I answered.

"I told you to call me Stan"

I stared at him and wondered if at times I was talking to his clone and at times Him!

When no one is around he loves me but when everyone is, I'm nothing but a careless girl.

"I won't be able to do that Sir"

"Why won't you? As your boss I'm telling you to call me Stan"

"Sir, with all due respect I won't be able to call you by your name as I would be violating the employee code"

"I told you, you aren't an employee"

"Neither am I your toy sir, you don't have the right to play with my feelings as you like. I'm an employee here and as one I need to perform my duties sir and one of which is to give you the respect of not calling you by your name"

"As an employee one of your duty is to obey your boss so you have to"

"Sir, it's not fair and it's appalling if one of your employee is allowed to call you by your name. The same grace should be shared among all your employees. If they call you by your name then I'll sir"

I replied staring at him.

"Fine.."

"I will like to take my leave Sir"

"Ouch...!" I heard Stan cry out in pain.

"Stan! What's wrong?"

I asked running to him.

He stared at me holding my hand.

"You just called me Stan"

I stared at him and guessed he was faking being in pain.

I stared at him and moved away.

"Why do you find it hard to listen to your heart?"

"My heart? It wants to be far from you as an employee should be"

"You know deep down you aren't an employee to me"

"Deep down you have made me one. I beg to take my leave Sir"

I said and walked out.