Chapter 3 Hmmn

Yenochi

Chapter three

By Obodozie Divine Chinoye

Stan's POV

I watched her leave.

Knowing Yenochi she is probably upset with me for what happened earlier.

Ever since Jenny died I haven't been able to love again until that day.

Driving home I noticed a young girl walking towards a building.

As she walked I watched her, her beauty captivating me.

A strong sensation ran through my spine as I stared at her.

A feeling that I long felt, a feeling that I shared with Jenny.

I stared at her not wanting to take my eyes off her.

A desire I wasn't ready to let go off.

That day I couldn't stop myself from following her.

I walked into the compound only to find a woman beating her mercilessly.

Her eyes were in pain, her innocence written all over her face.

I couldn't bear seeing her in pain, so I intervened..

"Let go of her!" I said pushing the woman away.

Yenochi's POV

"What's her sin that you want to end her?" The man asked while I tried recovering from the brutal beating.

"What your business with her and the way I beat her?" My aunt questioned rudely.

"She is a human just like you"

"And I don't know that. Is that why you are reminding me? Please spare me all that and let her go let me continue from where I stopped" came Aunt Sue dragging me but the man stopped me.

"She's not an animal and I don't plan on letting you treat her like one"

My Aunt watched him and then smiled mischievously.

"He is your boyfriend right? He's the reason you refused to do the jobs I gave you" She said making me disgusted as I knew she thought I knew the man and he sleeps with me.

"No..n..no ooo Aunty I have never seen him in my life"

She replied knowing if I didn't deny it that minute I was in for trouble that night.

*Hearing her voice I got even more attracted to her*

"Madam you are wrong. I haven't seen her until today"

"Stop all this pretends and say the truth, you don't know her yet you care about her"

"Caring doesn't pertain what you are saying"

"I have heard now give her to me"

"Sir please don't" I begged In tears.

This was an opportunity to skin me alive and my Aunt was not ready to let go of it.

"I won't beat her" She assured the man which obviously was a lie she was doubling the beating in her mind and it meant my death.

"No I can't" Came the man.

"It's getting late it best you give her to me"

"No she will stay with me"

"Then it's not free" My Aunt replied smiling.

"I said it now. I knew you liked her" Came Aunt Sue in a way that disgusted me.

"No oo I don't plan on doing that with her. She's like a sister to me"

"Sister indeed. That's what they all say. You have become useful today Yenochi" came Aunt Sue.

"For a night is ten thousand naira" She said again.

My own Aunt selling me out to a stranger for money.

"How much to take her off your hands completely?" The man asked shocking both I and Aunt Sue.

She stared at him and then at me.

*Was I about to be sold to a stranger?*

*Is Aunt Sue going to do this?*

"One million" She replied and my heart skipped a beat.

*She obviously would sell me.*

"Okay"

The man replied bringing out his phone.

Aunt Sue noticing he is a rich man increased the price and she sold me to him for a sum of ten million naira.

"You can have her as long and as much as you want. She's all yours" Aunt Sue said making me shed tears.

"Stop crying it's okay" The man replied leading me to his car.

Stan's POV

As she followed me into my car.

I couldn't control the feelings I felt.

I wanted her close, maybe that's why I bought her from her Aunt.

I knew I would be crazy if I bought her but I didn't care.

If being crazy meant I got to have her close, I didn't care.

Spending time with Yenochi, I wondered if I was lusting after her or loving her.

I want her close but then I remember the age difference and how I would be taking advantage of her.

Yenochi...

Why can't I get that name and the person off my mind?.

It's been two years since I lost Jenny and Jane my lovely three year old daughter to that horrible factory accident. The accident that brought me unconditional pain, a pain I never thought would one day heal but since she came..

Everything seems to have changed.

I don't want her to leave.

I want her.

I care for her.

I need her.

I can't lose her.

I love her.

Yes. Stan you love her.

"I love you Yenochi"

I told myself out loud.

"I don't care what the world will say,you mean a lot to me."

I said out loud to myself.

"I need to tell her"

I said to myself walking out.

Bekky's POV

"No! No!"

I shouted as I watched Stan leave.

"Why does he love her? Why can't he love me? I gave him everything. He can't leave me! No! Stan is mine! And will always be even if I have to give Yenochi the same punishment I gave Jenny I don't care. He is Mine alone!"

I said angrily.

"I need to stop him from telling her how he feels. But how?"

I asked myself pacing around the house.

"I can't kill Yenochi yet. I don't want anyone to get suspicious of me and have an idea that I had a hand in Jenny and Jane's accident"

I told myself.

"Enjoy your time with Stan Yenochi, At least for now but remember this Stan is Mine and will always be Mine!"

I searched through the house for Stan but I couldn't find him.

"He must be with Yenochi"

I said angrily to myself.

"It's getting late already, who knows where they are"

I muttered to myself clueless.

I looked around the large spacious living room and recalled my last meeting with Jenny.

"Jenny"

"Jenny? Bekky you just called me by my name"

"Is there anything special in your name that I would include ma'am?"

"Why are you talking to me rudely?"

"Why shouldn't I? You aren't special"

"I won't tolerate you being rude"

"You don't have to. You will be leaving soon anyway"

"Leaving soon? To where?"

"Who knows?"

I replied smiling evilly, I walked away leaving Jenny confused and shocked at the way I talked to her.

That day, she left with Jane to the factory where she works to get some things.

Unknowingly to her I had gotten my men to plant a bomb at the factory.

"1-2-3 boom!, Good bye Jenny"

I replied laughing hard as I watched the factory blow up to bits.

"Finally Stan is Mine"

I said to myself smiling.

"Now thanks to that Yenochi all my hard work is in vain, as if Jenny reincarnated to destroy my plans all over again"

I told myself angrily as I stopped my flash back.

I heard a sound in Stan's room.

"Is he there with that little witch?"

I asked myself as I walked closer to the room.

I got to the room only to find the door opened and I could hear whispering from inside.

I peeped only to find the two biggest morons that are part of the little witch's family stealing from the boss safe.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here. Two thieves trying to steal"

I said walking in on them scaring them to their bone marrows.

On seeing me they quickly hid the money.

"Steal? We aren't stealing anything"

That little witch's Aunt Said.

"Oh really"

I replied coming close to her.

I stared at her and quickly dragged the bag behind containing lots of money.

"Then what's this?"

I asked and they couldn't say anything.

I stared at them and smiled this was a perfect opportunity to get Yenochi kicked out of this house.

As i was about going to inform Stan about the theft an idea popped up.

"You know what I'm feeling lucky today"

They stared at me, their faces puzzled.

"Rather than telling Stan and kicking you both out of this house, I'm ready to forgive you"

"Forgive us? Mind you, you have no say in this house"

That little witch's Aunt Said.

"That's where you are wrong. I have the power to send you back to the streets where you came from and still keep you in this Mansion to enjoy comfort something I'm sure you haven't experienced no wonder you steal"

"A maid has power? Wonders shall never end" The little witch's Aunt Said.

"And they won't end, you old hag"

I said coming at her.

I came close to her and held her by the neck, mercilessly strangling it.

"Let go of her! Let go! You will kill her!"

The witch's mum begged.

I stared at her and pushed her hard leading to her hitting her head on the wall.

"Now you will see wonders, by the time you get to hell you will know what I can do to hags like you"

I said angrily strangling her.

She tried fighting, she struggled to fight back but her every attempt I made sure to destroy.

Staring at her and knowing she must have feared me now I pushed her to the floor there she sat gasping for air.

"Now listen up the both of you. Make sure you return every cent you took from this safe and today should be the first and last day I catch you stealing from Stan. Have I made myself clear?"

I asked staring at them.

They nodded.

"Have you suddenly lost your voice? Answer me!"I exclaimed angrily.

"Yes"They both replied staring at me.

"It's Yes ma'am to you"

"Yes ma'am" They said slowly.

"That's better. You work for me now mind you I don't want any double crossing and neither do I tolerate it. If I dare catch you I will end your existence permanently"

I said staring at them sternly.

They stared at me while I laughed hard.

"Return the money and get out of this room!"

I shouted angrily.

Watching them return the money I thought of an idea or better yet a plan to get rid of Yenochi permanently.

Stan's Mine and I want him to stay that way.

"Good. Now get out! I must not see you both in this room again. I hope I have made myself clear"

I said and watched them leave.

"Bunch of fools" I remarked sitting on Stan's bed.

"My poor baby has to suffer, he is surrounded by fools no thanks to that Yenochi, don't worry love I will get her far away from us as possible"

I said smiling to Stan's picture frame.

"I got that witch Jenny away from our lives and that little demon she gave to you as a child away from our lives don't you worry my love Yenochi's next. Nothing will ever separate you and I, absolutely nothing"

I said again smiling.

Yenochi's POV

This is just too much Yenochi. Aren't you tired of the games you keep on playing with your heart.

You love Stan and no matter how you try you can't get rid of the feelings that grow everyday for him.

"No! It's not, I can't keep hurting myself. He says he likes me but his actions proves he only likes me as an employee and cares for me as a friend. He has no such feelings for me."

I said that out loud.

"What makes you think I don't?"

I heard and turned to see Stan standing before me.

"You must be an imagination, my imagination obviously"

I said staring at him.

He stared at me and I continued.

"Why do you always do this to me? You tell me you like me but your actions proves the opposite"

"I care about you Yenochi. I know it's crazy but I think I love you"

"Love? What's love to you? Is it a game of chess where I'm nothing to you but a pun? Is it an opportunity for you to forget your sorrows by coming close to me? Is it love for you to come into my life and steal my attention, love and care and still treat me as your maid? Answer me is it?"

He stared at me and came close.

"Stay away, I don't want to have anything to do with you or your imagination"

I replied taking a step backwards.

He ignored me and came closer.

My back against the wall, his hand on the wall. His eyes staring closely at me not wanting to stop.

I stared at him wondering if I was imagining this.

With his fingers, he lifted the strands of hair on my face and placed it gently away from my face allowing his eyes to penetrate deeply into mine.

His eyes still fixed on mine, he reached for my neck kissing it.

My eyes wide open I knew then I was in no way imagining this.

"Stan.."

I called out slowly. The name I could only mutter.

"Love to me is You. Love is the feeling I get when I wake up every morning to see you. Love is wanting to love you regardless of the fact that I'm way older than you. Love is buying you from your aunt regardless of the consequences, love is wanting you to stay by my side and not wanting you to ever leave. Love is all I see when I look at you, love is in your eyes. Love is wanting to be strong for you, love is what I feel when you touch me. Love is what I experience each time I touch you. Love is craving for you and not wanting to hurt you at the same time. Love is every moment I spend with you and how much I never want to let you go. I know I don't do my best in showing it but to me love is what I feel for you. I love you Yenochi"

I just stared at him speechless.

That minute I could feel my heart flutter, my happiness increasing.

Should I shout and tell the whole world I felt the same way and I didn't care about our age difference?, I didn't care I was sold, I didn't care that I was loving a man that was way older than me.

I couldn't help it, I hugged him tightly with smiles all over my face.

"No matter what happens don't let me go okay?"

Stan replied still hugging me.

"I don't think I want to"

"Promise you won't"

"I won't"

I replied as we drifted from the hug.

He held my hands and took me inside.

He began calling everyone to the living room which made me scared, what was he about to do?.

Aunt Sue, Mary, Mum, Bekky (who stared at me and then at our hands with blood shot eyes) and the rest of the maids and bodyguards came into the living room just like me they wondered what was going on.

"I know I'm not the best at my words but I want the whole world to know this. Today you all are to address Yenochi here as your soon-to-be madam, she's the love of my life and also the person I want to start my life afresh with and you all should respect that"

Stan said shocking I and everyone present to the bone marrow.

"I love you Yenochi and in every journey I want to take I want you to be there"

Stan said staring at me.

His eyes loving, his touch heavenly, my heart wanted this but my mind didn't.

Open your eyes Yenochi think, Stan is probably thirty-two and you are just Sixteen is this the dream you have always dreamed of having? Is this the Accountant you want to become? is this how you further your education? By becoming your elder brother's wife at age Sixteen. Are you that shameless? Is this how your parents trained you? Your aunt was right when she called you a prostitute because anyone that could do this what else do you want?

"Will you make me the happiest man by being part of my life?"

Stan asked on one knee.

I stared at him battling with my mind.

"No! Stay away from me!"

I blurted out pushing him to the floor.

I ran out of the living room and into my room there I sat crying.

Bekky's POV

I stared at Stan who was puzzled on the floor, I couldn't help the smile that popped up on my face. For once that little witch Yenochi did the right thing. Now there is no way my Stan would want her anywhere near him.

My poor sweetheart sucking on the floor thanks to that Yenochi. I stared at him with pity but I didn't care that what he deserves for going after Yenochi and not me.

"Time to add salt to his wounds" I told myself smiling.

"Sir I'm so sorry for what just happened." I replied helping him up.

"Thank you Bekky but I can do it on my own"

He replied gently standing up.

I stared at him angrily.

"Sorry sir if I seem to be intruding but I blame you for what just happened."

He stared at me and replied

"How so?"

"Yenochi is a young girl and sorry to say this sir she must want someone who's also young and not...you know"

I replied staring at him.

"Leave to me what Yenochi wants"

"Okay Sir but I don't think what she wants is an elderly man. Sir she must see you as a father and not want to share any other relationship with you aside that".

"Bekky,Yenochi is a matured girl, she knows what she wants and about her and my relationship I don't think I need to tell you it's none of your business now or do i?"

"No Sir, I was just trying to help".

"As you can see, your help isn't needed nor necessary when we need you we will let you know but as of now your help isn't needed. Now go back to your duty".

He replied while I stared at him.

I walked away signaling that witch's Aunt and Mum to follow me, now I feel like i should have being the one to push you and not Yenochi. You deserve the pushing and even more.

I got to a secret room where no one was and stopped them.

"Sit" I told them signaling them to sit.

They did immediately as they were told.

"I don't need to tell you as you saw for yourself that Yenochi and Stan are becoming close and this is a major problem for us"

"Us? How? We are actually in support of their union"

Yenochi's mom said.

I stared at her and gave her a tight slap on the face.

"Who are the we? Didn't I tell you who the boss is. When I say yes you dare not say no am I understood?"

I asked squeezing her mouth forcefully making her lips bleed.

"Und..under.. stood". She managed to say.

"Good. I want Stan, I love him so much and I don't want to see your daughter close to him. He is Mine! And I don't want anyone close to him.".

I told them as I walked round the room.

"The problem is that they keep getting close and Stan drifts away from me and unless you want me to kill Yenochi devise a plan to get her out of Stan's life permanently."

"You can do anything you want with Yenochi, I don't care so far it benefits me"

Yenochi's Aunt came.

"Are you that selfish Sue? Though I'm not related to that girl at least I care about a person's life. Is that how little you care about your niece?"

Yenochi's mum asked.

"This is interesting. So you aren't her mum just a sham. You really are greedy"

I replied coming close to her.

"Don't claim holy Theresa here you are just as selfish and greedy as Sue"

I replied smiling evilly.

"I like it now I know why you never wanted to leave, you both are after Stan's money, My money but breaking news until I'm ready you won't have close to a dime of it. Now it will better for you to start planning or else..."

"Else what? Look Bekky or whatever name you bear I don't fear you. You can't do a thing and neither do you have the right to tell us what and what not to do."

Yenochi's mom kept on saying.

I stared at her and brought a pocket knife from my leg and threw it at her.

It hit her on her shoulder and she bled seriously.

"Mind you I never miss my aim this is just a warning don't test my patience."

I told her coming close to her.

I took the knife out while she cried out in pain.

"Don't bother crying, no one will hear you"

I told her pushing her to the floor.

"I give you two two days if Yenochi isn't out of this house by then I will finish off where I started and this time I won't miss"

I replied walking out.

"You are at fault for what is happening to us right now. I shouldn't have listened to you, living in the village was fine at least I had peace of mind and I was scared of losing my life but ever since you came into my life there has being nothing but trouble"

Yenochi's mom lamented.

"Oh stop the act Clyde you very well knew there would be consequence and I am in way responsible for your greed"

Aunt Sue replied.

"You caused this."

"Did I force you to come to the city with me? No so don't blame me for it. When I told you my plan you went on board with it didn't you?"

"I shouldn't have"

"Oh stop complaining. The deed has been done now it will be best for you and I to comply with that witch for now then we will find a way of getting out of this mess"

"What do we do?"

"Stir a fight between Yenochi and Stan"

"A fight?"

"Yes. I know Yenochi for years and one of her weakness is fighting for her family and that's exactly what we will use against her"

"So what are you implying we do?"

"We steal again"

"What! Are you insane? Remember what happened the last time I don't want that witch(Bekky) to have my head for dinner tomorrow"

"Calm down she won't. You will steal and make sure Stan catches you do it"

"You are surely Crazy Sue. I didn't go through the trouble of doing plastic surgery to look like your niece mum just to get kicked out of this house just like that"

"For once in your miserable life be patient"

"Patient? Oh I get it this is your plan right, you and that witch to get me thrown out of this house"

"Tell me would you, how the hell did I find you? Where did you drop your brain cause you seem to have losed it. If I wanted you out I wouldn't bring you in the first place, all of Stan's money will be ours it just takes patience and wise careful laid out plans"

"Okay, what's the plan?"

"That was what I was saying before you interrupted"

"Sorry, Please continue"

"Stan catches you stealing, tries to throw you out or call the cops but before then you would have created doubts in Yenochi's head about the way he sees you. Then when he tries throwing you out.. The rest will be history"

"Nice plan"

"Yenochi will surely leave and this time on her own accord"

"Hopefully far away"

"Yeah"

"And that witch Bekky what do we do about her?"

"Time is a friend my friend. She doesn't know who she's messing with"

Yenochi's POV

As I cried my eyes out, I heard a voice.

"You don't have to be mine now, I'm ready to wait"

I turned to find Stan standing with two glasses and a bottle of wine.

He came close and sat down close to me.

"Here"

He offered while I silently collected the glass cup.

I stared at the bottle of wine and then at him.

"You don't have to worry, it's not alcoholic"

"No I trust you. I know you wouldn't want to do anything without my free will"

"Yeah. So cheers"

He replied after pouring the drink into the cups.

"Cheers to what exactly?"

"To us."

"Us?"

"Yeah. We are a couple now"

"You have got to be kidding me"

"I am. You aren't mine now but you will be"

He replied smiling.

I stared at him and smiled.

"You know your smile is really beautiful. Don't stop smiling for me okay?"

"I won't"

"Good. Why did you run away?"

"I guess I wasn't ready for a relationship now."

"I noticed. You know counting the number of times you have run away your name shouldn't be Yenochi anymore"

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. It should be run away bride"

"Bride? Now that's funny"

"Funny? How?"

"I'm Sixteen, getting married is the least of my worries"

"It should be. Giving that you will be Mrs Stan Smith one day"

"I haven't even become your girlfriend and you are talking about marriage"

"The earlier the better don't you think. Besides I want to be the first man to ask for your hand before anyone does giving that you will be going to the university soon"

"University?"

"Yeah. I went through your files and managed to get you admission into a good university"

"Oh so you worked out my admission?"

"No. Calm down Missy, I only showed your results to the Dean (Rector), he went through it and decided an intelligent girl like you needed a spot at his university"

"Wow. This is a dream come true for me. Thank you"

I replied hugging him tight.

"You can thank me by working even harder and coming out with an excellent result"

"Done"

"Great. Let's celebrate then"

He replied drinking his wine.

"How did you know the Dean?"

"He's an old friend of mine"

"I see. That's why he gave me a spot"

"He didn't give you a spot cause I knew him but because he saw potential in your results and wanted it in his school, between me and you if you didn't do well with your results, I doubt you would be given admission into the prestigious institution"

"Thank you"

"For?"

"Helping make my dream come true. My dad would be happy hearing this"

"I'm sure he would"

"I need to share this news with mum"

"Yeah."

"Thank you so much"

I replied hugging him again.

"It's nothing Yenochi"

He replied as we disengaged from the hug.

As we did I realized I was stuck.

My shirt was stuck on his locket.

"I guess the universe wants us close"

"I think so"

I replied smiling.

I stared at him and he did the same.

I stared at my shirt and tried untangling it from the locket when my eye caught something.

As I tried the locket was forced open making me see his and his wife's picture along with his daughter.

*He wants a new life with me but he can't forget his old life*

*Yenochi stop being selfish, she was a big part of his life even before you came*

He stared at me and as if luck wasn't on my side, we got free.

"Jenny and Jane looks beautiful"

"You still remembered their names"

"Yeah. They were a big part of your life and so they are important to me too"

"Yenochi"

He called and held my hand.

"I know you love me so much and it's hard for you to admit it but you are hurting me by moving away from me"

"I don't want to hurt you that's why I move away"

"Answer me do you love me?"

I stared at him.

"You said you wouldn't force me. Please don't"

"Okay. I will wait"

"Thank you"

"Enough saying thank you my run away bride"

"You just won't stop calling me your bride"

"Why should I? You are after all"

I stared at him blushing.

"When you get to the University tell other guys to stay clear off you, you belong to me now right?"

"Right"

"My Yenochi"

He replied kissing my forehead.

"My Stan"

I replied and we laughed.

Yenochi's POV

The next day came..

I woke up full of life and joyous, finally my dream would come true.

After saying my prayers, I opened the window and said out loud.

"Good morning God"

With smiles I went down and made breakfast.

By the time I was done preparing breakfast, everyone was down and was ready to eat.

I smiled serving the food and Stan's breakfast I prepared specially.

Bekky came to the living room smiling, on seeing that I had prepared breakfast frowned.

"This food is really delicious" Stan complimented as he ate.

"Yeah it is" My mum complimented smiling at me.

"You should taste it Bekky, it's really delicious" My Aunt suggested which was weird.

"No. I will prepare mine"

Bekky replied angrily.

"Yours? And why is that? Yenochi prepared breakfast why then do you need to make more?" Stan asked.

"I'm sorry sir"

"Sit down Bekky, the food is really delicious. I know you will like it"

He replied while Bekky faked a smile and went to sit close to him.

"Yenochi have breakfast with me"

Stan offered while I smiled.

I took a sit close to him. It felt weird as I was on Stan's right hand side and Bekky on his left like we were competing for him.

Stan being in the middle understood this but he was only after me and so he cared less.

As I ate I felt his hand on mine,

I stared at him and he only smiled.

Bekky on seeing this let her hand touch his and then she smiled, Stan stared at her and she apologized immediately and removed her hands.