Chapter 3 REOCCURRING PAST!

AYRA'S POV

"Mum, please, don't leave me. I'm begging you." I cried out.

"Oh, it's just a dream again." I woke up, my heart racing.

It's the same recurring nightmare, that haunting scene stuck in my mind.

I was my mother's only child, but not my father's. She believed in sacrificing for marriage, thinking it was best for a woman. Little did she know it would lead to her early death.

My mother did everything for me. Even when my father neglected us, she struggled to pay my school fees with her meager salary as a teacher. She pretended to be happy, hoping life would improve, until everything changed.

During a heated argument, my father callously revealed he had another family. My mother was devastated and heartbroken, after what she has gone through and sacrifice,this is what she gets. She vowed not to stay with him that night, and I promised to go with her, not realizing she meant leaving this world entirely.

She committed suicide that day. I tried to save her by taking her to the hospital, but she refused help and finally when we succeeded in talking her, she gave up the ghost in the car. I knew she's dead but I couldn't bring myself to believe it not until the Doctor confirmed it. That day, I felt lost and alone.

The memory haunts me, making me afraid to sleep sometimes. Why didn't she think of me? Why did she leave me all alone?. Was I not worth living for?....

A lot of questions kept running through my head till now....

"Aunt Ayra," Michael's voice, Mr Garret's youngest son interrupted my thoughts.

"Good morning," he greeted, on reaching the door.

"Hi, Michael. What's up so early?" I asked.

"My mom wants to see you," he said nervously.

"Let's see what Aurora did this time," I sighed, following him.

On reaching to their side of the flat, the mini waste bin was turned upside down, with the garbage scattered all around.

"Good morning Ma'am" I meekly greeted but from her demeanor, I know she's blaming my Aurora for the mess.

"Mrs. Garrett, please I'm sorry. I will clear up the mess immediately" I apologized but her disdain was clear.

I know why, she prefers married couple as tenants, than the singles claiming that married couples aren't as promiscuous like us, the unmarried meanwhile, we don't do anything that will make her think of such.

"Better make sure of that" she replied as she angrily turned away.

"Aunt Ayra, I could help you" Michael offered.

"Oh no Michael, I can do it. thanks" I said as I passed him a warm smile.

"Michael" His mum shouted, clearly stating that she's not happy with him.

"Bye" I waved him as I turned towards Aurora.

"Aurora, you can't keep causing trouble," I scolded the innocent looking cat before turning to the mess, contemplating on how to start clearing it up.

Later, Melissa arrived from work as she flopped on our sofa.

"How was your night?" she asked, looking tired.

"It was Okay" I skipped telling her my encounter with Mr. Garrett today, cause I very well know, Melissa might likely confront the woman.

"How was your night at the casino?" I asked.

"Good, got extra tips," she grinned.

"And a handsome guy whom I've never seen at the underground casino came. Ayra, that guy is so freaking hot and cute" she gushed.

"Martin won't like that," I teased.

"He can deal with it. He's only around because I don't have anyone to pay my bills yet" she shrugged.

"That's harsh," I chided.

"He's the most handsome guy I've seen, I'm being truthful here," she continued.

"Maybe the casino's playing tricks on you," I joked, returning to the washing the dirty dishes.

"Try the night shift; you'll see," she laughed, heading to bed.

"No, thanks. I'll stick to what I know, thank you" I called after her, preparing to cook launch before I prepare for my afternoon shift.

"I'm so tired, but it was so worth it. Atleast, I get to feed my eyes with rich and Handsome dudes, unlike someone I know" Melissa said, and I knew she's referring to me.

"When are you ever gonna change, Ayra" she asked, joining me in the kitchen.

"You don't go out?, you don't see guys even when they make advances at you" she asked as she leaned on the kitchen sink, keenly looking at me.

"Soon" I smiled, shying away from the topic.

"Once in a while, you need a man to make you feel good down there, unless if you want to die a virgin" she said.

"Melissa" I pout, splashing little water on her face.

"I think you should go sleep" I tried to send her away but she insisted.

"Fine, if you don't want to talk about it" she sighed as she headed to the bedroom.

"Melissa, it's just nothing. I don't feel like I'm ready for any form of relationship. When I'm ready, I will definitely let you know. I promise" I said as I turned to wash the dirty dishes.

"And I will look for a hot sexy guy for you" she shouted from the bedroom.

"Yes" I replied as my thoughts went deep.

The truth is that, I'm scared. I don't want what happened to my mum to happen to me as well. That's why I'm guarding my heart at all cost.