Chapter 5 A NEW LEAF

I got to my parents house. It's still as it was when I left five years ago. My dad returned from the river his catch was large as usual. I rushed to him.

"Welcome dad." I said as I rushed to greet him. His face was full of shock as he answered calmly.

"When did you arrive dear?" he asked reluctantly.

"Aren't you glad to see me stop acting indifferent dad it hurts me." I said pouting my lips. As I ran to hug him.

"I'm as surprised as the prodigal son's father. What brought you to this rural settlement as you termed it" he asked I could see pain all over his face. I had to surrender I quietly knelt down tears streaming from my eyes.

"Forgive me father, I just realized how foolish I was, I just realized how much of a pain I was to you and mom, I just realized how much of a heart ache I was to you and mom, I just realized how much time I've wasted due to the deaf ears I turned to you and mom's advice. A friend once told me 'Everything can't turn out perfect. We aren't immortals the fact we are imperfect is what makes us human' please dad forgive me." I said as he freed himself if what he was carrying and pulled me closer into a tight hug.

"My dear, a fathers love is one that is indescribable. A lot of things we deprived ourselves just to make sure our kids lived comfortable lives. Even when our kids think of threading the wrong path we correct them and if they refuse to heed to correction we keep praying in our hearts that they retrace their steps. I forgive you. Tiffany whatever reason that made you change your mind must be a tedious one. Come inside let's talk." dad said as I helped him carry his stuffs inside the house.

"You know what dad. Go have a shower while I prepare something for you to eat" I said as I headed straight to the kitchen. Not minding my dad's puzzled look. Humming music to myself while cooking then I felt a sharp gaze piercing through me then I turned only to see my Mom's glare.

"Hey mom, how was market today" I greeted her while smiling her face was surprised she stood short of words. I know it's because of my stupid life.

"Tiffany Ben, I've not set my eyes on you for the past five years. What prompted you to come home because if I remember correctly our last conversation was me persuading you to come home and it didn't end properly. So what prompted you. Not only did you come home you decided to prepare dinner. Are you okay?" Mom asked as she walked closer to me.

"Mom I'm okay. And I'll explain everything after dinner. For now you and dad need to rest I know you both had a long day." I said as I continued cooking.

We're done eating dinner. I told them everything that befell me and Erica's death.

"I'm glad you're alive and your drive to change. I've always known you to be a brave person so I know embracing this change wouldn't be difficult for you. Ever since what you did the day we both went fishing 10 years ago.

"Dad look someone is being pushed by the tide. Let's help him" I said pointing at a boy struggling to swim.

"Tiffany we can't paddle to his direction it's against the tide and we'll get over turn into the water" my dad tried to explain to me but I didn't let him finish I dived into the water and swam to the direction of the boy. His eyes were swollen and he was already getting weak I struggled and swam towards him and gave him a hand. I carried him to my father's boat and borrowed him my blanket so he could wrap himself because he was shivering.

"You'll be okay" I said as I kept rubbing his back.

"We have to hurry home, so he'll drink a hot soup. He's cold and I'm ending my fishing here" dad said as he turned the boat towards the shore direction.

"Even if the world sees you as a bad person. That boy you saved, I, your mom and your younger sister know that you're a good person. One person opinion about you can change the world's view of you. I'm proud of you dear" dad said.

"Dear, I'm proud of you. I'm ready to support you on your new decision not withstanding the challenges. We'll sail through this storm together and I'm sorry for your friend. May her soul rest in perfect peace" mom said

"Thanks mom and dad. I didn't know you guys would accept me regardless" I said wiping my tears away.

That night I arranged my documents and started writing down my CV's that I'll like to submit. I'm grateful to the guy that helped me and the attorney. Luckily for me I recorded that call that day and that was enough evidence as government officials didn't want him to rot in jail as he was their gun man. No matter how he tried denying the evidence when the line was tracked it went down to the address where he was caught. And the two ladies that survived were good evidences. He delivered organs to many government officials. Organs of unsuspecting girls. Justice came upon the defaulting government officials as they were stripped off their titles and were to serve jail terms with death sentences due to the gravity of their crimes. My conscience have indeed been cleared. I'm sure Erica would be happy after seeking her justice even if she's dead. I wish her peace. All thanks to Attorney John he helped a lot and Tim the pervert after what he did he's begging me he said he thought I was lying that day. Like why would I lie with my friend's life. Monday I'm a brand new person.