DEEPEST DESIRE

~NINA~

"Norah! Norah!" I yelled her name for the second time. Gosh! What kind of stubborn headed girl have I gotten? I hissed and walked to her room, stepping vigorously on the floor as I could also hear the sound of my own footsteps.

On getting to the room, I could hear them chatting and laughing. I stormed inside the room without knocking on the door, walking straight to Norah and dragging her by the ear.

"Ouch! That hurt Mom!" Norah said with groan.

"Good afternoon ma'am Nina." Her friend, Mia spoke.

"How are you dear?" I asked with a miffed tone and stared deeply at Norah with a glare. "Don't tell me you have gone deaf not to hear me calling out your name." I stated and let go of her ear.

"I'm sorry mom, but we were so engrossed in the gist and I didn't hear a thing." She replied and stood up from the bed. I became calm and gave her the list of stuff I need from the grocery store.

"Be back before 6pm, don't mess with me." I warned before I walked out of the room and headed for the kitchen.

~NORAH~

"I will be leaving too since you want to run an errand for your mom. You heard her Norah! Be back before 6pm." Mia mimicked mom and I was forced to laugh.

I gave the list a quick glance as I was satisfied with what was written on it. I almost rolled my eyes when I sighted the last option. "Butter" it was mainly for my step-father.

I and that man have never been on the same side. I feel like he is so jealous I get most of the attention from mom and there is nothing he can do about that. Hopefully when I get an opportunity to leave this house someday, I will do that without second thought. I was actually hoping my saving grace will be the day I get admittance into college. But school has never been my calling. I had to force myself just to scale through highschool. How am I going to achieve my dream when am stucked in this house huh?

"Hey! Aren't you going?" Mia jerked me out of my thought as she patted my shoulder.

"Uh! I am." I mumbled. I walked swiftly to my wardrobe and rummaged through it, finally; my hands rested on a pair of cloth. I changed what I was wearing into a tight blue jean and a big brown shirt with swirled of white on it. We stepped out of my room as I felt mom's presence in the kitchen. I could hear the sound of plates and running water obviously gushing out from the tap.

"Are you really serious about the whole dating thing? Norah you need to give someone a chance you know; not all men are like that scumbag you dated." Mia voiced out as she played with her fingers.

"I have told you countless times that I don't like being reminded of that fool." I added in gritted teeth and with a deep breath I was slowly calming myself.

The awful memories I was trying so hard to erase seems pointless when it came flashing right through my mind.

"I didn't mean to offend you okay; just think about it for a sec." She stated almost like a whisper. Suddenly; she turned with a force and faced me. " why don't you get married to Mr Baker huh? since he asked for your hand in marriage, and he can sponsor you for the modelling career you dream of, besides you don't want to hear the word college." She added.

"God forbid! I rather become a nun than marry that old man." I spoke immediately.

"How do you plan on getting money to travel for the New York fashion audition huh? You aren't even sure they are going to pick you when you get there." She stated with concern.

A smirked displayed on my lips and she looked at me with beady eyes. "What are you thinking? Don't tell me you're planning on doing something nasty." She voiced out in curiosity.

"No! Far from that..." I said and she looked relieved. On getting to a particular route, Mia left as she took the other way after waving me goodbye.

I got a cab immediately as I headed for the grocery store. Fortunately, I got everything I needed, just then the urge for an ice cream started. I licked my lips as I began to imagine the taste of vanilla. I peeped at the change in my bag and there was no much money in it. I cursed and mumbled few words. Is better I get a job, staying broke sucks.

I went back home and met my stepfather sitting with his legs crossed in the sitting room.

"Good evening." I said but he didn't utter a word.

I rolled my eyes as if he could see what I was doing and walked over to the kitchen with my bag and kept the stuff I bought from the store. Mom was not inside the kitchen, so I guess she was in her room.

I walked out of the kitchen as my eyes drifted to the wall clock in the sitting room. It was ringing 5.30pm and I wanted to watch a series so badly, it was a movie I have been following for months now. But with the way my stepfather was sitting in the parlour, I knew there will trouble if I harmlessly change the channel.

With slow steps, I moved to the couch and sat on it. Still; he didn't spare me a stare. "I want to watch a series I have been following for long, can I use the remote?" I asked politely.

He acted dumb. "Really?" I whispered to myself.

I stayed quiet for almost five minute and I was getting impatient already. I stretched my hands towards the remote on the glass table and changed the channel. His dark angry eyes stared at me. "Are you insane?" He fired with an intense voice.

"I'm sorry! You were not saying anything so I thought I could changed the channel. Besides you were not paying attention to what was displaying." I said calmly as I tried to also defend myself from his choleric state.

"So you think you have the right to use the remote without my permission?" He questioned with a scoffed. "You are so useless; a girl who does not want to go to school but only stay at home and watch nonsense. What more can you call such person huh?" He spoke in miffed tone.

I was already boiling due to his insult. Mom has warned me several times not to reply back whenever it happens. She just want peace to reign and my stepfather does not seems like someone who wants that.

Just when I was about replying him, mom stepped out of the room in a rush. "What in Christ sake is happening? Can't you two just behave normal for once?" She voiced out in a bleary tone.

I closed my mouth shut and didn't say a word. Fred (stepfather) moved over to her and whispered something into her ears before they walked back to the room.

I sighed and lost interest in what I wanted watching. I was beginning to get pissed off with everything. I switched off the television as I moved to my room. Immediately I entered; I groaned and laid on the bed. Then a thought flow through my head. Why don't I check for any vacant job online huh? I dragged my laptop close to me and switched it on. I scrolled through it but could not find what seems to be of interest to me, with a growl I turned it off.

I decided to text Mia if she got home safely. It was late already I could have gone to her house. I was so fed up with this place, just the way my stepfather nags can make someone go insane.

Immediately I texted her, she replied.

Bitch! Was she waiting for me to text her first? I smiled and shook my head.

"I told my cousin about you; and he seems super into you. He wants to meet you when he visit Florida." She texted and I gasped.

"No! You didn't!" I replied, so anxious on her next reply as my fingers couldn't stay off my keyboard.

"Of course I did. I have more to tell you, can you come over tomorrow?" She texted again. I laid on the bed while curiosity got the best of me, so many thought filled my head. I don't trust Mia's moves sometimes, she always act before she thinks. I hope she hasn't done something worst.

Immediately I turned and sighted the glimpse of light through my window; I jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. Brushed my teeth and washed my face.

I walked out of the room and headed to the sitting room to do my morning chores. Mom was still not out of her room cause everywhere was damn quiet apart from the sound of my footsteps.

I got a broom and a mop and began to do my duties. Mom stepped out of the room later on with a heap of cloth.

"Good morning" I greeted.

"Hey baby; hope you slept well." She cooed and I nodded. "Uh! I need to go somewhere later, can you do the laundry for me?" She asked as she kept her dirty pile of clothes on the couch.

In as much as I hate doing laundry, I could not say no to mom. I nodded and she smiled before leaving.

"I will be back before noon. Get yourself something to eat, and please stay out of trouble with your father, You two have done enough." She added in a bleary way.

"My father? I felt irritated with just the way she called him my dad. That man can never be my father; he don't deserve the right to be one." I whispered to myself.

I carried the clothes on the couch and moved to the backyard for some laundry while whispering and belting out a curse under my breath.

I was done in less than forty minute, ate breakfast; took my bath and head out to Mia's place.

I was grateful I haven't sighted the unpleasant face of my stepfather, I wonder what he could have spilled out from that unfiltered mouth of his.

I rolled my eyes and got a cab outside the house. I could walk to Mia place but it will take up to twenty minute and I am not in for it. I better get a cab and get there on time.

The sun was obviously not favourable today as I could feel it's burning stares on my skin. I got to the house and met her mom in the sitting room. She kept her legs on the wooden table while relaxing her back on the couch.

"Good morning ma'am," I spoke with a wide smile.

"Hey Norah! How are you? Is been a while you visited." She spoke and I nodded.

"Mia! Norah is here," she yelled and smiled broadly at me and adjusted herself on the couch.

"she is in her room." She voiced out. I smiled and adjusted the little bag I was holding as I moved my legs to Mia's room.

Just as I was about knocking, she opened the door. "Look who is here, your father finally let you out huh." She teased and I rolled my eyes at her.

"Don't play games with me, I have told you countless times Mia, that man is not my father, just a man staying under our roof." I added with a growl.

Mia chuckled. "Indeed!" She mumbled.

"You sounded so excited last night. what's the gist about?" I asked Mia with curiosity, unable to calm my anxiousness.

"Well-" she spoke but I interrupted.

"Did you really tell your cousin about me or you're just pulling my legs?" I asked her with a fixed gaze.

She rolled her eyes. "Of course I did, my cousin is an honest-to-goodness guy. Who knows huh, you two might get married next year." She said joyfully like it was the easiest thing to do.

"Mia!" I called her name with a hard glare.

"Thank me later for this; besides is far more better I help you decide on what you want now than giving your stepfather a chance of forcing you to get married to his age mate." She said I sighed.

"He better not try that with me. So what the next gist in line?" I asked, because I was already getting tired with the whole gist revolving around me.

She held my hand and dragged me to sit on the bed and walked over to her door and peeped before closing it. I watched her with beady eyes. "why was she acting creepy?" She rushed to me on the bed and sat on it.

"Okay...is about a guy I met couple of weeks ago, I wanted to tell you about him but I need to be sure of what am into." She spoke.

"How did you meet him?" I suddenly asked. Mia have never sounded so joyful about a guy before. He must be the lucky one.

I was worst in the relationship aspect, at least Mia has dated a couple of guys, unlike me who only dated one boy all my life and I would never want to go down that part again. I was not the dating freak and I love it that way. Mia has spoken to me countless times to loosen up but I am not just ready to be in love again.

"We met online!" She spoke and I dilated my eyes.

"Mia! that's risky. You mean you haven't seen him facially but you are already falling for him?" I spoke almost yelling.

"Will you bring down your voice, why are you judging too much?" She added with a pained tone.

I ignored her question and asked "Does your mom know about this?"

"No! I will tell her when it seems like the right time. you're such a kill joy, I thought you will be happy for me but you're already judging too much." She said glumly and crossed her arms.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I am just worried about you." I spoke softly, she kept quiet and lowered her head. "Can you please tell me more about him?" I questioned calmly and she grinned.

"There was a time I uploaded a picture on my Instagram page and then I got lots of comment. He privately chatted me up but then I ignored at first, but he kept sending me messages, little by little we began to communicate and I got to find out he lives in New York and works as a banker. I swear Norah! I felt this connection between the two of us and just recently, I discovered that I was falling in love. He confessed that to me already; now I'm the only person left to decide our fate." She spoke and played with her fingers.

I listened carefully without interrupting "So do you love him?" I asked her and she nodded without staring at me. "I won't ask you not to fall in love, just be careful Mia." I stated like a mother giving advice to her teenage daughter.

We decided to move past that chapter as she promise to update me on whatever happens between them and I respect that.

We gisted for long and I glance at my wrist watch. "Heavens!" I yelled as I sighted the time. "I need to leave. My mom must be back already and I wouldn't want my precious ears to hear my stepfather nag all day." I said with a sigh.

She walked me out of the room to the parlour. "Won't you stay for dinner dear?" Her mom asked me but I politely decline.

*************

I rushed home in haste after getting a cab on time, as I moved closer to the house, I heard laughter coming out from the sitting room. Do we have visitors? I thought of entering through the back door but decided to walk in through the front door.

I stepped in and met my stepfather with two men sitting and laughing.

"Ewww! Ugly set of men." I whispered to myself.

One of them looked at me like he was about ripping off my cloth. "Good evening." I mumbled as I tried to walked passed them.

"And this must be Norah," the man with the bald head spoke with a different accent and I resist the urge to roll my eyes at him.

"Of course!" My stepfather replied. I glanced between them and gave a fake smile. The bald man grinned at me and I felt like I was about puking.

I tried walking to my room but my stepfather stopped me. "Norah! I will like you to meet Mr Alfred and Mr Ben." He said with a smile. Oh God! I hate it when he smiles, sometimes wonder why mom got married to him in the first place.

"Nice meeting you all." I replied plainly, bowed my head slightly and walked swiftly out of the sitting room. I met mom along the way as she held a tray of food in her hand.

I walked passed her into my room. I was restless as I paced up and down, what is my stepfather up to? I know him so well, he smiles always stands for something cunning and evil. I just hope mom will not be on the same side with him.

I tried eavesdropping but I was not hearing a single thing, I gave up and laid on my bed while trying to figure out what he might be up to.

~Norah~

I tried sleeping, though it was so early to sleep at that particular moment but I had nothing to do. Just then, the door made a creepy sound and I jerked immediately. Mom stepped in with a tray.

Thought you might be hungry, I brought you dinner." She spoke softly.

I smiled and took hold of the tray from her. " Thank you." I whispered. Then I sat on the bed and uncovered the plate, the aroma made me realized I was hungry and I could not wait to dish in.

Mom stood by my wardrobe and watched me silently; her face was dull and she held this blank expression I could not comprehend. I arched my brows and looked at her. "Is everything okay?" I asked with concern.

"Of course darling..." She replied swiftly with a smile. Her countenance was suspicious, It was like she was finding it hard to reveal something to me.

I decided to shrugged it off, she will voice out when she feels like is the right time. "I will be in the kitchen, meet me when you're done." She added and turned around to leave.

I watched her closely until she was out of sight. I just hope all is well, I made sure I ate everything, the sauce and plantain was delicious; mom is a great cook I must admit.

I carried the empty tray and move out of the room, I sighed out of relieve when I notice those men were gone. I wonder why they are here. Why will Fred keep such company in the first place huh? The two men look dangerous to me.

I entered the kitchen, then I noticed mom standing by the sink; she was obviously deep in thought with her right hand on her chin. I kept the tray quietly but she didn't even notice I was there.

"Mom!" I called with beady eyes and she jolted.

"Christ! I didn't notice you were here." she said and released a little smile. I fake a frown.

"I'm not a kid mom, what's wrong?" I asked her but she took a deep breath.

"I'm just concern about you Norah. You don't want to go to college and I respect that, but don't you think you can get a better job when you do?" She added slowly

"Mom! We have talked about this several times. I believe I can make it big without going to college, besides I don't want to bother you with alot of things. College expenses are one hell of a job." I voiced out.

"You are my responsibility Norah! Don't you ever think of being a burden to me. I want the best for you, but if you feel you don't want to go to college because of the expenses then you are making the wrong choice." She stated.

"That's not it, mom." I said and sighed, already getting tired with the whole conversation we have talked about countless times. She moved over to me and stroke my hair.

"I love you and will definitely stand by you no matter what, just make the right choice." She cooed and pecked my forehead. Sometimes I wished my dad was still alive, so we could all be together as happy family without living under the same roof with a jerk.

"I will make you proud no matter what." I told her and her eyes lighten up. After our little mother and daughter moment, I asked her to get some rest as I washed the dirty dishes.

After I was done washing the dishes, I kept thinking about what mom said to me. Should I just apply for admission this year? Oh God! Is already late for that. If things don't work according to my plans this year; then I have no choice but to apply next year.

At least that will make my stepfather shut his mouth a little. Gosh! I just wish I had magic sometimes, I could have turned him into a frog and watch him croak.

I walked back to my room still thinking, I switch on the light as I entered. I never sleeps without the light turned on. I feel like my stepfather might try to kill me someday. Creepy right? That man complains a lot and coping with the fact I was born stubborn; we never align.

He didn't show me who he truly was not until I turned sixteen. I remembered how I forced Mia to join me in my defence classes. I chuckled.

I don't even know if I can throw a punch anymore. But believe me, my mouth is as good as a sword. At least I am not left with nothing. I smirked and dragged the duvet to cover myself.

~FRANCIS~

"Hello. Yes! I just arrived in Florida not long. No! I will be staying here for now." I yelled over the phone.

I ended the call and threw the phone on the seat. Living in New York has been a lot of fun; hanging out with friends, business meeting and clubing was all I did.

Finally, I'm back to Florida and might be staying up to a year here. I have this fashion project am working on, and hopefully if it works out, then I have no option but to continue living in Florida.

Just then my phone began to ring. I checked the caller before pressing the answered button. "Hey man!" He voiced out from the other side.

"Dude! Sorry I had to leave without stopping at your place. I woke up late and won't want to miss my flight." I apologized sincerely.

"Is alright, Just checking in." He stated and I appreciate his concern.

We ended the call and I rested my head on the back seat. I could not wait to lay my head on my big comfortable bed. I must admit! I miss Florida. Jade must be expecting my call. A good bath and a good sex is all I need right now. I smiled as I put a call across the bitch.