Darkest Love

What would a family expect from an only child who their hope lies across her world? Thoughts run down Sandy's mind about the form she bought for her favorite college, "New World College". Their WASSCE results came in three weeks ago and it was good though it didn't reach her expectations. Her result was a good one parents and there was no doubt New World college would admit her. Sandy sits on her bed thinking about the work she would do it the college do not admit her. She comes from a minor family where love abounds. "I have to go and do my chores", she said to herself.

She got up from her bed, laid it, swept the room and off to do her chores. When she was sweeping the compound, her mind flashback to those times where they would sit down as a family in the family to discuss their future and expectations. After sweeping the compound, she went into the house to tidy it. "Greetings mommy"

"How was your night my darling", Sandy's mom asked.

"It was good, yours"

"It was good darling", Sandy's mom replied.

"I would join you soon in the kitchen", Sandy said to her mom.

She quickly swept the rooms and joined her mom in the kitchen. "When would daddy come back". Sandy asked her mom.

"Over the weekend. He said the managers have added some days to studying the course", her mom replied.

She quickly helped her mom in slicing the vegetables for the meal. When she was done slicing the vegetables, this question came into her mind to ask her mom. "What would you have done if you didn't get the opportunity to study accounting in the university?

"Wow, that question sends me back to my youthful age. You know when we were in our final year in secondary school, the management invites people from almost all professions to give us a talk. During one of those talks, Mr. Adams Akins told us his life story and point that touched me was when he said

his first and second plans didn't work for him so he has to set on "plan C" which landed him being a lawyer and he didn't regret losing his "plan A and plan B". Since then, the thought ran through my mind to get more than two plans for my life. That evening at preps, I drew my plans. Plan A was a lawyer, plan B was an accountant, and plan C was a nurse. So, to answer your question, if I didn't get the opportunity to be an accountant, I would have gone into nursing.

"Ok, that's nice mommy".

Soon the meal was ready and we headed to the dinning table to eat. When we were eating, I notice mom staring at me wanting to say something but held it to herself. After eating, we went to have our bath and came back to the living room to watch our favorite program. That reminds me, "mommy broke the silence". "What are your plans, hope by now you would set some plans down.

"That's true mommy. Actually, I'm hoping to get admission to get admission into the New World College and if that doesn't happen, I would go to a six months fashion school since I really love fashion and if that also do not work, I would write an application to teach in any of the nearby schools". "Wow, mommy exclaimed". "You know mommy, I got my inspirations from you and dad. It's always my dream to make you proud". Mommy gave me a hug and I knew she was really proud to hear that. We continued to watch the program in silence until it ended and we gave a heave. Sandy's mom turned to look at her but she got caught up with something Sandy couldn't tell at the moment. "Wow, her mom exclaimed".

"My favorite movie when I was in school. This movie gave me an inspiration in life and it is part of the things holding me today. This movie gives me a view of what goes on in education through to the workplaces. When I watched this movie, I didn't blame my friends who always quarrel and ends in a fight because of frivolous things. Do you know why? It's because this movie entails people's emotions and how to deal with them. I think I have to schedule a day for us to talk about this. It's very important in life. But why are you quiet Sandy?"

"Eeehm, I'm thinking if we should all know about this, it would be very good. It would prevent fights among us. But mommy, I feel to ask you this, if you didn't watch this movie, would you tolerate dad's working schedule?"

"That's the point. The fact is that this movie is the master brain behind me tolerating your dad's work. You know, he also didn't wish for it this way but it is his job's demand. Hope you've understood me.

"Mom, so if I can clearly understand you, you mean if not for this movie this house wouldn't be how it is today?"

"No dear, this movie gives me more strength when I'm weak to tolerate".

"Sorry mom, I didn't mean to hurt you with the questions".

"It's okay dear. The movie has even ended".

"No worries mom, I would watch it later, remember I have a smartphone?

"Exactly, my mind wasn't there".

Sandy! Sandy! I think she would be in her room. One minute, I would go and call her".

"thanks aunty", Ruthy said.

"Sandy, you have a visitor in the living room".

"Thanks mommy, I would be right there".

Ruthy was Sandy's classmate from upper primary to Junior High School. They departed ways when they got admission to different secondary school. Sandy hugged Ruthy immediately when she saw her in the living room. The both friends were surprised to see the vast development that happened." You are a big girl now'. Ruthy said to Sandy and Sandy also said the same thing to her.

"Wow, what a surprise", Sandy said.

Sandy then told her friend to give her a minute and she would be back. Sandy went to her mom's room and called her.

"Mom, please I would like to tell you something in the living room".

"Is your friend gone"

"No mom"

Sandy brought her mom to the living room and introduced Ruthy to her mom as her close friend from upper primary. She also told her mom about how they play, eat and studied together.

"Mom, her name is Ruthy, the daughter of Mr. Charles Morrison and Mrs. Dorothy Morrison".

Sandy's mom was pretty shocked at the names of Ruthy's parents but pretended. Sandy's mom welcomed Ruthy and thanked her being there for her daughter.

Sandy's mom and Ruthy starred at each other until Sandy brought in some drinks and biscuits to eat as they all watched the T.V. After sometime, Sandy's mom broke the silence by asking Ruthy to tell her more about herself. Ruthy was surprised because she least expected that after Sandy did the introduction.

"Okay aunty. I'm Ruthy Morrison, the daughter of Mr. Charles Morrison and Mrs. Dorothy Morrison. I'm seventeen years old and I come from Mafi-Adidome but my parents and I currently stay just opposite the restaurant in this area so I thought it wise to pay a visit to my friend. I have two siblings, a boy and a girl. I started schooling in Redeemed House Chapel International school where I met your daughter, Sandy. I completed J.H.S and proceeded to secondary school where I studied General Arts as a course. My dad is an officer and my mom, a nurse".

"Wow, that's nice dear. The reason why I asked you to tell me about yourself is just to be sure of something. The fact is that, I know your mom. Your mom and I were friends but lost contacts when she went to study nursing".

Both Sandy and Ruthy were surprised at what Sandy's mom said. They stood with amazement without uttering a word. They all had their seat and Sandy's mom told the girls how she and Ruthy's mom became friends.

Days went faster and Sandy began to lose hope to gaining admission to the school of her choice in that year. She constantly cries in her room when thinking about the plan she drew down for herself. Her mom keeps encouraging her not lose hope in her dreams.

Sandy woke up one morning and filled with happiness she could not understand. Her mom was also surprised to see her happy because for some days she was moody and discouraged. It was as if a new courage and hope was breathed into her. Sandy felt refreshed all day and did all the chores including the cooking her mom wanted to do. In the afternoon, she called her mom and told her that she didn't know the reason for her happiness and that she felt she is ready for anything at any time. Her mom was happy within and she soliloquize that God has answered her prayers.

All the days that passed, she prayed that her daughter comes back to her normal self to keep onto her dreams. Today, her prayers have been answered and she thanked the Lord for answering her prayers. Sandy and her mom cracked jokes until they heard a knock on the door. They were surprised because they didn't expect anyone to come visit. Lo and behold, when they opened the door, the person they have all being waiting for and missing all those weeks appeared. Sandy and her mom welcomed Sandy's dad but they were surprised to see him that day because he told them he would come the following week during weekends.

"Daddy, I really missed you, thank God you are finally back, how was your trip?"

"My daughter, this trip is far different from the ones I have gone to".

"Wow, you gave us a surprise we least expected". Sandy's mom said dropping the water on the table.

"Ok, the truth is that, I was so surprised when the manager called me that we would be leaving yesterday and arrive this morning due to some changes. I wanted to call you but I thought it wise to give you a surprise." Sandy's dad told the family.

The family was very happy after weeks of not seeing each other. Sandy's mom told her husband about Sandy's mood swings about the admission. She then told her husband that maybe Sandy felt his coming back today that's why she was very happy when she woke up. The family continued to discuss and suddenly, Sandy screamed over something she read on the phone. She was speechless and unaware of the family around her. She stood still and didn't realize tears were dropping down her cheeks. Her parents quickly assisted her to sit and come back to herself. Both parents deliberated on what their daughter could have seen or read. Sandy broke the silence by telling her parents that she got a message from New World College that she has being admitted. Her parents were happy for her and they shared the glorious moments together in happiness.

"You know mommy, for some time I lose hope and I thought I wouldn't go to school this year because the college delayed in sending the message. Thanks for the encouragement mommy."

"Don't worry my dear, I always want you to be happy no matter the circumstance."

Sandy's dad stood still listening to the conversation between daughter and mother. When Sandy realize her dad was at sea, she quickly thanked him for his prayers. The family sat down to discuss what actually happened to the man of the house since he had no idea. Sandy's dad was surprised they hid all those things from him but his wife told him that they didn't want to disturb him during his trip. He understood and said congrats to his daughter.

Sandy and her mom seek permission to go and prepare lunch. In the kitchen, Sandy told her mom how nervous she is. The feeling of going to a new school, meeting new friends, new teachers and new of everything.

"Mommy, I think I'm the happiest person on planet earth today". She said that hugging her mom. Sandy's mom was equally happy for her daughter because her dream and wish has come to pass.

It would surely be the dream of every mother to see her child being admitted into college, wouldn't it? When Sandy was done churning the stew, she asked her mom when they would go and pay the admission fee and submit the receipt to the school. She couldn't wait any longer".

"I think I would discuss that with your dad and give you the feedback".

Sandy was happy even though she wished she could know the date at that instant. Sandy told her mom the outfit she would wear to the college. It was as if Sandy's whole life depended on the going to the college. After preparing the lunch, Sandy set the table for the family to have their lunch. When the family was enjoying their lunch, Sandy's mom asked her husband when they would go to Sandy's school for the arrangements. Immediately Sandy heard that, her ears shot up widely and her eyes opened ready to listen to the answer that her father would give. She was very anxious to know the answer that her father would give to the extent that her fork dropped without her knowing. She came back to herself when she heard the sound the fork made. Both mom and dad looked at Sandy to check if everything was alright. Sandy's dad noticed that Sandy was nervous and he told her not to be because it would be normal just like the first day in secondary school. Even though it seems Sandy was listening to her dad, she was still not herself. she started sweating all of a sudden and couldn't hold it but run to her room. When she left, her parents were surprised because she wasn't that nervous when she got admission to the secondary school.

"what could the matter be?". Her mom thought within herself. Her mom wanted to go and meet her in the room but her husband held her not to go. When she asked her husband the for the reason, he told her that their daughter needs a time to be alone to come back to herself. Even though her dad was worried, her mom was more worried as if something was much into what she is thinking.

When Sandy opened her door, she quickly went to the washroom to ease herself. After doing that, she stood in front of the mirror staring at her nervous figure. The sweat formed a chain and dropped at an interval. She keeps starring at herself until this question came into her mind.

"Should I reject the admission? At this instance, Sandy was having a mixed feeling whether to go to school or not. She was in a dilemma which took over her joyous feelings. Sandy went and sat on her bed quietly to think about her decision. She was really confused in herself because sometimes, she feels to accept and other times, she feels to reject the admission. She frequently feels butterflies in her belly but she ignores it. Thinking about this, she entered into an ecstasy. Sandy then laid on her bed quietly. Her image on the bed portrayed her beauty and her character as well.

Sandy started crying immediately she entered the house. She outburst her disappointment immediately she saw her mom.

"Why is life treating me in this way? Sandy asked herself in tears. Her mom quickly got close and held her. She encouraged her as they walked towards the sitting room. Sandy quickly cleaned her tears and told her mom with a strong heart that she couldn't get the job.

"It's disappointment everywhere. I don't know why? Sandy said.

Sandy immediately burst out into crying and her mom placed Sandy's head on her ties to console her.

"It would be okay, my dear". Sandy's mom spilled out.

Within some minutes, she stopped crying and went to her room leaving her mom in the sitting room. When she entered her room, she dropped her handbag on the bed, removed her shoes and walked barefooted to her wash room. She looked at the stalky image in the mirror as the tears kept on dropping.

"What might be the reason why I always get disappointed?"

It was as if she was losing her intellect at the moment.

"Why are you always disappointed? Why don't you meet the expectations you set? Why do you always face these difficulties? She slowly walked backwards unaware of her surrounding, She hit her bed and fell on it. She laid on one pillow and held one to cover her face and cried like her life depends on the job she wanted.

Sandy was awoken by her alarm she set. At fight sight, she was confused whether she dreamt or not. She tried severally to remember what actually happened but she couldn't. she quickly went to her mom downstairs to ask her whether she went for a job interview during the day. Her mom was totally confused because she couldn't remember they discussed anything about any job. At that instant, she held Sandy to sit in the sofa as she went to the kitchen to bring her a glass of water. After Sandy drank the water, she felt quite relieved and lean against the sofa. Though her mom was curious, she used that opportunity to tell Sandy what happened in the day. Sandy then realized it was a dream and she told her mom about it.

Sandy was lost in her thought until her mom tapped her to eat at the dinning table. Sandy later joined her mom at the dinning table to eat, then she realized her father came back and she politely asked of his whereabouts. Her mom then told her that he went to visit some of his friends in the neighborhood.

"I could remember those days when daddy would take me around and sometimes visit his friends. I really enjoyed those days because there was nothing to think about and now you can't even go back to those times."

Sandy sat quietly for the rest of the time and ate her food. For the first time in a while, Sandy was able to finish all the food served on her plate. Her mom was very happy seeing her daughter in a joyous mood. When sandy was done eating, she packed the dishes and washed them in the kitchen. After that, she went into her room to shower.

Sandy dressed in one of her favorite dresses to the sitting room where her mom was busy watching a telenovela. Sandy's mom praised her as she looked gorgeous in the outfit.

"Mom, please I would love to tell you something. Please I have thought about the admission and I have finally decided to go school".

Her mom was super excited because she was praying for her daughter to make the right decision.

"I would tell your dad as soon as he comes back but I must confess, I'm very happy for the decision you have taken. You always make me proud and I'm thankful for that. Your dad and I would plan on how to do the arrangements and you would be informed."

Sandy felt some kind of burden being lifted up from her head but she didn't tell her mom. She joined her mom to watch the movie she was watching. They both laughed and cracked jokes whiles watching the movie.

A knock was heard on the door and everyone knew it was daddy. Sandy quickly ran to open the door for her dad. Both mom and daughter welcomed daddy and asked him questions about some of his friends. Sandy's mom joined her husband in their bed room to discuss about what Sandy said earlier. Sandy's dad expressed his feelings and told the wife that all this while, he was praying for Sandy to decide on what is good for her. The couple sat down to make arrangements to go to Sandy's new school.

On the other hand, Sandy laid on her bed imagining the things that could go on in her new school. Making friends isn't why she is going to the school but who would she talk to when she needs someone to open up to.

During the evening time, Sandy called Ruthy to tell her the news. Unfortunately, Ruthy couldn't pick the call and Sandy laid on her bed lost in thoughts. About ten minutes after, Ruthy called and Sandy picked up. Sandy told Ruthy about the admission and how she felt about it and her final decision. Ruthy then told Sandy that she was very happy for her but when she goes to the school, she should know the type of friends to follow, more especially, in the first and second week. Sandy appreciated what her friend told her and promised to keep that in mind always. Ruthy then told Sandy that she also bought a form for a college but she wasn't lucky to be admitted so she would try the following year. Even though Sandy felt bad, she encouraged her that surely, she would be admitted the following year. They later discussed her plans since she wouldn't be going to school. Sandy felt a little relieved but those feelings still crept over her.

All so soon, it was morning and her alarm woke her up. She stretched her hand to turn off the alarm after that she laid her bed and went to do her chores. To her surprise, her mom was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. She entered the kitchen to greet her mom and thanked her for yesterday. Her mom really appreciated and broke the news to her that they would be going to the school the following day. Even though those feelings crept over her again, she was very happy. She quickly went out to do her chores so as to break the news to Ruthy as well.

Breakfast was tea with bread and egg. Dad joined on the table after some two minutes. "After the breakfast, dad also told me that they have decided that mom would send me to the school the next day. I appreciated dad for that and promised to make them proud. After cleaning the table, I went to my room to select the dress I would be wearing to the school. I picked my favorite straight dress which is blue in color and ironed it. The ironing took a long period of time because I wanted it to be very neat. My phone rang and it was Ruthy that's calling. I quickly jumped on the phone and answered the call. She sounds over excited so I have to tell her to relax and talk to me. It was good news Ruthy heard. Guess what? She received her admission notice. I was very excited for her but the problem is, we would not go to the same school. Anyways, that wouldn't stop us from being friends just that the closeness would continue to diminish. I also told her that we would be going to the school the next day and she felt excited. After we hung up the call, I went to tell my mom and dad about Ruthy's admission and they were all happy about it.

In the evening, I still checked the dress I ironed to be sure nothing happened to it. On the bed, I couldn't sleep so I decided to browse with my phone. I still found no interest in browsing so I off the phone and laid on the bed quietly. I don't feel to sleep and I was tired of thinking about going to the school. Even though I forced myself to sleep, I couldn't sleep. I was on the bed for some time and when I checked the time, it was around 1:30am. I was surprised to be awake till that time but all the same, it wasn't my fault. I still laid on the bed praying for the sleep to carry me away.

I heard a tap and when I opened my eyes, it was mom. "its already 6:30am, wake up and get ready". I quickly jumped from the bed to do my chores and get ready. Before I got dressed, I heard mom calling me to come and take my breakfast.

We were done taking the breakfast and dad drove us away. On our way, we had petty chats that made our journey lively. Dad also shared some experiences with us and we laughed together. The school was far from home but all the same, we got there in no time.