ENTANGLED SOULS

THE BAKER'S RESIDENCE

Karen slowly walked into the house with tears in her eyes.

She had just been rejected by the guy she thought likes her. Jake was the most popular guy in her school. He was known as the most handsome guy in Bright High.

Every students in the school never wanted to have anything to do with her. They all avoided her like a plague

In a short word, she's an introvert. She's gat no friends to call her own,,, always alone

Just thinking about the way he disgraced her at school makes her cry the more.

She was sure the news would have gotten to her parents cos her devil- like sister Ava would have told the news

Entering the living room,, she saw her mom pacing around the house with an angry expression. It was at that moment she knew she was done for.

Immediately Mrs. Baker saw Karen, she immediately walked up to her.

"Good afternoon mo..." Without allowing her to finished her sentence,, she landed a slap on her face.

" You this useless daughter,,, I sent you to school to study but what? You're chasing a guy around. Do you know what you've done right now?" Mrs. Baker yelled at her

Karen sniffed in her tears," I'm sorry mom"

"Just shut the crap up. You should be ashamed of yourself right now. At your age you're already chasing a guy around"

" Is confessing my feelings for a guy a crime? What about Ava,, doesn't she have a boyfriend? She started having a boyfriend at the age of fifteen. Why can't I do that also?" She yelled with tears in her eyes.

" How dare you talk back at me!" Mrs. Baker roared as she slapped her for the second time.

" I'm only saying the truth!!" Karen cried out

" Get out! Just get out of my sight!!!" She yelled at her

Karen glanced at her one more time before running to her room.

Immediately she got to her room, the tears she was trying to control came spilling out.

She couldn't help but cry in pains. The thought of everyone one knowing she confessed to Jake and making jest of her scares her a lot.

If only she could turn back the hands of the time...

FLASHBACK!!!

As usual, Karen sat alone in her seat while everyone was busy gisting and playing with their friends.

She placed her head on the locker and sniffs slowly,,, she was tired of been treated like an outcast.

A knock on her desk interrupted her from her thought. She raised up her head and was surprised to see Jake.

She quickly sat up and flashed him a smile. She couldn't help but drool at his handsomeness.

"Hey" Jake greeted

"Hi" she muttered shyly as she tucked her hair to the back.

"Aren't you bored sitting down here all alone?" He asked

Smiles sadly" it's no new thing to me. I don't have a friend and no one wanna be friends with me" she muttered sadly.

" Hey,, it's okay. I'm here for you. Would you like to join me at lunch?" He asked as he smiled at her

Shocked was an understatement of what she felt at that moment. Jake the most handsome guy of their school was asking her out for lunch.

"Really?" She exclaimed happily

Chuckles" of course. Your expression is so funny"

" I'm just,,,, surprised" she muttered

" You shouldn't be... I just don't like the way you're always alone" he said

" So, are you in?" He asked

She looked around the class to find some girls glaring at her. She shooked her head sadly

" I'm afraid I can't"she muttered

"Why?" Jake asked surprised. Obviously he wasn't expecting that kinda reply from her. No girl had ever turned him down but instead will be jumping at the offer.

But this girl here did. He was amused

" I appreciate your gesture but I'm fine alone"

She smiled at him even though it was a fake one.

She was dying to have lunch with him but she was just trying to avoid trouble. She had been crushing on Jake ever since she met him, and him coming to her asking her out for lunch shows he also likes her,,,, right??

" you sure" he asked

" Yea I'm fine" she smiled. This is an opportunity for her to confess her feelings,, who knows if he might accept her. And accepting her means she's have a lot of friends cos many girls would wanna be her friend.

Just the thought of having friends is making her happy.

" Hey! Are you listening at all?" Jake asked as he waved a hand at her face.

She looked at him with a dazed look on her face " umm... What were you saying?" She asked

" I said I'm leaving now since you already turned down my offer"

" Umm.. Jake,, can I see you during lunch? I wanna tell you something" she muttered

" Ok, sure. Bye" he waved as he left the class

She breathe out in relief and smiled. She was gonna confess her feelings for him today!!!

At lunch***

Jake entered the class and saw Karen sitting alone as usual while others are eating in the cafeteria.

He walked up to her and smiled

" Hey" he muttered

" Oh, Jake you're here" Karen smiled at him

" Yea,, you asked to see me, remember?"

" Yea, I did " she smiled nervously

" So what do you wanna tell me?" He asked but she couldn't hear as she was lost in her thoughts

What if he doesn't like and reject her?? She couldn't help but to think.

"Karen!!" Jake called

" Huh?" She looked at him

" What happen, you just zoned out. Are you okay?"

" Yes I'm fine" she answered.

" Good. So, what do you wanna tell me?" He asked again

" I like you " she blurted out foolishly.

" What?"

" Yes I like you Jake. I've been crushing on you for years" she muttered boldly.

Laughs out loud " like,,, are you for real?? You Karen,,, is crushing on me?" He asked as he continues laughing

Confused " yea, is something wrong with that?" She asked surprised at his behavior

" Yea everything is wrong about that.... How could you be crushing on me? I'm so surprised"he said.

By now, student were already entering the class and watching the drama unfolding.

" I thought you knew. I thought you also like me that's why you asked me out for lunch today" she muttered nervously

" See Karen, just because I asked you out for lunch today, doesn't mean I like you... I asked because I pitied you.... I can never like you Karen" he blurted out. By now,. students were already videoing them.

Tears spilled out of her eyes " what?"

" Yea that's the truth. I can never like you Karen. You're not my type... I can't believe you can be so foolish" he said and the students laughed

" Then why?? Why did you asked me out for lunch and makes me think you like me? " She asked as she cried

" Are you dumb? I just said I did that because I pitied you. " He yelled

Karen looked up and saw her sister, Ava smirking at her in a mocking way and couldn't help but cry more... She had just been disgraced

" Can't believe your sister is so dumb to ask Jake out?" Linda, Ava's friend said as she laughed.

" I'm quite surprised" Ava said as she laughed

" This is such an awesome sight to watch " the students whispered as they continued to make jest of her.

Karen couldn't take it anymore as hard ran out of the class. She just knew by tomorrow, the video will be trending now.

She ended up disappointing her families.

FLASHBACK ENDS.

Mere thinking about it, more tears kept spilling form her face.

" I'm so done for! "She cried... " I hate you Jake!!" She screamed.

Just then she heard her dad's voice shouting.

" Where's that useless daughter of mine!! Where's that disgraceful child!?"

She couldn't help but panicked and right at that moment she knew she was dead

Karen was still contemplating if she should go downstairs or pretend to be asleep when the door to her room suddenly opened harshly..

She flinched as she met her dad's harsh glare at her and she could swear at that moment that she almost peed at her pants.

Without any words, her father pounced on her, hitting her. Giving her blows anywhere not concerned about where it landed.

Karen loud cries and pleads filled the room as her father continued beating the hell out of her.

Mrs. Baker stood at the door side with Ava not making any move to stop her husband. Instead she was watching how he was beating her with a satisfied expression.

Ava on the other hand, kept watching how her dad was beating Karen with a smirk on her face. Her cries sounds like music to her ears.

" Dad, she's just a cheap whore. I still can't believe she could have the gut to confess to Jake. Who does she think she is" Ava said.

" Just let your dad deal with her" Mrs. Baker said to her.

" Dad I'm so sorry, I'll never do that again" Karen begged as she managed to separate herself from her dad.

She looked over at her mom.

" Mom please tell dad that I'll never do that again.. please help me to beg him" she muttered in tears.

" And why should I do that?" Mrs. Baker fired at her.

Karen stared at her mom with disbelief. Sometimes she wondered if she was really their daughter. Ava was never beaten like this. It was always her.

She was always the villain in the house. Sometimes she considered ending her life if that will end all her sufferings.

She looked at her dad who had managed to control himself, though his eyes were still as red as fire. He was still angry, she know that. And if care is not taken he might pounce on her again.

Mr. Baker looked at her with pure anger

" Do you know what you just did today? Do you know!! You just disgrace this family. You're a disgrace to us." Mr. Baker yelled at her.

Karen looked at him with a confused expression. For all she know, the video will only be posted on their school blog. So, how does it affect him by saying she was a disgrace to the family? Not like the video will be posted on the internet.

" I'm sorry dad" she muttered slowly.

" Of course you should be. And let me tell you, Jake is mine and mine alone. So you should better kill all the feelings you have for him... Or else,,,, you should know what I can do...." Ava said to her face before walking out of the room.

" Did you heard what she said.... Stay away from Jake" Mrs. Baker said

Karen sniffed her tears, " yes mommy"

Mr. Baker cast one glance at her before leaving the room. He was still angry, he knows that. And if he should start any longer, he might just end up killing her.

Mrs. Baker slowly walks up to Karen and smiles

" Now you know the consequences of talking back at me. You should thank your stars your father was able to control himself. And oh,,, there's no food for you tonight and throughout tomorrow. Maybe that way you will come to your senses" she said and walked out of the room with a satisfied smile on her face.

Karen slumped on the floor as tears of pains rolled down her cheeks. Her eyes and lips was swollen. Her whole body aches a lot.

She was in pain. She regretted ever meeting Jake.

" Jake you'll regret this.... You'll regret this I promise you... I hate you Jake!!!!! I hate you so much!!! " She screamed in tears.

Right now, all she felt was pains,,, she couldn't even feel her own body anymore. She cried her eyes out and with time, she slowly close her eyes and slept with tears in her face.

JAKE'S HOUSE**

Jake sat in his room with headphones in his ears. He just finished watching the video on the school blog. Trust Bright High, the video was uploaded immediately Karen ran out of the school.

He smiled remembering all that transpired between him and Karen. He was still smiling when the door bursted open and his best friend, Richard entered.

" Yo! Man" Jake greeted him

Richard ignored him and went to grab his collar.

" What was that video all about? How could you hurt that poor girl?" he gritted out.

" Is telling her I'm not interested a crime?" Jake asked back

" You could have just told her in a polite way. How could you go that far? Do you know the consequences of your actions? Do you know what that girl might be going through?"

" I don't care!! I don't fvcking care!! Just because I asked her out for lunch,,, she thinks I care about her.... I don't and I'll never be!!" Jake yelled at him.

" You motherfvcking @sshole!!" Richard yelled and punched him. His lips bled instantly.

" I never knew you were this cruel.. I regret ever being your friend.. stay away from me as from now on." Richard and muttered and walked up to the door.

" Do you like her?" Jake asked and he stopped his movements.

He turned back to look at him and smiled

" No, I don't. But I can't just sit back and watch while you hurt that innocent girl" he said to Jake.

" Ok, fine I'm sorry. I knew I was wrong. I don't want us to end our friendship this way" Jake muttered and Richard walked up to him.

" Why making her think you like her when you don't have one ounce of feelings for her? "

" It wasn't my intention.. I just did that cos I felt she was always bored alone... I,,, just don't know what to say" Jake muttered.

Richard placed his hand on his shoulder" you should do the right thing before it's too late. And lest I forget.... Stop being too proud just because you're handsome" he said and moved away from him walking to the door.

" We're cool, right?" Jake asked after him

" It's up to your hands." With that, he walked out of his room.

Jake sighed as he fell on the bed and rubbed his hand on his head.

" Just what have I done" he muttered to himself.

THE BAKER'S RESIDENCE,,,, AT NIGHT***

The Baker's family sat on the dining table eating while Karen was serving the remaining dishes on the table.

" Wait,, a minute.... Where's Sophia? She isn't back home, right?" Mr. Baker asked

" Yea, that's true..." Mrs. Baker faced Ava,, " Did your sister called you?"

Ava shook her head" No, she didn't"

" Then where could she be?" Mrs. Baker wondered out loud..

Just then, Ava choked on her food and started coughing

" Water,," she managed to say

" Where's the water?" Mrs. Baker asked Karen who was moody since her body was sore from the beatings she received earlier in the afternoon.

"Oh, I forgot that in the kitchen... I'll bring it out" she muttered about rushing to the kitchen when her mother stopped her.

" You didn't bring water when we are eating??"

She roared as she quickly stood up and slapped her hard across the face.

" What were you thinking, huh?" She shouted at her.

Karen cleaned the tears threatening to spill and muttered " I'm sorry ma"

" Mom, I need water...." Ava managed to choke out.

" Go bring the water,,,, quick!!" Mrs. Baker yelled at Karen.

She quickly rushed to the kitchen and handed the water to Ava who quickly drank it up.

" Next time what you did now repeat itself again,,, I'll personally deal with you" Mr. Baker said to Karen and she nods slowly.

They resumed eating while Karen was walking up to her room since there wasn't food for her when the door to the house opened.

Sophia walked up to the house slowly with fear in her eyes.... A paper could be seen on her hands.

Mrs. Baker quickly stood up and rushed to her.

" Sophia!! Where have you been? Your father and I was so worried" She inquired as she led Sophia to the dining room.

" Karen, get a plate for Sophia" Mr.Baker said to Karen and she quickly scurried off.

" I'm not hungry, dad" Sophia muttered.

" Why? And what's with the look in your face? Are you okay?" Mrs. Baker couldn't help but ask

Sophia sighed " Mom,,, Dad,, I have something to tell you" she said. By now, Karen was back with the plate

" Yea,, what is it?" Mrs. Baker asked curiously

She looked at them with regrets in her eyes..

" Mom,,,, I'm...." She stopped and sighed.

" Talk,, what is it?" Mr. Baker asked as he took a spoon of rice to his mouth.

Sophia closed her eyes " I'm pregnant" she blurted out.

Immediately Mr. Baker spilled the food from his mouth...

" What?!!"

★★★★★

( Smitten with you....)

CHAPTER THREE

By, Cassie B.

‼️ DON'T COPY OR REPOST ‼️

🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

THE THOMASES RESIDENCE***

Mr. Thomas walked into the house tiredly. He was just coming back from his seven days trip. He couldn't wait to see his wife and his children.

" Honey!" He called out.

At that instant, Mrs. Thomas came rushing downstairs in excitement. She literally flung herself to his arms immediately she got to him.

He smiled and wrapped his arms more tightly around her. Heaven knows how much he missed the woman in his arms.

" You didn't mentioned you were coming today,, despite the fact that we talked not quite long.. why?" She asked immediately they disengaged from the hug.

Smiles cheekily " I wanted to give you guys a surprise. Did that work?"

" Obviously" Mrs. Thomas said as they both laughed.

" Where are the kids?" Mr. Thomas asked

" Up in their rooms... The house was so boring without you and the kids weren't helping at all" she muttered and pouted childishly

Laughs " I'm back now, okay?"

Chuckle " I know, right?" Mrs. Thomas said

" Bella, can you please call my babies for me?" She motioned over to a maid

" Yes, right away ma'am" Bella replied

" Don't mention it to them that their dad is back, okay?" She quickly added

" Okay ma" bella said and rushed off.

Few minutes later, two boys could be seen coming downstairs. They are both twins.

Michael and Miguel are the only children of the THOMASES... Yea,,, they might be twins but they totally differ from each other.

They are both handsome but Michael is the most cutest. They are always on each other's neck. They are like cat and dog.

Michael is known to be an uptight guy. Always alone,, you can also call him a rude guy cos that's what he his. While Miguel is the carefree type. He's the flirty type and is always found around girls.

Back to present**

Miguel was the first to see their dad.

" Dad?" He called to be sure. He rubbed his eyes as if he was seeing things and this action made Mr. Thomas laugh

Michael looked up at the mention of his dad's name. He was also shocked. They weren't expecting their dad to be back today.

Miguel quickly rushed to their dad and gave him a brief hug.

" Dad I'm so happy you're back. I miss you so much dad" he smiled at him.

Chuckles " I miss you too son" he replied. He looked over at Michael who simply shrugged and moved closer to him.

" Good afternoon dad" he muttered

Mr. Thomas simply smiled at him " you should stop being too upright mich, otherwise people will distance themselves from you" he said to him.

Michael looked over at his mom who motioned him not to speak a word. He looked away from his mom and looked at his dad.

" How was your trip?" He asked instead

Sighs" fine, thanks. Have you guys had lunch?"

" No" Miguel was the one who answered this time around

" Then what are we waiting for? Let's go eat I'm so famished" Mr. Thomas said and they all went to the dining room.

BAKER'S MANSION***

Mr. Baker spilled the food from his mouth immediately he heard what Sophia said.

"What?!!" Shock was an understatement for him at that moment.

" You're what?" He asked again to be sure.

Bits her lips in shame " I'm pregnant, dad" Sophia said for the second time.

Laughs out loud for a while and quickly sobers up. " Tell me that's a joke!!" He roared at her.

Quickly went on her knees and burst into fresh tears " Dad I'm sorry. I never meant for it to happen... It was a mistake". Sophia cried out..

Mrs. Baker just stood rootlessly to the spot. She didn't even know what she felt at that moment.

Her first daughter who's just twenty years old came home claiming to be pregnant.... Hahaha,,, that's not true right?

She faced Sophia and walked up slowly to her. She raised her face to meet hers.

" Tell me that's not true. Tell me you're just joking" she asked shakingly looking into her eyes wishing she could just say it was a lie,,, that it was a joke.

But instead, Sophia bursts into another round of tears and that alone claimed her fears. Her daughter was pregnant out of wedlock!!!!

Her legs wobbled and she felt to the ground. Ava quickly rushed to her.

" Mom!" She called and bent down to raise her up.

Mr. Baker looked at his daughter who was on the ground crying her eyes out and walked up to her before landing a hot slap on her face.

That alone broke Mrs. Baker out of her reverie. She quickly stood up and went to shield Sophia from her husband.

" Derek please stop it" she cried out. " We can talk this out. Don't hurt her please" she begged

All this while, Karen stood by the side listening to everything that's happening. Everything felt too shocked to be true.

" Get out of my way, Emily" Mr. Baker yelled

" No, I won't. Just calm down, huh?"

Breathes in slowly " who's the father?" He asked calmly.

Mrs. Baker looked at Sophia expectantly. Right now, all her prayer was that the matter should be settled amicably among them.

Sophia slowly cleaned the tears in her eyes " my boyfriend " she slowly said.

" Who's he?" Mr. Baker asked calmly again

" His name is Mark. He's a final year student in college" she muttered

Mrs. Baker faced her husband after listening to her daughter. She slowly moved closer to him and touched him gently

" Derek, I know what she did was wrong,, but we can't just blame her that way. She's still a young girl who's still new in this world. She already made this mistake and it's a duty for us as her parents to bring her closer and lead her through" she cautioned her husband.

Hearing that statement, Karen couldn't help but to look at her parents in a surprised manner. Look at the people who almost killed her just because she confessed to a guy now drawing a girl who's pregnant closer?

Just the thought of that made her heart churn in pain. It was now this obvious she was loathe by her family for a reason best known to them.

Ava moved closer to her dad and knelt down in his presence

" Dad I'm apologizing on my sister's behalf. I know what she did was wrong but please forgive her" she begged

Mr. Baker looked at Sophia one more time before moving closer to her. He raised her up and sighed heavily.

" Go to your room, we'll talk about this later. And invite your boyfriend over tomorrow. I wanna meet him" he said

Sophia slowly nods her head " yes dad"

Mrs. Baker sighed out in relief and quickly took her daughter upstairs before her husband changes his mind.

Ava stood up and smiles at her dad

" Thank you so much dad" she appreciated

Mr. Baker only cleared the throat and without saying a word, he went upstairs.

Ava turned her head to meet Karen's gaze and quickly looked away before rushing off.

Karen looked at her retreating figure and tears slowly spilled out from her eyes.

She moved to the dining and began clearing all the plates crying softly.

THE THOMASES RESIDENCE***

Mr. Thomas walked into the house tiredly. He was just coming back from his seven days trip. He couldn't wait to see his wife and his children.

" Honey!" He called out.

At that instant, Mrs. Thomas came rushing downstairs in excitement. She literally flung herself to his arms immediately she got to him.

He smiled and wrapped his arms more tightly around her. Heaven knows how much he missed the woman in his arms.

" You didn't mentioned you were coming today,, despite the fact that we talked not quite long.. why?" She asked immediately they disengaged from the hug.

Smiles cheekily " I wanted to give you guys a surprise. Did that work?"

" Obviously" Mrs. Thomas said as they both laughed.

" Where are the kids?" Mr. Thomas asked

" Up in their rooms... The house was so boring without you and the kids weren't helping at all" she muttered and pouted childishly

Laughs " I'm back now, okay?"

Chuckle " I know, right?" Mrs. Thomas said

" Bella, can you please call my babies for me?" She motioned over to a maid

" Yes, right away ma'am" Bella replied

" Don't mention it to them that their dad is back, okay?" She quickly added

" Okay ma" bella said and rushed off.

Few minutes later, two boys could be seen coming downstairs. They are both twins.

Michael and Miguel are the only children of the THOMASES... Yea,,, they might be twins but they totally differ from each other.

They are both handsome but Michael is the most cutest. They are always on each other's neck. They are like cat and dog.

Michael is known to be an uptight guy. Always alone,, you can also call him a rude guy cos that's what he his. While Miguel is the carefree type. He's the flirty type and is always found around girls.

Back to present**

Miguel was the first to see their dad.

" Dad?" He called to be sure. He rubbed his eyes as if he was seeing things and this action made Mr. Thomas laugh

Michael looked up at the mention of his dad's name. He was also shocked. They weren't expecting their dad to be back today.

Miguel quickly rushed to their dad and gave him a brief hug.

" Dad I'm so happy you're back. I miss you so much dad" he smiled at him.

Chuckles " I miss you too son" he replied. He looked over at Michael who simply shrugged and moved closer to him.

" Good afternoon dad" he muttered

Mr. Thomas simply smiled at him " you should stop being too upright mich, otherwise people will distance themselves from you" he said to him.

Michael looked over at his mom who motioned him not to speak a word. He looked away from his mom and looked at his dad.

" How was your trip?" He asked instead

Sighs" fine, thanks. Have you guys had lunch?"

" No" Miguel was the one who answered this time around

" Then what are we waiting for? Let's go eat I'm so famished" Mr. Thomas said and they all went to the dining room.

BAKER'S MANSION***

Mr. Baker spilled the food from his mouth immediately he heard what Sophia said.

"What?!!" Shock was an understatement for him at that moment.

" You're what?" He asked again to be sure.

Bits her lips in shame " I'm pregnant, dad" Sophia said for the second time.

Laughs out loud for a while and quickly sobers up. " Tell me that's a joke!!" He roared at her.

Quickly went on her knees and burst into fresh tears " Dad I'm sorry. I never meant for it to happen... It was a mistake". Sophia cried out..

Mrs. Baker just stood rootlessly to the spot. She didn't even know what she felt at that moment.

Her first daughter who's just twenty years old came home claiming to be pregnant.... Hahaha,,, that's not true right?

She faced Sophia and walked up slowly to her. She raised her face to meet hers.

" Tell me that's not true. Tell me you're just joking" she asked shakingly looking into her eyes wishing she could just say it was a lie,,, that it was a joke.

But instead, Sophia bursts into another round of tears and that alone claimed her fears. Her daughter was pregnant out of wedlock!!!!

Her legs wobbled and she felt to the ground. Ava quickly rushed to her.

" Mom!" She called and bent down to raise her up.

Mr. Baker looked at his daughter who was on the ground crying her eyes out and walked up to her before landing a hot slap on her face.

That alone broke Mrs. Baker out of her reverie. She quickly stood up and went to shield Sophia from her husband.

" Derek please stop it" she cried out. " We can talk this out. Don't hurt her please" she begged

All this while, Karen stood by the side listening to everything that's happening. Everything felt too shocked to be true.

" Get out of my way, Emily" Mr. Baker yelled

" No, I won't. Just calm down, huh?"

Breathes in slowly " who's the father?" He asked calmly.

Mrs. Baker looked at Sophia expectantly. Right now, all her prayer was that the matter should be settled amicably among them.

Sophia slowly cleaned the tears in her eyes " my boyfriend " she slowly said.

" Who's he?" Mr. Baker asked calmly again

" His name is Mark. He's a final year student in college" she muttered

Mrs. Baker faced her husband after listening to her daughter. She slowly moved closer to him and touched him gently

" Derek, I know what she did was wrong,, but we can't just blame her that way. She's still a young girl who's still new in this world. She already made this mistake and it's a duty for us as her parents to bring her closer and lead her through" she cautioned her husband.

Hearing that statement, Karen couldn't help but to look at her parents in a surprised manner. Look at the people who almost killed her just because she confessed to a guy now drawing a girl who's pregnant closer?

Just the thought of that made her heart churn in pain. It was now this obvious she was loathe by her family for a reason best known to them.

Ava moved closer to her dad and knelt down in his presence

" Dad I'm apologizing on my sister's behalf. I know what she did was wrong but please forgive her" she begged

Mr. Baker looked at Sophia one more time before moving closer to her. He raised her up and sighed heavily.

" Go to your room, we'll talk about this later. And invite your boyfriend over tomorrow. I wanna meet him" he said

Sophia slowly nods her head " yes dad"

Mrs. Baker sighed out in relief and quickly took her daughter upstairs before her husband changes his mind.

Ava stood up and smiles at her dad

" Thank you so much dad" she appreciated

Mr. Baker only cleared the throat and without saying a word, he went upstairs.

Ava turned her head to meet Karen's gaze and quickly looked away before rushing off.

Karen looked at her retreating figure and tears slowly spilled out from her eyes.

She moved to the dining and began clearing all the plates crying softly.

FEW DAYS LATER***

It's been few days since the incident happened. Sophia invited Mark over and the matter was settled amicably among them.

He accepted the pregnancy and everything has been going smoothly then except for Karen.

Ever since she confessed, any time she passed by, students always make jest of her. It got to a stage when all she wishes for was to leave the school and if possible leave her home also... If only she knows.....

Life was so hard for her, even in school all she do is to cry. Tears doesn't mean anything to her again, it was a normal routine for her.

AT SCHOOL***

Karen sat alone in the library reading LIVING WITH THE DEVILS BY, NAOMI CINDY. She was so engrossed in the book that she did not noticed when Jake entered the library.

Jake sat far away from her seat looking at her at intervals. He just couldn't take his eyes off her. Why didn't he noticed her beauty before?

Ever since she confessed to him, she had been avoiding him like a plague,,, not like she gives him attention before. Though he hadn't made any intention to apologize,, but still he wished she could just look at him.

Immediately Karen looked back, he quickly looked away. He just didn't know why he was avoiding her.

When Karen saw Jake sitting in the Library,, she quickly packed her books and rushed out of the library.

Jake stood up immediately to call her name but he didn't know what stopped him from doing so. He roughed his hair in frustration.

Why was it so hard for him to apologize to her?

Why was it that he's always thinking about her all day long?

He was still asking himself this questions while on his way outside when he bumped into Richard who was smiling foolishly.

He arched his brows at him seeing how he was smiling cheekily.

" Hey, what happen? Why are you smiling this way?" Jake asked

Still smiling " I saw Karen coming out of the library just now. You guys were the only one in there right?" Richard asked

" Yea? So, what's wrong with that?"

" Did you talk to her already? What did she say? Are you guys friends now? How did she react when you apologize to her?" he asked all at once

Jake sighed " Hey chill man.. calm down okay? Actually I didn't talk to her... "

His smile faltered at once" what? But why?"

" I dunno... I just,,, don't know what to do anymore" Jake muttered as he roughed his hair frustratingly

" Jake,, you should apologize before it's too late. You should right your wrongs now. If you were observant you will notice that the students always make jest of her always. It's your duty to put a stop to that " he advised

" Lately I don't even know what's wrong with me anymore. I just,,, find myself thinking about her every moment. I can't seem to get my mind off her" Jake explained

Richard bursts into a fit of laughter after listening to his friend's confession. Jake looked at him as if he was crazy.

" You sure you're okay?" He asked

" Yea, I'm fine.... You're in love man!" Richard said and laughed again

Laughs softly " That's a joke, right? I can't be in love with her, right?" Jake asked looking at him for confirmation

" Of course you're. You're always thinking of her right?" Richard asked

" Yea? And lately I find her beautiful"

" That's it dude. You're in love! My friend is in love" he danced around

Shakes his head " you're crazy" Jake muttered

" Buddy you're in love with that girl and there's nothing you can do about it. What you should be worrying about right now is how to win her heart back"

" Is she ever gonna forgive me??" He asked rhetorically

" Karen is a girl with a soft heart so she should be able to. Just don't break her again" Richard advised before walking away leaving him all by himself.

Jake stared at his retreating figure until he could see him no more. One would think he was staring at him but someone that is observant would know he was deep in thought.

Does he really love Karen like Richard claimed?

Would she ever forgive him after what he did to her?

A loud scream disrupted his thoughts and he quickly looked at where the scream was from.

There he saw Ava who mistakenly slipped her legs about to fall, with a reflex action, he quickly rushed to her and caught her wrapping his arms around her waist.

Ava opened her eyes after she felt someone's arms around her and was so shocked to see that it was Jake who caught her. She looked down and saw his arms around her waist and smiled inwardly.

Jake quickly raised her up and removed his arms away.

" Are you okay?" He asked

Tucked her hair to the back " yeah, I'm fine" she answered as she blushed heavily

" Good" he said

" Thanks anyways" she said as she smiled at him admiringly

" It's nothing" he said and was about to walk away when he remembered something

" You're Karen's sister right?" He asked

" Yea? Why? Oh, is it about that day? I can't believe that she could be so stupid to do such. Like,, who the hell does that" she muttered

Jake looked at her and studied her closely,, she badmouthing her sister right in front of him shows that they don't really go along with each other.

" Are you older or younger?" He asked instead

" I'm the older sister. I'm 18 while she's 17" she replied

" Just a year interval between you two. Anyways, that's cool" he said

" Er, Jake about today,,, do you mind if we become friends?" She asked smiling shyly. She was so fucking happy

Looks at her for a while before replying " sure"

Smiles widely " thanks a lot" she said but he was already gone.

" Jake you're mine and I'll make sure no one takes you away from me." She swore determinedly before leaving for her class.

Later in the evening,, Karen was sitting in her room reading novels as usual. She's a novel freak.

Just then the door barged open and Sophia strotted in smiling wickedly. Karen's eyes unconsciously moved to her stomach and she could swore at that moment that her baby bump was already protruding.

Was that normal for someone who's in her early stage of pregnancy?

She was sure that if not for the baggy clothes Sophia was putting on she would have had the full view of her belly.

Sophia walked closer to her and landed a hot slap on her face. Karen looked at her with a shocked expression...obviously, she wasn't expecting that from her.

She quickly stood up and faced her "what's the meaning of this, What have I done this time?"

" How dare you this shameless bitch? How could you be secretly seeing Mark behind my back? You're just a whore!"

Laughs confusely " what are you talking about? How can you accuse me of doing something this shameful? Is this what you see me as?" Karen asked bitterly

" Enough of playing the innocent game on me,, I ain't gonna fall for that. Did you think I didn't know? I fucking saw you two together by the street hugging each other! And here you're telling me trash"

Karen tried to recollect what Sophia was saying,,, and her mind clicked to the time when she saw Mark today.

Mark was an easygoing person and she had wondered sometimes why he chose to date Sophia the devil. When he saw her today,, he was so surprised cos he had only met her once.

She looked at Sophia and shook her head sadly

no one trust me in this house. I'm always accused of what I know nothing about... I wonder what Mark saw about you" she muttered looking at her with tear fillled eyes

Sophia was so angry by her last statement and pounced on her immediately.

" You're a bitch, a whore, a wench.... I'm gonna make sure I kill you myself today" he screamed beating her with all her energy.

Karen managed to pull away from her and ran out of her room crying profusely. Sophia quickly ran after and started beating her immediately she caught up with her. It was as if Sophia was possessed at that moment

Karen who was still screaming and crying out tears was trying her best not to retaliate back because of her condition but when she saw it was getting out of hand as if Sophia was trying to kill her,, she gently pushed Sophia away from her body,,, and that simple action gat Sophia screaming and rolling down from the stairs before finally laying unconscious at the base of the stairs.

Slowly, blood began to spill out of her body.. Out of fright,,, Karen screamed before quickly covering her mouth.

She was in deep trouble!

Immediately Sophia landed on the floor with a loud thud, Karen screamed out in fear seeing the blood gushing out of her head and body.

It was at that moment Ava came out of her room. She walked up to Karen about to ask what the scream was all about when she got the shock of her life.

Her sister was fvcking lying in her own pool of blood!

Like a slow mo, she climbed down the stairs slowly and moved closer to her sister.

" Sophia, what's wrong? Why are you here?" She asked at the brim of tears tapping Sophia's cheeks.

" Open your eyes and tell me why you're lying here in your own pool of blood!" She literally screamed.

She looked at Karen who was visibly shaking in fear.

" What have you done to my sister? Mom!! Dad!!" She yelled.

As if it was planned, Mr. And Mrs. Baker came running downstairs.

" Sophia!!" Mrs. Baker screamed immediately she saw Sophia in a pool of blood and quickly ran to her.

" What happen to my daughter! Why is she here? Who did this to her?" She screamed in tears.

And Ava immediately pointed at Karen.

" No, mom. I didn't mean to do that. I was just.." Karen just didn't know what to say as she broke into more tears.

" Call the ambulance, quick!!" Mrs. Baker yelled and Ava went to do that immediately.

Mr. Baker looked at Karen and moved closer to her with a deadly glare on his face. If looks can kill, she'd have been dead by now.

****

Mrs. Thomas walked to Michael's room with a sober look on her face.

Michael who was lying on the bed reading a novel turned immediately he heard the door opened and sat up on seeing his mom.

Mrs. Thomas sat closer to him on the bed and caressed his face fondly.

" My cute baby" she gushed.

" C'mon mom, stop it. I'm not a kid anymore, okay?" Michael said as he smiled.

"You'll always be my baby. Both you and your brother will always be my babies" she replied him.

" Where's Miguel? I have something to tell the both of you" she added

Shrugs " he should be in his room or he might be on his normal hangouts. You know the son you gave birth to" he replied

Laughs softly " I wonder where he took that habit from"

" You should be asking yourself that question. " He replied and they both laughed.

" You should go and call your brother, I have something to tell the both of you" Mrs. Thomas said

" Okay, mom" he stood up and went out of the room.

Few minutes later, Michael and Miguel entered the room with Miguel smiling foolishly at his phone.

Mrs. Thomas cleared her throat and he quickly put his phone away.

He went to sit beside her and smiled

Mrs. Thomas stared at her two kids and smiled. She was so lucky to have them. They were her everything.

Ever since she was diagnosed of not being able to give birth anymore due to some reasons best known to her,, she had then vowed to take care of her kids with all of her being.

It was her every wish to have a female child to call her own, but as God could have it, she wasn't privileged to have a female child.

" Mom, what was the thing you wanted to talk to us about?" Michael asked breaking into her thoughts.

" Oh, that. I know your dad is not around at the moment but can you guys just pardon me and stay alone tonight?" She asked looking at their eyes for permission.

Laughs softly " mom, do you have to gain our permission because of that? We aren't kids anymore so we can take care of ourselves. Just be safe out there, that's our priority" Michael said

" Yes, he's right. The fact that dad is not around doesn't disputes the fact that we can't take care of ourselves" Miguel chirped in

Looks at her kids lovingly " what would I have done without you two? You guys are so understanding" she smiled happily as she pulled the both of them together for a hug.

" Anything for you mom" Michael said smiling

After they had disengaged from the hug, Mrs. Thomas called her husband and informed him of the boys staying home alone that night due to her busy schedule.

********

Mrs. Baker rushed to the hospital with Ava running after the nurses who placed Sophia on a stretcher with loud wails.

Just when she was about to enter the theatre room with them, a nurse stopped her immediately.

" Ma'am that'll be enough for now. Just put your mind at rest and trust us, we'll save your daughter." The nurse reassured her

" Please save my daughter and her child for me. Please,,," she begged

" Not to worry, ma'am" the nurse said before rushing to the theatre room.

Mrs. Baker slumped down on a seat and Ava quickly went to sit beside her.

" Mom, Sophia will be fine. Let's think of the best" She said as she caressed her shoulder.

" What can I do when my daughter is lying there lifelessly? What if she doesn't survive it?" Mrs. Baker couldn't help but to ask

" Mom, let's not think the negative. Let's trust the doctors for now. I'm sure my sis is going to be fine"

Mrs. Baker looked at her before pulling her into a hug and they both cried in each other arms.

** AT HOME***

Karen loud cries filled the house as her dad was was hitting her with an iron stick.

" You're such an ungrateful fellow. How could you ever think of hurting your sister?"

" Dad I'm sorry I never meant to do that, I just tried to defend myself. I never knew she was gonna get hu...." The statement was cut short with a resounding slap.

" Just shut the hell up! You're just a murderer,, and by the time I'm done with you,, you'll regret ever being born"

Having said that, sounds of extreme beatings with loud cries filled the house.

All Karen wished for at that moment was death. She was a murderer, yes,,, she agreed to it. She killed her sister's baby cos she was sure the baby could never make it as it was in the early stage.

Right at that moment, she regretted ever being born into this world. She regretted ever coming into this family.

There was nothing she could use to save herself since she was the one who pushed Sophia though it wasn't intentional.

So, she lay there motionlessly and allowed her dad to beat her the way he dimmed fit. All her body aches a lot,,, she was tired of crying and she was sure by the time everything was over, she might be half dead with her body full of scars.

" You know what,," Mr. Baker suddenly pulled the weak Karen up and moved outside the house.

" Get out of my house now!! I don't want to see you ever again! I can no longer harbor a devil in my home anymore!" He yelled at her.

" Dad,, please don't do this to me,, I have nowhere to go,, please forgive me, dad" she begged crying profusely.

" Do I look like I care? Just get the hell out of my house!!" He roared and pushed her out of the house roughly.

Karen fell to the ground due to the harsh push and scratched her leg. She burst into tears,, with a running temperature. She was having a fever.

" Don't ever let me set my eyes on you anymore,,, or else,, I'll kill you myself" Mr. Baker thundered before going to the house making sure he locked the gate.

Karen looked at the house crying profusely, she has nowhere to go to. She's gat no friends to run to.

She weakly stood up and start walking away slowly. It was always her wish to leave the house but it wasn't her wish to end this way.

She kept walking not knowing her destination and the passersby kept looking at her wondering what was wrong with her as she couldn't stop crying.

As if luck wasn't on her side, the thunder strikes and then rain started falling.

People started running for shelter but she kept on walking aimlessly on the road.

TBC

Poor Karen,😭😭😭😭

Mr. Baker, you shouldn't have done that now 😭😭😭

Like, comment and share to unlock the next chapter.

Say something about what you just read now... There's a lot to talk abSmittenout

(

" Ma'am that'll be enough for now. Just put your mind at rest and trust us, we'll save your daughter." The nurse reassured her

" Please save my daughter and her child for me. Please,,," she begged

" Not to worry, ma'am" the nurse said before rushing to the theatre room.

Mrs. Baker slumped down on a seat and Ava quickly went to sit beside her.

" Mom, Sophia will be fine. Let's think of the best" She said as she caressed her shoulder.

" What can I do when my daughter is lying there lifelessly? What if she doesn't survive it?" Mrs. Baker couldn't help but to ask

" Mom, let's not think the negative. Let's trust the doctors for now. I'm sure my sis is going to be fine"

Mrs. Baker looked at her before pulling her into a hug and they both cried in each other arms.

** AT HOME***

Karen loud cries filled the house as her dad was was hitting her with an iron stick.

" You're such an ungrateful fellow. How could you ever think of hurting your sister?"

" Dad I'm sorry I never meant to do that, I just tried to defend myself. I never knew she was gonna get hu...." The statement was cut short with a resounding slap.

" Just shut the hell up! You're just a murderer,, and by the time I'm done with you,, you'll regret ever being born"

Having said that, sounds of extreme beatings with loud cries filled the house.

All Karen wished for at that moment was death. She was a murderer, yes,,, she agreed to it. She killed her sister's baby cos she was sure the baby could never make it as it was in the early stage.

Right at that moment, she regretted ever being born into this world. She regretted ever coming into this family.

There was nothing she could use to save herself since she was the one who pushed Sophia though it wasn't intentional.

So, she lay there motionlessly and allowed her dad to beat her the way he dimmed fit. All her body aches a lot,,, she was tired of crying and she was sure by the time everything was over, she might be half dead with her body full of scars.

" You know what,," Mr. Baker suddenly pulled the weak Karen up and moved outside the house.

" Get out of my house now!! I don't want to see you ever again! I can no longer harbor a devil in my home anymore!" He yelled at her.

" Dad,, please don't do this to me,, I have nowhere to go,, please forgive me, dad" she begged crying profusely.

" Do I look like I care? Just get the hell out of my house!!" He roared and pushed her out of the house roughly.

Karen fell to the ground due to the harsh push and scratched her leg. She burst into tears,, with a running temperature. She was having a fever.

" Don't ever let me set my eyes on you anymore,,, or else,, I'll kill you myself" Mr. Baker thundered before going to the house making sure he locked the gate.

Karen looked at the house crying profusely, she has nowhere to go to. She's gat no friends to run to.

She weakly stood up and start walking away slowly. It was always her wish to leave the house but it wasn't her wish to end this way.

She kept walking not knowing her destination and the passersby kept looking at her wondering what was wrong with her as she couldn't stop crying.

As if luck wasn't on her side, the thunder strikes and then rain started falling.

People started running for shelter but she kept on walking aimlessly on the road.

( Smitten with you...)

CHAPTER SIX

By, Cassie B.

‼️ DON'T COPY OR REPOST ‼️

🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

SOME HOURS LATER***

Mrs. Baker stood up quickly immediately the doctor came out of the theatre room.

" Doctor, how's my daughter? " She rushed to him

" Hopefully she's fine now,,,, but...." The doctor paused and sighed

" But what, Doctor?" Mr. Baker asked fearing the worst.

" I'm afraid the baby can't make it. And if it can make it, the baby will be born prematurely" the doctor added

" Wha,,, what do you mean by prematurely? The baby is still in it's early stage right?" Mrs. Baker asked confused of the whole situation.

" Early stage?" The doctor asked confused

" Yea,,, what's happening doctor? Tell me!!" Mrs. Baker screamed.

" Who's the lady's husband here?" The doctor asked looking at them

" I am" Mark said coming in.

He had been called by Mrs. Baker and he had to rushed there

" I'm her husband,,, is everything okay with her?" He asked

" Can you see me in my office?" The doctor asked instead

" Say whatever you have to say her! After all she's my daughter" Mr. Baker said trying not to lose his temper.

" Well.... After undergoing several tests on her,, I found out the baby is in a critical condition and if care is not taken,,, she might lose the baby" the doctor said

" My goodness!" Ava exclaimed as she covered her mouth with her hands

" Is there no any alternative?" Mark asked

" Actually, the only solution to this problem is for the baby to be born prematurely. Then we can place him in an incubator" the doctor explained.

" But, how's that possible? The baby is still in it's early stage. Doctor you haven't cleared my confusion yet" Mrs. Baker said impatiently

" Early stage, you say? The baby is six months old! I think you must mistaken" the doctor said.

" Wh,,, what?" Mrs. Baker stuttered

" Yea,,,, or aren't you aware?" The doctor asked clearly confused at their reactions

" Like,,, how's that possible? She told me the baby is three months old!" Mark exclaimed

Mrs. Baker looked at him,,, right now she felt as if she was going insane

" Three months? But she told us the baby is just 3 weeks old" Mr. Baker said

The doctor shooks his head " I think you guys should take it easy and ask her when she's awake."

" Right,, when will she be awake?" Mrs. Baker asked.

" Just give her some minutes or you can go in now. I'll come to check on her later" he quickly added

" Okay, thank you doctor" they thanked him.

Just then, they saw Sophia been pushed by a stretcher out of the theatre room and Mrs. Baker quickly rushed to her.

" My baby!" She exclaimed touching her face.

" Where are you taking her to?" She asked looking at the nurses.

" We're moving her to a ward" one of the nurses replied

" I'm coming with you!" Mark said

" No problem sir" with, that they moved Sophia into a ward and they all followed them.

★★★★★★★★

Mrs. Thomas cleared her table and smiled. She finished her work earlier than she expected.

All her thoughts was that the works will be too much for her but as her luck could have it, she finished it quickly.

Though it was already late, but still she planned to go home. She wanted to surprise her kids.

She smiled as she went out of her office. After locking the door well, she went to the parking lot and entered her car before driving off.

Karen kept walking nonstop. Though she had no idea where she was heading to, she made sure she was faraway from the house.

Even when she was tired,, she kept on walking cos she doesn't want to have anything to do with them again.

She sniffed in her tears. She wasn't crying again cos there wasn't any tears left to cry again. It felt as if her eye bag had been dried off though her eyes was still red.

She sneezed for the umpteenth time. The rain stopped few minutes ago and her clothes were all soaked up adding to her cold.

She was shivering as she kept on walking weakly,,, she felt as if she might pass out soon.

She was burning up and despite that,, she dragged her weak self slowly.

Just then she saw an oncoming car coming closer to her and before the car could get to her,,, she fell down and passed out.

Mrs. Thomas quickly stepped on the brake, and came out of the car immediately. She almost killed someone!

She walked closer to the little girl on the floor and gasped.

Did she hit her?

Why was she lying on the floor?

She quickly ran to her side and touched her cheeks,, but immediately she touched her,, she quickly withdrew her hand.

Geez! She was burning up. It felt as if she was burnt by an hot substance.

She gently tapped her cheeks hoping the girl could open her eyes. She wanted to be sure she didn't hit her.

Karen weakly opened her eyes and saw a lady looking down at her.

" Please save me,,, I'm dying" she weakly muttered before passing out fully.

Mrs. Thomas gasped out loud. What did she mean by that?

Why was she out here in this late hour?

She quickly scooped her into her arms and rushed to her car before anyone could pass by thinking she hit her with her car.

She gently placed her at the back seat before looking at the girl laying in her car.

Somehow, she felt pity for her. She quickly entered the driver's seat before driving off.

The girl needs to be treated. She was fucking burning up.

*****

Sophia opened her eyes slowly adjusting to the brightness of the room she was in.

She looked around the room and saw everyone sitting down.

" Mom"she weakly called.

Immediately Mrs. Baker heard her name, she quickly stood up and rushed to her.

" Sophia! Are you alright? How are you feeling now? Are you feeling any pains?" She rushed

" I'm fine" she muttered

Sophia tried to sit on the bed but quickly laid down back immediately she felt some pains in her stomach.

Her eyes widened when she remembered her baby

" Mom, my baby! He's fine right?" She asked her mom

" Yea, he's fine" Mrs. Baker answered and she quickly breathe out in relief.

Mark slowly walked closer to her before taking her hand gently in his.

" Are you sure you're okay?" He asked

She smiled gently at him " yes, I'm fine. Out baby is fine"

" Er.... About the baby,,, why did you lied to me?" He asked

" What do you mean?" Sophia asked confusely

" Why did you tell your parents the baby is three weeks old and telling me he's three months old?" He asked his eyes piercing into her own.

Sophia looked at her parents before looking at Mark and glumps down nothing.

Mrs. Thomas quickly rushed out of the car immediately she reached the house and quickly carried Karen outside.

She gently placed her at the back seat before looking at the girl laying in her car.

Somehow, she felt pity for her. She quickly entered the driver's seat before driving off.

The girl needs to be treated. She was fucking burning up.

*****

Sophia opened her eyes slowly adjusting to the brightness of the room she was in.

She looked around the room and saw everyone sitting down.

" Mom"she weakly called.

Immediately Mrs. Baker heard her name, she quickly stood up and rushed to her.

" Sophia! Are you alright? How are you feeling now? Are you feeling any pains?" She rushed

" I'm fine" she muttered

Sophia tried to sit on the bed but quickly laid down back immediately she felt some pains in her stomach.

Her eyes widened when she remembered her baby

" Mom, my baby! He's fine right?" She asked her mom

" Yea, he's fine" Mrs. Baker answered and she quickly breathe out in relief.

Mark slowly walked closer to her before taking her hand gently in his.

" Are you sure you're okay?" He asked

She smiled gently at him " yes, I'm fine. Out baby is fine"

" Er.... About the baby,,, why did you lied to me?" He asked

" What do you mean?" Sophia asked confusely

" Why did you tell your parents the baby is three weeks old and telling me he's three months old?" He asked his eyes piercing into her own.

Sophia looked at her parents before looking at Mark and glumps down nothing.

Mrs. Thomas quickly rushed out of the car immediately she reached the house and quickly carried Karen outside.

Mrs. Thomas rushed to the door and ring the bell. After some time,, the door was opened by Bella.

Mrs. Thomas quickly entered and rushed upstairs. Bella also ran after her.

Bella quickly opened one of the guest room and Karen was placed on the bed.

" Bella get me a warm water and a towel,,, quick" Mrs. Thomas ordered.

" Right away, ma'am" Bella replied and ran out of the room.

Mrs. Thomas touched Karen's forehead and noticed it wasn't hot like before again

Thankfully, she turned on the car heater while they were inside the car and she was glad that it helped to calm her temperature down.

Bella came inside the room and handed the water to her.

Mrs. Thomas quickly soaked the towel inside the water and placed it on Karen's forehead.

She did that at intervals, and after a while, she felt her temperature and saw that it warm completely.

She quickly scooped some warm soup into Karen's mouth whick Bella prepared a while ago.

After a while,, Bella looked at Mrs. Baker curiously and Mrs. Thomas smiled before giving her the permission to leave.

On her way out, she met Miguel coming out of his room and she greeted him before telling him their mom is back.

" My mom is back?" Miguel asked. Obviously he was surprised cos he wasn't expecting her to be back that night.

" Yea, and she brought one strange girl home" she informed

" What? A girl?" Miguel asked to be sure

" Yea" bella answered

He quickly entered the room he saw her coming from and true to her words,,, his mom was back. But not only his mom, he saw a strange girl lying on the bed.

Mrs. Thomas smiled on seeing him.

" Son, how are you?" She asked

" I'm fine. You said you weren't coming today.

" And who's she?" He asked gesturing to Karen

" I finished my work earlier than I expected" Mrs. Thomas said and explained everything to him.

" You mean you brought someone you don't even know home?" Miguel almost shouting.

Just then, Michael also entered the room and was shocked to see their mom back and also a strange girl laying on the bed.

★★★★

Sophia looked at her parents before looking at Mark and glumps down nothing.

" Why aren't you saying anything?" Mr. Baker asked.

" The thing is.... Er... I told my parents the baby is 3 weeks old cos I didn't know how to tell them I'm pregnant and it's in the sixth month now" she tried to explain

" But still,, you could have just told us the truth. We are your parents,, we aren't gonna kill you. So, what if it's the time to give birth to the baby,, how are you going to do it? Aren't we going to find out by then?" Mrs. Baker asked.

" I'm sorry mom. I wasn't thinking straight at that moment. I was so scared thinking you were gonna chase me out of the house" Sophia muttered.

" Then what about me? Why did you lied to me also? I'm the father of the child and I deserve to know everything about the baby" Mark butted in trying not to shout

" I'm sorry baby... I just did that cos I thought you were gonna deny the baby. How could I just face you and say it to your face that I'm six months pregnant? If I only I had found out sooner,, I wouldn't have lied to you"

" I understand what she's trying to say, Mark. She's still a young girl,,, you just have to embrace her and teach her the way of things" Mrs. Baker said softly

" Fine, I understand what you did. But don't you ever try that again. I deserve to know everything about the baby" Mark said

" Thank you so much for believing me" Sophia muttered softly as she smiled

" So mom, what about Karen? What did you do to her?" She added as she faced her mom

" Your father chased her away. She's no longer staying with us anymore" Mrs. Baker answered smiling satisfactory

" What!" Mark exclaimed almost yelling

" That's a good news. Can't believe she almost killed me and my baby. If I was given the chance, I'd have dealt with her myself" Sophia muttered smiling wickedly

" But why will you do that? That girl is still young. Where do you expect her to go by this late hour?" Mark asked obviously pissed at their way of judgement

" That doesn't concern me,, as long as she's out of our lives,,, then I'm fine with it" Ava muttered

" Mom, dad,,can I speak to Sophia alone?" Mark asked politely

" Sure. We'll excuse you" Mr. Baker said and they all went out of the room leaving Sophia and Mark alone.

" What was the meaning of what you did earlier? Tell me the truth,, did Karen really pushed you?" Mark asked facing her

" Of course. Do you think I'd lie to you. That girl pushed me down the stairs almost killing me! " Sophia whisper yell

" Sophia,, I know you. What did you do to that girl?" Mark asked

" Wasn't it all your fault? You were f*cking cheating on me with her!" She yelled

" What?" Mark chuckled

" Yes. I saw the both of you hugging each other by the street"

" Babe, that was just an harmless hug. Karen is like a younger sis to me. Don't you even trust me? Was that why you went ahead and ended up hurting the poor girl?" He asked bitterly

" I don't trust you! You could be dating her behind my back. Who knows if you are also f*cking her" Sophia muttered

That statement angered Mark and he landed a slap at her face before he could control himself.

★★★★★★★★★

Mrs. Thomas looked over at Michael and smiled widely.

" Why aren't you guys sleeping by this time?" She asked facing both Miguel and Michael

" Wasn't feeling sleepy. Besides, I was going to have a drink downstairs when I heard voices inside" Michael explained

" By the way, who's she?" He asked

Mrs. Thomas explained everything to him and what he felt at that moment, he couldn't place his hands on it.

" Mom, you can't just bring someone into this house anyhow." Michael said

" That was what I was saying earlier. Have you told dad about it?" Miguel asked

" No, I haven't. I just came back not quite long. Besides, I had to take care of her first since she was burning up" Mrs. Thomas explained

" See,, you didn't even told your husband about it? What if she's a vampire? Or a ghost?" Miguel asked

He quickly faced Michael.

" What if she's a werewolf? Or an assassin?" He gasped loudly.

Michael looked at him as if he was crazy.

" Are you sure you're okay?" He asked feeling Miguel's temperature.

" Oh, my days in this house are numbered " Miguel ignored him as he wailed dramatically.

*****

All at once, sudden shock passed through Sophia's whole being that she thought she might pass out.

Mark just slapped her!

He fvcking slapped her!!

Mark looked at her with fury in his eyes.

" How could you accuse me of such a despicable act? Even if you don't trust and respect your sister,,, learn to respect me! " He said almost yelling.

" Did you just hit me? How dare you?!" She screamed forgetting about her condition.

" Don't make me regret ever dating you,, cos I'm wondering what I saw in you in the first place. I might have been blind then..." He muttered and shook his head before storming out of the ward.

Mark met Mr. & Mrs. Baker on his way out,,but he completely ignored them.

" Son, are you leaving now?" Mr. Baker asked him but he ignored him totally before exiting the hospital.

" Did he just ignore me?" Mr. Baker scoffed as he watch the exit of hospital.

" Did they had a fight?" Mrs. Baker wondered out loudly.

Sophia stared ahead of her as if in a trance. She couldn't believe Mark slapped her.

Because of Karen, Mark slapped her. Mere thinking about it,,, she couldn't help but to hate Karen more.

She screamed out loud and roughed her hair fuming in anger.

But her scream of anger suddenly turn to pain. Right at that moment, she felt like she was dying.

She clutched her stomach in pains and tears rolled down her cheeks.

Luckily for her, her parents walked in at that moment.

" Sophia!" Mrs. Baker screamed seeing her daughter clutching her stomach writhing in pains.

She rushed to her.

" What happen,,, are you okay? Are you feeling pain?" She rushed at once.

" Mom,,, I'm,,, in pain" Sophia stuttered out.

" My stomach is hurting me.... I'm dying" she added as she cried out.

" Derek,, call the doctor,, quick!" She shouted at her husband who immediately rushed out of the room.

She turned to Sophia, and caressed her cheeks.

" Everything will be fine, honey. You'll be okay" she cooed rubbing her cheeks soothingly

At that moment, the doctor came rushing in with some nurses and Mrs. Baker quickly rushed to him.

" Doctor, please do something. I can't bear seeing my daughter in pains" Mrs. Baker cried out.

The doctor walked over to Sophia and quickly brought out some tools to check her body.

After a while,, the doctor faced the nurses.

" Prepare a room for delivery, now! The baby is coming out more early than I expected" He ordered.

He turned his attention to Sophia who was groaning in pain before turning his attention to her parents.

" Your daughter is in labor. Like I said earlier,, the baby will be born prematurely. So, we should hope for the best" he said

All Mrs. Baker did was to weep in tears.

Few minutes later, two nurses rushed in and managed to take the weak Sophia into the delivery room.

★★★★★★★★★

Mrs. Thomas bursted into laughter at Miguel's childish behavior.

" Then you'll be the one she'll devour first if she's a vampire" Michael said

" What,, me?? That should be you first,, you're the guy with the frowning face. You'll be the one to be devoured first.. As for me,, I'm sure she won't be able to resist this cute face of mine.." Miguel boasted.

" In your dreams. Cute my foot. You're the most ugly creature I've ever met in my life" Michael said.

" I wonder what girls see in you always wanting to kill theirself. I must say they're blind" he added.

" Just say you're jealous, dude. You're jealous cos no one wants to be around you " Miguel said and quickly shut his mouth seeing the look Michael was giving him.

" Right. No one want to be around me. Thanks for reminding me" Michael muttered

" Hey, I don't mean it that way. I was just.... Okay fine,,, I'm sorry" Miguel muttered slowly

Michael looked at him for a while before bursting into laughter.

Miguel looked at him for a moment confused as to why he was laughing that way.

Then it dawned on him that he tricked him. His eyes widened at the realization.

" You,, you,," he points his hand at him.

Mrs. Thomas looked at the both of them with a wide smile on her face.

The both of the may be like cat and dog sometimes,, but they're the best brothers one could ever find.

Slowly, she stood up and left the room quietly leaving them to continue bickering at each other.

" You're a dummy. How could you fall for something so easy as that?" Michael said as he kept mocking his brother.

" Hey, point of correction.. I didn't fall for that. I was just,,, whatever"

" That's good. You should accept defeat. I can't just wait for this girl to wake up so she can eat you up." Michael teased

" What! Me?? You should know that's not true. She can't do something as such to me. This hot face of mine can do the trick." He paused and looked over at Karen.

" She's cute though,, but she's not my type. She can't match my standards" Miguel boasted...

" Why do I feel like you'll end up eating your words?" Michael asked.

" You should know that's not true... I never go back on my words" Miguel replied.

A groan stop their little bickerings and their head snapped quickly towards Karen direction.

They slowly moved closer to her and that was when they discovered she was crying silently.

She tossed her head to the right,, and then the left. And that made them realize she was having a nightmare.

Michael moved closer to her and gently placed his hand on her arm trying to pacify her.

" No please! I didn't mean to do that. I never intended to kill her baby. It was just an harmless push..... Please,, I'm sorry" she begged as she tossed around the bed with tears streaming down her face.

He looked at her weirdly " just who the hell is she?" He muttered.

All of a sudden, she pulled him to the bed and snuggled into his arms.

" Please don't leave me" she whispered

Miguel looked at him before sticking his tongue at him.

" Good for you... As for me,, let's call it a goodnight" he said as he chuckled and went out of the room.

" That betrayal" Michael muttered between gritted teeth.

He looked at Karen who kept snuggling into his arms as if she wanna enter me and sighed.

He gently pushed her away from him but she moved more closer to him.

" Gosh!" He groaned frustratingly

" Promise me you won't leave me" Karen murmured slowly

He quickly looked at her face and discovered she was still sleeping.

Was she sleep talking or what? He thought inwardly.

" Promise me you won't" she said again.

Sighs " okay fine. I won't leave" he said.

Not like he gat a choice.

" Please don't leave me" she whispered and fell asleep right in his arms.

Michael looked at the sleeping girl and sighed.

Guess he will be sleeping here tonight!

SOME HOURS LATER****

Sophia was laying on the bed. She gave birth to her baby a while ago.

It was a baby girl.

She couldn't believe she was gonna give birth to her baby prematurely,, but luckily for her,, the baby will be placed in an incubator.

" How are you feeling now?" Ava asked her

" I'm fine, sis. Thanks" she muttered and smiled gently.

" You should go home, Ava. You should go prepare for school" Mr. Baker said.

" Okay, Dad. Since Sophia is fine already,, I should get going. Bye mom" she waved at her mom before leaving the hospital since it was morning already.

Sophia sighed heavily. Now, she was free of the baby bump.

Mark slowly entered the room and walked up to them.

It was Ava who called him to inform the news.

" You were moody yesterday, is everything okay?" Mrs. Baker asked

" Yea, I'm fine" he answered

He walked up to Sophia and sat down on the bed beside her.

Sophia eyed him before turning her back to him making her parents wondered what was wrong.

BRIGHT HIGH***

Jake was pacing around the class. His mind wasn't at rest.

He was thinking of Karen throughout last night and he already made up his mind to apologize to her.

He finally realized that he's in love with her and if possible,, he might ask her to be his girlfriend.

He breathe in relief when he saw Ava entering the class.

He was about to rush to her to ask if Karen when students began trooping in.

" F*ck! " He groaned frustratingly

Just then the teacher entered the class and he was forced to go to his seat.

He might just talk to Karen when she gets to school.

***

Immediately the teacher left the class, and it was time for lunch,,, Jake quickly stood up from his seat and walked up to Ava's seat who was chatting with her friend, Linda.

" Hey" he greeted

Shocked " er... Jake?" Ava muttered obviously surprised.

She wasn't expecting him to talk to her.

" I'm sorry but can I see you for a second" he asked.

At that moment, he felt like he was going crazy.

Karen didn't come to school and that alone drove him insane.

" Really? Yea... I mean,, of course" Ava said feeling happy.

She looked at Linda who smiled giving her the go ahead.

" Go enjoy yourself" Linda mouthed at her

She shook her head laughing as she followed Jake outside.

Jake turned to her immediately they got to the school hallway. He wasn't gonna beat around the bush.

" How's Karen? Why didn't she come to school today?" He asked

" Karen? Was that why you called me outside?" She scoffed

" Yea... She's fine right?"

Flings her hair to the back.

" Karen isn't coming to school and will never be coming again" she said

" What do you mean?" He asked confused at her reply.

" What I meant is that,, Karen is no longer here anymore. She left for good" she dropped the bombshell..

" What??" Jake asked shocked.