Her Ultimate Destroyer

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👩‍🎓LEONA 👩‍🎓

"And our Valedictorian for this year 2019 goes to.." the emcee paused as he smiled mockingly at us.

He has us, especially me right where he wanted. In between his tight gripping suspense.

My heart hammered furiously against my ribcage as I exchanged looks with my best friend. She smiled nervously at me then her gaze goes back to the man at the podium who in no time will be declaring the hero of this year.

It's the best student award. Valedictory, to be precise. At the end of the day, a student with the highest rank of the entire graduating class will leave here with a price and bragging rights.

Rhoda and I are anxious because we happen to just be one of the nerds who worked hard just to acquire the title.

For all the things, I need it mostly for the money and the juicy offer that comes with it but for my friend, she seems to have the silver spoon already glistening in her mouth so surely, it's for the bragging rights. Whatever reason we both have, it's certainly going to make us happy.

Clearly, It was the day of graduation, and I'm just excited as everyone here. After years of schooling, I can finally say bye to college.

Though I have come out with a first-class degree, my family and I will be done a great favor if my name should be called as it's going to open many possibilities for us. It will go a long way.

For someone who comes from a lower-class family, I surely need this greatly. After I lost my mom, my dad remarried and had three more children who are all girls with Tasha.

I'm Leona Grande the second child and the only daughter my mom gave birth to before passing on. My dad got remarried to Tasha and they had three kids, all girls. I have a brother, Raymond who has made it out of high school only.

My dad is a fashion designer who manages a small shop which wasn't doing too well as my education ate deep into it.

Having a jobless stepmom made it worse because the burden was on dad alone which as a result, my step-siblings had to drop out of middle school.

As if that wasn't enough, my stepmom, Tasha was quite a headache and her three girls are also something else. Especially the eldest who's called Elsie.

Now here's the deal, I have to shoulder my family's financial burdens once I am out of college since the family's greater wealth got invested into my education. It's now time to pay back every single dime and more.

I'd have to get a good job, send my siblings back to school, and take care of the family. This is why this award is very important to me because it comes with a job and a fixed salary. Which means I won't have to go searching for a job once I'm done. I've worked and sacrificed a lot for four years and almost all my life.

Only if my elder brother had agreed to this but he hates to be controlled. Not that I like it but I was my dad's only option.

At the early stage of sixteen, I was out of high school and now at the age of twenty, I made it out of college. My life was simple yet intense.

I was really serious with my books, they had me indoors most of the time. I earned the nerd title very easily way back in high school only that I didn't put on huge glasses.

I wanted to keep a low profile but my grades kept me popular.

Since my dad didn't make me work part-time, I had to really make it worth it. Friends will be a distraction so I entertained none until I met Rhoda at NYU.

Being the daughter of a wealthy family, I was shocked that she chose to befriend a church mouse like me.

I was not the normal teenage girl who chats and gossip about boys goes to parties and has sex. I lived my life differently, mentally, psychologically, physically, and emotionally.

My red platinum hair was overgrown because I had no time to attend to it and even if I had the time, there was no money for that. The length of my hair is almost below my butt anytime I lose it. Other than that, it was always wrapped on my head.

I had no time to apply makeup or wear beautiful clothes. I was always cladded in faded denim trousers and hoodies.

Well, let's say all the few clothes I have are all faded out of excess use. It didn't bother me because I had nowhere to go or someone to impress.

I'm under the no-boyfriend policy and my dad always makes sure that I wasn't seen around the opposite sex even now that I am 20. He's very protective over me.

Being a future breadwinner or should I say, caretaker or heir? Whichever way, it wasn't an easy task.

The way I lived my life should make it difficult for us to get along but Rhoda and I clicked perfectly.

I looked around and admired the beautiful academic gowns we were wearing.

I can't wait to throw my cap out into the air with Rhoda. We have...

"As you are all aware, the student with the highest grades in all the subjects is the one considered as a Valedictorian and that is none other but our very own miss Leona Grande. She deserves.."

My heart leaped into the pit of my stomach just hearing my name. I can't breathe. I tried to process what I heard. But my heart was beating loudly and the noise from the students was also loud. I can't tell which one is louder.

I fan my face with my hand.

The whole graduate cheered and chanted my name wildly. I was overwhelmed. Now if I didn't hear the emcee correctly, the chanting of my mates cleared the doubts.

Rhoda's smile and the crushing of her body against mine as she screamed congratulations registered it in my mind.

My eyes darted to the gold medal and the sight teared me up.

Oh my God! I made it! I made it! I made it! I chanted in my head.

The cheering was so loud that I can imagine my father doing a victory dance back home, my stepmom's relief smile, her children's happy faces, and my brother's proud smile.

I jumped up happily and muttered a YES! Meanwhile, I couldn't stop my tears.

With this award, I don't need to go searching for work because the government is gonna employ me instantly.

"Kindly come forward miss Grande." The emcee called.

I glance at Rhoda as if to ask for permission. She urged me on by pushing me off towards the podium. I take in deep breaths before beginning to walk towards the big stage but suddenly, everything began to spin around me and I felt oddly dizzy.

I tried to keep my eyes open as I walk and even though it was difficult, I somehow managed to get closer to the stage.

Finally, up there, I didn't know what happened and everything suddenly went blank. I felt my knees go weak beneath me and slowly let loose.

The gasps of my lectures and my colleagues were the last thing I heard as I succumb to the pain from my fall and eventually darkness.

_________________________________

RHODA

Hearing Leona's name being called out as the best student, I wasn't surprised as I had expected it. What I didn't expect is her sudden fall when she got on the stage.

The college authorities called for the first aid team and she got rushed to the school's clinic.

"I guess our new Valedictorian is overexcited and must've passed out due to that." The chancellor began.

It better be the reason. She can't fall sick all of a sudden.

"Until she's awake, the ceremony will not continue." The chancellor concludes and I smile.

Yes.

That's how important Leona is. She's just too brilliant and everything about her is so so perfect. She's calm and collected.

When we first became friends, she would decline my invitation to parties and even sleepovers. She still doesn't and I respect her decision. I thought she was a bore but that was until I got to know her.

However, I decided to change her outlook since I have enough to change her wardrobe. She rejected that too.

I had to wonder if she'll ever get a boyfriend and even pitied her. Silly me.

Leona was a beauty regardless. Her long hair, smooth skin, and dimples that round her cheeks each time her lips move then there's that big heart of hers.

Meeting her has changed my life and I will never regret but bless the day I met her and we became friends.

For someone like me who knew nothing but to party and now have a first-class degree, Leona tried that much.

I wasn't smart in academics. Maybe because I was lazy and never learned. Leona kept me disciplined and responsible. Economics became my major weak point but she helped me. Gradually, my grades improved.

As I began to gain recognition from teachers for my performance, my friends who had mocked me when I first befriended Leona became jealous. If they knew what it had to take.

If I don't end up with an award today, it wouldn't make any difference. I got a good degree anyways.

I looked around. The chanting that started a while ago has long died out.

Most of the students found interest in something else since the program has been paused. While some took pictures, some conversed, laughing heartily.

I walked from where I stood with Leona before she had to go and faint to the parking lot. I stepped into my Audi and drove to the clinic. It's just a few distances from the campus.

Getting to the clinic, it was easy to locate her ward, my eyes found her siblings first then her. She still hasn't woken up.

The eldest who was between 16 and seventeen looked pissed while the 13 and the 10 years were both crying.

I got alarmed.

Did someone die? I look over to Leona but I could see the steady rise and fall of her chest.

Thinking that they are just worried about their sister though I know how differently she's being treated by them at home, I am concerned.

I decided to get water to calm them down with and while returning, I saw the chancellor. He wasn't alone. He was with Leona's parents.

What could be the problem? I got even more worried. Seeing her parents means there's more to this.

I got back to the ward and shared the water among them. I watch them open it and take a sip but not a sign of gratitude was shown.

"What's wrong? Is anything the matter?" I asked no one in particular.

"She's pregnant!" The eldest blurted.

"Are you kidding me? How can she be pregnant?" I chuckled.

" I can't understand what the results read but that's what the doctor said to your school head. I'm not deaf."

"Where are the results then?" I demanded. Her eyes darted to the foot of Leona's bed.

"There."

I followed her gaze and saw a crumpled paper on the floor.

I walked to it and picked it up, chuckling as I unfold it.

There's no way Leona will be pregnant. That girl hardly talks to boys.

I opened the test results and scanned through then dropped it suddenly as if it was something contagious.

This can't be! It's a lie. Leo can't be pregnant. She's so busy working towards her goal to be pregnant.

I ran out and called one of the nurses to run another check on her. She wouldn't agree until I promised her money.

I didn't let her got to the lap alone after taking a simple sample of her blood from her arm though it raised eyebrows.

After using the quantitative blood test to measures the exact amount of hCG in her blood, I was still not convinced.

I made her use the second method, qualitative HCG which checks if the pregnancy hormone is present in her blood or not.

The answer was yes.

I didn't allow the lab technician to print it out again. I look into my purse and draw a few dollars out.

That explains it. So this is the reason why her parents were summoned?

Glad that her siblings have left when I returned, I sat beside her, not knowing what to do next as tears spilled on my cheeks. Even after the tests, this was still hard to believe.

"Why are you crying, Rhoda?"

I heard her calm voice and raised my head.

"Are you alright?" I asked, examining her with my eyes.

"Yes, I am. Why do you ask? " She got up into a sitting position.

"I'm glad you're okay. I was just worried." I forced a smile at her.

"Was that why you were crying?"

"I guess."

She smiled. "Why am I here, Rhoda? I was supposed to be giving my speech right?"

"You passed out suddenly. Maybe because.." I couldn't finish.

"Because you got pregnant."

Someone said from the door and instantly the blood drained from her face.

I looked at the door and saw her stepmom walk in with rage and without hesitating, or giving her time to process what she just said, she slapped her on both cheeks so hard that her hand marked on her cheeks.

I flinched, closing my eyes as a sharp wince left Leona's lips.

"How dare you do this to us? You disgraceful and ungrateful daughter of a bitch! " She yelled.

Leona looked at me then at her stepmom with a confused and clueless face.

She got up from the bed and straightened her dress slowly.

"What's wrong mom..."

"Don't ever call me mom because you were never my daughter and you'll never be. I'll be considered bad luck if I were to give birth to you." She spat.

That was harsh.

"What's wrong, Rhoda?" She turned to me with quivering lips.

I could see how she was breathing so fast which means that her heart was pounding.

"I...I .." I tried to say but the chancellor entered and intruded.

"The two of you are needed outside." He said and went back.

"Mom, I swear I didn't do anything.." Leona tried to explain but the witch raised her hands again to slap her. I refuse to let it happen.

I held her hand before it could reach her. "Hit her again and I will hand you to the cops for abusing a pregnant woman," I warned through gritted teeth.

Leona's stepmom yanked her hand from my grip and with a loud his and a look of contempt at both of us, she left.

"That wasn't necessary." She scolded.

"I can't watch her hit you again. If I had an idea of the first one, I would have stopped it on time."

" Thanks but she is reacting this way because of the false news she must have heard." Leona defended her to my annoyance.

"She's always like this, Leona."

"Leave her. I am interested to know what she's talking about."

"Have you had any sex?"

"What! No! "

"Then why are you pregnant? The test is showing that you're two weeks gone."

"What?" She exclaimed again.

"Tell me the truth, Leo. What really happened? Did you get a boyfriend and forgot to tell me?"

I doubt that but I need to ask.

"Stop this, Rhoda! I never had a boyfriend and I never had sex. In fact, am a VIRGIN!" She screamed the words with conviction. "I am still a virgin." She repeated, fresh tears falling to her round cheeks.

I want to believe you but I had gone to watch the test get done. There wasn't a mistake.

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~RHODA~

"Then how's this possible! I wouldn't have believed if I hadn't done the test myself." I told her.

"Trust me, Rhoda, I never had sex! I didn't do anything." She wailed.

"I trust you completely Leo, in fact, more than myself but you know one can never get pregnant without having sex. I mean is not like Jesus is visiting the world again through you!" I reason with her.

"Shut up already! You're only making this worse." She chided. "I'm sure there's a mix-up somewhere other than that, how can I be pregnant?."

"Alright but I think we should do a virginity test to prove that you still are."

"Does that mean you don't believe what I am saying?" She sounds disappointed.

"Not that. I trust you. This is going to prove your innocence and then we can look to what to do next."

"That is ridiculous, Rhoda! Do you know how that thing is done?" She asked, her cheeks gaining color.

I've only heard that virginity tests are done but I don't really have an idea how it is conducted.

"How's it done?"

She sighed and bit into her lower lip. "The doctor has to insert his finger in my vagina to check its laxity and am not ready for that. I believe in myself. Believe whatever you want but I know that I am not pregnant or did anything that would have led to it." She concluded with finality and walked out.

She walked out and I just follow her.

"Fine! When was the last time you had your period or when is it due.?" I run to catch up with her.

She stopped, then started biting her lower lips. She does this mostly when she's in thought. "It will be due tomorrow. I'm expecting it tomorrow."

Wow.

"Okay, let's wait and see then." I smile at her but she didn't return it.

"Yeah."

We got back to the gathering and just as the chancellor had said the program continued.

Leona is called again for the medal 🏅 but this time around, the energy was vague and she wasn't as happy. The crowd cheered for her regardless and she tried to smile but it didn't reach her eyes.

"This year is a wonderful one because both our Valedictorian and Salutatorian are girls. Today, a fifty years record where boys were the only ones has broken! Ladies and gentlemen, the Salutatorian also goes to Miss Rhoda Grant!"

Goodness gracious Lord! This is a dream come true!

"It has been proven yet again that indeed birds of the same feathers do flock together. They were best friends who couldn't stop making this institution proud.."

My parents rushed to hug me from nowhere before I got to the stage for my medal which was silver.

After the speeches and others, the day came to an end with all the graduates throwing their caps in the air.

It was such a sight!

"Congratulations Rhoda!" Leona bubbled.

"Congratulations to you too." I hugged her, looking around for her brother.

"Where's Raymond?" I asked.

She shrugged. "He should be at home with his friends. I don't know what he's up to at the moment but I know if he was chanced, he wouldn't miss this day."

I nodded.

"Shall we go home?" She asked.

"Not now. We're going to have a treat first then get home when everyone is fast snoring. We're going to catch some fun baby." I squeal.

"Actually, I can't wait to tell Dad about the good news so I want to go home."

I frowned. "Just this once, Leona. Do yourself this favor." I ended with a pout and puppy eyes. I know she can't resist when I do that.

She contemplated, pursing her lips then biting it softly. When she was about to open her mouth, I screamed "Yes!"

She laughed and I looped my arms around her neck towards my car. It's a yes.

About to walk into my car, a car I recognize to be my mom's comes to a screeching halt in front of mine.

It stopped and my mom got out. I thought she left with dad.

"Hey, Mom! Thought you left. Leona and I thought we should spend some time together..."

"Not under my watch!" She objected, shocking me.

"What are you talking about, mom?"

"To tell you the truth, I only encouraged your friendship because I knew she was helping you and a girl of good character. But now that you've achieved your goal while she lost her value, why stick around? You don't need her again sweetheart."

Oh, God. My mouth dropped wide open. How could my mom say this and in her presence? My hand slides from Leona's shoulder unconsciously.

"Leona is still the same Leona for me mom. Don't be ridiculed that I will backslide with you." I sneer. "And don't talk about her. You know nothing."

"I already know her dear. Is she not the one who fainted and was later discovered to be pregnant?" She looks at Leona contemptuously.

I heard Leona gasp.

"And who told you that?"

"How I got to know is not important. What is important is that I don't want you around her anymore. She's a bad influence." She snatched my hand.

"No!" I tried to take my hand back. I wonder where she got that medieval thought from.

"Yes. She's immoral and shameless."

"How can you say such things, mom. She's my friend." I looked at Leona and her face was down.

"Not anymore!"

"Don't fucking dictate for me. I am not a child anymore." I screamed.

"That's not for you to decide. Get the hell into your car now or I drag you into mine."

"No I won't and you will do no such thing." I refused with eyes on Leona. She was almost crying before she turned her back to us and began walking away.

No.

"Leona you can't do this."

She stopped.

"You can't just run away. This woman is crazy!" I told while trying to free my hand but it seems mom got stronger overnight.

I had only one way out. I lowered my lips and bit into my mom's flesh. She groaned, letting me go.

I started running towards Leona when mom pulled me back yet again and ordered one of our bodyguards to carry me.

God!

"What are you doing mom? Let him get me down." I hit the back of the man.

I looked back again and I saw Leona with the proprietor.

I won't give up mom. What you don't know is that Leona is not the only member of her family who I'm interested in.

~LEONA~

I tried to stifle my sobs as I ran when Rhoda was driven away. Even without her consent, she left.

As I ran for a place to let my tears out, I ran into someone. I looked up and gasped. It's the chancellor.

He didn't say anything but looked at me sadly before handing me an envelope. Before I could ask him about it, he has already left.

I reexamined the envelope which has been addressed to me and wondered what could be in there.

I decided to go after him but I halted my steps when I remembered Rhoda's mom's words.

"I already know her dear. Is she not the one who fainted and was later discovered to be pregnant?"

And with the look that those around were giving me, I didn't think I can go into the campus.

I took a taxi back home decided to open the envelope later.

After some few minutes, I arrived home and walked to our door. I was about to open it when my foot hit something in the doorway.

I looked down and there was my small luggage. What will my luggage be doing here?

I took it and opened the door about to get in when I was stopped by Elsie.

"Hi, Elsie." I greeted.

"Don't 'hi' me!" She rudely replied, folding her hands on her chest. There couldn't have been anyone. She threw my luggage out here but on who's instruction or her own will?

"What's wrong? Is everything okay?"

"How can everything be okay when you had gone and ruined this family."

"What do you mean?"

"Stop pretending to know nothing about what is happening, Leona," Valerie said and came to stand beside Elsie with hands crossed on her chest.

"She acts as if she was innocent and the holiest of holiest but it was all a sham. Your game is over Leona and now mom and dad want you outta this house." Elsie said angrily.

Okay. It could be mom but not dad. After all that he did for me to get this far, dad won't throw me out.

"Hey, what's wrong with both of you? And who said I'm pregnant? Where's dad? I'll like to talk to him." I demanded.

"You can't talk to him." Vera, the last born said quietly behind Elsie.

I walked closer to her and squat before her. I tried to touch her but she moved back. "Why can't I talk to him, Vee?"

"He's been hospitalized and it's all because you, sis Leona." She reported to me.

"What? What happened to him?"

"You're the one who happened to him. The worst mistake he ever made so far."

"Listen to me all of you. I don't know what you must've heard but I know that whatever you heard about me is a lie and am sure dad will understand and make you guys understand as well. Now tell me where he has been admitted."

"Kings Hospital." Vee was fast to answer before Elsie could stop her.

"How will we get back to school now that there's a baby in your tummy? Mommy said we can't go to school anymore sister Leo." Vee complained, tearing up.

"You'll all go to school, I promise." My voice came out as a whisper but I'm sure they heard me. I mean those words more than anything. I won't let them down, whatever it has to take me.

"Vee, help take my luggage back in will you?" She seems to be the only one I can ask this favor from.

"Will you promise to take me to school?"

I smiled. " I promise."

****

It didn't take long to get to the hospital and the lady at the front desk was nice enough to give my dad's ward number to me.

I have no idea if what my siblings are saying is true but I am certain to find answers when I see my father. This situation needs to be rectified and all doubts cleared.

Before I could enter to see my father, a strong arm pulled me back violently by the wrist and began to drag me out of the hospital.

The heck!

It's my stepmom.

"What are you doing mom?" I whimper.

"Can't you see? I'm kicking the source of our bad luck out of our lives."

"Let me go, mom. I want to see my father."

" Not after what you did and he doesn't want to see you anyway." She finally let go. I rubbed my wrist and already imagined it bruised. I didn't mind. I was more concerned about what she just said.

"What?"

"You ceased to be his daughter the day you shamelessly slept with a man. You led him down and so he wants you out of his life for good. You've been nothing but a big disgrace."

"You're making all this up because I know dad will never say such things. He trusts me completely" I refuse to believe her vile words.

"You ruined all his plans that he got confined permanently in a wheelchair by the shocking news. That man had so much faith in you but you overlooked it. Do you think he'll still want you in his life?"

"What! My dad is paralyzed? But why?"

"Stop asking foolish questions and get out of our lives and never return." She snapped angrily.

Tasha has always been unkind to me but today's own is like none I've seen before. I could see her hatred for me burning in her eyes.

"But what of the promise I made to him? To take care of this family? Look, mom, I've completed it and the government has made arrangements for me to be employed in one of the big companies and after that, we wouldn't have to worry about money. I will be paid and that money will be used to take care of my sibling's education..."

She chuckled wickedly.

"Who's going to take care of that bastard you're busy carrying until he's born and after? And which company is going to employ a pregnant woman?"

"I know..." I paused because I didn't know what to say. What if I am indeed pregnant? Who is going to take care of my family? They spent so much on me so that I can help reduce our financial problems. I can't add up to their sufferings.

" I've always known that this will happen and it has happened. You were never someone to be trusted and now it has cost us all dearly especially the life of my dear children. I hate you, Leona and I always have. I only tolerated you because of your dad but not anymore. I want you out of this hospital, out of my husband's house and our lives else you'll have me to deal with and I promise to make this miserable life of yours a leaving hell!"

My mouth hanged in the air loosely. Why would mum say all this to me?

"How do you expect me to do that? He's my dad and you're my family. I have nowhere else to be." I cried.

"Unless you finally want to send him to his early grave and become an orphan. He barely survived your betrayal. Watching his daughter struggle with pregnancy instead of work will finish him off in no time."

I'm rendered speechless as I watched her leave. Today was supposed to be a happy day for me but turned out my worst day ever.

I turned to leave and once again bumped into someone.

I looked up and saw Raymond. My brother. I hugged him tightly as if my life depended on it. Seeing him is a big relief for me. I hope he believes me.

Raymond hugged me back and rubbed soothing circles at my back.

I pulled back after a while and raised my tearful gaze. "I didn't do anything, Ray. I swear."

"I know Leo, you don't have to say anything. I understand." He cupped my face and gently wiped my tears with his thumb.

"But why can't everyone understand me as well?"