She is mine.

She is mine 1

©️ Fardaykhemy Raheem.

The rain has stopped falling and everywhere feels more colder.

People scurried out of their hideout while Alice also joined the crowd that left the mall.

She walked towards the bus stop in order to board a bus.

Not too long,

A bus stopped while she entered the bus alongside with other passengers.

She found an open space and sat on the seat.

"Excuse me, dear". A strange voice said while she looked up to a young guy standing beside her.

"I'm sorry, can I sit here?".

"It's a free world". She responded while he sat beside her.

"I'm sorry for disturbing you. I'm Charles and sitting beside you is like hiding from my friends".

"Your friend, how? This is an open space?". Alice asked and look over to the other side.

"They are sitting at the front and I don't feel like talking to them this evening".

"If you don't feel like talking to your friends, so, you're free to talk to me.

I am.a stranger to you". Alice responded

"You don't look like a stranger to me.

I just don't know, I felt at ease when I walked over to your space. I'm sorry, can I get to know.your name?".

"Why?".

"It's nothing..i.meant no harm". He said.raising.his two hands up.in surrender while Alice chuckled at his gesture.

"It's okay,

I'm just trying to play safe here.

My name.is.Alice".

"Wow! Alice, you've got a nice name.

Can you share your contact with me?". He asked stretching his phone forward while Alice smirked and rejected it.

"You're too forward. I'm not that loose!.

"You're not, like I said earlier, I meant no harm.. I promise! He promised in a lovely tone that Alice had no choice than to collect his phone.and.typed in her number.

"Thank you". He said while.the bus stopped and he walked away.

Alice plugged in her earpiece to listen to a music till the bus reached the last park.

She Alighted from the car and walked towards her parents house.

She reached the door and pressed the door bell.

"Who is there?". Someone asked from inside while she introduced herself as Alice.

Becky opened the door while she walked in.

They refused to exchange pleasantries.

Alice walked to the sitting room and met her two parents there.

Her father is busy going through the newspaper while her mother is watching movies.

"Good day, dad and mum". She greeted.

"Welcome dear,

Come and have your seat". her mother said.

"Can I sit with you, mum?".

"Of course you can". She responded with a sweet smile.

Alice was confused because her mother hardly allows her to sit beside her. What's with her sudden good attitude.

"How's work today?". Her mother asked while she responded with "good".

"Would you eat now? Or should I serve your drink?.

Let me call on Becky.

"Becky!

"It's okay, mum. I'm full.

"Why? Are you angry with me?". She asked with a change countenance.

"No, mum. I'm not!

I'm just okay.

Please, can I go to my room now?".

"You can't, we have something important to discuss with you". His dad said all of a sudden.

He dropped the newspaper that he is holding and sit upright.

"I need you to tune down the volume of that movie, dear". He instructed while Alice mother tube down the volume.

They all sit upright while Becky also sat with them.

"I know that...this look strange to you, but, it is what is needed to be done!

We are all family right?

And family help themselves in whatever situation that they found themselves.

Do you all agree with me?".

"Yes sir". They all chorused.

"My dear, Alice.

This family is in huge debt which you are aware of.

It wouldn't be good if your parents are dragged away because of the debt that they incurred in other to take care of you kids.

I would be embarrassed for the rest of my life if I couldn't pay up the debt.

That is why...

"I'm sorry, dad.(Alice interrupted).

I warned you about the debt before you apply for it.

What are we going to do now?".

"We've found a better solution for it, my dear.

It is a lifetime solution and we wouldn't be poor anymore for the rest of our lives". He said.

"What type of favour is that, dad?".

"Promise me that, you will accept anything that I want to tell you now ".

"Why are you acting weird, Dad.

You are scaring me?". Alice asked.

"Derek has offered to clear up our debt".

"Just like that?

That's generous of him". Alice said.

"But on one condition '' His dad interrupted.

"What condition is that, dad?".

"Alice, you are a respectable and beautiful daughter. You've been our pride in this house ever since you're born.

I and your mother is so proud of you.

It wouldn't be good if we were dragged on the street and embarrassed because of a 5,000 dollars debt.

Derek promised to clear up our debt if you agree to marry him". He said.

Alice took a while to reflect on his last statement before bursting out into a loud laughter.

"Is this a joke or what?

I don't understand, dad.

Marry who?". Alice asked to be sure of what she heard.

"Marry Derek".

"It's impossible, dad!

It's just impossible!

"How is it impossible, sweetheart.

He is rich , influential, cute.

What else do you want in a man".

"I can't marry that rude man,

We didn't fit.

We weren't compatible.

And most importantly, he is married.

What does he need me for?".

"I'm still your dad, daughter and whatever I said in this house should be respected if I'm not mistaken.

I and your mother has made up our mind.

And you're getting married to Derek.

Start getting it into your skull". He said with a cold voice before walking out of the sitting room.

"But, I didn't love him". She said to her mother hearing while she snubbed her.

"Wouldn't you say anything about it, mum.

Is this how you will keep quiet about it?

"What do you want me to say, sweetheart.

Should I go against your father's word and remain in poverty or I should approve whatever he says and remain rich ".

"Is that all I am to you, mum?" .

"I don't have any more words to say to you.

Start preparing for your husband house". She said and walked out of her presence while she was left with Becky.

"At last, she is leaving the house for me". Becky said with a mocking tone.

Alice doesn't react to what she said.

She slowly raise up and walk straight to her bedroom.

She locked it up and cried herself to sleep.

The time struck 11:00pm when a call came in.

It woke Alice up while she picked it.

"Hello".

"Hi, Alice.

It's Charles.

Hope I did not disturb your sleep.

I couldn't call you when I got back home.

I....

"Please Charles, I'm asleep".

"Sorry dear, I will call you tomorrow". He said and ended the call while Alice hissed out.

She dropped her phone and went to the bathroom to use the toilet.

She had barely walked into the room when another call came in.

"Hello''. She said placing the phone on her left ear.

"Hi, girlfriend. Amanda said over the phone.

"Hi".

"What's up dear, I've been calling you since".

"I'm sorry dear, I was not with my phone..

Can we talk tomorrow?". Alice asked.

"No problem ". She responded.

Alice dropped her phone and sighed out loud.

No one is ready to listen to her explanation.

She hardly knew Derek but she knew that he had a rude attitude.

He had two wives already.

A legal wife and a mistress but they all live in the same compound.

The news circulating that man is not always good and how the hell is he interested in her?

He hasn't met her before

Neither has she gone to his place.

Hope it's not her parents that wanted to give her away?

How would Derek stooped so low to accept her kind of person.

He would never request for her

Except...if something went wrong?

Her parents should be behind this?.

Alice laid on the bed tiredly while different thoughts keep running through her mind.

To be continued.....

She is mine 2.

Fardaykhemy Raheem.

Alice was woken up by the buzz of her phone.

She stretched her hand to grabbed her cellphone and Amanda's name was inscribed on the screen.

She answered the phone before placing it on her left ear.

"How are you doing, girlfriend?".

"You woke me up, dear". She responded with a low voice.

"Are you just waking up?". Amanda asked.

"Yes".

"I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep. I wanted to visit you today and I was asking if I could come?".

"You're funny,

You are asking for my permission before coming to my house?.

"I don't want your younger sister trouble, you see the way she behaved towards me when I came last to that place.

I don't want a smaller kid to disrespect me". She said over the phone.

"She dared not.

You are free to come home.

Am at home today and I have something to tell you, dear.

It's urgent and I felt that you are the only person that can advice me about it". Alice said.

"No problem, girlfriend. I will be there soon". She said and ended the call.

Alice dropped her phone and opened the door.

She met piles of cloth at the entrance of her doorstep.

"Alice". Her mother called out from behinde while she responded to her and greeted her.

"I was the person that brought these cloth over to your doorstep.

You will soon leave this house and you will start living with your new husband.

I want you to please us before leaving for your husband house".

"What husband, mother?

Have I given in to your demand?.

I wasn't aware of the debt that you collected from Derek not until he started threatening you about his money.

I knew that Derek would demand for his money, not for me.

He won't demand for my hand in marriage when he hasn't set his eyes on my face before.

Were you the person that suggest handling me over to him?".

"Stop with the questions, sweetheart.

Aren't you tired of our current state in the house?.

We've been taking care of you and your younger sister since. It is now the right time to start paying us back".

"Is that the reason why you wanted to sell my future to a man I barely know?". She asked with a sober face while her mother mocked her.

"It's not fair".

"The only thing that is fair is to get married to Derek and let us out of this average life.

You will also benefit from all of this.

He is rich and cute.

You will be well taken care of". She said before leaving her presence.

Alice walked over to her room back and start crying .

She does not have a money of her own neither does she have somewhere else to run to.

All of the money she got from her work place was given to her parents and she had to quit working at the place when it has start affecting her health.

She was tired of the house.

Not too long,

Someone knocked at the door.

She instruct the person to come in while she cleaned up her face.

Amanda walked into the room with a small bag in her hand.

"Hi, girlfriend. What happened?". She asked while Alice managed to compose myself.

"It's my family".

"Your family again!. She said walking closer to her while Alice adjusted for her on bed.

"I was told to get married to Dereke in order to cover up their debt".

"Which Derek?". Amanda asked.

"You mean the popular Derek?".

"Yes".

"How come? What happened?".

"My father is the person that burrowed some money from him without returning it and in order to cover up for the money, he wanted to use me as the bait".

"That's too bad of him.

Girlfriend, are you sure that this people are the person that gave birth to you.

This is getting so serious.

They've been maltreating you since school days".

"I don't even understand again!

How would I marry someone that I barely knew?

"It's okay dear, such is not going to happen.

I'm going to talk to my parents to come over to your place and talk your parents"

"Are you sure that they are going to accept?".

"They must agree. Stop crying dear,

You know what?

I bought you this from the store". She said handling a red top to Alice while she collected it and thanked her.

"I love you dear" she said hugging Amanda.

"How do you manage to get it?".

"No one is at the sitting room and I saw some clothes at your entrance ".

"It's for me to wash". She responds while Amanda shake her head.

I .....

"Alice, go and get ready". Alice mother voice is heard from outside.

She walked towards her door and opened it.

"Derek will be here in ten minutes, dress up and be in your best attitude.

I want to fetch your father from the next street". She said before sighting Amanda.

"And you, what are you doing here?".

"I came to visit Alice ma".

"As what?"

"I'm sorry ma".

"Please leave my house, she is no longer friends with average people like you anymore.

She will get married soon and Derek need to know that his new wife move with sophiscated people! She said shouting at Amanda while she hurridly drop the gift and left Alice room.

Alice was tired.

She washed her face up with water before wearing an old gown.

She sat on the bed while Charles call came in.

"Hello".

"Hi, Alice.

I'm sorry for disturbing you yesterday night.

How is everything?".

"Everything is good and you".

"Good too. Alice, I'm thinking if you will be chanced this night".

"I'm sorry, I'm unavailable". She responded

"Oh? Okay, I'm going to call you back"

"Okay".

"Bye". She said and ended the call.

"Should I kill myself". She muttered to herself.

"Why didn't I think about this before.

If I'm dead, Derek wouldn't marry a dead body".

She muttered to herself and walked over her bathroom.

A Toilet wash is hanging beside the Windom.

She grabbed it and walked over to her room.

She poured some content into a glass and close it up.

"Alice!! Someone voice called out while she dropped the toilet wash on the floor before rushing outside.

She opened the door up and her mother's face is the first thing to see with a wide smile on her face.

"Alice, are you done?".

"Yes".

"In this old cloth". Her mother said and laughed it off.

"I know that you are deliberately doing this, and let me tell you. If Derek doesn't find you attractive, don't bother to stay in this house again.

Now, go back in and change into something decent. I'm giving you two minutes. She said with a frown, walked out of the room and slammed the door.

Alice grumbled out loudly and tears strolled down her chin.

She wiped it off and change into another outfit.

She packed her hair into a bun and went out of her room.

She slowly walked towards the sitting room and her parents were seated already.

"Now you look beautiful". Her mother complimented while she frowned her face.

"Where is Becky?". She asked all of a sudden while Alice looked away.

"She might be away to her friend place". Alice father responded while Alice ignored them both.

"Dear, smile for me". Her mother insisted but she didn't budge.

Not too long,

Some vehicles arrived at the entrance of their house.

Alice parents rushed towards the door while Alice remained seated.

"Welcome sir". Alice mother said kneeling down while her father almost lick the man feet.

"I am Mr Derek personal assistant, and he sent me here for your daughter". The young man said while Alice looked up.

"Is he no longer coming down here?". Alice mother asked.

"He said that...the last time he came here, your house is too small for him.

He hardly breathe".

Alice chuckled on hearing what the man said.

"There is nothing wrong with our house".

"That is the order that he gave to me.

He wanted to meet your daughter in his house not in your house". He said while the both parents left the passage.

The young man walked in.

"Are you miss Alice?". He asked

"Y...Yes!

"Mr Derek asked me to fetch you.

Do you have an handbag that I can hold for you ?".

"No, sire.

It's just me". Alice responded.

"She will follow you now". Alice mother butt in while Alice was lead outside by the P.A

The door was opened for her and she walked in.

"Smile!. Her mother said before the car drive off.

Alice closed her eyes and hot tears streamed down her face.

Is this the beginning of another fate for her or what?

Why on earth would Derek desire her if not for her parents.

Is he even going to have a proper wedding with her?

Different thoughts run through her mind as she closed her face with her two palms.

To be continued....

She is mine 3

©️ Fardaykhemy Raheem.

Alice arrived at Derek house and the car drive in.

She wiped her face while the P.A opened the door for her.

"Can I know your name?". She asked immediately after stepping her feet outside the car.

"I'm Leonard, ma.

Can we go in now".He said while Alice nodded her head.

They both got to the entrance and an old woman walked out of the house.

"Welcome back ma,

We've been waiting for you, ma'am.

You can kindly come in". The woman said while Alice looked around.

"Are you talking to me?".

"Yes, ma'am.

The young master has instruct me to ensure that the house is clean before your arrival.

I've done so, since morning and I couldn't wait for you to walk your feet through the clean house". She said while Alice chuckled.

"You don't have to stress yourself, auntie.

I'm not marrying your master ". She said while the woman's countenance change.

"Can we go in now?". Leonard asked while she nodded her head.

He opened the door and Alice couldn't help but to stare at how big and beautiful the house is.

The sitting room is spacious that it can contain two three hundred people.

How on earth could few people stay in a big sitting room like that? She muttered to herself while Leonard lead the way.

"You can have your seat here ma'am". He said while Alice thanked him.

"What would you like to take and eat, ma'am?".

"I'm okay".

"You must take something ma,

I don't want to get fired!

"Is it by force.

I'm tired of all this nice treatment.

Would you call down your boss and let's discuss whatever brought me here.

I don't have all the time In the world". She shouted at Leonard while his face countenance changed.

"Have I offended you ma'am".

"You don't,

I don't want anything". She responded.

"Rose! He called out while a slim lady came out of the kitchen.

She greeted Alice but she didn't respond.

"Get madam some coffee and some sandwiches". He said while Alice chuckled hard.

"Sandwiches?

Are you my mouthpiece?".

"You didn't request for any food ma'am and my boss can fired us all if he didn't met any food at your front".

"Leave my sight! She shouted at him while he walked two feets away from her.

"Is this a joke or what?

I'm not ready for all the drama here". Alice shouted.

"I will plead to you to calm down ma". He pleaded.

Alice heaved out before resting her back on the couch.

She waited for thirty minutes and Derek is not around yet.

"Is your boss actually around?". She asked.

"No, ma'am".

"Then, what am I doing here?". She asked with a raised tone.

"He request that I should pick you up from your house ma".

"Is your boss normal?

He told my parents that he will be around by ten minutes.

He didn't come. Instead, he sent you to pick me up.

Now, I am here and he is still not around.

Do I have all the time in the world ".

"You would not talk to my husband in that manner.

Are you okay?". Someone's voice interrupted and they all looked towards the entrance of the house.

It's Rapunzel, Derek mistress.

"I'm....

"Shut up.

Leonard( she said walking towards him)

Is this the new girl?".she asked

"Yes ma'am ".

"Why is she so rude and stupid?".

"Excuse me....

"Excuse you.

Do you know who you are talking to?

When I talk, no one talk.

Where is my husband in the first place?". She asked Leonard.

"He will be here soon ". He responded.

"I pleaded to him to make me his last wife but he wouldn't listen.

What did he see in her that isn't in me.

I don't understand all of this!

I will not accept her". She said while Alice chuckled.

If only she knew that she isn't interested in whoever she called her husband.

She wouldn't bother talking her husband out of it.

She isn't interested in whatever she is saying.

"Don't you hear me?". Rapunzel asked Alice while she looked up.

"Get up on your feet". She instructed and Alice laughed out hard.

"What is funny?".

"I don't have the time to argue with you, I am more sophiscated than that".

"In this old clothes that you wore". Rapunzel added.

"Your clothes are too cheap and it doesn't reek of any wealth. Where did Derek met you?".

"Please, Leonard.

When will your boss be around.

Am I brought in here for questions and answers? Alice impatiently asked.

"Here I am". Someone responded from the entrance and Derek walked inside the sitting room.

The Atmosphere changed suddenly and his strong perfume spread across the room.

He was dressed in a black suit with a loose tie.

His hair was trimmed to the back and he look dazzling with his pink lips.

"Darling, you are back". Rapunzel Said before rushing towards him.

She plastered some kisses on his face but Derek pushed her away.

Alice couldn't help but chuckled so hard at Derek attitude and this angered Rapunzel.

"Welcome back, boss". Leonard greeted while Alice kept starring at him.

"Aren't you well trained?". He asked approaching Alice.

"What do you mean by that?

"Your parents didn't teach you the manners of greeting someone's future husband".

"Excuse me ..l....

(She hasn't complete her statement when Derek slapped her).

Everywhere went quiet.

"You wouldn't question me. That's your number one rule.

I will do the talking while you do the listening". He said while Alice held her chin in pain.

"Leonard, when I properly married this bitch.

I need you to give her the list of my golden rules in the house". He said while Leonard nodded his head.

"And you, Rapunzel.

What are you doing here in the first place?

Haven't I warned you of staying in your room?".

"I'm sorry, my love ". She pleaded.

"Sorry for yourself.

Now go back to your room". He instructed while Rapunzel left without questioning him.

"Leonard, you should excuse me too.

I.need to talk to this lady ". He said while Leonard left.

It remained him and Alice.

"Now listen!

We are going to have our wedding next week Saturday and I'm going to become your husband.

The cold treatment that you served me when I came in wouldn't work in our marriage and if you don't turn in new leaf.

I'm going to return you back to your parent and will collect my money from them". He responded and left the room.

Alice couldn't utter any statement.

She was dazed for a moment.

She hasn't been slapped by someone before not to talk of a guy.

Is this the man that she is getting married to..

She can't deal with it.

"Ma'am , I am ready to take you home". Leonard said interrupting her thought while she slowly stand up and followed him.

"I am going to see you next time ma". The old woman said while she looked away.

Leonard opened the door for her and she walked into the car.

She is quiet throughout the journey back home.

She was dropped at home and her mother rushed towards her.

She didn't greet any person, neither did she utter any statement.

"How is the place?

Do you like him?

How is his current look?

Tell me about it? Her mother wouldn't Stopes pestering her with different questions but Alice refused to listen to her.

"Aren't you the person that I'm talking to! Her mother shouted at her while she looked up.

"What did you want me to do, mum.

You are my mother right?

Why did you subject me for domestic violence?

"What do you mean by that?

Did Derek beat you?".

"He slapped me!

We are not married yet and he has started slapping me.

I can't do this". She responded and walked away.

Alice jumped on her bed and cried her eyes out.

Amanda wouldn't stopped calling her but she refused to pick the call.

Not too long, she slept off.

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

Alice father walked into the house with a sad expression. He called his wife and they both had a discussion.

"Derek called me this evening and complained about Alice attitude.

He said that...the young girl refused to greet him.

Why would she ignore her future husband.

Things are not done that way.

He even threatened to collect his money if Alice did not change.

You need to talk to your daughter. she is stepping her feet into a train of wealth and she shouldn't misuse this opportunity.

Is she happy with the current state of this family?

We can do better!

It requires alot of wisdom and pleading before Derek could accept her as his new wife.

Talk to her and we must not discard this opportunity ".

"She looked bad when she came back from Derek place.

She said that ...the young master slapped her and I don't know what else to do.

I think we need to threaten her more in order to accept that man.

It's not easy to marry a rich man". Alice mother said.

Becky came around when they are having their discussion and she greeted her parents.

"Come back here, Becky". Her father called out while she walked back to his presence.

"You've been acting weird since last week.

Is anything the matter?'

"Dad, I'm not happy with the situation of this house".

"Why, sweetheart. What went wrong?

"Why did you push Alice to good things in this life while I am left behind.

Derek is that talk of the town despite his attitude and he is every woman's dream.

I'm more beautiful than Alice. So, why should she be the person to get married to him. I'm jealous, Dad". She said while her two parents look towards each other face.

"You don't understand anything my dear.

Come closer, this should not be said in a loud tone". Her mother instructed while she lean closer to them.

"You will understand the reason for this later. Just let Alice get married to that man and we will be in riches forever.

We will get a good guy for you too.

Use your brain, sweetheart.

You will understand all of this later". She said while Becky nodded her head.

"I will understand later, right?

No problem, mum". She said

"Are you now happy?".

"Yes, mum". She said with a soft smile and left for her room.

********

It's late at night and Charles won't stopped calling Alice.

She didn't pick up his calls and he felt bad about it.

Even if they are just meeting each other, she shouldn't ignore his calls.

He walked over to the grass that he is cutting and dive the big scissors into it.

The time is 5:00pm.in the evening already.

"Has your new girlfriend picked your call?". Stephen asked while he chuckled at what he said.

"I just met her and you're calling her my girlfriend already''.

"If you don't plan on making her your girlfriend, you wouldn't bother calling her since yesterday.

It has shown in your reaction.

You love that girl". Stephen said.

"Whether I love her or not, it is none of your concern. I'm just checking up on her.

"If you say so.

Anyways, the headservant asked of you and I said that ....you are in the garden.

I don't know if he wanted to see you or not!

"He might have a complain again!

He is always complaining.

I will see him when I'm done". Charles responded while Stephen left.

When he is done with his work.

He walked over to his locker and changed his shirt before heading to the headservant room.

"I'm here, sir". He said opening his door.

"Have your seat, Charles". He instructed while he went ahead to sit.

"I told Stephen to call on you because of your monthly fee.

The work that you did last month wasn't impressive enough and this angered the chairman. In that case, I've deducted some money from your salary and this is the remaining balance". He said handling over the remaining balance to him.

"How much is now, this?

I tried my best, sir.

That perfect cutting edges shouldn't be a problem".

"I'm not in the position to argue with you.

I've delivered his message ".

"Please can I see the chairman?".

"You can't?".

"Why?

I've been working for this organisation over the years and I haven't set my eyes on the owner of this company.

Is there really a c.e.o?".

"Is that the job that you were called here for?

Mind your fucking business! The man shouted at him while he counted the remaining money and slipped it at the back of his pocket.

He left the place in anger and headed home.

"You are back, dear". An old woman said while he slammed the door .

"I'm back, granny".

"Welcome, dear.

I've waited a long time for you.

Did you bought my drugs?".

"Granny, I'm just tired of everything.

I've promised to take care of you.

I'm afraid that I can't keep the promise because of the amount of money that I earn at my working place.

It's not enough!

"Sorry, dear.

Everything is going to be alright.

Come here". She said raising her two hands up while Charles hugged her.

She patted his back and went ahead to serve his meal.

Granny has been the only family that he had.

He lost his two parents to a fatal accident years back and his grandmother has been the person taking care of him since 12years old.

He loved the old woman and he promised to take care of her.

Charles ate his meal and retired to the bed.

He redialled Alice's number but she isn't picking up yet.

He gave up on the call and sleep off.

To be continued.