Stuck in between

It was 5:00AM in the morning: It was in the heart of snow in the city of America as one would wish to spend his whole day in bed due to the coldness of the weather.

On this day, little miss Isabella could be seen snoring loudly,her voice almost at everywhere in the room"

as her door suddenly opened revealing her father who was already dressed in a black suit and ties ready to go to work.

He had been knocking on her door since but gotten no response from her and since he knew his daughter was a "heavy slumber" he had to do the needful by twisting the doorknob and letting himself into her room before closing the door behind him.

A little smile crept through his lips as he found his daughter all curled up in bed with her knees almost touching her face...

"Sweetie" he called in a scooting voice.

"Good morning dad! She greeted as she sat on the edge of the bed glancing at her father. "Good morning sweetie" how was your night? "Good, yours. She asked, yarning as her father sighed.

" Stressful, "but why? she asked glaring at her dad who was putting on this sad countenance. Like something was wrong. " Is everything okay dad, '' she asked, noticing how lost he was in his thoughts. "Yes.., yes.. sweetie?" everything's totally fine. He assure as she stood up and walked to him.

"Dad! I think you're working too hard on yourself!! You should probably take a break from your work. "Maybe a week to relax. " Daddy; you'll literally get sick if you continue like this.

She paused and glared at him. "wait dad, please don't tell me this is all because of my school. "It's because of (saint Mary high school) I planned on attending.

She shuddered, already scared that he might get sick if he continues like that. It's okay, if he can't afford the expenses of the school! He shouldn't even think of sacrificing his life for her.

She thought as she awaited his response. "No sweetie" absolutely not! "Please don't worry. Her father muttered, hoping he had convinced her enough because he doesn't actually wanna tell them the truth of what's happening.

He felt like he might get his family worried if he does, so there isn't any need in doing that. He just has to keep the whole Truth to himself.

"Okay father! "please take good care of yourself. " Yeah sweetie" you too! "Just wanna see you first before going to work. Her father utters as she beams, glancing at him suspiciously.

"What's that dad? What's with the new Changes? "seeing me first before going to work?" But you'll see me after you've come back from work right. She asked, beaming a smile which revealed her dimples in her chain.

"Yeah sweetie"but I just wanted to see you, because I might come back home late tonight. "Okay, let me escort you to your car. She uttered and they sailed out of her room heading downstairs.

" Good morning mom! Isabella greeted as her mom gave her dad a peck before exiting the parlour. " Isabella" Her father called as she glared at him. "I want you to listen to what I'm about to say to you!! Okay. Her father spoke as they walked towards the car. she gulped hard nervously waiting to hear what he's about to say to her.

"Promise me this?

No matter what happens, you'll always protect your mother and make sure you guys live a good life even though I'm not around. " But dad why.... "Promise me that first, her father interrupted her off as she sighed. " Fine!! Promise.

" Protect yourself and promise me you'll stay away from the "Kendricks family" her father utter. "Yes of course dad, I can protect myself and mom. But why are you telling me this and who's the " Kendrick family" you don't have to know now sweetie, Everything will be clear to you soon. "But just stay away from them as soon as possible if you have an encounter with them. Her father warned as she sighed.

"Okay dad!! " I'll keep the promises. have a wonderful day at work. She muttered as her father gave her two small boxes. "What's this dad? "oh it's a surprise. Give this red box to your mother and this black one is for you.

" Really, what's inside. She is anxious to know. because her guts tell her it's actually a gift. "It's a surprise. " Tell your mother that I love her so much. With them, he gave her a peck and hope inside his car as he drove off waving at her until she couldn't see him anymore and went back to the house.

"But why was his father behaving strangely? "Could it be that something was wrong. What could be the problem? She thought

*****

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Waylon Isabella is a sixteen years old smart girl with a skinny welt built curving body. Light in complexion and has long curling blonde hair, which fitted her face with dimples around her cheeks. Her face dazzled like that of an angle with sparkling eyes, with a straight noise and succulent lips.

Mr and Mrs Waylon weren't too destitute, neither were they wealthy, but they were living their best life and always happy with everything they have. Isabella just finished her "college"and was planning on attending (saint Mary) the popular school for the rich kids and one of the best school in the country of "America"

She chose the school because it fit the course she wanted to study

which was "arts"she wanted to become a singer and (Saint Mary) is the best place for her with a lot of tools and great teachers from different cultures. She imagines how her life is gonna be there, because she'll be very happy if her dream is being granted.

She just hoped and prayed that her father would be able to have that kind of money to admit her into the exorbitant high school.

Isabella walked into her mother's room and found her preparing for work. She and her mother both owned a cafeteria where they sold porridge and coffee. Mrs Leah's husband just opened it for her recently and the business had been going well.

"What's that you're holding? Mrs Leah questioned her daughter " Isabella" immediately she sighted her holding some boxes. Oh!! "daddy gave this to me! He said I should give one to you. She uttered as her mother collected the box from her hand.

" Okay, let's see what we got here. Mrs Leah opened hers and founded a ring and a black big pen. "This ring looks quite exorbitant, why would your father waste his money because of this thing, '' her mother rasped in as she brought her own out showing it to her mother. It was a necklace.

"Are you really sure your dad gave this to you?? She does not fully understand why he would waste so much money because of this, which wouldn't do any good!! If they combine hers and her daughter's own together: at least it will reach hundred thousand if it was being sold, and they just need to add two million to join it before it could reach half of Isabella's school fees. So tell me?"

" why would he waste so much money buying this for us when it isn't necessary. She thought glancing at Isabella who was affected by her countenance. "Mom, what is it. Aren't you happy that dad bought this for us. Isabella utterly helding back her smile. "of course I'm happy,... But this is too exorbitant. Where did your dad see the money to buy these things? Her mom complained as she sighed.

"Come on mom, you shouldn't let that bother you?" My dad had money okay, let's get ready and go to work. She confronted and walked to her room to take her bath and get herself prepared.

****

Isabella and her mother were Inside their cafeteria, sitting when they heard some people talking about their porridge outside.

"Babe trust me! you gonna like their food, it's pretty good. "No, you know I don't like eating in such a poor dirty environment. The girl with grey hair spoke as she glanced at the cafeteria disgustingly.

"It doesn't matter babe, they cooked the best porridge meal here and I'm sure you're gonna enjoy it. Isabella exhaled as she watched the two rich girls whose wealth was screaming over them. Judging by their sense of dressing, appearance and skin. One could actually tell that they aren't from a poor home, but.... Rich family. The other one on a grey hair seems f**king rich to Isabella as she approaches them.

"Hi, she chuckles so nervously trying as much as possible to face them. '' So... I did actually mean to eavesdrop in your conversation, but...., I overheard you talking about our cafeteria.

"I didn't actually mean to hype or blab about our food here, but we do try our best in preparing our porridges and I'm sure you wouldn't regret it. Isabella utterly hopes they will be convinced enough to patronize them.

"Come on babe, give it a try!! You might get to like it and if possible, we can be coming here often. Her friend assured as they walked inside the small cafeteria. Mrs Leah watches how Isabella was able to convince them and ask her to serve them because judging their character, they seem pretty rich but a spoilt brat. She doesn't want to mingle with such kids.

Isabella warms the already cooked porridge as she serves it in two different plates and puts it in a tray with; spoon, fork, and knives with water. Drop it down the table and sit behind them as she watches how they're gonna react to it after eating it

The grey-haired girl with a red gown served the porridge as she put it in her mouth and munched the yam. Before three second, she spit the yam on the ground as her friend who seemed to be enjoying the food stood up. "What is it babe" she asked, wondering what might be wrong with her.

"What's it because the food was too hot or what? "Waiter, waiter, she yelled as Isabella and her mother walked towards them. "What is it? Isabella asks, wondering what might be wrong with her. " Was this the food you said was sweet? She bellowed facing Isabella who was speechless. "You hype and blab about your food so I could buy them huh,

'' she uttered, using her handkerchief to clean her dress. "Just look at what you've done to my shirt. "Do you know how much I bought those dresses you just rain with your stupid porridge?? "I bought them two million which can open your cafeteria a hundred times. All this while, Isabella and her mother were speechless,as they didn't know what to say. They just have to wait until she's done talking and know if they're gonna apologize to her or not.

"Your food isn't sweet and there was not enough spices. Or is that how destitute poor people are, that they couldn't afford to buy enough ingredients. She uttered. "What did you just say? Isabella asks, already hurt and indignanted by her words. "That's the truth anyway, obviously it's. She muttered. " "know you what?? You're just some spoilt brat. What do you actually know about food anyway. Isabella utterly folded her hand as she smirked at him.

"how dared you. She bellowed about to slap her when her mother, who had been watching the whole dramatic scene,held her hand and gave her a resounding slap of her life.

Being rich doesn't mean you have to insult the poor. Get out of my cafeteria. Her mother rasped in as she exhaled. "You won't get away with this, you'll regret ever laying your hands on me. She muttered and walked out, while her friend dropped some bundles of money before sailing out as well.

***

Was I too harsh on them? Mrs Leah asked her daughter who was already feeling bad. "no mom, not actually. She deserves it. She uttered counting the money which they've dropped.

" Drop that money Honey, I'm gonna go and give it to them. "No, why mommy? they bought something from us and I wouldn't like returning it to them. It's our money

"No my daughter. The money is too much for the porridge we serve them. We gotta retreat some of the money. Her mother uttered as she sighed. Okay, no problem if you say so. She uttered. Just then, some police walked inside their cafeteria. "Is this Mrs Waylon.

The police man asked as she nodded. Yeah, what is it? She was curious and anxious to know why police men suddenly showed up in her cafeteria or could it be because they wanted to eat some porridge. She thought.

"I'm sorry to say this, but your husband, Mr Waylon has been found dead under a bridge. ",What?? Her eyes dimmed as she glared at her daughter who was also shocked. "Dead" they retreated.glancing at each other.

****

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"Dead: who are you talking about?"...police '' can you explain a bit further? I don't get you?

Mrs Leah bellowed her cheeks turning red as her heart beat increased, hoping she didn't actually hear him correctly. It can't be true right?? Her husband can't be dead.

It's not like he was having some sickness! They must have mistook him for someone right?. It can't be her husband they're talking about. She pounded, glimpsing at the police who was having this sad expression and could hardly spare her gaze. "How I wished it wasn't True just like you thought it was".... "but trust me!! It's true! We say your husband is lying dead under the bridge? The police uttered as she was already in Tears. "No, stopped lying to us.

" Where's my daddy?? "Where's my father? I want to see his face. Isabella shuddered, tears streaming uncontrollably from her eyes as they followed the police men to their car.

"I'm sorry: but he has been taken to the cemetery. " What? How dared you do that. " You could have taken him to us first before making that decision. Mrs Leah rasped in trying to control her tears.

"let's go home " honey" we will visit him in the cemetery. Her mother uttered as Isabella turned to glared at her, cleaning off her running tears. "what happened to my dad. " Who killed him?? She asks, waiting for the already frustrated police to answer her questions.

"We're sorry dear. We were unable to identify the reason behind his death. " What?? Her eyes dimmed, trying to comprehend what they just utter. "And what's your work sir? '' she asked confidently, as they glared at her in bewilderment. "I'm sure you know what your work is?

" It was to investigate any cases. And I will advise you to find out what happened to my dad? "mother; please let's go home. Isabella utter leaving the policemen who had already been bribed away. They stopped the already moving cab man and entered the car as the driver continued his journey. After about five minutes of driving.the cab man halted for them as they came down from the car and walked straight to their compound.

Mrs Leah eyes pop out of her socket as she watches the unpleasant utmost thing displaying before her. It was some men, they've banged into her house and taken all their properties but disincluding their luggage.

Glancing at the big bus before her. Their furniture was there; chairs, air-conditioner, table, television, bed. Everything was placed on the car before her eyes. "What are you doimg? "Who gave you the right to bang at my House without my permission.

she asked already out of her right state as she wished the ground could open up so it could swallow her.

"I don't need to ask you about that since your properties I've been sold to us. And your house rent has expired. The man utter and continued with what he was doing. "Gosh! Can you for once answer my question young man. She bellowed as he spared her a glance bringing out the documents which were in his bag.

"Read this and stop questioning us. He gave her the document as she spread it open and read it carefully. Her jaw dropped dowm. "What?? This can't be true. No. " Mr Waylon" her husband couldn't have done that to her.

She knew her husband very well, he couldn't have sold their properties just to pay people he was owning which he had never mentioned to her as it was stated in the document. She glared at the ``signature" again to see if it's really her husband's own but it was. She knew the way he signed his signature. "How could he have done that to them.

" Could it be that everything is just a set up? She glanced at her daughter who was waiting for her response about the document. Without hesitation, she gave it to her as she read it. "It can't be a true mother?" My daddy will never do this right.

She uttered glancing at her mom who was trying to hold back her tears. "I didn't actually want to admit it "my daughter!! " But I gotta believe it Isabella! It might be true, this is your father's signature okay?

She uttered as she sniffed her noise and watch how the men took their things and Left. After they've gone. They went to their room and found only their clothes. "Gosh, everything was taken away from them. No single thing was left out

"Mom!! This can't be true right. "Tell me it isn't!! My father can't be the main reason behind this. She finds it hard to believe everything that was happening before her. "I don't know honey?"

"I'm confused as well as you are. Let's take the remaining thing we had and get out of here. "We have to meet your father in the cemetery before they could think of doing anything to him.

" We have to find out what killed him. They walked around their three bedrooms and took their luggages as they came outside the house and walked down the road as they boarded a cab.

Mrs Leah's senior sister rushes to them immediately she sighted them with their luggages. "What's wrong: Why are they suddenly at her house! Could it be they actually have an issue that made her husband drive them out of the house.

She muttered and walked towards them. "Sister savannah" good evening. Please could we stay in your house for the time being. Mrs Leah uttered as she gave them a dangerous glance.

"I don't get your point?"Leah " and why do you think I'll allow you to spend a night at my house. She asked as she took a deep breath and scoff". "weren't you the one that told me: " Mr Waylon was a good man? Has he finally declined you and your daughter after finding out it wasn't his daughter? She uttered glancing at Isabella who was confused by her speech and where all those words were coming from.

"Really sister?? You can't even ask me why I'm here instead you're just blabbing on one thing and another. " Wow" I never thought you'd disown me one day. Weren't you the one that told me to come and stay with you if my husband " Mr Waylon '' ever abandoned us since you declared that he was a bad man and had refused me to stay away from him.

She uttered standing up from the beautiful Luxurious chair which she had already sat on but due to her words. It really hurt her as she didn't expect those words from her own blood sister.

"So he finally abandoned you and your daughter after all!! Such a pity?

She uttered as she folded her two hands and crossed her legs together as she watched how trembled and scared her sister was.

She could have stayed away from that man ever since she warned her. She knew he wasn't the right one for his sister. She knew it from the start! She'll have to face everything because she isn't gonna help her with anything.

"My husband has been found dead? She uttered after a long silent. Her eyes dimmed as she stood up from the chair and walked towards her. "And so: 'you should know how to handle everything by yourself.

" You knew this was coming before getting yourself entangled with that man right.she asks sarcastically as she scoffs.

"What do you mean by that? Mrs Leah utter trying to understand where her question was heading to. " You see little sister; there's nothing I can do for you? "I wish I could be a better help to you but I can't.

I can't carry two shoulders on my head!! I hope you understand that. She spoke meanly, holding her hand as Mrs Leah looked disappointed and indignanted.

She actually regretted going to meet her sister for this. "Who even thought this was what she's gonna say to her. "Okay,we will be leaving now. Send my regards to your husband and children. With then,they rolled back their luggages and sailed out of her compounds as they stood there thinking of where they could go

***

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