THE GIRL IN THE DARK

CHAPTER ONE

It was 5 am, the weather was cool. The bird flies high above the sky in search of their daily bread, Elena was awake looking through the window pondering "how the bird feeds with no one looking after them".

Mr.Mike and his beautiful wife Clara were happily married with no child, Mike who is a cop, and his wife a chef: Mrs. Clara is a respectful woman, calm, loyal and cheerful her work takes much of her time at home as she travels various countries to dispatch her duties.

Elena whose parents lost their lives in a fatal car accident has been with this couple for some months but has never been pleased.

Most times she became solitude while she soliloquies

ELENA'S POV

"I have lived my life to the fullest, yet my heart has never been filled with Joy. Ever since I lost my parents, life and death have become a shadow in which I live in-between".

"Look at the bird they have no one to feed them, yet they always get fed daily, I love to forget memories about my parents but it never stops coming".

While pondering on her experience she heard a knock at the door "who could that be she asked"?

Who is that?.

Is mike, sorry for disturbing may I come in?

Come in! "she ordered politely"

He walk-in with a smile seeing Elena sitting on the bed he gently sat on the couch.

Uncle Mike! Hope there is no problem, you wake up early to check on me I guess you have something to say?

Well, I guess so, I would have been at work but today am on leave so I decided to know if you are fine.

Uncle Mike, am always fine if anything bothers me you should be the first person to know about it.

"You know am not always around to check on you due to my work schedules and my wife has been complaining about your loss of appetite this day". Mike said.

Elena took a deep breath stood up from her bed to have a glass of water while she looks to the mirror beside her window:

"My appetite for food can never be regained for now because I have something important to feed on".

"And what could that be?" He curiously asked.

"My thought of course! I need to feed on them in other to erase my fears, pains, and memories. ever since I lost my parents I felt empty like a basket that can never be filled" she said while she gushes out tears!!.

Mike stood up and walked closed in other to console her

"I know how you feel, I also felt the same way. But you should let go of this memory it will never bring the dead back, crying always will never solve the problem rather it will create more problems considering your health is better than hurting yourself think about this!". He said as he walks out of Elena's room.

A FEW MINUTES LATER

Clara calls for Elena as she slams her door. Elena who was carried away by deep sleep left her door latched, no one could gain access to her room.

" Honey, what's it? I guess you should permit her to rest because she's going through a lot for now". Mike said.

"I don't know why she is still asleep, this is 8 a.m she hasn't done her daily chores". Clara said as she left for the kitchen to get some food prepared.

Elena stood up from her bed when she found out her aunt wasn't at her doorpost, she took a deep breath, wipe her tears off as she preside to the kitchen.

Elena! Elena!! What's the problem?

It's been months now since you came here, you can't continue with this sad face" Clara said.

"Well I guess you are right I will see to that, let me help you with the cooking," Elena said.

They both smile, as they get the food prepared and served, after having their meal uncle mike decided to put a smile on Elena's face as he aspires to take her out shopping.

AT THE BOUTIQUE

"Waw!!! This place is beautiful, have never been to a boutique-like this before." Elena exclaimed!.

"We are here to buy clothes not to give compliments" Mike profusely said with a smile.

..Elena pointed towards a gown.

"Uncle Mike, I love this red gown it will look good on me".

"Oooh!! Why not, I guess red is your favorite color if you love it then take it. Make a choice, and I will sort the bills" He said.

Uncle mike bought different items of clothes and underwear based on Elena's selection, they went out of the boutique suddenly someone yelled at him from a distance.

Mike! Mike!! Mike!!!.....

He looks in the direction as he traces the voice and saw someone trotting towards him.

"Who could this be?". He asked surprisingly.

" I think is someone you may know". Elena replied.

The Interrogations exceeded between Mike and Elena as they await the man's arrival.

Ohh!! Thank God I finally met you" He asked as he gasps heavily.

"Sorry may I know your name"? Mike asked.

"Am Jasper a friend of yours back then in Oxford college, I still have Memories of how Mr.Brownson whips the hell out of you for not doing his assignment and you ran out of the class down to the latrine in other to execute the pain". He explained

They both chuckled as they exchange pleasantries.

"Indeed you will never forget such memories because that day left a marked print on everyone's mind although it was a day I will never forget". He explained

"Oooh!! You never told me you have a grown-up daughter what's her name?" Jasper asked as he smiled looking at her.

"Sorry I didn't introduce her to you at first meet Elena she is my niece" He replied.

"Your niece!!, I thought she is your daughter you both look alike". He grins and exchanged courtesies with Elena.

After many conversations, Mr.Mike took Jasper to a nearby eatery for a lunch they were both happy as they finally met again.

Exchange of contact was made by them as they ate happily while they journey back to their various destinations.

The next day, early in the morning Clara sat on the couch in the sitting room, with a glass of wine beside her. watching interesting movies as Elena came in with a smile on her face.

"Today should be celebrated because have never watched you so excited like this. May I know the source of your happiness?" Clara asked.

"Am so happy uncle mike took me out yesterday to a beautiful boutique bought some nice dresses for me while we went to an eatery to please our stomach". she said with a smile.

" Ohh!! I guess you enjoyed yourself?" She asked.

"Yes, I did!" Elena replied.

"And your uncle didn't get me a beautiful gown. He must do the same for me as well" Clara chuckled.

"Maybe he is preparing yours as a surprise package, I believe yours will be more beautiful than mine". Elena replied.

Elena sat on the couch as Mrs. Clara gave her a glass of wine: Elena wasn't comfortable as she made a request.

"Ma!, I need to resume my new school, am tired of going to day school I just need privacy". Elena said.

"Hmm!, that's not a problem but my husband won't accept that for now, you know how many times I have talked to him but he refused". Clara explained.

" Please try more! maybe he will listen".

"Elena!, are you trying to send me an errand?".

"No Ma, why would I be foolish to do that!". She replied.

"But you just did now!!"...

Elena went down on her knees as she apologizes to Mrs. Clara, Mrs. Clara sigh as she explains the reasons, Elena's request couldn't be granted!.

"Elena I want you to understand that you are our favorite and we will love to grant any of your wishes in other to make you happy! but what you currently requested, can't be easily granted you know-how your uncle behaves I guess you should exercise patience until I figure out an idea" Clara explained.

"An idea! I mean how long will the idea be fixed? am tired of going to that so-called school of mine they easily get me upset, I hate being around people who talk bad words to me".

"I know how you feel darling, but you can't stop people from talking defunct words to you especially when it comes to the gathering of students words are easily broken into pieces". Clare said while she sipped her red wine.

"I wish I have supernatural powers I will easily stop people from talking defunct words to me because I am sick and tired of this nonsense". Elena answered.

"Elena I guess you are upset, so let's sip our wine together in other to calm our nerves, who knows if the red wine gives supernatural powers" Clara chuckled.

They both cheer their glass of wine while they discuss for a long interval. Elena went to her room, while Mrs. Clara await her husband's return as she slept off in the sitting room.

AT NIGHT

It was 9 pm, finally, Someone at the door, as the doorbell continues ringing Mrs. Clara was deeply asleep as Elena run down to open the door! When she heard his uncle's voice.

"Welcome, sir!!". Elena said.

"What took you so long to open the door?" He asked while he walked in.

He saw his beautiful wife lying down with a drink beside her. Mike was curious as he asked again.

"oooh!! I see you people are having a night party right?" He asked.

"Night party!! That's not possible we were only discussing" Elena replied.

"Is she drunk?"

"Not so, I think she is asleep she needs rest". She replied.

Mike went close to her wife carried her like a baby to their compartment for her to have a conducive sleep. Elena served the food as Mr. Mike ate to his satisfaction. He went to the room to have some rest as she calls on Elena.

"Have you checked those dresses I bought for you hope you liked them?" He asked.

"Yes they look good on me I will like to have some more! Once again thank you sir" Elena replied.

"Well Is nothing my happiness is to see you happy, well I believe red is your favorite color so I decided to get you red underwear you can put them on now let me see how good they look on you,".

"Thank you, Uncle Mike I guess I will check on it in my room but uncle I need a favor from you?".

"oooh!! What is it dear am ready to do anything for your favor?. Mike asked.

"Uncle Mike I need to change my school am tired of going to Day-School I want to attend a boarding school".

"Is that what you need?" He asked.

"Yes Sir" She replied.

"Then considered it done,".

"Waw!! Thanks a lot, Uncle Mike you are the best!". She exclaimed.

"You are welcome, but you still need to put on this underwear so I can figure out if I purchased the right size". Mike said

"Ok, sir I will".

Elena was so excited as she was carried away with much excitement, she put off her clothes in other to wear her underwear. Mr. Mike could not control his urges as he gradually grabs Elena's bum.

"Oh No!! Uncle Mike, what are you doing?" She fearfully asked.

"What does it look like am trying to do am only trying to adjust your underwear". He replied.

Elena was astonished as she took her clothes to her room in other to have her night rest.

"AT MIDNIGHT"

Elena was deeply asleep when Mike sneaks into her room, He went to her bed as he tried romancing her: Elena stood up and became frightened.

"Uncle Mike!, What have I done to you?" She asked with tears in her eyes.

"You've done nothing to me darling is Just that I just need to make you happy this night". He said.

"Make me happy!, do I look like am sad?". Elena asked.

"You know you are planning on going to boarding school, this is the gate pass if you want your wishes to be consented by me".

"No uncle Mike!!, I don't expect this from you perhaps am just 13 years old, please you have a beautiful wife go do this to her. "She politely said as she tried walking out of her room.

Mark could not control his sexual intentions as he quickly grabbed Elena to the bed while he raped her.

CHAPTER THREE

Early in the morning, Elena ran out of the house as she went to school she wasn't herself, She slept all through the class.

The bell Jingles, it was time for assembly. Elena was still in her sleep when her three friends approached her.

Rose, Carolina, and Jane are friends with Elena, they became timid when they saw Elena's sad appearance.

"Elena!, Elena!!," Caroline yelled at her from a distance

"I think she is deeply asleep let's wake her up". Jane said.

They walked closed to her as they call on her, she woke up with tears in her eyes.

"Oh!!!, Elena what's the problem why are you crying?". Rose asked.

"Nothing!, I just felt like crying!!

"Felt like crying!!". The three girls conceded.

"For crying out loud, at least we are your friends if anything troubles you tell us, so we can put hands together on how to solve them". Caroline said.

"A problem shared is half solved don't hide anything from us, we can't fold our hands seeing you in tears". Jane said as she tries to console her.

" Please!, can you girls do me a favor?" Elena asked

"Why not" They all replied.

.....

"I need my privacy, I want to be left alone!!!. She screamed.

They all left her, Elena became dreadful, she cried bitterly as she keeps having flashbacks about her rape scene.

The Assembly was over, and the student went back to their various classes. They stood up to greet when Mr. Charles entered the class.

Mr. Charles glimpsed at Elena as she sat down as if no one entered the class.

"Elena!, are u not aware of my presence you look worry hope there is no problem?"

He curiously asked but Elena kept mute. Mr. Charles left her as she refused to talk, He focused on his lesson as he educate the class about "CHILD ABUSE" the more he was explaining the more tears twirled from Elena's eyes.

Elena could not forget memories as she kept remembering them after some times Elena screamed aloud and went out of the class.

Everyone was confused while they contemplate the scenario, Mr. Charles who was smart enough ended his lesson as he calls for Elena in his office but Elena refused. Her friends were pleading on her behalf when he later summoned them.

"Could you Imagine I sent for her and she refused she even told me she doesn't want to see anyone, that she needed privacy, I guess something is wrong with her"? Mr. Charles explained.

"Yes she did the same to us," Caroline said.

"I guess she is traumatized or battling with something. Maybe she doesn't know how to explain to us. Ever since I knew Elena. have never seen her like this before I believe something is wrong we have to visit her guardians." Jane replied as the other girls concur with her suggestions.

A VISIT TO ELENA

Elena left for school to her house in other to refresh her thoughts, Her friends came home to check on her.

Meanwhile, they met Mrs. Clara when they bang the door she summoned them in as she climbs the stairs to Elena's room to call for her.

"Elena!, your friends are downstairs waiting for you," Mrs.Clara said.

"Please Ma, I don't want to see them at least we met in school today, I want to be left alone" She calmly said.

"Hmmm!!...you have been acting strange this day I don't get to understand you anymore tell me is anything the matter?". Clara asked.

But Elena kept mute while Mrs. Clara was waiting for an answer, After some minutes she left in other not to keep her friends waiting.

"Ohh!! Sorry for taking your time hope you are not upset?".

Clara asked as they all gave a chorused answer.

" No, we are not".

Mrs. Clara served them wine, while they have their conversations. They discussed Elena's strange behaviors to Mrs. Clara.

"Ma! I believe Elena is battling with silent pain, that she won't want to reveal to anyone and this is affecting her health. She barely talks to anyone this day we know her very well, she is not a gentle type". Caroline explained.

"I wonder what could have been her major challenge or is she still having memories of her parent's death?" Jane asked.

"I don't think that should be the problem because she promised to forget such memories after her uncle took her shopping, but I wonder why she keeps feeling sad".

Clara Explained further about the death of Elena's parents, it was a tragedy I guess this should be the reason while she is traumatized, both friends were sympathetic as they tried wiping out their tears.

They could not wait as they took their leave, and extended greetings to Elena. Mrs. Clara went back to Elena to discuss with her.

" Elena, your friends extended their greetings to you and they will be expecting you in school tomorrow," Clara said.

Elena kept mute for a moment, while she took a deep breath saying:

"It is better not to exist than to be alive and still looks dead".

Mrs. Clara was startled when she heard such words from Elena, she reluctantly asked.

"What do you mean? Can you please explain further?"

"All my life I have come to realize that life is painful when it is full of pain. My heart bleeds when I discovered where such pain is coming from". She said.

"Elena I will be pleased if you stop speaking in parables so I can clarify your words". Clara mumbled.

"I guess I need a rest".....

Elena faces the window as she lay on her bed Mrs.Clara left the room as she awaits her husband's return.

This time, her husband barely slept at home, Clara was worried as she keeps having various thoughts.

(CLARA POV...)

Things are strange under my roof, And I knew nothing about it why would Elena decide to snub our conversations. She is not like this I believe there is something she is not telling me.

I better act fast before it's too late!.