The Ruined: Memories Of Alix

Warning:

Warning: This book contains sexual violence and rape that may trigger some things for sensitive readers. It contains graphic abuse and paedophiles. Sex scenes are described rather visibly, so please read responsibly.

*Monitor Beeping*

Alix... I heard voices, worried voices... Laura, no... not just Laura, Tina and Marvin... Is that Ash- Ugh... I reek...

Wait... it is coming back to me. Ash, help, I screamed, but no one answered. My voice sounded silent despite my screams.

I feel weak... please don't, she whimpered, she thinks he is carrying her from one room to another, music bustling, people dancing... I was dancing, was I dancing? Cara and Kat were there... They were saying something.

The

They slipped something into her drink... so, she felt her heart buzzing, but that wasn't scary... Bran had picked her up.

Oh no! He was going to have his way. It finally dawned on me. I fought with him last week, and he threatened to get back at me. "This was his way of getting back".

He's entered another room now, she thinks, farther from the noise of music. She could hear the music, but faintly. Too tired to move, too weak, yet she struggled.

He's placed her on a couch or bed now, She felt the softness... Open your eyes damn it, but I couldn't, not completely... she heard him now.

Not so cocky now, he chuckled devilishly... More voices now, she heard them say...She is a pretty one, Bran, no wonder you were smitten.

You get to go first, another one said.

No oo, she screamed or tried to scream, but her voice was silent... then, I felt him on me. Over her, he tore her clothes with a knife... she knew because she felt the nick on my stomach.

It hurt so much that her eyes, that had been heavy, flew open and she watched in tears as Bran had his way with her...

Ah "... she screamed in horror, but she was helpless, he was tearing through her, they were laughing... He was mocking her...

Annoyed at her weakness, she struggled again, but he struck her hard, a blow to the head, another to her stomach; she cowered now, not in fear but in pain...

Tired--" she wanted to close her eyes... but he was already pounding... she was a virgin, but now it's useless... Another came in as Bran slid off her...

It's terrible, but she must fight it... Please stop it, she sobbed silently. No one's coming, she thought, so she might as well close her eyes and let it all go...

But someone did come, Ash... her love, her life, my anchor, and she gave in at last...

He was here, and she was safe.

NINE MONTHS AGO

"Alix"... Laura called her from the door. Her cold face glared down at her as she stirred something in the pot.

"What for?" Alix asked in annoyance. "She'd tolerate her uncle's constant abuse but not her cousin's, who is her age mate. "Something about accommodation for the school".

"Oh"! Alix nodded... In two years, she will have access to her inheritance, but her trust fund will be fully managed by her in two months when she turns eighteen.

Laura would have hers as well because her father had provided that haven for them both. Her trust fund comes from the money her parents had kept for her since she was given birth too and her uncle had no access to that money to her luck.

He had no access to hers and Laura's, just the house, the companies and the cars till she came of age. She was orphaned at the tender age of five.

Parents dying mysteriously, left in the care of an uncle who was supposed to fill the void but ended up being the villain.

Her aunt Elizabeth Whitlock, who was her uncle's wife, had been a mother to them both till she died of late-stage cancer two years ago, and since then hell had been what she had seen.

"Yes", Uncle Trevor, she said immediately she got to him. Laura walked towards her father nonchalantly and sat a distance from him.

"I called you to discuss your admission to the university". Okay! she thought. "Sit down", he offered, making her look at him in trepidation. She hopes this won't end up in her getting beaten again.

"Relax", he chuckled, making her sit on edge again. "Have you thought of your accommodation?" He asked. "Ahh"... at a loss for words, she looked at Laura, who stared at her blankly.

"I think you should stay at your father's house. The one close to the school, that way you wouldn't be far from home, and I can be assured you girls are safe".

Since when did her uncle start caring about her? Was her coming of age finally changing things? Because no matter what, she was willing to fight tooth and nail to get her inheritance from him.

"Don't you have a mouth to speak?" He snapped, making her flinch... God! He raised his finely trimmed eyebrow at her... "It is hard being nice to you", he muttered.

"I,,, am,, so,,, sorry"... she stuttered..." "I prefer to stay in the dormitory, uncle... She watched Laura from the corner of her eye and saw her smile at her a little, which was strange.

She had begged her to refuse the house and stay on campus before they left the kitchen, and honestly, staying on campus would also give her the needed freedom from them both.

But his next word made her freeze in her seat, and she saw the annoyance but relief on Laura's face.

"Then you two will be staying together on campus".

"Okay," they said reluctantly.... "But I will be staying at the house close to the campus instead to watch over you two".

"What!" They whipped their heads at him in shock.

Laura felt as if the weight of the world had just been dropped on her head. Alix, on the other hand, felt like she was never going to get her freedom.

What is the essence of entering the university only to be brought back to the reality that she was a prisoner in her own house? "Patience she thought, in two months she will be an adult and she can do as she pleases.

Laura thought she could finally take a breather from her father's nagging and protectiveness, only to be slapped back to reality.

And if he thought she would take that lying down, he was mistaken. Changing her features, she moved closer to him now and touched an arm to his leg.

Daddy! "She chirped then slanted a look at Alix in disdain. " I think Lagos will be too crowded for you... The doctor said you should stay in a quiet place.

I understand what you are worried about, but do not worry," she whispered in a low voice, I can help you keep an eye on her and tell you every detail. "Didn't you say you wanted to make her trust you so that she could leave the property to you?

Yes, Trevor complied, he patted Laura's lap making her cringe but she smiled at him meekly. "I see the sense in here. Give her a taste then take it from her.

This is why I love you, he whispered for her to hear, and she blushed or hoped her impression had been one of blushing".

Alix who was looking at them in silence watched how Laura tucked her head under her father's chin happily making her think of her own father.

Fine, she heard Trevor who was still patting Laura's leg gently say... I will allow you to stay on campus and I won't be coming either but I must know what you two are up to at all times agreed.

Yes, sir, they both muttered.

Alix, I hope my food is almost ready, he said.

Yes, sir, almost... Okay, run along, no,w we will all eat like a loving family tonight.

*Later that night*

Laura lay on her bed, her head buzzing from the closeness with her father. How scared she was when she made the suggestion.

She knew he wouldn't take it lying down, but there was nowhere she could run to. Going to school was the only way she could escape from him.

Alix... she thought, imagining her face in front of her. She got to stay pure and innocent.

What is there in being beaten daily and being overworked, she was better than her who had been pampered and showered with love. "If only Alix knew how she envied her position she wouldn't complain at all.

At least she was grateful for the funds her father gave her, it would get her started on something. That fund is her ticket out.

Lost in thought, she hadn't realised her father had entered her room with nothing but his briefs on him. "When she looked up, she saw him there, his eyes glued to her like some lost candy.

"Fear, hate and everything hurt crept into her mind but she squashed it down and smiled like a dutiful daughter and whore to her father.

How can I help you father? She asked. "See why I love you my beautiful daughter you always know what to say. "He closed his eyes as if he was taking in her scent.

Sitting on her bed, he smiled at her in any way that had meaning. Laura scrambled up, thinking of a way to stab him to death.

You know why I have come, he said huskily his grey eyes looking at her seductively... don't stall me, Laura, we wouldn't want to wake Alix now, would we...

Be the good girl you are and lie down gently. You will be gone a long time, and I will miss you.

Stripping made, she lay motionlessly on the bed, but her father wasn't someone who would take that from her.

Trevor traced his hand on her milky skin... She was slender and fit, innocent and scared... A mixture of that evokes both hunger and power in him.

She was just a year old when this started between them... His eyes and the beautiful grey eyes they all shared, but who he wanted wasn't her.

It was Alix, so when he touched her, he saw Alix. When he fucks her he saw Alix... Alix, he thought his brother's beauty. "Her beauty shamed her mother's. And her mother was an angel in human form.

He loved Alana more than his brother did but she chose him and now like he'd always dreamt of he would have his way with her daughter who is the spitting image of her.

Enjoy her body as well as the riches his brother left behind her. "And when he fucks her, she would see it in his eyes, her father's eyes, her own eyes for she favoured the family with the smokey grey eyes.

Lost in his thought, he gripped Laura hard and elbowed her the same way he'd beaten Alix up the other night... And when he pounded into the one he called his daughter, his blood, what he saw was the face of another.

Her innocence, her fear... The way she sat on that couch earlier today, watching him with those beautiful guarded eyes, he relished it as he continuously pounded into Laura.

Laura wept for the umpteenth time when he finished with her. She knew that when he came in to have his way with her his thoughts and eyes didn't see her but another.

She knew the fetish her father had towards her aunt Alana since she was a child, but the man came to her night after night, even when her mother felt sick.

How she missed her mother, who defended and shielded her... The only one who gave her comfort. "Though what happened was not to her knowledge because Trevor had threatened he would kill anyone she told.

And when she called it a bluff, he had killed the maid who was nurturing Alix and her when they were ten, right in front of her to drive his point home. "Since then, she had meekly complied with all his wishes".

Her bruises will fade, she thought, and she will start anew... she just needs to get out of here...

Excited to leave the house for different purposes. ALix and Laura decided to take a train. They looked with interest at the bustling street from the train window.

Staying in Knuri village, they were used to the locals, the bustling sound of the market, small-town gossip, and chit-chat at a close range. Their life had pretty much been simple despite coming from a rich family.

The village wasn't that big to show off either. It is a perfect place to hide from anything and anyone; That is why going to Alexandria University in Lagos is an eye-opener for them both. "They get to see more people than the under-populated area they hailed from."

The excitement showed on their faces as they took everything in all at once: the street, the market, the colours. Colours have always excited Laura, while Alix is more on the recluse side.

Alix watched people with interest. "Passersby, then the mountains when they saw one." With an artistic eye, she saw a story in everything she saw.

The growth, people's whisperings, their body language, even the one who feigns it. She saw it all and noted with interest; that she was fascinated, but what interested her most was Laura's carefree nature.

Back in Kanuri village, she acts high and mighty. Hardly associating, belittling and mocking. "She had even gone as far as bullying the bread seller's daughter about how poor they were.

But in truth, Laura had only bullied those who bad-mouthed Alix behind her back but Alix had always steered clear of whatever she does. "She never asked why she did what she did; all she'd ever say was "Do be careful sister people aren't very nice even when you are kind and when you are mean they give the pressure a double meaning".

Laura smiled a little at the memories while watching Alix from the corner of her eyes. She could tell what she was thinking. "She wished she could tell her, she never hated her and all she did was to protect her".

After all, Alix is the reason she would gain her freedom, coupled with the fact that they were more similar than they knew and that they were cousins, too.

Remembering something? Laura started a conversation and for once they didn't sound haughty or rude. I was wondering what Nyra said to you to make her seem like she crawled out of the ditch. Alix said.

Laura smiled at the memory then turned to look at her cousin with that cold beautiful face "She said you were nothing more than a puppet who lives in a home built by her bastard father, who got himself killed by God knows what. "And maybe if your father hadn't sinned so much using all those people for his benefit maybe you who happened to be his only daughter wouldn't have rolled in the dirt despite being a rich brat".

What! Alix looked at Laura's deadpanned stare at her... She didn't... Yes, she did Laura cocked her head wondering if Alix was just oblivious or plain stupid but then Alix aced in sarcasm and her brain is like lightning, it grabs anything and everything.

So you were what? Alix folded her arms and cocked her head just like Laura had done; "rooting for me or you can't stand anyone else bullying me".

Let's say both, Laura sighed... "I get to be the only one in that position.

Alix watched her cousin in silence and saw emotions she had never seen in her eyes before: hurt, pain, guilt, and definitely love for her.

It only meant one thing, Laura hates her father, but why? Alix thought. Since when? She asked her.

Since forever, she rolled her eyes up trying to reign in the emotions she felt right now. The tears she had painstakingly hidden were threatening to slip out but Alix was the only person she trusted.

Come here, Alix gestured and Laura and Laura flung her arms around her cousin letting out all the pent-up emotions.

You know, having a glib tongue and a butter fist doesn't always work out... That was why I took the liberty to beat Nyra up for you.

Laura paused, then raised her head to look at her... Do you mean her broken nose was from you?

Yes, sister... Laura smiled widely, I have always cared too sister...Thank you, Laura whispered then wiped her tears when the train stopped.

Shall we work toward freedom together Sis? Laura asked... Yes, we shall... First, we need to shirk off the leach your father had on our tail.

You notice? Laura raised her eyebrow at her. Since we got in our car, Alix said, "Great." Laura smirked, typical Alix.

Watch it "Alix scolded making her giggle".

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

The university wasn't like anything they had imagined. They had seen their fair share of beauty when they were younger, and Alix's parents were alive, but this raised the bar higher.

Yo! Sis, Laura punched Alix on her arm... Bet, your rich paper will smile down from heaven at this rate... Right! Alix snorted, he'd be rolling in it.

Sigh... Alix watched the grand building in front of her. The lawns look neat, too neat... The buildings are set in the Victorian era.

I think they have brought Egypt down here... That is one massive very palacy or should I say castle worthy in Egypt. Alexandria is derived from a city in Egypt Laura.

I think the owner brought down his heritage here.

"Did you see those statues, Alix pointed to the sculptures; especially that one Alix gestured to the left... That is Ra the god of the sun.

And that should be Princess Nefertiti and Alix excitedly naming the sculptures one by one. Being interested in ancient history and lore, she was quick to be drawn in by the story behind each sculpture and the magnificence they portrayed.

Laura on the other hand finds them to be nothing more than a piece of giant people in stones... Gear up sis, Laura patted you are the one studying human and their environments.

I am only interested in the juicy news nothing more... Right... typical Laura Alix sighed.

They walked to the register's office to get their schedules and hostel together with the new excitement that fuels new students.

Since they knew the inevitable that they'd be living together, they didn't find it surprising but the name of the dormitory was surprising and confusing too.

Campus Trenches? Laura whooped excitedly... Talk about tones... Aren't trenches used for those who hail from the lower class? Kanuri's village slang should stay in Kanuri Laura.

"Following the directions they walked from the main building till they come in front of an estate-like structure... "This doesn't look bad, Alix noted... Again the building looks too neat".

Sculptures of Egypt gods aligned. And... Alix noted with surprise... Sango and Oya... This is way more than Egypt's heritage. I think it's African history as a whole.

Yeah! Whatever Laura pouted... Excuse me Laura walked to a lady in an altered tux... We are looking for apartment 206, please.

"The lady watched with interest... Are you Laura and Alix? She asked excitedly... Guided Alix looked wearily at the girl while Laura just shrugged her shoulders.

Relax, newbies. I am Crystal, your roommate. The head office informed me that you two will be coming in today. Oh, Alix sighed in relief.

Yes, we are... Nice to meet you both Crystal chirped happily.

And welcome to Campus Trenches newbies... I will see you to our room.