Voodoo (The Betrayal)

JULIA POV

Baby girl, wake up. Don't you wanna attend the school party?" I asked my beautiful daughter, Ciara.

"Good morning mommy"

"Hey, hope you slept well?"

"Yes I did" she replied.

"Don't you wanna attend the school party?" "Yes I do" she replied.

"Then, you've gotta take your bathe and brush your teeth".

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

I'm a single mom. I was raped when I was a teenager and I gave birth to twins, but one died and it was a pain. Although their father was a rapist, I still loved them and kept the pregnancy. For that reason, I hate men and don't want anything to do with them.

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

We arrived at the school and we were pretty early, so we sat in the front row. The event started and it was fun.

I was delighted when my daughter was called upon to present a song. She didn't even tell me she was going to sing on stage which was unlike her, she prolly wanted it to be a surprise.

She had a very beautiful voice and the audience was thrilled. She was given a standing ovation when the song ended. She ran down the stage towards me and I hugged her tightly.

"You've got a beautiful voice"

"thank you mommy" she replied.

"Did I sing well?" She asked

"yes of course" I replied and she giggled.

When the party was over, I took her to a restaurant because I wanted her to be happy and indeed she was. We ordered a meal and she kept talking while eating.

Just then, she stopped eating and faced a direction carrying a long face. Worried, I turned and saw a girl with both parents and I sighed.

"Mommy, who is my father?"

O God Not Again. I said to myself.

"You told me that you'll tell me when I was of age. I am old enough now and need to know. In school, my classmates me a bastard and they sometimes tell me that you are a whore."She said sobbing.

I sighed and carried her on my laps.

"Don't mind them, you're not a bastard, ok?"

"I'm no longer a baby" she rebuked, "don't treat me like one".

"But you're just five" I, said trying to switch topic.

She came down from my lap "I hate you mom, my. You don't want me to see my dad, right?" She asked and ran away, tears streaming down her face.

"Ciara" I called weakly as I ran to meet her.

"Don't touch me, mom, my, don't"

. "Ciara, I'm so sorry, forgive your mom, ok?"

"I will if you tell me about my dad. Other kids talk about their father, but I am the odd one out" she said and I tried as much as possible to prevent the tears from spilling out of my eyes. I sat on a chair and beckoned on her to come and she did, sitting on my I told her what happened. She is a little girl but she acts like an adult. I then summarised what happened to her.

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

"My father owned one of the biggest multimillionaire companies in town. He got involved in some bad stuff which he didn't tell us, but I later got to know. Bad people came to our house asking for something and since it wasn't available, my parents and siblings were killed.

Before they came, my dad gave me something to keep safe. It contained everything about his company. He told me o run away and I did, but I was caught and raped". I concluded.

"Why were you raped? They just wanted the document, right?"

"Yeah they did. They threatened to rape me unless I gave them the document, but I didn't budge".

"Then why are they after me too?" She asked.

I was about to reply when a guy sat on one of the empty chairs.

"Hey, beauty. I've been watching you and I like you. I wanna know more about you".

I was really mad at him. Who does he think I am?

"Do you know you are an ass? You are very stupid. Get the heck out of here before I do something stupid"

His face turned red but he tried to cover it up.

"I'm sorry", He said and left.

"Mom, why do you hate men?" Ciara asked to my amazement.

"Men, they are heartless, cruel, and mean".

"Not all of them are"

"What do you know?" I rebuffed.

"I'm sorry mom" she apologized

"Don't worry, darling you've been forgiven". I replied.

Shawn POV

I and my younger brother, Steve attended the school party. I was forced, so I didn't pay any attention to what was done. I had my reasons for not wanting to accompany him.

My fans had always been wondering why I had not released an album for over a year now. If any of them see me, I will surely be questioned and it will go viral, for that reason, I put on sunglasses and a face cap.

Despite my effort, my presence was noticed and I was called upon to sit on the high table. They did ask questions, but I ignored them all.

Just then, something caught my attention. A little girl who was not more a six was singing on stage. She had an angelic voice and I was thrilled. I decided that I would meet her at the end of the event.

After the event, I looked around for her, but she was nowhere to be found. Steve was pestering me that he wanted to go home, so I told my driver to take him home and return as soon as possible. My instincts told me to go to the nearest restaurant and I did. I looked around the premises but I did not see them. I was about to give up when I saw the young lad with a beautiful damsel.

She had long, thick, and dark hair with long eyelashes. She was drop-dead gorgeous. I couldn't tell the color of her eyes from my vantage position.

I was attracted to her. I've never dated any woman before since my girlfriend betrayed me a few years ago.

Just then, my friend, Jack came towards me.

"Hey, Shawn, what's up?"

"I'm fine" I replied without sparing him a glance, my eyes were still on the beautiful damsel. Jack looked in the direction where I was facing and hissed.

"what's wrong? Why did you hiss?" I asked.

"That lady is a hard nut to crack. I tried wooing her but she turned me down and even insulted me".

"Maybe she could sense that you were a playboy. Does she know who you are?" I asked.

"Who doesn't know me?" He asked.

"I think I like her". I said and he chuckled.

"Don't even go close to her 'cause she will insult you as well as kick you in the ass, I've already warned you as a friend". He said and left.

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

I and Jack had been friends since grade one prolly 'cause he was as naughty as I was. Jack is a playboy, all he wanted was sex, no commitment. Although I had sex too but was on a rare occasion but Jack's was getting out of hand.

The little girl was trying to tie her shoelace when I approached them.

"Hey," I said as I squatted and helped the girl tie it.

"Thank you," she said and I ruffled her hair.

"I heard you singing on stage, you've got a very melodious voice," I said still squatting

. "Thank you sir" she replied.

I stood up to face the beautiful damsel, I could now see her face clearly, her eyes were blue, sky blue. I was short of words as I kept staring at her.

"Ciara, come on, we've got to leave for home before it's too late," The lady said forcing out a smile. She pulled the little girl whose name I got to know was Ciara walking as fast as she could. I went after them, walking as fast as I could. I met up with them and held Ciara's hand, then I squatted.

"Do you want ice cream?" I asked and she grinned and then nodded.

"Do you think your sister will allow you?" I asked and Ciara looked at me as though I were insane.

"Sister?" She asked looking puzzled.

"Did I say anything wrong?" I asked.

"Ciara, stop it." The young lady interjected coldly.

"She's my mom," Ciara said ignoring the lady.

I was shocked but covered it up. She was too young to mother a child as old as Ciara.

"Uhm...." I said looking up at the lady. "Do you mind if Ciara accompanies me?" I asked standing up.

"She's going nowhere"

"Come on mom, I want to lick ice cream.

"I'll get one for you myself". She replied

"We should all go then". I said

"Who told you that you're accompanying us?" The young lady asked.

"Come on mom, stop being a jerk". Ciara said.

"Hey, mind your words, ok? At least show some respect" I said.

"You both can go, I'll stay back and wait for you". Ciara's mom said and I was greatly disappointed, but at least, I'll get to know more about Ciara.

"Let's go," I said to Ciara who ran ahead of me.

Julia POV

When they had left, I started having a double mind. What if he was a kidnapper? I decided to go after them.

I went to the ice cream section and after looking around for a long time, I saw them. She and the guy were chatting and he was laughing at something she said. I approached them and I sat beside Ciara.

"Did he hurt you?" I asked whispering to Ciara even though I knew that what I was asking didn't make sense.

"Nope. He can't even hurt a fly." She said whispering back. "Uncle Shawn," Ciara called, "My mom said she wants ice cream." She said and I glared at her.

The guy whom I got to know was Mr. Shawn smiled and ordered ice cream. When it was brought, I licked it slowly. I could feel his gaze on him, but I just ignored him. He cleared his throat before he spoke.

"My name is Shawn Michaels. I made a proposition to your daughter here. I heard her singing on stage. She's got a very melodious voice and I got interested in her in the sense that I want her to feature in my music. I bet you know me, don't you?"

I stared at him and he removed his sunglasses. He was a bit familiar but I couldn't remember where I had seen him. Maybe it's on TV

"I don't think I know you," I said and his eyes opened wide.

"Really?" "Well, I'm a musician and I want your daughter here to feature in my music."

I remained quiet for some time, but Ciara said, "Mom, come on say something."

"I don't like the offer so I'm turning it down," I said and Ciara gasped.

"Mom please. I've always anticipated this. I want to be a musician. Please don't let this opportunity slip away." She said looking at me with pleading eyes.

"If your mom doesn't want to accept the proposal, good and fine." Mr. Shawn said.

"I don't trust him," I said whispering to her.

"Not just him mom." She said out loud. "You don't trust all guys." She said and I glared at her. She ignored me and continued, "The fact that you were raped doesn't mean all guys are the same."

Anger soared through me. Is she out of her mind? Is it because I told her what happened? She even had the guts to say it in front of this jerk. I stood up immediately and slapped her then I walked out of the place and headed home.

She had just revealed my secret to that jerk. If she likes, let her get lost. I arrived at the little house and lay on the bed, crying my eyes out.

Shawn POV

Ciara was crying, while I admonished her.

"You wouldn't have said that. You hurt her so much."

"This is not the first time she's turning down an offer like this." She said in between sobs. "When I was four, a man promised to sponsor few people so that they could participate in a music competition. I was among the ones selected, but mom turned it down. My friend who participated won and she was awarded a huge sum of money. I could sing far better than hashed I know that if I had participated, I would've won." She came towards me and she sat on my lap.

"You know that what you did was not good. It's not good to tell other people someone's secret. You shouldn't try that next time, ok?" I said and she nodded. "We've gotta go look for your mom. I said and we both stood up and left the place in search of her round the building, but she was was nowhere to be found.

We even searched in the school, but she wasn't there. I decided to take the little girl home. I called my driver, Oscar, and he drove us to Ciara's house.

We arrived at the house and I was astounded because the house was very little, but it was neat.

"How could a human being live here?" I wondered.

We went into the house and it was a one-room apartment.

"Mom," Ciara called and Julia who was sleeping woke up, looking shocked.

"Uhm..." I stuttered, I'm sorry about what happened earlier, but here is your daughter."

Julia POV

"Mom," Ciara called and I awoke from my sleep.

I was shocked to find Mr. Shawn in my apartment and I became embarrassed for my apartment was very little and I'm sure Mr. Shawn is a billionaire.

What would he think about me, and what was he doing in my house?

Oh! I forgot that I left Ciara on the school premises how could I be so stupid to do such a thing that was so risky as that?

"Uhm..." He stuttered, "I am sorry for what happened earlier but here is your daughter."

"Thanks for bringing her, I'm so grateful," I said with all sincerity.

"Can I serve you anything?" I asked as I itched the back of my hair

No, I'm fine." He replied, "I'm already on my way, bye take care of Ciara."

"Uncle Shawn," Ciara called "Make sure you come to visit me please she said and he smiled at her then left.

Julia POV

My greatest fear came to pass, I was sacked.

The manager told me that he had to let me go because his life was threatened.

Who else other than my uncle, Anas Gomez was involved?

What was surprising was the fact that they always tracked me down anywhere I am. The fact that they know my place of work... They know where I live and are watching my every move.

***********

I was jobless for over a month and I became more worried because the bills were piling. I submitted my CV to different companies but it was rejected.

My house rent had expired, I hadn't paid my daughter's school fee and the promotion exam was around the corner. I can't allow my daughter to stay at home while her peers are writing exams. I had to do something urgently.

I started looking around for jobs even if it was a brown-collar job, at least it will be manageable.

As I was going down the street in search of a job, I saw a poster which read 'Nanny Needed Urgently. Apply In Person'

I knocked on the gate and the gateman opened it.

"What do you want and who are you looking for?" He asked scrutinizing me.

"I saw the poster and I'm interested," I said.

"What's a beautiful damsel like you doing here?" He asked and I glared at him.

"Would you please mind your business and attend to me?" I asked tersely.

"I'm sorry." He apologized and led me into the building.

A wow escaped my lips before I could control myself. The compound was spacious and adorned with flowers. The building was a very magnificent one. I had never seen one as big as this before.

My dad was rich and had his own house, but it was nothing compared to this. With my heart pounding furiously within my ribcage, I prayed that I would be accepted.

The woman was watching a movie in the sitting room when I entered. As courtesy required, I didn't sit until she told me to do so.

"What's your name?" She asked not sparing me a glance.

"I'm Julia Davies. I said as politely as I could.

"Have you had any experience in catering for kids?"

"Not really," I said and she turned to look at me for the first time since I entered.

"What do you mean?" She asked. "How do you plan on looking after my son when you have no experience?"

"Well, I've never been a nanny, but I have a daughter, so I think I'll make a great nanny," I said trying to muster courage.

She looked at me with disbelief but didn't say anything.

"My son can be very stubborn at times. How are you going to tolerate him?" She asked.

"When my daughter was a kid, she was very naughty too. I didn't hit her, no. I just talked to her. You know, there's a way you talk to children and they accord you that respect." I said and she nodded.

"If I may ask, how old is your daughter?" The woman asked and I hesitated before I responded.

"Ciara is five years old, she'll be six next month," I said and the woman raised an eyebrow.

"You married quite early." She said.

"I'm not married, I'm a single mom."

"I'm sorry." She apologized.

"what for? You did nothing wrong.

"I like you and I bet you'll make a good nanny. You'd start tomorrow. I'll introduce you to my son, his name is Steve." She said and I nodded.

"Oops, I forgot to introduce myself, stupid me." She said and I smiled. "I'm Mrs. Ashley." She said and we both stood up.

"Uhm... Ma'am, I mean Mrs. Ashley, can you give me a part of my salary for the month?"

"Why?" She asked.

"Well, I need to pay my house rent, else we'll be ejected from the apartment."

"There's no need for that because you're staying here. I'll give you a room in this apartment where you and your daughter can stay."

"Tha..."

"Don't bother thanking me," she interrupted me "because it's a norm. All my workers stay right here in this building. All you need to do is pack your belongings and come here."

"I'm grateful ma'am," I said and we both walked out of the apartment.

"I bet you're learned, right?"

"Of course I am," I said and she smiled. After thanking her profusely, I left.

Shawn POV

I went to the sitting room to watch my favorite program on the television. Just then, my brother Steve came in. He just came back from school

"Good afternoon uncle Shawn." He said hugging me.

"Hey buddy, how was school today?"

"It was cool." He said and headed upstairs but a mom who was in the sitting room all along stopped him.

"Oops mom, you're here?" He asked and ran to hug her. "I'm sorry, but I didn't see you." He said and she smiled.

"Steve, I want to have a word with you. You can go and freshen up later." She said and he sat beside her. "You're going to meet your new nanny tomorrow." She said and I saw Steve's countenance change.

I suddenly lost interest in the movie I was watching.

"I don't want a nanny mom. I thought I told you that earlier grown-up mom, can't you reason with me?"

"Who'll be around to take care of you especially now that you'd soon be on holiday now I and Shawn are always busy."

"If you knew you'd never have time to take care of me, then why did you and my father have sex?"

I saw mom's face contort with anger.

"Steve," I shouted but he ignored me as he stood up and headed upstairs. "All I know is that I wouldn't have a nanny and that's final." He said and proceeded to climb up the stairs.

Mom rushed towards him and grabbed him by his shirt. "You think you can walk out on me? Never. You're having a nanny and that's final." She said between clenched teeth.

Steve struggled free from her grip and ran up the stairs as fast as his legs could carry him. Mom stood there for some seconds before she too went up the stairs.

**********

Since dad left us nine years ago, mom has always been short-tempered. Dad left mom for another woman when she was pregnant saying he had a family outside which also meant that he had been cheating on mom all along. He hadn't even set his eyes on Steve who resembled him.

It left me and my immediate younger sister traumatized. Mom made us go see a therapist but I was stubborn and didn't go. That was what made me get involved in some bad which I'm still regretting.

Sophia, my sister is happily married to Cadde. They got married a few months ago and she's now pregnant.

I can't see my brother pass through what I and Sophia passed through. When dad left us, we were lonely because mom locked herself up in her room.

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

I left the sitting room and headed upstairs to Steve's room. I turned the doorknob, but it was locked. I knocked and knocked but there was no reply.

"Steve comes on, it's uncle Shawn". I said and after some time, he opened the door for me. His eyes were red. He sat on the bed and I sat beside him.

"You've been crying? Talk to me, what's the problem? It was not because of what mom said, right?" I asked and he nodded.

Tears streamed down his face. I placed my arm on his shoulders and pulled him into a hug. I looked around his room and it was scattered. He probably went wild and scattered everything.

"Don't worry, I'll talk to mom, ok?"

"You and I know that she doesn't listen to anyone." He said in between sobs, and that was right.

"Don't you think mom hates me?" He asked and I was shocked.

"She doesn't hate you, she loves you that's why she wants to make sure you aren't lonely as I and Sophia were.

"But I don't want a nanny, uncle Shawn, I don't."

"Why are you insisting on the fact that you don't want a nanny? There must be a reason." I said but he kept mute.

"Let it be a secret." He said and I nodded. "The previous nanny mom brought,"

"The thin lady, right?" I asked and he nodded.

"What did she do?" I asked.

"She raped me several times. I didn't know it was a bad thing until I was taught in school. I was the one that made her get sacked." He said and I gasped.

"Are you lying or what?"

"I knew no one would believe me that's why I kept it to myself." He said and I believed him.

"This is serious. I'm going to tell mom so she would change her mind."

"Don't tell her. Secret, remember." He said and I nodded.

"Listen to me Steve, I'm your brother, okay? If you need anything or something is bothering you, don't hesitate to let me know, okay?" I said and he nodded. "If you had told me earlier, she would've been in jail by now," I said and he scrunched up his face.

"She said something to me before she left."

"What?" I asked curiously.

"She said she had taken revenge on what you did to her sister, that you raped her sister and that her sister got pregnant, aborted the baby, and died in the process. She even said you wouldn't dare report to the police, if you did, she'd file a report against you too.

I tried hard to control myself as I was shocked. I couldn't even count the number of girls I had raped.

"That's true," I said, whispering. "Secret, okay? Don't tell anyone." I said and he nodded and we both hugged.

Julia POV

The next day, I hurriedly packed my things with the help of Mrs.. Porsia, my neighbor. She had always come to my aid anytime I was in need. She was like a mother to me and she took me as a daughter. We didn't keep secrets from each other, I had even told her about my uncle, Anas.

After packing, I bade her goodbye. I was going to miss her. My daughter was still in school but she knew we were packing out.

I got to the house and Mrs. Ashley welcomed me warmly. She introduced me to Erastus a cook and Mia, her cleaner. They both received me warmly.

I was in my room putting things in order when I was being called upon. I hurried downstairs and realized that Mrs. Ashley's son, Steve was back from school with a guy, whom I assumed was his elder brother.

"Meet Steve, my son," She said and I waved at him but he just stood rooted to the ground. His elder brother stared at me and took off his shades and my heart skipped a beat.

What was Mr. Shawn doing here?

Shawn POV

I picked up Steve from school after work, although I was damn tired. My main aim was to get home, take a shower, and rest.

I entered the sitting room, and to my amazement, I saw the lady from the restaurant, Julia whom I met about a month ago.

What was she doing here?

Mom was busy talking to Steve that she didn't notice the tension between Julia and me I. Julia refused to meet my gaze.

Mom introduced her to Steve who was putting up a stoic expression.

"How're you?" She asked stooping low to meet his height. Steve didn't say anything but continued staring at her.

"Don't mind him," mom said, "he didn't want a nanny that's why." and Julia smiled.

She had a nice set of teeth. It made my heart skip a beat.

"He's Shawn." Mom said introducing me to Julia.

"We've met before," I said and mom beamed. "Really?" Mom exclaimed. She seemed happy probably because I didn't have a girlfriend, not even female friends.

I avoided girls like plague since my girlfriend betrayed me several years ago. But this one, she was different, there was something about her that attracted me to her. She was beautiful. Beautiful was an understatement.

Julia stood up feeling uncomfortable.

"She's my friend and is a good person," I said squatting to Steve's height and he brightened up immediately.

"I'm going to take some rest now," I said, not taking my gaze away from Julia.

"I'm leaving the both of you now." I heard mom say and I then went upstairs.

Julia POV

I was in the sitting room with Steve. He was operating his phone. I cleared my throat and he stared at me.

"I didn't picture that you'd be like this. You're not as stubborn as I expected I've not noticed any iota of stubbornness in you."

"So my mom told you I was stubborn?" He hissed "she hasn't seen anything yet."

"What do you plan to do?" I asked.

"I will be more stubborn so that she'll start giving me attention"

. "What have you benefitted from being stubborn?" I asked and he stared at me.

"But she doesn't care about me. She's always busy working and doesn't have time for me."

"I'll talk to her about that, okay?" I said and he nodded. "But she's always paying your fees, right?"

"Yeah." He replied.

"Which money do you think she's using to pay your fees?"

"Stop trying to justify my mom's behavior." He spat. "I have uncle Shawn and also an elder sister."

"If you weren't stubborn she would've created time for you, right?" I asked but he didn't say anything.

"She has always been employing nannies since I was a kid. I think she hates me."

"Why did you say that?" I asked with a brow raised.

"It's because my dad left her when she was carrying me in her womb. I think I was the reason he left my mom."

"You see, you're just assuming, you aren't even sure. If she hated you then she would've aborted you, right?" I asked staring at him and I could see that he was looking remorseful. I wrapped my arm around his neck.

"I've hurt her." He said.

"You should apologize to her, okay?"

"She might scold me. I've been rude to her on so many occasions."

"Don't worry, I'll be present. She wouldn't scold you, okay?"

"Thanks, Aunt Julia."

"Promise me that you would be of good behavior."

"I promise." He said and I hugged him tightly. "I'll take my leave now. I want to freshen up." He said and I nodded.

I looked at him as he ran up the stairs and I smiled, but it faded as soon as it appeared when I noticed that Mr. Shawn had been watching me the whole time, he didn't even stop staring. Beads of perspiration ran down the back of my neck.

Just then, the doorbell rang and I was glad. Mr. Shawn walked briskly to the door and opened it. My neighbor, Mrs. Porshia entered with Ciara.

Earlier on, I had told Mrs. Porshia to help me pick up Ciara from school.

"Mommy," Ciara screamed as she ran to hug me.

"How was school today?"

"It was fine," she replied. "Is it true that we're living here now?" She asked whispering and I nodded.

"Ciara," Mr. Shawn called "you didn't see me?" Ciara looked at me shocked.

"Uncle Shawn" she screamed as she ran to meet him. "I had always expected you to come and visit at least, but you didn't," she said. "Or have you canceled the proposal?"

"Not at all" he replied.

I watched them chit-chatting and noticed that Mrs.. Porshia was not comfortable. She quickly excused herself and left not after bading me goodbye.

"Ciara, go and freshen up so you can have your meal," I said and she ran up the stairs.

Immediately she left, I realized I had made a mistake as I and Mr Shawn were the only ones in the sitting room. I was nervous. He stared at me for a long time but I pretended as though I didn't notice, but what! He was coming towards me and he sat very close to me and our bodies were touching. I tried adjusting, but there wasn't any more space on the couch.

Julia POV

He helped me put my hair behind my ears. I was uncomfortable and needed a little more space.

"Can you please adjust?" I asked and he grinned and I felt butterflies in my stomach. He had cute dimples.

"Why do you hate us, men?" He asked and I felt my cheeks burn. I was embarrassed and angry at the same time.

I mustered all the energy in me and pushed him away, he fell with a thud but laughed as though it didn't hurt. He had a cut on his knee and blood oozed out.

"If I tell you I like you, what would you do?" He asked sitting back on the couch, but this time, he didn't come too close to me. I ignored him.

Just then, Ciara and Steve came in. "Mom, I've made a new friend. She said as she ran towards me.

"congrats," I said dryly but she didn't notice. She saw the cut on Mr. Shawn's knee and gasped.

"Uncle Shawn, you've injured yourself." She said looking worried. "Don't you guys have first aid materials here?" She asked Steve who said,

"We do. Let's go get it." He said and they ran up the stairs. I felt guilty because of my reaction which made him have a cut. His face was red and I knew it hurt badly.

"I'm sorry," I said looking apologetic.

"I'm the one who should've minded my business." He said not sparing me a glance.

Ciara and Steve were back with the first aid kit. Ciara gave it to me and they both ran upstairs. I wonder what they were doing upstairs.

He was staring intently at me watching me as I took the cotton wool and dipped it in the methylated spirit. He put his injured leg on my lap. That made my gown shift higher, but I ignored it. I had to concentrate on what I was doing so I could get outta here. The contact his leg had with mine sent shivers down my spine. He didn't make any comment all along and I glanced at him and saw that he was just staring at me.

Alas, I was done. I stooped down to clean the blood on the floor, but he stopped me, collected the wool from me, and cleaned it himself. I was about to go to my room but he held my hand

"I'm not angry with you, he said and I nodded. He then left to throw the used cotton wool in a dustbin.

Ciara was asleep, but I couldn't sleep. I took my phone so I could know the trending news. A piece of news caught my attention, it read

'Panic as Anas Gomez warns the citizens of America that he was back. He told the president to step down, else there would he war.'

I was gobsmacked. What made my uncle, Anas think that he'd be able to rule America? He wanted to be lord of all and possess power, that was why he tried to take over my dad's company, because he (that is my dad), specialized in the production of technological facilities. He wanted to take over it to use it for his benefit in the production of nuclear and atomic bombs. I just hope the president isn't a coward

I wasn't in a good mood and I couldn't sleep, so I decided to go to the sitting room and watch a movie.

Shawn was in the sitting room and he was watching the news. The news I had just seen on the internet was being broadcasted on the television. His jaws were tightly clamped together. It seems he was upset by the news, what if he finds out that Anas, the terrorist was my uncle?

I sat on the couch, far away from him. Just then, his phone rang and he creased his forehead. He left immediately and didn't answer the call in my presence. I didn't trust him. Who knows if he works for Anas? Over curiosity made me leave where I was and spy on him.

I walked quietly to his room which was opposite mine. The door was slightly opened so I could get a better view of him. He was whispering harshly over the phone, though I could make out a few words. He held tightly to the window bars and his knuckles were white.

"What! Are you damn serious?... Yes, she is... You must be joking, right?... Never, no way, I wouldn't let that happen... He told you to call me? Why didn't he just call me directly?... He's a coward... I saw it... If I set my eyes on that bastard, I swear I'll kill him, if it's to kill him with my hands, I'll do just that... I left a long time ago and there's no way I'm coming back... Don't try to dissuade me, Chance. The fact that I'm one man against a hundred or thousand doesn't guarantee the fact that I'm not going to defeat you and your cohorts...don't you call my line again." He said, hung up, and threw the phone on the bed.

Who was he angry with and who did he want to kill? I had never trusted the guy ever since I set my eyes on him. He's a killer, I don't think I can stay in the home of a killer. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't see him coming towards the door. It was already late, he saw me and his eyes widened in shock.

Oh my goodness! I'm done for. I turned around, wanting to head to my room but he dragged me by the hair and I shrieked. He pulled me into his room and what! He locked the door. He made me face him and his eyes were red.

"You were sent to spy on me, right? He asked and I shook my head. "What did you hear? Tell me what you heard right now." He said still clutching my hair. My scalp was hurting. I wonder what I've gotten myself into. I just came today and I've put myself in such a mess. Oh! How I wish I could turn back the hands of time.

"Nothing, I heard nothing," I said and he pushed me. I landed on his bed with my arm hitting the bedpost. He came towards me and sat on the bed.

Memories of the past, one I wouldn't forget in a lifetime came flooding in.

"Who sent you?" He asked icily. "Don't let me do something we would both regret, who sent you?" I was damn angry.

"Who sent me? I don't understand." I retorted. I didn't even know where the courage came from.

He stood up and went to the window, his two hands at the back of his head.

See what curiosity has gotten me into, had I known, I wouldn't have done what I did. I could escape since he was facing the window.

I stood up with all the strength I had left, I hadn't even gone halfway when I felt his hand hold my clothing.

"Tell me the truth, or I'll kill you here and now," he said through clenched teeth.

I had always known, he was a killer and he wanted to kill me. I won't let him do that and leave Ciara motherless. I pushed him away with all the strength I could muster and he lost his balance. Then I used that opportunity. I saw a glass cup on the table, I rushed to pick it so I could use it on him, but he was faster. He charged towards me, dragged me to himself then pushed me to the bed.

He stayed on me, my legs between his knees. His hands were on my neck, ready to strangulate me. I shrieked as memories of the past came flooding in.

I remembered a man on top of me tearing, tearing my clothes before I blanked out. I was losing it.

I thought it was over since it happened almost six years ago, but no, it wasn't. I was seventeen then. I was transported back to those days.

I started cursing and insulting. I heard the laughter of men, and the stench of alcohol, it was horrible. By the time I was calm, I opened my eyes and saw that Mr. Shawn was looking at me, worried. I sat up on the bed, shame eating me up. No one had ever seen me in this condition.

Few months after I had escaped from their hostage, it was always a norm, until it stopped about four years ago, but now it's repeating itself again and in the presence of this jerk.

"Are you okay?" He asked looking worried.

Does he think I am an idiot? I slapped him and his face contorted with rage. I made to move away, but he held me tightly.

"You're going nowhere until you tell me what your relationship with Anas is. He said and I was dumbfounded. How did he get to know?

"He's my uncle," I said whispering.

"Then it's true. You came here to spy on me." He said and I tried to defend myself.

"Whoever told you that is a liar. How'll I work for someone that killed my parents?" I asked and he exploded.

"That's it." He said. "Exactly what the caller said would be your excuse. Get out." He thundered. "I don't ever want to see you in this house, in fact, you're fired. I'm going out, if I come back and find out that you're still here, you wouldn't find it funny." He said unlocking the door.

I was busy crying all through because I had lost my job and there was no place to live. I went on my knees.

"I'm so sorry. Do any other thing to me, but please, don't sack me. I've got nowhere to go." I pleaded but he dragged me up, roughly and pushed me down the stairs to the sitting room.

Mrs. Ashley and Ciara were watching television. They saw us and Ciara looked confused.

"Mommy, are you okay?" She asked and ran to hug me. I scooped her up in my arms.

"Mom," Shawn called. "They've got to leave."

"What!" Mrs. Ashley and Ciara exclaimed simultaneously.

"Yes mom, she's a spy, sent from an enemy of mine."

Mrs.. Ashley stood up slowly from where she sat.

"What has come over you?" She asked "They are going nowhere. I employed Julia, you didn't, remember, and whereas she hasn't even spent up to a day here."

"Mom, don't test my patience, if I come back and meet them here, you wouldn't like what I'll do, I promise." He said and stomped out of the sitting room.

I dropped Ciara down and went to sit on one of the couches.

"Mom, are you okay?" Ciara asked looking worried and I forced out a smile.

"I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me."

"Julia," Mrs.. Ashley called "what exactly did you do to him?"

"I don't know." I Lied.

"You shouldn't mind him, okay? He's sometimes like that, short-tempered and all. Hope you are not angry."

"Not at all, why should I be?" I lied again although I was boiling with rage but tried to keep my emotions under control.

I needed to rest because I was physically and emotionally distressed.

What hurt me most was that Shawn saw my weakness. I went to the room to take a nap and Ciara followed me, she was overly protective.

Shawn pov

I and my friends scheduled to meet in a bar. Jack and three other friends whose names were Shoria, Cisco, and Tom. I had met them in the police force where I worked as an undercover agent. I was a musician, but I suspended it in the meantime.

"You're late," Cisco said to me as I approached them.

"I'm sorry, I had some things to take care of".

"Apologies accepted." He replied.

"So why did you and Jack summon us here?" Tom asked getting impatient.

Jack cleared his throat and asked, "Did you all hear the news today?" He asked and they all shook their heads.

"You're cops and you don't watch the news or read the papers?" He asked surprised.

"We're not cops, but undercover agents," Tom said.

"What's the difference?" Jack asked. "Anyways," he continued, "Anas Gomez the terrorist is back and he's coming in full force. He gave the president a given date, only one month, to step down, else he'll proclaim war. The funniest thing is that no one can track him." Jack said ending his speech.

"So? How has that got to do with us?" Cisco asked.

"We can't handle him on our own," Tom added. "Whereas, we've got the cops. We're undercover agents, not cops." He said but Jack ignored him.

"He wants to take over America. If he succeeds, we the citizens will suffer." Jack said.

"It has something to do with me." I said speaking for the first time."

"That's right," Jack said. "In case you need to know, one of Anas' men called Shawn today, saying he sent someone to spy on Shawn. The lady is in his house right now."

"Let's go get her arrested then," Cisco said.

"There's something fishy about all these," Shoria said speaking for the first time. "Tell us who the lady is," Jack said and I sighed.

"Remember the lady you tried to woo in the restaurant some time ago?" l asked but he shook his head.

"I can't remember any 'cause there are lots of them I tried to woo in a restaurant." He said and they all burst out laughing except me because I didn't find it funny.

"Remember the lady you warned me not to meet 'cause she turned you down? The one with a little girl."

"Oh!" He exclaimed. "The lady with a big backside." He said and winked at me. "The one who turned me down, right?"

"Exactly," I replied. "She's the one that was sent to spy on me. She's Anas' niece." I said and they all looked shocked.

"Why will Anas send someone to spy on you? What did you do to him?" Cisco asked and as I was about replying, Jac,k said, "it's a long story."

They all nodded because they understood that I wasn't ready to talk about it.

"I think the guy was lying to you," Tom said.

"Come to think of it, how'll someone send a person to spy on you and still tell you that he sent a spy?" Jack asked and suddenly, I felt stupid for what I did earlier.

"She's his niece," I said not wanting to believe them.

"One thing I dislike about you, Shawn is that you always jump to conclusions. At least you'd have asked for a piece of advice." Jack said

"Who knows if Anas is after the lady just as he's after Shawn," Cisco said and they all nodded.

I felt bad as I heard them say that. I had even hurt her and she was innocent. Would she ever forgive me?

"What do you think we should do?" Cisco asked and I replied, "we're taking up the case. Anas must be brought to book."

We all stood up and shook hands. Then they all left except Jack. I sat down slowly and placed my head on the table. I felt like killing myself because of what I did. I was planning on how to make her love me, yet see what my foolishness has caused

"I hurt her," I said to Jack as I raised my head.

"You finally hooked up with her?" Jack asked, surprise written on his face.

"Not really. But now, she'll hate me more." I said and he shook his head.

"Wow!" He exclaimed. "Are you in love?" He asked but I ignored him. "I'll help you talk to her." He said and I scoffed.

"Who told you she was gonna listen to you?" I asked.

"She'll if I explain what happened to her." He said trying to convince me."

"You're such a good friend," I said standing up. "What are friends for?" He asked as we hugged.

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

We arrived at my house and I pressed the doorbell. Erastus, one of the cooks opened the door for us and I was surprised to see that there were guests, but I couldn't see who they were exactly from my vantage position.

I glanced at Jack and he urged me to keep going, which I did. We went towards the table and I was surprised to see my sister and her husband. I planted a kiss on Sophia, my sister's forehead.

"Hey Shawn, take it easy. Her husband is here." Jack said and they all burst into laughter.

I stole a glance at Julia, but she seemed unaffected. "You've added a few pounds," I said complimenting Sophia and she chuckled and said,

"While you've grown thinner. You had better look for a wife who'll take good care of you."

I shook hands with Cadde, my brother-in-law. I glanced at Julia but she ignored me all along. Even Ciara was quiet, which was unlike her.

Julia must've told her what transpired between us. Jack had sat on an empty seat beside the maid, Mia. She was pretty, but not as pretty as Julia.

I sat on an empty chair beside Julia, what she did shocked me, she stood up immediately as though I stank or she had been bitten by an ant and went to sit beside Erastus, her co-worker. I lost my appetite immediately and excused myself saying I wanted to use the restroom

Julia POV

I saw Mr. Shawn come in with a guy whom I recognized immediately. The guy from the restaurant tried to woo me. Just seeing Mr. Shawn made bile rise my throat. I glanced at Ciara, but she was oblivious of the fact that Mr. Shawn just entered.

When Mr. Shawn had left, Ciara kept saying she would never talk to him again because he planned to throw us out. I tried talking to her, but she wouldn't listen. I didn't want her to start hating someone at such a tender age.

I just pretended as though he didn't exist. Just then, Shawn sat beside me. Anger soared through me. How dare he have the guts to sit beside me after all that he did? I stood up immediately and sat beside Erastus. I glanced at Mr. Shawn and saw that his countenance had changed.

"Good for him," I said to myself.

He excused himself, saying he wanted to use the restroom. No one noticed what transpired aside from Erastus and Jack. Jack also excused himself and went after Shawn.

"Where did Shawn and Jack go to?" Sophia, his sister asked. "They didn't even touch their food."

I admired Sophia. She was good-looking and had a nice set of teeth, high cheeked bones, brown eyes like her brother's. There was a resemblance between the two.

"But he said he wanted to use the restroom," Cadde said.

"Then why did Jack accompany him? Something is wrong with him." Mrs. Ashley said giving me a knowing look, but I shrugged.

"I'll go and check upon him," Sophia said standing up but Cadde restricted her, holding her hand.

" Babe, don't worry, I'll go myself. You don't have to stress yourself, okay?"

"Okay then" she replied sitting down.

Cadde pecked her and left. I felt a bit jealous but I shrugged it off. I had lost my appetite, but I had to force myself to keep on eating so as not to arouse suspicion.

A few minutes later, they all came approached us. Mr. Shawn's eyes were red as though he had been crying. He sat on an empty seat beside Ciara and he started whispering something to her.