04/04/2021
The atmosphere was tensed. Cold sweats begin to cover me like I was locked up inside heat. Dad was fuming with anger and Mom being a woman was looking pitiful to me, signaling she had nothing she could do. This prompt me to release the anger that I have been holding inside of me.
I yelled "... but I love him Mom". Tears began to well up my eyes as I murmured "Yes... I do". I rushed to Dad, holding him tightly by his hand to please hear me out but instead I was shoved away like a Child who p**p on her body. Next thing I heard from Dad was, do you even know what love is? Yet, you claim you are loving someone. And not even someone but a poor man for crying out loud, Helen. How dare you stoop so low!
I was short of words. Nothing else I could say. I have tried severally times without number to clear what they had in mind towards the poor boy.
All I could mustered was "Does love to you means Wealth?". I expected them to reply but when I saw they didn't, I said "Now I see why we can never be on the same term".
"Helen, don't you get it? I'm on your side and what I am doing is for your own benefit so you wouldn't regret later on" Dad said, trying to calm my nerves.
"No Dad! Do they regret love or being loved. Even if at that, you should at least support me for once. I ne.. ver... asked of this from you before, Dad. Why don't you do me this favor" I said with tears streaming from my eyes.
Suddenly, I felt a hot slap on my pretty face. "Where does it come from?" I asked, shivering.
"Yes, I slapped you. Would you slap yours? I said that's what I want and that's the final. Who are you to question me, young lady?. He said throwing hands in the air.
Hearing this from him touched my heart. Mom knew what this was leading to so she quickly came towards me and tried to shut my mouth but instead I screamed "Oh! No! No Dad" I said, smashing all what I could lay my hands on before I found the strength back to utter a word "What else must I do to satisfy you. Ever since I listened to you. Only you both... I never followed my dream or my heart desires. I listened to all you say but why not listen to mine for once, Dad! Mom! I'm in pain. Mind you... I'm not an adult anyone. I need to choose who I want, marriage is a long term project". I rubbed my face with my palm and said "Okay fine... That's what you want bah? I'll satisfy you till I die". Then I swung the door open and left for my room.
On entering my room, I sat on the bed crying deeply while thinking of all I've done out of my own desires. I remembered when I was in high school. My desire then was to be in Art class but instead, I found myself in Science department due to the pressure from Dad. What else could I do since I haven't listened to my heart since?! But I must marry him or else, I would rather die.
Before I could think of any other thing, I listened to the voice behind me, beckoning to me to slit my throat. In no time, I cut my thoat and I was in pool of blood, lying down helplessly.
© Bimbola Ojuolape ✍️
