LIA POV
********
SEVEN YEARS AGO
I stood at the entrance of Father (Pat)’s room with shaky hands and trembling legs. What would I say? Would he believe me over his son? What would his response be? I peeped through the door to find him pacing to and fro. It further heightened my fraidy feeling. It must be serious business that got him pacing to and from like that. I summoned up a bit of courage and marched in. He turned to face me and his eyes held the expression I had always dreaded. The kind that always got me shy whenever he called me My Lia after getting me a present. I respected him so much - A politician who suddenly adopted one of his maid's daughter so she wouldn't drop out of high school. Who wouldn't admire such a person?
“My Lia, what's up?” he said, moving to his swivel chair in his study.
“I – I want to discuss something with you,” I stuttered, moving my legs steadily till I stood in front of his table.
“Go on,” he said.
“I – I – Fred – he –” I could not place my words rightly. How do I even begin to explain myself? How do I describe the atrocities Fred had committed against me without feeling remorseful about it? But I’m here now so I just have to tell him everything. He'll save me.
“Say something, Lia,” he said, looking all over me. I read nothing to the movement of his eyes. He was my adoptive Father after all.
“Fred raped me. He's been forcing himself on me. Several times, father. I could not stand it anymore. You might not believe me but I have proof,” I said in tears.
“He's been forcing himself on you or it was a joint agreement between both of you?” he asked all of a sudden and my heart dropped. What was he thinking now?
“A joint agreement?! Never! He forced himself on me. He threatened that he would take everything away from me if I didn't yield to him,” I cried.
“And you agreed and he did it, right? Don't complicate it. It was just sex,” he said, standing from his chair. Each of his step towards me made me shudder. Can someone wake me up from this horrible dream?
“It isn't just sex! It is very wrong. He's supposed to be my elder brother. You're supposed to be our father!” I yelled.
“That's why I'm saying this to you for your sake, do not ever tell a single soul about it. Whatever happens here, dies here, okay? I'll send you some money for your upkeep,” he replied.
“Money?! I don't need money right now! I can't believe you're covering this all up! I can't do this anymore. If you won't do something about it, Mum will,” I said and turned to leave but he pulled me back with his strong arm and a huge slap landed on my cheeks. My head spun and I fell on the floor. My cheeks were on fire and I rubbed it repeatedly to reduce the pain.
“Another word from you and you'd be sorry you ever came in here. Nonsense! I sheltered you, put food on your table, clothed you, paid your bills and what do I get in return?!” he yelled, shooting me his blazing hot eyes. “I don't even want to see you right now. Get out of my sight!” he ordered. I moved my weak legs to stand but he grabbed my hands as if he would break my bones and pulled me towards the door. “I said, get out of here!”
I found myself tearing up and screaming in my room the next minute. I hated myself and my body for caving in. Why did I sign the adoption letter? I regretted taking that action. Little did I know that I had just witnessed a tip of the iceberg.
My adoptive mother came back from her travels after a few days. I could not even embrace her and surprisingly but not surprisingly, she didn't notice my gloomy face. My room was filled with all the gifts she had gotten me but those could not fill the void that I felt in my heart.
I could not concentrate or study my books even though I had my final high school exam in four days. My head felt as if it would explode. I went to the dining room where I met mother, working on her computer. She was so engrossed to notice I had walked in.
“Mother, you aren't sleeping?” I asked.
“Oh no sweetheart. I have loads of work to do here. They must be ready before I travel the day after tomorrow,” she said.
“That's in three days! Won't you escort me to school for my final exams like you promised?” I cried.
“I’m sorry, honey. I promise to make it up to you. I'll also get you the latest model of computer and smartphone if you ace those exams,” she said.
I could cheer my gloomy face to share in the joy my body wanted to feel. I didn't want all those things. What I wanted was a savior who would rescue me from Fred's clutches.
“You don't want that? How about a trip then? We'll go sight-seeing,” she said.
“That's not what I want,” I mumbled.
“Then, what do you want?” she asked.
“There's something I need to tell you,” I said with all seriousness. I was determined to spill the beans already.
“Hey babe! Here you are,” Pat said, standing at the entrance of the room. My heart skipped several beats. Why was he here at this time? I scratched my head severally, until the tips of my fingers turned red. He approached where we stood and kissed mother on the lips.
“I beg to be excused,” I said and hurried out of the room while I caught glimpses of his eyes following me.
***************
FOUR DAYS LATER
I dropped my diary in my bag and slumped on the bed. I can't believe i still studied like hell despite all I was going through. I'd give my all to go to college and get a good job so I can get the hell out of this forsaken house. I dragged my feet up from the group and picked my bag. Then I heard my door fly open - it was Pat.
“Off to school?” he asked.
For some reason, I was scared out of my wits. Apart from the maids, I was the only one in the house with him. He shut the door after him and drew close to me. I didn't want to imagine things but I moved a few steps back.
“You still have around thirty minutes before your exams. Take that thing off,” he said. referring to my bag.
“Why are you here, Mr. Pat?” I asked.
“Oh! It's Mr. Pat not Father anymore. Well, that works as well since we're doing this,” he said and with swift strides, he was by my side. He threw my bag off me, pushing me onto the bed.
“What are you trying to do? Please, stop!!” I screamed.
“Will you shut the hell up?! Stop acting like this is your first time,” he said.
“Somebody, help me!! Please!!!” I cried at the top of my voice.
“And for your information, nobody can hear you. I sent the maids off to the other side of the house,” he said.