CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Yoma…..
As Nina embraced Nana tightly, a flood of emotions washed over her. It had been too long since she had felt the comforting warmth of nana, and she cherished the moment, relishing in the familiar perfume of Nana's settling sight.
"Nana, I've missed you so much," Nina exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection. "You look wonderful, as always."
Nana chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement at Nina's playful teasing. "Oh, my dear child, you always know how to bring a smile to my face," she replied fondly, returning Nina's hug with equal warmth.
But as Nana's expression changed to one of concern, “My child, what happened to you? Tell me,” Nana drew Nina close to her, leading her to the wooden chair.
Nina's heart grew heavy with the weight of her recent ordeal. With a sigh, she began to recount the harrowing events that had led her from the Yitta clan to the difficult journey she had walked through from the depths of the dense forest to the Yoma clan.
As Nina spoke, her voice trembled with emotion, her words painting a vivid picture of the dangers she had faced and the hardships she had overcome. From the shocking revelation of her true lineage to the hazardous encounter with Ingo, Nina spared no detail as she narrated her journey of survival.
As Nina poured out her heart to Nana, recounting the trials and tribulations she had endured, Nana listened with rapt attention, her expression shifting from concern to empathy as she absorbed every word. With each detail Nina shared, Nana's heart swelled with pride and admiration for Nina’s strength to survive Chief Cody’s evil intentions, and to the correctional facility, even though it was a heartbreaking experience.
"My dear child," Nana murmured, her voice soft and gentle as she reached out to gently caress Nina's cheek. "You have faced challenges that would have broken lesser souls, yet here you stand, it shows how powerful and strong you are."
Nina nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she felt the weight of Nana's compassion and tenderness. In Nana's comforting presence, she found the courage to confront the painful memories that had haunted her, knowing that she was not alone in her struggles. As she began To cry, the tears that she harbored in her mind for so long, she let all of them out.
Nana, on the other hand, watched her cry, she wanted to allow her to free up her emotions. and when she had cried enough, With a deep sigh, Nana drew Nina into another embrace, holding her close as they shared a moment of silent peace. In that tender embrace, Nina felt a feeling of peace wash over her, the warmth of Nana's love wrapping around her like a protective cocoon.
"You are safe now, my child," Nana whispered her words, a soothing ointment to Nina's weary soul. "And as long as I am here, you will always have a shelter to return to."
Nina nodded gratefully, feeling a rush of gratitude for Nana’s relentless support. But as Nana paused, a curious expression crossed her face, and she gently took Nina's hands in hers.
"Now, my dear, I must ask," Nana began, her voice gentle but firm. "Who is responsible for your pregnancy?"
A shy expression flitted across Nina's face as she hesitated, her gaze dropping to her lap before she finally mustered the courage to speak. "It's Chris, Chief Cody’s son," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nana's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Chris? Chief Cody’s son, Chief Cody won't like this." she exclaimed, her tone incredulous.
Nina nodded, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she told the story of how she and Chris had experienced the shift into adulthood together. "Yes, Nana," she confirmed, her voice tinged with sadness. "But he didn't know about the pregnancy before he kicked me out."
A knowing smile tugged at the corners of Nana's lips as she listened to Nina's story. "Ah, young love," she mused, shaking her head in amusement. "It seems you and Chris have quite the story to tell."
But as Nina explained her fears of telling Chris the truth, Nana's expression softened with empathy. "My dear child, fear is a powerful emotion, but it should never stand in the way of honesty," she advised gently, her voice filled with wisdom. "If Chris truly cares for you, he will understand and support you, no matter what."
Nina sighed, her shoulders slumping with the thought of Chris's reaction. "I know, Nana," she replied, her voice tinged with pain. "But I was afraid he wouldn't believe me, and I couldn't bear to see him more angry or disappointed. He was already mad that we might be siblings, and telling him About this was a death sentence and I wasn't ready for it."
Nana reached out and squeezed Nina's hand reassuringly. "Trust in the strength of your love and your truth, my dear," she urged, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement. "And remember, I am here for you, always."
With Nana's comforting words ringing in her ears, Nina was happy and relaxed. She was at a safe place where Chief Cody wouldn't see her attack.
However, Nana gently cautioned Nina to be careful, reminding her of the importance of her health and the well-being of her unborn child. "You must take care of yourself, my dear," she advised, her voice filled with concern. "You almost lost your baby, and we cannot afford to take any risks."
Nina nodded solemnly, understanding the seriousness of Nana's words. "I will be careful, Nana," she promised earnestly, sounding, determined. "I will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of my baby."
As Nana prepared to leave to get Nina some food, Nina reached out and grasped her hand gratefully. "Thank you, Nana," she murmured, her eyes shining with appreciation. "For everything."
Nana smiled warmly at Nina, her eyes twinkling with affection. "You are my precious baby, Nina," she replied softly, her voice filled with love. "And I will always be here to take care of you."