Chapter 28

Chapter 28


Amara 

"How was the day with my father like? Did y'all have fun?" I asked Dera as she sat down eating her ice cream with her face glued to the television screen.

I had called for something that would be almost like a date night for the both of us where we just sat down and glued our faces to the screen. It was nothing much but it meant a lot. I mean, on the floor, blankets, the lights dimmed to a reasonable amount and then the television playing our favourite movie. I was living the life here but I could not help but notice how silent Dera was. It was almost like she had so much in her mind and I was beginning to fear she might be considering going back to that asshole. 

I would not want that. I wanted her to see reasons with me on why he was bad for her and did not have her best interest at heart when he keeps trying to hurt the shit out of her. Dera deserved better and if she would not see it, I would make it clearer to her myself. My voice seemed to have startled her because she suddenly spilled ice cream on herself and the floor and she started trembling. When my father had explained that she was trembling the previous night, I had not imagined that it would have been anything like this.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I'm really sorry. I can clean it. I'll get it cleaned...." She was saying while beginning to pat around with her hands. At this point, I too was feeling broken for her. Although mine was more of being heartbroken.

I mean, what had that bastard done so much that he had her fearing like this? What had he done to make this sour for her? She looked like she was trying to pacify and was also blaming herself. So I stopped what I was doing and suddenly went over and embraced her while she was squatting and patting the ice cream. She was shaking all over, clearly the aftermath of the trauma and as I held her there, still and calm, I felt tears running down my face. It was like I was the one in this mess and she was my anchor. I held her there and after some time, I noticed my father had come out.

It was dark but thanks to our vision, I could see him and the expression on his face. He looked genuinely worried about her but she could not see him as her back was turned against him from the angle I was embracing her from. He wanted to come so badly and I felt this was because he felt so much empathy for her. I mean, this could have been me, right? Unable to get over the aftermath of the abuse that I have been feeling or going through. This could have been me getting really hurt and yet, this was me standing strong because I had a dad who cared about me.

He looked at me for any signal that he should come forward and I shook my head. I did not want him doing that because I wanted to be the one doing the calms for her. I wanted to be the one who would show her how much she was valued at this moment. Dad had his moment yesterday, this was mine. So, I shook my head and signalled that it was okay. Reluctantly, he started to leave while pointing that he would be in the study if I needed him and I nodded. I watched him leave and then I started comforting her with words.

"You didn't do anything wrong, Dera. It's all good. Mistakes are good but this time, we were having a good time. I'm not that fool. I'm your best friend and there's nothing you'll ever do to make me feel hurt, Dera. I care about you so much." I kept whispering to her and suddenly, she broke down crying.

What was supposed to be our little adult ice cream sleepover party had become a moment that I would say I really should consider being a therapist. Well, I had her calmed to a significant amount and then I let her sit up. She had cried really bad and I felt for her. Well, I was going to give one more try to uplifting her spirits. I reached for my ice cream plate and suddenly rubbed it on her face. She was shocked. Confused even at what to do but I started laughing.

"Tag! I got you!" I said to her and then rubbed another.

She realised this was the game and slowly reached and then looked at my face like she was seeking permission. I nodded encouragingly because there was nothing for her to fear here. I cared about her so much and she needed to understand that. So she slowly rubbed it on my face and smiled.

"Tag. I think I got you too." She said slowly.

I laughed and rubbed again. It took two trials for me to get her to fully understand enough to want to participate in my silly game and soon, we were just there playing around until there was ice cream splattered everywhere. Now, she looked around and she was obviously about to relapse again.

"Look at all the mess we made. Your dad would be made, wouldn't he?" She asked me.

"Dera, a princess never makes a mess. You know why, the maids get it and it's their job. Let's just say we were helping them get their job done. And now, I don't want to hear you complaining again. I want you to be me tonight. Act like me and see how you enjoy it." I said to her and she nodded.

I led us to lay down with our faces up as we looked at the chandelier. She looked peaceful at last and I was glad that I finally made it happen.

"Amara, I just wanted to say thank you for doing this. It meant so much to me and I'm glad I'm here. I'll try to be you because it seems fun, kinda." She said to me,

"Not kinda. It is fun." I responded.

"You know, I thought today that I would be creating trouble for you and your dad, so, at some point, I went into my room and I tried to put the phone on. But then I remembered all you did for me and that you are looking up to me to be better and happier. I didn't do it. I promise. I didn't put that phone on." She said to me,

I instantly thought about what a good parent would do at this point. Not some random good parent though, what woman my dad does. So, I turned and faced her, lying on my side with a smile clearly etched on my lips as I brushed my hand across my head.

"I'm proud of you, Dera. You did the right thing. That bastard, he doesn't deserve you." I said to her,

She suddenly turned to face me and she smiled.

"Right, be doesn't." She said and then her eyes started closing. She had been through a rush of adrenaline and more, now, she needed to rest. I had been itching to tell her what had transpired between Isaac and myself today but I already knew that would trigger her and her emotions. I did not want that and decided to save it for some other day. It would be a good thing to laugh at someday when she is better.

Now, I rose up slowly as I brought a blanket to cover her there in the sitting room. I was going to ask my father to take her inside much later as I did not want her waking up now. So, I walked into his study only to find him deep in thoughts but he looked up when I entered.

"Well, you look like an ice cream cone. I guess it ended well." He said to me,

"I guess it did. She's asleep in the sitting room. But she's been really distressed. I'm supposed to turn in for the night because of work tomorrow, can I trouble you to carry her into her room later?" I asked him.

"You mean when she's sound asleep?" He asked me.

"Yes, dad. She just closed her eyes." O said.

"That's not a problem. I spend most of your teenage years carrying you inside after all. I'll do that but what happened out there?" He asked me.

"Let's just say we have our job cut out for us. We need to assist her move on which reminds me, where were you when she thought of calling that asshole in her bedroom?" I asked him.

"I had no idea. I guess I'll keep watch on her all through." He responded.

"Please do. But don't make her take notice. We don't want her fearing us too." I said to him and he nodded.

I was about to leave when he spoke again.

"Which also reminds me. Has she taken the pills?" He demanded.

Fuck it! I had totally forgotten about that and I decided that I would make certain that it does happen the next morning.