NONYE
I spent the rest of the day studying Evelyn’s file, trying to learn everything I could about her. But the more I read, the more I felt like I was betraying her trust.
As night began to fall, I heard the sound of my roommates returning. I quickly hid the folder and pretended to be studying for an exam.
Rachel and Blessing entered the room, looking surprised to see me. “Nonye, where have you been?” Rachel asked, concern etched on her face. “We’ve been looking all over for you. We even reported you missing to the school authorities.”
I hesitated, unsure of what to say. I couldn’t tell them the truth – that I had been kidnapped and manipulated by Ada. So I lied, trying to come up with a convincing excuse. “I’m sorry, guys. I was just… um… studying at the library. I lost track of time.”
Blessing raised an eyebrow. “The library? But we checked the library. We even asked the librarians if they had seen you.”
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “I must have been in a different section or something. Sorry again, guys. I’ll be more careful next time.”
Rachel and Blessing exchanged skeptical glances, but they didn’t press the issue further. As we settled in for the night, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was trapped in a nightmare from which I couldn’t wake up. And I had no idea how to escape.
As I lay in bed, I couldn’t help but think about home. I missed my parents, my brother, and my friends. I missed the familiarity and comfort of my own bed.
As I drifted off to sleep, I had an idea. Why not go back home? I could tell my parents everything, and they would know what to do. Or maybe I could confide in Faith, my best friend. She was always level-headed and would know how to advise me.
Or maybe, just maybe, I could tell my brother. He was always protective of me, and I knew he would do everything in his power to help me.
The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like the perfect solution. I would pack my bags, go back home, and leave all this drama behind.
But as I sat up in bed, excitement coursing through my veins, I remembered Ada’s words: “You won’t refuse, Nonye. You’ll do exactly as I say, or you’ll suffer the consequences.”
I felt a chill run down my spine. Ada had eyes and ears everywhere. If I tried to run, she would find me. And if she found me…
I didn’t even want to think about it. I was trapped, and I knew it.
With a heavy heart, I lay back down, my mind racing with thoughts of escape and freedom. But for now, I was stuck in this nightmare, forced to play along with Ada’s sinister game.
Waking up the next morning, as I prepared for the day, I could sense that Blessing and Rachel were still reeling from our conversation the night before. They had lots of questions, but seemed hesitant to ask. I greeted them briefly, but the atmosphere was strained. I quickly dressed and headed out for my lecture.
As I walked through the campus, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. I scanned my surroundings, but saw no one. When I arrived at class, I noticed that Ada wasn’t there. It was a stark reminder that nothing about her was as it seemed.
My mind wandered throughout the lecture, consumed by thoughts of how to locate Evelyn. I considered asking around her department or searching for her in the faculty of Economics.
After the lecture, I made my way to the Economics faculty, determined to find Evelyn. I asked some of her classmates about her, and they directed me to where she was sitting with a course mate.
As I approached, I felt a pang of guilt. I was about to deceive this girl, to manipulate her into doing what Ada wanted. I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself.
“Evelyn, someone here wants to see you,” one of her classmates said, gesturing towards me.
Evelyn turned, and her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my God! Sis Nonye!!!” she exclaimed, rushing over to hug me.
I was taken aback by her enthusiasm, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. I forced a smile, trying to play along.
“I’m so glad to see you right now, right here,” Evelyn said, beaming. “I’ve missed you, sis. Your words really impacted me the last time we met. You reflected Christ so beautifully, and it’s been an amazing experience for me ever since then.”
I struggled to make sense of her words, and I think she noticed my confusion.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t introduce myself properly,” she said. “I’m the lady from the outreach you attended together with your parents a while ago. I was so inspired by your message back then and I’ve wanted to meet you again ever since.”
I felt a wave of shock wash over me. This was the girl Ada wanted me to manipulate? It couldn’t be. I felt a pang of disappointment in myself. How could I have agreed to this mission?
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first sight,” I stammered, trying to recover.
Evelyn smiled warmly. “No worries, sis. It’s a small world, isn’t it? Who would have thought we’d meet again, and even in the same school?”
“I know, right?” I replied, trying to sound casual. “What a coincidence.”
Evelyn nodded enthusiastically. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot since the outreach. Your words really touched my heart.”
I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that I was deceiving her. But I pushed the feeling aside, reminding myself that I had no choice.
“So, tell me, when did you resume? and how’s school been treating you?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
Evelyn launched into a detailed account of her classes experiences and I listened intently, trying to appear interested.
As she talked, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. I was getting to know Evelyn, and she seemed like a really nice person. How could I possibly go through with Ada’s plan?
But for now, I had to keep up the charade. I smiled and laughed to her funny experiences, trying to make the conversation lively even though I knew I was just forcing it. we exchanged digits thereafter.
As we parted ways, Evelyn turned to me with a smile. “Hey, sis, let’s catch up again soon. Maybe we can study together or something.”
I forced a smile, feeling a sense of dread. “That sounds great,” I said and left.
After parting ways with Evelyn, I headed to a nearby private hospital for my scheduled doctor’s appointment. I had planned to get a checkup and cleaning done that day.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by a nurse who asked about the purpose of my visit. I politely insisted on speaking directly with the doctor. The nurse escorted me to his office, where I explained my reason for coming.
The doctor listened attentively, nodding his head as I spoke. He asked a few clarifying questions before the examination. After the test and examination were conducted,he walked me through the results explaining everything to me in a clear and compassionate manner.
“You are safe dear but you should have come earlier for this although the results shows that there was no actual penetration,” he said gently. “However, it appears that there was some forced contact, which caused the bleeding and discomfort you’re experiencing.”
He explained that the blood stain I had seen was likely caused by a minor tear in the vaginal wall, probably due to the forceful contact. The pain I felt underneath was likely due to bruising and inflammation in the area.
The doctor reassured me that while the experience was traumatic, the physical damage was minimal and would heal with time. He still recommended reporting the incident to the authorities and seeking counseling to deal with the emotional trauma.
I thanked him and left the hospital, feeling a sense of emotional exhaustion wash over me. The fresh air outside was a welcome relief, and I took a few deep breaths, trying to process everything that had happened.
As I walked away from the hospital, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my life had changed forever. The encounter with Evelyn, the examination at the hospital – everything seemed to be leading me down a path of self-discovery and healing.
I don’t need a soothsayer to tell me that I’ve strayed from the path I was raised on, the path I promised my parents I would always follow.
But deep down, I know I must take responsibility for my actions. I need to retrace my steps, but first, I must clear up the mess I’ve made.
I looked around, trying to decide what to do next. The streets were quiet, with only a few people milling about. I spotted a small café nearby and decided to grab a cup of coffee, hoping the caffeine would help clear my head.
I sat down at a small table by the window, nursing my coffee and lost in thought. I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt and regret that had been weighing on me.
I thought back to my childhood, to the values and principles my parents had instilled in me. They had always taught me to be strong, to be virtuous, and to never stray from the path of righteousness.
But now, as I sat here, sipping my coffee and reflecting on my recent choices, I knew that I had failed them. I had failed myself. I thought of taking to the doctor’s advice about reporting the issue to the authorities but I’m not sure if it will be a good idea for now.
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I thought about how far I had strayed from the path I was meant to follow. I felt like I was staring into the abyss, unsure of how to climb back out. I brought out my handkerchief and wiped my face.
As I sat there, lost in thought, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
“Hey, are you okay?”
I turned to see Victor, his eyes filled with genuine concern. He looked different from the untrustworthy guy I had met the other day, although he helped me out saved me from Steve but I couldn’t shake off the thought and feeling of distrust I had within me that day.
” I’m fine,” I replied, trying to brush off my emotions…..”By the way, I haven’t had the opportunity to thank you for the other day, I really appreciate.
Victor sat down across from me, his expression soft. “You’re welcome and I’m glad I was able to help but you don’t seem fine,” he said. “Is everything alright?”
“I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a weak smile.
Victor’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if he didn’t believe me. But he didn’t push the issue. Instead, he changed the subject.
” How is studies? He asked
“Fine, thank you, by the way, I don’t seem to recognize you on campus,” I said. “Are you a student?”
Victor smiled, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of genuine warmth in his eyes but fear and clouded it up.
(Do not take credit or Plagiarize AMAH’S HEART stories)
