AMELIA

A sigh escaped through my lips when I took the last turn heading towards the house. I was exhausted, not from working as a care giver, but at the thought of the people I called family. Walking down the alley, unsure of what to expect. “Are they really my family?” Pfft..

I said a silent prayer, hoping my step sister, Susan, would be out. She never liked me, not while mother was alive, it got worse when she passed on. My step father wasn't any better. Always out, gambling his life away at the casino. Sometimes, I wondered what attracted my mom to that deadbeat of a man.

On hearing the deafening music from the sitting room, my stomach tightened. It was Susan. I thought to make a quick turn, but it was too late.

“ Hi, sis! You are back so early” Susan screamed through the window, with a bottle of champagne. I stiffened because it was so unlike her. She never accepted we were sisters. It felt odd, but I played along. Maybe this was a good sign, who knows.

“Hi, Susan. Aren’t you supposed to be in school, no classes?”. I asked, smiling uncomfortably.

“ Here, this is for you”, Susan handed me a bouquet of flowers, with a wide smile. I flinged at first, but gestured wildly. My eyebrows raised as if to say “what's up?”

“ What’s the celebration? Got a new job?” I expected a yes. The longest Susan has held a job was two weeks, it was worth celebrating.

“ Oh, no, sweet sis”, Susan waved her hands dismissively.

“You know, this was meant to come as a surprise, but honestly I can’t keep it to myself. Susan smiled widely.

Susan handed a glass of champagne to me, while she poured some for herself. At that point, I wished these moments lasted forever.

“ To the best sister in the world, cheers”

I was growing impatient. I took a large gulp of the wine. “ So yeah, what’s the good news?"

“Davidson will be proposing to you!” Susan beamed sheepishly.

I held my breath for a split second. It was unbelievable. Davidson and I met during my first year in medical college. He was already in his finals, preparing for his housemanship.

He was my tutor and we literally did everything together till that fateful night at the school end of the year party, he asked me out. I was only 18.Two years down the lane, he never talked about settling down, instead he said till i was down with medical school.

“ You are kidding, right?” I finally found my voice.

“ I am dead serious!” Susan replied with a wink. “ I made a promise not to tell you. So, you’ve to promise you’d act surprised so you don’t ruin the proposal.

“ Promise!” I raised my pink finger to show my commitment.

“ So…… you are to meet up with him at the Aurum Hotel. At room 3003. Now”

I didn’t expect it to be so soon, I suggested a change of wear, but Susan said No. Instead, she offered to restyle my hair that was tied in a bun, a quick retouch of my red lipstick and I was off.

************ ************ *********

I adjusted my dress as I headed for the elevator. The thought of having my first sex that night crept in. I bit my lips at the thought of that. I wanted everything to be perfect.

“Ding” The sound of the elevator brought me back from my wild imaginations. I felt a bit dizzy, but I waved it off. Maybe I was just too tired and excited.

I headed for the room number and adjusted my dress one last time.

One knock and I was in. My wide smile was cut halfway. I expected to see a decorated room. I saw him, an old fat stranger. It wasn’t Davidson. Or maybe I was beginning to imagine things? My feet suddenly became weak. Did Susan set me up?

“ I am sorry. I must have missed the room number” I managed to say. I needed to get away.

“ No, darling, you are in the right room, come on in, my sweet girl” The old man said grinning sheepishly.

Immediately I dashed for the door, my hands became weak, I searched for the door knob. I managed to open the door, but a large hand quickly grabbed my hair, pulling me back into the room. I screamed for help. I regretted believing Susan so easily.

I struggled to hold the door, fighting with all my strength.

“ Let me go!” I screamed

“ Oh no sweetheart, you are mine for tonight. You are worth more than what I was paid” He dragged me back to the room

“ I said let me go, get off me!” It felt like i had just fallen into a pile of shit when i felt his disgusting tongue on my ears.

“ Quit struggling and in few mins we'd be done here. I am trying to be gentle with you my sweet girl, but it seems you want it the hard way? Huh?” His cracked voice echoed.

“Let me go!” I kicked him with all the strength in me and he fell to the other side of the bed. With that, I ran towards the door, but bumped into this large figure at the door.

“ Help me, please” I pleaded with tears

Then it happened like a flash.

“ Hey, old crap! Back off, you heard her” A hard punch lands on his face as he staggers to gain balance.

“ Who do you think you are? Mind your business, mofo!” He said staggering towards me.

“ One step closer to her again and you’re done. Dare me!” He gave the old man another punch

The old man was on the floor, blood gushing out from his nostrils. I turned to see the most handsome young man I have ever laid my eyes on. For a few seconds, I forgot I was in a messy situation. He picked me up and my eyes widened. Who was this sexy saviour?

“ Hey, are you okay? How about I take you somewhere safe.” He stared intently. I could only manage a nod.