~Alisa~

_ Be careful what you wish, so you don't make a deal with the devil _
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Thoughts ran wild in my head. I couldn't sleep, not even if I tried. The sky seemed so alluring at this hour, and I just couldn't resist stargazing. Out the window, I stared with a satisfied smile on my face, as the sky burped a galaxy of stars tonight, wrapping itself in a dark blue blanket of total darkness - paving way for the moon to grin down on the Earth.

I loved the reflection of the moonlight on my skin, I was contented by the calm chirps from the night creatures and most especially, I enjoyed the cricking sounds from the crickets. Everything felt and seemed so serene, the perfect harmony of peace which filled my ears made everything seem perfect... When truly, it wasn't.

Alas, the previous serenity I'd felt, was long gone and again, a distressed aura came over me. Caught in the web of my own thoughts and confusions, I became restless. Scared. Anxious, and most importantly, alone.

Indeed, I felt alone... Although I was surrounded by people now.

I felt that way, 'cause I knew it wasn't permanent. Anything could happen, and so many things could go wrong. I had too many things going on in my mind, and as much as I'd wished to stop thinking about them - I just couldn't. The loneliness and void I felt, was incomparable to that which I'd felt while I was thrown out from yet another foster home. It wouldn't take long before even these people grow tired of my presence, and wish to send me away. Again... I'd be left stranded and return to the orphanage once more.

Would it hurt as much as the first time? Honestly, the answer is No.
It definitely won't hurt as much as it did the first time. The first time was extremely tragic and cruel. I felt deserted, sad, depressed and incredibly hurt.

Now, I could barely feel a thing pertaining to being calm or happy, or assured. I was an unlucky girl, an unfortunate human being. And it was okay, 'cause I'd already gotten accustomed to those feelings of rejection and dismay. I need not feel sorry for myself, since that wouldn't change anything. Wallowing in my own grief and ungentle predicament, would never keep me going - it'd only crush me, and if it does crush me; I'd be done for, 'cause I wouldn't have anyone to help me back on my feet.

And that was the reason why I felt alone. Knowing I had no one to always count on, did stink. It was an awful feeling, a feeling that I'd constantly hoped no one gets to experience. That feeling was torture - and still is torture. It's a depressing feeling... But now, I'm immune to it 'cause it keeps coming back. Every. Single. Time!

Could I blame the feeling? The answer is No. I can't blame it, 'cause I'm only human, and I have feelings and emotions too. If only I'd go numb, and just not feel a thing... I guess, I guess life might be much easier for me.

Sadly, that wasn't even the case. I could feel everything... The emptiness, the fear and the uncertainty. It tortured me tonight, ripping sleep out of my eyes.

While I continued stargazing, I heard shuffling coming from outside my bedroom. That stroke my curiosity to know where the sound was coming from. Perhaps from Kambili? I presumed it'd be her, and I immediately got up from my window pavement - where I'd been sitting while stargazing - and hurried over to the door and pulled it open.

I didn't see anyone there, and I was certain that I heard shuffling coming from this place. I heaved a small sigh, as I turned to lock my door once more... But there it was again! The annoying shuffling sound was clearly not my imagination.

Could it be possible that someone was sleepwalking?

With that thought in mind, I came out of my room, determined to find out whose it was. Thankfully, these people always had constant electricity supply, and that was why the entire house was bright. I had no difficulty in seeing, so I basically followed the direction of the noise.

When I got towards the stairs area, the shuffling became louder, and fear instantly gripped me.

It could be a robber. I should go back.

After all, these people were rich, and it's very possible that they'd be robbers here... Although, they had a really tight security. I decided to head back to my room, whatever sound that was, was totally non of my business. I didn't want to create a scene and I also didn't want to get into trouble.

As I walked down the large hallway, which led to my room, I heard approaching footsteps behind me and I instantly felt my breath get hitched in my throat. I inhaled and exhaled, and immediately quickened my pace. I was halfway to my bedroom, when I felt a person's presence behind me. I thought about screaming, but decided against it cause I didn't want to cause any commotion at this hour.

I simply turned around and was shocked to see Kamsi standing right before, with bloodshot eyes. He looked really scary and oozed of alcohol. Head to toe, he looked miserable and had a gruff look on his face, as he gritted his teeth at me.

I couldn't understand this boy. I wanted to, but I just couldn't. A look at him, and my guard was already up and my curiosity would get piqued. I hoped I wasn't responsible for his pissed state, and slowly took backward retreating steps, without looking at where I was going.

He grunted, as he watched me retreat. And then the unexpected happened... He finally spoke to me.

"Wait" came his deep and alluring baritone.

I didn't have time to admire his voice, cause I was terrified. I was afraid of him. And that was why I was about to run for my dear life. But then, he shocked me once again - more than he'd done when he first spoke to me - and I watched as this miserable-looking boy, cried.

As the tears spilled out of his eyes, my heart softened and that wave of fear instantly left me. I finally understood that something was terribly wrong with this boy, something he never wanted to open up to anyone. This made me even more curious than I was earlier and it proved my suspicions to be true. Something was definitely wrong with this family.

I watched as Kamsi leaned on the silver railings, and slowly slid down to the floor, hugging his knees as he bent his head - sobbing like a baby. It was then that I noticed the bottle of whiskey in his hand. I gasped at the fact that he had been drinking that.

It was a rarity for me to see guys who cried, in my eyes, I'd pictured them as thick skinned people who'd never cry, no matter what happened to them. But today, Kamsi proved my earlier hypothesis wrong.

My heart squeezed in pity, for this boy. I couldn't help but feel sad on his behalf and I felt it would be right to try consoling him. Although I was too scared to even approach him, I finally found the courage to walk toward his trembling body and sit beside him, with my back against the railing.

He shot me a look - one that sent fear down my spine for only a split second - and it finally dissolved into a hurt one. His tears, stained his cheeks and his grip on the bottle of whiskey made me scared that he might end up breaking the bottle. This felt awkward 'cause I was looking for something to say, but it seemed like my words got lost in my throat - such that words failed me.

I waited for him to calm down, and when he finally did. Words found its way to my mouth.

"Are you okay?" Came my thin, and partially terrified voice.

He wasn't looking at me, instead, he had his head bent towards his knees, with drops of tears falling from his eyes and down to his knees.

My question seemed to hang on the air, and he didn't even say anything to me. He ignored me, choosing to create an awkward silence instead.

Despite his uncouthly action, I decided to try again. "I know it's not in my place to have asked that, since I only got here yesterday. But you're my brother now - at least till I get kicked out of here - and I can't bear to see you hurt without doing a thing about it" I took a short pause, and then continued.

"It's okay to not want to talk to me. But if you ever need someone to listen, then please know that you have a lot of people that'd be willing to do that. You have: Kambili, your parents... Me" I said and hoped he'd at least say something, yet, he still didn't. His silence seemed to choke me, they strangled the urge to continue talking and so; I kept quiet.

Seconds passed, and he still hadn't said a thing to me. I still chose to wait a little more, and that's when he finally said something to me.

"You know nothing about me. So please mind your business" he said, and immediately got up and left.

I was dumbfounded by his reply. I was only trying to help him, and yet he didn't acknowledge my efforts. I could've simply ignored him and gone back to my room, but I chose not to.

He probably said that out of anger.

That could be possible. Either way, I already felt tired and needed to sleep. I hurriedly got up and dusted off my nightdress, and walked into my room, turning in for the night.

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Morning came real quick, and I got up from my bed at exactly 5:30am, and walked into my bathroom to have my bath. I was already used to getting up by that time. My body was already accustomed to waking up at exactly that time, for I'd been taught to always wake up early while I was in the orphanage and I have never seized to continue.

After brushing my teeth and taking my bath, I slipped on a yellow t-shirt and a plain jean skirt. I packed my hair in a bun, and hurried out of my room to help clean the house - like I always did in my former foster homes.

As I walked down the stairs, memories from last night snuck into my head and I couldn't help but wonder what exactly had made Kamsi cry. I considered telling Kambili about it, so she'd be able to help her brother by talking to him, to at least know what the problem was. I figured it'd be best that his sister or his parents speaks to him. It'd let them know that he is in bad shape. I shoved the thought aside, concluding that I'd let Kambili know of this, when day breaks fully.

On getting into the kitchen to clean, I met a middle-aged lady already sweeping the floors, with her back turned towards me. I sent a greeting her way and smiled at her.

"Good morning, ma" I greeted and she immediately turned around to see who it was.

"Ah. New girl, how are you?" She smiled at me, a warmth about her smile made me calmer.

"I'm fine, ma. How are you doing too?" I returned and she nodded her head with a smile.

"Fine, fine" she replied, and continued sweeping the floors.
"I'm Mrs. Ginika. The cleaning lady for the Ekweghs" she said and I smiled in acknowledgement.

"I'm Alisa" I replied.

"You geh fine name oh" she said and I smiled thankfully.
["You have a fine name"].

"Thank you" I replied in a small voice, and she nodded her head and continued sweeping.

I glanced over the kitchen, its unique designs were so admirable. But I didn't have time to take in its interiors. I decided to help Mrs. Ginika out and I hurriedly found a rag and started cleaning the black tinted cabinets.

"Ah, you're helping me?" She asked and I nodded my head affirmatively.

"Yes, ma" I replied and she grinned thankfully at me.

"God bless you, iyeh?" She said, her smile still glued to her face.
["God bless you, you hear?"].

"Amen" I replied and continued cleaning.

I helped her out with cleaning the rest of the house and she thanked me and offered to make me a special breakfast. I politely declined, offering to eat what the rest of the family would be eating and she nodded in understanding. She informed me that the rest of the maids would do the rest of the chores and I immediately excused myself and headed upstairs, to my room.

On my way to my room, I bumped into Mrs. Ekwegh and I immediately apologised.

"I'm so sorry" I said, but she didn't seem to mind. Instead, she waved it off.

"No worries. How are you doing today?" She asked, her kind smile still glued to her face, something about her smile brought warmth to my chest.

"I'm doing good, ma. Good morning" I said and she grinned.

"Morning, dear. Did you sleep well?" I nodded affirmatively, in reply.

"Good. Now, come with me. I'd like to discuss something really important with you" she said, and I immediately nodded my head and followed her.

We walked down the hall and approached a door, which she opened and ushered me in. I offered a half-smile, as I nervously walked into the room. I wondered what it was she wanted to discuss with me, and I silently hoped they weren't planning on sending me back just yet.

As I walked into the spacious room, filled with shelves which housed a lot of old books, a sense of warmth filled me. This was their personal library, and like the rest of the house, it was really lovely.

"Sit" she said, with a smile on her face.

I nodded my head, and nervously sat on one of the chairs which was right next to the large study table. She did same, sitting on a seat right in front of mine - such that she was facing me.

"Don't worry, you're not in trouble" she chortled, noticing my tensed state.

With that little assurance, I relaxed a bit and nodded in understanding.

"Alisa..." I noticed the overwhelming sadness that instantly filled her eyes, and the hint of regret that flickered in her woody brown orbs. A sad smile snatched away her happy one, and a gloomy look glazed her once happy face.

She heaved a sigh and continued, "I really need your help with something very important. And that's also one of the reasons we chose to adopt you... Coupled with the praises Mrs. Chika gave of you,"

I said nothing, nodding my head as a sign that she could continue with what she had to say.

"Honestly speaking, my home is at the edge of the hill. One slight tilt and it'd be tumbling over the hill, falling apart into numerous pieces" she said, and a confused look enveloped my face.

"The thing is..." She continued. "We're growing apart, and I don't want that. You see this?" She handed me a photo, which had been framed in a gold frame.

I nodded my head in reply, as I stared at the photo of her. I didn't understand why she showed me her photo, but I nodded either ways.

"That's Kambili and Kamsi's mother" she added, shocking me. I was left speechless, not knowing what to say. I knew something was up, but never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed this to be the dent in this family.

She noticed my shocked look, and reached for my hand.

"Yes, Alisa. She is their mother. I didn't give birth to them" she further explained, and a lump formed in my throat.

With a long, exasperated sigh, she withdrew her hands from mine and ran a hand through her face. I noticed the tears that was slowly getting formed in her eyes, and I immediately felt my heart burdened.

It was terrifying to see this once cheerful woman - whose smile could thaw an ice - cry. She wasn't even trying to stop the tears, and as she cried, I felt the need to say something comforting to her.

I ransacked my brain for soothing words to say, but found none. I tried forcing words past the lump in my throat, but instead a loud croak came out of my mouth instead.

"Please... Please don't cry..." I said, in a stuttery voice.

She lifted her eyes towards me, and a small smile formed on her lips. Shakily, she reached for her tears and wiped them off.

After a short, uncomfortable pause, she spoke up again.

"Their mother was my identical twin. She died two years ago and... And, it's cause of me" the tears now flowed like a river, yet she continued.

"She found out that I once had an affair with her husband... It was a mistake. One that I wish I hadn't made... I wish I could take it back, just go back in time and stop it from ever happening" she took a short pause, and continued.

"And at that time... She- she was pregnant for another baby and..." Mrs. Ekwegh heaved a painful sigh, throwing her he'd backwards - on an attempt to stop the tears - but failed miserably 'cause they continued to stream down her cheeks.

"When- when she found out, she confronted her husband about it. She didn't let him explain... And she felt it would be best to leave the house for a while. Due to the angry state she was in, she wasn't careful as she walked down the stairs. She fell..." I saw shock and fright swipe through her eyes, as she stared at nothing in particular.

"She lost her baby that day... And, sadly... She... She died" Mrs. Ekwegh finally completed. The tears that ran down her cheeks knew no bounds. And a clawing sensation of pity filled my eyes as I stared at her sad, trembling state.

She looked like she was trying to get the image out of her head, yet couldn't. I felt immense sadness as I watched her hurt over her sister's demise - constantly blaming herself for it.

At this point, the room was tensed and I immediately reached for her hand across the table.

"It wasn't your fault, ma" I tired assuring, but she shook her head, no.

"I appreciate the fact that you're trying to calm me down. But, Alisa, it was my fault" she said, solemnly.

"Charles - her husband - decided to marry me last year. Because he felt the children needed a mother to care for them. But... He was wrong. They both hate me for what happened to their mother. Most especially..."

"Kamsi" I chimed in, and she nodded affirmatively. I figured he it'd be him 'cause he was so cold towards everyone.

"He hates me so much and blames me for everything. I don't blame him for it cause his actions justified. I caused his mother's death, so it's only natural that he'd hate me" she said, and a fresh batch of tears rolled down her cheeks. "And not just that, I went ahead and married his father" regret dragged its hurtful feet into her eyes.

I said nothing to her, rather, I allowed her to pour her tears, perhaps that would ease the pain she felt.

"Now, he's so cold to everyone. Especially me. He doesn't talk to anyone, not even Kambili. And he's never happy. His father and I both decided it'd be right to do something about all this. And that's why we decided to adopt you. To help bring Kamsi closer to the family," she held on to my hand, and a sad smile played on her lips.

"Alisa, no matter what it takes. Please help bring Kamsi out of this phase. We need you to glue this family back together... And when that's done, I'll leave. But I'll make sure to repay you for all this. If you want, I'll make sure they'll never send you away after I'm gone. Just please help me . I need your help. No one else can do this, except someone their age. Please, Alisa. As crazy as this sounds, it's my only hope. I'm begging you... I do not wish to tear my sister's family apart. It's the least I can do after I caused her demise" Mrs. Ekwegh pleaded. Her eyes glinted with her desperation, and I couldn't turn that down.

I nodded my head in understanding, placing my other hand over hers.

"Please don't insult me by begging like this. You have given me a home, a ray of hope and have been so nice to me. The least I can do is to help you. And even if it means taking my life, I'll see to it that this family never grows apart" that was a promise I made with my entire heart. Determination glinted in my eyes as I made that promise.

Seeing Mrs. Ekwegh cry and humble herself to the extent of begging me, arose a great deal of respect I had towards her. I just couldn't let this lady down.

"Thank you so much" a grateful smile played on her wine red, lipstick-covered lips.

"No need to thank me. I'm only doing my job, after all, that's why I'm here" I said, with a smile on my face.

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Hey, guys!
Who else feels bad for Kamsi and Mrs. Ekwegh? Well, I do!🤧
To be honest, Kamsi is one of my favorite characters. I fancy his personality which I'll be throwing more light on in forthcoming chapters.

I know y'all can't wait for the real drama to begin, and neither can I. Please sit tight and enjoy the ride, cause this story is about take you on an emotional rollercoaster.

Kasala go soon burst! *Does spine-cracking gwara gwara* 💃🏾
😂 Okay, see you guys in the next chapter.
Next update: Saturday.

Oh, and please don't forget to vote if you enjoyed the chapter, and please leave a comment. I can't wait to read your thoughts on this.

Question: do y'all enjoy long chapters or short chapters?

I'm asking cause I want to know what you guys like so I don't end up making the story boring.

That will be all, lemme gerarahia!😂
Love you guys!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️