I stopped crying and stood up to lock the door before returning back to my shell to cry and ponder about my life.

An hour went by but i just sat down on the floor staring and refusing to answer Daniel's constant banging. After what seems like ages he gave up and retired to his room, I waited for a while to be sure that he had completely gone before I stood up and tiptoed to the kitchen and for the second time in my lifetime I was grateful the kitchen was near my room.

I put on my apron which is the most decent cloth I've worn for the past five years, I opened the fridge and brought out the vegetables to cut them before pouring the pepper into the blender but as I was about to turn on the switch I had a car horn from outside and it meant only one thing.

Uncle Philip and aunt Abby are back from the wedding ceremony they went to at Ogun state. I washed my hands immediately and removed the apron before running down the stairs to collect whatever they brought because i know aunt Abby would have fought tooth and nail to collect every souvenir they shared at the venue.

"Good evening ma" I knelt down to greet her as I collected the set of pot and mug she has tugged inside a polythene bag.

"Tiwa bring in my shoes" uncle Philip commanded as he handed the keys over to me and walked in together with his wife while I opened the car to remove the shoe before running back into the house.

"Tiwa you haven't cooked dinner?" Aunt Abby exploded as I stepped into the sitting room.

Although it was already six thirty but since she went out I had supposed that she would be filled already with the plates of rice she would have eaten at the party.

"Am sorry ma" was the only respond i could produce and she turned to her husband to lament.

"And I told you to let me fight with that Mrs kalejaye that refused by pass me the plate of rice because I knew this idiot I kept in the house would have not prepared a thing" she lashes out and my gaze fell not on her husband that was seriously watching the news but on Daniel sitting down beside his dad and smirking mischievously and I knew that he was up to something.

"Mommy not only did she not cook dinner but she also refused to cook my indomie noodles" he lamented making a terrible baby face.

"Oh now you are starving my children" she stood up to cross her arms under her breasts while I flinched and stepped back.

"Am sorry ma" I begged again because I know what is going to befall on me.

"Mom what is worst is that she was comparing me to her dead brother" that was the last straw that broke the camel's back as uncle Philip lowered the television volume to turn angrily to me.

"What do you mean by comparing my son to your stupid brother" he raged at me.

"Am sorry" was still all I could produce but the thunderous slap I recieved from Aunt Abby sent my brain to manual reset as I held the cheek and stumbled back.

"Daniel get me my belt" uncle Philip commanded and Daniel ran hurriedly into the room while Micheal the last born looked at his dad in horror before looking at me with pity. He is only ten years old but he is the only one that takes pity on me. Daniel returned back with the strong brown leather belt and handed it to his dad who stood up to fold the belt.

"Today I would teach you a very bitter lesson" he groaned and lashed me severally with the belt.
Daniel's evil smirk was the only thing I remembered before I faded away into a... Wait but it wasn't long before I was revived back to life by the water that was splashed on my face.

"Get your silly ass up and prepare the dinner now" aunt Abby shouted as I stood up with a groan to carry my shaky body to the kitchen.

**********

Monday came sooner than I expected but if you'd ask me, school has never been fun to me as no one wants to be friends with me which is one of the mystery am about to find out.

I filled my tray and hit the road to begin the job Aunt Abby said I was destined for.

My thoughts won't stop arguing till the car parked at this same side of the road again today. I knew it was them so I ran to their window.

Fortunately Miss Nancy was there looking so beautiful as usual with a blue denim and shirt while her hair was packed to a big bun and Miracle was back in his uniform but he was resting his back to avoid eye contact with me well I was happy he did that because I also don't want him to see the tiger marks on my body.

"Tiwatope right" she asked

"Yes ma....miss... Nancy" I stammered, I wondered how she knew my name then I remembered that I told her last week.

"Umm... It is just that I want to ask a few questions but I hope you won't mind?"

"No. Not at all ma" I replied because what kind of stupid mindness would iind to my benefactor.

"Although I know am a stranger and am not supposed to ask this but can I know you more? I mean I want to know the main reason why you are hawking. The reason behind you doing this dangerous job, please do come inside the car let us talk, don't worry I will pay for all of you goods." She ended with a sympathetic look but Miracle and I shared the same look.

Shocked.

"No..ma....don't worry about about me, am very okay" I said looking at Miracle who was now staring at me and I know he does not want me anywhere around him butNancy figured it out.

"Ohhh is it all about LB, don't worry, he won't mind, or will you?" She said turning to Miracle and pouted.

"I don't...care" he forced to say.

"You see you can come in" she smilled again.

A part of me really wanted to go in but another keep holding me down. I looked at my dress - it was a faded jean I had since I was twelve (I didn't add much weight) and a blue shirt that had an huge stain that could not be removed.

How can a dirty brat like me sit in such a beautiful car now.

No, it is of no use.

"C'mon don't worry about the dress, it is nothing just come in" she said still smiling making I wonder how she read my mind.

Wait is she a witch? And am I to be used for a ritual? But who cares.

I entered into the back seat of the car and I watched her drive away to a better place where she can park without complain.

She got down from the driver's seat and came to seat down near me at the back seat.

"Am listening" she motioned me to start but it took a while for me to compose myself but eventually i started.

"I was born into the Ajayi's family, I had a younger brother called Gabriel. My father was rich and he run a clothing company, he was a caring father and I know that every one loved him except one person I guess. The enemy was his only family which is his brother.
He was very jealous of my father and he never ceased to show it except when he is in need. Although My father always try to satisfy him but he can never be satisfied.

Five years ago my parent took their car out for a regular date but they never came back. They had an accident and they both died."

The tears were forming and fighting to pour out but I did not want to stop, I've always wished there was someone I could talk, someone to let everything out to and now that I have one, I was willing to let it all out.

"My uncle philip took over my father business and we became slaves in our parent house, I was made to hawk when I clearly knew that we don't need the money. His wife was the witch, she made the house a living hell for us, a single mistake can lead to a week of starvation. Their children went to the best schools while we had to attend a public school.

Last three years, I came back from school to find my brother sprawling on the floor and vomiting blood, he told me that aunt poisoned his food and am sure he had eaten the food due to the previous starvation she made us go through, but the last thing he told me before he died was to live to fight for him, to avenge and.. and... I don't even know how to go about it... but.... but.....but i.. have to fight for him... and-" I couldnt hold it much longer. I busted out in tears.

I was crying pathetically while Miss Nancy pated my back, I used my hand to wipe off my tears but it was of no use as it kept streaming down my eyes.

"Can we fight for you?" Someone asked

I looked up to see who talked.

It was Miracle.
__________________

End of chapter and what do you all think about it? Our Miracle is finally taking part but am still fighting the urge not to write his POV because that might expose my secret. 😉😉😉😉😉

Let me see your opinion about this chapter in the comment box please?🙏🙏🙏🙏

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One love 💖💖💖💖💖💖