Above in the media is Grace

Who should I post next before updating the second part of the Characters and Aesthetics?

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Chioma Norah Ejiofor

C H I O M A

".....everything and everyone was just so fucked up!..."

If I said Victoria slapped me some minutes ago then, I didn't know how to put a name to what father had just done, as his rough backhand vehemently stroked brutally against my cheeks one at a time.

I lost my balance and staggered back a little at his sudden action, as I was taken aback a bit by what he'd just done but soon regained composure after resting on the handrail behind me.

As my shaky hand gradually felt both side of my face, I shivered immediately my fingers came in contact with both cheeks.

I could feel the swell with his finger imprints, and the thought of how I'd look before a mirror made my eyes to well up with tears.

And then, it came..........

One drop turned to two and then three turned to four, as the rest were left to course down my slapped cheeks, with my blurry eyes downcast and mesmerized by the shiny white tiles, as I found it too intriguing to even look up and face him and the witch.

Father rarely hit me, I mean, he did on some occasions but it was really rare.

I could recall the last time he used his belt to teach me "a life worth remembering lesson" he'd said, when I had done absolutely nothing wrong, like now.

The cause of that terrible torture I had to go through, was still this same Victoria and even now, she seemed to be the very reason the man I once saw as a true 'father', raised his hand to hit me, just because of her.

I didn't want to cry so I wouldn't appear vulnerable before them, but my stupid emotions as usual got the best of me because my tears kept on increasing by each passing second, as I couldn't still bear the thought of my so called father, hitting me once again because of this bitch!

I finally looked up and with that small gesture alone, my moist eyes instantly killed Victoria in different ways one could never imagine, my hate for her multiplied into fire as I wished she'd just miraculously choke and die at that instant.

I am more than a hundred percent sure she planned all this, I had indeed been outsmarted by this gold digger bitch.

"Apologize."

I hated that dominance, the power weighed on every letter father infused into that one word with his icy tone, sent series of cold shivers down my spine.

Even though I tried my very best to not feel affected by his word, I still couldn't, despite my attempts, because the moment I made up my mind to challenge him, the witch or rather, 'Delilah with the caked face' just had to be two faced.

"Just let it go Felix, she didn't mean all that, you know how Chioma can be." Victoria the cunning witch as usual, feighed to speak in my defense as she held father by the arm, trying to pled on my behalf, hypocrite!

"I said apologize to your mother, NOW!"

I'm sure my brain was twitching at this point because that word 'mother' repeatedly coming out from these people, made me so upset to the bone because at this rate, my anger could no longer be kept at bay.

"She is not my mother," I stated the obvious through clenched teeth, as that'd only make father more pissed off.

"Do not make me repeat myself Chioma." He steely warned, intentionally brushing off what I'd just said, as he strutted over to sit on an exquisite armchair not too far from where Victoria and I stood.

I saw Father's urgency and how he wanted to quickly wrap this up without any opposition from me, but I had other plans up my sleeve.

I wouldn't just simply apologize to this bitch after he hit me because of her, no I wouldn't.

I used the back of my hand in cleaning off the mixture of dried and wet tears off my hurt cheeks, and to be very honest, I didn't know why I cried?

I recently discovered that those tears coming out of the eyes were mere waters driven by one's emotions at a current situation, and they really didn't help matter at all but just made you more weaker in mind, down in action and overall was the vulnerability each drop carried.

I hated it.

So crying was just a ritual to me, a ritual that needed to let loose those salty waters weighing the eyes and heart down, it just needed to be fulfilled and was really nothing more than that.

"I will not apologize to her," I said fiercely, stressing each word so it would all sink into his hearings, and also to boldly make it known that I has just done the opposite of what he wanted by daring him.

I folded my arms and faced him properly from where I stood, also wondering where I'd acquired such level of boldness from and wishing it'd actually last or better, stay longer than intended because I knew deep down, the fear surging up within me would or might soon take over.

"You don't need to apologize Chioma, just go upstairs and freshen up, we'll talk later o...kay." Victoria's interference was becoming disgusting, because there was no need of her playing the role of my protector, when she's the main reason all of this was happening.

She was indeed a real two faced bitch.

"If you make me repeat myself Chioma..........." Father laughed, a dead and threatening laugher which oozed off no sense of humor in it, it all just cracked out in thunderous waves which seemed to reverberate through me, speaking and warning me in several languages to stop and obey for my own good.

But I was really stubborn and begged to differ.

"...........it will not be funny because what I would do next ehhh, you'll hate me."

I knew Father too well to know those threats weren't empty, and he sure wasn't bluffing for even a bit because the dead seriousness I saw in his eyes, words, and the tension in this room made me to conduct a quick mental debate on what to do.

"Be fast with it, I certainly do not have all day for your nonsense," He said, picking up a newspaper from a small table beside the chair he sat on.

He opened the boring shit and maybe was pretending to read whatever info stored in there, just to while away the time I was supposedly wasting.

I clenched my fist in deep contemplation on what to actually do as I chose not to just walk away, since that would have been my very first option.

I wanted drama, I wanted to turn this whole house into a state of great chaos with mostly Father's voice and mine, seeking for nothing close to peace.

But could I actually take that risk? Was my initial thought, until my eyes travelled over to the sly witch who faked her whole expression in deep concern for me, but what she didn't know was that I could see through her pretence and immediately, eliminated every bit of second thoughts.

"Since it's apology you want, I'll directly serve it to you from the bottom of my heart," I smiled at the bitch, creating numerous scenes in my head that could unfold after all I was about to say.

Number one on my list, was the enragement which would overtake father's whole countenance, as his provoked voice would boom round the whole house.

I loved that.

"Well I advice you to read my lips because, I am not sorry for being bluntly honest by spilling out the truth to your ugly face, and I'll still say this again, you're nothing but a huge fake and will definitely never be a mother to me, Victoria."

I was thankful at how I'd successfully not raised my voice through out, but with just a sprinkle of the relaxed and grievous tone I used, Victoria already had a frame worthy dumbstruck expression.

Bravo!

"You're really testing my patience Chioma."

Father was a man of few words, he hardly said much but with the rate at which this situation was escalating, I knew more would be said.

I was just pissed off! Honestly!

Today's experience at school wasn't the best for me at all. Coming to this house, I'd hoped for a refreshing bath and a cool time to dwell in all that had occured and how I would accomplish my forthcoming plans, but nothing went well, instead, I was receiving another headache.

"Enough of the testing my patience shit!" I raised my voice in annoyance.

Although this whole never ending scene cooled my nerves in a weird mischievous glee, I still found it infuriating and annoying.

Infact, everything and everyone just seemed to exasperate me!

"I hate it father, every goddamn time you're always against me when I have never done anything wrong! For goodness sake! I'm just tired. You slapped me when I did absolutely nothing! Nothing! I repeat, and now you're demanding an apology from me? To offer to your dear and lovely WIFE!?"

I emphasized on those true key words, as I was also vexed at it's reality in relation to who Victoria was in father's eyes, the young, elegant and beautiful replacement for his late wife.

Rubbish!

I sometimes wondered if Father ever loved Mother or if my deep assumptions were true because, situations like this always made way for the uncertainties I had about everything.

Whenever he defended this bitch as though his life depended on it, I always felt cheated, and those piled up resentments I had for Victoria, somehow seemed to redirect it's way into the vague love I still had for father, just because he once had my back.

But now, maybe I detested him.

"Chioma!" Victoria literally screamed out my name in a hushed tone, with her expression contorting into worry, fear, frustration and others I didn't care to decipher, but she sure face palmed towards the end and on doing so, she erased every bit of care she'd previously tried so hard to maintain.

"Fake bitch!" I muttered inaudibly.

"CHIoma!"

Silence and tension - heated tension to be more precise - were the only things hanging around this thick, suffocating air immediately after his voice warned, not called, but sternly warned me by just calling out that name which unfortunately now, belonged to me.

Ignore his baseless threats.

He cannot do a thing!

I thought of going through the path which my subconscious suggested, that daring route which I knew would definitely lead to more chaos, by just defying father and increasing my voice to an edgy opposition tone, thereby declaring what I really wanted.

But no, I'd done and said too much.

I could feel the bitterness my whole drama had caused, from Father's icy glare, to the sly witch's faked frustration, although it looked real but I didn't really expect less from this underrated queen of pretence and overall, acting.

Victoria was really good at those shits!

I subconsciously shut my eyes for some seconds, and then reopened it after a rough shaky exhale expelled from me.

I was tired and angry, indeed I was

To the extent my head began to slightly feel faint, maybe because I had raised my voice too much for a day, or Victoria's annoying presence in my life caused this? Or, I was just being the usual unwanted and messed up teen daughter to father.

Everything and definitely everyone including me, was just so fucked up! I was fucked up!

"Okay, fine." I could barely hear myself properly when I said those two words, breathing it out with great difficulty as I fought against my thoughts, second thoughts to be exact.

"I'm sorry Vic_"

I bit my tongue, sharply held it from calling her that, since it appeared to be disrespectful in their own view, when in actual essence, 'Victoria' was her name so why go through some shitty formalities, like calling her 'Aunty' or the most annoying of them all, 'Mum', when she was neither of those to me.

"I'm sorry Au_"

Then, the 'aunty' also became hard to pronounce

I couldn't tell the reason for that, but I certainly knew she was the reason for the pause because, a brief glance at her made a sudden rush of anger boil within me.

I saw she was trying to hide her displeasure behind the sympathetic and frustrated look she had on but, I could clearly see the mask of pretence she wore just to deceive the others and immediately, I knew she also had other ulterior motives.

"I'm sorry for everything I said."

At least that wasn't so bad until father interfered. "Is that all you have to say?" He asked, peering at me from where he sat with his slightly outstretched arms, holding the newspaper.

His scrutinizing eyes didn't fail to somehow remind me that I had to say more than just 'sorry' and also, condemn the manner I approached the so called apology.

So much for still trying.

I tried so hard not to roll my eyes out loud.

"What else do you want me to say? Or do you expect me to bow down or kneel before her like she's some god?" I rhetorically asked with a humourless chuckle.

"Okay, apology accepted Chioma, now you can go upstairs and_"

Father furiously cut into Victoria's words, with a vibrant yell. "I EXPECTED MORE FROM YOU CHIOMA! AT LEAST A SINCERE APOLOGY FOR BEING DISRESPECTFUL AND SHOWCASING YOUR BRATTY ATTITUDE!"

My bratty attitude?

"Well sorry for not meeting your high expectations father, because how can I? When I'm clearly the spoilt brat and useless child among your children!" I cried out in anguish, being as those words were sincerely from my heart and how I really felt.

"Thank God you know, thank the Lord that you are aware of being all and more of those you just listed. You might have forgotten to also add that you are a HUGE TAINT to my name and reputation!"

My heart was shattered and crushed in an instant by my own father after all he said, only if he knew the tormenting effect his awful words had on me, then he would have at least retracted them all, because at the receiving end of all that I knew a six year old me was helplessly broken, and fighting back her tears.

I roughly bit my lower lip in order to hold back those salty water I told you guys about, the never ending ones that weighed and brought one nothing but more pain.

I had to not show father my weakness.

As I blinked back my tears and looked at the man seated away from me, I felt an unfamiliar and maybe unwanted type of hate surge up from the bottom of my stomach, this feeling was foreign and at the same time weird to have slowly settled within me.

I somehow loved and hated it.

"Whenever there's an occasion you're always committing one offence or the other, it's either you're being unnecessarily rude to the guests or you are sneaking off to God knows where! It hasn't been up to a week since you created a scene at the Ademola's Dinner Party, and now you're behaving uncivil to your mother! What exactly is your problem?"

"Oh! You really want to know what or rather, who is my problem?" I asked, stealing a quick glance at the wretched Victoria who was still forming that her sympathetic expression.

"You dear wife is my problem!" I literally screamed out, as some unexpected tears clouded my vision in a streaming rush.

I pointed my index finger over to her.
"Ever since she came into our lives things has never been the same, my life especially has never been the same for the past years father, and she's the ultimate cause of everything."

"You do not love or treat me like your own child anymore just because of her, I'm sure she must've planted one of those seed of hate into you, and you know what? The feeling is mutual father because, I also hate you." I spat out through a cracky yell, due to my tears.

I cried uncontrollably and with blurred vision I saw an uncertain type of reaction in father, it must've been there or maybe it wasn't but I still saw the twitch of pain in his eyes.

He was human after all.

"I hate you father, you're always against everything I do be it right or wrong and you make me to sometimes wonder where the man I grew up to love as my father went to, I may deceive myself with some childish assurance that my real father just went for a walk, he'll be back soon, but I know the harsh reality is that, he will never come back."

"He's gone! and....." I turned to face Victoria with my puffy red eyes disdainfully running over her appearance. ".....I hope you're glad and exalted now that I've apologized, and you've once again caused a rift between father and I, bravo Victoria!"

I mockingly applauded her for yet another level of achievement.

"That's a very wonderful thing to do as a supposed dear mother!" I scoffed at her, as I slowly made my way up the stairs without sparing either of them a backward glance.

~Zirachi Joy Mark~

Z I R A C H I

"....she had an obsession, one I couldn't just absorb it's gravity........"

"Omoooo Ziraaaa, had it been you followed me that time to witness all that went down ehhh, you for understand drama, not just any drama oooo but legit DRAMA from Idia and Chioma!"

Grace continuously stressed on all the supposed 'drama' that occured at the indoor basketball court, as she didn't fail to dramatically spit it all out on my face, trying to make a complete nonchalant me pained.

What made me upset for a bit was how she was too focused on operating her phone, to not have noticed my lack of interest on the gist she offered, as we walked beside each other.

Both of us were currently some few feet away from the Mansion after one boy who Grace introduced as a 'new friend' - emphasis on that - dropped us off by the far junction some minutes ago.

The boy didn't seem like he wanted us or rather, Grace, to leave immediately because even after we'd arrived at the junction, he deliberately kept on delaying his obvious flirty conversation with her who was undeniably blushing throughout, while the usual third party me was just so awkward in their midst.

You can imagine!

When we were finally out of the uncomfortable car, I wasn't even able to proceed with the questions I had for her, concerning the lovey-dovey show her and her 'new friend' were putting on, when she curtly tried to engage me in the unimportant conversation.

Well like I said earlier, I totally had zero interest in whatever occured at the court since Lara and her clique were the ones involved, but just knew that the reason Grace was still being chatty beside me, was because of the current twist in her relationship with Omolara and the rest.

And that was sadly the truth, a truth I'd tried to deny knowing fully well, that if it wasn't for the minor conflict her newly found friends got involved in, she wouldn't have even remembered me because I was so sure, she'd have been with them.

But, I had to really put all that behind me for now and instead, focus on our stroll along the path which led to the grand mansion

"The picture I posted of Dafe and I on our date yesterday already has more than ONE freaking THOUSAND LIKES! OH MY GOSH!" Grace gushed fervently, grinning from ear to ear as she leaped up with joy evident on her whole demeanor.

It was then I remembered she really had an impromptu date yesterday after school closed, the supposed important one that made her to ditch me.

I craned my neck a bit, to get a more better view on her phone which had the picture on display.

And even though I wasn't in support of their relationship, I couldn't agree more on the cuteness of the picture which I certainly believed earned every bit of like it got because, their posture alone oozed off a different kind of proximity, it wasn't too passionate neither was it so intense but there was just this chemistry between them in the picture as they stared into each other's eyes.

An ignorant person would actually think they were the perfect cliche high school lovebirds, when in reality their relationship was a little bit far from that or...........did things change?

Because this fascinating picture was too deceiving and at the same time appeared to be real. I was utterly confused and my furrowed brows didn't fail to express how I felt.

"This one your face is like soured akamu, is the picture not fine abi your eye dey pain you?"

"No! No! No! The pic is cute, you guys look so amazing especially you........" I quickly said and paused briefly.

".....but," I continued to say, as her smile slowly began to flutter. "I don't know how to say this oooo but are you guys......"

We both stopped walking almost on impulse, as though collectively sensing the magnitude of what I was about to say.

"Are we what?" She hastily interjected with a small frown.

"Ah ah calm down oooo nor be quarrel, I just wanted to ask if you guys are now yunno," I gestured with my hands in place of actual words. "....seriously dating?"

She angrily kissed her teeth immediately I dropped the bomb, afterwards, gave a knowing eye roll and then went back to operating her phone as though intentionally wanting to discard my question.

Okay guys, at this point I was annoyed!

"Why did you respond in that manner?" I asked with my voice raising higher than intended.

She finally found the decency to look at me and this time around without any divided attention, as I was so sure the raised tone I'd used caused this because she looked taken aback for a bit.

"You obviously asked for it Zirachi."

For her not to have called me by the usual 'Zira' it meant only one thing - Grace was equally also becoming upset and I honestly didn't care anymore because, I had to downrightly tell her my mind right now.

"Asked for it you say," I scoffed. "It was just a simple question Grace, one that deserved an even answer, not the rude response you gave!" I yelled, very annoyed.

"You don't except me to always scream it out to you or rather, write it on a board that, He. Is. Just. A. Friend. With. Benefits. To me Zirachi! Is that really so hard for you to comprehend?" She screamed out in something akin to frustration, as she broke down the words one at a time.

"Then you should have said so, instead of making a fool out of me by ignoring my question. You just made me look stupid!"

"Oh! were you really expecting a sudden positive reply from me? So you'll now start your miss know-it-all lectures about how I should live my life, abi?"

"You and I know very well that I would never do that, so I won't condone such names from you Grace,"

"Cut the crap, Zirachi! Enough of denying things I know, WE know, you can do. Or were you not the same person criticizing me two days ago just because I kissed Dafe!" She accused, although, this time around it wasn't false because I'd really reprimanded her some days ago for what she did, given that it was very illogical.

"I criticized you because of the love I have for you Grace. Do you really expect me to be happy knowing very well my friend is doing something wrong? It won't be proper and deep down within you Grace, I'm very sure you know kissing Dafe who you barely knew on your first day of resumption was a very nonsensical thing to do, let's be real for once Grace."

"You see exactly what I'm talking about?" She exclaimed, gesticulating with both hands going into the air in an instant.

"I never knew you could be so judgemental, concluding my kiss with Dafe as being 'nonsensical' when you don't even know half of it! I tried explaining some things to you that day, but it seems you really had other opinions about me."

"You're just like them, all I needed was your full support, not some tongue-lashing and unnecessary criticism. You don't have any right at all to tell me how to live my life, it's mine so I do the decision making not you! You really changed Zirachi, what happened?"

I was almost on the verge of tears at this point, not because of all she said, but mainly because I felt the last part in relation to what was really wrong with our friendship?

"I should be the one asking you that question Grace, what happened to US?" I gestured between the both of us. "You suddenly became so different..........distant.......I honestly do not know the word to describe how you are right now."

"It's like you're here but at the same time you are not, like there's something missing, something I can't seem to put a finger on because why would you ditch me for a worthless fellow who would only leave you in the end."

"Wake up, Grace! You shouldn't let a few days in that school turn you to what you're not, I know my best friend is still in there," I poked her in the chest with my index finger, "And I hope you start doing the right thing."

"Point of correction Zirachi, I am doing the right thing, just because my approach to some certain situation differs from yours, doesn't mean I'm the bad or stupid one, I can't be like you Zirachi so just stop! Stop trying to force your belief on me, we're two different people."

"As for the 'change' you speak of, how is that also my fault? People change Zira, It's inevitable and maybe I really changed as you say, but what can I do about it, I also chose to be like this," She twirled, referring to her whole makeover. ".....it makes me more bold, sassy and beautiful with a hint of power. This is exactly what I want Zirachi, so I expect you to be happy for me."

"I admit on not being a good friend for the past few days, and I promise to mend my ways and try to be better, even though it's not going to be easy - she's definitely got to be kidding because what the actual heck! - I'll still try my very best since I also have to be there for Lara and the rest, you know with the whole chaos it's going to be hard for them"

"I'll try Zira, you also have to play your part by being patient with me. I must not be on your side all the time, the gang also needs me, and with what recently happened at the court, this is like the only chance I have to earn their trust."

She gently reached for my hand and held it reassuringly, but I sadly didn't feel the comfort behind that gesture.

I wasn't convinced at all.

"If those people finally accept me and let me belong, that would be another step towards my achievement. You know exactly what I mean Zira, fame, money and power at GHS is my ultimate goal so I don't need anything that'll jeopardize my aim and mission"

Her grip on my hand tighten upon mentioning the last word, I knew Grace intentionally did that for emphasis but I also couldn't resist the goosebumps which overtook my skin in an instant.

It was also then I realized, that my best friend might actually have an obsession, one I couldn't even bring myself to properly digest.

"So if you see another scandal of me making out with any other random guy, I advice you in advance to please," She struck her palms together in a pleading hold, "......react coolly since it's a very normal thing to do because, I will seriously not accommodate any complain from you Zirachi" She ended it off sternly.

"I will also advice that you loosen up a bit, you have to live more Zira, we still have a long way to go and like the saying goes, You Only Live Once. It's now or never, we're just in our teens and to the best of my knowledge, this is the time to do crazy shits, party, make out with different guys, go on dates, break the rules and don't give a fuck about what people will say, they'll always talk."

"Do more of the things that pleases you alone, and Golden High School is just the perfect escape to accomplish some good shits. Those rich kids you see there that live in luxury, they have it all, and if you want to be like them Zira, you must follow the number one rule......"

She paused, searching deep into my eyes for something, as though to check if her words were beginning to sink into and alter my reasoning, but after some long lasting seconds I was so sure she saw no change in me, I was still rigid.

".......you must fit into everything they do, but firstly, create a standard for yourself Zira, behave and dress more_"

"I do not, and would never want to be like them Grace. I must not fit into their senseless cliques or do some shitty things just to please them, I cannot do that."

Her face fell into disappointment after I told her my mind.

"Well......." She hesitated and then, shrugged like she'd just accepted defeat at my reluctance to take in her advices. "........if you say so but don't forget, YOLO!" She yelled in delight, with a wide radiant smile on her lips.

It was so contagious that I almost became affected by the alluring charm to reciprocate that smile of hers, the thrilling one that never flattered on her lips after she spoke.

Through that, I began to wonder how Grace could switch her mood so effortlessly, one minute she was desperately trying to invade my reasoning by welcoming hers and the next, she was smiling widely even after my rigid stance.

I'd expected her to continue with the whole fit-in talk but she not so surprisingly ended it and worst, smiled as though everything was just alright.

"Ziraaaa......." She slowly called out hesitantly, as she played with her fingers.

I simply hummed in response, with my hands firmly on my backpack strap and legs dawdling along the road pavement.

"Ermm.....just go on without me to the Mansion, I'll be there before you know it." She said with a slight shaky undertone on her voice.

"And where are you going to?"

"It's not really important Zira, I just remembered that I was supposed to get something at Franklin's Diner, so I'll just head back and besides, it's not that far from here." She explained.

And from her whole nervous countenance, I needed no one to tell me that Grace was obviously lying because her expression sold her out.

Moreover, she had never been a fan of visiting Franklin's Diner because she always considered their food to be purely made of junk, so this sudden visit to that one place she'd never been fond of, was more than enough reason for me to be suspicious of her.

It was either Grace was lying or she was really going there, but for what reason?

What exactly was she hiding?

_______________________

Hey guyssss 👋✨

It's been a while and I apologize for the prolonged update 🙏 it wasn't intentional 🥺✨❤️

Thanks for 500+ votes 🌟 I love y'all sooooooo much ✨😘

And I want to make another thing clear 😅 you all shouldn't trust Chioma's POV oooooo, Aunt Victoria might actually not be that bad 🤷

Your thoughts on this chapter 🙃

What do you have to say about:

Victoria?

Chioma?

And finally, Grace?

Chapter 21 will be out soon........Expect more drama

Adios fam!!!

Thanks from.......
Vahnyyy 🌹✨✨❤️