Chapter 3

• ~RHODA~
• "Stop this Rhoda! I never had a boyfriend and I never had sex. Infact am a VIRGIN!" She screamed and her eyes began to water.
• "Then how's this possible! I wouldn't have believed if I hadn't done the test myself."
• "Trust me Rhoda, I never had sex! I didn't do anything."
• "I trust you completely Leo. Infact, more than my own self but you know that one can never get pregnant without having sex. I mean is not like Jesus is visiting the world again through you! That thing happened long ago, besides the saviour is not coming to this earth..."
• "Shut up already! You're only making this worse. I'm sure there's a mix up somewhere other than that, how can I be pregnant?."
• "Alright but I think we should do a virginity test to prove that you still are."
• "Does that mean you don't believe what am saying?"
• "Not that, but it will be something that's gonna prove that you are indeed telling the truth."
• "That is ridiculous Rhoda! Do you know how that thing is done?" She asked.
• I've only heard that virginity test is usually done but I don't really have an Idea how it is conducted.
• "How's it done?"
• She sighed and bit into her lower lip. "The doctor have to insert his finger in my vagina to check its laxity and am not ready for that. I believe myself and i know who I am. I no that I've done no such thing and that is why am not going to take any test. Let them believe whatever they want but I know that am not pregnant."
• She walked out and I just follow her.
• "Fine! When was the last time you had your period or when is it due.?"
• She stopped. "It will be due tomorrow. Am expecting it tomorrow."
• "Okay, let's wait and see then."
• "Yeah."
• We got back to the gathering and the program continued.
• She was called for the medal 🏅 but she wasn't as happy as it would've been.
• "This year is a wonderful one because both our Valedictorian and Salutatorian are girls. Today, a fifty years record was broken! It has always been boys but it has changed, Ladies and gentlemen, the Salutatorian also goes to Miss Rhoda Grant!"
• Goodness gracious Lord! This is a dream come true!
• "It has been proven yet again that indeed birds of the same feathers do flock together. They were best friends who couldn't stop making this institution proud."
• My parents rushed to hug me before I got to the stage for my medal which was silver.
• After the speeches and others, the the day came to an end with all the graduates throwing their caps in the air.
• It was such a sight!
• "Congratulations Rhoda!" Leona bubbled.
• "Congratulations to you too." I hugged her.
• "Shall we go home?" I asked.
• "Sure, I can't wait to tell Dad about the good news."
• "Alright let's go then." I said and took her hand.
• We were about to walk when my mum's car suddenly drove in front of us.
• He stopped and got out.
• "Hi mum, meet my friend Leo..."
• "I already know her dear. Is she not the one who fainted and was later discovered to be pregnant?"
• "How did you know that mum?"
• "How I got to know is not important. What is important is that, I don't want you around her anymore. She's a bad influence." She snatched my hand from Leona's.
• "Let me explain mum..."
• "No you won't. She's immoral and shameless."
• "How can you say such things mum." I looked at Leona and her face was down.
• "Is not what you think ma'am but if you still think am a bad influence then I'll stay away from Rhoda."
• "That will be better. Now get into the car Rhoda."
• "No I won't." I refused with eyes on Leona. She was almost crying before she turned her back to us and began walking away.
• I started walking towards her when mum pulled me back and ordered one of our body guards to carry me.
• "What are you doing mum? Let him get me down." I hit the back of the man.
• I looked back and I saw Leona with the proprietor.
• ~LEONA~
• When I turned to leave, the proprietor suddenly met me and handed a letter to me before leaving.
• I looked back but Rhoda was already gone.
• I looked at the envelope that was given to me and wondered what could be in there.
• I took a taxi back home, decided to open the envelope once I arrive.
• After some few minutes, I arrived home and walked to our door. I was about to open when my foot hit something on the doorway.
• I looked down and there was my small luggage. What will my luggage be doing here and who placed it here?
• I took it and opened the door about to get in when I was stopped by Elsie.
• "Hi Elsie." I greeted.
• "Don't hi me!" She said and folded her hands on her chest.
• "What's wrong? Is everything okay?"
• "How can everything be okay when you had gone and ruined this family."
• "What do you mean?"
• "Stop pretending to know nothing about what is happening Leona." Valerie said and came to stand beside Elsie with hands crossed on her chest.
• "She acts as if she was innocent and the holiest of holiest but it was all a sham. Your game is over Leona and now mum and dad wants you outta this house." Elsie said angrily.
• "Hey, what's wrong with both of you? And who said am pregnant? Where's dad? I'll like to talk to him." I demanded.
• "You can't talk to him." Vera, the last born said quietly.
• I went to her and tried to touch her but she moved back. "Why can't I talk to him, Vee?"
• "He's been hospitalized all because you sister Leona."
• "What? What happened to him?"
• "You're the one who happened to him. The worst mistake he ever made so far."
• "Listen to me all of you. I don't know what you must've heard but I know that whatever you heard about me is a lie and am sure dad will understand and make you guys understand as well. Now tell me where he has been admitted."
• "Kings Hospital." Vee said and shrugged.
• "How will we get back to school now that there's a baby in your tummy? Mummy said we can't go to school anymore sister Leo." Vee asked when I was about to go and began to tear up.
• "You'll all got to school, I promise." My voice came out as a whisper but sure they heard it.
• I dropped my luggage and took a taxi to the supposed hospital.
• When I got to the hospital, I was directed to his ward by one of the nurses after making enquiries.
• I got to it about to knock and enter when someone pulled me roughly by the wrist out of the hospital to outside.
• "What are you doing, mum?"
• "Can't you see? Am shushing the source of our bad luck out of our lives."
• "Let me go mum. I want to see my dad."
• "You can't see him because he doesn't want you to. You ceased to be his daughter the day you went and had sex with a man and that's why he wants you outta his life for good. You've been nothing but a big disgrace, she said
• "You're making all this up because I know dad will never say such things. He trust me completely"
• "Not after you let him down and ruined all his plans and got him confined permanently in wheelchair by the shocking news he received. That man had so much faith in you but you overlooked it."
• "What! My dad is paralyzed? But why?"
• "Stop asking foolish questions and get out of our lives and never return."
• "What of the promise I made to him to take care of this family? Look mum, I've completed and the government has made arrangements for me to be employed in one of the big companies and after that, we wouldn't have to worry about money because I be paid and that money will be used to take care of my siblings' education..."
• "Who's going to take care of that bastard you're busy carrying until he's born and after? Which company is going employ a pregnant woman?"
• "But mum..." I paused because I didn't know what to say. What if I am indeed pregnant? Whose going to take care of my family? They spent so much on me so that I can help reduce our financial problems.
• "I've always known that this will happen and it has happened. You were never someone to be trusted and now it has cost us all dearly, especially the lives of my dear children. I hate you Leona and I always have. I only tolerated you because of your dad but not anymore. I want you out of this hospital, out of my husband's house and our lives, else you'll have me to deal with and I promise to make this miserable life of yours a leaving hell!"
• My mouth hanged in the air loosely. Why would mum say all this to me?
• I watched her leave but before turning to leave, I bumped into someone.
• I looked up and saw Raymond. I hugged him tightly as if my life depended on it.
• He hugged me back and rubbed his hands on my back.
• I pulled back and raised my gaze. "I didn't do anything bro."
• "I know Leo, you don't have to say anything."
• "But why can't everyone understand me as well?"
• Hmmm, perhaps the second miracle of a child without coagulation is about to be recorded in human history again. Who could be responsible for Leona's pregnancy? Just keep your focus on the story