Chapter Five

Rylee

The 24-hour window was almost over. Carrying a child was never what I planned for the year but I had a plan and I was going to stick by it. I couldn’t possibly let my siblings suffer because of me. if I was thrown in jail it would have been disastrous. Life was already unfair to us and that was the last strip I wanted it to be. Regardless of the situation, I had to make a decision that would be favorable for my siblings and me.

Accepting my fate, I moved towards my room and started packing. I had no idea of what I was going to take there and what I was going to leave behind. The few items I had I was already out of them. I packed a few toiletries and soaps. I threw a few items in and broke down the next minute. I wasn’t sure of what I was going to do next. I had the idea of calling Emily. She was the only one I had on speed dial. Lucas would come through but I wasn’t going to drag him to the edge. He had seen me break down a couple of times and I assured him I would be fine. I had to act strong so he wouldn’t get worried. If anything, he would take care of my siblings in my absence until I go back to them. Emily picked up the next minute.

“Hey girl, how are you”

“Strange you are calling today”

“Hey Emily, Are you good?”I said in a low tone”

“I’m good, My mother just got me a new cosmetics set. She’s unbelievable”

“You have to see this” She exclaimed happily and switched to video call

“Ry”

“Are you okay?” she asked worriedly. The smiles of joy on her face faded the next second. I looked tired and my eyes were swollen. I looked like a poor widow who had lost her husband. Hell, my situation was worse than that. I just needed to tell her. We were never close that period but she knew something was wrong the moment she looked at me. She had never seen me in such a state. Not when my parents did the craziest thing.Not even when I was almost kicked out because of rent. I never bothered her with those sorts of things. She figured whatever had happened was terrifying.

“You don’t look good, Ry”

“What’s wrong”

“I am coming over right now”

“It’s okay, Emily”

“I am going away for a few months”

“I might not be in touch but I’ll call you once in a while”

“What do you mean” she asked angrily

“What’s happening, Ry”

“I want you to know law that I love you and I’ll keep in touch” I ended the call.

I wanted to tell her my plans so badly but I couldn't find the right words. It was too embarrassing. Maybe I was pissed too. I called her right in my lowest and she talked about getting a cosmetic set. How insensitive. But how could I have possibly blamed her? She was excited to share the news. it wasn’t her fault that my Mother was the complete opposite. I stood up the next second feeling energetic. I was encouraged to do better. I had to do it and do it the right way. They might come looking for me but only then will I be in another country taking wine with my siblings in good shape. My parents? Oh, they had Uncle Charles to rely on.

I was rearranging the pictures in my room when my siblings came in.

“Ry”

Katy and Rudy came close. I hugged them so tight. They had a look of confusion on their faces.

“Ry”

“ Are you okay?” Katy asked worriedly

“I am good, Kate”

“Where’s Mom”

“She’s still at the hospital with Uncle Charles”

“Aunt Donna isn’t doing so well” She crossed her hands and slipped right into the bed.

“She’ll be fine”

“I have something important to tell you guys” I drew them closer.

“I’ll be going away for a while. Uncle Lucas will take care of you for a while “

“You like his house right?

“He has those games you like Rudy” I tapped his head lightly and he smiled brightly.

“Where are you going, Ry”

“I have a job to do”

“It is out of the city”

“Promise me you’ll be good”

“You too, Rudy”

They laughed and we hugged. Stories by stories we ate and slept with the thoughts of my plan staring at my face.

*****

I tried to remain calm and fake a smile as my legs dragged me towards the KING'S mansion. Leonardo KING was the man’s name. The man who needed a surrogate.The man that threatened me. The man. the one the driver couldn't stop talking about. I was almost gnashing my teeth when the driver offered to show me around the King's mansion. He wasn't on my good side either. That man never let me say my goodbyes. I didn't have the time to hug my siblings as tight as I wanted. I didn't see Lucas before leaving and he refused to take me to this cake shop. He told me he was following orders. The same orders that didn't let me put my hair in a ponytail. He dragged me out with his looks and then he was playing nice the next hour.

“No sir”

“I can find my way”

I had to call Lucas first. A strange man just drove by and took me in his car. My siblings were worried and I had to let them know I was fine. Lucas picked up the call and we had a little chat. He assured me everything was fine. My countenance fell after dropping the call. It dawned on me that I never told Lucas about my plans. Heck, Nobody knows about my plans. I felt odd and guilty but I had to suck it up.

The King's huge sign welcomed me at the entrance and I walked towards the living room. it felt like I had left Loa Angeles for a new city. This was a different world and I could feel it. It wasn't just about the interiors but the ambiance felt expensive and alluring. From the portraits lined at the entrance to the large Chandeliers, I knew it was heaven.

I turned to admire the decoration when a voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Hey”

“Don't touch that”

“It's expensive “

A tall white woman in her late 20s approached me. From the shape of her body to the soles of her feet, you can tell she's a beauty queen. The elegance, The scent, her well-arranged teeth.silky dress. she scented like pure bliss. Money. hibiscus.Rich.Maybe Leonardo had a sister. She looked really beautiful. I walked towards her and admired her dress but she gave me a scornful look.

“You must be the new housekeeper”

“Mrs Alice will show you around”

“Take her bags with you” she pointed to a woman in her mid-40s.

I was struggling to find the right words to say when she dismissed me. Mrs. Alice nodded at me and I quickly understood what she meant. I followed her.

“That was Mr Leo's girlfriend. Another will come tomorrow.” she chuckled

“Do you need a house tour? I can show you around”

“That won't be necessary, Mrs Alice”

“you are far too kind”

I declined politely

I had already been given a cold look and I didn't want to get more from anyone we might come across. Just when I thought I had been triggered enough, I heard a bold voice with a clapping entrance.

“Rylee”

“Good to see you again”

I instantly recognized that voice

It was Leonardo King.