As I slowly opened my eyes, the warm sunlight streaming through the windows of my bedroom greeted me, signaling a new day. I stretched my arms and yawned, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a good night's sleep.
I reached for my phone on the bedside table, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. As I scrolled through my notifications, my heart skipped a beat as I saw a text from Mrs. Jenkins. I quickly opened the message, my eyes scanning the screen with anticipation. And then I saw the words that made my heart soar: "Aries, dear, I have wonderful news! Your mother is awake and doing well. She's still a bit weak, but she's smiling and asking for you. Come visit her as soon as you can." I let out a loud shout of joy, my voice echoing off the walls of my bedroom. "Yes! Oh, thank God!" I exclaimed, pumping my fist in the air. Tears of happiness pricked at the corners of my eyes as I felt a wave of relief. I threw off the covers and jumped out of bed. As I jumped out of bed, I quickly made my way to the bathroom, my heart still racing with excitement. I turned on the faucet to start filling the tub with warm water, then grabbed my phone and dialed Mr. Thompson's number. "Good morning, Mr. Thompson," I said, trying to contain my enthusiasm. "I need you to get the car ready. I'm going to visit my mother at the hospital." "Right away, ma'am," Mr. Thompson replied, his voice professional and prompt. "I'll have the car ready in fifteen minutes." "Thank you, Mr. Thompson," I said, already starting to undress. "I'll be down soon." I hung up the phone and began to prepare for my bath, my movements quick and efficient. I added some bath salts to the water, watching as they dissolved and released their calming fragrance into the air. I then got into the tub, feeling the warm water envelop me like a gentle hug. As I soaked in the bath, I couldn't help but think about my mother and how much I wanted to see her. I felt a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that she was awake and doing well. After a quick ten minute bath, I got out and began to get dressed, choosing a simple yet elegant outfit for my visit to the hospital. I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs, where Mr. Thompson was waiting for me with the car. "Good morning, ma'am," he said, opening the door for me. "I'm glad to hear about your mother's progress." "Thank you, Mr. Thompson," I replied, smiling. "I'm eager to see her." With that, we set off for the hospital, the car gliding smoothly through the morning traffic. "Mr Thompson" I said tapping on the drivers seat from the back. "Ma'am is there any problem" he asked. "Please I would love to get my mom Bouquet of flowers" can you please stop at the flower store?? I asked looking at him through the mirror. "Of course, ma'am," Mr. Thompson replied, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. "I'll make a quick stop at the flower store." He expertly navigated the car through the traffic, taking a slight detour to reach the flower store. We arrived a few minutes later, and I hopped out of the car, eager to choose a beautiful bouquet for my mother. As I entered the store, I was greeted by the sweet fragrance of fresh flowers and the warm smile of the florist. "Good morning! How can I help you today?" she asked. "Hi," I replied, scanning the colorful array of flowers. "I'd like to get a bouquet for my mother. She's in the hospital, and I want something to brighten up her room." The florist nodded sympathetically. "Aww, that's so sweet of you. What's her favourite colour or flower?" I thought for a moment. "She loves pastel shades and roses." The florist's eyes lit up. "Perfect! I have just the thing." She expertly assembled a stunning bouquet of pale pink roses, baby blue delphiniums, and creamy white carnations. The arrangement was gorgeous, and I couldn't wait to see my mother's face light up when she saw it. "This is beautiful," I said, handing over my credit card to pay. "Thank you so much!" The florist smiled, handing me the bouquet. "You're welcome, dear. I hope your mother loves it and feels better soon." I returned to the car, where Mr. Thompson was waiting patiently. "Here we are, ma'am," he said, taking the bouquet from me and placing it gently on the seat beside me. As we continued our journey to the hospital, the sweet scent of the flowers filled the car, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and anticipation. I couldn't wait to see my mother and give her the bouquet. As Mr. Thompson pulled up to the hospital entrance, I gathered my belongings and turned to thank him. "Thank you so much, Mr. Thompson," I said, smiling warmly. "You're always so prompt and helpful. I really appreciate it." Mr. Thompson smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's my pleasure, ma'am," he replied. "I'm just glad I could help. Give your mother my best wishes for a speedy recovery." I nodded, feeling grateful for his kind words. "I will, Mr. Thompson. Thank you again for everything." As I stepped out of the car, Mr. Thompson handed me the bouquet of flowers, which I took with a smile. "I'll be here waiting for you when you're ready to leave, ma'am," he reminded me. I nodded, feeling reassured that he would be there to take me home. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson. I'll be sure to come find you when I'm ready." With that, I turned and walked into the hospital. As I stepped out of the car, I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions: excitement to see my mother, relief that she was doing well, and a hint of nervousness about how she would look and feel after her ordeal. I walked towards the hospital lobby, my heels clicking on the pavement. As I entered the lobby, I was greeted by the familiar sight of the hospital's modern interior. The sound of gentle chatter and the soft beeping of machines filled the air. I made my way to the elevator, my eyes fixed on the doors as I waited for them to open. When the doors slid open, I stepped inside, pressing the button for my mother's floor. The doors closed behind me, and I felt a sense of calm as the elevator began its smooth ascent.Since some things in life are better silenced waved my conversation with Sophia.Then I walked up to my room quietly without even saying a word to anyone.Hugh!!! I exclaimed, taking a deep breath and relieving myself of the worry."Let me sort out the clothes I am going to wear to Emily's parents' funeral tomorrow", I said.I walked over to my closet and began browsing through my outfits, searching for something suitable for the occasion. As I scrolled through my clothes, I decided on a simple yet elegant black dress that I had worn to a funeral before. It was modest, respectful, and fitting for the sombre occasion.I took the dress out of the closet and laid it on my bed, making sure it was wrinkle-free. I then moved on to choose a pair of shoes, settling on a pair of black heels that would complement the dress nicely.As I was getting everything ready, my mind began to wander back to Emily and the pain she must be going through. I couldn't even begin to imagine how difficult it mus
I woke up the following morning feeling so weak and tired. I was having serious back ache that morning, but I could not understand why I felt so much pain.Then, immediately, my mind remembered Emily."Oh my, let me quickly call Emily and know how she is doing", I said in a low tone.I quickly got up to look for my phone, after searching for it in my room. I remember I kept it inside the bathroom when I went to bath yesterday. I quickly rushed to the bathroom as I sited my phone on the sink."There you are," I said as I took it and walked back to the room and sat on the sofa; then I scrolled through my contacts and saw Emily's number, and I dialled it.Then my phone started beeping, "Tone!! Tone!!"Before it could beep for the third time Emily on the other side picked up the phone,"Hello, Aries!!!" Emily's voice was calm and warm."Emily, how are you doing? Good morning" I lowered my voice."A......m fin..e" she started crying as she managed to reply."Emily, don't cry, please take h
As the night wore on, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being an outsider. Leon's family seemed to be sizing me up, their smiles and congratulations laced with insincerity. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand, with no control over my destiny which I hated to feel that way.As I stood there, pretending to be the happy bride-to-be, I caught a glimpse of a figure watching me from across the room. It was a woman with piercing green eyes and long, curly brown hair. She was dressed in a stunning red gown, and her presence seemed to command attention.As our eyes met, I felt a shiver run down my spine. There was something about her that seemed familiar, yet I couldn't quite place her. She smiled at me, a sly, mischievous smile that made me feel like she knew a secret I didn't.I turned back to Leon, trying to focus on the celebration at hand. But my eyes kept drifting back to the mysterious woman in red. Who was she, and what did she want? But I pushed the thoughts away sinc
Time flies, and it is already my engagement day. Everything was perfect. As I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my diamond necklace, I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. The woman staring back at me was a stranger, a puppet dressed in a designer gown, ready to be presented to the world. My father, beaming with pride, entered the room. "Aries, you look stunning. Leon will be thrilled." I forced a smile, my heart heavy with the weight of my situation. "Thanks, Dad," I replied in a calm voice. As we descended the staircase, I was immediately struck by the opulence of the decorations. The entire ballroom was transformed into a fairytale-like setting, with intricate details and lavish adornments. I started asking myself why Is everything so flashy it's just an engagement. The walls were draped with floor-to-ceiling white and cream-coloured silk, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication. The tables were set with fine china, crystal glasses, and crisp white li
I sat at the cushion with my father looking at Sofia who was still looking at me, after a brief silence. My father cleared his throat as if something was choking him."Hmmmm" he cleared his throat. "Aries dear you will be get married."At that moment I felt like I didn't hear what he was saying."Dad please I don't hear you" I said politely not to make him angry."Aries dear I said you are getting married" he repeated but this time his voice was loud and clear."What??" I exclaimed."How? Am I getting married to whom?" "I am too young..... to get married am just twenty-one years old" I pleaded as tears rolled down my eyes.I slumped back into the cushion, my eyes wide with horror and disbelief. My mind raced, refusing to accept the words echoing in my ears. "Married?" I thought. "How can this be? I'm just 21!"My gaze drifted to Sofia, still watching me with an unreadable expression. Her presence made me feel like a pawn in a game I didn't understand."Aries dear I know this would
Since my fate is to be doomed in the hands of my father and his new wife (My stepmother).As I dismissed some thoughts I know will only do more harm than good to me, I quickly packed my things into my bag pack, l looked at Emily who was already staring at me for the moment, her eyes filled with Anger."Hey Emily try to calm down, don't be angry at me" I paused for a while recollecting my thoughts. "I would love to stay but I have some family problems I have to face alone. Please understand.""Did you just say Alone?" Emily asked in anger."Yeah Emily" I walked close trying to calm her down but she retaliated."Aries you seem to have taken me for a fool" Emily spoke her voice shaking as she tried to hold back her tiers."Emily, what have I done wrong?" I asked."Don't play dumb with me Aries" she said as she walked closer to me. "Aries I know you too well, something has been bothering you but you choose to hide it from me why?" Emily said. Tires rolled down her eyes.I felt pity for E
I tapped my foot impatiently, waiting for my ride to arrive, My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen."Your ride is 2 minutes away," the notification read, I exhaled but sighed since I was already running late.A sleek, silver sedan pulled up to the curb, its tyres humming on the pavement, The driver, a friendly-looking woman with a warm smile, leaned over to open the passenger door."Hi, Aries! Hop in," she said.I slid into the seat, buckling my belt as she pulled away from the curb, The sedan glided smoothly through the streets, the air-conditioning a welcome respite from the afternoon heat.As we drove, my phone buzzed again, and I glanced at the screen, A text from Emily my best friend flashed on the display:"Hey, Aries! The lecture starts in 20 mins, and you're nowhere to be found! Where are you?"I frowned, anxiety creeping in. "Stuck in traffic," I typed quickly."Estimated time of arrival?" Emily replied."10-15 mins I believe I can make it in time," I estimated."Okay,
After an hour of cooking, Mrs. Jenkins and I finished preparing a delicious meal of roasted chicken, steamed vegetables, and fluffy rice. The aroma wafting from the kitchen was tantalising, and my stomach growled in anticipation of lunch. "Just in time," Mrs. Jenkins said, glancing at the clock. "Mrs. Victoria will be pleased." I nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Let's get everything set up in the dining room." We carefully transferred the dishes to the dining room, where the table was already set with fine china and crystal glasses. Just as we finished arranging the food, Mrs. Victoria swept into the room, Sofia trailing behind her. "Sofia's starving," Mrs. Victoria announced, her eyes scanning the table. "I hope lunch is ready." Sofia's eyes widened as she took in the spread before her. "Finally, something decent to eat," she said, her tone dripping with entitlement. I bit back a retort, remembering Mrs. Jenkins' words: "Don't let those people get to you." Mrs. V
I slept only to wake up the next morning; I brought out my phone to check the time. It was around 9 am."Oh no!!" I exclaimed as I saw the time; I quickly got out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, washed my face; since I woke up late and there was no time for me to take my bath, I walked out of my room.As I hurried out of my room, I nearly collided with Mrs. Victoria, my stepmother, standing in the hallway. Her piercing gaze scrutinized me, her expression a mask of disapproval."Good morning, Mrs. Victoria," I stammered, trying to sound cheerful despite my rush.But instead of a warm response, her face contorted in anger."You call this morning?" she spat, her voice venomous. "You're over two hours late! Your father explicitly told you that you'd be taking care of household chores from now on, and this is how you start?"Her eyes flashed with indignation. "Do you know how much work needs to be done? The laundry, cooking, cleaning... and you're still lounging in your nightclothes?"S