HUSBAND?

MIRANDA

I stared at Collins' departing figure and thought, "You'll change your mind once I get back, Collins."

I continued running to the road to get a cab. I could not stop worrying that something had happened to my dad. My mom didn't seem like the patient when I heard her voice earlier. My elder brother, Sean, was strong and athletic so it could not be him also. This left me with my dad who had poor health from smoking when he was young and becoming hypertensive after we lost my sister.

Once I got to the front of my house, I saw my mum pacing up and down. She stared at me in shock when she saw the way I was dressed. I had initially left through the back and planned to return through it because I wasn't allowed to wear such skimpy clothes and with good reason.

"Why are you dressed like a prostitute?" She asked angrily as she grabbed my arm and tried to wipe off the makeup on my face. She completely ruined it but that was the least of my problems.

"Mom, what happened?" I asked anxiously.

"Come with me," she said, taking me with her. We went into my bedroom through the back but I heard voices from the living room.

"What's going on, Mom?" I asked again.

"Be quiet," she ordered.

She searched my wardrobe and took out a big brown gown which she had gotten for me months ago to wear to church. I never wore it because it made me look like a loser.

Nevertheless, I quietly put it on and waited for her to tell me what was going on. Instead of speaking, she sat on my bed and began to cry.

I became even more afraid. My mom rarely cried so something must have happened.

"You're scaring me, mom, what is it?" I asked.

She got up, wiped her tears, and held both my hands, "Mira, my princess, you are the only one who can save us now."

Princess? I smelled a rat. My mom wasn't so kind with words, especially to me but in front of her tears, I was easily deceived by her.

"Your father is highly indebted and due to that, we have lost everything. This house is about to be taken from us. Your brother and you will be forced to drop out of college and your dad's medical expenses will not be covered. How will he survive? What will become of us? I don't want to be a widow, please help me, my child. Our creditor is out there and she is not leaving without her money." My mom cried as more tears poured from her eyes.

I wiped the tears on her face, "Come on, Mom. Don't cry anymore. Where do I come in? Do you want me to go out there and chase her away? I will gladly do it."

She shook her head, "No, you can't do that. She will throw us all in jail."

I didn't know who this woman was but I already hated her and her family. How dare she make my mom cry?

"You need to go out and appease her," my mom said.

"How?" I asked.

"She liked you after seeing your pictures," my mom replied. "All you have to do is respect her and do whatever she says without questions and you will save us all."

"Only that? Okay, let's go," I said and marched out of the room while my mom followed behind.

I saw a lady who was advanced in age sitting gracefully on our couch. I masked my feelings and smiled, remembering my mom's words. My brother and father were staring at her and it was obvious they had so much respect for her.

She got up and smiled the moment she saw me. "You look so beautiful, my dear," she said opening her arms to hug me.

I bore through it, hiding my resentment. My dad and brother were smiling at her and so was my mom. 'This must have been how she tricked them into taking money from her," I thought.

She sat down took out a document and pen from my bag and handed them to me, saying, "Sign this, my dear."

I stared at my mom who gestured for me to sign the document. I took the pen from her and quickly signed where she pointed for me to sign.

Afterward, she put the pen and document into her bag and got up, saying, "It's better to leave now since it's getting late already."

I felt a bit relieved that the woman was leaving. My mom would not cry anymore and I could sneak out and go have sex with Collins before coming back.

However, the woman held my hand and tried to take me with her as she said, "Let's go, dear."

I pulled my hand away from hers, "Go where?"

She smiled at me, "Why are you asking such a question, my dear? We are going to your husband, of course."

My eyes widened in shock, "Husband??"