Berating The Weak

"You wouldn't dare do something stupid, Ciara. Your mom and I didn't raise you to be this disrespectful towards me,"

"Take my mom's name out of your fucking mouth, Dad. She wouldn't treat me this way if she was alive, and you know it. So don't try to defend your mediocrity," Ciara clapped back immediately with full confidence.

Ciara's confidence grew stronger as each day passed. Gone were the days when she could barely even look in Kelly's face and speak. 

"I don't care what you do or say. 

The reason you turned out this way is that your late mom spoiled you. But with me, it's not going to be possible. I will do everything possible to ensure you act right. Hand over the paper to me now. I am speaking to you as your Father. It's an order, and you must obey me," Kelly roared like a wounded lion. 

 Kelly attempted to snatch the paper from Ciara. Unfortunately for him, Ciara saw that coming and edged backward. She stood a few miles away from Kelly should he attempt to punch her in the face.

Kelly has never raised his hands to hit Ciara before. But somehow, she felt it might be the first time he was going to hit her.

"Like seriously, Dad. 

What did I ever do to you? You've neglected me for the past few days. Am I even your biological daughter? You're beginning to give me the impression that I was adopted." Ciara bemoaned as hot tears streamed down her eyes. She couldn't control her emotions, regardless of how she convinced herself to stay strong. 

She never, for once, thought that a day like this would come when she and her Father would be at loggerheads. 

Since the death of her mother, Kelly has always played the role of both parents. He does it so effortlessly to the extent that Ciara never felt the pain of losing a mother.

However, in recent times, Kelly has exhibited some attitudes that are making Ciara start missing her late mother. If she were to turn the hands of time, she would have wished for Kelly to die instead of her mother. 

"That's not true, Ciara. You honestly don't know what you're talking about. 

You know I've always been there for you. I treat you like a queen. I made you my top priority. The truth is, you are just jealous that I spent more time with George in the hospital. Just admit it already," Kelly boasted and justified his actions. He wasn't ashamed to admit that he placed George above Ciara and every other person who mattered in his life. 

If it wasn't for George who asked Kelly to leave the hospital, Kelly would have been ready to spend the third night with George until the day he was discharged 

Hearing Kelly say this, Ciara's face broke her heart. It shattered it beyond amendment.

She fell on the sofa to nurse her wounded soul. She wasn't even bothered about the newspaper anymore. Neither was she bothered about returning Walter's stuff to him.

"I can't believe you would look me in the face and say that to me, Dad. 

Is this a dream? Someone should please wake me up from this illusion," Ciara wailed. She wept to the point where she lost her strength. All that was left inside of her was emptiness.

Despite her ranting, Kelly was still reluctant to release the keys for her to step out. He only rushed to retrieve the newspaper.

"You are damn Lucky that the newspaper wasn't torn in any way. You would have seen the other side of me.

Perhaps, that would confirm if I am truly your biological Father," Kelly snarled after conducting a thorough check on the newspaper.

He turned around to leave. A few seconds later, he returned to where Ciara was. 

He was heading straight to check the leather bag that contained Walter's stuff. Luckily for Ciara, she was alert and was able to take the bag away.

'What do you have inside that bag, and where are you heading to with it?' Kelly asked, pointing to the bag with full concentration.

This time, he dropped the newspaper he was reading. He was only interested to find out about Ciara's destination. He was so engrossed in reading the newspaper that he forgot to ask.

"None of your business, Dad. And when did you start questioning my movement? I am old enough to decide what's best for me. I just need the keys,' Ciara spoke in harsh words. She was slowly losing all respect for her father. 

To her, Kelly never mattered anymore. He had suddenly become a normal person in her eyes.

"It might interest you to know that I am still your Father. I don't care how grown you choose to become. As long as you live under my roof, you will be accountable to me. Is that clear?" Kelly sparked outrageously. Ciara could see the smoke oozing from his forehead.

"I am not going to ask you for the last time, Ciara. Where In God's name are you heading to?"

"And for the last time, I am going to tell you, Dad. It's none of your damn business. Since you've decided not to care about me, I will do that myself," she hissed, tucked her hands, and looked sideways.

"Now I see,' Kelly chuckled.

"You want to go see that wretched boy called Walters, right? It wasn't a coincidence that you wanted to step outside barely 24 hours after you were caught having sex with him in my house, wasn't it?" Kelly assumed. 

"Dad?

How could you?" She protested. Although Ciara knew her Father was telling the truth, she still didn't show any sign of guilt. She kept arguing as though her life depended on it.

"Don't you dare give me that look? Of course, you know I am telling the truth. But guess what? Your plans have failed because I am not letting you have the keys,' Kelly stunned Ciara and walked away angrily. He didn't bother listening to what she had to say.