Partial Obedience – Episode five

Episode 5
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For the past one week, Juliet has been making preparation for the departure of the girls to the city. She has informed her friend about the sudden change of plans, telling her that she will be coming to pick two girls instead of one, which is Eliza. The woman however was happy to hear it and promised to come pick them as soon as possible.

However, Maria went back to her father’s house after the night incident with her stepmother. She was contemplating on how to smuggle her belongings out of the house without any trace from her stepmother and sisters, but fortunately for her, she met her belongings scattered in front of the house, she believed her stepmother had successfully chased her out of the house.

The family however went out that morning to their daily activities, giving her enough time to get her bags and books. Samson also assisted her in packing because he was asked to follow Maria in case of any inconveniences.
Today being the day of the journey, the girls were pacing here and there, picking the necessary things they needed for the journey while waiting for their mother’s friend who is to come and pick them.

“Eliza, I’m really feeling nervous Cos’ this will be the first time I will be leaving this village for the city” Maria said glancing outside to see the changing weather.

“Yes I’m also a bit scared but we need to be strong, not just for ourselves but also for our family, your father will be so proud seeing you achieve your dreams. Don’t you think the city is where our dreams lies; what can we achieve from a village filled with darkness” Eliza said, taking some oranges from the basin

“Yes I know, but what do you want me to expect from a drunkard father who can’t even recognize his daughter. Even if I succeed in achieving my dreams, he won’t still acknowledge it, it will be useless to him” Maria said, wiping a strand of tear running down from her eyes

“You and I know that your father is bewitched by that ugly stepmother of yours, don’t worry the spell will expire one day, he will be free and will recognize you” Eliza said, placing her hand on Maria’s shoulder, trying to ease her pain.
“But when, when will he be free” Maria yelled

“Ooh!hey, chill girl, stop screaming. I thought you are a Christian and your faith is far stronger than mine, but where did all that go? She asked throwing her hands in the air
“I’m just scared Eliza, I’m scared” Maria said

“Scared of what”
“I’m scared of leaving my dad behind, in the hands of those witches, I pray they don’t ki*ll him or perhaps use him as a sacrifice to that their worthless goddess. I’m so sad that I can’t save him; I guess my faith and prayers are not enough” Maria said, feeling guilty

“I know how you feel dear, but your dad will be ok, trust me” she assured
“No you don’t, you don’t know how it feels to be lonely, without a father or mother, you are lucky Eliza”
“Same as you, you are also lucky” Eliza said, having a slight frown on her face
“Lucky? As how?” Maria said, a little perplexed

“Maria, do you know how it feels to be haunted by a ghost, having series of trances, nightmares? How it feels to be the most beautiful girl in the village and every man wants to get into your pants?
Or how it feels to have lots of female enemies and male friends who have nothing but lust for you? I couldn’t even find a guy with a genuine heart of love for me, without having other motives.
Even that stupid nonentity; Felix, tried raping me some days ago while I was fetching wood in the farm but by God’s mercy I escaped but not without some bruises on my face due to the blows I received from him” Eliza said, trying to stop the threatening tear in her eyes, which eventually rolled down her cheeks.

“Haa” Maria gasps
“Oh my God, I’m really sorry to hear that Eliza, I never knew Felix tried to rape you and you did not tell anyone about it? Maria asked also in tears

“No I couldn’t, although I wanted to tell my mum about it but if I tell her, she will take the case to the elders or perhaps the king. But Felix is very rich; he might bribe his way out or even deny it since there was no witness.
Anyway I thank God that he did not have his way, because I really fought my way out of his grip. Going to the city will make me free from him and his plans towards me; it’s an escape route for me”
Eliza said cleaning the tears off her face, while Maria gave her a warm embrace.

“It’s ok dear, I know I’ve been wrong anyway, thinking I was the only one with problems alone, but yours is much for you, but you try concealing it with a happy face .
You might be hard on the outside but you are really softhearted” Maria said comforting her

“Thank you Maria, for being my friend, I also promise to be good to you always” Eliza said as she broke the hug, with smiles on their faces

“So do you think it will rain” Maria said, trying to ease the tension, while staring at the sky through the window
“I don’t think so; the cloud is clearing up already”

“Oh ok, but do you think……..”
“Girls it time, my friend is here” Juliet yelped as she went into the girls’ room, together with the two boys
“What are you waiting for, sis come on” Samson said collecting the big bag from his sis while junior dragged the other

“Junior, please be careful with the bag” Maria stated
“Ok”
Juliet went ahead to hug her long time friend after she came down from her car

“Oh my God, Debbie is this your car” Juliet asked eyeing the car
“Yes oo my friend” Debbie replied

“Chaii, I’m so happy for you”
“Thanks dear, so are the girls ready, please let them hurry up, I’m having another appointment today” Debbie said checking her wrist watch
“Oh they are here already, this is Eliza my daughter and Maria her friend” Juliet said gesturing to the two girls

“Oh my God they are so cute, who will believe girls from the village are this cute” Debbie said
The girls blushed and greeted Mrs. Smith, also known as Debbie. She however ushered them into the car, but not after placing their belongings into the booth and the girls saying farewell to the family

“Aunty Eliza, Aunty Maria, I will miss you both” junior said in tears
“Stay safe sis, stay well Maria
They all hug each other in tears and Juliet told her daughter

“Eliza, please always be obedient to Mrs. Smith, same as you too Maria, see her as your mother, and also always try to forgive when hurt by anyone especially when they ask for forgiveness, because “To err is to human, but to forgive is divine”

“Ok mother, I will always remember that”

“Stay well darlings” Juliet said waving at her daughter in tears as she watched the car leaving the compound.
Now is the time to face the so called prophecy, because she knows that the people from her husband’s village will come for her soon, thinking Eliza will be with her, but they will be too late…..
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TBC…
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What do you think about Juliet’s though?
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Love Y’all
Vickie Dora