HER LAST WISH Chapter 76

(Moremi)

Zeemah Writes 📝

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“I’m starting to think you enjoy getting beaten all the time. ” Amina squinted her eyes at Dammy.
“No one enjoys getting beaten” Layla sigh.
“It’s starting to look like Dammy does, because how else do we define this?” Amina’s forehead wrinkle together.
“Who flogs someone this much for spilling water on the rug, the stupid bald man can also make the same mistake, and he’s definitely not going to flog himself for it. I’m still going to beat him I swear” Emeka sounded angry.

“Report him, you won’t. How do we help you when you’re not ready to help yourself” Amina’s voice held a trace of displeasure.
“If you’re holding back because you’re worried there’ll be no one to provide for you if he gets arrested, we’re going to work towards that” Dan said.
“Which provide is he even providing for her, I doubt he even gives her enough food to eat. It’s just like she’s the one providing her service for him in exchange for small portions of food and unlimited beatings.” Amina now looked quite upset.

“He even stopped you from going to school, when it’s not like he’s the one handling your school bills, what type of wickedness is that. I can’t believe you’re not trying to do anything about it. Is this how you’ll stop going to school, with how brilliant you are. You even aced the G.C.E you did in SSS 2, more than our seniors who did it in SSS 3. Why are you doing this to yourself?” Emeka eyes narrowed.

“I’m not also relenting in going further with my education. After he stopped me from going to school, my teachers still reached out to me. Last year, one of them told me about a scholarship fully funded by the Nigeria government into any private university of one’s choice and I applied for it with my G.C.E result but I. . . wasn’t selected. . .” Dammy swallowed hard, even after getting punished by my uncle for using his phone to create an email address. In fact, she told me it’s open again this year but I’m not going to be applying for it” Dammy shook her head.

“Why?” They seem to ask at the same time.
“Because I wasn’t selected the first time, it’s not certain I’ll be lucky this time either. I’m sure there are thousands of applicants with even better results” So, why bother. ” She looked uninterested.

“You need to bother, Dammy. Just because there are thousands of applicants does not mean you won’t get selected; you weren’t among those selected last year doesn’t mean you will not, this year. You need to apply for this again! if it works out, you’ll at least be free from this man’s shackles” Emeka said.

“Exactly! You shouldn’t lose hope. Just do this, apply for it before the deadline. Who knows? It might click this time. ” Layla encouraged, getting up to assist Dan in attending to customers.

“You need to try your hands on opportunities like this, since you’re refusing to make your uncle face the law, this seems to be the only thing that could get you out of his wicked grip” Amina added.

“I’m… kind of scared to do this again, I know how it broke me when I wasn’t selected the last time, I don’t want to go through the same pain again.”
“You’re not going to go through the same pain again because this time, you’re going to get selected, you’ll be selected as one of the successful applicants of the scholarship. Say that to yourself and stop being negative, don’t you know words are powerful, we need to be careful of what we speak into our lives,” Layla sigh, “You only tried once and you’re already giving up, do you know there are people who tried so many times and are still trying. I understand your fear but you need to put it off, and just go for it again”

Dammy was starting to deeply put it into some consideration.
Her friends are right.

“There’s no harm in trying again. You won’t lose anything if you decide to do it again. I know you’re anxious but you need to do away with that.” Dan said.
“I would love to. In fact, you guys changed my mind already, but. . . the last time I used my uncle’s phone in creating an email address, he found out and. . . this scar” She lifted her wear to her thighs and pointed to a scar amongst many.

“He did this to you?” Layla asked and Dammy nodded, her eyes shimmering with tears.
“Just because you created an email address on his phone?” Dan’s lips tightened.
“I knew he wouldn’t like it before I did it though” Dammy quickly wiped her tears. “But I had no choice and I made sure to wipe everything that’ll make him suspect I even touched his phone but I don’t just know how he found out”

“You can use any of our phones this time” Layla’s heart brim with distaste for Dammy’s uncle.
“Should you even bother thinking about which phone to use when we are here” Amina said.
“We don’t even have to tell you that you can use our phone, you should know you can and you should” Emeka added.
“When is the deadline of the scholarship application?” Dan asked.
“It’s still next week”
“Oh okay”

“Dammy, you still don’t want to make your uncle face the law, do you?” Layla asked.
Dammy shook her head and they sigh.
“What if we make him face the law instead?” Dan asked.
“You can’t make him face the law, not even in this country except Dammy herself testifies against him which I don’t think she’s ready to do” Emeka said.
“They don’t need her to testify after seeing these scars on her body! Some of these scars are clearly welt scars for God’s sake!” Layla sigh in frustration.

“Hehehe,” Emeka laughter lacked humor. “It doesn’t happen that way here. Okay, imagine yourself to be a cop who wants to arrest someone that was reported to abuse his niece and then the niece goes ahead strongly insisting he doesn’t abuse her, that people who reported him were mistaken, even if you see the scars on her body, won’t you be confused at first on what to do? And the police here do not even have that time. They’ll dismiss the case” Emeka hissed.

“Not only that. Damilola will go further to claim; she either got the scars on her body from being careless around the house or she got it while she was still living with her parents, and that it had nothing to do with her uncle and she’ll make it sound so believable that the lazy cops in charge of the case will have no option but to dismiss it. Even if they take this matter to court, do you think the judge will sentence her uncle if Dammy keeps insisting he has nothing to do with it and there’s no actual proof that he does”

“Has no one ever tried taking a video of him hitting her? Or even pictures, that would stand as proof even if Dammy denies it” Dan said.
“You’re right though, I don’t think that has ever crossed anyone’s mind or they would have taken it into consideration. Me especially, if it had crossed my mind, I would have done it but now that I know, hehe,” Amina smiled, a glint of wickedness in her eyes.

“Where’s even the time to start videoing or taking pictures when all you want to do at that moment is stop him from hitting her. Most times–he locks the door when he’s hitting her and even if you break the door open, the first thing you’ll want to do is stop him and definitely not start taking videos or pictures” Emeka said.

“This is crazy” Layla sigh, staring at Dammy who wouldn’t look anyone in the face.
“Dammy, why do you keep protecting him?” Layla asked.

“I’ll be fine” Dammy said and they knew better than to continue.

“I want to buy two Malta Guinness and one cracker biscuit” A girl called their attention and it was so obvious how badly she looked at Amina, who also returned the look with the same energy. They both looked like they couldn’t stand each other’s presence.
Dan and Layla wondered what was going on as they attended to her.

“Am I mistaken? Or Amina and that girl looked like they would pounce on each other if given the chance? and this won’t the first time I would notice this” Layla said when the girl left.
“You’re not mistaken o. That’s Elizabeth and we’ve actually pounced on each other before, by the street tap” Amina hissed.
Dan and Layla couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Yes, it’s me and Dammy that separated them, the fight was so intense” Emeka shook his head.

“Wow, what could make that happen?” Dan asked.
“This is how it happened o” Amina made a sound like a click in her throat. “We were fetching water by the street tap and I was actually there before her. She came, trying to chance the people that has been on the queue for minutes, and not even apologetic about it a bit, she thought she would get away with it because of her big stature. But I quickly made her know it’s not by stature.”
“Wow” Layla smiled.
“If that’s what happen, then serves her right” Dan said.
“She hit me first though, I know I can be feisty but I wouldn’t hit someone first. She didn’t believe I could hit her back; I took advantage of her shock to slam her to the ground.”

They laughed.

“Aunty Amina, tap is not rushing again o. Mummy said you should come and goan fetch water” Amina’s brother said…
“I’m coming. See what these NEPA people caused now!” Amina frowned.
“I should better go get the buckets before Amarachi also comes to call me” Emeka said.
“Oh, that means water have stopped running in every apartment” Dan said.
“Yes” Amina got to her feet.
“Then we’ll need to get water also, we’ll come with you”
“Ah, will you guys be able to withstand the queue at the street tap like this and I don’t think Mummy David will allow you guys go o” Emeka said.

“Well…” Dan and Layla glanced at each other and smiled; Aunt Esther doesn’t have to know, moreover she isn’t home.

***

“Sha don’t pour the water on your head away” Dammy scoffed at Amina, who was swinging and singing along to one of the songs of her favorite artiste while holding a bucket of water on her head as they walked home.

“Just say you’re jealous, the thing have been paining you and Emeka since Layla chose Kizz Daniel’s songs over your favorite artistes’ ” Amina laugh.
“Layla choosing his songs over others doesn’t make his songs the best, that’s just what she enjoyed listening to.” Dammy said.
“Ehn, you guys are sha still pained that she enjoyed listening to Kizz Daniel’s songs the most” Amina laughed again, sticking out her tongue.
“Mumu” Dammy rolled her eyes.
“Pained” Amina laughed.

“Their songs are all nice though, I don’t think there’s a need for comparison, they all have their own distinctive tunes and different styles” Dan said, he was walking slowly, the weight of the bucket of water in his hand, dragging him down.
“Exactly! You guys need to stop comparing” Emeka said.
“Like you’re not the one who enjoys comparing them the most” Amina said.
“I’m not going to do that anymore. Dan is actually right. They are all good at what they do, you can have a favorite without comparing them or arguing who’s best. It’s not like I don’t enjoy other artistes’ songs, I just vibe to Wizkid’s the most and also like him as a person”

“I would say the same for myself” Dammy said.
“Emeka is right, asides my favorite artiste, there are other artistes I enjoy listening to as well and I won’t even mind attending other artistes’ concerts in the future” Amina said.
“Exactly, if I have the money for ticket, you think I won’t also attend Kizz Daniel’s concert. I will, because I enjoy his songs as well” Emeka said.

“When is the concert?” Layla asked, swaying gently with the weight of the water on her head, this is the second time and she’s starting to feel tired.
“In a few weeks’ time” Amina said.
“Have you paid for the ticket?” Dan asked.
“No, my money is going to be complete soon.” Amina smiled “I just hope it doesn’t get sold out by the time I’m ready. Well, I know it won’t though. Kizz Daniel knows I’m coming so he’ll reserve a special spot for me” She said dreamily.
“Emeka, if you’re not careful. That guy will collect Amina from you o” Dammy teased.

“No. He’s just my celebrity crush. Emeka is the one I truly like” Amina smiled.
“Omo, see how flattered Emeka looks. Eh, he’s blushing o. Chai” Dammy teased and they laughed when Emeka dropped the buckets of water he’s carrying, dramatically trying to hide his cheeks.

He and Amina already had that talk and they decided to wait until they succeed in making Dammy suffer no more in the hands of her uncle.
Being all loved up while their friend is in distress doesn’t sit well with them.

Elizabeth walked past them, holding an empty bucket, she hissed at Amina who hissed right back at her.

“I just hope you and Elizabeth doesn’t fight round two” Dammy teased.
“She should bring it on na, if I won’t destroy her face this time” Amina hissed.

They walked into their compound and each headed to their apartment.
Dan, on noticing Layla seems tired told her to stay behind, that he’s going to handle the rest but she refused, insisting they go together.

Dammy didn’t go with them this time, she remembered she had to go to the market.

***

Layla sigh, tired of arguing with Aunt Esther, who has been expressing her displeasure after finding out they went to fetch water.

“Aunt Esther, I don’t like the fact that you won’t allow us do anything. There’s nothing wrong with going along with our friends to make water available in the house.” Layla said.
“As long as we did it out of our free will, then there’s nothing wrong with it.” Dan added.
“Why do you always feel bad whenever we help you with something, do you consider us as family at all? You send David on so many errands but never send us on any, you’ll refuse even if we offer to go. It makes us feel as though we’re strangers to you, is that how you think of us?” Layla asked, frowning.

“I’m sorry if I’ve made you guys feel any type of way but I’m only trying to protect you, you are not very familiar with this area yet. there are so many dangers in this part of the world and I don’t think I’ll be able to get over it if anything happens to either of you. Besides, I know you’re not used to doing certain works and I feel uncomfortable that you do it because of me. It makes me feel as though I’m dragging you out of your comfort zone”

“I understand, but the friends we made here are already familiar with this part of the world. You shouldn’t bother as long as they are with us. And we’re more than happy to do things we’ve never done before” Emeka said.

“Part of the reason we’re here is to assist you. Accept our help and feel free to send us on errands, we would make any of our friends go with us if that’s going to assure you” Layla said.
“Alright, but only as long as any of them accompanies you.”
“Great idea”
“So, I believe we’ve come to a compromise now, no more any of you fighting me over this matter,” Aunt Esther sigh. “I’m going inside to cook, what will you guys like for lunch?”
“Anything” They said.

“Anything abi? Okay o. Get ready to be served cow shit” Aunt Esther said and they laughed, calling after her as she walked out of the shop.

***

Layla took another gulp of palm wine, smiling happily. She liked how it tasted in her mouth; sour and sweet at the same time. It also had another taste she can’t quite comprehend.

Dammy had gotten it for them on her way back from the market, and had said she’s been feeling bad being the only one who is yet to give them anything. She told them to manage it that she’ll get something better for them next time but Dan and Layla felt this is nothing to manage, it tasted far good than something considered manageable.
Dammy went inside already, she needed to start cooking as soon as possible.

“I love this!” Dan sigh, taking another sip. He’s never tasted anything like this.
“If you taste the real one ehn, I mean the ones tapped directly from the tree, you won’t want to drink any other thing asides palm wine again” Emeka said.
“Really?” Layla raised a brow.
“Yeah, not every palm wine sold around here is the real one. Real palm wine gets you intoxicated really quick and tastes stronger than this but this seems almost real in my mouth o, I like it” Amina said.

“Are you sure this isn’t the real one? I think I’m starting to feel slightly intoxicated” Layla took more gulp.
“I think you should stop drinking” Dan said.
“Nah, I love it. I’m going to keep drinking until there’s nothing left in the bottle” She smiled.

“Layla, you’ve taken so much already, I also think this is the real one o, although not entirely real but enough to make someone intoxicated. You should stop” Amina said.

~~
Minutes later, Dan was leading Layla inside. She hadn’t stop when they told her to and now, she was speaking gibberish and looking quite intoxicated.

Dan was quite relieved when he didn’t meet Aunt Esther in the living room, she would have been quite worried about how Layla looked right now.
He could perceive the aroma of the meal she was making as he led Layla to the bedroom.

“Just sleep for a while and you’ll be fine okay?” He said, tucking her in bed and just when he was about kissing her cheeks, she turned and pressed her lips to his, pulling him close to her and not letting him go.

Dan turned red to the tip of his ears, his heart hammering hard against his chest.
Not that he wanted to move from the position he is right now but he couldn’t even if he wanted to, she was holding him to her tightly, his legs on the floor while his chest pressed on hers, their lips still pressed together.
It took every bit of power in him not to return the kiss. His breathing was hard and fast, never having to hold back this much.

He felt bad to be enjoying this when it’s so clear Layla is not in the right state of mind.
He knows she isn’t aware of what she’s doing and wouldn’t do it on a normal day yet he is thinking of taking advantage of the state she is in.
He lifted his lips from hers and slowly worked his way out of her grip.

Layla sat up on the bed, staring into space after Dan walked out of the room.

The palm wine isn’t real because it didn’t intoxicate her a bit.

………………