Adulteress; the finale

Chapter 11

A long time ago...

"Doctor, look! She's waking."

Amara stirred a little and opened her eyes. The voice of the young man that stared at her was muffled in her ears. She groaned in pain as the light disturbed her eyes. After a while, her eyes adjusted to it and the face became clearer.

It was Desmond's. He was a very handsome young man. He was an undergraduate of Lagos and had come to Enugu to spend a short holiday with his aunty Beatrice and her husband, Mr Chinta.

Amara finally understood the question he kept asking her, "What's your name?"

"My name," she mumbled and winced as her head throbbed.

She faintly heard the doctor instruct Desmond to give her some time to rest.

That he did. It did her a world of good. Before the end of the day, she was seated on her bed and talking to Desmond.

"Are you from Enugu?" Desmond asked as kindly as possible.

"Yes."

"What secondary school do you attend?" She looked to be around fourteen or younger.

She replied reluctantly, quietly, "I don't go to school."

Desmond asked slowly, "What of your parents?"

Amara didn't answer.

Desmond sighed. "I'm really sorry to ask you all these questions. It's just... I found you nearly lifeless, on the road. You had been beaten badly. What, what happened?"

"I was running away," was her thoughtful reply.

                  *******

"Hide, baby! She's coming!"

Amara quickly hid behind the door as it burst open and an enraged Mrs Okonji bounced in with vengeance in her eyes. The mother watched her child with agitation. When Mrs Okonji had entered another room, she said, "Go out! Quickly!"

Little Amara darted from behind the door and escaped the building just as one of the children exposed her.

"Mummy! She's going outside! Catch her!"

"Run, my baby!" Amara cried and followed her child. Little Amara ran as quickly as she could without giving a moment to look behind. She heard her pursuer behind her but she didn't stop to look.

"Amara! Amara, come here!" Mrs Okonji commanded in a spine chilling yell.

Amara knew that obedience would be her death. She ran faster as her mother goaded her on.

"That's it, dear! Run away!" Amara cried with joyful relief. She had the sensation that what had happened to her would happen to her child. A Desmond would find her, and she would be safe. She would be safe!

Amara stopped and exclaimed as a pang struck her. Another recollection. Yes, she remembered, how she had taken her life.

Chidimma had left her at the other side of the street and had crossed over to purchase some fruits. The pregnancy had been very heavy then. Amara had gazed absentmindedly at the cars as they sped by. A truck honked, demanding clear passage. It was coming at a heavy speed. Without warning, she walked right towards it. The heavy wheels climbed her torso and crushed her ribs. Somehow, her midsection was untouched, and the doctors had just enough time to save the child.

Amara recovered just in time to see her fleeing child race towards a speeding truck. She screamed, "No! Amara, stop!"

The child realized the danger late. She couldn't stop herself in time. She screamed.

"Jesus, please!"

                   ___________

 _BACK TO THE NIGHT OF THE PARTY_

Amara startled slightly and gave out a gasp as she awoke. Slowly, her consciousness returned her to her luxurious bedroom. She lifted her head from the dressing table and stared at her face in the mirror. Then she screamed.

"Jesus!"

The dream, if it was a dream, filled her head and seemed to her like a past experience. When it happened she knew not, but it felt unmistakably real.

"Oh, God!" she breathed with immeasurable gratitude. The pain had ceased. The agony had been nothing but a dream, a revealing dream. In her head, the words echoed, "Go and sin no more."

The door opened.

"Amara..."

"Desmond!" Amara jumped into his arms and embraced him with all her love. She kissed his hands and wept as she hugged him again.

"Darling, what is it? You look like you had a bad dream," Desmond said with fond gentleness.

"I'm sorry, Desmond! I'm really sorry," Amara wept bitterly.

"Amara," said Desmond with concern. He cleaned her cheeks and comforted her with a kiss. "What is it, dear? Tell me. You remembered the past, didn't you?"

"I'll tell you everything, I promise. After the party," Amara said with a joyous smile.

"Why not now?" her husband asked.

"Now," said Amara as she looked at her phone which lay on her table, "there's something I have to show you."

      ••• The End •••

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