JOEY knew she missed everyone in the house. But on hearing a whole new story that she had an elder sister,she felt broken. A sister she never knew,a sister she forgot. She missed Rachel greatly.
Everytime, everyday, she was found in Rachel's room looking outside the big window. Talk to me Rachel,talk to me,I'm all ears. She'd cry out. She'd plead. She'd beckon. She'd pray. She'd lament on the Rachel she couldn't remember the face. The one her father also raped,but this time raped to death.
God why me? Why not someone else? Why not another generation for all I care?!
Then the realization of what she had thought would hit her hard.
Nobody deserves to live a life as hers.
Then the whole crying would start again. Why me?
Max finally found her in Rachel's room after looking everywhere for her. Max stood by her, looking at the window also. He held her hand as they watched the compound through the big broad window for almost an hour before Joey broke the silence; "why me Max?"
"The real question is why us Joey?" Max said. "I taught you were really possessed but I have come to realize that you're the strongest woman I have ever set my eyes on. If I were to be in your shoes, God knows I wouldn't have survived this" He said, hugging his sister.
Joey poured out her tears on him.
"Who is that man you brought with you Joey?" Max was worried.
"We're engaged Max, I love him and we'll get married someday" she abruptly said.
Max was overwhelmed by his sister's brevity. She still fell in love and was going ahead to marry a kind that did this to her.
"He loves you,right?" Max asked.
"We love each other Max"
"I told Max everything" Wilson walked into the room, interrupting them.
Their gaze dropped at Wilson.
"Thanks" she said. "Joey-- I don't like that man" Max confessed and Joey frowned. "Why? Paschal's a good man. He takes care of me and gives me the courage I have till now".
"I'm not convinced. Ma says you should stay away from him" Max said.
"Do you think that man truly loves you?" Wilson asked.
Joey was hurt.
"Do you know what it feels like to be loved? Do you know what it feels like to be welcomed in? Despite my past? Do you have an idea the guts it takes to believe a stranger's story?" She asked.
"whatever you say Joey, whatever you say. But just know that I'm here for you whenever you need me" Max patted her and left.
"you support me Wilson,right? You know Paschal's a good man,you know he's caring and will do anything to have me right? Right?" She asked repeatedly.
"I don't also like him" he said and Joey was shocked at his reply.
"Just because my dad raped me doesn't mean Paschal will too. He's a good man for Christ sake! Can't you spot the difference?! My dad,Mr Davidson is a brutal and wicked dog that never get satisfied even from his own wife. But Paschal is calm,he can't even hurt a fly!" She said.
"How do you know that?" Wilson asked.
"I've had sex with him. He's not like dad at all. He's gentle. I know" she replied him.
"You had sex with him?! Joey! You made out with a total stranger?!" He was vexed now.
Joey didn't understand where all this were coming from. "He's not a stranger Wilson, we're engaged" she showed him her ring on her finger.
"I don't care!" He spat out. What's going on with Wilson?,she taught. "I love you... Joey" Wilson said.
Joey staggered as she lost footing. Love me? "What--"
"I've loved you all this time. Right from when you started acting all weird up till now. I missed you when you were gone and now that you're back with a total stranger,it breaks my heart" he professed.
And out of his own surprise,Joey hugged him. "Why didn't you say anything?" She asked, crying. Wilson let go, taking his handkerchief and cleaning her tears. "I wanted to tell you at the Barbecue,but you never showed up" he said.
Stepping backward,she said; "I appreciate your love and keen affection towards me but I love Paschal, Wilson"
"I can also make you happy Joey. Come with me,let's run away" he stepped forward.
"Run away. You remember that letter you gave me? You said I should escape to the Barbecue. Don't you like running away mister?" They laughed as she remembered. "I'm sorry Wilson but it's too late"
"I love you" he said. She could see he really loved her right through his eyes. He kept on leaning forward until their faces were inches away,he took his hands and wrapped them around her waist and she quickly pulled out.
Just then, Paschal walked in.
"I'll make it easier for you" she sensed Paschal's presence. "I'm leaving. Forget about me" she turned to Paschal "let's go home Paschal". She left the room. Paschal exited, leaving Wilson in his own dilemma.
Wilson broke down in tears as he stamped the floor with his bare hands. He was full of regrets. If only they didn't say she was possessed. If only she didn't act weird. If only she didn't run away never to come back.
If only I knew I loved her earlier.