Next morning…
Jolene knocked on the door and entered. She sat on the bed and looked at Amala whom was sitting at the dressing table, combing her hair.
''Mom called me last night.'' Jolene said to Amala and noticed the change in her expression. At the mention of her mother, Amala's gaze became cold.
''I guess she already told you what happened. I'm not going back, if that's what you want to tell me. If you want I can leave, but I will never go back to that place.'' Amala replied and looked at Jolene through the mirror. She placed the brush on the table and turned to face her/
''I'm not asking you to leave, Amala. I wouldn't do that.''
''Well, I guess you can't because this is all your fault.'' Amala said sarcastically and stood up.
''What?'' Jolene stood up from the bed and asked. ''Amala, is there something I need to know? Why are you so distant and cold?''
Amala chuckled. 'Jolene, you are really good at pretending. Is there something you need to know? Whose fault is it that my life turned out this way?''
Amala chuckled. ''Jolene, you are really good at pretending. Is there something you need to know? Whose fault is it that my life turned out this way?''
''Amala, what are you talking about? Why is it my fault what happened? Mum said you beat up your classmates and got expelled from school.''
Amala bit her lips and laughed. ''I beat up my classmates?'' Amala looked at Jolene and laughed again. ''Since that's what you believe I have no reason to tell you anything. You don't have to worry, Jolene. I won't be beating my classmates anymore because I am not going back to school.''
''Why won't you go to school? You are just 17 years.''
''Because school is for those who have dreams and I don't have a dream.''
''You don't have a dream? How is that possible? You are smart, intelligent and did well in school…''
''I hate school. Studying is too stressful especially for someone like me who will always fail anyways. I suck at school anyways.''
''What did Dad do to you? You were so brilliant.''
''I'm tired Jolene. You will be late for work.'' Amala turned and saw Erica at the door. ''And also, tell your daughter to stay away from me. I hate her as much as I hate you.''
''Amala, that's enough. Now you listen to me. I don't know how much hate you carry in you towards me but as long as you want to stay here, there are some rules you must obey.''
''I can leave if you want!''
''You are not going anywhere. This is a dangerous City and you will be under my care. Now, 1. You will not disrespect me. 2. You will treat Erica well because she is your niece. And 3. You will go back to school because this place is not your safe haven.'' Jolene said sternly.
''1 and 2, I can do but school I won't.''
''You will do it. There are a lot of schools here you can attend. Think about it.'' Jolene walked to the door and held Erica's hand.
''Aunt Amala, don't you like me? If you get to know me you will love me.'' Erica said with a saddened expression. She was really happy to chat with Amala this morning but it seemed Amala hated her.
Amala sighed and closed her eyes. She looked at Erica. ''Kid, I don't hate you but I hate your mom and I'm transferring that hatred to you. Do you understand?''
''I don't understand! But, will you play with me after I close from school?''
''I will be busy today!'' Amala replied.
''Your curfew is 8 pm. You're still a minor.''
''Make it 22:00PM!''
''You don't know anywhere here. I will make it 21:00PM, take it or leave it.''
''Whatever!''
''Erica, let's go!''
''Wait!'' Amala said and stretched her hand towards Jolene.
''What?''
''Money. I used up my allowance.'' Amala said and looked away. She felt embarrassed to be asking Jolene for money.
Jolene smiled and removed her purse from her bag. She took a few bills and placed on Amala's hand. ''That's $100 dollars. Use it well.''
''Thanks!''
''You really know how to draw the line. Be careful and call me if anything happens.''
''I don't have your number.'' Amala said and picked her phone.
Jolene took the phone and put her number in it before giving the phone back to her.
''I'm leaving.''
''Alright!''
….
''Mummy, isn't aunt cute? She clearly needs the money but she was too proud to ask for it.'' Erica said as Jolene drove her to school.
''I know, right? She is so silly.''
''Mummy, aunt looks sad.''
''Sad? How do you know that?''
''Our teacher said when sad people smile, it doesn't reach their eyes. Aunt's eyes seem dimmed and sad. Do you think she will be fine?''
''Erica, worry about yourself. Aunt is a big girl. Don't think too much about her. If there is anything wrong, I will solve it.''
''Okay.''
….
Amala finished dressing up and picked her tote bag. She removed a card from it and made a call.
''Hello, Dr. Carly. This is Amala.''
''Hi, Amala. It is good to hear from you. You told me you were going to Ren City. Are you there already?''
''Mm. I came yesterday.'' Amala replied and walked out of her room.
''I know a doctor in Ren City. He is very good at his job. I will send you his number. Make sure you go there when you have time. When I say when you time, I mean you must go there at all cost.''
''I know. Send it to me.''
''Alright. I will send it to you. I will also tell him to expect you. Don't hesitate to call me anytime.''
''Alright! Bye, Dr. Carly.'' Amala hung up and walked out of the house. She got a taxi outside and boarded it.