The plane landed safely at the Southend airport in London and all passengers aboard disembarked from the plane including Melody and her mother. After passing through the necessary protocols, they both came out of the airport and boarded a taxi into the city. Melody marveled at the beauty of scenery as the taxi journeyed down the road. She had never left her country all her life because her parents were so bent on keeping her close to them at all times which was why she had felt so elated when her mom let her go out with Mellissa on that unfortunate day. Her parents had however promised they would go on a vacation overseas but due to their busy schedules, they kept postponing the planned trip. Who would have thought that the reason she would travel for the first time would be to undergo a surgery on her face?
A few hours later, they had to go shopping for clothes for Mrs Miller after they were able to locate the Miller's mansion.
"Mom, is it a coincidence that this place has the same as our last name? Like why is it named the "Millers' mansion"? Melody asked as they both stood at the entrance of the mansion. But her mom laughed out loud at her question and rang the doorbell. A lady opened the door and screamed in excitement "Ahhhhhh! Oh my God! ma'am you never told me you'd be coming to London. Welcome back, it's so good to see you again." the lady said as both women hugged each other.
"Well... I felt like making a dual surprise today and I'm glad it paid off. As a matter of fact Melody, this house belongs to your Dad and I. We had to buy it from a friend who was dying of cancer because he didn't want the house to go to a total stranger. And this lady here is Miss Nadia, she was contracted to help keep the place warm while we are away."
Melody stood in shock as she tried to comprehend what her mother just told her. The lady, Nadia quickly collected the bags from them and went into the house laughing.
"You're kidding right? you mean this house belongs to you and Dad? I mean I know we are rich, but I never imagined we would be so rich as maintaining two houses in two different countries." Mrs Miller laughed as she walked into the house.
"They are three actually my dear, we have one in Carlifonia and there's a house keeper there too. You know we are rich honey, you are just one humble creature." Melody stood there on the porch for a while before walking into the house and looking around it.
She found her way to the Master's bedroom where her mother was trying to unpack the shopping bags. Nadia had proceeded to the kitchen to make dinner.
Melody decided to also check out the stuff she had picked for herself to suit the weather since it was a bit chilly.
"So we're finally here... How do you feel? Mrs Miller said breaking the long silence as they both tried on the items they had bought. Melody smiled as she looked at her reflection in the mirror while trying on the new leather jacket she got at the mall.
"Well, what can I say? I feel good about leaving behind the gossips and mockery that I'd have had to endure with this scar on me face. All things being equal, I'd be returning to the country almost as good as new after the surgery. But to think that you and Dad have a house here and I did not know all these years really baffles me." She finally said. Her mom smiled and dropped the piece of clothing she was holding and stretched out hands. Melody held them and both smiled
"It was supposed to be a surprise whenever we came visiting. We had no idea it would be on this kind of occasion but I'm glad the surprise was not ruined afterall. I'm so proud of you my daughter. And I pray everything goes well as we envisage so that we all can return back to our lives and move on" They let go of each other's hands and returned back to sorting out their personal items. Would everything actually return to normal after what had happened to her? Melody thought. There was no way she would be the same after being betrayed by her best friend, dumped by her fiance and harassed by a total stranger. She would make sure that everyone involved in her painful misfortune suffered the consequences of their actions.
She suddenly felt nauseated and ran to the bathroom to relieve herself while her confused mother watched in horror as she walked slowly to check on her in the bathroom. Melody felt like her internal organs were going to come out through her mouth as she kept on throwing up in the bathroom.
"Are you okay?" her mother asked with concern as she rubbed her back gently. She felt dizzy and made her way to the edge of the bathtub and sat on it. She shook her head in response "No mum, I don't know what's wrong with me mum but I keep feeling weak and nauseated for some time now. Even while we were aboard the plan to London, I felt same and had to rush to the restroom." She replied weakly.
"Let's get you cleaned up first." Her mom helped her clean up and led her into the room before going back to clean up the mess her she had made. Mrs Miller feared the worst must have happened to her daughter that night than they actually thought. Could it be that he had sowed his seed in her which could have resulted in a pregnancy? No it couldn't be. It shouldn't be. She shook her head in rejection of the possible outcome of her fears. By the time she was done cleaning up the bathroom, she proceeded to the room where Melody was already laying on the bed.
"This is going to be a very awkward question to ask, but I just have to ask so I can know what next to do. When was the last time you had your monthly flow?" Melody was shook by the question and looked at her mother with wide eyes.
"Mom why are you asking me about my monthly flow? You can't be thinking that I might be pregnant. Are you?" Mrs Miller took a deep breath and said "You might be. But we can't be sure so I'll ask Nadia to go get a test kit so we can check it out."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The atmosphere was like someone just died in the room by the time Melody came out with the test result. She handed the test kit to her mom and sat on the couch by the window looking out into the streets. Drops of tears began to run down her cheeks as she felt her heart shatter to pieces with the new reality that just hit her. She had been so caught up with her self pity and sorrow that she never remembered that she had missed her period. And now that she had finally moved on from what happened and was beginning to find a way to face the future and her life's goals, she had to live with the fruit of this strange man growing inside her? How unfair could life be? What exactly did she do to deserve this kind of fate.
"I'm so sorry honey... I can't help telling myself that this is all my fault. For just one night I decided to let you out of my wings, I had no idea that the big hawk was waiting to prey on you. Please forgive me." Mrs Miller said crying bitterly. Melody turned to her mom and smile amidst the tears
"None of this is your fault Mom, I should have known the person I claimed to be my friend before accepting her request to go clubbing. If I had known that she loved money more than anything else, maybe this wouldn't have happened. But all I can say is, karma is a bitch and she will always get the reward for what she has done. As for this baby...." She paused and looked down at her belly as she held it with her two hands. ".... I'm keeping it"
"Are you sure that's what you want to do?" Mrs Miller asked in surprise. Melody nodded in affirmation "I want to keep the pregnancy mom. Maybe I should probably remain here and get a second degree so that I won't have to go back home yet"
"That's a good idea honey, I love it. How did I get to give birth to such a super human like you? I have to call your dad and inform him about the recent development so he would make arrangements for you to remain here while I return to Nigeria." Melody nodded "I won't be going for the surgery anymore, at least not now. Nobody knows me here so it doesn't matter what I look like at the moment. After having this child, then I will go in for it." she added.
"Anything you want honey, you know we are always ready to support you. I'm so lucky to have you as my daughter and I promise to do everything within my power to make sure you get back on your feet again. Let me get my phone so I can face time your father. I'm sure he will be expecting a call from us by now, let's not keep him waiting anymore." Mrs Miller said as she stood up to get her phone from the night stand.