Do you mean Wilson the Carpenter's son or the other Wilson, Elena asked as she trembled.
I don't know the Wilson you're talking about but what I know is for you to tell me what is going on between you and Wilson, Elena's father said.
Wilson.... is..... Elena tried today she stammered.
Wilson is who or what? Her father asked in fury as he rose this time.
He's a friend of mine. I mean just a friend. she replied as she tried to hide her face.
you don't dare lie to me, Elena. How can you tell me that he's just a friend? He has already told me everything. I just want to confirm if what he said was true.
What did he tell you about us? Elena asked.
o! you're asking me, right? her father asked.
okay, let me tell you. what promise did you make to him? or should I say what oath did you both take?
we didn't take any oath, it's just a promise we made to each other that we won't leave ourselves no matter what happens. Elena said.
You also told him that you'll get married to him. right?
that's in the future sir. it's not now.
that makes you not to be a nonreasonable girl. how can you be planning of getting married and you haven't gone to school. you want to get married without knowledge and skill. if that's what you're planning, then you're planning your doom.
Elena, if I want to ask you. If you want to choose now, just let me know. Is it marriage you're going for or education?
It's education.
Then you must be serious with your education. He dipped his hand into his pocket and brought out a card.
This is your card to check your result, go ahead and check it now so that we will know the next step to take.
Elena collected the card and went out to check her results. she met someone who had also gone to check his results, he looked so happy.
" Finally, I have made it. there's no more going back". he said as he walked away.
I hope this will be my testimony too. Elena said quietly as she entered the office. she walked to the office that was responsible for checking the results.
He revealed the PIN so that he can check the result. when he did, Elena was shocked to her bones. she didn't make it this time. So scared she was to move from her sitting position for the fear of what her father might do to her.
She stood up and left the office, thinking of what next to do. Other than going home, there was nothing she could do.
As slow as a snail did she walk home to break the sad news to her father. When she arrived at the house, he wasn't at home, so she quickly went to her room to think of her she will relate the news to her father.
****
Now that you have decided your fate by yourself. it is up to you to take the next step. I just called you here to inform you that you're resuming your place of work tomorrow. The only advice I will give to you now is for you to watch your back very well. If you like give Wilson a chance to rule over your life.
The sight of Elena made Wilson confused, he has longed awaited her arrival and on seeing her today, the first day of the month, he felt he has gotten it all.
Elena walked past him without saying a Hi or even a good morning to him. Wilson was shocked so he decided to approach her.
Good morning Elena. he greeted as he walked fast to catch up with her.
I'm talking to you Elena, why are you acting this way? did I offend you? he asked again.
Wilson please I don't want trouble this morning. it's so early for you to start disturbing me. just pretend as if you didn't see me at all.
Elena, you know that it can't be so. I can't see you and walk past you like that. What's the issue? He asked again.
What did you tell my father when I wasn't around?
what did your father say I told him? he asked in return.
Wilson, are you that stupid that you went to tell y dad of the promise we made to each other?
it's not like I told him our plans directly. you're not supposed to be asking me this kind of question. Don't you know how your Dad is?
is that enough reason you have to tell him? I just discovered you are a child. And I want to warn you that you should stay clear from me.
Elena this can't be you. Wilson told her but she walked away leaving him behind to all his pleas.
**********************************************
As she entered the working environment, she headed straight for the head teacher's office to introduce herself officially to her. Immediately she walked in, the headteacher greeted her with...
You're the one I'm expecting right?
she nodded her head.
Miss Elena, you're welcome to this citadel of learning. I believe that by now, you have been briefed about what you'll be helping us to do here.
Yes, ma.
Hope you're ready to work?
Yes ma'am.
so here's what you'll be doing every morning and
Then we're good to go right?
yes ma'am, Elena said as she rose to go with her new boss.
so here's what you'll be helping us to do every morning and afternoon, make sure you get familiar with those that come here every day. I understand that you're new here. I'll be sending one of our representatives to join you shortly.
it's alright ma. thanks so much for the warm reception.
It's my pleasure, she said as she stretched her hand for another handshake.
thanks once again.
oh! here he comes, he'll be the one assisting you till you get used to the job.
Wilson? Elena asked in bewilderment.
Elena, I knew we are meant for each other, you're just trying to play a game that I don't even understand. Wilson told Elena.
You know what Wilson? Elena asked.
No, he replied.
For both of us to work better, the only thing we can do is to be the friends we use to be, with nothing attached to it.
is that what you think?
Yes, Wilson, that's what is best for us.
it's alright if you say so.
Wilson was pained by their words of Elena. Had he known he wouldn't have gone to ask after her when she had traveled because she had warned him before now that he shouldn't go to her house no matter what because of the kind of person her father was.
he has tried to put a call across to her, but he couldn't get to her for days, he decided to make enquires from her home and this has brought them into the situation they are in.
Throughout the day, they did their work without talking to each other and when they went home, they didn't even follow the same route nor bade goodbye.
Elena got home to meet his father already waiting for her outside the house.
Good evening sir, she greeted
Good evening my daughter, how's your day been, and how was work today? he asked
it was okay Father.
How is Wilson? her father asked.
What kind of question is this man asking me again. is this a trick or what? He is fine, she managed to say.
Hope you didn't forget my warning to you if you dare me, Elena, you will see the other side of me. he threatened her once more.
Mr. Kenneth has been feared by all especially his kids, he has been raised with very strict methods and as a result, no one dares to try him or test his capacity for what he can do.
Mrs. Kenneth on the other hand who couldn't oppose her husband just danced along to the tune of her husband.
**********************************************
Knowing fully well that she won't be sponsored by her father again, Elena started saving up for another enrollment. This she did with determination and unwavering on the plans of her saving.
Elena Started attending extra moral classes so that she can fill in the gap for those things she couldn't meet up with during her schooling days. With the help of Wilson, she was able to focus more on her studies because he was there to assist her with her job.
As she rose to go to her classes on one sunny Wednesday, her phone rang. it was Stephanie on the line.
See who's the voice I'm hearing today. Stephanie said from her side
I've missed you Steph, I even thought of coming to spend the weekend at my aunt's place so that we can talk. it's been a while. so how have you been my dear? Elena asked.
I've been fine, it's just that things are not going as planned.
Elena please can you come over so that we can talk? I'm in a state of confusion.
*******
What happened to you Stephanie, Elena asked in an alarming tone as she saw her protruding stomach.
Elena, it's a long story, I don't even know where to start.
you can start from anywhere my dear.
The truth has been discovered, I am the true daughter of my parents and so I decided to go back home. when I got home, I got into a nasty Relationship that got me into this.
Wait, Stephanie, I don't understand. do you mean that all those times I was here, you were pregnant?
yes, Elena. but I didn't know how to say it. that was why whenever you see me those times, I was always shedding tears.
My God! Stephanie. What did you do? how can you go the extra mile of getting pregnant for a man at this age?
Before Elena could know what was going on, Stephanie burst into tears. Elena walked to her side and embraced her tightly. Stephanie you just have to keep cool and relax. crying will not change anything, you just have to compose yourself and start getting stronger for the mother you're becoming.
Now that you're in this stage, you don't have to listen to what people will say about you. If you listen to them, it means that you're given a chance to defeat yourself and that might lead to going on a path where you won't be able to return
just accept it the way it is, there's nothing we can do to change what has already happened. I'll advise that you move on as if nothing has happened and when you have your baby in a few months, watch the child grow up and tell the child life lessons you have learned.
Stephanie, I still believe in you, don't look down on yourself because of what has happened to you. I'll continue getting in touch with you. okay?
By now, Stephanie beamed with smiles, she was a bit relieved. Thank you, Elena. you're a friend.
you're always welcome my dear Stephanie. my dear friend I have to be on my way. nobody is aware that I'm here not even my aunt. so I'll see you again.
Elena hugged her friend and then she left for the bus station. She got a bit late but she wasn't questioned for coming home late because it has also been raining.
The enrollment process began, and with her savings, she was able to pay for it. After her enrollment, she studied as if the world depends on her. Her father only advised her to continue studying her books but he didn't assist in the payment of the enrollment or the books she intends to buy.
" if you can come out in good grades this time around, I will pilot your education from there but if you don't, you already know what the answer will be" her father had told her on one of her studying days.
Wilson came around to look for Elena, as he turned to leave after discussing with her. her father emerged.
So you're here again?
Good evening sir, he greeted gently.
Wilson leaves my house before I do something you won't like.
Wilson left the house, he didn't come to have a chat with Elena, he only came to return one of her books she has forgotten at work.
Elena was worried about what she was going through, but who will she talk to? Stephanie wasn't here for her then who else? Should she talk to Wilson? But Wilson has been showing interest in her for some time now. But she can't take it anymore.
She made up her mind to pour her out to Wilson. After work that day, she sat down. Wilson noticed that she hasn't gone to her classes so he thought of asking her.
Elena, aren't you going to classes today?
I don't think I will today, she replied.
Why?
Elena kept quiet.
I'm asking you a question, Elena. why aren't you going? is anything the problem?
Yes, Wilson, there's something that's bothering me and I need someone to talk to. I don't know if you will have the time to listen to me.
Elena hasn't acted this way before. I think I have to listen to her now, Wilson thought.
yes, Elena, I'm here for you. Wilson said as he adjusted his seat to be close to her.
Wilson, I have been going through a lot lately and I just can't take it anymore. There's a lot in my mind. Can I...
yes, you can Elena. Wilson said again.
Since I've been attending my class, I have encountered a lot of things.
a lot of things like what? Elena, please be open to me, if there's anybody you should be more open to, it's me. you don't have to be scared of anything. open up! he assured her.
They're two guys that are attending the Same tutorial as me. They're after me, they want a relationship with me, but I'm not ready for it. Yesterday's wooing was the worst. Wilson, what do you want me to do? is there a way I can scare them away?
Wilson thought of what she has told him. He felt bad because others are already interested in her. But he just has to help her out.
You see Elena, he started. Men must surely come your way. So don't be surprised, you just have to be calm. Like you just said; you're not ready for a relationship. if you're not ready then you have to sit them down and tell them your reasons. Tell them you're not ready for a relationship.
They're humans and they will surely understand you. my advice is that whenever they come to you again just tell them that you're not ready for a relationship and give them your reasons. is that okay?
Yes Wilson, but I hope this strategy will work?
yes, it will, everyone has a mind to understand each other. Just calm down okay?
Yes, Wilson. Thanks so much, Wilson. I appreciate your time.
it's nothing, my dear. I'm here for you always.