One Wrong Turn

Episode 37

My parents and i got into my dad’s car and started our journey towards Hannah’s house. I was already set for school, so I’d head straight to school from there.

The atmosphere inside the vehicle was very tense. My heart pounded, i knew Hannah’s mum did not see me all through the morning.

My dad on the other hand was having a bit of a road rage, he was getting repeated insults from other drivers.

He was obviously upset, either by my disappearance last night, or by the fact that i slept with a boy.

My mum was completely different, the expression on her face was that of fear rather than anger.

She was clutching on to a rosary in her hand, and doing the sign of the cross repeatedly.

I sat quietly, feeling a little anxious and worried as we approached Hannah’s house.

My dad pulled over right outside Hannah’s compound, i stretched out to observe the compound carefully.

I noticed a car parked inside, it wasn’t there when i first came. I guessed Hannah’s mum was back.

My parents got out of the car, and we all walked into the compound, straight towards the front door.

Just as my dad was about to knock, the door swung open. It was Hannah, all dressed for school. Her mum was right behind her.

“Good morning ma, morning sir” she greeted, as soon as recognized my parents.
“morning” my mum replied rather coldly.

My dad did not respond, his expression held a lot of bitterness. He shot a cold disgusting gaze at Hannah.

Hannah’s eyes met mine, she had a blank expression on her face. She was neither terrified by my father’s cold gaze nor my mothers emotionless response.

Her mother stood aloof, appearing quite surprised and a little uncomfortable with the expression on my dad’s face.

“Mr and Mrs Imasuen, I’m sensing all is not well” Hannah’s mum said, alternating her gaze between my dad and her daughter.
“did my daughter pass the night here?” My dad questioned, in a rather harsh and authoritative tone, almost shouting.

“Mr Imaseun, please calm down, I was away on night duty I didn’t sleep here. My daughters were alone.” She replied, trying to pacify my dad.

“hannah, did Ella sleep here?” My mum cut in, trying to prevent my dad from speaking any further on the issue.

“Yes she did” Hannah replied, looking away from everyone with a little smile hanging at the edge of her lips.

The expression on my dad’s face clearly showed that he did not believe Hannah. Her mum could see that expression too.

She called out to Hannah’s elder sister, who ran out to meet us immediately.
“did this girl sleep here?” She asked, pointing at me.

Hannah’s sister nodded in affirmation. My mum heaved a sigh of relief, so did i.

Hannah’s sister’s response only seemed to infuriate my dad more.

“How could you allow another person’s child to sleep in your house, how irresponsible are you?” My dad shouted angrily, loud enough to cause discomfort.

Hannah’s mother grew angry too and replied in similar fashion.

“I just said i wasn’t at home, I’m just coming in, and how dare you call me irresponsible? You couldn’t keep your daughter in your house, and you want to blame me for your failure as a father?. There was a lot of venom in her voice.

“So you have the right to question my parenting skills? When your daughter is a prostitute?” My dad vented, pointing at Hannah.

“At least my daughter slept in my house while you were wondering where yours was” Hannah’s mother replied.

At this point, there was palpable tension in the air, i felt really embarrassed. Somehow i blamed myself for everything.

My dad turned towards me
“You see the insult you have brought to me you fool”? He raised his hand to strike me as usuall.

I docked, hoping to escape his slap. Luckily, my mum caught his hand in the air.
“papa Osas, please we have embarrassed ourselves enough, please let us go” she said as she dragged my dad’s hand.
“Your daughter is a bad influence” my dad continued.
“once again you are blaming someone else for your parental failure” Hannah’s mother replied.

My mum dragged him away before he could spit more venom. I tagged along with my parents. They drove me off to school.

My dad kept insulting me all the way, while my mum tried to calm him down. Her sudden change of attitude surprised me.

She wasn’t attacking me, she still seemed very scared. But i couldn’t ascertain the reason for her fear. They Droped me off at school and drove away.

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As soon as the morning assembly ended Ruth, Hannah , and I had a rendevous. We discussed everything that happened in the last twelve hours or so.

I described my entire escapade with Ehis, and they all sounded really impressed. We shouted and threw high fives in the air.

At that point, i remembered Hannah had promised to give me something today.

“so Hannah, you said you ll give me something today.” I said expectantly.

She reached into her pocket, and handed me something i never thought i would need.