Pains of Amara(Completed)

Chapter 74

AMARACHI

I woke up with a splitting headache asides my heavy heart. I had cried so much last night, my eyes felt too big for the sockets. It felt like my eyes could pop out.
The first thing that rang in my head was the painful truth aunty Lydia told me yesterday.
All this while, I actually believed no matter how bad Lydia and Ogechi treated me, I was still their family; that blood ties were still there keeping us connected.
But that single truth I believed in all these years, that single truth I clunged to all these years, was broken yesterday.
Who would rape my mother?
Why?
My mother endured trauma and now I'm doing the same.
Who is my father?

But perhaps aunty Lydia could be lying. Perhaps she was just saying that to shatter me.
Emeka could still really be my biological father.
I immediately wiped my tear stung eyes with my right palm.
There was a little glint of hope in my eye.
Emeka treated me the way a loving father would treat his daughter.
He has to be my father.
"But how would I know if aunty Lydia is lying or not?"
I pondered over that question for some seconds.

The idea came to me immediately.
I will go meet Nonso. His mother was my mother's closest friend.
She would definitely give me some answers.
I immediately shot up from the bed and went ahead to prepare myself.
"But what if aunty Lydia is saying the truth?"
I dreaded that question and I really hoped aunty Lydia was just lying.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Amarachi you are going so early to Mrs Justice's house?"Aunty lydia asked as I came out of my room, clutching on to my little handbag like it was my life support.
I swallowed my saliva to moist my parched throat.
"Yes aunty"I replied slowly.

Her eyes roved around me, as if she wasn't sure of my response.
She finally sighed and nodded her head.
"You can go. Remember to talk to Mrs Justice about your sister ok"

I nodded once more and headed for the door.
I wasn't going directly to Mrs Justice's house.
I am first going to meet Nonso's mother and find out the truth.
I really hope aunty Lydia is just lying.

* * * * * *

I stepped inside Nonso's compound and it felt like a heavy burden had been lifted off my chest.
I stood on the spot for some seconds, eyes roving around the compound as the breeze swayed my skirt.
I can't remember the last time I visited him. Memories of the past came rushing into my thoughts.

I vividly remembered how I, Nonso and Rebecca would play together growing up. I remembered how close and tight we all were.
I also remembered how Becca's attitude turned bitter towards me.
A traitorous tear drop escaped my eyes. I gave a faint smile to no one in particular as I snapped my self out of my reverie.
I can't stand here all day.
I ponderously walked towards the door. I took in a huge breath and exhaled deeply.
Why was I so nervous?
Could it be the fear of finding out that aunty Lydia isn't lying?
I shook of the feeling and knocked on the door.

A few seconds later, I could hear some locks clicking.
"Amara!"Nonso exclaimed happily once he set his eyes on me.

"How are you Nonso?"I asked with a soft smile.
He gestured for me to step inside and closed the door.

"I am fine o. What about you? Longest time o. I'm sorry we haven't been talking. I've been so busy with work, I just returned from benin some days back"
Wow. Benin.
I never knew he travelled.
We've become so distant, our lives are now so seperate.

"It's fine Nonso. I'm also guilty of not checking up. Things have been so tough"I admitted with my face downcasted.

I noticed his countenance changed into one of sympathy and concern.
"Amara what is wrong? Is it Lydia again?"