The Silence Within

Chapter 22

The contusion around Haseenah's right eye had turned purple but the bruise on her forehead was fresh and it stung despite it had stop bleeding. Her appearance was different. The scars gave her face a deformity it never got used to but it seemed Ahmed loved to see her face that way. Haseenah looked down at the set of brush and array of makeup items on her dresser. She had to cover her scar up with makeup like she had always done. She had to cover her bruises, cover her sorrow with fake smiles, and cover her agony with false joy. She picked up the first brush and proceeded to draw her brows.

She looked at the luxury she sat in. There was money. Anyone would walk in here and smell the money. They had everything in their comfort zone. There was no need to ask twice before Ahmad gave her anything. She had seen women envy her whenever she was in public with Ahmad. They had said he loved her. He never takes his eyes from her but it was not like that. They never saw the real thing. He was always searching for fault in what she does so that he could hit her. And he always saw that fault.

"They have arrived" She heard his voice which made her look at him. "Be your best" His eyes met her. She saw the spite in it before he hissed and walked out.

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Shawn had called it a breakup but she had not seen it as one. They were just having a fling so he had no right to tell her who to twerk for and who to dance with. Lola snorted. What had the idiot thought? That they were dating? She snorted again. He was just one of those men she used and dumped like a tissue paper. She was just using him to while away time. Gosh! She rolled her eyes mentally. He had been so furious and angry at her. He considered her dancing amidst drunk young adult with a man immorality. Who was he to tell her what morality was? He had thought himself high. He had thought they were really dating. What a fool he was? She stiffened a wicked laugh.

"Lola!" A voice barked, cutting through her train of thoughts.

Lola lifted her eyelids to stare at the ceramic white wall of her bathroom. "What is it this time, mommy?" She requested in a voice that was low and sounded so tired as if she was not ready for whatever trouble her mother was coming with.

"Don't use that tone on me!" Cynthia snapped halting next to the hot tub.

The bathroom was large, all white from the bathtub to the sink, walls and floor. It had a relaxing ambiance. Candles were lit giving it a warm glow and bowls of roses were kept on the vanity, perfuming the expanse. Lola laid in warm water, the cosy water giving her body a relaxation she craved for. The lady who sat at the edge of the tub, worked professional fingers against Lola's shoulder. It was home service of some spa in Island.

"I am busy at the moment" She sighed as the lady hand massaged a stiffened muscle.

"If I knock your head, you will drown in that water! Where were you last night?"

"At a birthday party the commissioner of health's daughter threw. You know Sandra Komolu? It was her birthday"

"When your grandfather is lying on the hospital bed"

"That does not mean I should not have fun" She lifted cool eyes to gaze at her mother. Cynthia's brows were knitted together with disapproval of what was going on. Her eyes spat brown fire, turning lighter.

"Will you stop been lackadaisical about what I am talking about?"

Lola rolled her eyes. "Mummy, I am relaxing. I need to get my skin pretty and glowing before leaving for a party. Today is Saturday and it's meant for party"

"You!" Cynthia shouted at the beautician. The young lady jolted at the unexpected harsh tone. "Leave what you are doing and get out!" Lola blew air from her lips then sank deeper into the water. "You kids won't drive me crazy! Last night, you were at a party and came back this morning. Same thing goes to Miracle. He spent the night at some lady's house and Sarah, only God knows where she is since yesterday evening and Samson, telling me he's recording a song at some stupid studio! What are you all so irresponsible?"