Behind the Mask✔

Chapter 5

I heard faint voices around me and my vision was blurry. I blinked and opened my eyes wide and I was met by a blinding light and I closed my eyes quickly

"Jasmine " I  heard mum's voice and I opened my eyes slowly again and saw mum and her elder sister,  Aunty Anne standing beside me and the white walls, "Get well soon "posters , the drip line connected to my hand ,  the feel of another bed and the smell of antiseptic all pointed to the fact  that  I was in a hospital.

My mum stood shedding quiet tears and Aunty Anne held her "Mabel , it's okay she's up now".

I had always wondered what it was like to have siblings.  Aunty Anne and mum had three years of age difference between them and of all her older  siblings,( mum was the last of six children)  mum was closest to  Aunty Anne

"Jasmine , thank God you're awake , how do you feel? " Aunty Anne asked me.

I felt tired,  in pain , weak, confused but I replied "Fine ma" My voice was weak and talking hurt probably because of the bruise I  had on my mouth. My leg was in a cast and I was covered with marks and bruises, I ached badly all over and all I wanted was sleep.

"Let me call the doctor " Aunty Anne said and went out of the room.  Mum sobbed quietly beside me and I wanted to assure her I was fine

"Mummy,  I'm fine "

"You're obviously in pain, stop trying to make me feel better" I  would have rolled my eyes if even the slightest movement didn't cause me pain

"That's not what I'm trying to do " I  said and frowned because of the pain. Mum noticed and    rubbed my arm and I flinched. The shock that showed on her face couldn't be hidden so I  apologised "I'm sorry ".

She shook her head "You didn't do anything"

"I fought someone "I countered because if I had just left Zara, if I had not disobeyed my father's rules about perfection and discipline  maybe I wouldn't be here.  After all, he was my father and he loved me 

"You didn't plan on fighting so you're not to blame " Mum said 

"Violence is never the answer, mum you taught me that". Before mum could reply, Aunty Anne came in  with the doctor. I was surprised when I  didn't see Doctor  Jude , our family doctor but a dark woman of average height . She wore a lab coat over her pink floral gown and her hair was tied up in a matching  pink turban

" Jasmine " she called my name with a cheery tone and smiled "I'm Doctor Adegoke and I'm glad you're awake."

I wasn't glad I was awake , but I didn't say that. I simply stared at her.

"You were brought in here with reports that you were involved in a fight but this looks like something else, care to tell me what happened? "

I  stared on at Dr Adegoke because what would I tell her? , that my principal nearly raped me or that my own father was the one who beat me to a pulp. Who would believe me ? I wondered who even brought me here ,  what exactly had my father told everyone ?. I had my own questions  so I simply said "I fought a student".

Mum and Aunty Anne frowned deeply and mum sighed

"Did you fight a student or the father of the  student? "The doctor asked sarcastically, and I frowned.

Was her job to treat or interrogate patients "What's wrong with me?" I asked changing the subject

"Jasmine! " mum scolded but I ignored her. I was going to talk when I was ready , not now .