The past few days have been a whirlwind of new experiences with Sophia, having a roommate who feels like a sister brings a sense of comfort and belonging I never thought possible. We spend hours studying together, pouring over textbooks and notes, exploring the city, and laughing over silly jokes. Our conversations flow effortlessly, like we've known each other for years.It's a stark contrast to my life before, my relatives made it very clear they don't want anything to do with me, rejecting me at every turn. They've kicked me out of the family, treating me like an outcast, but Sophia's presence changes everything. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have someone who truly understands me, we cook meals together, trying out new recipes and sharing stories about our days. Sophia's bubbly personality is infectious, and I find myself smiling more than I have in years. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through our apartment, making our mouths water in anticipation. We sit down to enjoy our creations, savoring the flavors and textures, as we settle into our routine, I realize that having Sophia by my side makes everything feel more manageable. We walk to school together, discussing our plans and dreams. We attend lectures, taking notes and participating in discussions. It's wonderful to have someone who supports me, who believes in me.
Sophia is more than just a roommate, she's a confidant, partner in crime, and a friend. The past weeks have been filled with movie nights, snuggled up under blankets, watching our favorite films. We quote lines, laugh at silly moments, and cry during emotional scenes. Our conversations flow from deep, meaningful topics to lighthearted, silly discussions. We talk about our favorite books, music, and hobbies. Sophia introduces me to new authors, and I share my favorite novels with her. We spend hours browsing through bookstores, discovering hidden gems.
Having Sophia around makes me feel like I'm part of a family again. We have breakfast together, sharing stories about our plans for the day. We make lunch, packing sandwiches and fruits for our busy schedules. Dinner is a time for us to unwind, sharing stories about our day's adventures.
As the days turn into weeks, our bond grows stronger. We support each other through thick and thin, celebrating each other's successes and comforting each other during tough times. Sophia's friendship is a balm to my soul, reminding me that I'm not alone, In Sophia, I find a sense of belonging I thought I'd never experience. We explore the city together, discovering new places and trying new things. Our laughter echoes through the streets, drawing smiles from passersby. For a moment, I forget about the pain of my past.Sophia's friendship is a reminder that life can be beautiful, that people can be kind and caring. I feel grateful for her presence in my life, for the laughter, the adventures, and the memories we're creating.
As I look at Sophia, I know that our friendship is something special. We'll face challenges together, side by side, as sisters, and I know that no matter what life throws our way, we'll face it together, as a team.
Today she's teaching me how to make Alfredo pasta, did I mention, I am a disaster in the kitchen, it's like my hands are cursed when it comes to cooking, every meal I touch turns to poison. I've tried following recipes, I've watched cooking videos but somehow I always manage to make inedible food, would you believe I tried baking muffins one time and it turned out to be rock muffins as hard as cement, how is that even possible i followed every step and I ended up with rock muffins, thinking of it still makes my teeth hurt, another time I tried making scrambled egg and they ended up a rubbery overcooked mess, I even resorted to using pre-made mixes and pre cooked ingredients but somehow I always manage to ruin everything, my kitchen abilities are limited to coffee and instant noodles, but now say goodbye to my days of being The kitchen menace, Sophia is such an amazing cook, since she moved in she's been making us yummy meals, and she's even volunteered to turn me to Gordon Ramsay, I am currently on my way to the store to get heavy whipped cream, she said it's a very important ingredient for our meal, as I made my way to the store, I'm about to head in when my attention is pulled by a commotion outside, a man is at the entrance shouting at a girl, the girl had tears streaming down her face, as she stared blankly at the floor, her head hung down, she trembled and her body shook as she cried, on taking a closer look wondering why the man was treating the girl that way and why the girl seemed oddly familiar, my eyes nearly bulged out at the realization that this girl is Rachel, the mean girl who bullied me at school, without second thoughts I went in between both of them shielding her with my body and facing the man, I asked him to start talking and to explain why he slapped her raising alarm and calling the police simultaneously, the man looked at me with disdain clearly stating that if I didn't get out of here and go mind my business I am going to regret ever meeting him, Rachel finally spoke, barely above a whisper she said please don't go, please don't leave me with this monster,she pulled my hand and when I turned to look at her all I saw was a broken girl, the proud aloof girl I met weeks ago was no where to be found, her eyes turn to the man and she said, can my life get any worse, I am here dealing with depression and self harm, I wake up every morning already overwhelmed by the day ahead, I feel like I am constantly on stage, worried I'm going to bring you shame, everyday I try to be better, for you, I push myself to achieve more, I am in Medical school just for you, you have made my life a living hell, you dictate everything I do, even to the damn air i breath, yet you still you beat me, you call be worthless, a mistake and you blame me for mama's death why? When will I ever be good enough for you? Will I ever be good enough for you? You are a monster, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, she kept repeating as she shattered further.
To my greatest dismay the man who I learnt is her father responded. Oh, you don't hate me, you hate yourself, you are the reason your mother died, you killed my wife you cursed child, so blame everything that happened on yourself, you useless idiot, I regret the day you were born, you are nothing but a waste of space, all you do is drain me, I sent you to one of the best schools in the world with my money, my money, and what do you do, you come back home refusing to become a doctor, going on about mental health and suicide, go on, kill yourself you ingrate, I would rather you die that continue to bring shane and disgrace to my name.
Blame myself, Blame myself, So, I'm supposed to blame myself for you coming home drunk every night, for every bruise you gave me, for the past twenty years all I have ever hear from you is always abuse, i am never good enough, I am a waste of space, I should never have been born, I am a curse, I am the reason why mom died, Rachel shouted.
I couldn't believe my ears so she had been going through all this yet she still put on a brave everyday o my poor Rachel.
"Shut up, you bitch!" Her dad yelled, slapping her hard across the face again, Immediately he slapped her i lost it, i slapped him hard across the face and I kept on going again, again, again until I was pulled away by the police who had arrived, I couldn't believe not only was this man treating his own daughter this way, he was blaming her for her mother's death, beating her up severally and he was still doing so without remorse, my heart shattered and my eyes couldn't stop flooding, I couldn't stop thinking of all the things Rachel has been going through all alone and i pulled her in and we wept inconsolably in each others arms.
After we have been balling our eyes for what feels like forever, we were all cried out, our eyes dry, our throat sore, and our bodies drained. I took a look around and we are surrounded by sympathizers,I look at her and ask. Are you okay?
She looked shattered, tears running down her face. She didn't respond to my question, she just stared into my eyes, her eyes looked so broken, she tried not to show it, but I knew what broken eyes looked like and hers were just that.
"Rachel!" I called out to her. No response again.
I put my hands on her shoulder, and looked into her eyes, I couldn't stand to watch her break any further.
"Rachel, your father is gone now, you're safe here. I won't let anyone hurt you again, I promise" I said with bravery in my voice.
I wanted her to feel safe with me, I wanted her to trust me, I see myself in her so much,she reminded me of the things I went through because of my relatives. Suddenly, I felt her arms wrap around my neck, she was hugging me and sobbing silently. I hugged her back, her eyes fixed on the police car as it drives away, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. I gently guided her away from the convenience store, suggesting we get some fresh air and a change of scenery, as we walked to my apartment, Rachel's tears begin to flow again, and I listen attentively as she recounts the traumatic scene she just endured, my expression is a mix of concern and anger, but I keep my tone soft and reassuring, letting her know she's safe now, when we arrive at my apartment, my roommate Sophia looks up from her book, surprised to see Rachel's tear-stained face. "Hey, what's going on?", where's the whipped cream i kept waiting for you? what kept you? And why is Rachel in this state, she asks, concern etched on her face. I filled her in on the situation, and Sophia's expression softens as she offers Rachel a warm smile.
I head to the kitchen and I get Rachel a glass of water and sit her down on the couch, where Sophia joins us, listening as Rachel begins to open up about her experience. I watch as Rachel's guard starts to drop, and she begins to share her story, we listen attentively, offering words of comfort and support. We ask gentle questions, allowing Rachel to share as much or as little as she wants. The atmosphere is calm and soothing, and I can see the tension in Rachel's body start to ease. She then apologizes for the way she treated me at school of which I respond I have already forgiven her and it's all in the past. My self and Sophia spend the rest of the day comforting Rachel and eventually I suggest she should take off time to focus on her mental health, to heal from all this trauma and pain of which Sophia agrees to, I try my best to convince Racheal to stay with us, at least until she gets better but she tells us that she would rather go stay with her Godmother, her late mother's sister in the country side, where she can get away from the city and everything.
Rachel looked uncertain, her eyes darting between I and Sophia. 'I don't know if I'm making the right decision,' she said, her voice barely above a whisper. 'What if my godmother doesn't want me? What if I'm just running away from my problems? I and Sophia exchanged a concerned glance, and i reached out to take Rachel's hand. 'We'll support you no matter what you decide, Rachel, i said. 'But maybe staying with your godmother could be a good opportunity for you to focus on your healing. You deserve to be happy and safe.' Rachel nodded slowly, her eyes welling up with tears. 'I just feel like I'm giving up,' she whispered. Sophia pulled her into a hug. 'You're not giving up, Rachel. You're taking care of yourself. That's something to be proud of.'"as I watch Rachel struggle with her decision, my heart goes out to her. She's been through so much, and I know how hard it is to make decisions when you're feeling vulnerable. "We'll support you no matter what you decide, Rachel," I say, trying to reassure her. Sophia nods in agreement, and together we offer words of encouragement.
The next morning, Rachel seems more determined. She's decided to stay with her godmother, and I can see the resolve in her eyes, as we help her pack her bags, Sophia and I chat with her about everything from her favorite books to her plans for the future. Rachel smiles, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of the person she used to be before all this happened.
As Rachel prepared to leave, I and Sophia walked her to the door, our faces somber. Rachel turned to us, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you for everything," she said, her voice cracking. I and Sophia hugged her tightly, holding her close as we whispered words of encouragement. "We'll miss you so much," Sophia said, her voice shaking. I added, "But we'll be here for you whenever you need us. Don't hesitate to reach out." Rachel nodded, her eyes streaming with tears as she hugged us back. "I'll never forget what you've done for me," she whispered. As we pulled back, i handed her a small package. "Take this with you," i said. "It's a little something to remind you that you're not alone." Rachel smiled weakly, tucking the package into her bag. With one last look at us, she turned and walked out the door, leaving i and Sophia to watch her go with heavy hearts.
I turn to Sophia, and we share a look of sadness and concern. We know that Rachel has a long road ahead of her, but we're proud of her for taking this step towards healing.
Watching Rachel leave, I am transported to that faithful night, I'm ten years old again,I remember the day like it was yesterday. My parents and I were playing hide and seek, they hid me in the wardrobe, telling me to stay quiet and to wait for them to find me. I counted to one hundred, expecting them to burst in and scoop me up in a big hug, but the minutes ticked by, and there was only silence. I waited and waited, my heart beating faster with every passing moment. Finally, I couldn't bear the suspense anymore. I slowly opened the wardrobe door, expecting to see my parents grinning at me, ready to say "Gotcha!", Instead, I saw two strangers staring back at me. They looked confused and unsure of what to do with me. They put me back in the wardrobe and left without a word. I waited for what felt like forever, my mind racing with questions. Why weren't my parents coming for me? Why were those strangers looking at me like I was a puzzle they couldn't solve? When I finally emerged from the wardrobe, I was met with a sight that would haunt me forever. My parents lay on the floor in a pool of their own blood, their bodies lifeless and still. I shook them, screaming their names, but they didn't respond, their voices silenced forever.The world around me came crashing down, and I was left alone, scared, and confused. That game of hide and seek turned out to be the last time I'd ever see my parents. I kept crying trying to get my mum or dad to respond but I failed, I ran to get our housekeeper and cook, I made my way to the kitchen only to find them in the same state as my parents, I went outside to find or gardener and security but they all layed unmoving and unresponsive, I needed to wake mama and papa, then I remembered my favorite uncle Benedict, I used to home phone to call him, barely able to make a coherent sentence, I kept screaming while crying, mama and papa are not waking up, Uncle Ben, they are not waking up, please come wake them come, they are not waking up, they are not talking to me. I screamed until my voice was hoarse, Uncle Ben, please come, please come wake mom and dad. I was convinced he would rush to my side,wake them up and make everything okay. I imagined the warm smiles and comforting hugs of my parents, however when the door burst open it was not just Uncle Ben, there was also Aunt Mary, Elizabeth, her husband Uncle John and the police. The officers spoke softly, asking me questions, taking notes. I felt a mix of relief and confusion. Why were the police here? And why wasn't Uncle Ben or anyone else trying to wake mum and dad, when I asked, the two officers with their expressions a mix of sadness and concern. I felt a knot in my stomach as the tall officer began to speak, his voice was gentle but the words cut deep. We are so sorry to have to tell you this, but….your parents were shot. They didn't survive it. I felt like I had been hit by a ton of bricks, my world crumbling around me, the words hung in the air refusing to sink in. My relatives closed in around me, murmuring words of comfort, Aunty Mary wrapped her hands around me, while Uncle Ben placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. The police officers nodded sympathetically, their eyes filled with compassion,then they shorter officer asked the question that hung in the air like a challenge. "Now that your parents are gone, we'll need to figure out who's going to take custody of you."
My relatives exchanged uneasy glances, their faces a mask of reluctance. Nobody spoke up, nobody volunteered. It was like I was a burden, a problem to be solved.
The officer sighed, his expression sympathetic. "It looks like we'll have to consider foster care or a group home for you."
I felt a lump form in my throat as the reality of my situation sank in. I was alone, and my own family didn't want me. The thought of being taken away from everything I knew was terrifying. As soon as they finished speaking and turned to leave, the atmosphere shifted, my relatives faces changed, their eyes hardening. The warmth and concern vanished, replaced by cold, accusing gazes. I felt a chill run down my spine as they began to speak their words filled with venom.
I turned to Uncle Benedict, hoping he'd offer some comfort or explanation, but instead, he avoided my gaze, his eyes drifting away as he looked out the window. The cold stares from the other family members intensified, and I felt like I was drowning in their disdain.
"Look at the predicament she's brought upon our family," one of them muttered, their voice low but venomous.
I felt a pang of hurt and confusion. Why were they reacting this way? I thought they'd be there for me, offer support and love. Instead, they seemed to blame me for something I didn't even understand. Uncle Benedict's silence was deafening, and I wondered if I'd ever find solace in my own family again.
You are on your own now, Aunt Mary said, her voice devoid of warmth.
Their words stung. Where was the love? The support? What happened to Uncle Ben? I thought they'd be my safe haven, but instead they blamed me, more tears began to flow as I realized I was alone in this. The image of my parents lifeless flashed in my mind. I stumbled backwards, my legs weak as I tried to shake off the memories, but they're relentless. My friend's voice cut through the haze. Hey, are you okay? She asked, concern etched on her face. I forced a smile, trying to hide my turmoil inside. I'm okay, i said, hoping she believed me. She looked at me skeptically, but nodded and suggested we head back inside.
If there was a peculiar trait about Sophia amongst others, I would say it was her ability to read people, the way she looked at me said she knew I was not okay however she would not pressure the issue out of me, and when I am ready she will be there for me, in truth I am lucky, not only did I find a friend, I also got a roommate and sister, a confidant, someone to rely on, but for now, the past hours has been a lot for us and we both need to get rest, I will definitely tell her my story but some other time.
I took her hand, following her, trying to leave my demons behind.