Chapter 17 Weary

Vanessa laid wide awake in her bed, however, her body refused to move, not because she couldn't but because her mind and heart were at war. Her visit to the Michaels household was not to bestow on them any grace. She knew better than anyone, that her sudden appearance, especially in their lives was only going to wreak havoc, emotionally. Without a doubt, every cell in her body craved Raymond's proximity but her mind kept remembering her of the shame and pain she went through because of him. Initially, she hated him with passion. But the hatred she had for him vanished as years passed by. Every ounce of the hatred vanished, when she realized, Raymond was ordered to have his way with her. He was more like forced to do it to her. It seemed more like he was not given any choice or better still, was made to believe he had no other choice. This, she found out only a week ago. It hurtd her, Raymond still protects the perpetrator and beared all the guilt. He's been through a lot, no doubt. Vanessa remembered how Raymond doted on Aida and that alone made her miss her dad. She was her dad's favorite child. He doted on her that even her mom complained about how he was spoiling her.

"Dad, can you hear me? I miss you so much that it hurts. I'm still moving on. I hope i am making you proud up there. Mom, i miss you too. I still remember how you both told me, whether i fail or win, your love for me will stay the same. It gives me butterflies, whenever i remember that. I love you too. Doing this without you is difficult, but knowing that you are up there, watching everything i do, warms my heart. I have a schedule with the Michaels. I don't even know what to do or whom to seek guidance from but i know i have your blood in me and that's enough to keep me going. I love you" Vanessa said sadly as she laid on the bed.

Slowly, she crawled out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Her day was definitely going to be activities packed!

******

Raymond rolled uncomfortably in his bed. Initially,the thought of Vanessa visiting warmed his heart. However, he felt scared when he thinking about it now. It was obvious Vanessa was up to no good. He remembered how terrified Khelan was, when she called him to inform him about everything that happened when Vanessa visited her and how she kept trembling hours after Vanessa had left. The fact that Vanessa was up to no good, and Aida knew the 'truth' now, made him restless. How was he going to face his daughter now? What would Aida think of him? Will she talk to him again? What was he to expect from Vanessa? His head and heart were in a mess, and he wished he could spend the rest of the day in his room, precisely in his bed. Yet, he knew if had to make things work he must face them head on. That's what Maxwell thought him right? Maxwell! If only he were alive. Raymond missed him so much.

"Max, how i wish you were here" Raymond whispered as he slowly dragged himself from the bed to the entered the bathroom.

******

Aida had a sleepless night. She felt wasted and tired. The fact that she knew the truth now, made it difficult for her to hate Vanessa. Well, she wished she hadn't pried. Now, how was she going to act in front of Vanessa. The thought of Vanessa made her sad. At long last, she understands her mother and why she abandoned her. She had watched a lot of documentaries which were based on the topic 'rape' and had seen how it affected its victims, emotionally, physically and psychologically. Aida felt strongly sorry for Vanessa. 'Vanessa didn't deserve that' she thought. For some unknown reason, she couldn't despise Raymond no matter how she thought about it. She felt her dad had his own reasons because she's seen enough of him to know he doesn't act recklessly. What if he did act recklessly when he was younger? Well, he was a changed man now...but his change can't undo the mistake and the pain Vanessa felt. 'Why the hell did he do that?! I need to ask him' she thought out loud. Aida rolled out her bed and dashed to the bathroom to get ready for the day. Aida wore a casual ankle-length blue dress, with flowery designs in it. She took a deep breath and walked out of her room. It was 7am then. She walked towards Raymond's door and knocked. The door was opened a few seconds later. Raymond looked breathtaking in casual black tshirt, and army green shorts. He looked troubled as the portion between his eyebrows creased. He looked at Aida who avoided his eyes, and they stood there quietly for almost a minute before he decided to break the silence.

"No school today?" Raymond asked.

"No" Aida replied raising her head to look at Raymond. Raymond made a quick assessment of her appearance and sighed, before inviting her in. Aida sat on his bed, and tapped the portion next to her, signalling Raymond to sit beside her. When Raymond sat beside her, she threw her arms around him and held him in a tight embrace. Raymond was caught off guard. He wasn't expecting her to embrace him. Embracing him was the last thing he thought she would do after getting to know the truth. He wrapped his arms around her tiny body, and rested his chin on her head feeling relieved.

"Aida, are you alright?" Raymond asked softly.

"Yes. Can we stay like this for sometime? No talking, please" Aida said as she hid her face in his chest.

"Alright"

They remained in each other's embrace, in silence for almost five minutes, when they heard the horning of a car.

"She's here"