Once Upon A Prostitute

CHAPTER 32 - BAND-AID

Journal entry

Thoughts are born for expression. They're like little spirits set free when flaunted. And they keep striving to be known.

Mina

"So...., when are you telling your dad?" Luke asks as he types away on his phone.

I know he isn't really typing. He is just trying to act uninterested so I wouldn't shut down. Yesterday, when he brought up the question, I changed the subject and almost ended the conversation. I know he means well, but I'm not ready yet.

Yesterday after all the nice things Luke said to me, I felt strong. I was beginning to think that maybe I could come clean, explain everything and it will be alright. Today I'm not so sure. Maybe I'm not ready to heal if it means transferring the pain I feel to papa and Tekena. That's all my telling them will achieve. It's not like the past can be changed. I just want them to be happy and safe, and not worry about me.

I purse my lips and shrug. "I'm not sure. Maybe today, tomorrow. I'm looking for the right time."

He stops fake-typing and looks me in the eye. "There's no perfect time Mina. You just have to come out and say it"

He stands up and begins to put on his shirt. "It's like a band aid. The easiest way to take it off is to just rip it. You can do this. You're stronger than you know"

I watch him as he gets ready, secretly wishing he'd stay longer. But it's Sunday and he has to go back to Merton. He spent the whole all yesterday with me, only going home for a while in the afternoon and returning later in the evening. I called in sick today. Luke wouldn't let me go to work. I wasn't lying after all he pointed out. I was sick, in my soul, and healing would require some time off. He convinced me that I deserved a day off.

"Remind me why you're not studying psychology in school. You seem to love giving me therapy sessions" I say, feigning confusion.

He smirks. "Is it working?"

I shrug and try not to smile but fail woefully. "Maybe."

He grins broadly and holds out his arms. "Come here"

I don't know how this boy so easily gets me blushing like a little schoolgirl. I step into his embrace and enjoy the feeling of his arms around me. I breathe in his scent and let it comfort me. Stay a little longer!

He pulls away slightly and gives me a warning look. "Don't talk to strangers while I'm gone"

I laugh. "My job kind of requires it."

He pulls me back in for a sweet lingering kiss and, then walks out the door. I take a deep breath to calm my racing nerves and my thumping heart. It's not my fault that I'm still standing in the same spot two minutes later, replaying that kiss over and over in my brain. He kissed me different today.

I walk back to the room just as my phone dings. Checking it, I see it is a 'happy new week' message from Nengi. I I roll my eyes. Yes, itisit is Nigerian custom to wish friends and family a happy new month, happy new week.,, happy Sunday etc. The messages often came with prayers for success, joy, blessings eand so on.. It's heartwarming when you feel it's genuine, but not.. It's irritating when you know the person is only trying to butter you up, which just like Nengi has been doing for the past couple of days. II already had assured her it's fine,we are cool - it's not like being mad at her will help solve anything. But – but she's still acting like I need more buttering.butter. Good thing I've never been the crusty kind.

I quickly reply her message with a similar one, then drag my body to my bed and settle it there. The caravan feels so empty right now. I pull out my phone and dial my brother's number. It is Sunday after all, they will be expecting my call.