Never Say Goodbye [Complete Story]

Chapter Three

Tracy didn't reply immediately. She just shrugged.

"I just guessed but... I actually saw him pass the back gate. Maybe, he had gone home"

I nodded and shifted more comfortably on the seat and relaxed my neck against the arm. I didn't realise when everything faded.

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".... up! C'mon, the bus has stopped! "

I felt my arm pulled and I was up on my feet.

"Hmm" I murmured, still feeling dizzy.

"Oh..... Claire. The bus has pulled by your house. Let's go! " I heard Drake say.

I nodded half consciously as I could understand properly.

"Alright, let me wash my face"

I staggered away from her and a hand offered a bottle of water. I grabbed it and opened the lid. Instantly, I poured some water on my hand and splashed it on my face.

It was cold against my skin and I gasped.

"Cool" Drake said again.

I nodded and faced her. I could see clearly now.

"I'm fine. Do we have any assignment? " that was what I first said.

"Maths, Calculus, That's it. Remember to do the project alright? "

I nodded and saw her turn her back at me.

She was going. She soon left.

I sighed and started walking towards home. I was in soon.

I saw Judy picking something from the fridge. She was still in her uniform.

"How was your day?" she said smiling at me.

"I'm fine, I just need sleep. I hope dad was the one who picked you home.."

She nodded and went to sit on the sofa. I wobbled down there and also sat opposite her.

"I'm coming back to your school. Dad says. "

"Why would he? He was the one who sent you over there right? Where's he? "

"He's gone out as usual."

She sighed and took a gulp from the milkshake she took from the fridge. I just shook my head.

"We'll discuss it over dinner. I don't think you should come to my school. You've made enough friends and then, suddenly you'll leave? "

I moved closer and hugged her. I went to my room afterwards.

Dropping my things in their place, I undressed and took a shower. Afterwards, wearing my blue top and denim short skirt.

I was more hungry than sleepy, so I made myself a coffee and some cereal .

After eating, I took a nap and I woke up earlier. I was already hearing a conversation go on in the living room so I came out and to my shock, I saw Mom and Dad arguing.

They've started to bicker again. Ugh?

I quickly moved closer to them.

"What's going on? " I yelled but they ignored me.

Mom was already holding my dad by the collar" You really love to control lives huh? My daughters are living their life the way they want and it's final! "

It was about us! Judy and I! But what could be the issue. I was already tired so I brought myself to the sofa and watched their shameless presentation.

But I knew dad is the wrong side. Still, two wrongs can't make a right, mom doesn't succumb.

"Please, stop it both of you. Judy is around here so behave yourselves " I scolded.

My sister had been living away from us, all thanks to dad. When, she had shifted school again, dad again. Now, I'm sure their bickering must've been because of what Judy told me about dad.

"Claire, explain it to your dad that you don't want to get engaged now! " Mom cried.

I was shocked! Me? Engage.....?

"Mom, " I stood up quickly and suspiciously stared at both of them.
"What did you say dad! "

"Yes dear, our business is crashing. I need a financial support and my business patner, Collin is ready to support. But, on just a condition and you can do it"

"What can I do? " I asked, scared to hear what he'll say.

"Get engaged to his son. You might get married by then. Please, do this! "

"Claire, no! Don't, this man here is selfish! I'm really ashamed to call him my husband. God! How could you do this to your daughter. "

"My daughter? Oh Camillia, you must've forgot something. Claire is not mine!"

I was dissapointed at what I was seeing, I just ran back to my room.

"So what? I can't bear seeing my daughter in pain and Judy isn't going anywhere...... Claire? Claire! Stop! " mom screamed behind me but I just ignored it and locked my door.

"See!.......... Not doing that to herself! "

I just ignored it all and covered my ears with my palms. I was really sad at hearing dad say I'm not his daughter? Is that true?

I breathed in and out heavily and could feel the salty tear trail down my cheeks slowly.

"God! Why today! "

I instantly stood up messing up my hair with my fingers in rush.

Without thinking, I picked my jacket and swung it on. I unlocked the door and raced out.

Briefly, I saw mom stand up from where she sat and Judy was at the door of her room. Dad was beside mom and seeing me race out, they all stood up. But I didn't care anymore.

"Claire! " she yelled in a shaky voice.

I just rushed out of the compound and ran as fast as I could and raced along the street. I screamed as I ran and the cold breeze hitting my face violently. My hands were trembling and my legs were weak. I felt like dying.

Just ending my life is better. After all of this, I knew there was no way I'm refusing dad. I had no option but to.

Stopping in my tracks I took a glance at the sky, it was becoming dark. I raced again. I don't want them to find me. Not now!

I ran faster, pulling the bangs behind my ear in a jiffy.

I continued to scream as I was getting weak. My vision was blurry and I stopped by to rest. But it worsened when I had a migraine.

"Not now! " I yelled and stood up again. By my environment, I figured I was out of my street and I was close-by a club or disco or something. I picked up the little energy left in me and raced towards it.

***
Thanks for reading.

- 😘

Hikmah