FORGOTTEN SON

FORGOTTEN 😰😰 SON 2

Jones was arrested and mum rushed to the hospital where she gave birth to my little sister, Mabel prematurely. It was really a bad day as the storm hit everyone in the family. Dad abandoned Jones in the prison and never for once went to see him. Mum pleaded with him at several occasions reminding him Jones was their first child and can't be left at the mercy of the society.

"I don't know who Jones is anymore"

It wasn't easy for mum and I tried my best to be there for her.

"Mum, will Jones come back?" I asked.
Mum sniffed. "I don't know. He and his friends were found guilty."
I patted mum's arm gently. "Don't worry. It will be alright."
Mum shook her head. "I'm not sure. Your dad has disowned him."
I sniffed. I know my dad. His words were final.

Well, all that was years ago.

I sat on my bed praying for my dad to consider my request. I knew he was scared of sending me to school but I really wanted to go to school. I want to fulfill my dream of being a surgeon and I knew I was going to be different from my brother.

Dad walked in jerking me from my thoughts.
"Dad.." I stood up.
He held my hands then smiled. "Sit"
"You want to go to school right?"
I nodded sheepishly.
"You think you can be any different?"
I nodded.
"Talk to me"
"Yes daddy."
"Then it's alright. Your mum will accompany you to register for your exam. You think you can pass the state scholarship examination?"
"I know I can. Besides it will be of great help."
Dad stared hard at my face. "Dan.."
I bite my lower lip. "Trust me daddy"
Dad rubbed his hands on his trouser. "Alright then you have my trust."
I smiled and ran to hug him. He chuckled holding me tight in a warm embrace.

I registered for the state scholarship examination and sat for it. I was sure I was going to make my papers. My dad didn't ask me how the exam went. I knew he wasn't sure I had made my papers but it wasn't a big risk writing them though.

While waiting for the results to be released, I engaged myself in so many activities. I didn't want to be home doing nothing. I wanted to live a busy life. Mum was always there to support me and talking of Mabel, she was the sweetest being ever; never wanting to leave my side.

"You've never told me about brother Jones. Why did he hurt mum and dad?"
I was shocked. Mabel was really asking me about Jones. What does a six years old girl wants to know?
"Who is Jones?" I pretended not to know what she was saying.
She frowned."I've heard you and mum talk about him." She smiled."if you're not going to say anything, I'll go and ask Dad..."
I closed her mouth quickly with my palm. Shhh!!
She pushed my hands away."Why are you stopping me?"
"That name is a forbidden name in this house and going to ask Dad about Jones means trouble"
"Then who the hell is Jones!"
I knelt down to look straight into her eyes. "Jones is your brother. Your elder brother."
"And?" She raised a brow.
"And what?"
"Why did he hurt mum? Why can't I talk about him?"
"Because he choosed a bad path."
"It was a mistake. We all make mistakes. Where is he now?"
I just stared speechless at the six years old girl right in front of me. I stood up, walking away.
She ran right beside me. "Where is he now?"
"Jail." I replied curtly.
"When will he be back?"
I stopped, frowning. "I think you've heard enough. Let this go. Besides you won't ever see him again. Though we all missed him, there's nothing we can do than try not to be a second Jones."
Mabel heaved. She stood mute watching me walk away.

What was she thinking? What could she possibly do?

I watched as dad and Mabel played her video games in the sitting room. I kept pondering about my last discussion with her. I suddenly wished she had never asked.

"Daddy.." I heard her call.
Dad smiled pecking her.
She rested her head on his arm resting the tablet on the table.
I stole a glance at her.
"Dad when is Jones coming back?"
I froze. Dad's eyes turned red and he raised Mabel's head from his arm. "Who told you about him?"
I was already panting heavily with sweats running down my back.
"No one. I just want to know." Her tiny voice was shaky.
"You have no right to call that name ever again." Dad's cold voice rang out.
"But he's my brother. No matter what he has done, don't you think he deserves a second chance?"
"Your teachers now teach you to talk back to your elders?"
"Stop dad..."
"Stop Mabel! I don't want to get mad at you. Besides what do you know?"
Mabel glanced at me. I avoided her stare and standing up, slipped out.
"Dad"
"Enough Mabel! I guess you want to be a second Jones...."
"No dad.." tears trickled down her cheeks. "Holding back the pain of the past really hurts and I want you to be happy."
"Then make me happy by letting this slide. Now go to your room and don't come out."
"Dad.."
"Out!"

I broke down immediately I was out of sight. I wish everything Mabel said was true. I wanted to believe in her faith but I couldn't. What does Mabel know? The truth remains that Jones will never be one of Bakely's family again. I really missed him. How I wish Jones had never got admitted into that school. I wish he had never met those notorious friends of his.

Jones......