Her Awakening

Chapter 16: Female Rage

Saturday finally arrived—the twins' birthday party. The yard was an explosion of color and excitement, with Frozen and Paw Patrol decorations everywhere. Elsa's icy blues merged seamlessly with Jake's pirate reds, creating a magical world for any child. Joshua's mother braided Melody's hair so beautifully, and Melissa's mom dressed both Melody and Markie in their themed outfits: Melody sparkled in her Elsa dress, while Markie looked adorable in his mini pirate costume. The twins were already running around with their cousins, their laughter lighting up the air.

The party planner, hired by their grandfather, had turned the backyard into every child's dreamland—bouncy castles, face painting, balloons shimmering in the sun. Disney songs played in the background, mixing with the sizzling sounds from the grill, where Joshua was flipping seasoned meats, all charm and energy as usual. His brother, Uche, was in the kitchen with the aunties, making finger foods and drinks.

I caught Joshua's grin from across the yard, the spatula in his hand raised in a playful salute. I smiled back, but I couldn't ignore the guilt lingering in the back of my mind. This day had to be perfect—for the twins. Whatever I was feeling, it wasn't about me, not today. It was about Melody and Markie, their joy the only thing that mattered.

The hours passed in a blur of games, laughter, and presents. Everyone seemed happy, including me. Then, midway through the party, Joshua came over.

"I'm heading out for a bit to grab more drinks," he said, dusting off his hands.

"Drinks? There's plenty inside," I replied, immediately sensing something wasn't right.

"I'll grab a few more things for the adults. Don't worry, I won't be long," he said, brushing off my concern. Before I could argue, he kissed my cheek and disappeared into the house to get his keys.

I stood there for a moment, unsettled, before shaking it off. The party continued, the kids too preoccupied with games and face painting to notice their dad's absence. But as an hour turned into two, unease settled into frustration. I texted him.

"Where are you? The twins are going to cut the cake soon."

No response.

I tried again. "Joshua, are you coming back or not?"

Still nothing.

By the time the guests started asking about him, my patience was gone. I retreated to the kitchen, dialing his number, but it went straight to voicemail. Furious, I sent one last message: "We're waiting on you. Where the hell are you?"

Finally, his reply came: "On my way. I've got Emma with me."

My stomach dropped. Emma? What was she doing with him?

I didn't have time to process the anger bubbling within me. The twins were tired and looking for their father. Melody tugged on my dress, her little voice breaking my heart.

"Where's Daddy? He's coming to cut the cake, right?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Daddy will be back soon," I lied. But he wasn't.

By the time we cut the cake, Joshua still hadn't returned. The twins' joy had dulled into confusion, and their disappointment felt like a dagger to my chest. Relatives tried to cheer them up, but it didn't work. Their dad wasn't there.

Once the guests began to leave, I couldn't hold it together anymore. I sent the twins home with my parents, barely able to meet their tearful eyes.

"Mum, please take them," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'll come later."

The silence after they left was suffocating. I stormed into the kitchen, yanked open the liquor cabinet, and grabbed the vodka. My hands shook as I poured the first shot. The burn didn't dull the pain, so I poured another.

Then I heard the door creak open.

Joshua walked in, and behind him—Emma.

It was 10 p.m.

The rage that boiled inside me spilled over. "Where the hell have you been?" I demanded, my voice trembling.

Joshua looked startled. "What's going on? Where is everyone?"

"Everyone is gone, Joshua!" I exploded. "We waited for you for hours! The twins cried because their dad couldn't even bother to be here for them. And now you bring her?" My voice broke, and I pointed at Emma, glaring at her like she was the devil herself.

Joshua raised his hands. "Melissa, calm down—"

I didn't let him finish. Plates, forks, anything I could grab became missiles. I threw them, my anger giving me strength I didn't know I had. A plastic knife bounced off his arm.

"You don't get to tell me to calm down!" I screamed, shaking with fury. My voice cracked as tears streamed down my face. "Today wasn't about me. It was about the twins! And you still couldn't get it right."

Emma stepped back, eyes wide, but I wasn't done. "Do you know what your mistress did, Joshua? Why we stopped being friends after uni?" I spat, the weight of years of betrayal finally exploding. "She set me up with a fucking rapist and brushed me off when I confronted her Your perfect Emma. She destroyed my life, and you keep bringing her here?"

Joshua paled, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Emma stammered, trying to defend herself, but I didn't care.

"I'm done, Joshua. You disrespected me one too many times, but today you failed as a father. I'm done with you."

I packed my things that night, barely listening as Joshua tried to explain himself. His excuses were as hollow as my heart felt.

As the taxi drove me away, I didn't cry. I stared out at the night, my jaw set, my chest heavy with exhaustion and relief. My phone buzzed—a text from my mom.

Mom: The twins are asking for you. Are you okay?

I typed back quickly.

Me: I'm okay. I'll be there soon.

And for the first time in years, I believed it. I was finally done.

——————————-AUTHORS NOTE—————————-

Hey My lovelies! I hate men, not all men...not my man...but men ugh 🤬