CONCEIVED IN DARKNESS

Chapter 24

Adanna had been in the protective custody of Victor so far and she has had an amazing time, despite the efforts of combos an Ade to thwart her. They made it clear to her they didn't like her and as soon as they got an opening, she knew she was toast. She had been with them for some time now and Victor thought it would be pleasant if they celebrated, sort of grab a bite someplace and see a movie. He knew his money would cover such little expenses. Earlier in the week, he helped a friend who was an Uber driver out and he got some worth while change form it. In fact, he was thinking of joining Uber drivers after that occurrence.

Unfortunately for them, a heavy rain began to fall while they were getting dressed. The signs were there earlier form the thunder and the unsmiling dark weather but they all thought it wasn't going to rain. So Victor had no choice but to cancel the treat. Combos was all too upset about the rain as he grumbled to take a seat while Victor left to finish his half way meal.

Adanna on the other hand felt different more of sadness laced with memories that brought tears to her beautiful soulful eyes. The rain made her feel uneasy. It hadn't rained since she left her house. She and Condolesa shared a lot of memories during the rainy times. Adanna remembered how Condolesa would come up to her room and jump on her bed until she gave in and joined her. Also, when they would see movies together and cuddle beside each other. Now she was no more and she knew it would always hurt. The memories herself and her sister shared during the rainy times flooded her memory, the times they shared as a family kept resounding in her ears.

People had told her during her burial that she should focus on the good memories of her and not her last time seeing her that it would make it better and the weight lighter. But now she knew they were wrong, they hadn't experienced such loss, so they could feel and be in her shoes to really explain what it felt like and what to do. The emptiness, the longing, fear and loss. It wasn't something she prayed for anyone to pass through. Not at an early age. She hadn't gotten over it, how could she? The rain reminded her of her pain and the moment it all changed and turned upside down for her.

She was seated quietly on the floor  in her four cornered room that she had been given. She was still and occasionally she let out deep sniffing's and long sighs. A knock on her door stopped her right in her reflections.

"Yes please, who's there" She asked as she straightened herself and wiped her tears.

"It's me Victor." Came the reply.

"oh, I'm coming" Adanna stood to open the door and went to take a seat, in a chair beside her dressing mirror this time.

"how are you doing? The rain spoilt our plans for this night and you just left the sitting room without a word like you were fuming with anger." He said modestly as he took a seat on the bed.

"oh no, not all. I was just shaken, that's all" She replied trying to cover her swollen eyes.

"are you okay Adanna?" Victor asked with a subtle tone.

Adanna simply nodded without saying a word.

The night was already drawing closer at the time and Victor just told her to go to bed that they would talk in the morning, maybe even go out for an early morning jog like they hadn't done before.

"okay, I would like that" Adanna replied.

"great" Victor said as he stood and headed for the door.

"Victor" Adanna called after him just as he pushed open the door. "Thank you. For everything. I really do appreciate you."

"you are welcome. You make it so easy."

The next morning as early as 6 o clock, Victor and Adanna were both dressed as they set out to the streets to jog. On getting outside, it was cold due to the rain that had fallen the previous night and the atmosphere was quite peaceful. After jogging for a few minutes, Adanna stopped to take a breath and Victor shouted from a distance because he was far ahead.

"c'mon, don't stop now. Double up. You can do this"

"no," she said breathlessly "I need a break." She replied still trying to catch her breath.

After some minutes, she continued while Victor waited on his spot for her to catch up. They were both sweating profusely as they wiped their faces.

"Lazy girl. When last did you exercise?"

"Hardly, a few times with Claire." She said with a deep inhalation.

Ade moved closer and held her hand "I know you are hurting, but you cannot drown in your hurt. You have to release yourself so you can find peace. Be joyful or you will soon kill yourself." Victor said ending the last part in a rather humorous way.

Adanna managed a smile "thank you Ade. I am trying there are just a lot of things that trigger my pain"

"those things will always be there, you just have to look past it and focus on the good parts, it is well" Victor tarried. "Just give it time, don't think too much and just bask in this weather. Its cold, serene and peaceful. Free your mind so you can find peace and joy unlimited again" Sighing he continued "I will leave now; I have to get dressed for a meeting with Uber. Meet me at home when you are done. And Adanna. take your time"

Adanna grinned heartedly "Thank you. You would make a good Christian only if you are ready to accept Him. You have a good heart that I have grown to admire and love. God bless you."

Oh wow, now you turned this discussion on me. I would like to accept Jesus but not today. Today is about you. when you get back, we will talk more."

Smiling again she said "alright"

Ade placed a long kiss on Adanna's forehead before he left her to go home.

Adanna continued walking, thinking and playing with her beautiful Nike tank top and joggers. It was fitted and it accentuated her lovely curves. She wrapped her arms around her and thought of how life had been for her so far. Her journey from home though with little shortcomings have been amazing. She had passed through thick and thin and it was finally over. God had seen her through it all. She prayed frequently but not always yet God seemed to be always listening and have a way out for her. She felt loved by God and she was grateful for his overwhelming presence every time.

A few people passed by her and she greeted them warmly and they responded in like fashion.

She enjoyed the weather and the breeze blew in words of comfort and strength. One of which was "yet now be strong, O Adanna,. Be strong, be strong, be at peace, for you are not alone"

She had spent hours on the road after Victor left and she didn't even realize how much time had gone. It was almost noon and she had to get back quickly to do the chores and prepare a late breakfast. "arggghhh" he whined and set for home knowing that her time out was worth it. She was sure Victor would have left for her meeting.

She got home not too long after and found many people weeping at the frontage of their house. She was immediately alarmed and started to ask someone she saw there what was happening, on moving forward she met with Combos dark fury eyes and she was petrified. She hadn't seen such anger in him before not even when she was given his room. She scanned quickly for victor and Ade but she didn't see them. She started to wonder if something had happened and she heard Combos scream at her from a distance.

"You caused this. This is your fault" and he stormed back inside the house. 

Terror gripped Adanna like a death grip as she took baby steps into the house. 

I am really excited that you are reading this. Thank you. I do hope you enjoy it. 

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Bless. 

Tito.