Battles in the shadows

THE END OF A COLD ERA

My dearest readers, my most sincere apologies for taking this long to update this book. I thank your for your support. Life is one unpredictable thing so please accept my apology. I hope to be able to update regularly from now on. God bless you.

Laura fought tooth and nail to maintain excellent grades throughout her two years in secondary school. Her "relationship" with Phillip remained a secret and the latter made sure it stayed that way. Within three years she has had four abortions done and each time her heart hardens more than before to be able to deal with the pain she felt both physically and emotionally.

The night she finished her BGCSE, there was a party thrown for her. It was a family gathering of course and everyone had a good time. Mr. and Mrs. Rakwela danced together, David was not home but he sent his sister flowers and chocolates. He now works in South Africa as an accountant.

"We are proud of you" Mr. Rakwela said.

"Of course! Some girls of your age are pregnant, but you are our little angel" Mrs. Rakwela said happily.

Phillip's eyes met with Laura's at once. Tears ran down her face in pain at the irony in what her mother just said.

"Darling! Why the tears?" Mrs. Rakwela cried in surprised

"I'm just happy mama! I'm very grateful to everyone. More tears spilled down.

"I could never ask for a more wonderful family! Group hug?" Everyone gathered around and hugged each other. Everything felt like a fairytale on the surface of course.

After that night, Phillip stopped visiting Laura's room. Another party was thrown when her BGCSE results came back in February in the next year. She had 6 A* (distinctions) and the other two subjects were B's.

Janet Dikobe was in attendance along with a few of Laura's friends.

"My darling, you have made us all very proud. I praise God that I am able to celebrate this wonderful day with you."

"Thank you mama." Laura said happily and hugged her.

"What is our baby going to apply for?" Janet asked.

"Journalism mama. I just love how it can be used to help others in shedding light to the dark areas of our lives and nation and the world." Laura replied in excitement.

"Journalism? Why not engineering or Medicine or even law?" Janet was horrified.

"Mama, this is what I love to do. Have you forgotten I got the best reporter award at our school's media department? I know what I am doing Ma. Maybe someday you will be watching me on BBC news or CNN."

Janet kissed her forehead and said, "I am just joking my dear. Anything you choose to do, I know you will succeed there my love. I trust you and believe you have a bright future ahead of you."

"I love you Mama." Laura said and hugged Janet once again.

Later that night as everyone slept Phillip entered her room. She was in her pajamas when he came in.

"Phil! This has to stop! Please, I'm your sister! Stop hurting me" she pleaded. Phillip sauntered towards her.

"You stole my life Laura, why should I allow you to be happy when you stole my parents from me? Everything revolves around you! Remove those things or should I take them off? He said firmly."

"Phillip please stop."

"I know you had a crush on me, so what's the big deal? This is what you've always wanted". He grabbed her on the shoulders. "You belong to me Laura, I miss touching you and besides you have to pay for my parents' investments on you!"

As he stood in front of her ready to strip off her pajamas, Laura punched him hard on the face.

Phillip was taken by surprise. "Are you insane?" He said angrily and was about to raise his hands to hit her when she grabbed something from under her pillow.

"From today, I cease to be your sex slave! From today, you shall not come to this room, you shall not touch me inappropriately and even more, you shall not come even ten centimeters close to me!"

"What can you do?" He said with a bitter smile on his handsome face.

Laura waved a butcher's knife in front of him.

"If you want to continue your escapades with your numerous girls on campus, then behave yourself! I have discussed with Mama that I will be staying on campus once the University of Botswana admits me for my program."

"Lauretta! Put that knife down! You know what I am capable of doing!"

"Your threats have no place in my mind. If you do not want to rot in prison or worse get killed and make Papa and Mama shed tears for a piece of trash like you, then you better stay the hell away from me from this point forward. For your information, the few months left before University starts, I will spend it with Mma. Dikobe in Lobatse."

He made another step towards her. She waved the knife in front of him.

"Have you seen those people from some parts of Nigeria with tribal marks? Pretty stuff huh? I will do a beautiful pattern on your wretched face! You have no hold over me! You are an excuse of a human being! You better go get help before you catch HIV or something worse!"

Phillip was stunned! What had possessed this crazy girl?

"This conversation is not over. I will gladly visit you in your room on campus." He said and snickered.

"That cannot happen Phillip! Don't mess with me! If you don't want your so called "parents' investment" to go down the drain...if you don't want Mama and Papa's name to be dragged through the mud locally and internationally you will control your demons. It's late, go to bed Phillip Rakwela if you don't want me to shed your blood right here and now!" Realizing she was not bluffing, Phillip left her room angry that she confidently stood up to him. It must have been the presence of Mma. Dikobe that gave her strength. From the fierce look on her face and that knife! Damn! The Laura he saw today was not the girl he knew. Something else has obviously taken over. Phillip knew though that she would never open her mouth to tell anyone what happened to her but her threat of leaking her story to the press was food for thought.