BEFORE DAWN

chapter twelve

Dora:

Its been five weeks since the incident and since lawerent's arrest. Jaden had gotten a lawyer and was ready to press charges , even lawerent's lawyer had informed us of the court hearing I don't know what I had expected but lawerent wasn't one to give up that easily.
These days I only just sat by my window when the kids had gone to school and watch the cars pass or the birds fly around my mango tree. It would be mango season soon.
I let my mind wander to unimportant things I was too tired to keep thinking about lawerent and honestly I couldn't wait for him to be sent to jail.
I looked down at my stomach , it was almost time I had just a month left before my baby would be born. He and my kids were the only sane things in my life.
I  was still surprised that lawerent had not figured out who chimamanda was , its not like I wanted him to, but he never for once stroke me as the ignorant one.

He had found me here at NSukka after all.
My only wish was that everything went back to normal after this , but I guess normal was far from it. Things would never be the same anymore.
Either lawerent wins or I win.

And I intend on winning.
Jaden's car entered the compound followed by Samuel's , he comes her a lot these days ,I was happy and at peace , at least Jaden had someone to look up to. Samuel was really nice and funny.
He looks up and waved at me, I returned it with a smile, then walked out of the room to meet them.
Maybe there was news from the lawyer.
'Hey ,' Jaden hugs me immediately I come down the stairs.
'Hi ' I blush.
Samuel hugs me too ,' how is my Godson doing Dora ?'
I laugh , Samuel had a claim to my unborn baby ,I was beginning to feel scared he would take him away from me. okay I'm joking.
'He is okay Samuel ' ,I laugh again, sitting beside Jaden. He immediately snakes his hand around my waist bringing me closer to him.

'The lawyer said we can be able to get a bearing in court by next week, if the judge doesn't get distracted .' Samuel speaks.
'Okay '. I sigh
'One more thing , ' Jaden removes his hand from my waist , his warmth leaving me as well , he takes my hand and look at me. There is concern on his face , I don't know why.
'Dora if we go to court , you will have to testify against him. The lawyer said you will have to tell the incident again and not only that you will have to tell your whole story. '

I'd rather not, is this a joke? . living in that moment was already painful enough but now i would have to tell it again? . this is unfair!.

I withdraw my hand from Jaden's and stand up.
'This is a joke right? Tell me you are both joking .' I whisper.
Jaden bows his head.
'Its not , unfortunately. Dora you are our only chance to put him behind bars .I would never agree to this if it wasn't necessary. You were the only one with him that night.. And since the beginning of these whole drama.Its your word against his .'
Samuel said.
I turn to look at Jaden pleading with my eyes but he looks away. This is the worst feeling ever.
I slowly seat down hugging my stomach,
'I don't know ,I can't..I can't be in that moment again. It was horrible '.
Tears were forming in the corner of my eyes .
I would never even wish this to my enemy , not even to lawerent .
Jaden finally speaks , he holds my hands again.
'I'm sorry Dora , I wish I can take your place ,but I can't. You have to be strong and besides I'll be by your side the whole time .'

This was unbelievable, Here I was shielding myself from the outside world,thinking it can protect me from the horrid memories I had but no. I still had to face lawerent in court and tell my story.
' you don't have to if you can't .we would look for another way .' Jaden sounds defeated.
I don't want to do this but I have to , if not for myself then for my family and other women our there. I know lawerent won't stop with only me , he would try to do it to others too.
So I say the word I dread most , I accept to put him where he belongs .
If my story can put him behind bars for good , then I'll tell it .