Yellow Tales of a Nigerian Housemaid (completed)

Chapter Fifty

What started as a defence against constant brutality gradually escalated to a full blown war. I can't say what happened, neither can I explain it, all I know was I went out of control, and for a long while lost control of myself. Venom, anger, pain and hatred all together boiled in my heart, overflowing into the deepest part of my stomach.

I watched aunt Agnes massage her swollen lips in utter disbelief. Instead of feeling pity and remorseful for my actions, all my mind felt and saw was a monster deserving of every pain she got.

I stood away from her, with the gate still wide open. The crowd was massively gaining weight, few of them was even holding onto the smaller gate, struggling to peep in.

To me right now, they don't even exists. My mind was closed to their words and pricky eyes, all it's focused on was getting aunt Agnes to feel the constant pain she'd caused me.

Aunt Agnes staggered up, slowly making her way to me.

"Respect yourself aunty, and stay back!" I yelled, backing away. Even though I still felt like fighting her, my inner spirit was getting weaker at the thought of the punishment I'll receive.

Aunt Agnes stopped for few seconds, scrutinizing me. She pointed a finger at me, her eyes boiling in rage. "You dare punch my nose? In my own house?" She barked, continuing her steps towards me.

This time I didn't back away. I stood firm with my hands resting on my hips, anticipating her action.

"You dare lay your hands on me?" She asked increasing her pace. I was still firm, not moving at all.

When she got a step close to me, she pushed her right leg behind her and in a flash, kicked my lower abdomen with full force. For a second, I felt lifeless. Taking advantage of my predicament, she shoved me to the floor, with hot slaps decorating my already trademarked face.

I whimpered in pain, struggling to breathe under her violent attack. The slaps, punches were accompanied with curses, forcing me to shut my eyes to avoid a punch on them.

With a tiny stroke of luck, I grabbed her hair, pushing her off me. As she landed on the rough floor, I took her initial position, slapping, punching and kicking her. My eyes were wet as my body flexed uncontrollably, I was still struggling with the excruciating pain her abdominal kick was causing me.

Just then, two firm hands grabbed each of my arms, pulling me up violently. Before I could turn to see who they were, I felt a hot slap on my face. The second was about to come before aunt Onyinyechi bridged in, daring my assailant to lay a finger on me again.

My assailants were two middle aged women who were both dark and robust. I'd seen them earlier in the crowd even though I haven't ever seen them around our area.

"So you were indoors, watching silently as this silly girl disrespects her aunt?" The woman who had earlier slapped me queried aunt Onyinyechi.

"So that's all you saw?" Aunt Onyi thundered. "You mean to tell me your poor eyes didn't witness her so called aunt brutalizing her before she decides to defend herself?" She roared.

Aunt Agnes sat up, a corner of her left eyes broken and bleeding. Her right eye was bloody, with her lips swollen even more. Her elbow was bruised, and some parts of her legs too.

"She must have done something deserving of that punishment!" The woman insisted with the other supporting her fellow with a nod.

Aunt Onyi shook her head, a pang of anger suddenly spreading over her face. "So that's what you'd say if this girl happens to be your child?"

Aunt Agnes staggered up, her right palm covering her bloody eye. It's obvious she wasn't paying attention to us, she was busy scrutinizing her bruises.