BEFORE DAWN

chapter twenty- six

Dora wasn't sure she was hearing Jaden correctly.

' I'm just saying, it's been so long Dora the young man practically went to rehab and is trying to make efforts to reconnect with his daughter. Just think about it' .

' can you honestly believe that lawerent..the man we both know has changed? I mean what are you talking about . He tried to hurt me countless times Jaden!'

This was unbelievable.

' you think I don't know that ? Have you seen your daughter lately? No wait did you see her reaction in the court room that day. Dora you need to not be a monster to chimamanda right now, just an opportunity that's all...if he fails then that's it.'

' I'm not going to listen to this' she got up.
' I'm her mom Jaden and I know what's best for my child, I'm practically saving her from him. I'm not the monster here Jaden... lawerent is'.
She sighed.

Jaden could understand how she felt, he hated the man too but for this past years he had taken time to get to understand lawerent Laurent and honestly he could tell the young man was making an effort.

' look babe I'm not trying to make a decision for you, but all I'm saying is chimamanda is drawing far away from you everyday. She is hurt and you are too , but please don't take away the opportunity for her to get to know her father. Even if it's for a little while..please' .
He kissed her cheeks and left the room.

Dora knew Jaden was right but she wasn't ready to accept that yet, so much has happened in these few years and she had had to give up a lot of things and try to shield her child. He had caused them so much pain and she wasn't sure she was ready to let them slide so quickly.
Yes he had served his term, and maybe he was trying to be better but she wasn't just ready.

Chimamanda was definitely the one having to suffer it all, she could not deny the fact that things had changed between them since the court date , she missed her daughter a lot. So maybe she would give it a try but this wasn't just about her anymore, she had to ask her daughter too.

The door to chimamanda's room was open , Dora stood watching her daughter . She had no idea what she was going to say to her.

' hey baby , can I come in?'
Chimamanda looked up from her book and nodded before looking back down.

Dora sat on the bed watching her write, she had no idea what she wanted to say.

' is something wrong mom?'

' umm..no I was hoping I could speak to you ...you know about your father' .

' mom I'm fine . You don't have to say anything about it '

Dora held her hand, ' I know I have not been fair to you recently, not telling you about your birth father and all but I had my reasons baby, I was scared...i was worried about you. '
She paused .

' your dad isn't really the loving type , he raped me when I was just a teenager and I got pregnant with you.. I was so scared I ran away and I didn't know that he would find us baby girl. All I did I did for your safety, I love you chimamanda....more than life itself and I just hope you can forgive me'.
She was in tears now.

' I get it mom, I'm not mad at you I'm just hurt that's all.'
She hugged her mother.

' just know that you were never a mistake. I wanted to keep you and I don't regret it.'

Chimamanda smiled.
' do you think he would love Me? I mean you guys have issues Right?'

Dora looked Up, ' he would be the most stupid man alive not to love an angel like you. You don't have to worry about that.'

' thank you mommy.'

It was graduation day at the rehabilitation centre. Lawerent stood in front of his mirror , hands trembling as he worked his buttons.
He knew No one was coming to see him, aside from Lillian...if only she could be here, to see how much effort he is putting in to be good for her.
Nathan opened the door to the bathroom and walked In,
' why are you still not ready. Lawerent every one is there already' .
Lawerent sighed and walked out with a devastated Nathan behind.

' are they important. She is not coming it doesn't matter'.

'I believe you know why you are doing this in the first place, so let's not jeopardise that now.'

He opened the door to the apartment.
' I'll be outside. Hurry up please'.

Today was going to be a start of a new life for him, he was definitely going to start afresh even if she was no longer part of his life.

He took one last look at himself and walked out the room.

Chimamanda sat inside the car, watching as people trolled into the large hall. She was scared of seeing him again...was he really changed now .
Dora turned to face her, ' when ever you are ready I'll be here.

Chimamanda nodded and stepped out of the car, the cold evening air hitting her skin.

What was she doing? Was she even ready for this? How was she supposed to react?

She shook her head and kept walking. There he was standing by the huge door , hands in his pocket.

She stopped. This was too much for her, she could feel everything at the same time.
The cold air, her hitched breathe, the hairs standing on her arm.
Everything.

Then he started walking towards her, slowly before breaking into a run.
She could feel her legs give way and then she started running too, before colliding with him.

It was more than anything she had ever felt, it was pure.

' oh my baby' lawerent sobbed, kissing her all over.
This was the moment he had been waiting for all his life, his late nights, his struggles. Everything was gone just by seeing her again.

She was his light.