The Masked Identity

CHAPTER FIVE

"Sylvia, I can't thank you enough for the love you have shown me, you have been such an amazing friend," Belinda said. "I still can't believe I had a hundred percent in mathematics. I know I wouldn't have passed this subject without your assistance." Concluded Belinda.

"You don't have to thank me, what are we friends for? You wouldn't have passed the subject, if you weren't willing to learn. I love your passion for learning," Sylvia replied humbly.

"Hope you are fully prepared for the national competition that will be held tomorrow?" Belinda asked.

"I'm fully prepared! You know how important the competition is to me. I have to go home now. See you tomorrow at the hall of the competition."

"Alright, bye." Belinda replied briefly, waving at Sylvia.

The scorching sun was extreme; it could literally make a person with a lily-white skin to become as black as  charcoal within two minutes of walking under it. Beads of sweat streamed down Sylvia's face as she walked along the pathway that leads to her house. She couldn't wait to get home and take a cool bath, then show her result to her mom. She was finally out of high school. From afar, she saw a small crowd and an ambulance in her compound, and she began to wonder what was happening in her house. When she got closer to the compound, the ambulance drove past her speedily. A neighbor ran to her and explained the situation on ground to her; her mother had been shot by an unknown hoodlum and she was being rushed to a nearby hospital on an ambulance.

Sylvia was confused, her mom had been hale and hearty when she left for school. She ran towards the direction of the hospital like someone being chased by a lunatic. When she got to the hospital, she was told that her mom's case wasn't severe, but her mother will have to walk with clutches for some months. She was not allowed to see her mother until the next day.

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"Mom, how are you doing?" Sylvia asked her mother.

"I'm a little bit ok, my right leg hurts. Why are you crying? It's not as if I won't be able to walk again. Please stop crying. If you should fall sick, I won't be able to take care of you," Ms Dora said trying to console her daughter.

"Who could have done this to you? Who did we offend? Why were you shot?" Sylvia asked amid sobs. " I'm so confused and tired. Why can't life treat us fairly? Do we have to be in pains at all times? Life is fucked up!"

"It's ok, princess. I believe there is a reason for everything. This has been destined to happen, we can't change our fate. I had an argument with a colleague two days ago, we were both competing eagerly for the position of the head cleaner. She asked me to step down for her but I refused, in that the position comes with a lot of benefits. She threatened me saying that she would ensure i don't participate in the meeting that would be held today. That way, she would be the only one vying  for the position. I don't want to believe she's responsible for this." Ms Dora said. "I guess you have been given your result, how was it? And I remember you said you would participate in a competition this month. When is the competition? Hope you are prepared?" Ms Dora probed.

"Mom, when will you stop asking many questions at a time?" Sylvia asked. "As usual, my result was fantastic. The competition will take place today,but I am no longer interested in it. You are more important to me, I can't leave you here alone because of the competition. Why didn't you tell me about the argument you had with your colleague at work?" Sylvia queried.

"I didn't see it as anything serious. It's not like you would have been able to do anything about it," Ms Dora said rather sincerely. "Go home and get dressed, you have to take part in that competition. I won't be able to pay your school fees if I can't walk. I won't forgive myself if you don't participate in the competition."Ms Dora quipped.

"I guess I will have to give up schooling. I don't mind taking over your position in your place of work. It will even be better that way, you won't have to work hard anymore," Sylvia replied shrugging indifferently.

"Don't say such again! If you don't participate in that competition, I won't eat and I won't allow the doctors to treat me. In fact, consider yourself as someone else's daughter, since you don't want to obey me." Ms Dora said tearfully.

Sylvia was left with no choice but to agree. She said helplessly, "fine! I will go home and have a bath, then head over to the competition hall. Can you wipe your tears, please? I hope you know you are abusing me emotionally."

"That's my princess!" Ms Dora said smiling. "I trust your abilities, I know you will emerge as the winner. Go there and make me proud, ok?"

"Ok, mom. Bye" Sylvia said walking out of the ward.