Into The Dark

20.

Finally leaving the hospital, Selassi sat quietly as Nina drove back to the house and though she wanted to say something, Nina saw that Selassi wasn't mentally here with her right now so she backed off.

The doctor had checked up on Selassi and everything was fine with her and the baby but that wasn't what she was concerned with, it was the impending danger that she couldn't shake. She had no idea when the Fetish priest would come and what it would do to get her baby, that in itself was tormenting enough for Selassi.

The gates opened, unveiling the decorated compound with balloons and seating. "Happy 25th" banner towered over the crowd of people waiting for Selassi, she got out being helped by both James and Theo as they guided her into the house which was smelling of sweet nostalgia. Helping her upstairs to her room, they left her alone as she finally got changed into her lilac organza dress which didn't require her to zip up.

Opting for minimal makeup, she let her hair hang loose today. She slipped on her sandals and made her way downstairs where the commotion was bubbling, there were so many faces she didn't recognise except distant family members that came up to her and rubbed her belly without permission.

She wasn't in the mood to fight anyone so she simply removed their prying hands, moving away from the crowd. It was like they were asphyxiating her with fake kindness and support, it wasn't hard to see through their bullshit. Finally finding a seat, Selassi relaxed into the chair and pondered over her life right now.

Oblivious to the commotion, she didn't notice Kwame creeping up on her and when he tapped her shoulder, she jerked a bit before realising that it was Kwame. Kwame was a bit of a strange character, it was hard to know that he is around most times because he was naturally quiet.

Selassi gestured for him to sit down which shocked him but he did it nonetheless. Kwame had been with the Brown family for over 20 years and harbouring the horrible secret about Selassi was beginning to eat away at him. He felt so guilty for involving himself in something that could potentially ruin Selassi's life but having this job meant that he could feed his family comfortably.

Clasping his sweating hands, he felt nervous about telling her truth but he knew that she needed to know the truth before someone got a hold of her and put her in harm's way.

" Ma, Happy Birthday, I hope you're enjoying your day so far," Kwame said softly, keeping his head down.

" I am, thanks to your birthday with. Is there something you wanted to talk to me about ?" Selassi asked gingerly, placing her hand on his knee which made him look up.  Selassi knew that Kwame was mild-mannered and it was hard for him to ask for things because he didn't want to seem like he wasn't grateful for the job he had.

" erm, Yes Ma. There is something I wanted you to know before anything horrible happens to you" Kwame expressed worriedly, making Selassi perk up to his words.

" What is it, Kwame?" Selassi asked cautiously.

"It's about Auntie Diane and James. Ma, they are planning something to do with you and the baby soon but that's not all, your parents forced me to keep a secret from you that I think you should know-" Kwame's blood went instantly cold when he saw James appear behind Selassi with a blank expression on his face.

" What are you talking about, Kwame? What will happen to me?" Selassi vocalised fearfully.

" Nothing, you shouldn't be listening to a useless gateman who doesn't know what he is talking about" James answered, placing his hands on Selassi's tense shoulders. Kwame scurried away without uttering any more words and James came around, sitting in front of the apprehensive Selassi, holding her hands gently.