Let's play House

38

Packing my things felt like an act of surrender, but it was a choice I had to make for my own well-being. As I hastily stuffed my clothes into my suitcase, I could feel my hands trembling with a mix of anger, humiliation, and sadness. My parents had always taught me to stand up for myself, but there are times when even the strongest need to step back and reassess their battles.

Lydia, who had been a constant source of support, was looking at me with concern. "Prudence, are you sure about this? Leaving the university is a big step."

I paused for a moment, glancing at the room that had been my home for months. The walls, once filled with hopeful posters and dreams of a successful academic journey, now seemed to mock me. "Lydia, I can't stay here. Not after what happened," I replied, my voice shaking.

Erick chimed in, "It's okay to take a break, Prudence. We all understand how difficult this is for you."

Tears welled up in my eyes again as I zipped up my suitcase. "I just can't shake off the feeling that everyone here knows what happened, that they're all judging me," I confessed.

Lydia put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "People talk, Prudence, but you can't let their opinions define you. You're strong, and you'll find your way through this."

Erick joined in, "We're here for you, Prudence. You're not alone in this."

With everything ready, we decided to leave the hostel. I would miss a lot . I thought of Harriet, she would return from her field study and find me gone. Natalie too, i would miss her. I thought of waiting to say goodbye, but I had no energy to explain myself to her. I'd leave that task to Lydia and the inevitable gossip that would follow.

The memory of Leo's mocking smile still haunted me, and I felt a lingering desire for justice. As we walked past Annex, where the confrontation had taken place, my steps grew heavier. I couldn't help but look back, half-expecting Leo to reappear.

Erick noticed my hesitation. "It will be okay with time," he consoled, his voice filled with empathy.

I turned to him, then to Lydia, who was treading carefully around my fragile emotions. "I don't see how I will ever be okay again," I admitted, tears welling up once more.

Lydia muttered a soft curse under her breath. Just as she did, Leo walked out of Annex. My heart raced as I locked eyes with him, unable to look away. It was as though there was unfinished business between us, a score that needed settling.

Erick sensed the tension and tried to defuse the situation. "Let's go, Prudence. He's not worth any trouble."

But I couldn't bring myself to heed his advice. Anger and frustration had taken over, and I started walking towards Leo, driven by an inexplicable need to confront him.

Leo watched me approach, annoyance clear on his face. "What now?" he asked, his voice dripping with contempt. "I thought last night was enough."

I stood my ground, my finger wagging in front of his face. "You may think you won, but one day when you least expect it, I will bring you down to your knees," I warned.

His lips curled into a mocking smile. "If believing that is what will get you to leave me alone, who am I to say otherwise?" he retorted.

I remained silent, my anger festering. Leo checked his phone, seemingly uninterested in our confrontation. "Are you done?" he asked dismissively.

Before I could react, Erick had thrown a punch at Leo's face, catching him by surprise. The sudden fight that ensued shocked me. Two students rushed in to separate them, fearing that things might escalate further.

Erick had managed to land a punch, breaking Leo's nose, but it didn't bring me the satisfaction I had hoped for. I needed Leo to suffer for the humiliation he had put me through, and I knew that was the only way I would ever find peace again.

"You don't know who you're messing with," Leo warned Erick, who remained unthreatened.

"I know exactly your type," Erick responded with a defiant grin.

Leo, clutching his injured nose, retreated back into Annex. I couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of satisfaction and guilt for what had just transpired.

"You should not have done that," I said to Erick.

"I've always wanted to do that," he replied with a smile, showing that he was willing to stand by my side.

We left Annex behind and our steps slowed as the gate came to sight. We knew that this is where our goodbyes are said.

"You are deferring just for this semester, right?" Lydia asked with sadness.

I had not made up my mind if wanted to come back here or not.

"I hope," I muttered.

I turned to Erick who i couldn't say knew too well and somehow, it felt sad leaving despite always being rude and chasing him away.

"I am sure someday we will meet again." He said, sure of himself.

And without thinking i threw my arms around him and hugged him. It was so different from hugging Leo, no butterflies, just comfort and feeling safe.

After Lydia hugged me, "I will sent you one of my art work i have been working on." She said.

"I am sure i will love it," I assured hoping that no tears would be shed. And with that. I dragged my suitcase and walked out of the university holding my tears until i got home.

I found my father seated outside with a business paper. He looked up at me then saw the suitcase on my hand. It is like he knew and i just dropped the handle and rushed to him. My eyes welling up.

"Daddy," I cried.

His arms held me as i sobbed.

"I don't want to go back there," I said.

"Wherever you want to go, you will go." He said.

I cried and he let me, promising myself that would be the last time i would.

End of book 1

Note

Most of my books typically begin with the point where the revenge plot commences rather than delving into its preceding events. However, this one was unique in that regard. The second book will differ from this one in terms of pacing, mature content, and other aspects, but the core plot remains unchanged.