Darielle! No!!. A gunshot was heard and Darielle fell to the ground. Socked in her pool of blood, she heard the voices of her mother and sister. Her mother's voiced cracked as a result of screaming her name in agony.
Darielle's vision was blurred, tears of regret dropped down her cheeks, realizing how it got to this point and seeing how it all played out, regret washed all over her; her mother and younger sister watching as she meets her end.
1 YEAR EARLIER:
As sunset came, the cool breeze began to blow and the trees moved in accordance.
A girl sitting at the varanda watched as the sun set, the cool air was fresh but she however was lost in thought .
"Evie, Evie". A middle aged woman called out . "Yes mummy!"
"Call your sister, dinner is ready". Adelia said to her youngest daughter.
"Ok mummy". Evie replied and went up to the varanda to call her sister.
"Darie" - Evie called out but her sister didn't respond instead she looked lost into the sky. "Darielle lets go and eat mom is calling us," she said while simultaneously tapping her. Darielle brought back to earth by Evie's touch, instinctively looks at her.
Come let's go and eat, she says on getting her attention while grabbing her to get up.
I'm not hungry, you go and eat. "Why?" Evie gives her a questioning look.
"I don't have appetite".
"We both know your lying, you've not had anything to eat since yesterday and now, finally there is food, ur not eating."
I'm not eating let me be! Darielle said with an irritated tone. Realizing her sis was getting upset, she wouldn't push further.
Ok, at least eat for mummy's sake; you know how she got the food,even if it's small, just have a bite. Please. Evie had to try one last time. After all their mom would feel bad if she doesn't eat. She would start thinking.
Darielle remained on moved still sitting there but her facial expression filled with guilt.
Noticing this, She immediately added - you know if I go down to eat without you she would be upset, making her think, which might lead to her high blood pressure. Evie emphasized the last two words.
Darielle glared at her with a look of why say such a thing.
"Fine" Darielle agreed while getting up and walked with her sis down stairs, with everything they where facing especially their mom she couldn't afford to get her worked up.
Evie was relieved her sis gave in.
What took you two so long? Adelia questioned her daughters.
"Nothing mom let's eat." Evie said.
The Highmore family of three sat on the dining, Evie opened the plate and was happy, it was her favourite meal that was prepared.
Meanwhile on setting her eyes on the plate Darielle couldn't control her emotions; she got up - "mom why eat the same food all the time, I'm tired! Can't we have something else, we eat the same food every time. To top it up we can't afford a Three square meal. Can't we have something different for a change.
She flared.
Adelia Highmore in a fit of anger lands a resounding slap on Darielle's cheek, it even caused a lasting pain on her own hand .
Darielle not expecting the slap was caught off guard, staggered a bit, and fell to the ground. The pain stinging sensation still lingering, with her mother's hand Imprinted on her face leaving a red mark.
Evie was shocked at her mom's outburst, but was even more appalled by her reaction and jolted in fear.
She instinctively raises her hand towards her mouth when her mom responded to Darielle's outburst with a resounding slap.
" How dare you? " You're well aware of the situation at hand, we were never like this. Due to the fact I lost my job things have changed, it won't be -what I want I will get- for now! What you see you eat! Can u imagine. have you been suffering? So don't act like you have always been. I have been the one providing for you and ur sister since your father died. Let this be the last time you complain concerning the food we eat in this house." Adelia Highmore warned with her index finger towards Darielle. Disappointment written all over her face towards Darielle.
Adelia Highmore was pained deeply. How could her daughter display such a behavior it was unlike her. Fine. They were in a rough spot at the moment, the life they were use to since birth was different from the one they were living now. And it would be difficult to adapt but she raised her kids well. Such behavior wasn't tolerated. No matter the situation.
The Highmore family was one of splendor,peace and comfort. Money was never a problem. But everything took a drastic turn after the death of Edward Highmore. The father of Darielle and Evie Highmore. Adelia Highmore's husband.
The real estate projects of Edward couldn't be completed. Due to this,the corporation that lend him the resources to finish the project and pay once incomes are received,with their influence and backing forcibly took everything. Leaving them with only the house and a little amount of money that was barely enough to take care of the kids and take them to school.
"Learn to be content with what you have, so many don't have the opportunity of eating food and u have it . Let me tell you -a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so you better sit down, eat ur food and be content."
Immediately Darielle sat down and began taking mouthful of spoons. Hurriedly eating. Evie who had been listening to her mother's words turned to her plate and started eating she was too hungry not to. After eating they all went to bed however
Adelia Highmore lost her appetite, she couldn't eat and left the food in the microwave.
Later that night, Darielle now calm, reallized her mistake and fet sad for flaring up at her mom. She thought about what her mother said, but she was tired of their life, how things turned upside down in a blink of an eye - it went from a life of comfort to a life of stress. She was at her final year in the University of Maryland, studying dentistry.she was a young lady, but had nothing to show.
Her mates would always brag about what they have and she would be quite nothing to show for. Darielle fell asleep while thinking of what to do to leave their current situation.
The following day Evie got ready for school, was eating the remnants of yesterday's food when her mom walked in and asked how school was going for her, "mom it's good," she replied with a smile.though she lost some weight her uniform still looked good on her. Her cute face and slender figure suited her,which made her look a bit mature. She was a 16 year old girl in highschool but at first glance people would think otherwise.
"Good morning mom," Darielle greeted while walking down the stairs and walked towards her, holding her hand. "I'm sorry for yesterday it won't repeat itself again she said with a sincere plea." It's alright my dear that was yesterday's issue I forgive you" Adelia Highmore replied with a bright smile, knowing her daughter she was temperamental but when calm she reflects on her actions. Im going to work and you take Evie to schoo....." Adelia held her words back on seeing Darielle's clothe, it was covered but her curves were on display the gown hugged her body revealing her curves and endowments.
Darielle what are you wearing? this cloth is...
Mummy it's a flare maxi gown, my body is covered. Knowing her mom she had to block her from saying she should change.
"I know I just don't want men all over you, Evie give your sister the hoody on the couch." "Ok mom."
Darielle took the hoody and wore it.
Their mom left to scout for work while they locked the house and went to drop Evie off before going to the bakery where she learnt how to bake. Darielle loved baking,but she wasn't perfect. The university was on holiday so she decided to learn a skill that would keep her busy.