SEMI-FINAL
The grief was just too much.
It was as if this day has been set aside to be filled with grief.
Emily and I returned to Mr Bryant's residence with an intention to pack our things, belongings, leave the house and go to nowhere.
"Shannon, shall we discuss something with you? " Mr Bryant said to me.
I stared at the complete family sitted in the living-room.
I nodded almost hesitantingly and joined them.
Mr Bryant dropped a file on the table in front of me with a bunch of keys on it.
"I already filled in your name" He said.
I was confused, don't know what he was talking about.
"I'm handling over the company to you, it's yours rightfully" Mr Bryant said.
I was shocked b'cos I didn't expect it, I didn't even think of it.
I glared at Alex..
I remember he told me he has no interest in colleges or high institutions b'cos he's waiting to take over his father's company, which was mine actually.
I expected a frown or an angry face from him but Alex smiled at me instead.
As if he read my mind, he said to me.. "Don't worry about me, I have decided to go to college and find something petty to engage in" He said to me cheerfully.
"Mr Bryant" I muttered.
"And Emily would be taken care of by great doctors for the treatment of her skin... All bills on me" Mr Bryant said before I could even speak.
I tried so much to avoid allowing a tear drop but all my effort proved to be in vain.
"Jasmine... "
"Dad" Jasmine interrupted her father.
"Shannon I'm sorry I lied to you, I'm sorry I made you do it.." She said then stopped.
She's actually saying it in front of everyone..
What's she trying to insinuate?
"I'm not pregnant" She confessed..
"I'm sorry" she added.
I don't understand..
Infact I don't understand what's happening to me, what's going on around me and everyone.
I just don't know.
"I know there's no perfect way we can make it up to you but we're trying our best. We do hope you'll be happy forever and you'll find love" Mrs Bryant said.
What?
I looked up to Jasmine who was staring at me too with those eyes that meant-- I'm sorry.
Then she took her gaze to the floor.
"You and Jasmine can't end up together..,not after what I've commited" Mr Bryant concluded.
This story is written by Wunmi Ijaola.
*
"Mr Bryant, Mrs Bryant I... " I stammered then paused.
I didn't believe I was saying this:
"It's all in the past, we shouldn't let it affect our present. I have forgiven you, I really have no choice rather than to.
The company has always been Alex's dream. I know it's now mine but he can as well work there.. I don't wanna be the one who would make his dream not come true" I said looking up to everyone.
"And Jasmine, I... "
"It's alright Shannon. You'll find someone better and I will too" Jasmine said and stood up to leave.
It's obvious she wanted to go have a good cry in her room.
She's fighting back the tears in front of me, in front of us.
If I had avenge, it would have been a different case entirely.
We probably won't be able to talk to ourselves but I didn't, I forgave them.
The issue shouldn't go a long way.
"I'm sincere, I've forgiven you all, I don't think the issue should be a barrier between Jasmine and I"
"Listen Shannon" Mr Bryant cut in but I interrupted him.
"I still love her" I spelled.
Alex was the first to stand up and leave the sitting room awkwardly.
While Mr Bryant exchanged awkward glances with his wife then they both stood up and left too.
Emily tapped me gently,
I looked at her then she forced out a smile amidst her tears.
I helped her down the chair then she left us too.
Jasmine and I
"See Shannon, the more you see me frequently the more you'll keep on remembering that my dad killed yours.
Hate me pls do, I've been selfish all along, I wanted you to be unable to make a decision yourself, so I lied to you that I'm pregnant after forcing myself on you. Now I realise I really don't have to.
We are not meant to be together.
Oh God! I wish this whole thing didn't happen.
I'm sorry Shannon,
I'm sorry I gave you my body forcefully,
I'm sorry for what dad did, I'm sorry" She rushed all her words.
"Stop Jasmine,
Do you remember you told me this?
Let's put the bad in the past life , focus on the present and live a life filled with peace.. I want to do that with you" I said.
Finally I killed the urge to avenge.
I was sitting opposite and kinda far away from her..
So I stood up and walked to where she stood and made her sit.
"I want to live a peaceful life with you" I repeated and the tears she has been fighting back flowed freely.
"Same here Shannon " She murmured.
I sat next to her and brought her head closer to rest on my chest.
I could feel it..
Eight eyes were on us.
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