Beneath the surface

ei D'a

glow over my room. At six years old, I was blissfully unaware of the world's cruelty, enjoying

n. The touch of her hand, so rough and unfamiliar, left me confused and frightened.

like a shadow. Her hands on my skin made me cringe, my every fiber yearning for release. But I had no one

s she gained power and influence in my mother's world. And I continued to suffer i

darkness I lived in, the terror I faced each night. I was a prisoner of my

en by pneumonia, but leaving a legacy of scars that I still carry today. I don

er than I ever imagined. And so I woke up each morning, my mind clou

that makes you feel like you've barely slept at all.

a new

*

where Chiamaka,the head maid stood along with the other workers. I resisted the urge to scowl

ter being responded with silence. I didn't glare,but I gave them an

up and hair done." Marianne,or Marissa, whatever her name was, answ

door. I wore just one hand of my school bag,and carried my cellphone in my o

d. The female stared at me with wide eyes and parted lips. She dropped her gaze to the tiled floor and m

that I do whatever the fuck I want. My attitude

ting,his hands behind his back,his suit's color fading and his tie untidily knotted on his neck. I ro

e cool glass window. The monotonous hum of the car engine, combined with the soothing beats of m

ed with traffic, and I watched the people and cars pass by, emotionles

ring to say goodbye to Mr. Patricks. My footsteps echoed on the concrete pavement as I made my way

ering and hurrying to their classes. I walk

d and unapproachable. I didn't care much about making friends or so

nt of the room. I took out my books and began readi

me. I raised my gaze and turned to see Chidera Etaoma, the school's

s usual bright smile on

d. "Just

know, you should come out with us more o

eyes. "Not

on, man. You can't ju

and Monalisa were the only ones who had ever tried. They didn't judge m

me with a soft voice. I turne

and a reserved person. She wasn't really good with crowds, neither with people. She only ever hung out with Chidera and me, because her old frie

ng, actually. Just her, Ch

t our class today." I raised my ga

gir

sitting with the lousy Ashantay Makena,a small crowd surrounding her. There were all mostly boys trying to shoot their shot and flirt. My eyes scanned her face. She was beautiful,I wouldn

y cause a lot of trouble. I c