Chapter 9

Kharis Pov

It was Monday and I just couldn't wait for my parents to leave the house. I wanted to rest properly and go see ma, Cleopatra. I still couldn't understand what was so special about me and why she was interested in me at first sight. Maybe it happens to some of you often but, this was the first time someone was meeting and liked me immediately.

I stood up from my sofa and headed to the kitchen to tidy the dishes. I tried as much as possible to avoid eye contact with my stepmother. She kept stealing glances at me as if she was trying to find a fault to hold onto. It felt so quiet and boring so I decided to pick up my phone and play music.

"Kharis!!! Don't you know you are disturbing my peace with the noise oozing from that piece of crap?"

It was my stepmother shouting at the top of her lungs, addressing my phone as a piece of crap. As much as I wanted to pretend as though I didn't hear her, I also didn't want to be beaten. The best thing to do was turn down the music and wait for her to leave.

As I washed the plates, I felt wet in my private part and quickly rushed to my room to confirm if I was on my period. When I got to my room door, I prayed to not be leaking blood. All the money in my piggy bank was gone and I had no job to run off to, how was I going to get a sanitary pad or tampons?

Damn, I was actually on my period. If I don't wear a pad then it means I'll have to cancel all appointments today to avoid being stained in public. Oh wait, I decided to go ask my stepmother for a pad or tampon.

Good morning ma, hope you slept well? I began

"Oh spare me the speech, you little brat. Can't you see I'm busy?"

I'm sorry to disturb you but can you help me with a spare pad or at least money to get one?

It seems like you are slowly losing your mind Kharis, she began. First off, I am not your mother and I'm truly thankful to God for that. Second off, you are not my responsibility. Third off, I'm never giving you the money I work so hard for. So, do yourself a huge favor and leave my sight before I descend on you. It wouldn't be a good way to start your week, she ended with a hiss from her lips.

I stood there praying the ground opened and swallow me. Did she just give me three reasons why I do not deserve a pad from her!!! I was clueless and ran to my room to wash off the first pool of blood. Maybe, I should talk to my dad…

I went to my father's bedroom and met him fixing his tie.

Can I help you with your tie papa, I uttered.

"I never asked for your help. If I did need anyone's help, I'll ask my wife."

Okay. I am on my period and I do not have a pad or tampon. All I ask for is money to purchase one at the store. I was almost crying as I pleaded.

"Kharis, I am not getting my ass up every day and going to work so you ask me for money to buy a pad. Don't you have savings? Buying a pad is something women your age are doing on their own."

I stood still, wondering how possible it was for a parent to utter such words to a child they brought into the world.

My problem was the meeting with Cleopatra. I walked away sluggishly from my dad's room back to my room. It crossed my mind that I went shopping for paper rolls the other day at the grocery store. I was about to get some when I remembered my stepmother might punish me for using it.

Anything bought for the house with her money automatically belonged to her. And to make use of it, one needed to ask for permission.

I figured if I waited for her to leave the house, I'll take a little bit of it, call Ma Cleopatra, and plead with her to keep a pack of sanitary pads for me. I knew it was too sudden to be asking for a favor yet, but I had no choice.

After 20 minutes, my parents barged out of the house. I immediately ran to her room to get the paper roll but the door was shut. What should I do?

I phoned Ma Cleopatra twice but she wasn't responding.

After a while, I tried her number again and this time, it went. I felt relieved.

Hello Ma Cleopatra. I'd love to start coming now but I have a problem.

"What's wrong my dear"

I know it's too sudden but I'm hoping you can help me out. I ran out of sanitary pads and I do not have enough money to get one. If it's okay with you, your driver could bring one for me, I pleaded.

"It is okay my dear. I'll have him bring it right away."

I took a deep breath and ran to the bathroom to wash again. Thankfully, I wasn't on a heavy flow.

I stepped out of the bathroom and was waiting patiently for the driver to get there. My mind drifted to the conversation I had with my parents earlier. I was desperate to get a job. I felt embarrassed and sad for asking them for money.

The ringtone from my phone interrupted my thoughts. It was Ma Cleopatra.

"Kharis, he is waiting for you outside. Could you please go to meet him"

I smiled and hurried out of my room to the gate. I met a fine man smiling at me and holding a fancy bag in his hands.

Good morning, I called out.

"Good morning Miss Kharis. This is from Ma Cleopatra"

I felt really shy since it was obvious he bought the sanitary pads himself. I'll be right back, I responded shyly.

I rushed into the house and ran upstairs to wash and change into the pads. I felt really special. No one had ever come through for me so quickly. I craved this kind of treatment so desperately.

I searched for a decent dress to wear. Then I tied my hair into a ponytail, wore lipgloss and eye mascara. And, I felt good to go.

I stepped out to join the driver. I heard him say "you look beautiful". I couldn't hide the blush on my face. It felt like all the scenes we see in movies where a lowlife girl is given the baby girl treatment- a driver comes to pick her up and takes her on a journey to date prince charming.

The difference in my case was that I was going to see Ma Cleopatra at her house.

When I got into the car, I let out a deep sigh.

My name is Kharis Carter, how about you? I proceeded to ask the driver.

"My name is Lois"

Your face looks familiar but I can't quite remember where I have seen the face.

"Hmmm… I have no idea Miss Kharis"

I shrugged and forgot about it. We approached Ma Cleopatra's home and I was in shock. Is this where she stayed? Have I met an angel? Is my story about to change?. The building was massive, had lovely flowers outside and incredible art on the walls. Lois drove inside and Ma Cleopatra was already outside waiting for me.

I ran to hug her.

Thank you so much, I am grateful. I uttered with a wide smile on my lips.

All she did was return the smile.

I walked in and I couldn't keep my mouth shut. I've never entered a house so beautifully decorated.

"Welcome, dear. Please have a sit. I am sure you know my name right. I would be very brief so I excuse you to continue your day's activities. Can you tell me a little more about yourself?"

I lifted my eyes and met her own eyes. I wanted to confide in her so badly, even though I knew she was a total stranger!!!

I got up and removed my dress for her to see the scars on my back. I could hear a gasp and then she stood up to take a closer look.

My name is Kharis Carter. I am a daughter to a divorced parent and a stepmother. When my mother died, I began receiving excessive torture from my stepmom. I also stopped schooling and began working two jobs, unknown to my parents.

I am an undergraduate. I was asked to drop out. I was deprived of food some days and nights.

Ma Cleopatra, I have been suffering as a child. Recently, I lost my job and lost all the money in my piggy bank. The truth is, I want to run away from all the pain and torture.

*I have a job for you, Ma Cleopatra announced

"I used to be a nanny working here but my attention is needed in Canada. I have been looking for the perfect replacement. So, when I met you, I planned to ask for the phone number of any of your friends who might be interested in the nanny job*

I am interested. As long as I'll be living here, for now, I'll be very comfortable. I couldn't help but smile #

I have a savior!!

Frederick pov.

After a long day at work, I got to the mansion and was greeted with a lovely smile from Ma. Cleopatra.

Hope everything is okay, I asked…

"Oh Fred my boy, I found a perfect replacement. She'll be coming in tomorrow, I can't wait for you to meet her.

Ma Cleopatra answered.