(written by

. It was the Dispatch Rider. He forgot I had to sign after delivery. I stood close to my soul after they exchanged pleasantries and later signed. Right after that she turned to me and said “my Adobea, kindly fetch me the parcel?” I thought I was going in alone to get it but she followed me. My heartbeat increased. I knew my story had finally ended. I had only two options; to commit suicide or to be killed. What I forgot was that; God was the first option. She entered my room and I took the parcel for her. She smiled, kissed my forehead and said I love you Adobea. Stella came into my room and hugged me. Sorry! That was actually her room. “Adobea, mum and dad had told me everything. You are my sister now. You are the reason why I am free today. I told my family; now yours too about all the good things you did for me. This is my room but you also deserve to be here. I will stay in the guest room. I love you kid sister” Stella ended her submission and I couldn’t stop crying. When wiIl I be free so I can also testify? I thought aloud. “I have good news for you Adobea. We are all going back to school.” Stella held my hands, looked into my eyes and whispered; thank you. She left the room and I couldn’t stop gazing at her in tears.

was ready. We were all at the dining table eating when Stella’s mum remembered she had left her parcel on her bed unopened. She quickly asked Stella to bring it. One thing I never understood was that she never allowed me into her room no matter how close we were. Stella brought in the parcel. I started coughing and left to visit the washroom. I left them hoping to use the back door to escape but Stella followed me. “Adobea, can I be of help?” Stella quizzed. I told her if she could kindly fetch me water. She hurriedly did that and came back in no time. “I can see you are worried about something. No matter what is bothering you, I know God will still make a way.” Stella’s words were soothing but were too late to save me. She held my hand back to the dining table. The whole family became so worried that my Uncle had to call in the family Doctor.

parcel and all of a sudden I went blackout. The family became terrified. They poured water on me and I was resuscitated. Few minutes later, the Doctor arrived. He said there was nothing wrong with me and that I would be fine. Mum and Dad thanked him and he left. Stella’s mum took the parcel again and this time round she opened it. My breath ceased and I knew I was soon to join my mum and dad. Goodness! She started crying after opening the parcel. Stella’s mum stood up, went straight to the husband and slapped him. “You bastard! You cheat! Where from these pictures? Who the hell is the lady you are kissing?" I immediately became confused as she poured these unwholesome words on the husband. She threw the pictures at the husband and surprisingly they were not my pictures. Jesus Christ! I screamed in my mind. This was too much of a miracle. My uncle and the wife exchanged words bitterly. Stella pulled me aside, and led me to my room. She looked into my eyes and said, “Adobea, I know who you really are. You are my direct cousin. My dad allegedly killed your parents to take over this mansion and other estates. My dad was informed you were still alive after he had ordered three men to kill you at the foster home. God saved you. They killed the wrong person who was also called Adobea. They later contracted a new group to look for you. The very person that directed you to Hajia Sekinatu was one of them. Hajia Sekinatu was their leader. She sold you to Uncle Jake to make sure you were to jail. They were to kill you in jail before the start of your trial in court. You remember I accidentally poured the very food Hajia Sekinatu brought to you in cells a day before the main hearing of your case? That very food was poisoned. I exchanged those pictures the Dispatch Rider brought with pictures of dad and his secretary flirting. The pictures of you were sent in by Hajia Sekinatu. You need to hurriedly leave this house before Hajia sends mum another set of pictures. I know where your grandmother lives. I will get you some money I had saved to be given to a friend of mine who lost the dad. I know you are surprised. It wasn’t sheer coincidence that you are in this house. I planned it. I knew you will be saver with your enemies than even your friends. I can’t judge my parents but I know God is with you.” I stood speechless as she left to get me the money so I could escape. I waited and waited but Stella wasn’t coming. I was so terrified to even walk out of my room. I shouted her name but no one responded. I gathered courage to walk to her room. I opened the door and Stella there was lying on the floor dead. I couldn’t scream. I was confused as to what to do next. I couldn’t tell her parents what had happened to their daughter because they saw me leaving to the room with her. I hurriedly went back into my room, packed some few belongings and left the house through the back door. I opened the gate and Hajia Sekinatu stood right there… (