Dedicated to Jenivalwritesfor her time and energy in making a book cover for me — yeah, she makes very beautiful covers. Try her and see.

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I watched in fear as  Ma Suzanne walked to grandma.

"Ma Suzanne knows nothing about this grandma. I went in when  she "

"I told you to lock the kitchen when you're going out of it.  Why didn't you lock it when you went to use the toilet?" Grandma asked her.

"I. . .I'm  "

"Or you gave her the food yourself?" Grandma raised her eyebrow.

Ma Suzanne bowed her head and shut her eyes. I began to cry.

"No, she didn't grandma.  Don't blame her for my sins. God knows I'm  "

"Shut up! You better don't call God's name. God himself is even against you that's  why he allowed the food to choke you." She screamed at me. Then turning to Ma Suzanne  who had been quiet since, she said:

"You've been a good woman. You do your work diligently and you've impressed me so much by your commitment to your job.  But  I hate when my rules are being flouted especially when done intentionally. I gave you instruction but you chose to disobey it. If you can't  obey my instructions  then you can't work  for me."

"Grandma,  please," I begged.

"Pack your bags and leave my house. Now!" Grandma ordered. "And you!" She pointed at me.  "Clean this mess you made on the floor. I'm going to my room. I don't want to see you, Suzanne when I come out. Leave my house. You're fired. I'll  send your  money on this instance."

Immediately grandma left, I fell to my knees and grabbed Ma Suzanne's leg. My tears fell rapidly from my eyes.  I wept uncontrollably.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I never wanted this. I never. . . forgive me. . . please, forgive me.  It wasn't my intention. "

Ma Suzanne fell to her knees and hugged me.  "It's not your fault dear. I don't regret what I did. If I was given a chance,  I would reiterate my action over and over again.  Don't cry.  It's not your  fault." She cried into my shoulder.

"Forgive me, Ma Suzanne.  Please, forgive me."

We stayed in each other's arms for a while before Ma Suzanne got up and wiped her face.

"Be a good girl and stay out of trouble. Be careful! Try to avoid anything that would provoke your grandma. Okay?"

I nodded my head as I couldn't speak any more. I watched her pack her loads and I helped her carry them to the gate.  She waved to me but I couldn't wave back.

I felt numb. I wish I could accompany her to her house but grandma would kill me if I left the house.  I watched the gate close behind her and tears blindfolded me.

The realisation hit me like an arrow.  Ma Suzanne was gone never to be seen anymore.  Gone just like  Grandfather; just like Zainab. The one person that gave me joy; my source of comfort; the woman I loved like a mother. . . taken away from me.

Grandma called me into her room that night.  She sat me down as usual and held my hand. She stared at me directly in the eyes. 

"Beatrice! I want you to know that all I do is for your good. I love you so much that I don't want you to end up in a bad way. I will not see you going into hell and keep shut. I don't want you to end up like your mother.

"This is a very crucial stage. You're getting close to the age your mother fell into the trap of that animal.  I don't want the same for you that's why I'm trying to protect you. I know you feel bad about Ma Suzanne  but she's  proving to be a bad influence on you."

"How?" I couldn't help but ask.

"She tried to support you in the evil you committed. Even the bible says spare the rod and spoils the child. Suzanne was sparing the rod and therefore, spoiling you. What did I tell you about people who don't do what the bible says?"

"That they are sinners who would end up in hellfire."

"Good. So you can see why I had to put her off quickly. I love you so much Beatrice and I want the best for you. Stay away from Peter and any other guy.  They'd ruin your life."

"But grandma, does it mean I wouldn't get married since all boys are wicked people?"

"You will when the time comes. Right now,  what you need is a total concentration on your studies. That's your top priority and you need total focus right now. You can never get married to all these boys that are around you now.

"These boys are destiny carriers.  Okay, look at your mother. Did she get married to the boy that impregnated her? No! Did she get married to any of her secondary school classmates? No! She got married after she had acquired her degree. She didn't get to meet her husband until she went to serve. So, my dear, you will marry but not now."

"But how will I when I don't even know anything about boys? How " Grandma glared at me and I stopped.

She took a big sigh and rubbed my head.

"Don't worry dear. Time will tell. Besides I want you to promise me that you will stay away from that Peter."

I wanted to tell her that I was never close to him but I knew that would provoke her more.  So I nodded and made the promise to her. She smiled brightly at me and patted my head.

She hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead. Whenever she did this,  I lost control of myself. Grandma confused me. Affectionate one moment, a devil the other.

I couldn't wait to see Peter. I had a lot I wanted to tell him. A real lot! He was the cause of every misfortune that befell me that Sunday.  He was the reason Ma Suzanne left.  I still had not gotten used to her absence.

Thinking about her brought pain to my heart. It hurt so much to see her go and Peter was the cause. I told him to leave me alone.  I told him to let me be but he didn't.

As I sat on my chair waiting for break hour, I memorized all that I wanted to say to him. I couldn't even listen to what was being taught.  I was filled with venom and gall.

I couldn't wait to spit them out. I caught Peter smiling at me. His smiles provoked more anger. His smile which was heavenly  according to what a girl behind me described  was disgusting to me.

I didn't even have to go to him for he came to meet me immediately the bell rang for a break. I sat coolly on my chair staring at him icily.  He drew a chair and sat in front of me with a huge smile.

"I know why you run off immediately the closing bell rings.  Your mother doesn't want you spending much time outside. She wants you indoors. I told you I'll figure this out. This. . ."

"Why did you come to my house? How did you even know my house?" I cut him off.

"I told you I'll  figure everything out." He smirked at me.