When they say two peas in a pod, that was Betty and I. We got along so well that the girls in our department envied our relationship. We had known each other since our primary school, and this was our third year in the university, still thriving. What strengthened our relationship even more was that our parents were friends too, so we could easily visit each other's houses without restraint.
Source
My father, Colonel Mark, was about the most difficult man to deal with. He was very stern and hard in the way he raised us. My siblings could hardly share their burdens with him, or even discuss freely. Our mom was our go to person. She would console us whenever we felt hit by our father's actions. She'll always tell us when we go running to her
“ You know he means well” She would say, patting our backs. She loved to do this even when we were all growing into mature boys and girls. We would soften our faces for a while after her words and just somehow believe he did mean well.
Because my dad was stern, the only person I was permitted to visit often was my friend Betty. Everyother person's house was a no no.My life was a restricted triangle. I only went to school, church and got home again. Our friends in school kept planning fun trips to places of interest, but I knew going with them was far from reality.
The beach hangout was to happen in few weeks time. The entire department was excited about the trip. They talked about it so much: the food, the drinks, the games, pictures and a while lot that would just help them unwind and relish every bit of the event.
“ Betty, I hate that I'm going to miss this hangout” I told my friend looking very say
“ I know, but you could try asking your dad, you know” My friend tried to encourage
“ Hahahahahaha” I laughed so hard that my friend became confused.
“ Try ke” I said with a tone of sarcasm
“ You sound like you don't know my dad, Please o! I like my peace” I said that and had to close the topic because I knew the conversation would not yield anything positive.
The entire night at home, I was restless. I had always been an obedient little girl, and I felt it won't hurt to act otherwise. I wasn't doing something bad, I only wanted to unwind, I consoled myself. I had a plan.
When it came to academics, my father was ready to make whatever sacrifice just to ensure I got the best. He was in his bedroom that evening when I walked to him
“Dad, there's an excursion to the Slessor site this weekend, our parents have been asked to sign this form”
Without even reading, which was unlike my dad, he signed the form and even gave me some money for the supposed excursion. I was overjoyed and kept this to myself.
The night of this excursion, I had packed my bags and was ready for the trip. I felt fulfilled about my brilliant idea. I had barely slept the entire night, as thoughts of the fun site consumed my mind.
Source
The beach was so much fun. There were enough drinks to go round and the food was really tasty. As the game session was ongoing, Betty called me.
“ How did you convince your father to let you come here?”
“He just accepted at the last minute.” I said without looking at Betty's face
“ You know that's a lie. I know when you're lying.” My friend responded
“Fine! I told him there was an excursion, so he accepted”
“ What! That's a lot of lies na!”
“ Just keep this between us” I pleaded with my friend.
The trip came to an end in no time, and I was glad I didn't miss it. I was able to connect better and make new friends.
I didn't know doom was underway for me when I woke up this morning. I felt very weak and could barely get out of bed. Betty called and I told her how I felt, so she promised to stop by. My room was far from the gate, so Betty must have knocked for a while, before my dad made to open the gate for her.
“Good morning, Sir” Betty had greeted.
“Betty, you're welcome”
My father was always very fond of Betty because she was smart and expressive. He ushered her into the parlour and they discussed for a while.
Some minutes after Betty's arrival, my father stormed my room with Betty. “Sarah”, he called me, “where did you say you were going last week?”
The dice was cast. I suspected Betty had probably divulged.
I was silent. My lips were too heavy to speak. When caught for lying, it was better to confess, than tell a second lie. I couldn't stand the fury in my father's eyes so I just had to confess. I felt so upset with Betty. How could she, after she had promised to be quiet?
“You are grounded and your allowance for the month is gone” My father yelled and slammed the door.
I could smell guilt in Betty's eyes but I didn't care. She had betrayed me.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Your dad kept asking questions and I didn't know when I divulged” she said, sobbing
I was too infuriated to listen, and I just left her there in the room.
Several days later, she tried to reach out to me severally but I wouldn't pick her calls. I just want to punish her and place on her head the same load her actions had placed on me.
