Author Raphael Obasi

* ~~ NAOMI ~~

CHAPTER 2

As Sandra walked back in quick steps to where she had alighted from the bus earlier, She noticed some bus drivers were turning around to follow another route because of the traffic ahead. Sandra increased her pace trying to find the bus she had come down from earlier. But she couldn't seem to identify the bus. It looked like the bus had turned around with the others.

Sandra carried her hand on her head in confusion, she has just lost her purse containing her phone. She wanted to call her husband but she couldn't. She couldn't enter into a bike either because she had no money to pay.

Sandra decided to trek down to the school then call her husband with one of the teacher's phone when she get to the school.

Sandra was walking in quick steps, she only hopes to get to the school on time.

After so many minutes of walking under the scorching sun, Sandra arrived in front of the school gate. She was sweating profusely like someone who engaged in a marathon race.

The environment was very calm unlike the usual and there were no kids around the vicinity. Sandra only hopes that her daughter was inside the gate seeing there was padlock on it.

As she reached out to open the gate, she saw the headmistress coming out of the gate holding a padlock.

" Good Afternoon Ma", Sandra greeted trying to force a smile.

Good afternoon my dear, why are you sweating so much? The headmistress asked looking at Sandra.

I'm sorry, I'm so...o late , seems everyone has left already, Sandra asked looking around.

Yeah, it's 2:00pm and everyone has left. Today is Friday and we close so early the headmistress answered trying to lock the gate.

What about my daughter? Sandra asked fixing her gaze on the headmistress as she locked up the gate.

" Your daughter? "
No one is here, why not call your husband and know if he has her. He comes to pick her on Fridays the headmistress answered.

" I know my husband too well and he can't ask me to come take my daughter from school if he has already done that " Sandra said already having mix feelings.

Why not call him, the headmistress suggested.

That's the problem, I can't. I was in a haste and I forgot my purse with my phone inside the bus I had entered earlier when there was traffic. My phone and the little money I had on me is all gone. I just wanted to come pick up my daughter first before talking about my phone.

Then how did you pay the bus driver when you came down? The headmistress asked.

I already had the money in my hand and I just.....

Oohhh ma , my phone is not my problem, where is my daughter?
Where is Naomi? Sandra asked already having a bad feeling.

Take my phone and call your husband let's see if he took her the headmistress said dipping her hand into her bag and bringing out her phone. She gave it Sandra who collected it and dialed Bright's number immediately.

Mr Bright picked up the call immediately and Sandra asked him if he came and took their daughter from school.

Mr Bright told her he has been calling her and she was not picking up her calls. He wanted to know if they were back home. Mr Bright couldn't understand what he was hearing over the phone. That his princess was missing. He told Sandra that he was coming over immediately.

Mr Bright hung up the call and Sandra could feel the tears building up in her eyes.

" Where is my daughter? " Sandra asked the headmistress in a teary voice.

The headmistress was dumbfounded, she had no answer to the question Sandra just asked her. She calmed Sandra and then called the teacher in charge of Naomi's class. She asked the teacher to come back to school as their was a case of a missing pupil.

Sandra didn't know where she would start from to look for her only daughter. Tears just kept rolling down her cheeks as she waited for the teacher in charge of Naomi's class. She was restless and just kept looking around, hoping to lay her eyes on Naomi.

It took a few minutes, the teacher came back to the school. She was asked who had taken Naomi.

The teacher said Naomi was sitting with her best friend Anita outside waiting for her father. She saw Anita's mother coming to take Anita. After a while she didn't see Naomi anymore. She had thought her father had taken her.

Sandra asked the teacher to call Anita's mother on phone and find out if Naomi had followed her home.

The teacher was scrolling down her contact list looking for Anita's mother number, when Mr Bright came down from the bike and walked towards the rest in quick pace.

A call came into the headmistress phone. She picked it up.

" Hello Ma'am, I think one of your pupil met with an accident a few minutes ago" , the voice said over the phone.

The headmistress shifted a bit where she won't be heard. She asked how the pupil looked like. The description fitted that of Naomi. The headmistress slowly brought down the phone. The headmistress didn't know how she was going to tell the couple that their only daughter was involved in a life threatening accident. More still no one knows where she was carried off to by the man who had knocked her down.

The headmistress just kept staring at Bright who was consoling Sandra who cried bitterly. It seemed like Anita's mother just told them Naomi wasn't with her.

A tear almost dropped off the cheek of the headmistress in confusion and pity for the couple.

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* " Daddy is back, daddy is back" Naomi shouted running towards her father who was just coming back from work.

Mr bright stood still and his daughter ran and held his legs together in greetings.

Daddy, how was work today? Naomi asked looking up at her father.

Work was okay my charming princess, tell me how was school today? Mr bright asked touching his little girl on her nose.

School was fine daddy, Naomi answered and collected the little waterproof her father was carrying. Then she ran back to where her mum was.

" Welcome sir " Mrs Sandra said to her husband with a smile.

" Thank you " , Mr bright answered and went into his room.

It was time for food, Naomi took her food as usual and sat beside her Dad. They had the habit of always eating together. She doesn't eat much but she still likes her father to give her some portion from his own.

After food that night, they all retired to bed. Naomi was lying down in-between the couple.

Mr bright just kept staring at his little daughter and smiling.

Tell me the reason behind this your smile tonight, Sandra asked her husband also smiling with him.

Who would have ever thought that we would have been a parent some day?
Hope you still remember all we went through ? Mr Bright asked Sandra.

Can I ever forget ? I was called a barren woman. We were mocked for five (5) good years. I got different advices from different friends. Old women called me aside and tried giving me solutions.

Doctor's had different things to say each time we go to them. People always pointed at me as I walked pass. Even some women in church used it to mock me. I was referred to as " The fair barren ".

I, almost committed su***de after a fellow woman told me to my face that I was a man that's why I couldn't give my husband children, Sandra said and tears rolled down her cheeks.

It's okay, it's okay. Those are in the past now. God has shocked the world by giving us Naomi, our bundle of Joy, Mr Bright said with a smile.

Her seventh birthday is coming next week, our daughter will be seven years old, Sandra said with smile.

They both just kept staring at Naomi who was sleeping peacefully. Then Mr Bright stretched his hand and switched off the light.

The next day, Mr Bright was so tangled at work that he forgot it was time to go bring Naomi back from school. It was weekend and Mr Bright was the one who takes Naomi back during the weekends. He told his wife he derived joy doing so.

It was 40mins after dismissal of Naomi's school but Mr bright was not yet back with Naomi. Sandra decided to wait a bit longer thinking it was traffic. After a few minutes, she became worried and called her husband on phone.

Mr Bright was shocked that almost one hour had flown by after Naomi's school dismissal time. He pleaded with his wife to quickly go get her because he was still very busy.

Sandra left what she was doing immediately and started heading towards Naomi's school. She was already 55 mins late and it takes another 15 mins to get to Naomi's school.

Sandra entered into a bus and just after 5 minutes drive, she got stuck in a traffic. The traffic was so bad that Sandra decided it was best she came down and searched for a bike which will be faster. Because bike riders always have their way of maneuvering traffics.

After walking for a while in a haste, Sandra stopped a bike. She tried hopping on the bike then she remembered she had forgotten her purse inside the bus she had entered earlier.

Sandra didn't know if she was to continue to the school or go back for her purse.

Sandra asked the bike man to go while she go take her phone because her phone was inside her purse. Sandra started walking back in quick steps looking for the bus she had entered earlier.

" At the school "

Naomi sat outside with some of her classmates who were waiting for their parents to come take them back home. Some who had elder siblings went home with them.

As parents came taking their kids in their numbers, Naomi only sat wondering if her father had forgotten her. She had a lot to tell him as they go back home. She was fond of her father and she talks a lot as they go home inside the bus.

" Naomi, your father is not coming today? " One of her classmates asked her as she left with her mother.

Naomi was already tired of waiting, she was so hungry. She didn't eat the whole day because she didn't like the food her mother had prepared and put into her lunch box.

Naomi stood up and decided to go back home alone. Naomi left the school with her school bag and lunch box.

She started walking home all alone while carrying her lunch box. After a few minutes walk, Naomi's lunch box fell from her hand and rolled into the main road. She tried going to pick it up. Someone tried calling out to Naomi because of the speeding car coming towards her in haste.

The man driving the car quickly stepped on his brakes, but it was already late. He had already knocked Naomi down.

The man came down immediately and saw Naomi lying down almost lifeless and just jerking.

Before people would come closer, the man had already carried Naomi into his car. He reversed with her in his car and drove off in a haste.

~~ NAOMI ~~

CHAPTER 1

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~~ MY NAME IS DERA ~~

CHAPTER 17+

Kennedy had gone from one police station to another laying the same complaint but none seems to have a clue about the whereabout of Dera.

Giving up was not an option because something kept telling him that Dera was alive and waiting for him where ever she was. He was ready to spend his savings just to find where Dera had disappeared to.

Kennedy was at home thinking of the next step to take when Tracy walked in. She sat opposite him on the cushion.

Honey...
I am sorry I never told you, I was a bad friend too to Dorathy. I encouraged her to cheat back at her husband for cheating on her.

Kennedy opened his eyes in awe.

Yes Tracy nodded her head and continued. That's why she wanted to get back to me. But I've gone back and apologized to her. I know it won't bring her husband back because the did is done. I want this family to get back stronger.

Tracy was still talking when Kennedy's phone started ringing... He was reluctant to pick up, none of the calls he's been receiving lately talked about Dera or the whereabout of Dera.

He picked up...

Hello..

Caller : Is this Dera's father?

Kennedy immediately stood up from his seat.

Yes yes he answered anxiously.

*******.

What poison did you give her ? Doctor Eunice asked Kelvin with tears in her eyes.

I don't know kelvin said shaking his head and pointing at the little bottle on the floor at the corner of the room. Doctor Eunice picked up the bottle and quickly carried Dera outside. Dermian , Peter and madam Sonia all followed Doctor Eunice leaving kelvin behind.

The police which Dermian had tipped off not minding the warnings of his wife came into the building as they were leaving. They arrested Kelvin and the guys who he was with.

The public transport was tight but no one wanted to be left behind. They all wanted to be with Dera. Dermian urged the driver to hurry up as he was ready to pay any amount needed.

Dera was still sweating after her clothes were removed inside the car. She was crying and shaking. Doctor Eunice and madam Sonia couldn't stand the pains Dera was going through. They couldn't hold back their tears as it flowed down their cheeks.

They arrived at the hospital and Doctor Eunice quickly took Dera into the emergency ward. She called for the help of other doctors. Kelvin had given Dera a deadly poison which kills in a hour. They have elapsed more than an hour and Dera was still fighting for her life.

Madam Sonia kept trying to go in but wasn't allowed. She was outside sobbing like a baby , her husband who consoled her couldn't control his tears either. They all prayed Dera is saved.

It took quite a while and doctor Eunice came out of the room wiping her tears.

Tell me she is okay doctor, Madam Sonia asked walking up to doctor Eunice immediately.

She is stable now, but needs a little time to heal ma. The poison almost damaged some organs but she will be okay if she takes the necessary drugs.

Thank God...
Thank goodness madam Sonia said holding her hands together. She she went into the room with Dermain and Peter.

There was Dera lying down innocently and sleeping. Isn't my baby girl cute madam Sonia said looking and admiring Dera.

Peter was happy Dera was safe again. He only prays the couple will forgive his wife and not send her to prison for damaging Sonia's womb.

It was night already, no one has left the hospital ever since they came in with Dera.

Dad...
Dad.... Dera called out softly..

I want to talk to my daddy Dera said as she opened her eyes. Dermain moved closer to her, I am here my child. I want to talk to me Daddy Kennedy Dera said and a tear dropped from the side of her eyes.

Dermian looked at Sonia and she nodded her head giving him a go ahead.

Dermian brought out his phone and Dera called out Kennedy's number. Dermian launched the call. It took a while then someone picked.

Kennedy: Hello
Dermian: Is this Dera's father?
Kennedy: Yes yes
Dermian: Dera wants to speak with you.
( Gives the phone to Dera)
Dera: Daddy ....
Kennedy: Yes Dera, where are you?
How are you doing?
Thank God.... Dera.... My Dera is alive..
Where are you Dera?? ( Voice filled with happiness)

( Dermian takes back the phone)

I'll like to see you here soon. I'll send you my home address so you can make it tomorrow.

The next day, Dera was free to go and she left with Dermian and Sonia.

Dermian and Sonia left Dera who was sleeping and decided to talk about those who had offended them.

What do you think we should do to my brother who is in police custody and doctor Eunice Dermian asked his wife.

Honey, Doctor Eunice damaged my womb because she was threatened. Anyone will fall for that trap, but she saved our Dera. She told us the truth and still helped us save Dera's life. I think we should have mercy on her. Your brother Kelvin was misinformed, you could see his remorse. I also think you should have mercy on him, because sending him to prison means Doctor Eunice will loose her license as a medical practitioner and will join him behind bars. The more evidence we present against Kelvin, the more it points at doctor Eunice. Besides, you can't punish your nephew and niece because of their father's sin.

The maid walked in , sorry sir. Some people are outside, they said you invited them and they are here for Dera.

That must be Kennedy Dermain said, let them in.

Kennedy came in with his wife and his two children. They had taken the first bus just to make it earlier to the place they were going to.

Kennedy walked in admiring the affluence of the entire environment especially the royalty decorated parlor. After exchanging greetings, Dermian asked them to seat down.

The maid came again, saying a couple had also come to see them. He asked to let them in. It was Doctor Eunice and her husband.

Doctor Eunice came with the 10 million that Kelvin had offered her to kill Dera. She gave the money to Dermian. He looked at her with a smile and asked her to keep the money and was forgiven already. Doctor Eunice danced around with Joy thanking the couple. She never knew wealthy people could forgive.

Dermian narrated to Kennedy briefly all that had happened and the fact that Dera was their lost daughter. Dera walked in surprised to see everyone together. Kennedy ran and hugged her. Tracy came begging Dera for forgiveness on how she treated her. The parlor was filled with emotions as madam Sonia announced to Dera that she's their daughter.

Dermian told Kennedy he will give him one of his buildings close by so he can relocate with his family. So Dera won't miss them.

Dermian asked for Kelvin to be released. Even though he acted wrongly, he was still his little brother and won't like him to spend his years behind bars. That will only bring more distance and enmity between them. Kelvin came with his family and asked for forgiveness from his brother.

A year passed by and doctor Eunice got pregnant. Peter was filled with Joy, after many years of being barren. His wife was pregnant with a child, God really showed them Mercy.

Doctor Eunice gave birth to a baby girl and named her Dera.

Three years later and Madam sonia had come as usual to the hospital to visit and pay off the debts of the poor. She walked into Doctor Eunice's office with Dera.

Dera always loved to carry doctor Eunice's daughter. So she walked up to her and lifted her up. Then she asked her jokingly as usual.

What is my name?

Your name is sister Dera..

And what is your name...

MY NAME IS DERA she said smiling sheepishly...

THE
END...

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CHAPTER 16

Before doctor Eunice left the house, Dermian called Peter telling him doctor Eunice won't go alone. He said they will come along stealthy. He asked Doctor Eunice to wait while they got prepared.

Then Dermian called Kelvin who told him he was in the office. He called the office and it was confirmed that Kelvin was in the office. Dermian got confused but decided he was going to really find out what really happened.

He suggested taking a public transport in order not to be spotted. On their way to Peter's house, Dermian called Peter when they were close to let doctor Eunice leave the house. So those watching will leave too.

Before she left, she was learned enough to turn on the location on her phone so it can be followed. When Doctor Eunice left, Peter joined Dermian in the public transport they had hired and kept following doctor Eunice.
Doctor Eunice got to the first location alone while they rest stayed far off. When Kelvin called her telling her some guys were coming to pick her up. She sent a message to her husband telling him she was going to be sent to another location.

So they came a bit closer to in order to follow the car that will come pick her up. When they car pulled over and two men carried doctor Eunice, they saw it and waited till they left. They followed them slowly so they won't be able to dictate someone tailed them. Coupled with doctor Eunice's location that was turned on.

They car had entered into a compound, it was one of Dermian's buildings that is yet to be completed. They had installed some fittings in the building. That was when Dermian started getting the feelings that Kelvin might really be involved in everything.

They waited till the guys came down from the car with doctor Eunice and entered into the building. Luckily for them, the guys had dragged doctor Eunice into the building and forgot to lock the door behind them.

They kept going from room to room quietly searching for doctor Eunice.

It was Peter who saw the room first, he walked in and saw his wife on the floor sobbing and he ran to hold her. While madam Sonia started begging Kelvin not to kîll her only daughter.

****

Don't you dare lie to me Dermian, don't you. My mother told me you did , kelvin said tightening the knîfe around Dera's neck.

I am not lying Kelvin, I swear on my mother's grave. I never told Dad anything.

Dermian was still three years old when his mother died out of illness. Dermian's father refused to take another wife because of the love he had for his dead wife. People convinced him that his little son needed a mother. He later got married to Kate, Kelvin's mother.

Kate was blessed and gave birth to a son the same year she got married. Few years after, Dermian's father had acquired more riches than he had. He became wealthy. Kate began feeling jealous of Dermian because he was going to have the lion's share of his father's wealth.

She started planning to plant the seed of hatred in the heart of Kelvin towards Dermian. But the bond the two brother's shared at their young age was so strong. They loved each other and share everything together.

Dermian's father started traveling from here to there. Most trips he spends a month or more.

That was when Kelvin's mother started cheating on her husband. On a certain day her husband wanted to surprise her, he told her he will be coming back in two days time. Both Kelvin and Dermian were not at home. Kate invited her lover into the house. Dermian's father came back and met him on their bed.

Remember Kelvin, we shared a very strong bond and I can never do anything to hurt you. So many times my step mum always talk bad about me to dad so he can hate me. But somehow dad always asks me what she told him to find out if it was the truth. During all those times, I never told you any of it because I didn't want you to turn against mum Dermian concluded with tears in his eyes.

Kelvin remembered how his mother has always tried to put enmity between him and his half brother but couldn't succeed because of the love they had for each other. His mother has always told him to make sure he takes over the wealth when he is of age. Before his mother committed súïçîdé, she had written a note for him. It was still as fresh as yesterday. It read..

" DERMIAN CAUSED MY DEATH "

It only means that his mother wanted him to hate Dermian and acquire the wealth for himself alone.

Kelvin could feel his hands shaking, how can he do all that to his innocent brother. He could feel tears roll down his cheeks
The knîfe fell off from his hand to the floor and he took a few steps backwards .

To the surprise of the guys inside the room with him, Kelvin walked towards his brother in tears.

I'm so sorry brother..
I'm so sorry... kelvin continued saying with tears.

Madam Sonia quickly rushed towards Dera and held her up. Removing the tape which Kelvin had covered her mouth with and tried untieing her legs.

Dera was sweating profusely and she suddenly started shaking.

What is wrong with her.?
Dera...
Dera ...
Sonia called out with tears. What did you do to my Dera she asked looking at kelvin. Doctor Eunice who Peter hugged released herself from his grasp and rushed towards Dera.

I'm so sorry Sonia.
I feared doctor Eunice may outsmart me as usual and come with the police. I gave Dera poison few minutes ago before Eunice walked in.

What have you done Dermian asked dragging kelvin by his shirts.

Doctor Eunice carried Dera up with tears rolling down her cheeks. Let's take her to the hospital she said.

Kelvin sat on the floor filled with remorse crying his eyes out.

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~~ MY NAME IS DERA ~~

CHAPTER 15

After Dermian had received the call, he called Kelvin asking him where he was. Kelvin told him that he was with a client in the office and they were processing a business deal which was very crucial. Dermian called the office and it was confirmed that Kelvin was really in the office with a client.

Dermian decided he was going to uncover the truth of what was really happening. If really doctor Eunice was playing games with him, he was really going to deal with her.

Madam Sonia couldn't help it, she was ready to go to the location and was waiting for Dermian. Dermian tried to call the police, but madam Sonia begged him not to call the police. She doesn't want to loose her baby girl.

***********.

Peter hugged his wife tightly and tears rolled down both their eyes. He pray they makes it out of the mess alive. The thought of loosing his wife got him scared. Doctor Eunice told Peter who didn't want to let go that time was ticking and their chances of survival were slim. They were held in between two elephants. Kelvin who was ready to kill them and go free and Dermian who is ready to get back to them for what she did to his wife and the disappearance of his daughter.

Doctor Eunice left the house alone wiping her tears. It took about half an hour and she got to the location sent to her by Kelvin. She entered and saw the area was deserted and no one stays there.

A call came into her phone telling her she should wait while someone picks her up. It took a few minutes and two guys showed up at the spot with a car. They blind folded doctor Eunice and carried her to another location.

When they arrived, they brought her out of the car and took her inside a room. When the blind fold was removed, doctor Eunice couldn't really tell where she was. The room was well illuminated and spacious. Dera was sitting on the floor with her mouth tied and her legs tied.

Oh my poor Dera... Doctor Eunice cried out trying to run towards Dera when the guys who had brought her in held her back. She couldn't stand the sight of Dera in that state and tears rolled down her cheeks as she struggled with the guys holding her.

Kelvin walked in and saw doctor Eunice struggle as the guys held her.

Doctor...
Doctor...
Doctor...

You think you can outsmart me!? You really think you can lie to me?
I didn't lie to you... All I ever said is nothing but the truth doctor Eunice said and a slap landed on her cheeks which sent her to the floor.

You don't lie when there are proofs Kelvin said looking at Doctor Eunice who was on the floor sobbing.

But how?
How did you get to know?
How did you take her from the school?
How did you make the call through my phone to confirm I sent you to take Dera? Doctor Eunice asked still sobbing.

Like I told you earlier doctor, I am smart kelvin said with a smile and took a seat. Sonia is a benevolent woman, we all know that. But Sonia has never felt the need to adopt a child ever since she lost her womb or the said dead child. All of a sudden comes to the office with a child which she felt something peculiar for. She had the need to adopt the child so did my brother. It was a bit weird but I didn't really look into it. My brother had asked the child how old she was and she said 10. My memory started kicking immediately, everything clicked in when she told me the child came from you doctor.

A child of 10 years old, they have feelings towards the child and it came from the same doctor that was supposed to kill their baby.

Tell me doctor, who won't put the pieces together? I still needed to be sure doctor because I was sure you would deny the fact.

Right there in the office, under the nose of everyone. My brother was wearing Dera a necklace, his hands didn't go round her neck due to the position he was seated and I helped him put it on her neck taking a strap of her hair.

I paid handsomely for a DNA test to be conducted quickly. My guess was right and the results showed that Dermian is the father of Dera. And as for the school management, was quite easy though.

I knew sending a male will complicate issues, so I decided to send a female figure instead. Before she arrived at the school, she called the management saying she was doctor Eunice and will be sending a co doctor to come take Dera due to emergency.

Doctor Eunice covered her mouth with her hand. It only meant that the school management had lied. They found out they had made a mistake and they pushed the blame to her. Little wonder why she never saw any call come into her phone.

Enough of talks Kelvin said and handing a knîfe to doctor Eunice. Take this and finish what you started.

No I can't , I can't do this please, just kill me and let her go doctor Eunice said and continued crying.

Kelvin got irritated and stood up. Have it your way he said and walked towards Dera with the knife. But don't say I didn't give you the opportunity to right your wrongs.

Doctor Eunice was on the floor sobbing when Peter walked in. Kelvin was surprised seeing Peter inside the room and how he discovered where they were. He was still trying to speak when Dermian and madam Sonia walked in.

Dermian was frozen seeing Kelvin holding a knîfe to the neck of Dera who was shedding tears. Sonia couldn't control her tears but joined doctor Eunice in begging Kelvin to spare the life of her only child.

Kelvin why?
Why brother?
How can you do this to me?
I never believed you can do this...
I trusted you...

What did I really do to deserve this kelvin? Dermian asked going on his knees as tears poured down his cheeks uncontrollably.

You stay there asking me what you did?
Have you forgotten so soon?
You think I'll ever forget?

My mother...
My mother committed sûíç*dé because of you Dermian. You told dad she was cheating on him. When dad caught her through you, he sent her away.She couldn't bear the shame, she had to take her life Dermian. All because of you and you ask me why? Kelvin said with tears in his eyes.

But I never told Dad anything. I never did kelvin Dermian said with tears rolling down his cheeks.

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