CHAPTER 4: REMEMBERING

The next morning, Ava woke up to an eerie silence. There was no shouting, no screaming. Ava peeked downstairs, and her eyes widened. The family was gone.

She spotted Anna she was also a maid and also her only friend in the house. " Anna, what's going on?". Ava whispered.

Anna glanced around nervously." They're at a business meeting! You can take it easy today", Ava eyes widened, she quickly finished her chores and snatched a moment to herself. She treated her bruises, waving her injuries.

As she settled back into the bed, memories flooded her mind

15 YEARS AGO

8 years old Ava, wakes up in the same room they put her in. The family nanny Mrs Penelope, gentle and caring. She had no child of her own. She is a widow whose husband die in and accident 3 years ago. She refuse to marry again and mourn her husband, making her a widow and childless. She loves and adorn children a lot, and she loves Ava dearly.

Mrs Penelope has been the family nanny before Ava was born, and had tried to persuade Ava parents to stop the way they are treating her, but it was to no gain.

She had been Ava only solace.

Helping Her get dressed in her worn clothes. "Sweetheart, try not to bump into anyone ", Mrs Penelope said worriedly.

"okay nanny", little Ava answered back.

As soon as she walked out of the room , she bumps into her mother, Mrs catherine. the woman looked at her like she's dirt

Little Ava oblivious to anything, "mommy why do you hate me ? Aren't you my mommy ?", Ava asked.

Her mother slapped her, hissing. " you spoiled the deal always remember that. You spoilt my shown of more wealth. you are a hindrance, you unwanted things!".

The nanny who was passing , had the mother words and intervene, her voice soft but form. " please ma'am.... maybe she didn't mean to bump into you , it might have been a mistake " , mrs catherine just hissed and walked away.

Mrs Penelope guides Ava away, whispering," it's okay sweetie, let's get you treated".

Ava clings to her , "Nanny ,why don't mommy like me? ". the nanny smiled sadly. " she's just..... having a hard time baby. but I'm here".

13 YEARS AGO

Ava now 10 years old sneaks to peeks at her brothers lessons. Her brothers Ethan who is 7 years and Lucas who is 6.

Ava peeks through the cracked door eyes wide with curiosity. Her brothers lucas and Ethan, sit at the table with there'd stern lesson teacher. lucas glances up , catches her eyes... and smile . but Ethan shoves him back , "don't look at her".

The teacher drills multiplication table into the body's memory. while Ava mouths the words silently, storing them away like treasures, she loves learning, but they never taught her.

Suddenly, Ethan kicks the chair . Ava flinches. "She's watching again".he sneers. " MOMMY",he yells. mrs catherine storms in , "what is going on ?". The teacher me philip jumps I , pointing directly to ava. "she is distracting them, ma'am". Mrs catherine gaze narrows, sending dangerous glares to ava.

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

Mrs catherine drags Ava out by the ear. "you useless girl, what do you even think you are doing there hmmm , you want to ruin everything", she hissed hitting Ava. "I regret the day the heavens choose to give you to me ",she spits , her eyes and cold as I've. Ava flint, the words cutting deep into her that she couldn't understand. fresh ,raw tears spilling from her eyes.

Mr victor steps in glancing at Ava. little Ava thinking he was going to defend her until be broke her heart more. "you're a mistake, don't go around infecting others with your mistake", he said without remorse . Ava heart sank more , tears welled up in her eyes.

The nanny burst in , " Stop! let the poor child be , leave her alone !", she shields Ava, glaring at her parents." you two should be ashamed of yourselves".

" Don't you dare lecture us mrs Penelope", mrs catherine counter back angrily. " why shouldn't I lecture you both, feel me , you two are supposed to be her parents , her guidance ,her shield . But nooooo , you both are monsters and a disgrace to parenthood", The nanny counter back with the same energy.

Smack.....

Catherine slapped mrs penelope hard enough to make her fall, but penelope refuse to fall and stood her ground. "DON'T YOU DARE MRS PENELOPE, you have no right, no right I say to intervene in any things that happens in this house, you barren and widow woman ", she said angry.

mrs penelope heart was torn apart from those words , her composure shifted slightly for a minutes behind she masked it off.

" I might not be a mother, nor have a husband anymore but no wise parents, would be so dense, so reserved, so filthy stupid in treating their child, their daughter flesh and blood the manner you both are doing", Mrs Penelope countered back voice firm. "And Ethan", she said facing him "I didn't raise you to be rude". "And both of you" she said turning to the parents," you two don't deserve her". With that she turned and carrier the already crying Ava into her arms to the room, closing the door behind her.

Mrs Penelope wraps Ava in a warm blanket tears streaming down Ava face. " Nanny (sniff, sniff), why don't they like me. they like my brothers even baby Sophia but not me? ", she cried.

"No No baby, don't cry sweetie", the nanny whispers softly, saying words of comfort to Ava.

"But they don't like me, they hate me ".

"Oh my dear, They're broken baby. But I see you ", she said patting Ava back, taking her face in her hands, sending few shattered hair that was covering Ava face to the back of Ava ear away from her messy face.

"But they call Ava a bad childd, that m I'm a shame to them, a mistake", Ava cried out

"Oh dear, my baby, you're beautiful the way you are, you are not like them, you are smart, you are kind..... you're enough, they are blind to see what they are missing, but I see you and I love you, you are never a shame.

Ava burrows into Mrs Penelope body, hugging her tight afraid she might go away," I love you nanny, I wish you were my mommy", Ava said between soft tears calming down.

"Oh, my child, I love you too, you are my daughter my children consider me as your mother if it makes your happy, you are always enough", Mrs Penelope said tears streaming down her face.

10 years ago

The house was quiet today, the whole family had gone out for an occasion. The maids were slacking off because their masters weren't around.

13 years Ava was in the kitchen, where her Nanny had told her to stay before she went to the back of the house. The doorbell rang once, twice, then goes off again, and again. "Why isn't anyone answering", Ava whispered to herself. Curious to know, Ava peeked through the kitchen door, finding no one there. " Why isn't anyone here, nanny said I shouldn't leave the kitchen", Ava wondered on what to do.

"Oh, I know, I'll quickly check and return back to the kitchen, with that in mind Ava set off to know who's at the door.

'Ping ping' the doorbell rang out again

"Wait, hold on I'm coming", Ava said rushing to the door.

Ava opened the door, seeing that it was me Philip her brother's teacher. Ava mood change. " Sorry sir, the family aren't around, and I don't know when they would be returning". With that been said, Ava was about to shut the door but Mr Philip put his leg in stopping the door. He stepped into the house, his gaze wandering around before settling it on Ava.

They have been rumors of Mr Philip misbehavior with little girls, especially his female students when there parents aren't around or looking.

Mrs penelope had warned Ava to stay away from me philip, mostly never to be alone with him, when no one is around, that she doesn't liking the vibes she get from him. And Ava on the other hand don't like the teacher, since the day he lied she did something she didn't do when she was 10.

"hello sir , they are not around", Ava said once again.

"Hmm , is that so then I'll wait for them to return, I see you're the only one here", mr philip said smiling, looking around in case for any one .

Ava looks at me philip cautiously moving back. "I'm not alone, Nanny is here she is just at the back of the house and she would be back soon. sorry to sir someone else will attend to you, nanny said I shouldn't leave the kitchen". with this Ava was ready to dash back into the kitchen but was grabbed tightly by Mr philip, startling Ava.

"Ah , child running off so soon, uncle has a lot of things to teach you and also show you new things you never new about, Don't you want to learn new things, now nobody is around". His voice low and full with anticipation Ava couldn't tell .

"Sorry sir, I don't want to learn anything, nanny warned me to stay away from people like you and I don't like you , you're rude . Now sir please let go of my hands , it hurting me". With that Ava tries to pull frees herself from his grip

"Oh, no dear you must and you will", philip said dragging her.

"Hey sir , what are you doing, let go ,NANNY! NANNY!!",Ava screamed desperately for help.

Mr philip covered her mouth, *Hey this foolish girl stop shouting, or I'll deal with you, do you wanna see some lollipop it sweet and delicious and you know it can also do alot of things.

"NO!"Ava bits his hands, " I don't want your lollipop or anything, I want my nanny , I don't like you, nanny says you are a dangerous, that I should STAY away".

Ava tries to wriggle out of Mr Philip grip, but it didn't work. Mr Philip taking advantage of the situation that Ava was a weak little girl, which was oblivious. He pinned her to the chil muffing her sounds.

Mr philip taking hold of the situation, abused Ava step by step , thank goodness Mrs Penelope came in during the process taking the scene in front of her, she immediately picked up a vase close to her smashing it on Mr philip.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING, MR PHILIP",Mrs Penelope roared ,her voice cracking, taking hold of him , she hugged him furiously pouring out all her anger on him.

Mr philip caught unaware and red-handed was stunned.

(wah ×3) nanny, it hurts,Ava body is hurting her ,(wah×3)nanny ", Ava cried.

"Oh dear, oh my baby ,let get you to the hospital",Mrs Penelope said alarmed, scared and tearing up for Ava sake.

During all the commotions, the Treason family returned. Mr Victor was the first to asked, " what's going on here",he demanded voice stern.

"What going on here, is that this man here abused Ava and I caught him red-handed." Mrs penelope said angrily pissed off.

"That's not true sir, I came for your son's lesson, only to found out that you all were not around , I turned to leave but this girl stopped me , pleading she want to learn what the boys use to learn , even things beyond her age, so I taught her and nothing else", Mr philip lied.

"That not true, I wanted to go back but he didn't let me , I never said any of those things he said he is lying , he is touching me and doing the bad things that nanny said was bad. I was so sad and scared", Ava said clinging to Mrs Penelope sobbing like her life depend on it.

"Oh please , boys go to your room", " hey come here " a maid came ," Take sophia freshen her up , then feed her.

"And you" , mrs catherine finally said turning to face the trembling Ava.

"You're a clueless girl , I know what you can do , you love to lie".Mrs catherine spat in disdain.

"You should be ashamed of yourself mrs catherine, if you can't stand up for your child ", penelope said low and calmed ." if you can't, YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO WOMANHOOD AND PARENTHOOD ", YOU ARE A DISGRACE, BOTH OF ARE A SHAME, YOU MAKE ME SICK", penelope spit on the floor.

"And you", Mrs penelope said turning to meet Me philip shameful face ". Karma never fails you will pay".

With no time to waste ,she carried the already passed out Ava, immediately to the hospital, leaving the family and gathered eyes looking at the scene bewildered in their thoughts.

18 years ago

"Nanny where are we going", little 5 years old Ava asked for the tenth times, because this was her first time going out side the house.

"Sweetie, we are going to the store to get some food stuffs and you will be coming with me today", Mrs Penelope answered fixing Ava scarf because it was weather.

"Wow that means Ava will see a lot of people", Ava happily said clapping her hands and spinning around.

"Baby if anyone ask you what your name is ,you tell tell is sweetie",Mrs Penelope said adjusting Ava outfit and her scarf that wah embroidered with the letter A which stands for Ava.

Mrs penelope made it for Ava on her 3rd birthday since nobody remember or cared, And it was actually Mrs Penelope that named Ava ,'Ava' since her parents didn't care.

"But Ava name is Ava ",little ava said confuse .

" I know baby , but you can't go telling people your name is Ava, don't trust anyone my sweetie", Mrs Penelope said.

"Ok, nanny ", Ava answered smiling.

Mrs Penelope was actually afraid of her parents finding out about her taking her out. they never let her leave the house , ashamed she will bring bad luck to their name , always locking the poor girl, maltreatment her, but my Ava is a beautiful child, blessed with a fair skin, our and innocent, blonde hair , and her beautiful sky blue enchanting eyes, that will attract attention, too bad Ava parents is too blinded by their greed for money and a first son s than a girl to see the good thing that will come out from Ava.

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

This has been Ava first time been out for shopping with her Nanny, it was like a present to her.

_ She was mesmerized by everything, Ava clapped and Smiled brightly, calling out to her Nanny excitedly, pointing at everything.

The mall was packed with unfamiliar faces Ava had ever seen. people bustled , buying stuff, some stopping to stare at the happy Ava , stunned by her beauty.

The nanny set little Ava down to grab something, when she turned, Avs was gone! panic set in,she shouted , frantic.

Meanwhile , little Ava oblivious to the chaos she had caused, wandered, 'exploring'. He left the store , curious eyes scanning. her little legs led her down a path, not too far, but far enough, she had a sound.

Curiosity got the best of her, she stumbled upon a boy stuck in a pit .Ava helped home dispute her hands been tiny and little.

"How did you fall, nanny said we should always be careful",Ava scolded, voice bablish but firm.

"Hmm , thank you , what is your name",the boy asked curiously.

"Sweetie", Ava responded smiling.

"sweetie"!!, the boy said confuse.

"Yes sweetie",Ava pointed to herself. "nanny said I shouldn't tell people my name".Ava said.

"Sweetie when I grow up I will marry you",the boy suddenly confessed.

"What is marry?, will Ava be taken ", Ava asked confuse at the word marry.

"when I grow up , I will marry you sweetie", the boy said once again.

"Does it mean Ava get to eat a lot of sweet things",Ava asked gleaming.

"Yes , you will , and I would protect you",the boy answered proudly.

"Aaaaeee",Ava screamed in her tiny voice bouncing around. "Ava has never eaten many sweet things, my daddy and momma beat me whenever I ask , only my baby baby brothers, nanny is the one good to me , letting me eat sweet things and never beat me ". Ava busy murmuring out.

"Your mommy and daddy hit you", the boy asked. "Yes, the hit me sometimes, only nanny use to fight for me ", Ava said once again.

"sorry",the boy suddenly said." it's okay ", Ava said smiling.

"You're beautiful" ,the boy suddenly blurted out making Ava smile because she knows ' beautiful ' is a good thing , her Nanny calls he beautiful sometimes.

"Here, take this it cold outside", Ava said pulling off her scarf putting it out the boy shoulder, you are cold , my nanny gave this to me and I really, really love it".

"See her the first letter of my real name is on it , don't tell anyone",she whispered, pointing at the embroidered LETTER A. "And you must look for me ,so I can eat a lot of all the sweet things you said, promise".

" I promise", the boy said.

Since it was dark a little in where they where ,the boy didn't get to see her face clearly neither was Ava too.

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

Chaos still reigned outside. Ava was still missing. the nanny voice was frantic, calling out in the crowded mall. unaware of the drama , Ava heard her Nanny call, "Sweetie"!!!!!! ' Nanny's calling me',Ava thought. ' Guess I'd better go ', Ava turned to the boy and to the curious sight she had discovered and left waving Goodbye.

The nanny spotted Ava, she RAN, hugging Ava tight, mumbling thanks to God. "where were you, young lady?", she asked , calming down, eyes still wide with worry.

Ava pointed to the direction she'd come from. "There was a boy stuck in a pit. I helped him".

the nanny gasped, dramatically:" you want to give me an heart attack?!",with a hint of seriousness. " what if something happened? you can't just wander off like that !!!".

"Sorry Nanny .Ava won't do it again I promise", she said , lowering her head ,lips trembling.

The nanny softened, hugging Ava again. " it's ok, darling. let get you home.......wait , where's your scarf,Ava?".

Ava beamed; I gave it to the boy . He was cold . I was happy I helped,Nanny!".

The nanny smiled, "oh, my sweetie, that was your first gift . you gave it with love ".

Ava grinned.' I don't mind. can we help the boy again?".

the nanny chuckled, squeezing Ava hand affectionately. "we'll see, sweetie. let's go home now".

Ava smiled placing her hands on her Nanny.

Back to reality

Waking up, Ava's dreams still lingered, soaked in sweat and unnoticed tears. She sat up, crying for as long as she could breathe . her chest hurt. the weight of unspoken words pressed down.

She doesn't understand why she was hated. it wasn't my fault she'd been born a girl. memories flooded, the whispers , the promise, the cold shoulder....the only love she had known was mrs penelope, her Nanny, sacked years ago after Ethan had 16.

Mrs penelope was sick now, hospitalized,and Ava's only urge was to help , she would do anything for the one only person which was mrs penelope. She hated her parents, why? why had they let her be abused ? And didn't believe her....if they were her parents, she hated them with everything call hate.

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