SLEEPLESS SEASON

The morning sun greets me. It is not like I was asleep. No! It is my sleepless season again. And yet again, because of that monster. I cursed him a million times. I spent the whole freaking night tossing and turning and thinking, trying to crack these puzzles. But until this minute, not even a single one has been solved.

I turn to the other side to find my sister just staring at the ceiling. It seems like she did not have even just a few winks last night. Who could have slept in this situation, huh?

“I guess you did not sleep too?” She speaks first, turning her head to me.

“How could I? With Deep missing and his parents coming over here, and given what I am coming to tell them and the fact that his mother detests me, how could I have slept? My head is banging me like hell.” I say this as we both pull ourselves up and rest our backs on the headrest of the bed.

“You need to take things slow. Know that you are not alone in this fight. Speaking of your future in-laws, how do you think they will take this?” She asks me a question that I do not want to think about.

How will they take it? First, do they even know about this Ejay? Does Deep’s father know that he has a bastard son out here? Does Deep’s mother know about her husband’s bastard son? If not, how in hell will I break it down to them? Should I call his father aside and fill him with the truth that his bastard son is such a monster? That will seem odd! If they are both aware, then that will be easy but heartbreaking, especially in the part where we suspect Deep is in the captivity of his half-brother. And hell will break loose if they learn that I am the reason behind the half brothers’ crash. His mother might strangle me to death. I guess from the last conversation we had at Deep’s house, she will throw all the blame at me. I will surely get it from her.

“I have no worries about his father, although I cannot be confident either. I mean, it is his son we are talking about. And the other one is his son too. And I am in the center of their crash. His mother is the one I am so worried about. She will not listen to me at all. She will blame it all on me. Well, it is not like she will be making a mistake, though. I am indeed to blame. I am more worried about how she will take the news of her son being kidnapped by his other brother, whom she probably does not know about.” I explain. I honestly feel for that woman, especially if the real identity of Ejay comes as a surprise to her. That will tear her into pieces.

“This is such a tough one. I cannot imagine what awaits you. But I am here for you. For whatever you may need.” Grace says, rubbing my shoulder.

I pat her back. “Pray that his mother does not kill me today.” I crack a bitter joke.

“She won't, trust me. Especially if she knows about all that you are doing for the sake of Deep. She was just under pressure that day. Everything will go well. Trust me.” She consoles again.

“Okay. Fingers crossed.” I say.

“So, what do you plan to do after you tell them the truth? I mean, we need to find Deep as soon as possible. I want you two to find each other again soon so that you can fight this demon together. And continue your beautiful love story.” Grace adds.

Our beautiful love story, huh?

Bitter smirk!

If I had only spoken my feelings out sooner, it would surely be a beautiful and sweet love story. We would be fighting this monster together, hand in hand. But see myself now. I swear, I would never want to be that stupid again in my life.

"I'll do whatever it takes to bring Deep back. I just can't bear the thought of him being in danger because of me."

She turns to me, her expression serious. "But we have explored all the places that Deep could have been here in Mombasa. Where else will you look? Do you know if Ejay had any hideouts or a branch of his brothels here?” Grace asks with concern.

Is there a branch here? I never heard about it before. But anything is possible with that monster. He is still powerful, as it seems, so opening new businesses is not a big deal. Another banging question: how is he able to withdraw money from his accounts? I have a question that I need to find out. He should not be roaming that freely since he is supposed to be in prison, according to what netizens know. Where is he getting all this freedom? “Not that I knew of. But I will keep looking even if I have to go to all the places here in Mombasa or in the whole world," I say.

“But won’t that expose us to more danger?” Grace asks.

I glance at Grace, my eyes filled with determination. "I can't just sit down and wait here, Grace. I need to do something. I need to find a way to help bring Deep back."

Grace nods in understanding; her expression is one of unwavering support. "We'll figure something out, Gia. We will find a way to search for him further, but we need to be smart about it. We can't afford to take unnecessary risks."

I take a deep breath, the resolve solidifying within me. "I won't let fear hold me back. I'll find a way to help, and I'll bring Deep back, no matter what it takes. I screwed that monster before. I believe I can do it again."

Grace places a hand on my shoulder, her voice filled with conviction. "We'll do it together, Gia. We'll find a way to bring Deep back, and we'll put an end to this nightmare once and for all. And this time we will make sure that the monster is gone for good from our lives. We will not have to worry about him again. And you and Deep can find the happiness that you both deserve."

Amen to that!

With determination burning in my heart, I etch in my heart not to rest until Deep is safely by my side. I will definitely find a way to help, to be a part of the solution, and to ensure that my tormentor's grip on any of my close persons' lives is broken once and for all.