I sat in the quiet corner of the hospital room, the slow beeping of the monitor attached to me. I clutched the letter from Mr Okoro I had finally reached out to a step I had avoided for too long.
I waited as my entire family came into the room and the doctors followed announcing I was okay to go home. I got to the house and without waiting for me they called for a meeting.
The evening was heavy with tension as I was confronted by my entire family in the living room.
"What you did was appalling and disgraceful"
"Since you're here please do not enter my mother's kitchen ever again and just forget about school altogether"
I tuned out their voices and for the first time, I allowed myself to imagine a future not defined by pain, but by strength.
I took a deep breath and whispered, "I'm ready to fight for myself, for my dreams, not giving up on my education or my healing," I said firmly, meeting their eyes. "I need your support, not just your expectations. And to do that I'll be moving out and because I'm not an adult yet I'll be staying with big sis."
Mum has you Martin and so you can take care of your mother I haven't forgotten how you sold me out at the station and how you used the money to fix your shop and the borehole in the house.
At least my virginity amounted to something, and as for the money I did not steal from mum because right after I finished my chores I came to your shop and you know that. I know it's not really worth it explaining myself I mean.
I'll sleep here today and move out tomorrow and not cause this family anymore issues. I said my piece and left for the room I used to share with sis.
Her mother's expression softened, and her father nodded slowly.
"If you think that's the best option for you"
Thanks dad, I need to rest.
I began writing a plan: how to balance school, work, healing, and the fragile new relationship with I might start with Elliot. For the first time in months, hope felt real and my future attainable.
Later that evening I met Elliot at the park, my hand finding his.
"I want to try, really try,this time, and I know you have heard all that have happened" I said, hope shining through her nerves.
"I would love to hear from you I don't believe in baseless rumours"
I told him everything not missing a word or sugar coating anything.
"Is that why you refused my proposal?"
Yes I was scared you would hate me for it and would not want me again if you found out.
"Well I still want you and so I'll ask you again to be my girlfriend but before then I have a confession also"
Should I be scread I asked
"Depends on how you perceive or receive what am about to say"
Oh
"I know you just clocked seventeen and all and you think we are of same age but in truth I only registered for the waec again because my math in the previous one was bad and I had to resit for it, so technically I'm older by three years and also the company you're going to be working alongside Ada is my company I started right after that waec three years ago"
Wait what?
"I know this is too much to take in but just listen to me please"
I.. I thought, wait, hold on
"My full name is actually Elliot Nkemachor Okoro"
Oh my god!
"Mr Okoro who is in charge of your scholarship is my dad"
No way!
"So I'll ask you again, will you still be my girlfriend and the mother of my future kids"
"Say yes silly"
I turned to see Ada grining from ear to ear
Yes I said as I was wrapped in a tight embrace "you know I'm not ready to be a mother any time soon right"
"Yes I know, but you're the only woman for me regardless.
Together, we stepped into an uncertain but promising future.