The exam week passed by very quickly, and so did Ellen's healing. It was soon time for vacation break, and Ellen was happy she would be seeing her mom again, that too without the cast or crotch. It was funny when the nurse informed her of her recovery and had to learn how to walk like a baby. Henry had been very supportive and earned the trust of Abby and Kelly, who were now their biggest fans. "Here, have this. It's my card, call me sometimes, okay. It was great meeting you; you made my semester more fun and interactive. By the way, you need to study hard because we have the quiz right after WASSCE, which is a semester away, alright?" Henry made a farewell conversation as they waited for his driver. Ellen had already decided to go with her friends and so refused Henry when he invited her for a ride. He gave her his card and advised her to study. They were still talking when a black Lexus pulled in front of them. Henry bid her farewell and got inside with a smile that had Ellen almost in tears. She was sure going to miss this troublesome but heart-throbbing senior. Everyone had left, leaving a few students on campus. Ellen and her friends finally left, and she was happy to be back in the neighborhood she grew up in. Few people she met on her way welcomed her with a smile, and it felt great to be back, home sweet home. Ellen halted in her steps when she saw a car that looked like Henry's car parked in front of her house. She would have believed Henry found his way to her house if the car weren't white in color instead of black. With a look of surprise on her face, she entered the house to be greeted by a sweet fragrance and a gloomy mother, which was unusual. The more unusual thing that caught her eye was the handsome young man seated by her mother. The man was not too dark or too fair but had a perfectly toned skin; he was tall and muscular, and he had an aura that reeked of power and wealth. His demeanor was an honorable and respectful one. Ellen turned nervous all of a sudden as she tried to utter greetings. "Um, good afternoon, sir, mom." She found her voice finally, her eyes pleading for an introduction since they were meeting for the first time. Ellen had an uneasy feeling about this meeting and felt suffocated. The strange, handsome man had mixed feelings in his beautiful eyes as they swept over Ellen from head to toe. There was no argument, Ellen was the replica of her mom, extremely gorgeous even in their current financial situation. "She's the one you've been waiting for. Meet Ellen, our daughter. Ellen, this is your father." Esinam introduced her with tears, and the next thing they knew, Ellen fainted. Without wasting much time, they rushed her to the nearest hospital near Nima in his fancy car.
…
"Elena, please calm down; she's going to be fine." The man consoled the woman beside her daughter's bed. She got pissed and dragged the man aside to talk. "What do you want from us, Aaron? Haven't you done enough? Why on earth are you back? My daughter and I have been living happily without you, so why are you here after thirteen (13) good years? You never looked back once; you never tried to check up on us. You just left like we meant nothing to you at all, and you suddenly come back into our lives, for what?" Esinam vented her anger, which was stored up inside her for years, as tears flowed freely. "I know I deserve your fury and more, Elena. No amount of words can make up for what I did, but that's why I am back. I want to make amends, Elena. Please let me own up to my mistakes." Aaron pleaded with tears as well. One can say it was the harsh, resounding slap that woke Ellen up, but none noticed. She just stared at them as the events from a while ago came rushing to her mind like a wave, making shock envelop her tightly, like a cover cloth in cold weather. How could this man be her father? Her father died years ago, right? She had vague memories of him, as she was just two when she stopped seeing her father. She grew up with the thought that her father was dead since that was what she was told. So, what was the meaning of this? She didn't have enough time to think as her ears picked up her mother's words: "Make amends? Did you just say make amends? What exactly do you want to amend, huh? The broken marriage, my broken heart, the deprivation of a father figure to my child, or you leaving with just a piece of paper left behind? Tell me, Aaron, what do you want to amend?" Esinam had to do her best and keep her voice and temper down to avoid making a nasty scene in the hospital. The duo still had no idea the daughter in question was listening to them with endless tears. "All of it, Elena. Just give me a chance, please. I know I'm late, but I'm here now. Let me correct my mistakes and be a better man for you and our daughter, please." Aaron still worked his luck and tried to touch her, but she went two steps back. "Don't you dare touch me, Aaron. There's nothing you can do that can change the past. Please just leave us alone. I may not be as wealthy as you are because you destroyed me, but I've been taking care of my daughter, and I will continue to do so. We don't need you or your amendment." Elena refused. "You are still as stubborn as you've always been. Yes, I can't change the past, but I can change the present, Elena. Just let me." Aaron pushed. "Elena? You are called Elena? What else are you hiding from me, Mom?" Ellen decided to finally make it known she's awake. Both man and woman turned to face her as if they had forgotten she was on a hospital bed. Elena had to swallow her words as the doctor entered at that moment, and she wiped her tears. "Good evening, everyone. I'm glad to see you are awake, dear. How are you feeling?" The doctor spoke with a smile. "I'm okay." Ellen replied with a faint smile. "How is your diet, dear? Have you been taking care of yourself well?" The doctor asked with concern. Ellen nodded. "Why are you asking, doctor? Is something wrong with her?" Elena asked, looking from the doctor to her daughter. "The thing is, her test results show she has an ulcer, but don't panic. It's a mild one which can be cured with proper care." The doctor explained. "Ellen, do you know about this? Why didn't you tell me?" Elena asked her daughter. "I found out when I was in school, but I had a very great nurse who took care of me. I'm fine, believe me." She explained, and a splint of light passed through her eyes when she mentioned a great nurse; this didn't go unnoticed by Aaron. He wanted to ask, but kept it to himself as he wasn't on her good side yet. The doctor prescribed some drugs for her after explaining she had fainted due to shock and should be monitored closely. Aaron left to settle the bills and drove them home after buying the drugs from the pharmacy. Ellen stormed off immediately after the car parked in front of her house, which shocked some passersby. Everyone was curious as to who this man was and what relation he had with them for Ellen to behave rudely towards him, which was unlike her. Aaron attempted to go after her, but Elena stopped him. "Let me be the one to speak to her, Aaron. As you can see, none of us was prepared for this." Elena said. "I understand. Please accept this and use this phone. At the moment, only my contact is stored on it. Please don't hesitate to call me, Elena. I really want to fix things." Aaron said, placing the fat envelope on the stool when she didn't take it together with the phone. Elena just stared at him as he boarded his car and drove off. She finally picked the items and went inside to face her confused and raging daughter. "Ama, why don't you change your clothes and have some food so you can take your medications?" Elena urged. "Mom, I want to know everything, please. You've kept me in the dark for so long. Tell me what happened. I want the full story in detail." Ellen said, tears threatening to fall once again. "Alright, my dear. I'll tell you everything. Sit please…" Elena said and began her narration.