Alec did not only pick up the divorce papers; he also sent them to Willaim’s family house.

“Why did you do that?” I had cautioned him, totally scared for both his safety and mine.

“You don’t know what William’s is capable of.”

“He can’t do anything. His condition would be worse in few weeks if care is not taken.”

My ears tingled upon hearing the last statement. “What conditions are you talking about, and how did you come to hear about them?

“Don’t worry, it’s totally none of our business.” unable to hide his emotion any longer, he draws me closer to himself and bestores a kiss on my cheek. A moment that was suddenly interrupted by Williams.

Williams rushes at Alec and lands heavy blows on him before he can react.

“Can you both stop this? I screamed at the top of my voice until two hefty security men rushed in and separated the duo.

“Williams’s fist was badly bruised; as for Alec, he was rolling in pain, and his lips were bleeding profusely.

The security men led Williams out while a nurse was sent in to tend to Alec’s bruised lips.

I didn’t know the gravity of Alec’s wound until the doctor told me that he needed to be stitched.

“The cut on his lips is very deep. He’s lucky he didn’t lose a tooth too.

First, it was me, now my best friend.

What other misfortune does today have in stock for me?

Her marriage with Williams had been canceled and she’s pregnant with twins unsure of what to do with the pregnancy.

The night I was discharged, Alec had requested to take me home, for some reasons, I had calmly turned him down. “Your wound is yet to heal. I will be just fine.”

Although I had assured him of my safety, I still saw fear and concern in his eyes.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you home?”  He said lowering his gaze to my feet, a gesture I immediately decoded.

At home, I busied myself with putting my things together.  While at the hospital, I had concluded that leaving town was the best option for my unborn babies and I. The hostility I had encountered these past days was traumatizing enough. 

When I was done and satisfied with the number of clothes I had folded into my bag, I smiled an all-knowing smile before zipping up the bag.

“By this time tomorrow, I would be far away from the troubles in Willowbrook” A statement I made amidst silent sighs.

I knew Alec would be terribly hurt by this decision, but it was for the best.

The next day, I was ready to leave. I linger on a portrait by my bed stand, it was a portrait of good luck given to me by grandma. 

“It will always bring you good tidings' ' grandma had muttered into my ears on her deathbed.

That night after her passage, I placed it in my small room, a room I shared with my sister ; Shirley. Every night, I blew kisses at it with hope that it would bring some good tidings like grandma said, but never for once did I get to have a taste of sweetness until the one night stand with Williams; a one-night stand that brought me an inch closer to the devil and his stings.

I quickly wiped off the tears dripping down my face, adjusted my dress and picked up my luggage beside my bed.

It’s been five years since I left Willowbrook and broke contact with everyone, my parents inclusive. 

Laura, Lilian and James were seated at the row beside me in the noisy train. James is an unmistakable carbon-copy of Williams, with his high cheekbones and blue eyes. As for Laura and Lilian, they are identical. The duo took after me, something I found very amusing, since my doctor had told me before their birth that they were not identical. The children didn’t even notice that I was staring, they were so hooked up with the Nintendo game James was playing.

I smile in satisfaction. Five years ago, I would have been worried about their upkeep, but I had successfully landed a good job in one of the biggest Production companies and was able to save up for their upkeep and schooling too.

The owner of the company was so impressed with my inputs that he directed me to supervise the running of their new branch in Willowbrook.

It was an all expense trip and a furnished apartment was also waiting for me on arrival in Willowbrook.

What more can I ask for?

I had also found a way to reach out to Alec. He was so excited and promised to come pick me up at the airport. “Young man, it’s us” I had playfully chadded.

“Oh! That’s true. How can I forget about my little prin….” I knew he was unsure of their gender, so, I hastily chipped in “It’s a boy and two girls”

“That’s awesome. A boy and two girls?” I knew he was not expecting a triplet. The doctor had said babies and we concluded that they were twins.

“You’re the strongest woman I know” He quickly added, sincerity written all over his voice.

“Thanks for the kind words. You are the best friend I would ever have”

At the airport, amidst the noisiness and bustliness, I could make out Alec waving happily at us from afar.

“Is that man waving at us? James asked between smiles.

“Yeah, that’s my best friend, Alec. He’s here to pick us up”

“Is he married?’ Lilian asks, tugging at the hem of my skirt.

“I do not know. You can ask him yourself”

The drive back home was a very chatty one. The kids conversed with Alec like they had known him for years. 

Although we arrived late to the new apartment, I could visibly make out the shadow of the figure standing beside the dwarfed gate with his two hands proudly stuck into the back pocket of his jean trouser; My ex. Husband, Williams.