Alfred – One Sided Love Story

Life can be so unpredictable, right? One moment, everything’s smooth sailing, and the next, it’s like you’re caught in a chaos. This is exactly what happened to Alfred, a young boy who faced unimaginable trials, but held onto hope and friendship. Let’s see twists, turns, and an unbreakable bond.

Alfred – One Sided Love Story

Alfred’s life takes a tragic turn due to a series of events involving his family and friends. His father, Mr. Gideon, a respected pastor, advises his friend Mr. Daniel to marry Lilian, Sandra’s younger sister. Sandra harbors deep resentment and orchestrates a series of malicious actions that culminate in Alfred being falsely accused of rape and murder, leading to his imprisonment. Laura, Mr. Daniel’s daughter and Alfred’s childhood friend, stands by him despite the accusations. Years later, Alfred is released, and their connection deepens as they face the aftermath of Sandra’s schemes and their intertwined fates.

Episode 1 : Betrayal and False Accusations

Life was going smoothly for my father Mr Gideon , he owns a church named “ The Christian church “ as a very popular man of God who preach the gospel of Christ and pray for people , he was respected by all, the church auditorium contains more than 500 people!! He was very devoted to the things of God!!

My father’s best friend mr Daniel wanted to marry his fiancé Sandra, but sandra wasn’t ready due to her extravagant lifestyle and lies, she wasn’t straight forward, she has a very high taste and made things difficult for my father’s friend! so one day my father advised him marry Sandra’s younger sister named Lilian!!

Not too long mr daniel broke up with Sandra after finding out she slept with one of the pastor in my father’s church ,so he used the opportunity to propose to Lilian her younger sister, she accepted cause she loved him too! They got married in my fathers church!! And life began, My father got married too.

Sandra hated pastor Gideon for advising her ex Mr Daniel to marry her younger sister, and she also hated her sister for betraying her, it was an issue but they soon settled it and everyone was at peace with each other!!
But Sandra vow to make them pay while pretending to forgive them!!

Mr Daniel and my father Gideon lived in same estate, as friends, both wives were best friends too, most times the best friends goes out together for evangelism, they also work in same company.
Sandra married but was chased out cause of her attitude, she talks a lot and she’s never satisfied , so her younger sister took her in, she became jealous of her sister and her sisters husband but she pretended!!

Soon Daniel’s wife got pregnant first she gave birth and when the baby was 6months old Sandra k!lled the baby boy, no one could trace what happened , it was a devastating moment for her sister Llilian and her husband!!
Soon my mother gave birth to me and named me Alfred! I was just two years old when my mother’s friend took in and birthed a female , my father named her Laura.

It was a great day and lots of jubilation and happines, the friendship between my father and his friend blossom that they were envied!!
Sandra nursed Laura and took care of her, several times she inflicted injuries on her because she hated her, she always say she’ll deal with me and Laura.

As young friends we never knew her plan!!!
I became 9 and Laura was 7 years old, i was known and addressed as “pastor Gideon’s son”” I started following my fathers footsteps, i and Laura were best friends, attends same school and play together all the time!
One day we were having dinner and mr Daniel said “ Gideon, what if your son marries my daughter? I want our friendship to continue and never end”.

You can’t choose a man for my niece! Laura’s aunt Sandra interupted.
Calm down sandra , he’s only trying to say Something!! My mother responded.
Well, it’s a good idea, seeing them grow together means they’ll be best friends in the future!! My father Gideon said.

Sandra got angry and said “ well, my ex married my sister so maybe it may happen to your daughter!!
Can you just stop this sandra, We’ve passed this story okay! Laura’s father said.
Let’s toast to Laura and Alfred, they’ll keep this family, love alive!!
They all answered Amen except Sandra.

I never understood what was going on, so I held Laura and told her we should go outside and play!! We went outside to play, Sandra came and started showing us p@rn to watch, it became her habit, she’ll warn us not to tell anyone, me and Laura will sit down together in the garden and watch it together with her! She even told me to stop going to church with my father,

I told my mother about the type of movie I watch, I even demonstrated it but she never believed her best friend’s sister would teach me such!!
Laura came to our flat one sunny day, I was in my room watching cartoon when she reluctantly changed the channel, we began to watch a movie where two people cut themselves and made a promise to each other!!
I searched for a blade and said we should do exactly what they did!!

She nodded as a signal that i should continue talking!
I brought out a blade and myself, I held her hand and She became scared!!
I am going to say what the guy said and you’ll repeat after me!!
She nodded again.

Do you love me? I asked even if i don’t know what it means.
Yeah? I love you!! She responded.
Promise me we’ll always be together no matter what happens.. I continued.
I promise!
I love you Laura!
I love you too!!

I cut my thumb and we did exactly what they did, licking each other’s blood,
But what does it mean? Can we ask our parents? Laura asked.
Yes, let’s ask them!! I responded,
On our way to play we saw Sandra and we decided to ask her, we didn’t hide anything, we told her what we did innocently..

you’ve done a very bad thing! I will tell your parents and they’ll flog you Both.
No aunt Sandra, don’t tell her, ! I said.
She laughed and left!!

Two days later, aunt Sandra came , my father had already gone to church with his friend , so I was left alone with my Laura and Her aunt
When she came she said “ I am not married because of your mother Laura, your mother took my husband from me and she thinks she’ll be happy? I am not happy and she and her family will never be happy” I’ve tried several times to k!ll you and destroy this friendship of your father and Alfred’s father!

Why are you angry? I asked.
I don’t even want to talk to you kids, your father advised my ex to marry my sister! I hate you and I hate Laura too!! I am single because of Gideon and Daniel including my own sister lilian.
Let’s go watch cartoon Laura ! I innocently said.
Stop there! I’ll tell your mother and father what I saw you do!

Please aunt, don’t tell them!! We’ll do anything! I said.
She laughed again and asked us to remove our clothes, as kids we obeyed her, and she played another p@rn and instructed me to do exactly what i saw!!
I can’t do it!
Aunt Sandra my mother said I shouldn’t allow anyone see my body, ! Laura said.

Your mother doesn’t know anything!! Come here Laura! She shouted.
She pinned Laura hands to the ground, and said,, “ climb her Alfred!
Climb? I can’t!!I can’t do it, Laura is hurt let her go!!
She slapped me and forced me into doing it threatening to k!ll us!

She felt satisfied as Laura began to bleed, She was screaming in pains,
Aunt Sandra please, I am hurting Laura!
How are you feeling Alfred? Are you enjoying what you’re doing??
Noo!!! Please !!

I stopped but she slapped me very hard , she brought out a knife and threatened to k!ll me if I say anything!!, it wasn’t enough ! She took Laura upstairs and pushed her down! She used her chest to hit the ground and fainted.
My revenge will be complete when I finally get rid of everyone that hurts me!! Sandra said..

I was still naked, crying for help when Sandra called my father and lied that I raped and pushed Laura !!
They left church and drove home, she started to cry, they took Laura to the hospital because she was bleeding and she fainted due to the fall!!
My daughter has been defiled! Laura’s father cried.

I told you Alfred is a bad influence!he told me he watches p@rn at home and he forced himself on my niece!! Sandra said crying!!
Laura’s mother was speechless!! My mother was crying and wondering how we managed to know about s*x!!
They’re too young !!
Alfred, why did you do it? Laura’s father asked me.
I didn’t do it! Laura’s aunt pushed Laura, she made us do it!!
Me?? Alfred you’re a liar!!

Mum, I told you Aunt Sandra has been making us watch n@ked movies but you never believed me!!
Just shutup Alfred!! Pray my daughter gets well! For now this friendship is over!! Laura’s father said to my father as he walked away!!
Tell me the truth son! Did you do it?
Dad, I was scared! It wasn’t intentional, if Laura wakes up she will say everything!!
Did you do it?
I did it, I was scared!

We were still in the hospital when police came!
Pastor Gideon your son is under arrest!!
Arrest? You can’t arrest a 9year old!
But a 9 year can force himself on his best friend.

Don’t take my son away from me, we’re still investigating what happened !! My mother cried.
Your son raped and pushed Laura! We just need to ask him questions!!
He’s jus 9 and can’t serve in jail!

He will!!
Ring ring!!
Hello!! Pastor Gideon, your church is being sealed and there’s a riot right now! Your son is seen as a threat to other female kids, everyone is saying he should be arrested!!
I don’t understand, this thing just happened! Who’s bringing me down?? Who’s telling everyone?
Your Friend, Laura’s Father!!

Episode 2 : Family Torn Apart

I was taken to the station for questioning, I told everyone the truth, but no one believes me, Sandra came and she was asked how she managed to save Laura.
I was driving in when I saw Alfred push Laura down the building, when I asked him why he did it he never said anything!! My niece is suffering for nothing, she cried..

Stop crying miss Sandra, your niece will get her justice, for now go home,.
Turning to me he said, I want you here tomorrow Alfred!
We left the station back home, my father went to see his church but it has been sealed by the government, he also got a call from work , he Went there and he was handed a letter, when he opened it ‘ it was a sack letter, the company said he’s no longer needed.

After pleading , he came back home, for the first time I saw my father cried.. I was soo scared for us!!
Did you do it Alfred? He asked me again!!
Sandra forced me on Laura, she threatened me with a knife, I would never hurt Laura!! Believe me dad!! Sandra kept saying she doesn’t like me, Laura and everyone!! She said her sister took her husband and you advised uncle Daniel to marry her sister.

I knew it!! I believe you Alfred, but we’ve lost everything, no one will believe you!! I need to talk to My friend Daniel..
I want to go with you, I want to see Laura!!
We went to the hospital, we only saw Laura’s mum, she looked at me and began to cry, I also joined her to cry!! She never wanted us to see Laura but we pleaded,
Laura hasn’t woken up yet! Why? My father asked.

I lost my first child, I don’t want to loose her! Her mother said.
What are you doing here?? Her father said walking in and pushing me outside.
Daniel calm down,
I can’t calm down!! Can you just take a look at my only child??
Nothing will happen to her!! God will save her!

Don’t involve God in this mater Gideon, you’re a fake pastor who never taught his son morals, how can this lil Alfred of yours knows about s*x?
It’s your sister in-law, Alfred told us everything.
Lying against Sandra to cover up your shame and sins??
My sister nutured Laura, she can’t hurt her own niece!! Alfred we know you did it!! Lilian said.
I want you out Gideon! Daniel said.

Is that why you’re rising against me? You’ve made my church closed and I’ve been sacked from work, everyone wants my sim arrested! Why Daniel? This is an issue we call solve patiently, how will we survive? My father said.
I don’t care about you anymore Gideon, our friendship ended the day your son touched my daughter , you better keep your heads up cause all of you will pay for raising a r@pist!!

The Lord is not happy with this, how can you be soo blind to see the truth!!
Your son is going to jail, I don’t care if he’s 9 , he’ll face the law,, now leave!!
POV
Sandra was taking a walk in the estate, I saw our neighbor Mr brown , he stopped her.
Why did you do it Sandra? He asked.
Do what?

I saw you, I saw what you did to Laura and Alfred, I have the evidence!!
No one will believe you me brown, Alfred’s father offended me, my sister betrayed me.
Why not tell them, those kids are innocent! After all you got married but your wicked heart caused your failed marriage, Sandra tell the police the truth or I will!! Mr brown said.

Can we talk inside?? Let’s talk this over…She said as she held him and he led her to his flat..
I watched them closely, I heard them argue, the next thing I saw was Sandra running out!! I didn’t see me brown, I left my house and on my way to mr browns house, she saw me and went to Laura’s apartment.

I opened the door and saw mr brown on his own pool of blood, he was still alive, he tried to talk but couldn’t!!
Go away from here Alfred,, he faintly said.
I can’t leave you, i need to call the corpse!!
Look at my chair’. That’s a toy there, take it and leave!!

I don’t want a toy sir!!
Take it now!! Sandra k!lled me.
I took the toy, 🧸 teddy bear and I went back to him, I didn’t know what he did to the teddy but I noticed he pressed something and gave it to me, I just kept it in my pocket.
Protect this toy , don’t give it to anyone Alfred!! Even ny daughter don’t give it to her. he said and gave up,,, I tried pressing his chest, the next thing I saw was the police with Sandra!!

I was taken to the station !!
I told them how I got there, but Sandra was bent in frustrating me, my parents were disappointed, they became confused,, I was in cell for two days before I was released, I went to school on the third day but the parents told the school to chase me out else they will withdraw their children!
They told my parents that I wasn’t needed!! No school accepted me!!!!
Mr browns daughter came and started the issue again, Laura’s father was on her side, both cases of r@pe and murder..

Now, no one care if I was 9 years old, they want me to go to jail for r@pe and the murder of Mr brown..
I was detained, my mother lost her job!! And I was charged to court!!
Please, let him get to 18 before serving!! My mother pleaded with Daniel and browns daughter!!
No, he k!lled my father!! After my fathers burial Alfred is going to jail!! I will fight him with everything!! She said and walked away!

POV
Laura was discharged from the hospital, but spent days at home, she couldn’t come out and I never had the chance to talk to her!!
Laura what happened? Can you remember? Can you tell us?? Her mother asked.
Erm! Sis , bring her favourite fruit, don’t stress her with any questions now!! Go get her some fruits let me be with her!
Her mother left?!

Sandra brought out a gun and said,!! “ if you say anything, I’ll k!ll you, I’ll shoot Alfred and also k!ll your parents! If anybody ask you anything do not speak!!
You k!lled Mr brown? Why? Laura asked.
Alfred did it!
Same way you said Alfred pushed me??

Laura, don’t dare me!! She said and kept the gun back in her body before her mother walked in!!
Can I see Alfred? Please mum!
No dear!!
Dad is not here!! Let me just see him for the last time!! I can walk, I am fine now!!!
Laura was allowed to see me, when she saw me she hugged me,, “ I promise not to leave no matter what happens Alfred”.

I laughed, I am sorry you have to go through this!
I know you’re innocent!! You’re a pastors son! Pray!!
Laura, it’s time, you need to rest! Her mother said..
When will I see you again!!? I asked.

Soon!! Take care Alfred!! She left.
Two weeks later ,Brown was buried,
I heard Laura’s health became worse, almost every day a doctor visits her, !
Brown’s daughter and Mr Daniel pushed the case, I was invited to court and Laura was told to also come so she could testify about what happened!!
My father kept praying, my mother kept praying too,..
The day came and I appeared in court!! Waiting for Laura and Sandra!
Finally they came!!!

Episode 3 : Alfred’s Struggle for Truth

I smiled when I saw Laura, her face was not bright, she looked soo tired and sad!!
10 minutes later , everything started! My father didn’t bring a lawyer to defend me, when he was asked about it he said “God is the judge””.
Laura’s asked her mother what was going on, her mother said even if she explain to her s never understand!!
“If you mention my name I’ll k!ll you”. Sandra said to her.

Laura was called and the interrogation started.
Do you know this young master Alfred? The judge asked.
Yea, he’s my friend!!
On the 21st of June, what happened?
I can’t remember what happened, !!

Who removed your clothes and defiled you? Who pushed you??
What’s the meaning of the word “defile “. I haven’t learned about that in school!!!
Mr Daniel please stand up!!
Her father stood up.

Did your daughter lose her memory? Have you ever asked her about the incidence since she left the hospital?
She has refused to talk to anymore!! She didn’t lose her memory, I guess she’s trying to protect Alfred.
Turning to his daughter, daniel said “ sweetheart, just tell the court what happened, I’ll get you chocolates and ice cream! “
She whispered something in her dads ear “ Sandra pushed me” she asked us to remove our clothes “”
What’s she whispering?

Nothing!! He said as he went to sit down!!
She was asked again! The pressure was too much as she never understood what was going on!
Laura started to cry, she said “Sandra her aunt pushed her and asked us to removed our clothes”.
Sandra was called, she defended hersef saying Laura said that to defend me, she said she’d never hurt her niece ‘“. I am a good woman, everyone knows!!

Laura was asked again to say what happened “ if I say anything no one would believe me, I am scared”” I don’t want God to be angry with me! My aunt did everything!!
Laura is just a child, she doesn’t know what’s she saying””
I narrated what happened but it seems I was just saying trash!!
It got to mr browns death, I couldn’t even defend myself, they saw me with him, my hands and body were filled with his blood, so how can I defend myself? Even when I told them I saw Sandra with him, Sandra called me a liar!!

My son didn’t do anything!! My father said from the crowd!!
I was tired of standing!! Browns daughter said she’s not leaving until her father gets his justice!!! She talked about her father’s favorite toy missing! I was asked but I lied that I didn’t see it!! I made a promise not to give it to anyone!!
The conspiracy was much!! Sandra and Mr browns daughter came prepared.. after everything the judge said “ You’re hereby sentenced to Life imprisonment,”

How? He’s not even up to 18 ? You can’t imprison a 9 year old child!!My mother said
We can’t wait till he gets to the right age, i am following orders!! He needs to be out away before things gets worse
He r@ped Laura and k!lled mr brown,, people like him will destroy this town, parents don’t even want to see him around !! He can’t be roaming in this streets!!

This should be a lesson to a parents, communicate with your children and teach them the right way!! Mothers hold your daughters!!
What orders are you following?? Arresting and imprisoning my son at 9, is an order? Isn’t it against the law? Why not wait till he’s 14 or 18 atleast he can know why he’s been arrested.
He already knows the gravity of what he did.

He doesn’t know anything!! Every finger is pointing at Sandra, you’re not being a fair judge.
Mr Gideon, you’re no longer a man of God and you have no right to question my profession!! Everyone here wants your son in prison, the government want him to remain in prison!! He is GUILTY!! If it hadn’t been for Miss Sandra we wouldn’t have caught Alfred!! Your son stole Mr brown favorite toy and he’s denying it.

Alfred is not a thief! Laura shouted!!
“I have a question” what’s the meaning of “life imprisonment? I asked.
When you get there you’ll know!! The judge answered. Please take him away..
I was taken away to prison at 9!!

You’re lucky Laura! Now that Alfred is in prison for what I did , you’ll suffer for trying to expose me!! Sandra said to Laura.
Laura left her to meet her mum’. Mum I thought Alfred is coming with us”.
No Laura, you’ll never see him again! He’s paying for his sins!! He did so many bad things.

But he didn’t k!ll Mr brown, he didn’t push me, Alfred is Mr browns friend as he is my friend too!! Don’t tell me I will not see him again, mum, aunt Sandra did it, believe me please.
Enough Laura, I guess something is wrong with your brain, my sister can’t hurt a fly!! You’re trying to accuse her wrongly and what you did today? I am not proud of it, accusing my sister in public’. Let’s go home.

When they got home Laura started behaving funny! She developed a chronic cough , the cough was very serious that she began to cough out blood, she was taken to the hospital again!
Your daughter has an internal bleeding! You have to monitor her closely!
Internal bleeding?? How??
The fall, she was pushed down!!

But none of her bones are broken! She passed out and got well when we brought her herE.
I know, I gues it’s just manisfesting itself, I mean the effect of the fall!! My team will conduct an X-ray to know where it’s coming from so we can tackle it!! I just hope it’s not what I am thinking.. the doctor said.
What are you thinking??Lilian asked.
When we’re done with the X-ray first!!!

POV
My parents couldn’t bear it, my mother thought of me ‘“.
Wait, Honey, you mean I am not going to see my son again? She asked my father.
There’s nothing too hard for God to do!
I am pregnant! Alfred is going to be an elder brother!! She said crying uncontrollably!!
You didn’t tell me! Why?? We’re having another baby!

I couldn’t tell you, I wanted Alfred to know first, unfortunately he’s not here, Alfred is just 9, those big guys in prison will intimidate him, he’ll not only be a prisoner he’ll be a slave! I am so scared and worried for Alfred, he’s innocent.
God will bring him out, even if it takes many years, Daniel and his disappointed me!! I pray God forgives him and open his eyes to see and know the truth, even Laura said the truth in court!! She’s a true friend of Alfred!!

POV
Few minutes in prison was like ten years, I didn’t know what was happening, I asked an inmate and he said , since it’s life sentence I’ll never be allowed to see my family again, I laughed cause I never believed him!!
Tell me the truth Alfred, did you do it?
I didn’t do anything sir!!
I know I am older but don’t call me sir, call me Emmanuel, I am innocent too!!

I wore my prison uniform, confused and angry that I am always in my room locked up like a thief!!
My first night in prison was hell, I was beaten like a thief, starved, and intimidated by other prisoners, I fainted that night and was rushed to the hospital in prison, when I woke up I saw myself back in my cell!!!
I took a deep breathe, deep my hands in my pocket, brought out my bracelet waiting for Laura to come visit me so I can give it to her!!

Episode 4: Corruption and Deceit

You did a great job mr John!! Sandra said to the judge touching his chest and licking her lips!!
Alfred is too young to be in prison, I feel guilty already Sandra! I feel you’re behind everything!
I am not behind everything, Alfred did it, I love my niece and it’s my job to look out for her!! Sandra said as she undressed.

Sandra, I know I have the power to pass judgement but Alfred is just 9!
You did the right thing John, now come an FB have s*x with me! Forget about Alfred, he’s paying for his sin, his father advised Daniel to break up with me and he listened, I am so happy he did what he did.
Sandra, we should stop doing this!

No, we will not, Infact you’re going to marry me or the world will know that you lied against the government , you can’t keep using me John!! I am already on your bed waiting for you to come do what you’ve always been doing!
I didn’t lie againt the government Sandra, you told me Alfred is guilty and I believed you!!
You beloved me because you use me!! Enough of Alfred’s issue, come and have a taste!!
The judge and Sandra is actually having an affair!!!

POV
My prison life.
Two days in prison my parents visited me, I was so happy to see them that I asked about Laura! They said Laura is sick and haven’t been out, I felt bad hearing it, I pleaded with my father to bring her the next time he’s coming! He agree and broke the news of my mothers pregnancy to me, I smiled and congratulated her, “ I am having a sibling” I said.
I wish I can hug you right now . My mother said crying.

You don’t need to cry mum, I’ll be okay.
You’re not okay Alfred, just look at your face, the older guys beat you up!! I am so sorry for this!!
Am i going to be out soon??
I don’t know 😞, only God knows!!
Someone told me I’ll be here forever and I don’t want to be here forever without seeing Laura.

I think you should forget about Laura first Alfred!! Laura is fighting her own battle!! I gave the prison warder your food, he’ll give it to you! I’ll visit you Tomoro and if I have the chance I’ll come with Laura.
One more thing Alfred, did you see Mr browns toy? My father asked.
No! I didn’t see it! I lied to him!!

I believe you!! Our time is up, we’ll visit Tomoro!
Please come with my friend Laura.
My parents left.
They visited the next day without Laura, I wasn’t happy, I knew her parents will never let her out of the house!!

Laura test results came out and it was confirmed she had an internal bleeding, the doctors couldn’t trace where it’s coming from as it only happens when she coughs!! They gave her drugs and when they were about to leave she complained of having difficulty in breathing!! They told the doctor and she was given an inhaler and placed on steady visit to the hospital!! According to the doctors they said the internal bleeding is life threatening but can be managed,
How long can it be managed?? Her father asked.

Many years, few years, depending on her immune system!! Just pray for your daughter, and always be close to her!! Make sure she doesn’t get angry ,don’t scare her too, she may not be able to take it cause of her situation, we’re not handling the internal bleeding alone, we’re also handling the difficult breathing she have .The doctor said.

When they got home she requested to see me but her father rebuked her saying she should never mentioned anything that concerns my name again,
Alfred didn’t do anything, I wonder why you choose to believe Sandra over your own child.
Alfred is guilty and he’s the reason you’re sick Laura! He is not your friend he is our enemy, he defiled you and pushed you down!!

I want to see my friend dad! I don’t even understd what’s going on! Maybe Alfred will explain better when I see him! Please te me to him.
Her father shouted at her and he left, few seconds later she started coughing blood and breathing heavily, she was rushed to the hospital again where she spent three weeks and 3 days.
Please allow her see Alfred! Her mother said.

If Alfred is the reson she’s behaving this way then she’ll never see him.
No, please, I lost our baby at 6moths, I don’t want to lose Laura, she’s should just see Alfred today!!
Her father left, after she has been discharged her mum brought her to prison to see me!!
I wasn’t expecting her , so when I was told someone was here to see me I thought it was my parents, to my surprise it was Laura!!

What are you even doing here? I have no play mate! She said.
I never understood what really happened but now I do!! I said smiling at her.
I don’t understand too, I miss you! I am lonely! The estate is boring, I am not allowed to come out.
I heard you’re sick, what’s wrong?

Nothing! I am fine! I am not sick!! When are you leaving this place?
Only God can decide when!! I have something for you!! I said as I wore her my favorite bracelet, she was excited, she also gave me her picture!
Whenever you feel lonely here, just look at this picture and know that I am right here with you! She said..
Laura we have to leave! Her mother said.

When will I see her again? I asked her mother!
You’ll never see her again Alfred! She responded as she left with Laura.
I felt alive a lil bit, went back to my cell staring at her picture!!
My mothers pregnancy progressed, my dad was chased out from the estate, he went bankrupt and developed a stroke, he couldn’t talk or walk, my mother succeeded in getting a small apartment for them, she gave birth and started working immediately to take care of my father and my brother!

She met Daniel but he refused to help even after explaining the situation of things to him, she came with my brother once for me to see him, she told me the struggle and pain they’re going through with no help and neglect from the town!! Laura’s father made life miserable for my parents!!
I kept crying and wishing I was never here!!
What about Laura?
I heard They moved out! Haven’t seen her for some time now!!

11years later, I heard Sandra has gotten married to the judge! I was already twenty , already used to hard labour and prion life!! I’ve seen people sentenced to death, shot dead, some of my friends tried to escape but were caught and k!lled!!
Some were granted free bail by the government !! I kept praying that one day I’ll have my freedom.
I got a visitor and it was Laura.
It’s been 11years Laura, what happened?

I am sorry! I’ve been dealing with school, I didn’t forget you! My father warned me not to come here.
Why are you here then? I angrily asked.
I miss you, I am 18now and I have a level of freedom! I still have your bracelet Alfred! I really understand everything now! I am sorry you’re going through this!
Did you hear about my father?

Yes, I haven’t seen him in years, I only heard he had stroke!! Alfred, don’t be angry, I am also going through pains in school, the stigma is still there, I am being addressed as the “girl her best friend r@ped”.
Did I rape you? I asked.
No, you didn’t! You broke me!

I laughed” I broke you, I broke my best friend! I think it’s cool!
It’s not cool, I am finding it difficult to be in a relationship!!
Why? I asked.

I don’t know!! By the way, my thumb still hurts!
What happened to your thumb???
Alfred you cut it when we were kids!
I know! Mine hurts too!! I miss you Laura, will you wait for me?

Okay, you are in a relationship !!
Alfred, I want to try something new, I am still your friend okay! I really want to fit in! Live my life and get married, have kids!!I feel like telling my parents about the promise we made!
Okay! When are you visiting? I want to see you everyday, I look at your picture every now and then!! I really miss you!

I really want you out from here! The world has changed! Your mother can’t do everything alone!
It’s a life imprisonment Laura, I’ll grow old and d!e here!!
I can’t keep coming here Alfred!
Really!?
I mean I want to run around with you and do what we used to do when we were kids!!

Then keep praying for me! So , the judge married Sandra.
Yeah! He married her ! She’s walking freely ,!
Life here is so tough! Sometimes I starve, sometimes I don’t have money to pay to see the sun!
I’ll be your chef when I have the chance!
Don’t get married without me Laura!! We made a promise.
We were kids and naive too! I am still your friend!

Episode 5 : Injustice in the Shadows

Laura wrote down her phone number in a piece of paper for me Before she left, In prison we have prisoners that makes use of phone secretly, so I normally talk with my parents with their phone, but this time they’ll get tired of me because I am always going to call Laura.. her visit gave me hope,
I remembered the teddy bear mr brown gave me, I know I hid it in one of my box, so I called my mother and she said my box is exactly the way I left it, I felt relieved , I asked her when she’d come visiting, she said there’s no one to care for my father so she can’t leave him, I wanted her to come see how I’ve grown into a man and also encourage me but it’s not possible, my father’s health comes first, afterall I’ve been managing !
I called Laura , we spoke for some minutes before I returned the phone!!

Do you like her? My cell mate Emmanuel asked me!
She’s my friend!
And she’s the reason you’re here AlFRED !
Partially, I really do not want to remember anything, I know God will not low me d!e here!!

You’re diverting from the question I asked, since she left you’ve called her more than five times, you’re already an adult and having emotional feeling is normal!!
I like Laura a lot! Taking to her has always been an habit, I know she didn’t visit for some years but she never forgot about me!
You’re not opening up!! Well, you don’t need to trust women, I’ve had countless experiences before I was arrested!! Women are something else AlFRED, I pray you get your freedom so you can be with your family again!!! Goodnight!!

POV
Two days later!
Laura, Nelson came to look for you! Her mother said.
I heard you were seen in the prison premises Laura, did you go to visit AlFRED?
Yes! I went to see him.
Never go there again! Think about your health, that place is not good for you , by the way.

How is your relationship with Nelson? Her father interupted.
We’re planning on going on a date tonight, she responded!
Take him very serious!! Nelson is a good boy!! Her father advised her.
I want to ask a question, my friend told me something!!
Go on!

She said she reluctantly took an Oath with a friend and she don’t know what it means!
Taking an oath with a man is very risky and has great effect, mistimes the men are free but the women are not! Most times both are not free to do whatever they want, you can’t cheat, you can’t marry anyone except the person ,, it’s a blood convenant and has destroyed some lives
Who do they undo it?

They have to break it, meet a traditionalist or a Pastor to break it so they can be free.
Well, they were kids when they did it! So it doesn’t really matter, she said as she went to her room !
At 5pm Nelson came To pick her up, they went on their date and started talking !! They talked about so many things,
I knew what happened to you Laura. !! He said.

Who cares? That’s my past now, I don’t want to talk about it cause Alfred is still there..
You care about Alfred Soo much?? He tortured you.
I care about Alfred Nelson, he is innocent and he’s my friend.

Sometimes I wonder why you still choose to defend him! Well , I didn’t bring you here to talk about Alfred.
You already know what I want Laura, I want you to be mine!!
I’ll think about it Nelson.
I’ve given you too many time, days, weeks go think about it,just give me an answer now please !
Don’t put me on pressure please,
Ring ring. !!!
It’s Alfred. !!

Are you outside? I asked.
Yes, I am outside!
I’ve been thinking about something lately Laura, Are you in a relationship now? Please don’t lie to me. !!
Can we talk about this tomorrow when I come?? Please…
It’s fine, I’ll be expecting you tomorrow then!! Bye.

I am sorry for the distraction Nelson but I think I have to go home now, I’ll give you an answer before nightfall tomorrow!!
He dropped her off!!
The next day Laura came bY 11am to see me, she brought food and somethings for me too, I appreciated her..
What were you doing outside last night? I am not trying to monitor you Laura.
I know, I went on a date but I don’t want to talk with Alfred!!

Laura was holding a lil face towel , she kept coughing and using it to hide her mouth, when I asked her what’s wrong, she said it’s just a normal cough. !! It got Soo serious that she told me she’d come back the next day, she left without spending more time, I thought she was avoiding me but she was actually dying slowly…

She got home, rushed upstairs, and used her medication!! She sat down till she became better.
It’s happening again, it’s getting worse mum. !!
I told you never to go out without your medication!!
I only went to see Alfred, I never knew it will start Soo sudden. !!
Stop seeing Alfred.

I can’t Alfred keeps dragging me, he keeps calling me even when I am asleep..
I don’t understand Laura, Alfred keeps dragging you? How??
I don’t know how to explain it, when I close my eyes I see Alfred, he keeps calling for me! Please don’t tell me not to see him. !!
He’s the reason you’re like this. !! You’re insane Laura.
Mum please leave my room. !! I need to rest.
Nelson is waiting for you in the sitting room.

Why does he keeps coming??
He loves you. !!! Come downstairs and answer him.
Laura went downstairs met Nelson ,
You should have waited for me to call you!
I couldn’t wait ! Nelson responded,
Laura’s mother excused them !!! Laura finally accepted to date Nelson!!

She never stopped visiting me, I became more drawn to her, she hid her relationship from me, she also hid her sickness from me!!
Three years later, Laura came again and told me she heard some people are going to be granted bail.
It happens all the time but my name is never on the list!
Your name is always on the list, Mr John is the one not granting you bail cause if Sandra, this time it will be different!!
Let’s wait… If I come out I am going to hug you for 10 hours!!

She laughed and told me to be safe!
You’ve really grown Laura. I said touching her hair.
You’ve grown too!! The world is different now, everything has changed…
I want to leave here, I want to see my family!!
You’ll see them again Alfred! I believe God is trying to surprise you!

Sometimes I wonder if God is actually seeing my tears , I’ve been here for so many years, it breaks my heart that Sandra is living happily,
You’ll be out Alfred, one more thing before I leave! Stop appearing in my dreams, stop coming to me!! She laughed!!
I’ll stop appearing in your dreams when I come out from this prison!!

Laura laughed so hard and began to cough again! Immediately it started she left.. I kept wondering why she always leaves when she coughs!
Days later ,I was in my cell when I heard my name loud and clear. GIDEON ALFRED. You’re going home!
I heard other inmates screaming and shouting,

I heard my door clicked, a warder opened it, ” Alfred come out” you’re leaving today as it’s your lucky day!! I guess God has remembered you.
I couldn’t believe it! We were more than 100 persons that got their freedom that day.
We came out and I realized it wasn’t Mr John calling names, when I asked about him k was told he traveled!
My name is the 5th on the list!! I was advised and I went out!! I called Laura and told her I’ve been Free, everywhere has changed and I asked her to come pick me up!!

She screamed over the phone and Said she was coming!! H
She picked up her car key and was about leaving when her illness started!! She was rushed to the hospital immediately.
I waited for more than two hours, calling her no response, no reply’, at a point her phone was switched off.
I returned the phone back to Emmanuel cause he was freed too, I felt disappointed,, Emmanuel called a friend and he asked us to spend the day in his place before I could reach my parents and go home. !!