C8 UNVEILING SHADOWS (chapter 8)

Confused and curious, Hazel cautiously approached the shadow, only to find a plump lady with short hair waiting for her.

"Heather? Are you okay? What's going on?" Hazel's eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh Hazel honey" Heather studied the girl's features

"Hi, Heather. I... I didn't expect to see you here. What's happening? Why did everyone leave?" Heather asked, her brow furrowed.

"Come closer. I need to tell you something," Heather whispered, motioning Hazel to step into the shadow.

Hazel obeyed her, as she studied her environment before following her to the shadowy space. "Alright, Heather. What's going on?" She began as soon as they were out of hearing

Heather, overwhelmed with guilt, began to apologize. "Honey, let me begin by apologizing, am sorry I told everyone that Carl was coming at midnight. Which led to an empty community. Her face wore genuine guilt. I just felt like the extortion was too much on everyone, coupled with his I'll treatment, and failure to deliver comfortable resources for us all. It isn't fair" she soliquized pouting, remorse vanishing from her face

"Oh, Heather, that's a lot to take in. Why did you do it? The trouble was too much for everyone, Carl didn't find it funny at all. Hazel questioned, trying to comprehend the situation. Lives were lost" She added staring deeply into her eyes

"I couldn't stand seeing everyone suffer because of Carl. His oppression was just too much. An so sorry dear. I'll pray for the souls of those that were lost" she added ducking her head a little

"It's okay, those that are gone, are gone forever. Nothing could bring them back" Anyways why are you here?"

"Don't scream, she cautioned, am here to let you know that, We've formed a hidden movement to fight against it. Against Carl's oppression. Hazel, you should join us," Heather pleaded.

"What! Join you? Heather, this is risky. If Carl finds out..." Hazel hesitated.

"We've thought about that. We can't let Carl continue his tyranny. You've seen how he treats everyone, you've seen how he treats you. Join us, Hazel. Help us fight for our freedom, help us overthrow him" Heather insisted hopefully.

"Heather, if Carl discovers this, it could get worse for you. You're a good person, but Carl is dangerous." Hazel, concerned for Heather's well-being, tried to dissuade her friend

"Hazel, you're a good person too. You've seen it. We need to stand up against him. Please, consider joining us," Heather implored, concerned lines forming on her forehead

Hazel sighed, realizing Heather's determination. "I can't, Heather. It's too risky for me. Just promise me you'll be careful."

if only Carl sees what he has and cherishes it. Hazel is such a wonderful soul, with a good heart. She also blames Hazel for choosing to cling with the devil. And she's hopelessly in love with him.

She finally gives up on trying to get Hazel to join them. "Fine, you can stay, but I'll let them know I tried my best. And you're staying on your decision. But Hazel, Heather took a long breath, you must promise me that you won't air a word about this to anyone, promise me!" She grabs the girl's hand and stare deeply into her eyes

Hazel trembled and gulped "I promise, I won't tell him. But you should have a rethink. Should anything happen, Carl could shut the market for weeks, cut off the water supply and do worse more. He could even..."

Heather silenced her"we hope things won't come to that. But, I've made my decision, I'll join the movement. We need a new leader."

"Fine, Hazel shrugged. As long as you stay safe. Am okay"

"Great, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now" Heather grinned and hugged her. Gosh, You're burning up" her eyebrows etched in concern.

"It's alright dear, I've taken a pill"

"You should give yourself some rest okay? I'll leave now" waving at her, she ducked into the shadows

...

Hazel spent the rest of the day in bed, contemplating Heather's words and the impending movement against Carl. The consequences loomed large in her mind, if they get caught things won't be funny.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She immediately frowned wondering who it could be as she desperately needed rest.

"Who is it?"

"Its Sammy, I want to inform you that Mr Gregory wants to see you. Now." he added stressing the last word

"Gregory?, the frown deepened, what for?. Alright, I'll be there in a minute" she replied him. Taking a deep breath, she threw the sheets and headed out.

***********

The evening breeze was chilly, as she headed towards the garden. Gregory was seated on wooden chair, a cup of tea in his hand. As she approached him, chills ran down her spine. Thoughts kept running through her brain. What is it that he wants to speak to her about?.

Y..you sent for me sir?" She stammered as a knot tightened in her chest

"Yes, Hazel. Walk with me" without looking at her, he placed the mug on the table and stood up.

With timid steps, Hazel followed the older man. Lagging behind him, to avoid eye contacts. Half way, he stopped and touched a flower, then began speaking. "You and Carl. How long is your relationship?"

"Five years plus. Sir..."

"Five years? He chuckled... Ever thought of having a child for him?"

"Yes sir, but..."

"No but. He cut her halfway. Child or no child?" His tone became aggressive

"No child sir. She ducked her head, she had always thought of having a child for Carl, but he waved off the idea saying she's too young. And he wasn't ready to settle. So he would never cum inside of her. Not yet sir" Her voice was low

"Good! I want you to end things with Carl." he dropped the bomb

Hazel felt her world spin"What? Her voice became tense. I..I can't do that Greg"

"Am not asking, am telling you. I don't want you for my son"

"That would be a decision your son should make not you" she added politely

He sneered and looked at her in a demeaning manner. "I don't know why you chose to be stubborn Hazel." He stuck out a finger at her

"Greg and I have been married for years now. You should not think it would be easy for me to leave him." And I love him, she thought aloud, as tears began falling off her eyes.

"Hazel you are of no use to me nor my son. You are nothing but trouble for us all. I won't let you ruin my son's life. He spat out harshly, raising his voice at her.. You better leave better leave now am being nice to you"

The venomous words Greg spat sliced through her like a knife, as she stood helplessly, nearly choked by own tears.

"Don't expect your crocodile tears to soften my heart, he spoke callously. My mind is already made up. You must---"

Just as the conversation escalated, Roselle, Hazel's unexpected savior, rushed in.

"Enough, Greg! You can't speak to Hazel like this. She's my daughter-in-law, and you'll treat her with respect," Roselle asserted, frown lines etched on her forehead.

"Get this lady out ofmy son's house. Greg huffed storming off, leaving Hazel shaken.

"Is alright love. Don't let that bother you much. Roselle comforted her wiping her tears with the back of her palm. Come, let's go inside" she placed her arm on the girl's shoulder, leading her inside.

..........

Hazel, still trembling from the earlier events, found herself in the kitchen preparing supper.

"Roselle, I... I don't know what to say. Thank you for standing up for me," Hazel said, still shaken.

"No need to thank me, Hazel. We're family, and family takes care of each other. Don't let what Greg said bother you okay? He's just being grumpy. You my dear, are my family. She stared into Hazel's eyes and reassured her. Now, let's make something special for dinner, Roselle replied with a nice smile. Here help me wash this" she handed a bowl of raw beef to her.

Hazel placed the bowl in the sink and turned the water on. The atmosphere in the kitchen shifted, as she began overthinking. Roselle would be the one to chew her out on every little thing she does, that it became normal to her. Now, she's here assisting her. It was totally unbelievable, what was her true motive. She became nervous.

"Hazel? Hazel honey". Roselle's voice brought her back. She looked at the bowl, it was overflowing.

"Am...am so sorry" she stammered as she turned the water off.

"Is alright, mistakes happen. Roselle reassured her with a smile. I think you're still tired from the fever you had earlier. She brought a stool for her. Why don't you sit, and let me handle the cooking". She told her with a smile.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, don't worry. Hazel you should know you're my family, and I'll treat you as one." Roselle said, her tone filled with warmth.

...

While Hazel helped Roselle set the table, the sound of a car pulling in and voices chattering filled the air.

"Hazel, we have guests. Special guests. Let's make tonight unforgettable," Roselle said with a twinkle in her eye.

Who could it be? Another of Carl's oppressive relative? She thought as they heard a knock on the door.

"Coming!" Hazel opened it to find a beautiful lady with dark, wide eyes standing before her.

"Hello, everyone." She greeted with warmth in her eyes.

Of course, she was right. It was Carl's sister.