thanks a million queenxstar, how is work? i feel so sorry for little prince and binta just becauze of thier grandfather's wicked act. they are innocent but had to be the ones to pay for the evil deed. we really need to be careful what we do for the sake of our generation unborn. pls say hi to all members of ''

'Katherine, I...I know sincerely that we don't deserve this privilege because we've wronged you deeply and I honestly...' Marcus began heartily palm in palm.

'I have a mind set of you and you.' She pointed at both uncles. 'The only thing you can achieve with your coaxing is to aggravate me.'

Azubuike flinched.

Marcus shifted to the edge of the sofa deciding to cut to the chase. 'I... I thought I was smart, I felt superior when I did what I did to you. I felt power and loved it.' He shook his head slowly in sheer regret. 'I didn't care after all, I had I ever wanted and dreamt of, I had become the envy of my peers. Many years later, wealth bloomed but didn't satisfy because ...my wife and I have been unable to have a child.'

'Huh?' Katherine couldn't mask her surprise. They had been married when she was still in high school.

Ezinne wept silently with her head bowed.

'We waited for God's time to no avail. She was never pregnant talk more of a miscarriage. Having done all we could medically, happiness went very far away from us. Fear and panicked set it as we felt unfortunate. We resolved to prayer houses and native doctors, we spent but all we got were complications. Medically, we were sound. It's almost same problem with Azubuike.' He glance at his brother afterwhich he buried his face in his palms.

'For many years, Ngozi didn't conceive and I was disappointed. Eventually she did, we had a daughter.' He heaved and tears rolled down his face.

With both hands clasped over her mouth, Ngozi sobbed.

'When She was two years plus, my wife and I went for an occasion only to return to find her in her room, lifeless, her gown stained with blood and the male house help nowhere to be found. She had being raped to death.' He wiped his nose with a hanky and sniffed.

Aisha, Shakirat and Basirat were astonished.

Katherine shook her head while her husband sat back and shut his eyes.

'We were... we were devastated and other attempt to have a child were fruitless. Marcus and I set out and began to look for solution, childlessness had never been in our linage and we were not about to let it start with us.

At first, we did everything we were asked to do but they all proved abortive. Then one day...'

'I've heard enough Azubuike.' Katherine stood with a bottled water in hand and went to stand behind cushion.

Kelvin began to pray for his wife in his mind. He knew she was healed but she need God's wisdom to deal with all that had been laid on the table.

She gulped down water. 'The Yerimas can go on now.'

Ezinne hugged herself and prayed in her mind. In fact all of them did. Their being saved or doomed was dependent on that day.

'We ran out of patience, we couldn't deny the fact that something was badly wrong. Like we stated earlier we spent money going to various places seeking for solution until we met a man of God that said we had a bloody mark shadowing us as a result of the sin of our father and it cannot be erased nor wiped off until we find the surviving blood of the man who my father murdered and ask for forgiveness. We got detectives, consult media houses and it took two years to find you.' He clasped his palms.
'Katherine...we are here to ask the impossible, we desperately need you to forgive us.' Yerima presented heartily.

Kelvin exhaled.

'We met a pastor who told us we have incurred curses for ourselves and the only solution was to seek your forgiveness. In the course of our search for you, we met the Yerima and we decided to come together.' Azubuike said calmly and tears filled his eyes. 'Katherine, we know we've wronged you so much and we don't deserve to ask but please...do forgive us, please Adanne.'

Katherine placed a palm on her chest, 'Oh God, I'm so touched...' She sobbed. 'The whole thing, It's too much...' Her eyes became filled with tears. 'It's just too much na, ha... ' She heaved and rounded the cushion to sit on the only empty sofa away from her husband. 'How could this have gone so far ehen... '

The yerimas and Ezeugos exchanges glances ethusiastic.

Kelvin knew his wife was acting.

She sighed and then wiped her tears. Suddenly, she burst into bouts of laughter, it was hard and long.

If one didn't know her so well, they would think she was manic.

All of those present save her husband had tears in their eyes, most were shivering because the thin rope of hope they had become shredded.

She was ventilating, expressing her gratitude to the Almighty with a joyful noise.

Kelvin got worried and went to perch on her seat. 'Sweetie, are you all right?'

'Yea baby, am fine.' She cooed and laughed some more and then some more. 'Oh God...' She stood, shut her eyes and raise both hands.
'I never knew you would fight my battle this way.' She heaved. 'I never knew you would honour the path I chose. Look what you've done...' Tears flowed down her cheeks.

Kelvin nodded with a heart filled with gratitude to God.

'You've me made me lie down in green pastures. You've made me an epitome of the Scriptures that says, rejoice not o my enemies, when I fall I shall rise again.' She bobbed her head from side to side. 'Who is like unto thee o Lord, my Father, my Creator? Hmmmm...' She wiped her tears and then sat.

She leaned close and kissed her husband on the lips. 'Thank you so much my love.'

Kelvin nodded overwhelmed with the happening of the day.

'I am not won over, I ain't touched, I don't have the littlest pity and I'm not sorry for you but just for those children whose lives turned out to be recompense of the sin of their father and family members.' Her look was blank even at the bewildered expression on their faces.

It was as though the earth beneath just rumbled.

'Mothers, I don't see why you should be all emotional when you contributed to terminating their destiny. Go ahead,' She crossed her legs. 'I can't see it in your facial expression, feel free to ask me how, I love to inform and I'm not going to stop now.'

'How?' Tobi managed to find his voice.

'Moshud did something only heartless people do. If he wasn't used to being wicked, he wouldn't have pulled a trigger so easily. He was a high ranked uniformed man, one who should abide by law and order hook, line and sinker but he publicly shot an undergraduate when his defense wasn't even threatened.
I'm sure when the minister said you're suffering for the sin of your father, nobody stammered."what? What... what did he do?" Even while the nemesis was in progress, it might have crossed your minds.' She beamed.

None dared to look at her.

'You commiserated with him, you advised, you used your connection, money and everything in your power to throw weight around sending him to the cloud, probably prayed that the federal law agencies didn't intervene.' Katherine closed her palms before her and made to pray. 'Dear God, please let this storm pass. We can't be who we are in the society and achieve all we need to with our father in prison, for what? An okada man.' She grimaced.

Her wisdom baffled him, always.

She opened her eyes and directed them to the Yekinis. 'Very well, you must have watched my interview and read every newsprint that carried the story until the dust died, please do deny it.' She implored.

They were hypnotized to silence by their conscience than her words.

'Yerima, the guy that would have married your sister, why did he die?' She waited.
...

lenmafon:
thanks a million queenxstar, how is work? i feel so sorry for little prince and binta just becauze of thier grandfather's wicked act. they are innocent but had to be the ones to pay for the evil deed. we really need to be careful what we do for the sake of our generation unborn. pls say hi to all members of ''

ON BEHALF OF LEMMAFON, HI ALL FAMILY !!
Appreciate your royal pence, hope you're splendid.

queen you always touched my emotion, i feel for kat her suffering is deep, but she should be heal because forgiveness heal more than anything.
but for her uncle i feel no pity let them suffer more,

thanks for the update

Hmm.... I'm so scared 4 d both families. She's so full of wisdom that I envy her. The family z gud nd anxiously waiting 4 her final decision.

boladex1:
queen you always touched my emotion, i feel for kat her suffering is deep, but she should be heal because forgiveness heal more than anything.
but for her uncle i feel no pity let them suffer more,

thanks for the update

I don't believe Kathy is acting like she is still suffering.

I appreciate your comment.

Hameenat94:
Hmm.... I'm so scared 4 d both families. She's so full of wisdom that I envy her. The family z gud nd anxiously waiting 4 her final decision.

Sweetheart how body? Have you resume school?

Lovely update dear, jisike!

thanks queenxstar for keeping ur words to undate u deserve some . i know that kathy will forgive them and pray for them. the way God fights for his own is so strange no wonder he said "vengence is mine, i will repay". *in a baby's voice- gudnite mama queen sleep tight*

Hmmm.... They want forgiveness... And someone will quote 'to err is human, to forgive is divine' SMH, the life of a young vibrant man that would have probably been the next president of his country was cut short just like that, and now they want forgiveness!.... Mtcheeewww

Jeanfortune:
Hmmm.... They want forgiveness... And someone will quote 'to err is human, to forgive is divine' SMH, the life of a young vibrant man that would have probably been the next president of his country was cut short just like that, and now they want forgiveness!.... Mtcheeewww

I've been anticipating your comment like.... kilode and Yes, you didn't disappoint me.

Is it now okay to commit offense because it will forgiven at the mention of SORRY.

I LOVE YOU DEAR JEAN!!!

lenmafon:
thanks queenxstar for keeping ur words to undate u deserve some . i know that kathy will forgive them and pray for them. the way God fights for his own is so strange no wonder he said "vengence is mine, i will repay". *in a baby's voice- gudnite mama queen sleep tight*

Wakie wakie sweetie, It's a brand new day.

Appreciate your royal pence.

nnekamezor:
Lovely update dear, jisike!

Imela Nwayioma.

Jeanfortune:
Hmmm.... They want forgiveness... And someone will quote 'to err is human, to forgive is divine' SMH, the life of a young vibrant man that would have probably been the next president of his country was cut short just like that, and now they want forgiveness!.... Mtcheeewww

the fact is u don't forgive because of others u forgive for ur own gud...
I'm pretty sure. Kathy has forgiven them long ago she's just trying to play on their emotions n leave a lingering impact on them never to try something evil..
Hw about if she had joined herself to a cult or a robbery gang n retaliated will it have been any beta? Yes what they did is very very very wrong I agree with u but if she had kept them to heart I promise u she won't have come this far in all ramifications of her life

queenxstar Tnx for the tantalizing updates hope I'll get some more today

king u make it sound as if it very easy to just forgive and let go. yes when u forgive u do urself a big favour but like u rightly pointed if she had ended up as a gangster lady even at that young age, i believe she would have done worst and maybe take laws into her hands by killing them.

kingphilip:

the fact is u don't forgive because of others u forgive for ur own gud...
I'm pretty sure. Kathy has forgiven them long ago she's just trying to play on their emotions n leave a lingering impact on them never to try something evil..
Hw about if she had joined herself to a cult or a robbery gang n retaliated will it have been any beta? Yes what they did is very very very wrong I agree with u but if she had kept them to heart I promise u she won't have come this far in all ramifications of her life

queenxstar Tnx for the tantalizing updates hope I'll get some more today

lenmafon:

king u make it sound as if it very easy to just forgive and let go. yes when u forgive u do urself a big favour but like u rightly pointed if she had ended up as a gangster lady even at that young age, i believe she would have done worst and maybe take laws into her hands by killing them.

what I'm trying to say is we r only making mountain out of a molehill. Kate has forgiven them already
if she had taken laws into ha hands I'm sure she wouldn't have gotten the needed satisfaction of dem causing ha loved ones death n betraying ha trust respectively n moreso she won't b at the present position she is nw

Dat was superb

Hummmmmmmmmmm Queen this is too good. God bless U. Jehovah the might warrior fought for Katherine. so marvelous is your name.

Nah all une want na forgiveness, like say Katherine don die une 4 go her grave go ask 4 forgiveness wicked people! Enspecially her uncles. Queen thank 4 d wonderful update!!...

Queenxstar:
I've been anticipating your comment like.... kilode and Yes, you didn't disappoint me.

Is it now okay to commit offense because it will forgiven at the mention of SORRY.

I LOVE YOU DEAR JEAN!!!

awwww!!, thanks

30 cntd

'Yerima, that guy that would have married your sister, why did he die?' Katherine waited momentarily. 'He was innocent, he might not have not being aware of what his dad did but he died simply because even if his father did not pull the trigger, he aided and abated the crime of murder, a bloody one, one in which the victim was a vibrant young man.' She clasped her hands on her lap. 'You joined hands to cover your father sin and by doing so, your hands got soiled in blood and your children paid and hence, everything you've lost.'

Aishat wiped her tears and another set fell off her eyes immediately.

'So you were sent to ask for forgiveness from whom, who were you sent to?'

'You...' Shakirat said with a shaky voice, 'Katherine Sylvester.'

'Katherine Sylvester.' She repeated strangely. 'Hmmm...' she muttered rather thoughtfully. 'As far as I can recall, Katherine was pushed out to the street hopeless, homeless, familyless and penniless. I am not the one whom ye seek. The lady you're looking for should be in Nigeria,' She position a finger at a side of her face. 'being a girl of sixteen who had been dealt a tragic blow, she should be somewhere training on how to launch a physical pay back or in a brothel having being emotional battered or under one of the many bridges in Nigeria or just maybe, she might have committed suicide or used for ritual. I'm sure with your wealth and connection, it won't pose so much of a problem to find her. I wish you well.' Katherine stood.

'My daughter please... ' Aisha managed with a voice hoarse from emotions.

'Hold it!' She cautioned instantly with obvious irritation in her voice. 'You're not my mother and you can never be my mother. My mother was a mother, a virtuous woman and my father cannot do with your husband did.' Her eyes flashed in anger. 'Even if my father did, my mum would have seek for the bereaved family quietly and ask for ways to make amends. '

'I'm so sorry... please. ' Aisha wailed with her head lowered with fresh of guilt now on her. She had been nonchalant and it turned out costly.

Kelvin exhaled and decided not to interfere.

'Please ma'am, please, forgive us. ' Tobi pleaded with open palms.

Still on her feet, 'I am Katherine - Sylvester - Sigismund.' A smile tucked her lips and her facial expression relaxed. 'I ain't that sixteen year old anymore that your confessions and apologies would make a difference to and probably touch a soft spot. I have a mind of you, everything I've ever suffered is past and there is an irreconcilable gap between. I have a great husband and two adorable children. I have an awesome God in heaven.'

'Please, I beg of you... please do have mercy.' Sharikat eyes had become red from weeping.

'Mercy?' She squinted her eyes momentarily. 'Which will you prefer, mercy for my brother's death or mercy for my father's death?'

Yerima exchanged quick glances with his sisters who equally looked perplexed. 'We ...we don't understand.'

'I'll be taken aback if you did, my father died three months after my brother passed on. His demise killed my father.'

The new information left them sore.

'Katherine please...please.' Marcus looked at her.

'The Ezeugos, ' She beamed as took two steps towards them. 'I am not surprised with the way things turned out for you. You refused to identify with a family that embraced you both arms because of your status quo. Can you place your present level beside mine? '

That was a question that needed no answer. They themselves at first and were still awed of her present position.

'Definitely not. I myself don't want to identify with you because am ashame. I can never identify with men who want to have coitus with their niece. Those days, I couldn't help but wonder if you really share same blood with my dad but if...' she raised and index finger. 'If that's true that can only mean my dad was fed with breast milk while you two were warm water from that stream in the village alongside the end product of palm kernel!'

It dropped like a bomb and they all knew she was furious.

Ezinne and Ngozi sobbed.

Their husband shuddered.

'How could you forget so soon how you were the very first day, you appeared at the door step of my father's house. You marvel me a great deal even to my very marrow!' She was exasperated. 'Have you forgotten how the destitute would have been on same scale with you.' She sat back. 'It's really amazing how people commit outrageous offences and expect that once they say the magic word-sorry. Have you thought for a moment the potential the world lost due to his death.
You abandoned your niece for how many years and if it wasn't for the plague, you won't have bothered. You didn't care and you made it resounding.'

'Kathy I...I asked of you.' Ezinne said with eyes welled with tears.

'I am in no mood for a dry joke, you that stopped visiting before your husband. For all I know, you could the brain behind husband action.'

'Ha...Katherine please...' Her lips trembled.

'Abi what do you want me to say. Why would you be asking of me from another when you knew my address before your husband and his brother took possession of the house.'

Ezinne got down on her knees. 'I've been so foolish Nne, biko, please...I'm a disappointment to womanhood. Your mother treated more like a sister, please find a place in your heart to forgive me.' She burst into tears.

All went down on their knees and they had tears in their eyes.

'We can never make our wrong right no matter what we do but our story can change generations to come. Please Katherine, forgive us, don't send us out. Don't send us away.' Yerima sniffed and dabbed his eyes.

She glanced at her husband who nodded.

She went down on her knees before them and bow her head. 'God, what will you have me do?' She whispered.

The response was immediate in her head.

"Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let me not be confounded: Let them be dismayed but let me not be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with a double destruction."

The destruction was more than double, it was from generation to generations. She answered in her mind.

"Hands joined in hands, the wicked shall not go unpunished."

They didn't go unpunished. She mused.

"Vengeance is belongeth into me, I will recompense."

She heaved and shut her eyes. A great woman shows her greatness by the way she treat little men, forgive them my princess for it means more blessing for your generations.

For a moment, she felt the presence of her father and heard his unmistakable voice.

Her eyes fluttered opened. 'Every one stand please.'

They obeyed and she stood likewise.

She beckoned to her husband who came to stand beside her.

'I can forgive you but it will make no difference without surrendering your life to Christ.'

'We surrender our lives until him, everything we are.' With tears rolling down his face, Marcus raised his hands towards heaven.

'We believe in him, the impartial God and surrender our lives to him.' Habeeb declared.

They all nodded.

'I forgive you for everything you've done with all my heart. Let's join hands please to break generational chain.'

They formed a cycle holding hands.

With tears rolling down her face, Katherine prayed for them.

***

The introduction and embrace began.

Kelvin fetched two bottles of wine while Katherine brought tumblers and ordered for food to be delivered at their home.

Marcus handed over the documents of her father's property to Katherine.

+++

In the night of that same day, Katherine had her head rested on her husband chest.

'Sweetie, what's on your mind?' She looked up at him.

'Your story would be a good story for Marigold to write.' He traced the frame of her face with a finger.

'Yea,' She beamed. 'I agree with you love.'


THE END.

I did it! I did it! Yippie... (slump on a sofa and heave) How long has it been.

I really hope this story has been worth your time, mb and patience, the only way you can prove that to me is by sharing what you've learnt from the story and more.

I love and appreciate you all.

onosj:
Nah all une want na forgiveness, like say Katherine don die une 4 go her grave go ask 4 forgiveness wicked people! Enspecially her uncles. Queen thank 4 d wonderful update!!...

Abi o my sister.

Hector90:
Dat was superb

Thank you sweetheart.

monimine:
Hummmmmmmmmmm Queen this is too good. God bless U. Jehovah the might warrior fought for Katherine. so marvelous is your name.

I'm grateful darling.

Finally, I take it that katherine is an embodiment of humility!

THE END

the piece though sapped ur time and energy but u were able to see it through.. I'm utmost grateful to God and to u for seeing this through more wisdom, knowledge n understanding to overcome all challenges of life the Lord should fill u with

u r one of my best writers here on nairaland because all ur piece have a moral lesson attached to it..

u know you've always got my backing..
on my knees I ask this WHEN IS YOUR NXT PIECE COMING ON BOARD

kingphilip:
THE END

the piece though sapped ur time and energy but u were able to see it through.. I'm utmost grateful to God and to u for seeing this through more wisdom, knowledge n understanding to overcome all challenges of life the Lord should fill u with

u r one of my best writers here on nairaland because all ur piece have a moral lesson attached to it..

u know you've always got my backing..
on my knees I ask this WHEN IS YOUR NXT PIECE COMING ON BOARD

You got me teary eyed sweetheart. One of your best, are you for real? Thank you so much.

About another story, there are loads of them in manuscript but if you remember, I once had to travel to write exams to secure admission to do a post graduate course. I got the admission and next week, I'll be traveling to start. I may not be frequenting NL as before and I wouldn't want to start a story that would take forever to conclude.

If I do change my mind, my blog may carry it first.

God bless you my darling Kingphilip, wondered what I would have done without your unrelenting support.

Fatalveli:
Finally, I take it that katherine is an embodiment of humility!

That's right darling!

Queenxstar:


You got me teary eyed sweetheart. One of your best, are you for real? Thank you so much.

About another story, there are loads of them in manuscript but if you remember, I once had to travel to write exams to secure admission to do a post graduate course. I got the admission and next week, I'll be traveling to start. I may not be frequenting NL as before and I wouldn't want to start a story that would take forever to conclude.

If I do change my mind, my blog may carry it first.

God bless you my darling King philip, wondered what I would have done without your unrelenting support.

wishing u da very best in ur studies

anytime u r ready to drop the story just know dat as long as I'm still in nairaland I'll surely read it

unrelenting support u said? thanks b to God for everything..
do take care n be in God's good books always

I was here live when it started here again I'm to witness d end! lovely queen Bless ur patience and my d lord increase ur creativity. keep writing and don't stop. you are writing and writing is You. looking forward to your next work...