The Con Captain's Nightmare

Chapter 13: Solace at Home

Yvonne eagerly anticipated Beatrice's return to Lagos, and she couldn't help but wonder what stories her friend would bring back from her time at the university. She had missed Beatrice's company and the lively conversations they shared.

As she strolled along the sun-drenched streets of Lagos, Yvonne's thoughts were filled with excitement about the impending reunion. She knew that Beatrice had embarked on a new journey by choosing the university in Ife. Beatrice wanted to be far from home and become an independent person in her own right, away from parental and family influences. 

Having to go back to school for this resit alone was depressing and a lonely time for her. Now that it is all over and she got tangled with the Eagles!  How on earth did her lil sis cum friend manage that? James Keegan of all people. Yvonne was eager to hear all about it, both the highs and lows of her experiences.

While Yvonne couldn't help but feel a tinge of worry for her friend's well-being, she knew that Beatrice was a strong and resourceful young woman. Yvonne's polished exterior masked a caring and protective friend who would always be there for Beatrice.

Beatrice was overjoyed to be back home, and she couldn't wait to share her experiences with her family. Her mother welcomed her with open arms and lovingly embraced her. The familiar comfort of home enveloped Beatrice, and she knew she was in a safe space.

As she greeted her mom, she couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility. The presence of her mother, who was both a source of strength and solace, was exactly what she needed after the challenging week she had at the university.

Beatrice's dad was still away on his business travels, leaving a certain quietness in the house. However, it was a comfortable silence, one that reminded Beatrice of the times she and her mother had spent together, sharing stories and bonding. It was during these moments that Beatrice felt the immense love and understanding her mother had for her.

She hugged her mom tightly, savoring the familiar scent that she had missed while away. As she pulled back from the embrace, Beatrice smiled and said, "Mom, I'm going to take a nice, long bath and soak away all the stress from this past week. I need to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. And tonight, Yvonne and I are going out for dinner, so I'll have plenty of stories to share with you afterward."

Her mother returned the smile, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. "I'll prepare something special for you to eat after your bath. You go ahead and relax. I'll be right here when you're ready to talk."

Beatrice's heart swelled with gratitude for her mother's unwavering support. She headed upstairs for a relaxing bath, knowing that no matter what happened, she had the loving embrace of her family to come back to.

As Beatrice settled into bed, the warmth of her soft and cuddly pink pajamas provided some comfort. She curled up under the covers, seeking solace from the tumultuous experiences of the past days. Her subconscious was still grappling with the events that had unfolded, and she found it hard to shake off the lingering unease.

After about 30 minutes of restless sleep, she drifted into a strange dream. In the dream, she was walking down a dimly lit corridor, the walls closing in around her, leading to a sparsely contained room. Someone was gently tugging at her hand, but she couldn't discern their face. The darkness that enveloped her filled her with a deep sense of fear.

She tried to resist, pulling her hand back, but the faceless figure's grip was unyielding. With each attempt to free herself, the struggle intensified, and the room seemed to draw her in with an eerie force. Desperation took hold as Beatrice began to scream, her voice echoing through the dream— "No! Let me go!"

The nightmarish scene reached a crescendo, leaving her sweating and trembling. It was then that her mother, alarmed by her cries, burst into the room. Her mother's presence offered a reassuring anchor to reality as Beatrice awoke from the dream, her heart racing and her body drenched in perspiration.

With the comforting presence of her mother by her side, Beatrice slowly regained her composure. The vividness of the dream still haunted her, leaving her to wonder about the meaning behind it and the lingering fears that had taken hold.

Marian Kenan, Beatrice's mother, had been keenly observing her daughter since her return. The fatigue in her eyes, which she initially attributed to the rigors of the journey, was now coupled with the trauma of the nightmarish experience Beatrice had just endured. Worries gnawed at Marian's heart, and she couldn't dismiss the feeling that something disturbing must have happened to her daughter during her time away at school.

Marian was a loving and protective mother, and the wellbeing of her family was paramount. Her husband's hard work and success in business had ensured that they led a comfortable and happy life. They had minimal worries, and their home was a sanctuary where Beatrice had been sheltered from the harshness of the world.

Beatrice had always been one to enjoy a good night's sleep, and the terror of the dream that had left her shaken was a stark deviation from her usual peaceful nights. The dream had raised alarm bells in Marian's mind, and she knew she couldn't leave this matter unexplored.

Determined to get to the bottom of it, Marian decided to gently inquire about her daughter's experiences at school. She wanted to provide Beatrice with the space and comfort to share her concerns and worries. After all, no matter how protected a child may be, the challenges of life have a way of reaching everyone eventually.

Marian's gentle embrace brought a sense of comfort to Beatrice. Sitting down beside her, she offered a glass of water and lovingly encouraged her daughter to open up.

"Bea, sweetheart, what happened when you were away in school? You seem very troubled. Why were you screaming like that in your sleep?" Marian asked softly. She was genuinely concerned for her daughter's wellbeing and wanted to offer her support in any way she could.

Beatrice sipped the water her mother offered, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil. After a moment of silence, she began to share her unsettling dream and the nightmarish experience she had undergone at school. Marian listened attentively, her motherly instincts urging her to soothe her daughter's distress and help her through this difficult time.

Marian continued to hold her daughter close, offering words of reassurance and comfort. "You're back home now, Bea," she said gently, her voice filled with motherly warmth. "You are safe, and you can put all of that behind you. You're safe here with us, and we'll always protect you."

Beatrice felt the safety and love in her mother's embrace and words, and slowly but surely, the fear and anxiety that had plagued her began to recede. She knew she had her family's unwavering support, and that, more than anything, brought solace to her troubled heart.