The Bogeyman; the tale of a man and his death list

Chapter 5(Tana's quest)

It is seven days already yet no one from the Teleimans family bothered to know how Ruth was faring.

To them, she was better off dead than alive. She has been the reason why the family stocks have plummeted for years.

Ruth may have been part of the family but she was never treated like one. Being adopted by the unfavored late James Teleimans’ wife, Tana, didn't help matters either.

Grandpa Bruce had two sons, James and Jude in their order of succession. Jude Teleimans was the favoured one while James wasn't, even before his untimely demise.

Tana had adopted Ruth since she was her only surviving relative following her mother's death. Tana had only one child, Oliver Teleimans, a Teleimans that was barely treated like one.

Oliver and Tana were relegated to the average cost residence behind the main Teleimans' mansion. Oliver and her mother were barely surviving, living off on the monthly wage from the Teleimans business.

It was crazy how he had to work his ass off to make ends meet while the other grandchildren had their pockets stocked up without sweating.

“Is this where you live?” Redmond asked with a skeptical countenance when Ruth stopped before an average looking structure.

Redmond must have expected a more furnished apartment than what was before him. The house was different from the Teleimans estate.

“Yes, that's where I live with Aunt Tana and his son, Oliver,” she replied judiciously and cheerfully.

She smiled and approached the door where she knocked gently.

Tana opened the door

Her eyes lit up on seeing her niece and a stranger.

“Ruth…” she called out in an impulsive manner as she embraced her warmly.

Clearly, she was the last person she expected to appear before her door. The last time she heard about her was seven days ago when grandpa had insisted on giving her out.

“For a moment I thought I would never see you again.” She cried as she kissed her frontal area.

Just then, her face wore a panicky expression as her eyes caught the pink coloured Humly flower twig tucked on the corner of her red coloured dress.

She immediately reached to get it off but was stopped by Ruth. She was both confused and stunned by her action.

“Don't worry Aunt, the Humly flower has no power over me anymore.”

“What!..”

“Yes aunt, am healed” she nodded affirmatively with her eyes wide open

“Healed, Are you saying you're now safe?” She scanned her, not convinced by her revelation.

She has, like everyone else, given up on her. Seeing her calm and composed despite the presence of the Humly flower gladdened her heart.

She embraced her once again,this time more passionately, “ forgive me for giving up on you. Thanks for not giving up on yourself.”

“Am not the one to be thanked, Aunt. All thanks should be to my husband, Redmond.” She cheerfully admitted as she reached for his arm.

Tana cast a fast demeaning glance at the gentle man before him and forcefully dragged her away from him. “Husband? Not when I have not endorsed it.”

Perplexed, Ruth responded, “But Grandpa picked him for me..”

“Shut up, you talk too much.” She hushed as she sought for her handbag. “Come, we will head right away to Grandpa. He has to get you a deserving husband fitting for your beauty.” She declared, dragging her with all her might.

Tana was alive again, her niece's new found health will make her one of the most beautiful girls in Denor city. Ruth has always been a beauty to behold despite her condition. Her beauty was so irresistible that Wade's last son couldn't resist having her to himself. It is safe to say that her volatile unpredictable violent condition marred her chance of a brave prince.

“No! No! Aunt! Redmond..” she cried, stretching her hands to the silent Redmond.

He watched until the two were out of sight before he trailed behind.

“Finally, I get to have my favourite flower around.” Dorothy giggled as she caressed the Humly flowers tugged around the house.

Crazy how Ruth’s nemesis happens to be Dorothy's favourite flower. She was made to give up her obsession with the pink coloured flower because of Ruth's condition. But with her gone, it means that she gets to have it everywhere.

Ruth's unannounced visit to the Teleimans mansion with Tana stirred murmurs and gasps from the Teleimans. They weren't expecting to see her any more, given she was meant to return with her soon to be husband on the fifth day to get their certificate but didn't.

They thought she was dead or kidnapped but here she was breathing very fine.

“You guys should stay clear of her. She will have an episode now!” Dorothy yelled on sighting her.

Everyone sought to leave on sighting the Humly flower around but there she was, still like calm water. One should see the look on their faces as they waited for her to start convulsing and panting.

They were both dazed and perplexed.

“She is alright now. Everyone is safe. Ruth is now free from her curse.” Tana revealed, allaying their fears.

Tana turned to Grandpa Bruce who was sipping his coffee while his eyeballs darted to and fro on the newspaper.

“Grandpa, I disagree with Ruth's marriage to this..” she stared disdainfully at Redmond, “Pauper. Ruth deserves better. With her newly found health, Jason Wade can finally take responsibility of her.”

Grandpa Bruce finally raised his head, and cast his condescending gaze on them while he sipped his coffee.

“Is she truly ok, now?” He asked with an air of doubt.

“Yes, Grandpa. She is sound and healthy.” She replied with a great zeal of enthusiasm.

Aunt Tana was ready to take advantage of Ruth's rejuvenation to change the state of herself and her family.

Ruth's engagement to a rich folk like Jason Wade will propel their status and oil their pockets. Having taken a good look at Redmond, giving his average outfit, she was fast to see her as a church rat that could barely fend for himself.

After a brief pause, Grandpa Bruce cleared his throat after an intense stare on Ruth. “As much as I hate to admit it, You're right. She deserves a proper husband and since she's already pregnant with Jason’s child, I will put up a meeting to see what can be done…”

“No Grandpa. Redmond is my husband, you picked him yourself.” Ruth cried as she fell on her knees, begging for them to reconsider.

“You're such a dumb girl..” Tana’s voice echoed in anger.

“Hmmm, yes I did pick him for you..though I am still wowed by how he managed to heal you but he's still worthless. This is for your own good, girl and that's final.”

“Dad, don't you think you’re doing much already. We can't risk our recently found relationship with Wade by handing her to them.” Jude Bellingham advised. He has been silent all along, paying attention to their claims and requests.

Jude being a bitter and mischievous man, knew that the union of Ruth and Jason Wade will bring fortune and goodwill to his late brother's ostracized family.

Redmond who has been silent all along tucked out his hand from his coat, he smacked his lips and then heaved a wry smile, “That's not your decision to make Mr Bruce neither is it yours, Mr Jude. Ruth and I have found our future in each other. All we expect from you is your blessing and the marriage certificate.”

“And who invited this tramp to this conversation?” Arthur Teleimans, Grandpa Bruce eldest grandson, spring forward and sashayed towards Redmond with a haughty countenance. “Don't push your luck here. You only talk when asked to.” He stood right before him, just an inch away from his lips.

“Argh!!! Fuck shit!” Arthur whined in pain as spat full of blood exuded from his mouth following as Redmond hit him with his head.

Everyone was shocked and taken aback. Who the hell is this dude that wants to die so bad?