As the year winds down to an end, schools closing, Kate's obsession with Lena's secrets grew as she dug deeper into their connection.
She discovered old newspaper clippings about the tragic accident that separated Lena, the myth sorronding it. The more Kate learned, the more she felt a twisted sense of purpose .
Lena, meanwhile, was trying to focus on the sports fest. Her team was ready , but she couldn't shake off the feeling that Kate was hiding something .
As the campus started winding down for the holidays Lena receives an anonymous message.
Lena's eyes narrowed as she read the message: "The game has began Lena and your strength will determine how far you will run. A word of advice, trust no one Lena." She felt a shiver run down her spine – someone was watching her, and they knew something she doesn't.
She looked around fearfully, but the place was empty. The only sound was the chirping of birds...
Lena's heart raced . Who could it be? And what did they want.
Lena could feel it, her meeting with Kate it wasn't fate as she said because her life has been a whirlwind of unexpected twist and turns and she think she is going to face more. She can't quite grasp it. It's like a an already written script with no exist sign but since she doesn't know the ending she has to follow through.
Lena decided to investigate, but she was careful. She didn't want to alert whoever was watching.
She searched the school at midnight, but there was no one . No signs of disturbance , just the usual night sounds .
She asked her friends but there was nothing new with them just the usual.
"Since you are in the dark, let's follow up to the end" Lena shrugged and continued with her business. Sports fest prep, drama club rehearsals, and hanging out with friends.
But... she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched. Every time she turned around, she felt like someone was there, just out of sight.
She started noticing little things – a shadow out of the corner of her eye, a faint scent of perfume, a soft whisper in the wind.
Lena's instincts were on high alert, but she couldn't pinpoint anything. It was like playing a game– she was always one step behind.
As the days went by, the feeling didn't fade. If anything, it intensified. Lena felt like she was living in a fishbowl – everyone was watching, and she was the main attraction.
As the campus close for the December holidays Lena decided to visit her family's old home in the suburbs. It had been a while since she visited there the main reason being her paternal relatives never likes her and she needed a break from the drama at school.
As Lena rolled into her driveway, she was greeted by the warm glow of her parents' preparations – everything was set for their December holiday escape to the suburbs. The Nairobi streets, chaotic and buzzing with festive cheer, proved challenging, but they hit the road nonetheless.
As they inched through the jam, the city's concrete jungle gave way to the soothing embrace of lush greenery and tranquil streets – a welcome respite from the matatu mayhem and blasting tunes of the city.
Though progress was slow, they drew nearer to their cozy haven with every minute. And as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky , they finally arrived – tired but content, ready to unwind and soak in the holiday cheer .
Lena and her mom turned their cozy bedroom into a snug retreat – plucking pillows, smoothing beddings, and sprinkling festive touches here and there. And though exhaustion threatened to take them down , they persisted, crafting a peaceful nest.
The next morning, Lena's eyes fluttered open to the heavenly aroma of steaming chai and sizzling hot potatoes wafting from downstairs – her mom's signature breakfast in the countryside! A contented sigh escaped her lips, and with a happy smile, she snuggled into the cozy warmth, letting the stresses of the journey melt away."
Lena spent her days catching up with family, reminiscing about old times, and enjoying the peace. No mysterious messages, no creepy feelings– just pure relaxation.
In the tranquil village mornings and evenings, Lena loved to wander and soak in the simple joys of rural life. She'd stroll through dusty paths, laughter and chatter filling the air, as children played tag in the open fields, their joyous shouts echoing across the landscape .
Lena would smile at the ladies gathered in animated gossip sessions under shade trees, their colorful kitenge prints fluttering in the breeze, sipping chai and sharing stories of love and life. Nearby, boys cheered on their favorite football teams, living through their teams every goal , their excitement noticable.
And then , she'd make her way to the ancient oak tree, where the village elders sat in wisdom circles , sharing stories of yesteryear, their weathered faces etched with lines of laughter and wisdom . The old oak , with gossamer leaves whispering secrets , stood sentinel – watching over the heartbeat of village life, its bark worn smooth by time and tradition.
As Lena lingered near the oak, the elders' stories woked her senses – of harvest festivals, moonlit dances, and ancestral tales passed down generations. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked mandazi and simmering stew, mingling with laughter and music drifting from the households.
The village came alive in these moments – in the bustling market square, where vendors hawked their wares in the chirping birds songs; in the warmth of greetings exchanged between neighbors . And amidst this tapestry of life, Lena felt a sense of belonging – her roots digging deeper into the soil of this rural haven.
As the sun dipped low, casting golden hues across the landscape, the village slowed down, exhaling a collective sigh of contentment. And Lena , with a heart full of peace , knew she'd found her happy place – surrounded by love, tradition, and the soothing rhythms of village life.
Sometimes you could find Lena sitting with her mother listening to how one of her uncle's wife escaped with his son and that's when Lena heard some of luhya traditions.
You see, Luhya traditions are not just deep, they are deep freezer. You don't marry a Luhya man, you subscribe to ancestral Wi-Fi with unlimited data and no logout button. For the past two weeks, her uncle's ex, Abby mwangi has been going through premium tears. Her young son suddenly declared a nutrition go-slow.
The boy refused to eat, sleep, play, fart, blink and breathe in peace,, he just cried like rent was due in Sayuni. Abby rushed her son to hospital, Doctors checked him, Scanned him, Reset him, Upgraded him but they couldn't detect any virus.
Daughter of Mumbi prayed, fasted, She even probably whispered Psalms directly into her son's ear. The boy said "Madam, I hear you, but I'm still crying." Left with no options, Abby called Lena's uncle who in turn just told her to relax the baby will be fine. Abby thought he was joking and taking things lightly.
She decided to call Lena's grandmother who still gave the same relax it will be fine answer. At this point Abby knew this problem was no longer under NHIF or the so called SHA it was under ancestral warranty. Lena's uncle arrived, no thermometer, no prayer and no syrup.
The man simply removed shoes, stepped on the boy's stomach barefoot like he's activating a hidden button, and BOOM,,, the crying stopped instantly.
Ancestors updated their new systems successfully.
Apparently the boy just wanted his father's presence. No amount of Cerelac, toys, cartoons or Blue Band could fix that. Then Lena's uncle produced a jogoo without blemish to cleanse the house.
Do you know how hard it is to find a jogoo without blemish in Christmas? Chickens are still suffering PTSD and survivor's guilt! But Walimwengu are saying that the kid's issue was probably brought by Abby.
She might have been doing some horizontal engineering, fluid mixing and advanced gymnastics, then went to carry her without showering, thinking Jesus washed all traditions on the cross.
Unfortunately for Abby, she sired a kid with a dangerous clan.some sub-tribes of luhya is a no go zone. Abby must obey Lena's uncle until the child turns five. After that, she may resume bedroom Olympics.
This is why Luhya men don't panic when women run away with their kids. They know one day the child will definitely come back. Failure to comply? Straight to Sayuni. This habit of some ladies siring kids with men, then they run with the child and name their sons after their grandmothers must Stop.
So ladies, please before you fall in love with a Luhya man, ask yourself "Are you ready to live under ancestral Wi-Fi?" Because once connected, even your tears need permission to fall.
And that story reminded Lena of their traditions and customs.
"Momma, Papa what's with our customs is it a myth." Lena one day broke the silence of what has been tagging her all these years and she needed answers.
"Lena" her mother called her in a Stern voice while her father remained silent but the pain of the so called myth could be seen in his eyes.
"What about Ava my twin sister mum"
"We thought you forgot her" with a sigh he continued "Her being kidnapped isn't related to the myth" calmly her father explained.
"What is the myth Papa?"
"It's a custom lena.The custom of couples divorcing due to giving birth to firstborn twins is associated with our tribe. According ancestors they traditionally believe that if the firstborn children were twins, one of them had to be killed. However, it's worth noting that this practice is no longer widely accepted or followed considering it a thing of the past."
"And that's not the version I know Papa."
"Lena, what I have told you is a simplified way but we as a whole believe that if couples give birth to firstborn twins they should be separated. Failure to do so the so called hands of fate will work on it's on ways that's why your grandparents gave away your aunt who is my twin sister fearing the consequences falling in them"
"That's male chauvinism pa" Lena snorted disdaining these customs of giving up on women. "What about Ava my twin."
"Didn't we live with her for five years?" He asked with uncertainty. Maybe that question was for Lena or himself. "She was kidnapped. We have been searching for her all this year's and there is no news of her death or if she is alive but your mother and I trust that we will find her one day because we don't believe in that myth that's why we never separated and we don't regret."There was longing in his eyes .
Lena does not know how and when she slept but what she knows is that she never believe in the so called traditions and customs.
But on her last night , as she was packing , she stumbled upon an old photo album. Flipping through , she found a picture of her sister and an aunt she's never seen – the one who was Kate's aunt's twin
A piece of paper slipped out . It was a note, written in a woman's handwriting : "Trust no one . Protect the truth ."
Lena's heart skipped a beat . What truth was she talking about and who needs to protect it?
Maybe there is no safe place and she should stop running.