Destiny’s Story: Moving Image

By Mathilda No

The story begins with Destiny sitting alone in her prison cell, feeling completely detached. In a solemn reflective state, she mulls over her past actions, bad decisions, and life experiences. Her parents had migrated from Africa to France before she was born, marking the start of a life of movement, spending her childhood living between Africa and France with her family. Despite a visual impairment, Destiny was successful academically. Popular within her community, sociable and creative, she dreamt of becoming a famous singer or actress, but drug and alcohol abuse began to darken her life.

This was the beginning of trouble, misadventure, and challenging relationships. Realising that France was no longer the place for her, Destiny finds herself on the move once more, looking to improve her life. An intriguing opportunity arrives when Destiny is offered a dream holiday to an idyllic tropical island. Accepting this offer was a decision that she would forever regret. This personal, moving, and emotional journey ends with an event that was foreshadowed at the start of the book, the arrest of Destiny and her friend at an international airport.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781398419865

Mathilda No

Mathilda No was born in France, where she completed her education and studied literature in Paris. Despite living with a severe visual impairment, she had an active, independent youth; involved in acting, modelling and singing. Mathilda loves travelling and learning new languages, and has worked in teaching and interpreting. Her main aspiration has been to publish some of her own work. In addition to creative writing, Mathilda has her own blog to raise awareness of visual impairment and discuss her interests including fashion, mentoring and life coaching.

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About the Author

Mathilda No was born in France, where she completed her education and studied literature in Paris. Despite living with a severe visual impairment, she had an active, independent youth; involved in acting, modelling and singing. Mathilda loves travelling and learning new languages, and has worked in teaching and interpreting. Her main aspiration has been to publish some of her own work. In addition to creative writing, Mathilda has her own blog to raise awareness of visual impairment and discuss her interests including fashion, mentoring and life coaching.

Dedication

I would like to dedicate this book to my Mum, Thérèse, who was the kindest and most loving person to everyone who knew her. Love you always, Maman Fleur.

I also dedicate this book to my Dad, Andrè, who also passed away.

And to my son, Oliver, for his unconditional love.

Copyright Information ©

Mathilda No 2023

The right of Mathilda No to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

All of the events in this memoir are true to the best of author’s memory. The views expressed in this memoir are solely those of the author.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398419858 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398419865 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

A huge thanks to the staff at Brixton Library and Vocation Matters, Lambeth for their assistance, encouragement and support.

I would like to acknowledge my friends and relatives all around the world, who have always supported me in difficult times, especially JB and my sisters Colette, Micheline and Alice.

Also to my parental villages in Cameroon- Bikok Community.

And of course, to my God.

Facing life challenges enables to nourish the drive to achieve.

Disabled does not mean unable.

By Mathilda No

Prologue

At the Airport Customs-Immigration Police Station

And there was something really strange about those policemen: it looked as if they did not care about what was happening to Destiny, her friend Emma and all the other girls in custody. There were more girls than officers but the whole scene seemed rather in control considering the fact that the women were all presumed criminals and one could imagine some of them might unexpectedly turn to a rage resulting to violence or represent a danger not only to others but also to themselves. But Destiny did not think they looked like violent nor criminals she definitely was sure she and her friend Emma were not criminals. But yet there they were! Arrested and soon they will be incarcerated. Then after a second thought, Maybe there are not only bad people in prison or and maybe one can do nasty things for a reason but not be a bad person. The deep thinking comforted her troubled mind before the interruption.

77, 78, 79, 80, come ’round here please! shouted one of them. He looked very harsh and bossy. His thick dark eyebrows were low on his eyes, almost as if they were glued; he had a big dark moustache covering his mouth but above all what shocked Destiny was his impressive bulging belly which prevented all his shirt buttons to close properly which looked rather repulsive.

Wow! she whispered. Why am I actually doing here?

Come on, ladies, I haven’t got all day. The officer called out.

Emma, Emma! she yelled in vain.

A female officer tried to calm her down but her genuine efforts turned to be equally in vain, she now was screaming at the top of her lungs. The same female officer who had noticed Destiny was displaying an excessive in distress behaviour and who probably was empathizing approached her and decided to stay with her, keeping her away from the others. She was quite nice, that one: young blonde hair and blue eyes. What the hell is such a young and pretty woman doing?

Working here? Destiny wondered.

Her thought was interrupted when the Customs’ police station door opened and the daylight illuminated her eyes. The outsides fresh air produced for a moment a feeling of hope somehow. But immediately after that feel-good thought, she realised it was the outdoor of the police station where they had spent two long days over the weekend since their arrest at the airport. All she could see was nothing but huge vans lined up.

I am not getting in there! she shouted loud enough for all the people present in the hall to hear including her fellow future inmates arrested.

NO! and her echo followed her.

Come on, young lady, you should have known better, said another Policeman.

Destiny looked at him with a pleading grin in her eyes and asked, And what do you even care?

If you are not happy, I can charge you with resisting a police officer son duty carrying out their work, but I am sure the crime you have been charged with is enough for you.

Destiny’s dark complexion turned pale and her facial appearance suggested she had been offended and was embarrassed. Of course he was right! She went silent and suddenly remembered why she had actually been arrested. Nothing was clearer in her mind. She acknowledged the law enforcement officer was right and decided to calm herself down and follow the instructions and stay away from trouble, any trouble. With the help of the woman officer, she slowly and obediently made her way to enter the van and placing herself into her designated cabin continued sobbing quietly. All the other girls had already joined their seats.

The officers who escorted them slammed the big white iron doors, climbed in their seats, two of them cramped in the tiny corridor of the van to keep an eye the prisoners, and the van drove off in the direction of the prison where she now understood she was going to be incarcerated on remand until her court date.

Court date she will only know the full details once their solicitor visits them in jail next week.

Arriving at the Prison

They all entered the gate. The building didn’t look like a prison although there were prison uniformed officers everywhere, mostly females. Destiny had not been handcuffed: the officer in charge thought she was shocked enough as it was; instead, they tried to comfort her. The other girls seemed all right and Destiny could not understand their resigned attitude, even Emma appeared fine.

But then she realised it probably was the best attitude to adopt under the circumstances.

What do you think you are doing? A voice distracted her thoughts. It was one of the girl who was hidden behind curtains with an officer. Leave me alone! she yelled.

Destiny’s turn was next and wondered ‘Yes. What are they doing in there?’

It was a body search to ensure the inmates were not carrying anything dangerous or illegal or both.

It’s the procedure, love, you can’t get away, and it needs to be done. Don’t worry. explained the other prisoner in the queue behind her who had overheard her moaning all morning. I’m Lea, you? she asked. Destiny who was in no mood to make small talk let it know make friends in prison just grinned stiffly and replied, Destiny.

It’s my third time here, don’t worry it looks worse than it really is babe.

she added cheerfully.

She looked like a nice naive girl but her facial’ features said something different, something like she had a difficult life behind her: homelessness, domestic violence or maybe abuse, maybe the three or worse. Destiny wondered why they needed body search for, they had been locked in for the last two days!

Then she thought about what she heard in the past and what she knew about arrests, criminal arrests. It is procedure!

She glanced back at Lea like to thanking her for the information.

What was that? Then she wondered how on earth she was supposed to communicate with a prisoner like Lea, was she really going to share a breathing space with recidivists?

Destiny started to understand how bad and serious and real the situation was. She sighed deeply and kept very silent until the end of the uncomfortable So cold and disgusting procedure. She thought one can only see this stuff on television, in crime movies.

First Day in Jail

Presently, there was no shadow of doubt; Destiny knew it was all over. She and her friend Emma had been arrested. Now, she was feeling sick and depressed all at once. She entered and stood still in the middle of the cell and with watery eyes looked around. Her inspection went further when she sat on the small single bed and the big iron door slammed shut only then she realised she had been locked in. She was left there alone, not scared bizarrely just upset. Lunch is at 12:30 pm. See you later. informed the female officer who had been assisting her, Miss T. She could hear her steps and her keys’ noise drifting away in the corridor.

She looked around the reasonably clean room, maybe Lea was right, maybe it was not going to be as bad. Emma had been allocated to another wing. Destiny had been allocated in the Psychiatric one.

The walls were painted in a cheap white; there were scratches and meaningless words – to her anyway – written here and there probably from previous prisoners. I will have to remove this if this is where… But she could not finish the sentence as she realised was she was starting to accept this will be the place she was going to live for the next few weeks before facing the Judge for a plea’s hearing. The window in the room overlooked the beautiful and well looked after garden. She walked to the sink and carefully studied her face in the Perspex mirror as if she was seeing somebody else’s and began to cry quietly.

After a few moments, she turned backwards, stepping in front of the small wooden cupboard and chest of drawers. She grabbed in a fragile gesture the transparent plastic bag and proceeded with its inspection slowly to see if all her belongings were in there, she sighed; nothing seemed to be missing, she had been told what she could not keep, but it was fine all her clothes and shoes were in the bag. She inspected the bag, then the room again and again. Her mind was not at rest.

How silly and naïve have I been? she asked herself loudly. This is such a mess.

She could feel her heart beating so hard and sat on her bed and started thinking about her life as far back as she could.

After a good half hour cry, Destiny pulled herself together, realising where she was and why she was there. She could hear the activity, noise, the loud voices, the running either from officers going to rescue a suicidal case or attending to stop a fight, the keys, the shouting but she could not imagine herself in the whole picture. She then remembered that this was probably meant to be happening one day. Surely it was only going to be a question of time before her luck runs out. That this was now a game changing situation catching up with her.

A few years before, she and her good friend Paris were going to experience a similar encounter.

It is the first day and it already feels like an eternity, especially now that she was informed by the officer her solicitor appointment had been cancelled.

A Day in Prison

Break-fast! It is 7:30 am, the breakfast is served on the wing and one had to be ready! First queueing, first served or else you get the last piece of bread from the bread loath.

Destiny does not care as she is not a breakfast person anyway. The door opens, Morning love. The officer on service says. She has never seen her before, maybe she is new. Good morning. She answers in a rather hypocrite tone as she feels mornings are not always that good here. She makes her way to join the already long queue. Some inmates say hello, others are already in a bad mood for the day, whilst a few look as if they do not know where they are.

Just hot water please. She politely asks to the wing cleaner.

Here babe, see you, next! says an always in a good mood Lea, the wing cleaner and since Destiny friend though one could wonder if there is such thing as friendship in prison. All the inmates become the closer people you can get like good friend, rival, partner in crime or even intimate partner. Everyone call each other Babe. It is prison life for you.

Smile babe! she adds even more cheerfully.

In the prison all maintenance, cleaning, gardening, kitchen is looked after by prisoners under strict surveillance of officers of course.

Emma works in the kitchen so she will see her in exercise.

Destiny is thinking of getting a job too. Maybe wing cleaner or maybe in the library preferably.

Back in the cell to get ready for exercise, locked in for thirty minutes between breakfast and exercise. What’s the point!? Destiny asks every day. To avoid unnecessary crowded wings and fights. The officer on duty explains to her all the time.

A quick room search is carried out whilst inmates clean their respective cells.

Exercise takes an hour, for a cigarette or a roll up, a chat with an inmate-friend who is allocated to a different wing. Exercise is the only time inmates are out, so fresh air is usually the main reason everyone attends, it is also the only moment one can feel closed to the outside world. It takes place in the prison gardens where there is no way one can see the outside world, how ironic! Destiny realises how freedom is precious.

Then back in the rooms again for another half hour or so.

Morning activity! Destiny can hear the officers opening doors again this time to ask if one would like to go to the gym or swimming before lunch.

Her cell’s door opens, Are you coming De? the officer asks, No thanks.

Sure? They always trying to cheer her up but Destiny has her days and today is not.

The officer smiles and leaves. Destiny can hear her carrying on her round. How can they always be in a good mood…working here? Destiny wonders out loud then she lies down to her single bed and closes her eyes.

Lunch Time!

She jumps up from a dream of being in front of a female Judge lecturing her about her bad behaviour and informing her about her punishment. Ouf, its just a dream or is it a predicament. Anyway, she feels better and she is starving.

And she has just heard the voice of Miss G., Great!

It is 12:30 pm. The queue is already long and the ambiance frantic but Destiny is not worried as Lea, the wing cleaner is her very close friend, she will keep her food.

Food is served in integral plastic cutleries. Today’s menu is Rice and peas, Roast chicken, desert is lemon sponge and drink? Tea or tap water only, of course!

After lunch everyone goes straight back to their cell, apart from the wing cleaners, it is forbidden to stay to someone else’s, there are singles, duos and cells of four on each wing.

Free flow! a female officer’s voice calls out rather shouts.

It is Miss T’s voice. Great! She likes it when Miss T or Miss G are on shift. Destiny had now spent two weeks and she had managed to make a few friends amongst inmates and even got closer as one of the favourite amongst some prison staff.

Free flow! Free flow!

It is 2:00 pm in the afternoon, on a Tuesday, but it does not really matter to Destiny– it is just another day in prison. It had become that way; the days appealed all to one another. She sits down slowly on the edge of her bed and wonders, Should I stay here or go on free flow? Then she thinks about Emma who has since their arrival at the prison managed to cope well, it seems she is OK with it all.

Free flow is not obligatory but it helps to kill the time inside, to meet other inmates and enjoy the activities like sport or even education and all sorts of workshops and courses. She grins and stands up when the door opened.

Hello, cheek. Free flow? Miss G. smiled at Destiny then sits down next to her.

So, what’s going on? You’re okay, cheek?

She calls her cheek, that is sweet but Destiny’s thoughts had been dwelling somewhere else at all time since her arrest. It is bad enough she was now in jail,

she has no idea for how long.

Nobody knew she was in prison. Family, friends, no one from the outside world knew she and Emma were in jail. That thought was haunting Destiny.

She had written a letter four days ago to Patience her sister to break the ice, and she believes by now she would have received it and probably have told everyone. It feels awkward, sad and bad but in some way relieving.

Cheek, you’re okay?

Tears are rolling down Destiny’s face.

What’s wrong?

Nothing.

You’re sure?

Yes.

Of course she means No, on the other hand despite the difficult situation she had found herself into, somehow there is always a warm atmosphere in the presence of Miss G or Miss T.

You have Dance class today, are you coming? And your Psychotherapys appointment is at 3:55 pm, come on! Destiny nods and follows the officer she finds attractive.

Oh and your legal appointment is been cancelled.

Again!? she does not know if she should feel relieved, upset or worried about it so she just leaves the matter. Miss T adds, Don’t worry it is common. They are very busy…the duty solicitors. she pauses.

Your solicitor says he will be in touch by the end of the week. She smiles and rubs Destiny’ shoulders.

The day is been okay so far, after free flow they attend Canteen which is where one can buy bits and pieces like sweets, tobacco, toiletries the prison does not provide.

It’s 7:00 pm. What a day! Just a day in prison. Different for those who get visit, not for Destiny, not yet anyway.

Dinner! Sane routine: door cell unlocking, long noisy queue, maybe a fight here and then, nothing serious, service, eat and chats and very loud laughers or few moaning.

The officer announces this evening it is karaoke.

"Wonderful! It means bed time will be at 10:00 pm instead of 8:30 pm.

Chapter 1

Childhood

Early years

All her life, Destiny tried to persuade herself that she could be someone else, someone she secretly wished to be.

She was brave, popular and talented but behaved as a rebellious teenager girl.

Nothing was more important for her than freedom. Confused by her own self, trapped between family, her friends and high expectations she held for herself and the negative forces, Destiny created her own private, secret little world, a world she only followed the rules.

Destiny was the oldest child of a humble young couple. Her father Andrew was an Estate Agent Accountant for a very successful company. Her mother Julia, after finishing training in dressmaking, worked as a Secretary in a fashion firm and had a second job at the local florist. Destiny had three younger sisters:

Patience, Chrystal, better known from since she was born as Chris, and Celeste.

Julia and Andrew were married under some unconventional terms, it was both y their families who had arranged to unite them, so it was not the average perfect union based on love or friendship.

After the traditional marriage in Africa, Andrew led to France, and Julia joined him around a year later. So Destiny was born in Paris. When she was six months old, her parents got officially married in France. One year later, Destiny’s sister Patience was born. The family left the tiny studio located in town to move in a bigger and more comfortable accommodation in the suburb.

The new flat was situated in a family’s block estate so most of the neighbour had kids. The new family home no doubt more comfortable to raise children as there were three bedrooms, a big kitchen and a spacious dining room.

The flat was reasonably comfortable enough for a young couple with their children. But that was before Andrew’s nephew and niece, as well as Julia’s cousin, arrived from Africa to study. Then, the house began to seem smaller. But what seemed inconvenient turned to an immense privilege no money could buy; family life.

Destiny and her sister Patience went to their grandparents’ in Africa, where they spent four years before returning to start school.

Chris was born three years after Patience. Then after another three years, Celeste’s birth fulfilled the happy young couple but it was more work for Julia who was only 29, and had to look after her four lovely daughters as Andrew was working full-time.

The couple decided to invite Julia’s younger sister from back home, in Africa to help her with the nursing and the girls’ education so she can go back to fulltime work. Aunty Louise was used to Destiny and Patience already. She was 24 by then but a very kind, brave and patient young lady.

In fact, she looked after Destiny and her sisters with love and care, and brought them up as if they were her own. Julia was working hard and Andrew had lot of responsibilities at the company he was working for.

It was a happy family life all those years and Destiny really enjoyed having some extended family at home, the big breakfasts and dinners, the Sundays at the park or football ground. Every Sunday, the girls went to church and the Bible study school on Wednesdays, as their parents were very strong Christians.

The times spent with all