Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts




No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.




CHAPTER 12




Ginger tiptoed out of the room while they were still asleep. For some reason, Jewel has refused to sleep in her own room for the past six days since Ginger got back.

She pulled a backpack from under their bed that Jewel had no idea she had when they got home.

Jewel figured she must have brought it home when she went out briefly that week and left Ginger at home with her parents, who don’t care.

Ginger heard a creek behind her and got startled. She looked back and saw the light in her parent’s room come on. She waited for a few minutes, and it went off.

Walking down the steps gently, she kept checking her wristwatch.

"Right on time." She whispered to herself and tiptoed out the door.

When she got to the main compound, she saw a motorcycle waiting for her.

Ginger rushed to the motorcycle, hopped on, and signaled the rider to drive off.

Jewel, who had been hiding the whole time while following her sister, fidgeted with her car keys and got in her car. She drove off at top speed, hoping to catch up with her sister’s bike at 3 in the morning.

She sat in her car terrified the entire time, believing Ginger knew no one outside of prison, and they arrived at Simi's nightclub on 4th Avenue after what seemed like a long drive.

Jewel, who had parked a few blocks away, saw her sister get off the bike after looking around for a while. She let out a sigh of relief.

She laughed so hard. "Silly me!" She's here to have fun. Jewel reassured herself and was about to get out of the car when Ginger got off the bike and reached out to the person whose bike it was for a hug. She didn't think they knew each other.

With a confused look on her face, she sat back and decided to follow instead.

Ginger looked around nervously and smacked her lips, then Bea tapped her on the shoulder.

"Ging," the lady she was walking with called out. I think you are being followed.

"You felt that too?" She sprawled around to face Bea.

"Yes, so I’d do a sweep around the club, and you go do your thing." She smiled and handed Ginger an envelope.

"What’s this?" Ginger inquired.

"Whatever you need to know about your target is in there." Bea told her with a stupid grin on her face.

She was going away when Ginger pulled her back after opening the envelope.

"This is a teenager, Bea." She pointed to the picture she took out of the envelope earlier.

"Yes, is that an issue for you because I know you’ve done worse?" Bea muttered, annoying the snot out of Ginger.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ginger raised her hand against Bea's face and slapped her hard.

Bea held on to her right cheek. "You slapped me?"

"I told you, if I’m going to do these kinds of jobs, I make my own picks."

"I get that you want to run things, but it’s not possible, Ginger," I told you this when I came to see you a week before your release.

"And I remember telling you, if I’m going to be taking a life in the outside world, I want to run things."

"You know what you're asking me to do would be putting a target on our backs."

Ginger nodded. "I’d get rid of your man at a later date."

"You are still going to kill the kid, right?"

"The mention of the kid made Ginger sick in the stomach. "Now go check the perimeter."

She spoke, and her eyes caught the washroom. Ginger rushed in there with speed.

Unknown to Ginger and Bea, the club had a back entrance to the main dance room.

Jewel saw her sister walking to the washroom and hid behind the door leading to the dance room.

After what seemed like minutes, Jewel saw them enter the dance room, where they disappeared without a trace. She kept knocking people off the dance floor. They all reeked of alcohol. Most were young girls and boys who probably had a fun night and were having their last dance before morning.

She finally spotted Ginger being directed to a private room, and she followed, stumbling a few times.

Fortunately, the door wasn’t locked, and Jewel rushed in.

"Ginger!" She yelled and fell to the floor.

Ginger was facing the entrance with a pillow pressing over someone’s face while Bea looked on. Either they forgot to lock the door or they thought it was going to be a fast one.

Bea quickly drew her gun before she saw who it was. Ginger’s heart sank, and she jumped out of her own skin, probably because she was caught unawares.

"Put that away right now." Ginger quickly reacted and thundered.

She was rushing to Jewel when the young man she was hired to kill woke up grudgingly. He appeared so out of it, probably on ecstasy, because he obviously didn’t feel a pillow over his face earlier.

"What’s g...oing on?" He asked sleepily and drunkenly.

"Get out!" Ginger yelled while checking her sister's pulse. "Now!" she yelled again, glaring at him.

He stood there like a lost puppy. Ginger pushed him out the door, forgetting to close it. Jewel regained her consciousness slowly, and her eyes met her sister's. She jeered like a scary little cat dumped in a pool of water.

"Where’s the body?" Jewel inquired in a single breath.

Ginger tried reaching out with her hands, but she ran off.

"Don't come near me." She shifted away from Ginger's reach and rushed to the door, but Bea was quick to close the door and pull her to the floor.

She kept trying to free herself from Bea's arms as Ginger walked over.

"Easy Jewel." She forced a smile on her face.

"Get away from me; you killed him." She pushed her sister's hands away when she tried to touch her.

"No one is dead here; just relax and I can explain," Ginger reassured her.

"Bea, let her go." Ginger muttered sternly while Jewel whimpered.

"But s......"

"Who's in charge here?" Ginger countered with bloodshot eyes. She was so frustrated at not knowing how to handle the situation. Ginger knew if she didn't cooperate and Bill found out she saw what nearly happened, she'd have to do what she's spent her whole life protecting Jewel from.

"You are," Bea answered and let go of Jewel mischievously.

She ran around the room and finally remembered where the door was.

"I’m not going to hurt you, and you know that," Ginger said, glancing at Bea and the door. Bea got the message clear while Jewel headed for the door.

They both got to the door at the same time, and Bea held her down again.

She wailed while Bea locked the door behind them.

"Let me go, and I won’t tell anyone." She continued to cry and turned to her sister. Ginger, I promise I'll forget this. "Please, I want to go home." She cried out loudly now, while Bea held her hand over her neck.

The look on Bea's face seemed like she was irritated. She finally ripped her scarf and gagged Jewel so she couldn’t talk.

Ginger, in her confused state, sprawled around, then punched the floor.

"Omg!" "She never listens; now I’ve got to take care of this." She cursed and turned around, walking back to her sister, who was still being held down.

"Take the gag off," Ginger ordered.

"But Ginger….."

"What?" Ginger yelled.

"You never leave a witness." Bea reminded her.

"Like I left you alive?" Ginger inquired and gave her a long stare.

"That was different, Ginger, and you know Bill won’t let this go."

"Bleep Bill." "How do you expect me to get rid of the one person I’ve lived my life trying to protect?"

Bea glanced at Jewel squirming on the floor, then reached out to her pocket with a handkerchief. And before Ginger could say anything, she took off Jewel’s gag and covered her mouth with the handkerchief while she struggled to breathe.

"What did you do, Bea?" Ginger dashed over and pushed her away from her sister.

Bea landed on her hands, but it was too late. Jewel had already passed out.

"No, you didn’t. "Tell me you…….." Ginger pounced on Bea, and the look on her face restrained her.

"She got back to her sister and carried her while Bea held the door for her. They rushed out while everyone was busy dancing or sleeping it off.

Ginger had grabbed the key from her sister's jeans pocket earlier and pressed on the alarm button so she could locate Jewel’s car.

"You know how to operate this," she said, pointing to the car.

Bea nodded and took the car key from her.

"Get your bike in the boot and take us home." She spoke with a strained voice.

"Home?" I don’t think it’s a good idea, Ginger.

"I spared you earlier, so hush up and let me deal with my sister the way I want to."

Bea watched on while Ginger adjusted her sister on the backseat and sat beside her, supporting her neck.

"Hurry, get your bike in, and let's go before she wakes up and sees you." Bea woke out of her reverie when Ginger whistled.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts



No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.



CHAPTER 11 – SET IN THE PAST



Judge Saltman slipped a note under the Attorney Generals’ door and rushed back to his car.

He hit the steering wheel twice and his forehead sunk in.

“It’s been 15 years, what do you think that piece of information would do?” The lady in the back seat startled him.

“Gosh! Zara.” He yelled and picked up his portable oxygen tank which had fallen off the seat and adjusted his nebulizer.

“I’ve got to find this girl and make sure she gets the justice she needs before I die.”

“She must be a woman now, Judge.” Zara, his assistant, replied.

“That doesn’t mean she isn’t deserving of justice.” “I know what I did was wrong, but if I had known my son wouldn’t have lived beyond the time limit, I would have insisted she stays in Juvi.”

“I thought you found her dad.”

“He didn’t return my voicemails, proving…”

“He was in on it,” Zara mentioned.

The destructive judge took a deep breath and asked Zara to come to the front and drive. He adjusted his seat at the other end, and Zara drove off.

“Once she gets out, we’ll find her.”

“I hope I’m still here in 5 years when she gets out.”

“You will, and since you signed off, your office will be notified.” Zara said as she returned her gaze to the road.

***********************
SET IN THE PRESENT



James walked out on his dad earlier, and when he got back, he hurriedly rushed into his room to shower.

His dad kept banging on his door.

“Will you open up?”

“Go away, dad.”

The furious Amos forced the door open.

He was fixing his belt when he walked in.

“How dare you disobey me again?” The old man thundered.

“In case you haven’t noticed, I stopped following your orders when I fell in love.”

The next thing he knew, his dad landed a slap on his face.

Amos raised his hand for the first time against his son.

“What was that for?”

“For disobeying me.”

“Dad, that family is harmless, so I don’t know why you need me to ruin their lives.”

“You are very gullible, Jam…” Mr. Amos was interrupted by the doorbell.

“We are not done here.” He issued a warning and walked out the door.

James slumped on the bed, trembling.

Mr. Amos got the door opened, and it was Jewel.

He feigned a smile. “We didn’t know you were coming.”

“Yes, I thought I’d surprise James.” “I brought your favorite doughnuts.” She smiled cheekily.

“You do know my taste.” He went on with his pretense.

After a few chit-chats, Jewel left him to check on James.

His door was opened halfway.

She peeped and smiled. “Pennies for your thoughts.”

James sprung up. “Babes. “What are you doing here?”

She closed the door behind her and walked to his bed.

“I’m here to apologize and also do this.” She leaned over and kissed him while holding on tightly.

James didn’t want to go far, so he slowly pushed her away.

“I’m really not in the mood now, Jewel.”

“Okay, but I’m sorry.”

“I understand you love your sister and want to keep her secrets, so I won’t blame you.”

“Thank you so much.”

“But whatever secret kept her away, is it over?”

“Well, yes. “So far as she doesn’t get herself in trouble again.”

“She’s trouble, I guess.” He reached out for her hands.

“Most of the time, she’s the most amazing person I’d give my life for…”

“Ouch, that hurts.” James teased.

“Don’t worry, I love you too, but family first.” Jewel countered.

“How about we have dinner together with your sister?”

“What? I’m not sure Ginger would agree to that.

“Why not?”

“It’s just that sh…”

“She doesn’t like me.” James concluded for her.

“I never said that.” She’s been through a lot, and I don’t want to make her feel left out.

“The more reason she has to go out and have fun,” James said, poking her cheeks.

Jewel mumbled for a while. “Alright, I’ll talk to her when I get home, but for now, I need to go back to work.”

She stood up, stole another kiss, and ran off before he could convince her to stay.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts




No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.




CHAPTER 10 – Prison POV




Martin stood at his quarter’s door and waved to Ginger to come quickly.

She peered down the corridors and dashed into his quarters.

“Hey!” Martin greeted.

“What’s the emergency?” “And I told you the fact that you saved me once does…”

“More than once.” He interrupted.

“Whatever,” she shrugged. “I don’t owe you any visits.” “Especially not in here, so stop slipping coded notes under my pillow,” Ginger muttered and glanced around the room.

It was a small, shared chamber with wallpaper of islands—something that would only be found in the outside world. Ginger smiled and walked closer to the wallpapers as they caught her attention.

“Do you like them?” He inquired in almost one breath.

Ginger jumped out of her skin. “Bleep!” “You scared me.”

“I’m sorry. He apologised and reached out for her hands.

For a minute, everything came to a standstill, then Ginger pulled away.

“What’s this place called?” She inquired, pointing to a wall-papered island.

“Oh, that’s Kauai.”

“I like it, auai” she mimicked and laughed.

“No, Kauai…”

“I heard you clearly. “Now tell me why I’m in your chambers,” Ginger asked.

He scratched his face and then moved to his head. Ginger watched as he fidgeted.

“So?” Ginger prompts with her hands in the air.

“I pulled your files.” He retorted.

“I thought I asked you to leave it alone.”

“I know, but I don’t understand why you don’t want my help to get out of here.”

“Because I don’t want to, and it’s impossible.”

“Ginger, you were 13 at the time.” “Who in their right mind throws a thirteen-year-old behind bars for using a gun left by grownups?”

“I didn’t tell you that,” Ginger said as she walked away from him.

“I don’t know if you know this, but someone went to great lengths to seal your file.

“I’m guessing you have them redacted.” She muttered in an undertone.

Just when Martin thought everything was okay, Ginger yelled. She was swamped with waves of emotions. Martin glared into her bloodshot eyes. He was sure; she wanted his help a few months ago when they attempted to talk about it.

“Who do you think you are?” If I ask you not to do something, you don’t. At this point, she was yelling.

Martin held her tightly as she struggled to get out of his arms. That was the only way he could end whatever emotions she was feeling at that time. She finally gave up after 10 seconds and broke down in tears.

“It’s okay.” Martin held her to the floor. “I’m sorry, I brought back memories.”

“I didn’t…” she said amidst her tears when Martin kissed her.

Ginger hesitated for a while before giving in. She came to her senses when the siren outside blared. Ginger pulled away immediately and rushed out.

Martin, who was embarrassed, rushed after her to make sure she wasn’t caught. He rushed through the corridors, then to the cells, while the siren was still blaring in the background. Then he came face to face with the riot going on in the inmates’ dining space. Bumping into a few inmates, he set off to find Ginger, and his eyes caught a glimpse of her keeping her cool in a corner watching the rest fight.

He stood far away and smiled. Martin was surprised for the first time since he got in there a year ago—she was not the ringleader of the riot.

“Man, what are you standing there for?” “Hit them and lock them up.” He got startled in the midst of the noise and spun around to see his colleague giving him a bat.




**************************

Elis couldn’t sleep the entire night; she kept checking on Jewel as if Ginger had some disease that would plague her daughter. She went in to do her final checkup while the two sisters were soundly asleep.

Elis picked up the pillow that fell off the bed and moved towards Ginger.

Hatred settled in, and fear of Ginger destroying their almost perfect life engulfed her.

As she walked over to suffocate her, Jewel woke up.

“Mom, what’s going on?”

She jumped up quickly. “I came to talk to you.”

Jewel tried to get rid of the sleep in her eyes and stared at the wall clock.

“At four in the morning?”

“Well, I couldn’t sleep until I was sure you were fine.”

“I’m a big girl now, so you’ve got to stop sneaking up on me.”

Elis was quiet for a while, glaring at Ginger.

“I just worry about you.”

She read the expression on her mom’s face. “I haven’t had an episode since I stopped the medication.”

“I know, but I’m not sure now that she’s back.”

“So, this is about Ginger.”

Elis walked over to her bedside. “I don’t want the past to take over your mind again.”

She took her mom’s hands into hers.

“Has it ever occurred to you that Ginger going away was what made me snap?”

“Maybe, but we had it under control.”

“I know, but I snapped and couldn’t talk for an entire year when she was ripped from my arms like a murderer.”

“But she is a murderer,” Elis murmured without an iota of regret.

“It was an accident, mom.”

“How do you know when you weren’t even there?” Her mom frowned.

“I know my sister would never hurt anyone intentionally.”

“Yet a child died, and another is bedridden.”

“For the record, Luke walks now.”

“How do you even know that?”

“Forget it, mom.” I guess all I’m saying is, “Give Ginger a second chance to right her wrongs.”

Elis heaved a sigh of relief. “It doesn’t mean she didn’t take an innocent life.”

“I know, mom.”

“Okay, she can stay and keep the other room.”

“Yaay, m…..”

“Shhhh.” On condition that she behaves and avoids me.

Jewel rushed into her mom’s arms. “I love you, mom.” “Oh, mom, she’s Ginger now.”

“So I heard.”

“Can you go along with that and support her as you would me?” Jewel pleaded.

Elis sighed heavily. “I just hope we are making the right decision here.”

“We are, and I promise she’d do right by you.”

Elis held on to her daughter for a while before letting go.

As soon as she went away, Ginger laughed.

“You heard all that?”

She turned around. “Thanks for standing up for me like that.”

“Always my love.”

There was silence for a while.

“You know how you said you were ripped from my arms?” Ginger asked.

“Yes,” Jewel replied with concern registered on her face.

“What do you mean by that?” Ginger’s heart skipped for a moment.

“After we heard the shots from outside, I cried to be let into the room to see you, and you looked so fragile that I rushed into your arms just for the police to enter at that moment to take you away.” “I remember you had blood all over you, and I still can’t take my mind off it.”

“That’s okay, let’s go back to bed.” Carla quickly shut her up.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.




CHAPTER 9



Ginger made a loud noise and woke up instantly.

“Shhhh.” “You are alright.” Her sister cuddled.

“Is everything alright?” Knox asked.

“I think so, dad.”

He focused back on the road, stared at the Northville Street sign board, and looked back at his children.

Northville was where they lived before the incident. Jewel had earlier managed to get Knox to agree to Ginger coming home with them.

“Does that happen a lot?”

He pulled off the road.

Ginger just avoided him, then her sister signaled for him to drive on.

“Tell her the rules—no drugs, weapons, or men in my house.” He whispered and hit the road once more.

Ginger chuckled.

They were on the road for another hour before they got home.

Elis was sitting in front of the gate.

Their dad got out first and asked Jewel to help Ginger in.

As they walked by, Ginger said hello, and Elis ignored her.

Jewel rolled her eyes at her mom and walked away.

“I thought you were not bringing her over.”

“Not now, Elis.”

“How would we live with ourselves knowing we have a murderer and ex-convict in our home?”

“Look, I’m not exactly sure how this would go, but can you give me a few days?”

Elis growled at him. “3 days, Knox.”

She walked inside the house and found Jewel attending to her sister.

“Mom, is there any broth for Ginger?”

“Do I look like an invalid?” Her mom retorted.

“Elis?” Jewel yelled.

“Hey, calm down.” “Tea is fine.” Ginger drew her sister’s attention.

“Are you sure?”

She nodded.

Knox gasped and let out a loud sigh. “Now that this is sorted, she’ll sleep on the couch tonight, so we’ll figure out what to do tomorrow.”

“Dad, there’s an extra room next to my room.”

“I know but…”

“But what?”

“You guys think she’s not part of the family?”

“I never said that.”

“Jewel, the couch is fine.” “I’ve slept on the floor most times in prison, so the couch shouldn’t be a problem.”

“No, it’s either you have that room or I move out with you right now.”

She heaved loudly. “You have a big bed, right?”

“Not really,” Jewel said grudgingly.

“I can stay with you tonight, and we’ll change the bed tomorrow if that’s okay with you.”

Jewel snorted at her parents and agreed. She left for the kitchen, and her dad went upstairs.

Elis walked to where Ginger was and hit her on the shoulder.

“I don’t know what you are doing here, but I want you gone.”

Ginger adjusted herself on the couch and glared at her.

“What are you looking at?” I don’t want you here anymore.

“Is that why you sent someone to kill me yesterday?” she asked, examining her face.

Elis’s face was suddenly heavy, and she tried to walk away, but the faster she walked, the more she found herself standing in front of Ginger.

“So, it’s true.” Ginger didn’t know for a fact, but she wanted to see her reaction to confirm.

“What’s true?” Jewel suddenly appeared, asking.

They were both silent for a while.

“Mom, what’s true?”

Her tongue was too heavy to lift itself.

“Jewel, your mom just confirmed she insisted you guys move out of the old place.” Ginger lied while Elis’s heart was beating so fast.

She walked away quietly.

“I thought I already told you that.”

“I needed to confirm,” Ginger smirked.

“She did have broth.” Jewel carefully handed the bowl of soup to her sister and sat beside her.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.




CHAPTER 8



Knox came in with one policeman.

“Are you alright to answer some questions?”

Ginger chuckled and pulled the woolen pillow over her head.

Knox glanced at Jewel. “Talk to her and get her to cooperate with the investigation.”

“Ginger, ca………”

“Stop calling her that.” Knox was surprised by the name.

“Dad, this isn’t the time; she changed names, so go along with it.”

Ginger, pulled the pillow off. “Ask your questions before I change my mind.”

Jewel signaled the officers to proceed. The bald officer cleared his throat.

“Do you know why someone would want to kill you?”

Ginger stared at his head and smiled. “Why are you bald?”

“Ginger, be serious here.” Jewel turned to the officer. “I apologize.”

“Okay, it could be because I killed someone.” She retorted.

“I’m well aware of your record, and you’ve done your time.”

“Then I guess it’s your duty to find out who tried to kill me, officer…” She raised her head to read his name tag.

“Brandon. Officer Brandon Bald.”

He gave her a mean look while Jewel shook her head.

“Good, though they could be after my sister.”

“Sister?”

“She was with me.” Ginger pointed at Jewel.

Jewel waved at him. “That’s me.”

“You can start from there.” Ginger winked, which confused Brandon.

“If anyone wanted her dead, they could have done that easily behind bars and not waited for 20 years to create a scene, unless whoever it was thinks she’s a danger to their loved ones out of prison.” Jewel chipped in, shaking her head.

“Even my 27-year-old sister could figure that out.” Ginger teased.

“But you said they could be after her.”

“Don’t you get it?” “I said that so you know where to start.”

“I don’t get it,” Brandon grumbled.

Ginger meant someone might have followed me since I was the only one who knew she was being released.

The policeman was embarrassed and, at the same time, felt like smacking Ginger.

He wrote inside his small book and glanced at Knox, then back at Ginger.

“Have you made any enemies in prison?”

She had a mischievous grin on. “Not civilians, but definitely cops.”

The silence in the room was deafening, like they were in an empty space.

“I think we can take this up another time, Brandon.” Knox hit him on the shoulders.

“Sure boss.” He murmured while walking out, constantly looking back.

When the policeman left, everyone in the room was just staring at each other.

Jewel grins from ear to ear. “Dad, say something.”

He scratched his head. “Are you in p……”

Knox turned to Ginger.

She chuckled and avoided his glance.

“At some point, you two would have to get along.” Jewel cautioned.

He walked closer to her bed and asked, “Do you have to be rude to that police officer?”

“And that concerns you because…” Ginger was saying when he cut in.

“I can see prison didn’t change you at all.”

“Dad, don’t make things worse.” Jewel chipped in.

“No, let him.” “The worst he can do is throw me back in jail.”

“You think it was fun for me to see you taken away like that?”

“Yet you let it happen.” “Twenty years and not a single visit from you.”

Knox laughed. “Your naivety still baffles me.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You think I risked my career to seal your records just because I hate you?”

“Well, you never liked me from the beginning, so it’s no news to me.”

“You sound like your mother right now.”

“Don’t bring my mother into this.” She didn’t leave her gun unlocked for a child to find.

“And somehow, that was my fault when I warned you two several times not to enter my office without permission.”

“We were kids, so I don’t know exactly what you were expecting.”

“To be kids and not shoot another kid because they made fun of you,” Knox growled.

“You say I’m naive, but now I know after all these years, you are the dumbest person I’ve ever met.”

“Ginger!” Jewel exclaimed.

“What? ” “Don’t tell me I’m wrong.”

“What I want is not to relieve the past.” “It messes with my head.”

Ginger glared at Jewel and mouthed “sorry.”

“I’m going to pick up some clothes.” The doctor said you’d spend a few weeks here.

“Weeks?”

“Yes, apparently you have a few broken bones that haven’t healed properly.” Knox muttered.

“I don’t want anyone invading my body.”

“But y….”

“You want us to fight?” Ginger gave her dad a weird look.

“No, I’d talk to the doctor about having you come home on Wednesday.”

“I want to leave right away.”

“Okay, just hold on for a while.” Knox was irritated earlier, so he gave up.

“Why?” Ginger retorted.

“I need to talk to…

“You need permission from your control freak of a wife.”

“You know what?” “I’m not going to allow you to keep making my life difficult.” “Do whatever pleases you.”

He was walking out when Jewel called after him.

“Where are you going?”

“To get the doctor to discharge her, and after that, she’s on her own.” He muttered and walked out.

Jewel frowned for a while.

“You need to stop treating Dad that way.”

“I’m sorry I called your mom names.”

“That’s alright but can we agree you’d take it easy on us.”

“I’d try.”

“Great.”

*********************

Ginger and Jewel are half-sisters. They were each other’s keepers until Ginger was taken away by the police one night.



Jewel was always the sick and whiny one who needed protection, and somehow Ginger always felt left out, but she also loves her sister because she was the only one who cared about her when things went south with the family.



To Ginger, her dysfunctional family is the only thing keeping her sane, especially Jewel. She thought living around her family would keep her from going off the rails.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.


CHAPTER 7



“Ginger,” Jewel screamed and rushed to her sister on the floor.

James quickly joined her, checking her pulse.

“She’s got a pulse.”

“Is that good?”

“I believe so, but if she’s your sister like you mentioned, I’d need you to call your dad.”

“No, she wouldn’t want that, James.” “Let me call 911.”

“Look, she’s not about to die on my watch, so give me a hand and call your dad now.” James ordered.

Jewel raised herself from the floor and kept mumbling, “She got shot.”

“Follow me and keep trying, your dad.” James ignored her and carried Ginger to the door.

Jewel couldn’t stop trembling.

“Put yourself together and get the door for me.”

They managed to carry her unconscious body down to Jewel’s car, and James drove off to the nearest hospital.

Ginger woke up in pain and was looking around the room when she spotted her sister sleeping it off.

“Did I not tell you, no hospitals?” Ginger, who was up, grabbed her sister by the hair.

“Stop it, you are going to hurt yourself.”

“You took me to the hospital….” She was talking when Knox walked in.

“What’s the scuffle about?” He thundered across the room.

“Wait a minute, you called Knox?” Ginger whispered to Jewel.

Knox stood in the middle of the room, avoiding her daughter’s gaze.

“I asked a question, and no one has yet responded.” He growls this time.

The whole room went quiet all of a sudden, and the two sisters were staring at each other.

Ginger then curled up and turned her back to them instantly.

Jewel straightened her wig and muttered, “It was my fault, so don’t make a scene here, dad.”

Ginger, who was unconscious for five hours, didn’t know her dad was around. That was the first time she had seen her dad in twenty years.

“Dad, can you leave us for now?” “I need to talk to my sister alone.”

Knox hesitated for a while, then walked out.

She walked to her sister and tapped her to turn around.

“I’m sorry, I disobeyed you, but you scared us and I didn’t know what to do.”

“Us?” Ginger, suddenly found her strength.

“James and I brought you here.”

“And the gunshot wound…” Ginger retreated.

“Don’t worry, Dad spoke to the doctor.”

“Why would you do this to me?” She sniffed as if she were on something.

“Your life was in danger, Ginger.”

“So now the whole family knows I’m back.”

“It’s going to be fine.”

“No, it won’t, because no one wants me here.”

Jewel reached out for her hand, then heaved a sigh of frustration. “You mean Mom?” She’d have to go through me this time around.


“I don’t want to cause trouble for you, Jewel.”

“I know, but if you leave again, I’ll follow you.”





******************



Ginger stared at her for a minute and cleared her throat.

“What?” She knew there was a sarcastic discussion coming up.

“James!” Ginger exclaimed.

“Relax, I didn’t tell him you were in prison, and besides, Mom and Dad made sure we erased you from our lives, so he had no idea I had a sister until today.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, that’s the one thing I never told him, and I’m happy I don’t need to sneak around to see you anymore.”

She winced in pain and said, “Tell me how you two met.”

“Shouldn’t you be focusing on getting better?”

“Spill it, I’ve had worse.”

She tapped the bed for a few seconds. “You do realise I never forgot about you, right?”

“Absolutely.”

“I started looking for you after my twenty-first birthday.” “Everyone managed to avoid talking about you or the incident, so I decided to check the Connecticut public records.”

“You know my records were sealed, right?”

“Yeah, I found out after I met James there and he mentioned it.”

“What exactly did he tell you?”

“Remind me why we are talking about him again.”

“Is that a crime?” Ginger raised her eyebrows.

Jewel kept looking at her and suddenly smiled.

“Okay, he only said that if people don’t want to be found, their records are sealed, and unless I know someone in a high position, those records remain sealed.”

“That explains sleeping with Manuel the commissioner so you could find me.”

But it worked. “I got your location and started visiting you.”

“Emmm, are you sure that was all you two spoke about?”

“You mean James?”

“Ahuh.”

“Of course, he didn’t know who I was looking for.” I think I told him for some school project. “But we met later on at the supermarket near our old house.”

Ginger kept staring at her sister and shrugging off her thoughts.

“You guys moved?” “You never mentioned it.”

“It didn’t come up during my visits, but it was mom who insisted we move out.”

“I understand. You get rid of the black sheep and the memories.”

“Don’t say that.” “I would have done the same, and besides, I wasn’t well after the incident, and I had to stay in the hospital for seven months.”

“You mentioned that.”

“I…” Jewel was saying when James came in.

“I brought some soup.”

“Soup won’t make me forgive you.” She stared with a frown on her face.

“I know that, but it’s not for you.” He shot back at her with a grin.

“Hey, I’m the invalid here.” Ginger chipped in.

“Glad you are doing good.”

“Thanks for helping out, and nice to meet you.”

“Anything for my sister-in-law.” He glared at Jewel.

James walked around the bed to drop the bowl while trying so hard to avoid Ginger’s glance.

“Your dad is just outside talking to the police.”

“Police?” Ginger raised herself up.

“Relax, sis, you were the victim here, and I told Dad everything earlier.”

She heaved a sigh of relief and laid back on her bed.

“I’ve got to go.” “My dad needs me.” James said while scrolling through his text messages.

“Thanks for coming.” Jewel mumbled.

“We’d talk, right?” He asked, still avoiding Ginger’s gaze.

“I’d see about that.”

Ginger hit her sister gently, and she smiled.

“Okay, I’ll call you in the evening.” Jewel recanted.

“I was thinking I’d come over.”

“Okay. Love you.” Jewel replied, and he smiled on his way out.

Ginger shook her head.

“Was I too hard on him?”

“I don’t know the kind of relationship you two have, but he wasn’t right to follow you.”

“Thank you, sis.” She hit her hand on the bed like it was her first time getting acknowledged by someone.

Then they heard voices not far from their door, and they both looked in that direction.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.


CHAPTER 6 – Prison POV

***************

She was hit in the abdomen, and in the hallway was a blood bath. Ginger managed to get herself into the infirmary while the alarms went on and off, leaving a trail of blood.

The prison was on lockdown immediately, but she was lucky to have left the scene of the massacre.

“What did you do now?” The doctor, who didn’t look scared, asked while reaching out to Ginger. He grabbed her and pulled her to the bed, where he rolled her on her back so he could attend to the wound.

“Mmmhh,” Ginger groaned in pain.

“I told you we’ve got to stop meeting like this.” The doctor muttered, then there came a heavy knock on the infirmary door.

“Don’t ope…..” She managed to tell the doctor.

“I’ve got to. They’ll storm in here the moment I hesitate.

“Help me up.” Ginger commanded.

The doctor held her up and watched her rush into his small office, holding onto her abdomen.

He waited for her to hide before he opened the door.

“Where’s she?” The guard asked angrily.

“Who?” The doctor asked with a straight face.

“Don’t play with me; the blood trail led me here.” “And I saw her going into that hallway 30 minutes before the lockdown.”

“No one is here,” the doctor said while blocking his way.

“Ginger, come out now.” Martin thundered.

There was a loud thud as he thundered around the room, pulling covers off the bed.

The doctor rushed to where Ginger was, and she was on the floor and out of breath.

**************

Prison POV

Ginger woke up three hours later, and the first person she saw was Martin, the guard, staring at her.

“You let him in?” she asked the doctor, still groaning in pain.

“I let myself in, lady.”

“I wasn’t talking to you.” She smirked and turned to the doctor. “I’m not in handcuffs.”

“Yes, Martin took care of the blood trail, and, well, the rest of the rival gangs, who seemed to have no idea about the duel, are in solitary right now.”

Ginger, chuckled. “So they have no idea I was there.”

“No, we had to carry you back to your cell for inspection and then back.”

“Who asked you to speak?” Ginger muttered.

“Look, it’s either you behave so I help you cover this up, or you go back to solitary and never see the light of day again.” Martin squirmed.

The doctor gave her a pleasant look, and she heaved a sigh of relief.

“So what do we do now?” The doctor inquired further.

“Her cellmate already covered the alibi part, and so far it seems like two gangs went to war and didn’t survive.”

The next thing they heard was a shriek. They turned to Ginger, who was holding on to her abdomen and still laughing.

“Why are you two so worried about this?” “The commander can’t afford the press all over this prison, so there’d be no investigations.”

Martin was surprised she could still stomach laughter in the midst of all the chaos.

“You’ve got to stop doing this, Ginger.” I won’t be able to help you the next time you come in here reeking of blood.”

“She’s done this before?” Martin asked the doctor.

He shook his head, and his forehead sunk in. “She took out two guards on her third week of being inmate 007.”

Ginger gave them both a “stop talking about me” look.

“Guards?” “Why guards?” Martin asked with a confused look on his face.

“Isn’t it obvious, Dickhead?” “I love guards.”

Martin seemed like he wanted to smile but quickly covered it with a smirk. “And why do you help her so much?”

“She was the youngest inmate I’ve ever seen working with prisons.

“Younge……”

“That’s enough, doctor.” Ginger silenced him before he could keep talking.

They were still talking when her cellmate, Bea, came in.

******************

“You?” “How did you find me, James?” She was obviously angry.

“I knocked on every door here.” He sounded angry.

“So, you followed me, just to prove a point?” Jewel scowled.

“Explain to me what you are doing in this hotel.”

She held on to the door, preventing him from entering. “Last I checked, I don’t owe you anything.”

He pushed himself against the door and said, “Really, let me in.”

Jewel kept blocking his way.

Ginger, who had been struggling to stand up for the last minute, finally held on to the bedpost and walked to the door.

She tapped her on the shoulder, and they came facing each other while still holding on to the door firmly.

Jewel mouthed, “I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay.” She admitted.

Jewel finally let the door open for him.

He pushed himself in with speed and stumbled.

When he found his balance, their gazes met.

James seemed like he saw a ghost because he suddenly went from a guy who was arguing earlier to one who couldn’t talk.

They stared for a few more seconds before they both looked away quickly, pretending that moment didn’t happen.

“Suddenly, you lost your voice.” Jewel teased.

“I’m sorry, you could have informed me that you were with emm…”

She scoffed, “Before you think I’m into women now, this is my sister.”

Jewel interrupted him before he could conclude. He went back to staring while Jewel continued to introduce her sister.

Ginger stumbled and was going to reach out for a handshake, but she realized James wasn’t paying any attention to them.

James, who hadn’t stopped staring at Ginger for the past few minutes, regained consciousness when he heard the thud.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.


CHAPTER 5 – Prison POV

***************

“Ginger, come with me.” He reached out to pull her out of the crowd before any of the guards could know she was responsible for the riot.

“Who are you?” Ginger asked, coughing from the tear gas used to disperse the crowd.

“If you want to sleep in your cell tonight, come with me.”

He dragged her out of the crowd before the lockdown protocol was initiated. Somehow, Ginger trusted this new guard until they were out of sight.

Once they were out of there, Ginger pinned him to the wall.

“Who sent you?” She had her arms on his throat.

“Ma……”He could barely make a word because her arm was still against his throat.

“You’ve been watching me for two days, and you think I wouldn’t spot a spy.”

He managed to shake his head, but she didn’t let go. Then their eyes met, and somehow she let go of him.

He coughed for a minute while massaging his throat from the choking that Ginger meted out to him earlier.

“Who are you?” She inquired softly this time.

“I’m Martin, the new guard.”

“I’m not stupid; I know you’re not a guard, so tell me the truth right now.”

“I’m here to help you, Carl….”

“You want to die?” She didn’t let him finish.

“No, I’m here…”

“I don’t need your help, and the next time you call me by that name, I’ll let everyone know who you are and then kill you.”

“I got it,” he said while smooching his throat.

He watched her leave and never took his eyes off her until Ginger disappeared into the hallway.

**************



Jewel walked into her office briskly, admiring her five-inch heels. She sighted her secretary going into the coffee room and waved at the security guard, who had a frown on his face.

“Sam, bad night?”

“No Miss.”

Jewel snorted. “Then smile.”

Sam feigned a broad smile while Jewel grunted and strolled into her office.

Her secretary, Ana, followed her immediately.

Ana bit her tongue and said, “James dropped this for you.”

“He was here?” Jewel asked, reaching out for the box in her hands.

“An hour ago.”

“He was early then.” She slumped into her chair and made a mental note.

Ana walked out quietly, closing the door behind her.

Jewel threw the wrapped gift on the sofa and dragged the stack of papers in front of her.

*********

Ginger in her hotel felt ill all night, but she decided to take her antibiotics and wait for her temperature to drop.

She contemplated reaching out to her sister but decided against it.

While still in her thoughts, the room service employee she ordered came in with his trolley.

She asked to be helped up so she could sit upright.

“Lady, are you okay?”

“Yeah, just a little hangover.” Ginger confirmed.

The room service guy fixed her up and walked out.

He reached out for his phone and stalked her for a while before dialing the number.

*********************

Ana rushed into Jewel’s office.

“Jewel, Eric is on the line for you.”

She raised her head from the documents she was reading and asked, “Eric who?”

Ana shrugged, “He mentioned Vuitton hotel and insisted to spea…….”

She instantly sprung up and got hold of her handbag while searching through it for her car keys.

Ana was wondering what was going on when James tapped her from behind.

But she quickly stood in his way and gently held on to the door.

“Is she in?” He asked calmly.

Ana mumbled, “Aaaaahhh.”

“Please.” James pleaded with his eyes.

Ana gave up and opened the door widely for him.

Jewel, who wasn’t paying attention to the voices, rushed to the door and met James staring at her.

“Hey, you are going out?” He murmured.

“Yes, and you’d have to come back some other time.”

“But I just got here.”

“I know, and I’m on my way out.”

“Let me drive you then.” James offered.

She thundered, “I said no.”

Jewel rushed off, leaving James and Ana stunned.

She located her car in the driveway and drove off at high speed without checking her rear-view mirror.

James followed in a cab immediately and directed the driver to follow Jewel. He was very furious and was hitting his hands on the seat. The driver of the cab kept adjusting his mirror to check on him.

It took them an hour to get there, and since James suspected she was going to the Vuitton hotel, he instructed the driver to speed up. He got to the hotel five minutes before Jewel.

While Jewel was finding it difficult to get a parking space, James got off his cab at a vantage point and was in the hotel building waiting to follow up.

Jewel walked into the reception and recognised the guy who called earlier because she asked him that morning on her way out to keep an eye on Ginger.

She got hold of the key card and headed inside the elevator.

James followed swiftly while hiding the whole time.

He watched the elevator stop on the third floor, and he took a gamble by joining the next elevator.

Jewel rushed in and sighed.

“You scared the crap out of me, Ginger.” She dropped herself on the bed.

“Hey, thought you had work?” Ginger sounded unhappy.

“Yes, but the receptionist said you weren’t well.”

“I’m okay, though my temperature was off the charts earlier, but I think the antibiotics kicked in just fine.”

“You look unwell to me, and if that’s the case, we need to go to the hospital.”

“Are you still this naive?” “Who goes to the hospital with a gunshot wound without a report?”

“But Ginger, I can feel you aren’t fine.”

“I’ve handled worse in twenty years.”

“Alright, let’s call your boyfriend.”

“You mean Martin?” She managed a smile.

“Yes, he’s a guard, so he may have some reliable connections.”

“Honestly, I feel fine.” Ginger stressed.

A knock came on their door as Jewel crawled onto the bed to wrap her arms tightly around her sister.

They both looked at each other weirdly and shook their shoulders.

“Probably just Eric the receptionist.” Jewel smiled mischievously.

“You control freak, I knew you were behind that fine dude checking up on me.” Ginger threw her hands in the air, followed by a smile.

“Don’t tell me you slept with him too.” Jewel hit her gently before standing up to open the door.

She opened the door while still teasing her sister, but his perfume gave him away, and she looked up. They came facing each other, like enemies.

***********************If you are following this thread and I've not updated in a long time, check on clicksnlikes.com - they might have an earlier update.

*****************



Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.


CHAPTER 4


James hit his steering wheel and set off the alarm. He realized people were staring at him, so he drove off.

“Jewel, I’d teach you a lesson.” He wiped his teary eyes and drove on.

His phone rang at that moment.

“Dad, I’m on my way home.”

“What happened?”

“Happened where?” James shot back.

“Jewel!” You tracked her to the Vuitton hotel an… ”

“Yes, her car was parked outside, but there was no sign of her,” James told his dad while trying to hold back his emotions.

“Now you believe me.”

“Let’s talk when I get home.” He quickly said that and hung up the phone.

James pulled over at the side of the road.

He picked up his phone and dialed Jewel’s number.

“Come on, Jewel.” “What are you doing in that hotel?” He scowled.

James started his engine and sped off, heading home to see his dad.



********

“You should have answered.”

“And tell him what?” Jewel asked Ginger.

“I’m not sure; maybe tell him you’re with me.”

“You seem to forget that you were erased from everyone’s lives.”

Ginger painfully swallowed her saliva. “But you didn’t.”

“That should tell you I’m stuck with you.” Jewel tried to make light of the situation.

“Thank you, Love, but I insist you call him.”

“James would be fine.”

“James?”

“Ginger, just let it go.”

She raised her hands up. “I give up, sis.”

Ginger squinted her left eye to check if Jewel was watching her make faces.

Their room was quiet for a while, and you could literally hear a pin drop.

“Urgh.” Jewel squirmed and reached out for her phone.

“He’d most likely no…” Ginger was saying when Jewel spoke up.

“Babes, I missed your call.”

“Where are you?” James asked over the phone.

“Emmm, just out with a few friends.”

“Friends?” James asked.

“Yeah, an….”

Ginger motioned for her to put him on speaker just as she was about to say something.

“I called your friends, Jewel.”

“They are new friends, whom I met a while ago.”

He let out a low groan. “Alright, when are you coming home then?”

“I’d call you up when I get home.”

“That’s a long way home, so I’ll see you in the morning.” He stated flatly that Jewel could not read him over the phone.

She has always been able to read James, even over the phone. But on that particular day, she seemed lost.

“Sorry…”

“Have a good time,” James concluded and hung up.

Jewel stared back at the phone in her hands.


“Is everything okay?”

“I hope so, Ginger.”

“Your guy sounded weird earlier.”

“Exactly my concern.” Jewel retorted.

“I think you should go home.”

“It’s a long way home, Ginger.”

“What did you say?”

“James doesn’t like it when I drive late at night?”

“No, what you said earlier.”

“It’s a long way home,” Jewel repeated.

“Yeah, that.”

“What about it?”

“He said the same thing,” Ginger countered.

“He, who?”

“Your boyfriend!” She exclaimed. “How did he know?”

“James probably just guessed.” She smiled.

“Does he do that a lot?” Ginger asked inquisitively.

“Not really, but can we start making some plans for the days ahead?”

“If you say so, babes,” Ginger said, standing up grumpily.

She slowly walked to her window, scouted for a while, and then walked back to her bed.

Jewel looked on and smiled. “You are being paranoid.”

“Better paranoid than dead.”

“That’s enough,” Jewel hit her gently.

They talked for a while before nightfall. Jewel left at dawn and promised to be back.

****************

She opened the front door gently and crept in so no one would notice she had just come back.

Luckily for her, the lights were off in the hall, so she kneeled down and struggled to take off her shoes.

“Where were you yesterday?” His hoarse voice thundered from behind.


“Gosh, Dad. “You scared the heck out of me.” She stood up immediately, stumbling a few times.

Then the lights came on.

Jewel turned around and feigned a smile.

“Sorry, but your mom said you left early and were unreachable the entire day.”

“Yes, and last I checked, I’m not 5 years old anymore.”

“Got it.” Mr. Knox mumbled and walked away, sipping his coffee.

It appeared he just came out of the kitchen, and while heading to his room, he turned off the lights.

Jewel finally succeeded in taking off her shoes, and she chuckled.

She was headed to her room when she bumped into her mom, giving her a weird look.

“What?”

“Are you cheating?” Her mom asked.

“What!” Jewel exclaimed.

“James seems to think y….”

“So, he ran to you again?” She let out a soft sigh.

“Sweetheart, you left home in a hurry, and no one h…”

“And you both thought I was cheating.”

“I never said that.”

“Mom, I can’t do this now.” “I need to rest a bit before work.”

She rushed off into her room while her mom called after her.

Jewel shut her door and slumped onto her bed.

Elis stood in the middle of their hall, staring at Jewel’s door.

“She’s you.” Elis saw her husband staring at her.

“I know Knox.”

They both laughed hilariously.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.


CHAPTER 3


After a few minutes, everything came to a standstill.

“Are you okay?”

Ginger heard a familiar voice behind them.

“Martin, I think we are okay.” She recognised the voice of the guard.

She quickly rose from Jewel’s body and continued to examine her.

“Have you been hit anywhere?” She kept asking.

“You saved me, Ginger.” She jumped into her arms.

Ginger held on to her this time. She winced in pain, and Jewel let her go.

“It looks like you are not fine.” One of the guards with Martin said

“I’m okay; remember, I can take care of myself.” She feigned a smile.

“Are you sure, Ginger?” Martin asked, concerned.

“You two got this, right?” She asked them with a weird tone.

“We’d look into it, but you’d need to visit the police station for a statement.”

“I’d rather not, Martin; besides, whoever they were, they’d be back for me, and you know what happens when I get hold of them.”

“I know you are strong, but I’m w…..”

“Martin, we’ve got to go.” Ginger dragged Jewel along.

“What are you going to do when you find them, Ginger?”

“Are they going to die?” Jewel was constantly bickering.

“Goodness, can you stop bickering, Jewel?”

“But I’m concerned and…”

“You don’t have to be this annoying right now.” Ginger pushed herself into Jewel’s car.

Jewel got behind the wheel and wiped her tears.

“Stop being a baby and drive.” Ginger thundered.

She wiped her tears again and then started the car.

It was a silent drive from the Yoke women’s prison, with both ladies mad at each other.

**************

“I need some cash,” Ginger said for the first time on their way from the prison.

Jewel pointed to her purse on the dashboard. She grabbed it and signalled her to stop.

She came to a halt, and Ginger walked out without another word.

After what seemed like ten minutes, she came back with a medicine bag.

“Wait a minute, have you been hit?”

“Mind your damn business,” Ginger said.

“Look, you don’t get to treat me this way, Carla.” She hit her hand on the steering.

“Would you stop yelling?” “And the next time you call me by that name…..”

“You’d what? Kill me?”

Ginger just kept staring at her face and then took a deep breath.

“No,” she answered softly. For some reason, she didn’t want Jewel to know she was dead inside.

“Have you been shot?” Jewel asked again.

“I can take care of myself.” “You are not the only brave one.” Ginger muttered.

Jewel stared at her sweaty face and shook her head. “Ungrateful.”

“Drive to the damn hotel already.” Ginger thundered in pain.

She obeyed and drove to the hotel. Ginger waited for her to finish the booking, and she rushed to pick up the first key card, leaving Jewel to sort out the food.

She rushed into the room and took off her jackets, only to notice the bullet wound on her left side.

Ginger sat on the floor, took out the new knife from the medicine bag, and started fishing out the bullet when Jewel walked in.

“Omg.” She rushed to her and started crying.

“Shut your mouth and help me here.”

“I’m calling the ambulance.” She pulled out her phone from her bag.

“I’d slit your throat, Jewel.” “Put that phone down and get your naive self here,” Ginger yelled on top of her voice in pain.

Jewel took another look at her and dropped her phone to the floor.

“What do you need me to do?” She fidgeted with her hands.

“We’ve got to get the bullet out.”

“I can’t do that.” Jewel took her eyes off her instantly.

“Do you trust me?” Ginger asked her, and she nodded. “Good, so follow my lead.”

After a good ten minutes, They were successful and proud of themselves.

Ginger sterilized her wound and was hand-stitching when their doorbell rang.

They both looked at each other.

“It’s just room service.” Jewel informed her.

“Good. I hope you ordered something strong.”

“Not really, but I asked for red wine.”

“Great,” Ginger muttered.

Jewel wiped the blood off the floor with Ginger’s jacket and walked over to the door.

Taking a look at Ginger’s condition, she asked the waiter to leave the cart for her.

She dragged it in by herself and helped get Ginger cleaned up before they started their meal.

“So, Martin.” Jewel broke their silence.

“Ahuh! “We’ve had sex several times.” Ginger answered her straightforwardly.

“Okay, I wasn’t expecting you to be that straight with me.” She laughed.

“Come on, we aren’t kids anymore.” Ginger picked up her wine glass with a smiley face.

“Is there anyone in your life?” She boldly asked.

Jewel just kept staring at her face. “Some guy.”

“Some guy, huh?”

“Yeah, and I love him, but at the same time I’m uncomfortable around him.”

“Isn’t that the whole point of love?” Ginger laughed.

“I guess so.” Jewel joined in the laughter.

“So, how’s the police commissioner?”

Jewel nearly choked on her wine. “What?”

“Oh, come on. “How else would you have found me all these years?”

“How did you know about him?”

“Prisons have ears, my dear.”

“Of course, but it was just a one-time thing, Ginger.”

“You call sleeping with your mother’s friend in order to find a murderer a one-time occurrence.”

“Ginger, you are no murderer to me, and as you said, I wouldn’t have found you and we wouldn’t have been here today if not for that sex trip.”

“It was a trip, huh?” Ginger laughed.

“Sort of, but it’s over.” “He got what he needed, and I got you back.”

“It’s a win, I get it, but what happens if your mom finds out?”

“I don’t care, and I may even tell her myself.”

“You’ve grown so bold now,” Ginger said, and there was suddenly some silence in the room.

“I miss you, Ginger,” Jewel said, reaching out for her hand.

“I missed you too, but are you sure you told no one we’ve been in contact for the past six years?”

“I swear my life on it.”

“I believe you, and I’m sorry I called you names out there.”

“That’s okay, but you know we’d still have to go home and meet the family.”

“Yeah, when we get there, we’ll cross that bridge.”

The girls reached out for a long hug.


“Wait, Ginger, she pulled herself out of her arms; if you knew about the commissioner, then you might have had help from up the chain because your records were sealed.”

“Yes.”

“So you could have found a way to get an early release.”

“I could, but I don’t think it would have helped.”

“Let me guess, you just didn’t want to come out.”

“Jewel, my heart stopped the day I was ripped from your arms.” “I died, and I don’t know what life I would’ve had out here.”

“You are out now; are you still dead?”

“I’m still dead inside, but I’m only out to…”

“To plan my wedding?”

“Weddings; I love them.” Ginger quickly changed the topic.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.


CHAPTER 2 – Prison POV



She kept tapping so loudly that it drew everyone’s attention to her.

They gave her a look, and she stopped.

“That’s an amateur’s job,” Ginger chuckled.

“What did you say?” The lady in the waiting area asked.

“If you want to catch a high-profile murderer, you play their game.” “You use their enemies, not their prey.”

“Wha……” The lady was about to say something when she was interrupted.

“Smh,” she said, blowing a raspberry. “You journalists are always looking for stories, not justice.” Ginger muttered and walked out before the lady could speak.

“How did she know you are a journalist?” The investigator on the other end of the earbud asked.

The lady shrugged, as though the investigator could see her.

There was a thud from the door at the entrance, and guards ran after Ginger because she slammed the door behind her.

“You love solitary, don’t you?” She could hear them yelling at Ginger.

She stuck her tongue at them and went into her cell.

**************

“Who was that?” The voice at the other end of the speaker asked the lady in the visiting room.

She turned to inmate 777. “The investigator wants to know who the lady from earlier was.”

“Oh, that was Ginger.” “She’s like the messiah in here.” Inmate 777 answered.

“Did you get that?” She asked the investigator.

“He’s asking what her story is.”

“No one knows, just that she’s always in trouble and spends her time waiting here every visiting day since I arrived 5 months ago.”

“Has anyone ever come to visit?” The journalist asked.

“No, I heard from the old folks that she’s been here for 11 years and that the day she arrived, she went dark.”

**************

There was a screeching sound, and the car pulled off the road and into the bush.

“Who took the shots?”

The older man asked his three friends. He looked from one person to the other.

“Costa.” He finally settled on a name.

“Who cares?” “It’s done already.”

“Jewel was there.” The guy with the scar on his face answered.

“So?” Costa queried.

“You forgot our instructions were to get rid of the other lady, not Jewel.”

“I didn’t forget the instructions, but I got that shot.” Isaiah jumped into the conversation.

“Shut it, Isaiah!” Their boss thundered. “We were hired to do a simple job.”

“It was impossible to get rid of the target without Jewel ending up in the crossfire.” Costa jumped to Isaiah’s defense.

“So, you let him fire anyway.”

“But, boss..”

He gave them a scornful look.

Everyone had a stupid look on their face.

“That’s it? “You are all benched till I make this right.”
They all nodded, then his phone rang.

He stared at the phone for a long time before answering on the third ring.

“Is it done?”

The voice on the other end of the line inquired.

“No, we run into a few problems.”

“Problems that can’t be fixed?”

“It’s impossible because Jewel happened.”

“Jewel?” The caller sounded surprised.

“Yes, she was with her.”

“You guys hold on for now.” I will call on your services again.

The call dropped before they could demand their fee.

Adam, their boss, gave them a knock and instructed them to drive off.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.


CHAPTER 1 – SET IN THE PRESENT



The weather outside Hell’s Gate was refreshing. The entire scene had been taken over by debris from the previous night’s storm.

She came out after the beep at the gate, clad in an exquisite all-ginger jumpsuit. Flying her arms in the air in a clockwise position, she smiled with her mouth open.

“Wow, it smells heavenly.” “Cheers to some freaking air!” Clasping her hands together, she laughed hysterically, and carefully placing one foot in front of the other, she found steady ground.

“I’m alright.” She murmured and looked back at the giant wall behind her.

The waves of fresh air brought her out of her thoughts. “How did I end up in the middle of nowhere?”

“T-a-ck.” She made a mental note and walked away, finding a tree to lean against while lighting up her cigarette.

**************

“Jewel, are you up?” Elis called out with her piercing voice.

She waited for a second, then pushed herself against Jewel’s door. Unfortunately, it was locked from the inside.

She chuckled and knocked gently on the door.

Jewel heard her mom earlier but wasn’t ready for her long speech. She threw a pillow over her head when the third knock landed on the door. Elis was persistently knocking, which was irritating her daughter.

“Mom, that’s enough already; I’d be out in a minute.” She squirmed under her pillow.

“Good, because James is here.”

“James?” She yelled out to her mom.

“Yes, James, the boyfriend.” He’s been waiting all morning. Elis spoke softly, with her ears pressing against the door.

Jewel snorted and hit her head on her palms, then her alarm rang. She stretched her arms to the small clock on top of her bedpost to turn off the alarm when her eyes caught the note on the clock.

“Oh my God, Ginger.” She jumped off her bed and went straight to her wardrobe.

“Are you okay, baby?” Her worried mom asked when she heard her wail.

Jewel hurriedly took out her blouse from yesterday and sniffed it, then threw caution into the air. “This should do.” She took off her nightgown and slipped it on.

She dashed to the restroom, gagging on her mouthwash, then rushed to the door and picked up her sandals and bag she had left right by the entrance yesterday.

She threw the shoes inside her bag and pushed the door open. Her mom stumbled as she was still behind the door.

“Sorry, mom. “See you later.”

“Sorry, and that’s it?”

“Not now, mom.” “I have to go.” She turned around to face her mom, who was still holding on to her face.

Jewel ran her hand through her hair and left her mom still staring.

Elis followed her abruptly.

“Brunch is ready, and your boyfriend is still waiting.”

Jewel forced herself to face her mom again when she mentioned her boyfriend. She forgot he was still in the house.

James, who was behind the pillar dividing the hall, quietly peeped when he heard his name. He caught a glimpse of Elis and smiled.

“Mom, tell my boyfriend to call me next time he wants to visit.”

“Jew…l…”

“Mom, save it.” “I’m late, and again, James should have called.” She turned around and bumped into him, but James grabbed her before she could fall.

“I was trying to warn you about that.” Her mom said that and left them both staring at each other.

“Emmm, babes, I’ve got to go.” She managed to say that instead of the usual affectionate greetings.

She slipped out of his grasp without another word and rushed to the door, leaving James speechless in the centre of the room.

“Jewel.” He thundered across the room. His forehead sunk in, and his eyes suddenly glowed.

She paused immediately and stared at him.

“You were saying?” She frowned.

“We need to talk.” He spoke rather calmly.

“And I need to be somewhere right about now.” “Do you have a problem with that?” She asked sarcastically.

He sighed. “No, see you later then.”

“Thank you, babes.” She rushed to hug him and intended to steal a kiss, but James held on to her face for a few minutes. They both seemed lost and didn’t want to let go.

Elis, who was seated at the brunch table, kept smiling and misguidedly dropped a spoon.

The two lovebirds paused and glanced at her. She mouthed “sorry” and turned away to the kitchen.

James, holding on to her waist, laughed. “Do you think we have time for more?” He winked.

“No, I must…”

“Yes, you have to go.” He let go of her waist and scratched his forehead.

“When I get back, we’ll talk.” She muttered.

“The hundredth promise, but I’d be patient until you make time for us.” He sighed heavily.

“Thank you so much, James.” She happily gave him a quick peck and rushed off through the door before he could hold her back.

James instantly frowned and wiped the lipstick from his lips with the back of his palm. He walked to the curtains, pulled them aside, and watched as Jewel drove off and the security closed the gate. He then chuckled while scowling.

His mother-in-law came at that moment, and he looked back, forcing a smile on his face.

“I’m so sorry about earlier.” She apologised for Jewel’s behaviour.

“That’s fine, we’d work it out, but do you have any idea where she runs off to every Sunday morning?”

“My dear, I wish I knew.” “She’s been this way for the past four years.” She said it uncomfortably.

“What about pops?” He inquired further.

“He’s too busy to even notice.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing serious.” James encouraged her.

“I hope so,” Elis said, and she invited him over to the brunch table.

James forced another smile and walked over to her side.

**************

Jewel drove at top speed, constantly ignoring the traffic lights.

She hit her brakes abruptly, smiled, rolled down her window, and then took off her shades.

She rushed out of the car after spotting Ginger at the entrance.

With her arms opened for an embrace, Ginger just looked on for a while and then brought out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. She took one out and lit it.

“You do know how to make an entrance in red,” Jewel muttered.

“You are late today,” Ginger said with a puff.

“I know and I’m so sorry,” Jewel said, rushing into her arms.

Ginger hesitated to put her arms around her, so Jewel let her go.

“You’d have to make it up to me then.” Ginger poked her nose.

“You got it. “Now let’s go home.”

“Home? Same home?”

“Yes, or where do you want to go?”

“A hotel or any place that isn’t home.” She threw the cigarette on the floor and lit another one. “You want one?”

“No, I don’t smoke, and it’s fine; we’ll get a hotel on our way from the restaurant.”

“Goodness, I’d get decent food!” Ginger yelled.

“I guess someone missed me.” Jewel smiled and made a mental note.

“In your dreams.” Ginger hit her gently.

“No arguments on that. “Let’s get going already.”

She dragged Ginger along to her car.

Ginger let go of her hand and turned back to the writing on the giant gate.

She shook her head and walked to the other side of the car.

“Are you okay?” Jewel asked.

“Not really, but I’d miss this prison I called home for the past twenty years.” She spoke while lost in thought.

“Eighteen years.”

“What’s that?” Ginger queried.

“I mean, you were only brought here after the mental institution and juvenile court didn’t work.”

“A year each in those centres was even worse than this place.” Ginger pushed her tears back.

“You know I’ve got you, right?”

“I’m not exactly sure, Jewel.”

She frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

She asked, and Ginger just kept staring at the two vans that passed by earlier.

“Who did you tell I was getting out today?”

“You haven’t answered my question, and y…..”

“I’m not going to ask again.” “Who else knew I’d get out today?” She yelled angrily.

“Calm down. You said to tell no one.”

“You little brat,” Ginger kept ranting while walking towards her.

“You called me a brat?”

“Get down,” Ginger yelled angrily.

“What?”

“I said get d…..” Ginger was saying while rushing to Jewel’s end.

She jumped on her, pulling her to the ground.

Suddenly, the entire prison yard became chaotic.

Gunshots were making noise, bullets were flying around, and Ginger was still shielding Jewel with her body.

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.



Synopsis:

Tears!

What can I say, if nothing lasts forever? And there’s always that version of ourselves we are not aware of. The boundless love, the beautiful and the ugly, like the bond that binds water and blood



Prologue: SET IN THE PAST


She could hear nothing, and her legs refused to disappear with her.

Ginger created this bubble world in her head and never made it back to the real world, where she was before everything came to a standstill.

In the midst of the alarms blaring, she remained unperturbed.

“Take her away,” the hoarse voice said.

The wailings in the background were increasing, but Ginger was still in her bubble world as she was dragged outside inhumanely.

“Watch your head,” another voice said.

Ginger hesitated for a while as her eyes were glued to the car parked outside the house. She glared in that direction until they forcefully dragged her into the van.

“Give her back,” the piercing voice from earlier stated, “You are evil,” she said and continued wailing.

“Parents, take your kids away,” they commanded and sped off.

The car from earlier followed until they were lost in traffic.



******************
If i don't update here on fridays, meaning, i got busy so you can get next chapters on clicksnlikes.com/youngice

Lol

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

No part of this work is to be copied and distributed without the prior written permission of the author.

Synopsis:

Tears!

What can I say, if nothing lasts forever? And there’s always that version of ourselves we are not aware of. The love that knows no boundaries, the beautiful and the ugly, like the bond that ties water and blood.

Okay at the moment, I cannot access Google Services, I actually had to use a public café's network to update which isn't even assured for the next few weeks. Instead of leaving the blog without updates, Oyinprince would update on his site. He's the only one I could reach out to without using google services so he will drop his site link later.

EPISODE 8

Tom’s entrance to the hall switching on the light woke Melisa up. She decided to wait for him after washing down herself so she slept off on the couch and didn’t notice when his car drove in.
She opened her eyes instantly. ‘You are back.’

Tom just ignored, dropped her keys and suit and walked to the kitchen.
Melisa followed him to the kitchen where she met him warming up his rice.
‘Can I at least help you with that?’ She asked walking closer.

‘Gosh, why are you stalking me.’
‘I’m not, I just want to help since your wife might already be asleep.’
‘My wife?’ Tom was surprised for once her sister referred to Grissel as his wife.

‘Yes, okay I made a few mistakes I shouldn’t have and I’m sorry.’
‘You are sorry and wait, tell me why you are in the night wear I got for Grissel.’

He remembered he got that wear for his wife a week to their wedding but Grissel preferred the long ones so he just didn’t want to pursue her to put on what he wanted.
‘She gave it to me Tom and I just said I’m sorry.’

‘Keep the sorry to yourself and get out of my way.’ He said picking the bowl of rice from the microwave without the sauce and filed pass her.
Melisa stayed back and warmed the sauce for him. When she came out he was already eating the raw spaghetti.

‘I thought you told your wife you would be eating this.’ She said dropping the bowl of sauce on the dining table and walked away.
Tom waited for her to leave to her room before he ate his food in peace.
*****
‘You don’t need to sneak in to bed Tom.’ Grissel said raising the duvet covering her face. She waited for Tom to shower before she announced her vigil.
‘Emmm’ He managed to say scratching his head.
‘Have you eaten and checked on your sister?’

‘Yeah.’ He replied and pushed himself onto the bed.
‘I was really pissed off today Tom, especially when I had to face Lisa all alone.’

‘I’m sorry but can we talk about something else?’ He said with a serious tone now.
‘What’s with that serious face Tom.’
‘Andre?
‘Yes, one of my bosses at work. Did something happen to him?’

He shook his head vigorously.
‘Tom? What is going on here?’
‘Why didn’t you tell me you met up with him a night to our wedding?’

‘Were you following me again? I thought you trust me and the more reason why I tell you my whereabouts.’
‘I wasn’t spying? Someone saw you Grissel and this is one thing you never told me.’

Grissel raised herself up from the bed and laid against the bedpost.
‘I thought I did, it probably escaped me.’ She said taking her eyes off him instantly.
‘Really?
‘Yes Tom.’ She replied with her gaze off again.

‘So why are you not able to look into my face Grissel? Did you cheat on me?’
‘Wait no, I just don’t want to talk about it Tom.’

‘So you admit you were with Andre.’
She nodded to confirm.

‘Okay, whenever you are ready just let me know.’ Tom pushed himself under the duvet and reached out for the bedside light.
‘We agreed not to talk about work Tom, which was why I didn’t tell you I met with him.’
Tom just pretended not to have heard her.

‘Say something.’ She shook him under the duvet.
‘Alright to make you feel better Adam and Jessy had two weeks off work in that hotel and that was the reason why I even went there twice.’
‘So you weren’t alone with Andre?’ He asked slowly pushing his head from the duvet.

‘No, though Adam left briefly to attend to Jessy screaming her head off over the hot tap not flowing, Andre is a good man and I wouldn’t tolerate flirting with him.’
‘So he didn’t touch you Grissel?’
‘What is this really about Tom?’

‘Did he touch you or not because I don’t understand how important this case was than your own wedding which you couldn’t wait till after you are married.’
‘Calm down jealous Tom. I agree I broke down at a point when things were not working in my favor that night and he might have consoled me but that was it.’

‘Was your client someone important?’ He knows it when Grissel is telling the truth.
‘Yes, my happiness with you depended on it Tom.’ She had a worried grin on.
‘Has it been sorted out now?’

‘I’m with you so yes, it was worth that night out.’ She smooched his shoulder.
‘Okay, I’m sorry for doubting you and assuming you cheated which resulted in my violence behavior towards you on our wedding night.’
‘I thought as much. Can we not go back to that please?’ She frowned at the thought of that night.

Grissel freaks out when she has to remember that memory especially when Tom tries to raise it. That was the fifth time after the incident he had tried talking about it.
‘Thank you but what did you do to Lisa.’

‘Oh that? I may have put her in the right place. I know we agreed I should ignore her but I couldn’t take it this evening.’
‘That’s okay, at least she’s calm now and seem to have accepted the fact that you are my wife.’
She smiled weirdly and adjusted herself on the bed looking into his face.

‘Do I have something on my face?’ He asked.
‘Emmm, I’ve been wondering why my handsome prince hasn’t said anything about his surprise in finding out I wasn’t a virgin.’ She covered her face discreetly.

‘I figured out that was the reason you were cranky that night but honestly I wasn’t expecting you to be a virgin besides I love what I see now so I’m okay.’ He said flirtatiously while smooching her face.

‘I’m saying No before you even ask.’ She smiled pulling up the sheets.
‘You are exhausted so I’m not going to ask but can I just hold you.’
Tom pulled her into his arms while smooching her hair but Grissel’s mind seemed to be far from the room even when Tom slept off she was restless.

He has always been a jealous guy and a control freak from his youthful days but meeting Grissel changed that part of him. The only thing he wants to do is trust in her love for him.
Grissel cuddled his face and kissed him while pulling away from his arms. She switched off her side of the light and covered herself fully with the duvet.
*****
‘You have to leave before my niece gets back home. And you sleeping over was a mistake Joe.’ Julia gathered the sheets to cover herself while Joe leaned against the far corner watching her.

‘But you asked me here.’
‘Yes but the party is over and as I said Lisa might come back soon.’
‘Alright, let me just shower first.’

‘No, take this and get going.’ Julia threw his shirt and short to him angrily.
‘Gosh, relax. I will go now.’ Joe picked up his short from the floor slipped it on, picked up the shirt and his shoes next.

‘And don’t com….’, Before Julia could finish her sentence, he banged the door so hard. He obviously knew his way around the house since he’s been there several times when Melisa was away.
‘This is not you Julia.’ She whispered to herself and walked to her bathroom.
*****
‘Dad, you are early for breakfast.’ Stella who came down and met her Dad at the table smiled.
‘Unlike you I need to eat early because of my medications.’
‘Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that.’

‘So your mom told me you came home late yester night.’
‘Just hanging out with a few friends.’
‘I see and among these friends do you have anyone of them you are going out with?’

‘Dad, let’s not go there this morning.’
‘That reminds me, how’s Tom?’ Mr. Medt asked.
‘Huh? Who is that?’ She exclaimed.
‘Mr. Addison, your manager?’

‘Oh your toy boy?’ He should be home with his wife.’ She muttered focusing on the help who just brought the omelet.
‘Why do I sense you don’t like him Stella?’
‘To be honest I don’t and I can’t believe you hired such an amateur to work for you.’

‘Well I never had issues with him Stella.’
‘That’s because you give him so much freedom. Can you imagine when I arrived he was not there to show me around?’
‘If my memory serves me right he was supposed to be on leave when you took over.’

‘Dad, let’s forget him.’
‘Forget who?’ Stella’s mom asked behind them.’
‘No one mom. Just work and stress.’ Stella replied.

‘You know since you got back from your uncle’s place and your tour around the globe you hardly talked about what happened to you there.’
‘Mom, I told you guys he is fine, we resolved our fight.’
‘Well, your uncle called.’
‘And?’ Stella asked curiously.

‘He didn’t like the way you left after the incident especially when things were settled between you and your cousin.’
‘This was several years ago mom, I just want to put it behind me.’ Stella replied.
‘I’m starving, can we have breakfast now.’ Mr. Medt who was quiet watching them bring up the past suddenly announced.

‘Thank you Dad for saving me from your wife.’ She teased.
Stella travelled around Mexico to get away from the memories of the happenings while she was leaving with her uncle.
***
Melisa was smiling over the phone.
‘Were you able to do what we discussed?’ Henry suddenly asked when he was done making her laugh.
‘Honestly, I don’t want to continue this game anymore.’

‘But you visited so you could confront Grissel with your findings?’
‘Yeah, but I think I would hold on for a few more weeks.’ Melisa lied.

‘Lisa you are holding up again.’
‘I’m not Henry, just give me a few more weeks.’
‘I trust you love.’ Henry replied and hanged up.

Henry gave Melisa an ultimatum but Melisa didn’t want him to know she had changed her mind after what transpired between herself and Grissel last night.
She hissed and walked out of her room towards her brother’s room.
***
‘That was fun.’ Grissel said panting while Tom kept kissing her all over.
‘Do you think we could go for another round’ He whispered in her ears while she giggles.
‘Your wish is my command.’ She grinned at him.

‘That’s my girl,’ he announced and went under the duvet when Grissel knocked him on the head.
He came out of the sheets and stared.
‘You changed your mind?’
‘No, didn’t you hear footsteps?’ She asked gazing at the door.

‘There’s no one there Grissel.’ He went back to exploring her body.
‘Did you see that shadow?’ She pointed at the door yet again.
‘Gosh you just killed the mood.’

‘I’m sorry but I think your sister is at the door.’
‘Are you now a seer?’ He asked sitting in the middle of the bed.
‘Just check it out, she might be in need of something.’

‘She’s the least person I want to talk to this morning.’
‘I know but she’s in your house and I don’t want her giving your aunty false reports.’
‘Can’t we just forget her and continue what we started.’

‘I’m always here but she’s leaving today so you got to make use of the opportunity.’
‘Was that why instead of handing her the car keys last night you kept her here.’

‘Of course you figured it out. Tom I just want this rivalry to stop. It breaks my heart.’
‘Don’t make this about you Grissel. I have reasons for hating my sister that much.’

‘Reasons you don’t want to share.’
He nodded his head.
‘You’ve got to let me in Tom.’

‘Like you would do same for me.’ He questioned instead of answering his wife.
‘This is not about me today. I told you someday I will let you in and that doesn’t reduce my love for you.’
‘Alright, you remember Amy?’

‘The girl you got pregnant and forced her to get rid of it while you were still with me.’ She frowned.
‘I never said sorry for that. It was just a onetime thing and I was completely wasted that night.’
‘Is it what I think?’

‘Yes, Lisa was behind it all.’ He sighed.
Grissel’s face turned pale and Tom could read all the questions on her face.
‘She hates you that much and I couldn’t watch her continue treating you like an outsider.’

‘It wasn’t okay forcing Amy to get rid of it.’
‘Would you have been okay with that? Imagine sharing my attention between you and my child not to talk of Amy demanding for her own time.’
‘I understand but we could have found a solution to it.’ Grissel countered.

‘Solution? There’s no solution for having a child with another woman and married to another.’ He said with outmost certainty. ‘I’m sure if you were to have a child before we met, we both wouldn’t have been in this bed today.’

She sighed. ‘You actually hate kids that much?’
‘No, you know I love kids but having a child with another woman means dividing my attention.’

Grissel knew they discussed this several times in their relationship before they settled down and Tom was so serious about it anytime the topic is raised which made her think he hates kids and hearing it again sent shivers down her spine though she hasn’t made up her mind to start having children yet.
She was suddenly mute while Tom kept talking.

‘The funny thing is, she doesn’t know why I hate her that much.’
‘So Lisa is not aware you know?’
‘I don’t intend telling her at all.’

‘I’m sure she has plans to tell you, just give her time and please cut her some slack. She was simply looking out for you.’ Grissel advised.
‘Looking out for me at the expense of hurting the woman I love.’
‘Yet the woman you love hasn’t been hurt but might reach that point if you don’t let it go.’

‘That’s emotional blackmail Grissel.’
‘A good one as such. Though I want to continue dragging this with you I think she’s still standing out there Tom.’
‘How are you able to see her and I can’t.’

‘Well just get out and ask her to stay for dinner out tomorrow. I will pick up aunty in the morning.’
‘What are you doing Grissel?’
‘I’m having dinner with my family and don’t say No.’

‘Okay.’ He slipped his shorts on and walked out of bed picking up his t-shirt hung on the wardrobe.
‘I’m hungry too, so maybe after that we can get breakfast together.’
‘I’m on a fast?’ He smiled teasingly.

‘You don’t even know the way around the bible and you are on a fast.’
He winked and walked out leaving the door opened.

Tom on a normal day wouldn’t have listened to Grissel when it’s about her sister but it seemed he figured he had to make up for staying out late yester night.
Melisa who has been leaning against the pillar closer to their room jerked when she heard the door open.
She tried to walk away when Tom called her back.

‘What do you want waking us up?’ He dismissed the anger in his voice.
‘Good morning, Is your wife awake?’
‘What do you need from her?’

‘Tampax.’ She answered. Melisa wasn’t sure if Grissel uses the same product type but she needed help.
‘What’s Tampax?’
‘It’s ladi….’ She was saying when she was saved by the bell.

‘Tom, too much questions. Please come for it.’ Grissel could actually hear them from where she stood in the room dressing up.
Tom glanced at her sister and went back in.
‘You have Tampax?’ He asked curiously.

She nodded.
‘Why am I not aware you keep delicacies in here?’
Grissel laughed so hard.

‘What’s so funny right now?’
‘Tampax is just sanitary pad.’ She clarified.
‘I thought every lady uses always pad.’

‘No but I can’t believe your sister is actually shy to tell you she needs sanitary pad.’ She teased handing him a pack of Tampax pad.
He took it and reached out to her car keys on top of the wardrobe.
‘So this is Tampax but how did she even know you use this brand?’

‘She probably guessed.’
‘I know she’s pretending to like you now.’
‘That’s her own problem Tom. Just get her the damn pad already.’

‘This your new friendship with Lisa, I have to investigate.’ He muttered raising his brows.
‘Help yourself and don’t forget to tell her she’s staying for dinner tomorrow.

‘Got it.’ He replied and walked out.
Melisa was pacing up and down when he got there.
‘Here you go.’

‘Thank you and I will need my car keys.’
He handed it over quietly without a word. He stared at her weirdly and she smiled at him.
‘Dinner Tom.’ Grissel yelled out reminding him of the dinner plans.

‘You don’t need to leave today. Grissel wants you to hav…’
‘Tom?’ Grissel yelled out once again and he scratched his head.
Scratching his head reminded her of how her mom used to tease their Dad. She laughed without even knowing it.

‘What is funny?’ He asked.
‘Nothing, you remind me of mom.’
‘So?’ He asked rudely.

‘So I made her favorite breakfast for you this morning.’
Tom ignored what she said because he never met his mom.
‘As I was saying before you interrupted, you have to wait for dinner tomorrow so you can’t leave.’ He said with an authoritative tone and rushed back in.

Melisa found it funny and smiled to herself.
‘You are so terrible at asking women out.’ Grissel laughed when he closed the door behind him.
‘But you fell for this same charm.’

‘I wonder how I fell for you.’ She teased back.
‘Can we eat now, Melisa claimed she made breakfast.’
‘I thought you are on fast.’

‘Not anymore when I just used up all my energy.’ He muttered.
‘After you my love.’ She slipped her legs inside her flip flops.
*****TBC

***

Grissel wiped her face with a fresh neatly folded paper towel and dumped it in the bin. She carried the bowl of vegetables and salad accompaniments to the dinning.

Melisa who was munching on a packet of biscuit she found in her bag after calling her aunty to inform her she might not come home that night felt her sister in law’s shadow falling on her.
‘What do you want now?’ She asked calmly this time around.

‘Dinner is ready and before you turn it down, remember you are in my house so it’s either you eat or get out before you starve yourself.’
Grissel didn’t know where all that courage from earlier and now came from.

‘I’m not hungry?’
‘Suit yourself, I just have to chew this sausage all by myself.’ She muttered and walked away.

Melisa who was backing her turned around to be sure she heard her right when she mentioned sausage but Grissel was already gone. She looked up and saw her seated at the dinning and decided to join her.

Grissel seated at the table alone kept trying Tom’s number. She hanged up for the sixth time and hissed when Melisa spoke up.
‘Was that Tom again?’ She asked pulling up a chair to sit.

Grissel nodded and tried once more without luck. Melisa could sense the frustration in her voice when she hiss and the worry written all over her face.

Melisa doesn’t know why her speech earlier had that much effect on her so she decided to join her sister in law at the table.
She picked a plate and dished out the spaghetti and sausage sauce. Then added the vegetables to it while Grissel focused on her own food which she barely touched.

‘Maybe he’s out with his friends, don’t you have their numbers.’ Melisa asked obviously worried too because Tom even as an adult back then with Julia always did call to inform them when he was running late.

She smiled and tapped her forehead as if Melisa just reminded her of something though on a normal day they both would have been at each other’s throat.

Grissel dialed Austin’s number and after the second ring there was finally an answer.
‘Is my husband there Austin?’ She asked.
‘This is your husband.’ Tom let out a heavy sigh.

Austin realizing Grissel was the one calling passed the phone to Tom earlier.
‘Tom it’s late and what happened to dinner?’ She called out.

‘OMG, forgive me Grissel. I forgot to tell you I planned on drinking with the guys tonight since it’s a Friday.’ He explained while the other guys looked on.
‘Alright, drive safely.’ She replied and was about to hang up when Tom asked her about dinner.
‘Did you manage to get dinner without me?’

‘Yes but would you mind fried egg in place of meat. We had sausage sauce this evening and I’m too tired to get that done this late.’
‘It’s okay, I will have the sausage sauce.’

‘Are you sure becau…?’
‘Grissel, it’s fine and do you think you can wait up for me?’

‘You know I’m an early bird but I will try. Just wake me up in case I slept off.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Lisa is around too.’ She said and quickly hanged up before he could ask her to drive her out of his house.

She knew Tom that well.
Melisa just shook her head and focused on her food in front of her while Grissel left to the kitchen with her plate due to loss of appetite.
Grissel picked up her plate of food.

‘You can eat all that and I have more in the kitchen in case you are not satisfied.’ Grissel knew Melisa loves food especially when its sausage sauce unlike her brother who loves fried chicken Melisa prefers anything made with sausage.

And earlier she had to choose between her husband’s favorite and her sister in law’s favorite. She smiled to herself watching Melisa eat with so much delight and then smacked her cheeks happily.

Melisa avoided her gaze and tried not to smile even though it came flashing her face.
‘I made the right choice.’ Grissel whispered silently and walked away briskly without another word as Melisa looked on.

‘Is she always this accepting?’ Melisa asked herself while chewing on the sausage.
She shook her head and focused on her food happily. ‘The fewer the merrier.’

Grissel’s footsteps back from the kitchen few minutes after drew her attention to her walking woozily upstairs. Melisa felt a cold wave run through her body. She remembered her mom was always that way even when their Dad didn’t treat her right sometimes after she had spent her whole time in the kitchen cooking his meals. Though she was that young, she had some memories locked up.

‘Is Tom not treating Grissel right or it’s the other way round. No, it’s definitely Tom because Grissel definitely would have screamed her head off when she called him earlier.’ She whispered to herself yet again.

Melisa scooped half spoon of spaghetti into her mouth and munched on it while reaching out for more vegetables from the service bowl. She had forgotten to use the fork instead of spoon.
She shook her head continuously.

‘She’s not that bad as I was led to believe.’ Melisa thought aloud.
Melisa barely spent up to an hour together in the same room with Grissel in the past. Grissel always made it a point to avoid her when she visited Tom when they were dating.

She picked up her phone dropping the spoon she was using earlier and combed through the files she had on it and hit the delete button.
‘Maybe she had good reasons for marrying my brother the way she did and a second look at her this evening confirms why aunty love her that much.’ She whispered to herself.

*****
‘Guys let’s call it a night.’ Tom declared and everyone agreed.
They had earlier called the driver who would drop Tom home while Mike’s driver followed in order to get the guy driving Tom as well to his house after he had dropped him.

Grissel came back after about ten minutes and Melisa was done eating because she had cleared the table and washed up the plates. She dished out Tom’s food and kept it in the microwave.
Melisa who was glued to the Tv turned down the volume when Grissel came out of the kitchen to the hall.

‘The bed is already made and I left a night wear, change of clothes and towel on the bed. I’m an early bird so just call me if you need anything.’ She announced and walked away quietly.
Melisa turned the volume up when she realized Grissel had left.

***TBC

Sorry guys, my network has been blocked.... Trying to fix it...will update when i can

EPISODE 7

There laughter could reach every corner of the bar. Those around them couldn't tell exactly why they were laughing on top of their voices.

'That reminds me Tom.' Mike chipped in still with a broad smile on his face. 'Have you asked your cheating wife about the night at the Seattle Hotel?'

They were almost done consuming half of the beer in the crate. Tom was mute for a few seconds clutching his hands together tightly.
'Wait dude. Your wife cheated?' Austin asked turning to Clive and Mike's direction.

'That was what happened and it seemed our man here couldn't handle it but rather decided to force himself on his wife on their wedding night.
'Wow, too bad but why am I now hearing this.' Austin asked no one in particular.
Everyone was silent while gulping their beer.

Tom hadn't said anything about what Clive told him a week to their wedding because he knew Grissel wouldn't cheat on him. He was so sure about it when she confirmed running in to Clive at a hotel where she was meeting up with Adam for business.

Though Clive’s allegations sounded genuine to him and he trusted his wife especially after she told him about bumping into Clive but then Mike’s call that night after their wedding with the same allegations turned his world upside down.

Tom didn’t want to believe all that Mike told him that night but Grissel gave him no choice when she wouldn’t let him touch her on their wedding night. Her behavior made him furious and suspicious.

He committed a despicable sin and have to leave with it even if it meant pleasing his wife every time she was wrong and he was right. Tom knew that was the only thing left to keep them both going. He realized Grissel wasn’t the only one who needed to forgive him, but he also needed to forgive himself.

He wasn't a staunch Christian but he knew about forgiveness because Grissel never stopped preaching that in the past which always secured him a free pass when he misbehaved towards her.

Tom wanted that for himself now and had to get it anyway he can because when Grissel held his hands and knelt before him signaling him to do same while they prayed together after their first quarrel, he knew he was safe and want it never to end.

Despite their love and bond, he wasn’t so sure what the future holds for them.
Tom was still in his thought when Austin spoke up.

'Okay, I get it. She's my friend doesn't mean I go about telling her everything we discuss.' Austin glared.
'We get it but anything can happen.' Mike said.

'Oh come off it. I'm not a snitch.' He yelled.
'That's enough guys.' Tom finally said.
'Sorry,' Austin replied.

'Clive, I'm sure you were mistaken. I asked my wife about Aubrey and she seems to have no idea about Aubrey.'
'And who is Aubrey?' Clive asked surprised.

'Mike?' Tom called out to him with a glare.
'Wait, I never mentioned Aubrey.' Clive quickly clarified.

'What is going on with you two?' Tom asked confused.
'Mike probably got the name wrong. The receptionist after some bribing told me he registered under the name Andre.'
'Sorry man, I didn't get it right then.' Mike apologized.

'That still doesn't explain who Andre is.' Tom asked confusedly.
'I only saw her at that hotel's restaurant twice in an awkward manner.’ He was examining their faces while he spoke.
‘But you said she saw you.’ Mike asked.

‘Yeah the first time but each time she happens to be with a different guy and Tom didn't want to pursue it the first time because Grissel had already told him about her meet up with Adam there the first time we bumped into each other.'

'And what were you doing spying on Grissel.' Austin quickly chipped in.
'I wasn't spying on anyone. I went there with Tina and I was surprised to see her there a week and a night before her wedding respectively.’ Clive was on the verge of losing his cool.

‘So?’ Austin questioned rudely.
‘What was so important that couldn't wait till after her wedding?’ Clive muttered annoyingly. ‘Especially meeting a stranger in a hotel a night to your wedding. For Adam I understand he is family but what about Andre.'

Austin sighed. 'Tall, mid-forties, broad Chest, Half cast and with a dimple even from afar?'
'Exactly, you saw them too?' Clive asked happily.

'I don't need to see them Clive. Andre is one of her old bosses at the firm.' Austin explained.
'You are sure about this?' Tom asked immediately Austin landed with his speech.

'Yes very sure but very disappointed in you Tom. Grissel was avoiding me for weeks and I couldn’t figure out where I went wrong.’ Austin muttered painfully while Clive grabbed another bottle.

“I’m sorry.' Tom gave him an apologetic look.
‘Marriage is about communication, just do that next time instead of listening to Clive and his fairytales.’
Clive hissed.

‘Thank you Austin.' Tom heaved a sigh of relief and grabbed his next bottle.
‘Clive you need to apologize to Grissel.’ Mike told him.
'That’s not happening because I knew what I saw that night.' Clive rubbed in again.

'What about a week before the wedding. Did you happen to see the same man with her?’ Austin sarcastically asked.
'Tom already confirmed she was with Adam besides I saw from afar that time so i can’t confirm the incident of that week but I’m sure about the awkwardness the night before the wedding.'

'Okay, so this is just about the night before their wedding.' Austin seemed to be defending Grissel too much that night.
'Sure, it was awkward man. I wouldn't say what I haven’t seen. Hope you understand that.'
'That’s okay Clive, we were all not in support of how he treated his wife so I think he should just talk to Grissel to clarify things.' Mike chipped in.

'Thanks guys.' Tom smiled weirdly.
'Let's celebrate then.' Austin cheered while they held their bottles toasting.
Austin happens to be the only level headed one among them.
*****

EPISODE 6

‘Gosh, Tom. How are you here?’
‘Speed.’ He answered in one word looking intently in to her eyes.
‘What?’

‘What?’ He also questioned.
‘You are staring at me weirdly?’
‘And that’s a crime?’ He asked.

‘No I mean you are not even smiling this time.’ She said with confusion.
‘Should I be smiling Grissel?’ He questioned obviously angry about Henry’s presence earlier because he actually came to apologize.

‘I apologize about breakfast or whatever I did in your office that you had to chase me away.’ She broke down immediately reaching out for her handkerchief which she couldn’t locate when Tom handed her one from his shirt pocket.

‘Please I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.’ He said reaching out for her hand.
‘Then why do I feel like you were intentionally pushing me away Tom. We just got married for Christ sake and you already behaving like a typical Ghanaian man.’

‘Wow. A typical Ghanaian man.’
‘Yes, the types that always make their wife’s cry all the time.’
‘You mean my Dad.’

Grissel nodded.
‘I always tell you I’m nothing like my Dad. And I’m sorry you had to cry.’

‘That’s fine but you would have to make it up to me later.’ She smiled playfully. Anytime Tom had to reassure her he’s nothing like his Dad it calms her.
‘You and emotional blackmail. What do you want this time?’ He smiled.

‘You are making dinner this evening.’ She teased.
‘You already know how that will turn out right.’

‘I don’t mind, I will be there the whole time.’
‘It’s a deal then. So where’s my lunch.’

‘Emmmm, it’s gone.’ She touched her cheeks involuntarily. ‘How should i know you would show up?’
‘Aunty called and I had to quickly rush here when you were not answering my calls.’

‘Sorry, I left the phone in the car but you mean if it weren’t for her you wouldn’t have come.’
‘I didn’t say that but I’m here now and hungry.’

‘Sorry, let me order you some salad.’
‘Great.’ He sighed.
Grissel walked to the counter and placed her order.

‘It should be here soon but you look disturbed.’ She said grabbing her seat.
‘Just some work related issues.’ He replied.

‘Want to talk about it?’ Grissel had to ask anyway though she knows Tom hates talking about his work issues.
‘You know I don’t l….’

‘I get it Tom and that reminds me, Henry just left here and you came in.’
‘Really? What does he want with you?’ He muttered relieved that she mentioned it.
‘Not with me but he wants a divorce lawyer for a friend of his.’

‘Hope you are not handling that case.’
‘You know I stopped handling those a long time ago.’ She clarified.
‘Okay, is this about my sister?’

‘He just said for a friend.’ She was saying when her order arrived.
‘Thank you.’ Tom whispered to the waitress and placed the food in front of them each.
‘You are welcome.’ She replied and left with her tray.

‘So you ordered too? And is your lunch hours not over.’
‘Of course, I wasn’t satisfied earlier because you were not here with me and I don’t have much work today.’
‘And who is paying for the food.’

‘Who else? I have your wallet here already.’
‘How did you get that?’ He jumped up trying to check if it was actually his.
‘You married a smart one Tom.’

‘I know right.’ He replied picking up his cutlery smiling with a stare.
‘How was your first day at work?’

‘I got a new annoying boss in the name of Stella Medt.’
‘Mr. Medts heir?’ She sounded concerned.

‘Yeah, I’m not sure we would ever get along.’
‘You would figure it out. She can’t be that bad.’
He sighed and picked up his cutlery. ‘She’s charming though.’

‘Tell me more?’ She said with a certain sparkle.
‘Ahaaa, but you know I’m stuck with you right?’
‘I trust you Tom.’ She blushed.
*****
‘Excuse me Miss.’ Melisa heard a young man running towards her in the crowd.

She stopped when her new friend she just had brunch with at the Frimps restaurant drew her attention to the guy who stopped running and was now walking towards them..
‘Do you know him?’ Melisa asked Paige.

The two ladies met last week and agreed on brunch. Melisa dropped Julia home that morning and quickly fixed herself to meet up with Paige.
‘No, but he’s from the Jewelry shop we just walked out of.’ Paige clarified. They both went to a closer Jewelry shop after their brunch to pick up a few Jewelries.

‘Oh really, I didn’t notice.’ Melisa replied.
They were still staring at his direction when he finally reached their end.

‘Hello, sorry for wasting your time.’ He said with a break in his voice.
‘That’s fine Mr.….’ Paige was saying and paused because she doesn’t know his name.

She shook her head and stared giving him gestures.
The gentleman kept staring and suddenly realized Paige was expecting him to mention his name.

‘Forgive my manners. It’s Bryan and I think your friend here left her change and the wrist watch.’ Bryan announced handing them the change and the package.

‘Oh I did?’ Melisa snapped out of her reverie.
‘Yes, I guess when you were picking up the other necklace you forgot the watch.’

‘Thank you Bryan but you can keep the change.’ She said checking the package. Melisa got a necklace for her aunty and a wrist watch for Henry since she broke his when she was at his end last week.

‘You don’t need to do that. Thank you.’ He said, handed Paige the money and walked away.
Both ladies just glanced at each other and walked away.

‘Did I say something wrong Paige?’ She asked her friend.
‘Lisa, does that gentleman seem like someone who needed your five dollar change?’

‘But I just thought it was nice to do that.’ Melisa clarified.
‘Well, looks like he doesn’t want it.’

‘Was that why he left without another word?’ Melisa queried sadly.
‘I didn’t say that.’
‘Yes you did Paige.’

‘I just pointed to you not every man wants to be treated as such.’ Paige answered her.
‘Alright, thank you.’ Melisa didn’t want to drag the issue.

‘Great, let’s get going then.’ Paige announced pulling her towards where she parked her car.
Paige manages a few events spaces, which Melisa was scouting out for one of her client when they met and immediately bonded.
She drove off after Melisa fastened her seat belt.

*****
‘Why do you think your sister is not okay?’
‘Adam, she hasn’t called since after the wedding and it’s been a month. It’s unlike Grissel.’
‘She’s probably just busy with her responsibilities. You know how confused and frustrated you were in the first few months.’
‘Yes but I still call friends.’

‘Give her a call then, if you feel she’s not okay.’
‘She’s not answering my calls. I just feel she’s avoiding me.’

‘Try calling Tom, he definitely will pick up.’
‘You are a genius. Why didn’t I think about it before?’

‘You know I’m the only one with the brains in this marriage right.’
Jessy hissed and picked up herself from the bed while walking towards the bathroom.
‘Can I join you?’ Adam called out to her.

‘I’m just picking up my phone which you brought to me earlier in the shower.’ She smiled at him and walked away.
‘You are not fun these days.’ He hissed and pressed his head on the pillow like a small kid.
*****
‘When are you coming home?’ Julia spoke into the phone.
‘I forgot to tell you I will be late tonight for dinner.’ Melisa replied.

‘It’s Henry again right?’ Julia questioned.
‘I’m just picking up my car from Tom’s place.’

‘Wonderful!’ She exclaimed cheerfully.
‘Aunty, I’m just picking up my car. Nothing else.’
‘I know but can’t you just use that opportunity to make up with your brother.’

‘You want a repeat of what happened the last time?’ Melisa frowned though her aunty couldn’t see her face through the phone.
‘I understand but you got to keep trying Lisa and tonight is a perfect opportunity to do that.’

‘I have heard you. Can I direct the cab driver now?’
‘Sure, call me when you get there.’ Julia emphasized.

Melisa hanged up and wiped a tear while casting her mind back.
Tom had pushed her down the stairs when she tried reasoning with him concerning their differences. She woke up a week after in the hospital and since then Melisa decided to let him deal with his own mess.

Though at a point Melisa hated him first because she thought he was responsible for their moms early demise but it became worse when Tom had accepted the fact that Melisa would never forgive him for what nature took from them both.
Melisa was still in thoughts when the cab parked in front of the house. She paid her fare and got down.
***
Tom who left work some few hours after lunch with Grissel drove in to the bar he agreed on earlier with his friends. He sighted them by the counter and smiled while walking up to them.

He is the only married one among his friends.
‘Tom, Tom.’ Mike hailed him while standing up from his stool to shake and hug him.

He received their hails and hugs when finally he settled down on his stool.
‘What’s going on Clive?’ Tom queried.
‘Nothing much, just a bachelors hang out.’ Clive responded.

‘But you said it was urgent and I had to leave work early.’ Tom sounded unhappy.
‘Relax man.’ Mike chipped in. Among all the four men, Mike was the cool one and closest.

‘Yes, relax.’ Clive replied.
He heaved a sigh of relief and dropped his phone in his pocket after putting it on silence.

‘Austin, you have been too quiet for my liking.’ Tom inquired.
‘I’m just admiring how good marriage is looking on you.’

They all laughed at Austin’s humor.
‘Here we go.’ Mike suddenly said when the waiters shadow fell on him.

When they have a boy’s night out, they get a whole crate of beer. The waiter dropped it on the counter and left.
‘Who hasn’t brought his driver like me?’ Tom queried.

‘We all did Tom. I guess we would have to call my dad’s other driver to get you to your place while we follow.’ Clive replied.
‘You are right.’ He replied.

Though they drink a lot when they are out, they always have plans for getting themselves home to avoid falling in a ditch.
Austin and Clive were the two Americans among them. Mike introduced Clive and Tom also introduced Austin.

*****TBC

***

‘I don’t want to do this again. That wasn’t fair and you know it.’ Stella said from her end to the caller uncomfortably.
‘I’m sorry but I will make it up to you.’ A voice answered from the other end.

‘I know that but why are you even doing this in the first place.’ She asked regrettably.
‘I already told you Stella, he stole my dad’s money and I want him to pay.’

‘Yeah you told me but the Tom I met this afternoon doesn’t seem to me like a swindler.’
‘You met him for how many hours and you know him already.’

‘Just briefly but I could tell he is genuine and can’t he pay you back.’ She tried to reason with her friend over the call.
‘I don’t want payment, I just want to hurt him where it hurts.’ The voice replied yet again.
‘This is petty.’ Stella muttered.

‘I know but you owe me so just hang in there for me.’
‘Alright, see you later’ Stella said and hanged up.
She hissed and called out to Tom’s P.A.
*****
Tom was pacing around in his office when his phone rang. He ignored and decided to pick up on the second ring.
‘Aunty can I call you back.’

‘Okay but I just wanted to know if you are enjoying your lunch.’
‘What lunch?’
‘Aren’t you at your wife’s office canteen?’
‘OMG,’ he exclaimed and hanged up.

Grissel who agreed on lunch that morning actually got a surprise delivery from Tom’s aunty. That was the main reason why she came over to his office instead of calling her husband to meet him at their lunch center.
Tom suddenly remembered his behavior earlier towards his wife and picked up his suit and car keys. He rushed out of his office while dialing her number without success.

Grissel on the other hand parked at a restaurant just five minutes’ drive away from her work place and got herself some pastries and drink. She sat in her car while eating in tears. Earlier she lied to her mother in-law about the lunch.

‘Is marriage this difficult?’ She asked herself with her mouth full of pastries and her eyes filled with tears.
‘Maybe he has a problem at work.’ She encouraged herself. ‘But that doesn’t explain why I should be the one to bear his anger.’
She continued to talk to herself until she finished her snacks and drove away.

Tom kept violating traffic rules in order to catch up with Grissel as she already called her office and learnt she wasn’t yet back. Lunch time was probably already over but he had to make it somehow.
He was still on top speed veering off the road and careful not to get caught as was a forty-five minutes’ drive to her office.
*****
Grissel realizing she had no work left at the office when she went in decided to get her lunch heated in the canteen.
With all smiles she was enjoying her meal and reading a magazine when she felt a tap on her shoulders.

‘Hey, you startled me.’ She said struggling to swallow the food and reaching out for the water in front of her.
Henry quickly got the water and opened it for her.
She hurriedly gulped it and smiled. ‘What are you doing here Henry?’

‘How are you?’ He asked smiling.
‘Forgive my manners, I’m okay.’ She replied dropping the water bottle.
‘That’s good to hear.’

She focused on her meal while Henry stared. Grissel wasn’t that close to Henry because Melisa was always giving her attitude. It was always greetings among them but Melisa and Julia knew Henry was in love with Grissel.

Melisa always thought Grissel was too naïve to notice someone in love with her but Julia thought she was just so much in love with Tom that she couldn’t see another man all over her.

‘You must really be enjoying that a lot.’ He said to her breaking the silence.
‘You can say that again. This is exactly how my husband loves his chicken and fries.’
‘Then it’s a shame he’s missing it.’ Henry replied.

‘I know right. His aunty actually made this for us but he ……’ She was saying and paused feigning a smile.
‘He what?’ Henry sensed some hesitation in her voice and the glow she always had on her face wasn’t there anymore.

‘Nothing, it’s all good. The two shall become one so I’m eating on his behalf.’ She answered sadly.
‘Are you sure you are okay,’ He asked reaching out for her hand unconsciously but quickly pulled it back before Grissel could raise her head from staring at her plate.

‘Yeah but you still haven’t told me why you are at our firm today. Do you and Melisa need a court wedding?’ She asked smiling.
‘That’s not possible and for the record Mel and I are just friends.’
‘Friends with benefit.’ She concluded for him.

‘That’s fine if you put it that way but I’m in need of a divorce lawyer.’ He blurted out.
‘Divorce lawyer?’ She asked confused while taking a bite on her last piece of chicken.
‘Not for me though.’

‘Okay because I know you are not married.’
‘Yeah but a friend is in love with a married woman.’
‘Oh really and she’s agreed to get that divorce to be with your friend?’

‘No but I’m sure once he assures her of his love for her she would.’ Henry muttered staring at her naïve face.
‘That’s weird but I can recommend a good one for you.’ She dropped the chicken bone and switched to the hand cream by the table napkin.

‘I was hoping you could because I heard you worked some years back on such cases.’
‘Yeah I did but not anymore, it was just a few cases I handled. Now I handle custody cases.’
‘Alright I will take your recommendation then.’ He smiled.

‘First floor, room ten. Just ask of Mrs. Edwards.’
‘Thank you, do you want another meal because you keep staring back at the empty plate.’
‘Only if it’s this good like my mother-in laws.’ She joked.

‘I’m sure the food here is okay, fries again or salad.’
‘You are not serious right?’
‘I am Grissel. You look unsatisfied.’

‘Thanks but seriously I’m okay. I’m just sad Tom isn’t here to enjoy with me today.’
He feigned a smile and tried to adjust himself on the chair when his eyes fell on Tom lurking around. He wasn’t sure if he had seen him with his wife but he knew he had to thread carefully as to win Grissel.

Tom arrived about ten minutes earlier and was told from her office, she was still at lunch so he quickly came to the canteen and has been wondering how long Henry and his wife has been chatting. He decided to wait around.

‘Grissel I think I should go talk to that lawyer now.’ He said standing up.
‘Alright, thanks for keeping me company. I actually don’t have much left so I would stay around for a while.’ She chipped in smiling.

‘All the best for the day.’ He waved and left using the other exit.
Grissel packed up the lunch box and picked up her water gulping it when Tom sat in front of her.

***TBC

EPISODE 5

‘Grissel please wait. I said I’m sorry.’ Tom said rushing down the stairs to meet her up.
She was already late for work and doesn’t need another plea from her husband who came home last night drunk.
‘I know you are sorry but I’m late now and do not want another argument. Breakfast is in the microwave.’ She announced walking towards the door.

‘Thanks, but can we do lunch later.’ He managed to say.
‘Sure we can do lunch when I’m free.’
‘That’s my girl.’ He smiled walking to her when she suddenly closed the door behind her.

Tom only heard the gate open and her car horn blaring loudly. That’s a signal for him to get the gate closed.
‘Gosh, I need a damn security.’ He told himself heading to the kitchen for his breakfast.

He was expecting Grissel to wake him up when she was doing her rounds but it appears she was still angry hence he would be late for work. Tom hissed and picked up his Oat bowl from the microwave and luckily it was still warm. He checked the covered saucer and realized it was sausage which he dislikes and Grissel knew that.

He fished out his phone and dialed her number which she picked up on the first ring.
‘Tom I’m driving, let me call you back once i….’ She was saying when he cut her off.
‘You know I don’t like sausages.’

‘Oops sorry. Kindly get an egg boiled or fried.’ She was saying again when he hanged up.
He shook his head and walked away with his Oat. Tom is too lazy that he couldn’t even boil water to talk of frying an egg.

Today is the first Monday they were both reporting to work after their honeymoon leave. Even when they had added a week of their previous years piled up off days to their mandatory leave period, it was still not enough as they wished it never came to an end.
*****
‘Mr. Addison, a word in my office.’ The new CEO Stella Medt called Tom over the intercom into her office.
‘On my way.’ He responded and hanged up.

Mr. Medt who entrusted the managing of the company to Tom for a whole year while he recuperate decided to let her daughter handle things with the help of Tom.
Tom hates to be called by his father’s name. He had a chance to change it but his aunt wouldn’t agree.

He quickly dropped his file and walked out. That was the second time he’s being summoned into the CEO’s office since he reopened that morning but couldn’t meet her the first time.
Tom knocked lightly and entered as the label on the door indicated knock and enter. His face lit up when he entered. Stella was seated in her swivel chair with her black shades.

He walked to her table and stood in front of her. Stella’s gaze was still on what she was doing on her laptop hence ignoring him.
‘Hello, you asked to see me.’ He waved his hands to grab her attention.

‘You can have a seat.’ Stella announced after a few minutes still with her attention fixated on her laptop.
‘Thank you and you are officially welcome to the company.’
‘My dad left you in charge right?’ She asked dismissing Tom’s welcome address with her face up now. She adjusted herself and took off her shades.

Tom smiled and was just staring at her.
‘You are charming.’ He said quietly instead of answering her question.
‘What did you say?’ Stella asked when she saw his lips went apart quickly.

‘You called for me?’ He asked to cover up the foolish grin on his face when he realized he hasn’t heard her question.
‘Are you the man to see regarding management?’
‘Yes, I’m the Managing Dir….’
‘So why were you not here to help when I sent a notice I would be taking over.’

‘I apologize but I was on leave for my wedding and I just resumed today.’
‘So? How is that supposed to be my problem when you have the information’s I need.’ She sternly queried. ‘I expect you to be around when I got here.’

Tom frowned. ‘My leave was approved by HR and they haven’t complained I did anything wrong so I d….’
‘Do you still love your Job?’ She interrupted.
‘Of course, I have sacrificed myself for this job since I turned twenty-four.’ The smile on his face disappeared as he doesn’t like her earlier question.

‘So you’ve been working for six years, if what I read on your file was correct.’
‘Yes.’ He focused on her face as she didn’t budge earlier when asking the question.

‘I don’t think you are qualified for this job.’ She took off her gaze. ‘So from now on you would handle what I tell you to.’
‘I beg your pardon.’ His forehead drew a contour line as he fumed. ‘To the best of my knowledge I get my job done perfectly and cover all my hours so why I’m I being stripped of my role.’

‘Oh you still got your Job title, office and whatever you are entitled to at the end of the month.’ She grabbed her shades and put it back on.
‘I just don’t understand how you could just walk in here and change things, no offence by the way.’
‘Watch how you talk to me in here Mr. Addison.’

‘The name is Tom. Just Tom,’ he managed to say with a confused state.
‘Well, we are done here. You can go now.’ She announced while focusing on the laptop.

Tom just relaxed on the chair staring at her as if he was waiting for another explanation.
‘I said you can go.’ She thundered with her face up from where she kept it earlier.

Tom stood up almost near tears and walked out fuming. He met his P.A on the way who run after him to inform him about Grissel but he waved his hands in the air indicating he doesn’t want to hear any of it.
He banged the door after he walked in and didn’t recognize Grissel sitting on the couch at the far right corner while he faced the door fuming.

‘Who does she think she is? Is it because I’m black?’ He kept fuming while hitting his leg on the door.
‘Tom are you okay.’ He heard the next voice and turned around.

‘I thought I said I don’t want to see anyone.’ He yelled out before facing her.
Grissel who was walking over paused in the middle of the room still holding the lunch box she brought.

‘What’s going on? You just yelled at me.’ She asked with a confused stare.
‘Can you leave Grissel? I don’t have the patience to argue with you now.’

‘Okay but I brought Lunch.’
‘I lost my appetite. Take it along with you.’

‘But why are you askin….’
‘I said not now Grissel.’ He yelled.

‘Alright.’ She said when she felt the bitterness in his voice.
Grissel held on tightly to the lunch box and walked out. She got to her car and shed a tear.

‘Is this about this morning and the sausage instead of egg?’ She asked herself when her phone rang.
‘Just in my desk. I’m on my way back now.’ It appeared she was talking to her colleague. She dropped the phone and drove away.
*****

***
‘Mom, I don’t know why you two can’t run your company. I’m fine where I am now.’
‘You call staying in a hotel wasting your trust fund okay?’ Stella’s mom sounded angry on the call.

‘Did dad put you up to this?’
‘He shouldn't have to Stella,' She said softly. 'You are my daughter and if you won’t come back because of the company then do it for me.’

She sighed heavily from her end. ‘But mom, I don’t know anything about this company. Remember I dropped out of law school.’

‘I know that but he has someone who is managing the company and is willing guide you.’
‘Are you sure, it’s because of the company you want me back.’ Stella sighed heavily.

‘It’s been twelve years and I miss you very much.’
Stella laughed so hard on the call. She being her mother’s only child made it easy for her to get anything she wants.

‘Okay, you got to pick me up yourself from the airport on Saturday. I guess I will start work on Monday.’

Mrs. Medt jubilated over the call before hanging up. Stella always talked of being a judge when she was young so her mom thought staying with her brother who was an influential judge himself could really help as he has already recommended a good law school for her.

Stella dropped out for reasons she wasn’t keen on disclosing neither does her uncle and the family never spoke about it.
*****
‘Dad what are you doing here.’ Melisa asked her Dad who appeared that afternoon at a client’s place where she was checking the site for her next big event. She walked closer with a smile on her face.
‘I went by the house and Julia told me where to find you.’

‘She actually spoke to you.’ Melisa asked surprised because her aunt seem not to like their Dad that much after their mom passed away.

Melisa waved her client from afar to give her some few minutes.
‘Yeah.’ He replied.

‘So what brought you here Dad?’
‘I haven’t seen you for a whole month.’ He replied.

‘I’ve been busy as you can see.’
‘Okay but did you talk to Tom?’

‘We don’t talk Dad.’ She gave him a stern look. ‘Besides he’s fine where he is and I’m not sure he would want to come work for you.’
‘But I need to talk to him and apologize.’

‘The guy basically threw you out of his engagement reception and you still think you could talk to him or you have forgotten already.
‘No, I haven’t Lisa.’

‘Then allow him enjoy his marriage. He’s just three weeks in his marriage and I won’t forgive you if you mess it up for him.’
‘Alright, I won’t pester you again but how are you.’

‘I’m doing fine and cutting down the alcohol intake if you care to know.’
‘That’s good to hear and the other thing.’

‘You know I just can’t stop sleeping around in a day and get married but I’m working on it too.’

‘Alright, if you change your mind about Mr. Stan…’

‘Dad I don’t want to marry your friend’s son so let’s leave it at that.’
He nodded. ‘Take care of yourself then.’

Melisa waved him while he entered his car. Despite her Dad leaving home when she was just five years old hurt her a lot, he was her favorite and still is.

She smiled and watched him drive away while she walked back to her client.

***TBC

Pearl05:


Is it because am considering ur tight schedule and decided not to pressure you much?

Oya update it with immediate effect.

Lolzz, not really! I know you have already read, but not so sure if anyone else is reading.

Hold on I will be back

I'm not sure anyone is reading and ve been busy but will still update soon.

oly0511:
wow!!! thanks pearl05 Cbella is back

No I'm not.... I was just about to leave saf.

Following... Abi you no call me

EPISODE 4

‘Why are we meeting here this early?’ Julia asked the man sitting in front of him.
‘Because I haven’t seen you in a year and this is the only place that opens at five in the morning.’ He answered.
‘I told you I have family issues to take care of Joe.’

‘Okay, I just came to inform you I’m moving back to Ghana to make it up with my wife and children since it seemed like we would never be together.’ Joe announced and stood up headed for the door of the restaurant he asked to meet Julia at.

‘Alright I wish you all the best and take care of your family.’ Julia said with a straight face.
He nodded and walked away.

Julia and Joe met a year before Joyce took in with Tom. They tried to make it work but Julia doesn’t want to be a second wife. She has always been considerate. No matter how much love she had for Joe she also thinks the other woman back home deserves better although he finally got a divorce from her, Julia was still of the view that he did that because she pressured him.

Joe explained his wife asked for the divorce and he didn’t want to give her that privilege then because he hasn’t met anyone yet but Julia still didn’t want to be with him. So when her sister told her about her pregnancy and the fact that she doesn’t think she was going to make it, she used that as a perfect opportunity to let go.

She was still in thoughts when Melisa startled her. Mel who decided to follow her Aunt after she left the house that early as if something was pursuing her quickly grabbed a cab as her car was still with her brother. It has been several weeks but it seems neither herself nor Tom was ready to see each other yet.

‘What are you doing here Lisa?’ Her aunty queried.
‘Ahaaa, spill it out Aunty.’ She smiled.

‘Spill what?’
‘That fine man who just left here.’

‘I met him here.’
‘Lies.’ She said poking Julia’s cheeks smiling.
‘Are you following me now?’

‘Aunty, I’m just happy you are finally giving someone a chance. Is Tom aware?’
‘No and whatever you think is happening between Joe and I just ended.’ She announced with her hands flying to her mouth.
‘He is Joe?’ Melisa asked excitedly.

She nodded with her gaze focused elsewhere when she realized she just gave herself up.
‘Wow, nice name. But why did he end things with you. I’m sad now.’
‘He has a wife back home Lisa.’

‘So?’ Melisa asked reaching out for her hands.
‘So we can’t be together.’

‘Who brought that law?’ Melisa asked again.
‘Did you hear me say he’s married with children?’

‘I heard you aunty but his family isn’t here and that shouldn’t stop you from having a life.’
‘Gosh.’ She exclaimed. I can’t believe I’m getting advice from you.’ Julia spewed out.

‘I know you don’t want the kind of life I live right now but I want you to be happy. And stop feeling like you don’t have to live your life because you have an obligation towards us.’

‘But I’m already living. I have you two.’
‘No you are not living for yourself but for us and we are grown now. Just enjoy your life.’

‘I want to but I’m too old for that and I have to make sure you two are really okay.’
‘Come on, we are okay and besides you are just sixty years old, not hundred. Give yourself some break.’
‘I want to but you giv…’

‘I know what you are going to say.’
‘I don’t mean it that way but I really want you having a good life then I can live too.’

‘Alright, I would bring pregnancy home soon.’ She said smiling.
‘You are not pregnant already right?’ Her aunt asked with a skipping heart. She knows if she’s pregnant then it’s for Henry whom she dislikes.

‘No. I’m just doing this for you as I’m not sure Tom would ever be able to give you grandchildren soon.’
‘What do you mean by that? Do you know something I don’t know about?’

‘I know nothing Aunty.’
‘Yes you do. Does Tom have a problem, I’m not aware of?’ Julia asked confused.

‘Why Tom and not Grissel?’ Melisa asked taking her gaze off her aunt.
‘Do you know something I don’t know Lisa?’ She stressed.

‘No, I’m just asking. You seem to like that girl more than me.’
‘That girl is your brother’s wife and I love you both.’

‘If you say so but kindly call Joe back and let him know you’ve changed your mind.’
‘But I didn’t say I have changed my mind.’

‘I’m changing it for you.’ Mel answered.
‘No, someone else would find me.’ Julia assured her niece.

‘But you want Joe. Don’t let his marriage in Ghana stop you.’
‘I have made my decision so let it go.’ She said softly.
Julia has always been soft. More reason why she didn’t take advantage of Joe’s situation with his wife back home to get into his bed.

‘If you say so, I will drive you home now since I came with a cab.’ Melisa offered.
Julia stood up with her bag after paying for the drinks that Joe didn’t even touch.
*****
Grissel drove into the compound that looks like a home office and sighted Tom coming out with a middle aged woman with lots of hair. Beautiful body and her dressing that afternoon seemed like someone who was still at work.

She had no idea why Tom had asked her to get off work early and meet him at that address. She feigned a smile with jealousy written over her face as she got out of the car and walked towards them at the door.

‘Hello.’ She greeted them both at the entrance.
‘Hey, you are here on time.’

‘Yeah, you sounded erratic on the call.’
‘Sorry.’ He responded coyly.

‘Let’s all go inside and talk.’ The lady said.
As they walked inside Grissel noticed her husband was scratching his head.

‘You can both have a seat here.’ She showed them a comfortable seat and walked over to a coffee table.
‘Anyone care for coffee?’
Grissel looked at Tom and his face was registered with confusion.

‘Black no milk.’ He answered.
‘What about you Grissel?’ She turned around facing her when she hasn’t responded to her question.
‘I’m allergic to coffee.’

‘Oh sorry, I can get you tea.’
‘No, I’m fine but just a little curious of my presence here.’ She asked and noticed the lady seemed confused as she walked over with Tom’s coffee.

She handed him the coffee which he managed a thank you uncomfortably.
‘Okay, I’m Counselor Ellen.’

‘Counselor?’ She muttered turning to Tom who was looking confused.
‘Yes, your husband mentioned you’ve been married for three weeks.’

‘That is right but I’m still not sure why I’m here.’
‘I understand you’ve been havi….’ Ellen was saying when she was cut off.

‘Tom what is all these.’ Grissel was obviously angry now as she knew why Tom brought her there.
‘We are here because we bo...th need co..unsel..ling.’ He stuttered at the end.

‘Tom we don’t need therapy or counselling.’ It was obvious to Ellen Tom hadn’t told Grissel about their meeting.
‘You think we don’t but we do Grissel especially when you keep avoiding me anytime I want to touch you.’

‘Really, that’s your reason?’
‘Yes, it’s a valid one. I know it’s all my fault, the sleepless nights and you distancing yourself from me.’

‘Come on Tom, let’s go home and talk.’ She stood up with her phone in her right hand.
‘No we can talk here.’ You would only tell me everything is fine when we go home.’

‘Urrgh.’ Grissel sighed and rolled her eyes.
Ellen who was watching them, sipped her coffee and dropped it on her table.

Tom held on to his coffee cup while Grissel slumped into the seat when he wasn’t ready to go.
‘Tom, I can see your wife clearly want to talk but not with me around.’
‘I know that but she needs help.’

‘Okay, why don’t you couples go home and decide if you really need counselling. My doors are always open.’
‘But Ellen, I came to you that should mean something.’

‘You did and I would be very happy to counsel you alone but I know that’s not what you want right now.’
‘Grissel, why are you not saying anything.’ He turned to his wife who was staring at Ellen.

‘I already told you, we can talk about this at home.’
‘Tom, I suggest you listen to her and do come back if things doesn’t work out.’

‘Everything will work out Ellen. Thank you for your time.’ Grissel announced and dragged Tom along with her. He was looking so childish being dragged away.
Ellen smiled and muttered ‘Nice meeting you.’

Few minutes into their drive, Grissel packed along the road.
‘That was an ambush Tom and very childish.’
‘I did it for you.’

‘No, you did it for your own selfish gain.’
‘Is that what you think?’ His voice laced with anger.

‘Yes, what happened to talking about it first? I don’t have a problem with counselling Tom.’
‘Then why were you rude in there.’

‘Because I had no idea that was why you asked me to that address.’
‘Then let’s go back.’

‘No, we are okay. Marriage is one step at a time and we are just three weeks.’ Grissel was trying so hard not to yell.
‘You think I don’t know that?’

‘Good, we can do this. Trust me I had no idea I’ve been pushing you away lately.’
‘Not only that, you haven’t slept since the incident and you keep crying in your dream.’

‘This has nothing to do with the incident besides we had sex the very next day, which should even tell you we are okay.’
“Sex on a couch? Where you told me after it was a favor and an obligation”

‘We’ve been through this Tom. I said that in anger and I remember apologizing.’
‘‘You have been indifferent towards me and we hardly touch each other though we communicate perfectly.”

She frowned and quickly regained her composure. ‘I hadn’t noticed, I’m sorry.’
‘So can we go back to counselling?’ He asked immediately she landed with her apology.

‘I’m not so comfortable discussing what happened with an outsider.’

‘You mean when I molested you?’ He searched her eyes sternly.
‘But Tom, we talk and laugh.’ She grinned. ‘Isn’t that enough?’

‘No, it isn’t Grissel.’ If our marriage is going to work you have to stop treating me like you did me a favor or I’m some kind of obligation.’

‘We don’t need to discuss this all the time. I have forgiven you so we just need to move forward.’

‘I don’t think you understand forgiveness because you wouldn’t have kept the gown, I ripped off that night inside your pillow case if you did.’

Grissel’s face turned pale and she quickly drove away without a word.

She remembered asking Tom to help lay the bed that morning when she was taking her bath but it didn’t occur to her he had seen the night gown in the pillow case as it seemed at that time he hadn't changed it.

After their last argument, she was sure she had forgiven him and totally forgotten about the gown. Though pulling away from him wasn’t intentional Grissel felt his pain earlier.

Tom watched her sternly and without any other word he fixed his seat belt.

He knew from the expression on her face and the way she sped off was an indicator that he needs to stop talking about it.

He slept off along their drive and woke up just when Grissel pulled at a parking spot.

‘Hey, are we home?’ He asked still with sleep calling him back.
‘No, you are paying for a new bed.’

Tom wiped his face and looked through the window. They were at a mattress store.
‘You want a new bed?’

She nodded and took off her seat belt.
‘Is the one we have not comfortable?’

‘Tom, I’m sorry.’
‘You are sorry for wanting a new bed?’

‘No, for keeping the gown. I will destroy it once we get home.’
‘Don’t bother, I burnt it this morning when you were still in the bathroom.’

‘Alright, can we get the new bed now?’
‘You know I took a cab today and hence don’t have my card on me.’

‘Okay, you owe me twice in a week.’ She brought out her card and gave it to him.
‘Yeah, the groceries. I will pay off Mrs. Tom.’ He teased.

He went out for some ten minutes and came back with a receipt.
‘It would be delivered in about two hours.’

‘Great. Let’s head home before the delivery truck gets there.’

He stared at her and smiled for the first time since they left Ellen’s place.

‘Do I have something on my face?’ She asked.
‘No, you are beautiful. I forgot to mention that.’

‘Thank you and before you ask, I’m just changing the bed because it’s too hard.’
‘It’s alright. I asked them for a flexible one this time.’

‘And about the other thing, I’m ready to work on it but not subject myself to counselling and trust me if I say I have forgiven you.’

‘Your wish is my command.’ He teased while Grissel gave him a smack and started the car.

*****TBC

*****

'I would be there soon Henry.'
She smiled to herself on the phone.

Melisa had no idea Julia was standing behind her in the hall way until she saw her reflection on the glass window.
Melisa hanged up quickly. Her Aunty never liked Henry she felt he was bad news anytime he spent time with her niece.

'Going somewhere this late?' She queried.
Melisa turned around like a child, smiling mischievously.

'Okay, I know you don't like Henry but I have to meet him soon. We have a night out.'
'Alright,' she responded quickly and walked away while Melisa followed.

'Aunty, it's not what you think.’ She tried to clarify. ‘Your precious Grissel is out of hook ups for now. We are just hanging out for a few drinks.'
'I didn't ask you for an explanation. You know what's good for you.'
'You seem a little angry.'

'I'm not angry but just call me to pick you up when you feel too drunk to drive. You don't want what happe......'
'Yeah I get it, you don't want another accident happening soon.'

She smiled and gave her a hug, picked up her bag on the sofa and rushed out before Julia could start another lecture.
Julia shook her head worriedly.
***
'Do you think we just made our first child?'
He asked smooching her face which was facing the ceiling with her head on his chest. Grissel rolled her eyes unintentionally and then realized she was in his arms. She tried to smile but couldn’t.

'Grissel, are you with me?'
'Yeah but I'm not sure to your other question.'
'Wow, don't hurt my ego lady,' he said jokingly.

'Ahaaa, I got you right there,' she feigned a smile and raised herself up pulling up her wears.
'Are you going somewhere?' He asked locating his shorts lying by the sofa in the hall.

'Clear the lunch table and get this hall cleaned up before someone walks in here.'
'Someone like who. Grissel this is our home, who cares if we lie here all day. I might even cut you some slack if there's no dinner tonight.' He winked.

'Tom that's not happening.' She hit him on the shoulder and walked away.
'You know you just ruined the fun right?' He announced as Grissel walked away.
'Stop whining and help here with the plates.' She shouted out from the dining.

He pulled on his shirt and held on the couch to stand up.
‘Can we shower down together after clean up.’ He asked walking up to the dinning section.

‘Anything you want Tom but only after we are done with the dishes.’ She smiled mischievously to his direction.
Though Tom was relieved from the happenings the previous night, he couldn’t help but wonder how her wife quickly recovered from the traumatic experience.

‘That earlier was weird.’ He muttered quietly reaching out for a bowl on the table while Grissel seemed lost cleaning up.
‘What was weird?’ She asked pausing what she was doing.
‘Nothing, I was referring to something else.’

‘Tom, don’t lie now.’ She sounded angry.
‘I meant we have to talk at a point.’

‘Talk about?’ She opened her eyes widely.
‘You not wanting to talk about last night and the sex earlier was not expected.’

She rudely dropped the plates on the table and rolled her eyes.
‘I already told you talking about it isn’t worth it.’ She raised her voice at him. ‘It’s not like you can help me forget so let’s not mention it again.’
‘But you are making me feel bad and I j…’

‘Were you supposed to feel good about molesting your wife?’ She asked with her eyes fixated on him without budging.
‘I didn’t mean to rub it in but I ju..s..t w.a…’ He stuttered with a regrettable face and paused.

‘You just what?’ I want to forget this so please let’s not bring it up ever again.’
She threw the napkin on her shoulders onto the table with the attempt of rushing off.

'Grissel, wait up.' He held on to her before she could run off.
'What?' She asked pushing her tears back.

'I thought we were okay earlier.'
'You were okay Tom because, I told you I was.’ She snugged out from his grasp. ‘Who is ever okay after this experience?'
'But you said I was forgiven and we even made lo...'

'Made love?' She scoffed. ‘Tom that was an obligation.'
'An obligation?' He repeated painfully.
'Yes, I did you a favor as a wife Tom.' She spewed out with an expression that showed was serious.

'Grissel, what do you want me to do when you were ou....'
'Save it.' I don't want to hear it.' She quickly rushed off while Tom's mouth was still opened.

Tom watched her almost falling down but she quickly got her balance back and vanished into their room.
He decided to let her cool off and then continued with her cleaning.

*****
Melisa pulled into the Champs bar parking lot which was her favorite joint because it got the caliber of men she ends up with at the end of the night.
She discovered Champs when Tom moved into that area and Julia dragged her along to help with packing of his stuff.

Anytime she came to the area Melisa knew she was safe as it is just an hour drive from Tom’s house.
She straightened her hair and got out and was locking up her door when Henry yelled out.

'Mel, here', he called out to her.
'Relax, let me just lock up.' She retorted to Henry who was standing a few meters away from the parking lot.

Mel finally walked to where he was standing.
'Let’s go inside,' she gave her friend a bear hug.

They walked to their favorite table and signaled to the waitresses who gestured back.
'Hope your Aunty didn't give you any fake tears this time.'
Mel rolled her eyes.

'Sorry I get it,' she's off limits.'
'Glad we are on the same page Henry.'

Just then the waiter walked to their table.
'The usual,' Henry announced once she noticed the waitress with her notebook and pen between her lips.

She nodded and was turning away when Melisa called her back.
'I will get Soda water for tonight. The gentle man will take his usual vodka.'

'Okay, that's strange.’ She whispered and left immediately after.
Henry, looked at her friend and smiled. Melisa on the other hand was looking around as the bar was quiet and not fun as usual.
'Spill it Mel.'

'What is there to spill?'
'You taking Soda water?'

'Oh that, I guess I'm just too full tonight.' She replied.
'Are you sure or you've found him.' Henry queried.

'Him? You mean my Dad?'
'Really, may I remind you we both know the where about of Mr. Addison.'
'Great, then let's change the topic.'

'I remember you telling me, you would stop taking vodka when you meet Mr. Right.'
'Well I haven't yet, today happens to be one of those days I meant to shame the devil.'

'I'm the devil then.' He frowned.
'No, I didn't mean you.'

'Who else is with you here?'
'Okay I'm sorry. Forgive me love.'
'Love? That won't make me forgive you now'

'I will take our usual.’ She feigned a smile. ‘Is that enough to make you forgive me?'
'Now my friend is back,' Henry stood up with a cheerful smile and signaled to the waitress which he spotted walking back with their orders.
The waitress understood and went back.

*****
Melisa wanted to cut down her drugs and alcohol intake. A decision she made the last time she met her Dad. Though she despised her Dad, sometimes she felt he had other reasons for leaving their mom.

They met several times when she was five and she kept it to herself.
Not that she cared what about her dad’s long speech on addiction but she doesn't want to end up like him and that night was not about obeying her dad.

She had a feeling something was off about the night as her usual men were not at the high table as if they all decided not to come in that night.
Morris Addison who left Tom’s mom for the same reasons known to everyone became a shadow of himself, buried himself in work and drinking but he somehow got his old self back when Tom turned five. He had his friends advising him, Tom looks exactly like him so he should clean up his life and reach out so he did.

He never re-married and has been trying for years to reach out to his children. Mr. Addison knew he failed his children so he buried himself in his job as an Import and Export Specialist with his own company.
*****
'Girl you are sweating. Are you okay? You barely touched your drink.'
She feigned a smile and picked up her glass of vodka.
Before they knew it, they were on their sixth glass.

'Mel, you promised me Grissel, yet I still don't have her.' He said while checking his phone.
'Yeah, see how that turned out. You were too slow Henry.'

'Slow, your brother just didn't want her to be mine. I won't give up though.'
‘You should.’
'She's my dream woman, Mel.'

'Dream woman? You still don't believe she's a love peddler. Do you?'
'I don't care Grissel, just get my love back. You know, you owe me.'

'Henry, let's not go there.’ She put on a serious face. ‘I must admit I hate Grissel's gut but Tom has made his choice. Just let it go.'
'I'm not going to Mel, i love her. And you are going to help me out.' He said finally and took his last glass.
***
Julia worried all night. She knew Melisa would end up in either Henry's or one of her numerous rich men’s bed if she doesn't go after her.
Her niece never regrets her intimacy with Henry or anyone else and Julia blamed herself all the time for how she turned out.

‘Did they stay too long in another man's land or she took better care of Tom than her sister.’ She sighed and pulled in front of Champs.
She saw her car in the drive way and whispered to herself.

'Thank God. She’s still here.' She smiled weakly.
Just then they both came out fighting with their balance. Julia thought she saw someone rolling her glass up with his hands when she drove in but she shrugged it off since it was from afar.

'You sure, you don't want to follow me home?' Henry asked scratching his head. He always looked sober even after a lot of drinks.
'Nope, I have lots of planning to do for some clients tomorrow so I better get going.'

'Are you sure? You could drive behind me so we continue back home.'
'Whose home?'

They heard a familiar voice behind them. Henry saw Julia first and walked away briskly to his car.
'Mel, see you next Sunday.' he waved his car keys in the air.
She watched him drive away and turned to her Aunty's direction.

'What are you doing here?'
'Nothing, I was in the neighborhood and since you didn't get back before I left, I decided to check on you.'
'Great.' Melisa replied surprising her.

'You are not angry?'
'Why should I?' She questioned Julia barely standing straight.
'I mean you usually snub me when I come around to pick you up.'

'Ooh so, that's it. You came to pick me up.'
'I'm sorry. I was worried about you.'
'Yeah I know and it's fine. I think I can't drive with my head so high on a few drinks.’ She staggered. ‘So you are driving.'

'Okay, let's go. I will let Tom pick up your car.'
'That isn't necessary. Besides he might not.'
'Leave that to me.'

Julia held her by her waist and led her to lay at the back of her car.
She took her car keys and walked to the security. After discussing with him, she got herself into her ride while stepping on the brake.
She dialed Tom's number and placed it on speaker out.

Grissel who was closer to the phone in the hall while cleaning up picked it up.
'Tom, your Aunty is calling.' She called out to him upstairs where he went a while ago to wash down.
'Take a message for me. Would be down in a while.'

'Hello, good evening Aunty.'
'My dear, how are you.'
'We are fine, Tom is taking his bath.'

'That’s fine, just let him know I left Melisa's car at the Champs. He should drive it home while she picks it up another day.'
'I will let him know that but how do we get the car keys.'

'Ask the security at the gate. Just mention her name.'
'Okay but I hope she's fine.'

'Nothing to worry about, drunk as usual but kindly let Tom have someone check it out for any faults before he drives it.'
'I can hear you both Aunty.' Melisa informed.

'I wanted you to hear me,’ Julia retorted.
'Let us know when you get home. I’ll have Tom call you back soon. Goodnight.'
'Not so fast, you sound like you planned to get rid of me.'

'No, I just felt you were driving so it wouldn't be a good idea to talk and drive.'
'Yes, you are right my dear. Did Tom apologize Grissel?’ She asked when Grissel was mute over the call suddenly.
'Apo...logiz...ed?'

'You know what I'm talking about. You don't have to always cover up for him. Learn to fight for your rights.'
'He told you?' She asked immediately.

'Just answer me, did he make things right.'
'Yes, he did.'
‘Are you okay and has he taken you to see the doctor?’

‘Umhh.. .’ Grissel paused.
‘Umhh what?’
‘Aunty I’m fine.’

'I will take your word for it. If I find out you are lying.....'
'I'm not. We are both okay now.'
'Good news then, you can hang up now.'

She hanged up quickly and shyly.
'Tom do you have to tell your Aunty everything.' She thought to herself loudly but shrugged it off.

She rushed up to let him know they have to pick up her sisters car.
Grissel knew Tom wouldn't oblige as they both hardly get along.
She knew of how best to convince him.

Grissel didn’t want another misunderstanding that evening like the other time she left him rudely at the dinning and they had a real argument after, which was ruining their honeymoon.
But she was so glad when he spent the last three days trying to fix what has already been broken.

Tom was the man she pictured herself with even after Amy nearly ruined their relationship so she had decided to let go of the resentment because despite what happened she still felt the same way she did every other time with Tom in her life. Tom had promised not to repeat his mistakes and they have been doing so well for the past few days.
***
‘Is she with you?’ The man at the other end of the call asked him.
‘Not tonight,’ He frowned over the phone while his other friend who joined him in the car along the road glanced at him uncomfortably.
‘Who messed up?’ He further asked.

‘Julia came around.’
‘Gosh, the evil aunty you told me about?’

‘Yeah, but don’t worry. We will have fun soon.’ He said and hanged up.
‘Why are you looking at me that way?’ Henry asked his friend.
‘I was just wondering why not just ask Melisa. ‘I mean, she’s already sleeping around so I’m not sure how this is different.’

He looked at his friend who was behind the steer. Anytime they over drink and Melisa had to end up at his end, Henry makes sure his friend does all the dirty work and drop them off.
‘When men are talking, nitwits also want to talk.’ Henry said rudely.

‘I’m sorry man.’ Henry’s friend replied apologetically and turned to the steer.
Henry relaxed on the seat and kept his eyes on the road for a few seconds.

‘Melisa could be a slut sometimes, but she chooses his own men carefully.’ He finally found the need to reply his friend. ‘There was no way she would sleep with the rest of the boys if she knew about them.’

Henry who had arranged with his friends to spend the night wasn’t so happy about Julia picking her up.
He usually had to tamper with her car anytime they had a drink up night at Champs. Once the car was unable to move Melisa always had no choice than to end up going home with him.

Though she suspected a few times, Henry always managed to convince her.

*****TBC

EPISODE 3

They ate in silence. Tom and chicken were twins. Chicken time always meant quiet time for Tom.
But that afternoon was different, he suddenly had a lot to say.

Grissel could feel it because he kept stealing glances.
'Tom stop doing that.' She announced.

'Doing what?'
'The weird glances.'

'I wanted to ask if you ever thought of going back home.'
'Home?'
'Yes, it would be good for you.'

'I'm sorry about last night. I can be better today, just don't send me back.'
'Wait, I'm not sending you home as in to your sister’s place. But I mean Ghana. It's been ten years and you never mentioned anything about visiting.' He clarified.

She sighed heavily. ‘I don't need to go. I talk to Mom regularly and I'm not sure I need to be home anytime soon besides she came over for our engagement.’

'But you need some family around Grissel.'
'I have my sister, that's enough and you are now family too.'

'And Aubrey too.' He added.
'Aubrey,' she repeated without any expression.
'Yes.'

'Who is that?’ She asked focusing on her meal.
Tom was suddenly quiet.
‘Tom,’ she called out before he blinked.

'Are you okay.'
'Yeah, absolutely.’ He feigned a smile.
'Who is Aubrey?' She asked again.

'Ooh that, I was referring to your sister’s husband.'
'But he's not Aubrey.'
'Adam, I mean. The decorators name is still ringing in my head I guess.' He lied.

'You just need to forgive him, but I had no problem with the turn out of the reception. I don’t see why you nearly punched him Tom.' Grissel changed the topic.
'You call that quack job, good.'

'But it's in the past now, just forgive him, next time maybe your sister can get over her pride and help with the event planning.'
'Forget Mel, but that punch would have made your heart drop into your stomach.' He teased.
'You sure know me well.'

'Do I?' He sighed.
Grissel raised her head from the plates where she bent it a second ago to pick up chicken from her plate.
'That was a joke right?' She asked with a serious face on looking directly into his eyes.

Tom was suddenly quiet and looked apologetic.
'I got you right there,' he suddenly burst into a hilarious laughter.

Grissel didn't find it funny at all. She wore a worried grin on.
'Come on, I was just trying to make a conversation and apologize for last night.’ He muttered. ‘You don't have to forgive me yet but it won't happen again.’

Grissel kept her worried face on him unable to tell if he was lying earlier.
'Grissel, I said I'm sorry and don’t sue me.'

'Ahaaa.'
'Is that all you are going to say.' He had no idea what’s going on with that expression on her face, her attention was on him but maybe her mind was occupied with different thoughts. Tom guessed.

'Grissel', He called out to her.
'Tom, it's okay. I'm fine and I'm glad we talked about it. And for your information you are my husband, I can’t sue you for what I happened to enjoy myself.' She said hurriedly and stood up with her plates.

'Really, you enjoyed?’ Tom's eyes almost popped out.
She paused and nodded with her back facing him.

‘Is this girl for real right now?’ A tiny voice whispered to him and he quickly shrugged it off in his surprised state.
‘Okay, I know you might be thinking I let you off the hook easily but it was my fault same as it was yours as well.’ She tried to force a smile which appeared on her face foolishly.

‘Are you for real?’ He finally asked the question his mind had wanted to ask earlier.
‘Yeah, we are okay Tom.’

‘Thank you but where are you going? You haven't finished your meal.' He asked when she took some few steps away from him again.
'I'm full and tired. Want to get some rest after here.’ She still said with her back facing him.

'Are you sure that's all or you just can't forgive me yet.' He asked worried.
'No,' she responded with her back facing him and not so sure which of the questions she responded to.

Grissel stood an inch from the table with her eyes shut for seconds and then she opened them quickly with a painful look which drew lines on her forehead. She finally turned around masking her expression earlier with a fake smile which Tom hardly noticed because when it came to Grissel everything about her is genuine.

She walked over dropping her plate on the table and leaned over sealing his opened lips with hers.
He responded weakly, that wasn't his idea of apologizing. He wanted a real talk because he had a lot of things to talk about.

'Gri..ss..el, le..t's t..alk first.' He said in between their clenched teeth’s.
'No,' she responded.

Tom shut his eyes immediately and opened it, he wasn’t so sure what had come over his shy wife.
'Okay, ar..e y..ou su..re,' he managed to ask with his breathe increasing.

'Come with me,' Grissel finally let go of his lips and whispered into his ears.
'I thought you were tired earlier.'

'Don't ruin the moment Tom.' She feigned a smile when Tom was not looking.
Tom stared, was that his wife. He thought silently and followed her gesture.

***
Grissel came to the states to pursue her educational dreams.
She did extremely well and was lucky to get a job at the firm she practiced with.

She had always wanted to be a lawyer like her father. After he died, her mom a retired nurse sacrificed everything to send her over to the states to pursue her dream. Grissel was just eighteen when she came to the states though very young her mom didn’t want the opportunity of studying law to pass her by and she checked up on her regularly.

Grissel was the only child and her mom had always been so proud of her.
Jessy’s mom is a Ghanaian and her Dad an American so when she met another Ghanaian in her class they became family. Jessy was one of her lecturers, who was married to Adam Riggs.

As fate would have it she got along with Grissel since she joined her law class in her first year. Jessy was always amazed at the level of knowledge she had about law and took her in. They both had to depend on each other several times along the line. Jessy became her sister, confidant and everything far from home.

*****TBC

***

Julia got home and slumped on the sofa.
'Aunty, where did you go this early?' Melisa asked coming from the kitchen with a napkin in her hands.

Julia looked so exhausted and just rolled her eyes.
'Did you just roll your eyes?'

'No my eyes rolled itself, come on Mel, I'm not in the mood to exchange words today.'
'I'm sorry, but you left without waking me up, I've been waiting since morning till breakfast got cold and lunch is ready.'

'Sorry, I had an emergency. Can we eat now? I'm sure you must be hungry.'
'Emergency?'
'Yes.'

'And you couldn't leave a note.'
'It won't happen again Mel. Can you let this go already.' Julia was getting fed up with her niece getting over suspicious.

She knew how Melisa could make an issue of every small thing.
'Was it Tom again? Has his marriage crashed already?'

'Melisa,' Julia yelled with an expression that gave her out.
'Wow, so that was it.' She smiled mischievously.

'Be happy for your brother and his new family and stop wishing evil comes their way.’ Julia winced. ‘I've always told you, if I were to wish your mom evil you both wouldn't be in this world now.' Julia finally said almost in tears. She knew that was the only thing that would put a stop to their unhealthy conversation.

Melisa rushed off to the sofa.' I'm sorry. I promise to be good from now on.'
'Thank you, I'm hungry. Can we go to the dinning now?' Julia quickly changed the topic and stood up.

'But what was the deal with you and mom anyway,' she asked curiously leading her to the dining.
'You this smart girl. Give up already.'

'Okay, sit here. Let me get your food.' Mel announced and disappeared into the kitchen smiling. She loved her aunty so much that her tears became her weakness.

'Necessary Evil.' Julia whispered to herself after she left.
‘But you know Grissel is too young for Tom right?’ She yelled out from the kitchen.

‘Come on, she’s twenty eight and married to a thirty year old which I wish was you.’ Julia knew it was wrong to compare the both of them but she knew that was the only way to shut her up.

Luckily, she never said another word but came out with food on a tray and a gloomy grimace on.
****
Melisa was five years when her mom left home one early morning to give birth to Tom and never came back. She hated Tom for their mom’s death. Though they both somehow accepted it was fate when they grew up and moved on, they hardly got along.

Melisa being a party girl, though not the high class type knew how to have good fun.
She had several failed relationships that cut her deep.

She wasn’t the type to say “I have tried and failed, so let me give up.”
Melisa always had men flocking around her even to her door step but she wasn’t done having fun yet to settle down.

Somehow Julia felt her niece was becoming another version of herself and she disliked it so much. At sixty, she was still single and her niece had clocked thirty five and wanted nothing to do with marriage.

Since her sister died, she hadn't thought of men. It had always been work and the kids. She felt she owed her that much. Besides she couldn’t leave two young children alone in a foreign land.

Julia always thought of going back to Ghana with the kids but she hoped when they grew up they would make that decision for themselves.
Julia and her sister Joyce came down to the states in their youthful age. They worked to gain the freedom they enjoyed presently in the foreign land.

She always told the children, “In those days, things were a lot easier than they are now.”

The children's father was a topic she never hid from them. Melisa had several memories of him leaving when their mom got pregnant, something about not wanting another child.

Melisa was a Doctor by profession but stopped practicing suddenly while Tom worked for Arts Engineering Ltd as their manager. She however took over her Aunty’s event planning business which she managed not to ruin over time.

******TBC




Thanks Mom for the extra set of eyes.