Chapter 31: What Are Friends For

Blossom's POV

"Jason, put that back. You can't have that toy today. It's too expensive."

I watched as he placed the Power Ranger figure back on the counter with a sad expression lingering on his face.

I scanned my purse, counting a few loose change just to make sure I had enough money to get him a different toy.

"Baby, you can have the stuff teddybear," I said, hoping he'll smile.

"I already got a stuff teddybear. I want the Power Ranger. It's the advance one. It moves, lights up and talks," he responded.

"Jason, it's one hundred and fifty dollars," I told him in a low tone. The Power Ranger was almost as tall as Jason and it was red. Red was his favorite color.

"Okay mommy, I understand."

I held his hand as we exited the mall. I was feeling like a bad parent. I couldn't afford a toy my child wanted because I was budgeting my last paycheck Mr. Collinwood handed me after he told me I was fired.

Jason and I headed for the bus stop.

"Blossom? Blossom Wright, is that you?" a young lady asked from her BMW as it came to a halt. She removed her sunglasses and I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Nina?!"

"Get in! Get in! I'll take you wherever you wanna go," she invited.

"Of course," I beamed. I ushered Jason into the back seat, secured him with the seatbelt and closed the door. Then I got in the front passenger seat.

_____

"It's been ages! I thought I was never going to see you again. How are you doing?" Nina asked as she drove on.

"I'm going just great. I really can't complain," I lied and I knew Nina caught wind of that. She quickly glance at me then returned her attention to the road ahead.

I directed her to my apartment and invited her in for catching up sake.

"Is that your son?" she asked. She watched as Jason colored in his coloring book on the table across from us.

"He is. That's Jason."

"He's so handsome. Where's his father, if you don't mind me asking."

"That ship sailed a long time ago."

"Oh, you mean Jevan isn't the father? Because Jason's eyes and his face reminds me of Jevan," she said as she observed.

Jason wasn't wearing his usual sunglasses or colored contact lenses. I was grateful we didn't run into Jevan instead.

"Look, Nina, things aren't like they were back in high school. Jevan changed. I changed."

"Does he know, about Jason?"

"Yes. He met Jason."

"But does he know it's his kid?"

I shook my head no. Nina was not pleased.

"Blossom, why the hell would you pretend he's not the father?"

"Because I can support my child on my own. I don't need Jevan to waltz in and save the day. Besides, he got a fiancee and he's planning his wedding."

"Oh, so you're mad at Jevan because he moved on so you figured you'll deprive him of his own son. Girl, are you crazy? You can't hide something like this from Jevan. He has a right to know and wait until Jason starts asking about his father."

"He does," I said.

"Blossom, are you sure you're okay?"

"No. Actually, I'm not. I lost the man that desperately loved and I lost my job. I'm not getting by. I can't even afford to buy my child an advanced Power Ranger toy at the mall." Tears slipped from my eyes.

Nina pulled me in for a hug. When I gathered myself, she spoke again.

"Tell you what, Sophia and I started an interior design and decoration company. Not to brag, but it's doing really great. Just last week, we decorated a living room and master bedroom for a well known celebrity. We're in need of an office assistant. Someone to schedule appointments, answer the phone, keep records and so. Are you interested?"

"What, me?"

"Yes you."

"But... But... But."

"No more buts. You'll be perfect for the job. And it would be like old times. You, me and Sophia. She'll be so delighted when she sees you."

We did a silly squeal and she informed me that I'll be starting the following week.

______________

Several hours after Nina left, a knock came to the door.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Delivery guy. I have a package for a Miss. Blossom Wright."

"I didn't order anything," I spoke from the other side of the door.

"Look, lady. I got other packages to deliver. Are you going to open the door and sign for this or not? I'm getting paid either way!"

I slowly opened the door. The buff guy handed me the package and I quickly signed. He left and I closed the door behind me.

I walked into the living room, peeling the wrapper off the package.

"What is it mommy?" Jason asked as it caught his attention.

"I have no idea."

I grasped when I saw the box.

It was the Power Ranger from the mall.

"It's the Power Ranger! Thank you so much mommy. I knew you would have gotten it for me."

"You're welcome, but I can't take the credit for this. Nina must have done this," I told him.

"Tell aunty Nina I said thanks," he said with a cheery smile. I picked him up and ruffled him with kisses as he squirms and squealed like a girl.

_________________

The following week, on Monday, I arrived for my new job position. Sophia was present but she was rambling through papers on a large desk while trying to talk on the phone.

I knocked gently. Her eyes landed on me. She squealed and launched at me with wide opened arms. She wrapped me in a crushing hug and my feet left the floor when she lifted me up.

"BLOSSOM!" she screamed with excitement, "It's been ages! I'm so happy to see you but what are doing here? Did you know we were here?"

"Nina didn't tell you?"

"No. I was just on the phone with her. She said she had a surprise in the form of a person but I thought she just wanted to set me up with another guy."

"Woah. Problems in that area?"

"You have no idea."

"That's too bad. That makes the two of us. Nina actually offered me a job though. As the office assistant."

"Excellent. You'll be perfect. I can't believe you're actually here. It would be like old times."

"Same thing Nina said."

"She was right."

________

Sophia explained the duties and roles I would be carrying out. The types of questions I should ask a potential client who calls on the phone, how I should schedule appointments and how to keep records.

It was difficult since I had experienced in the field, being a former secretary.

At lunch, Sophia and I visited a café a few blocks from the office. We talked about what happened back in high school, the day I got deported and life back in Ghana.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that. When we heard you got deported, we were devastated but it was nothing compared to what Jevan was going through. He was never the same."

"Well, things turned around for him. He's getting married."

"I've heard. And I feel sorry for his girlfriend."

"What? Why?"

"Because I believe Jevan still loves you while Adobi was a shoulder to lean on in college."

"A shoulder that became more. Do you know her?"

"Not personally. Just what I read in the magazines about her."

"She's basking in the celebrity spotlight, isn't she?"

"Because of Jevan," Sophia huffed. I can tell she already didn't like Adobi.

A few minutes later, Nina finally arrived.

"Finally, you're here!" Sophia started.

"Yes. I had a meeting with The Melders, remember?"

"Oh yeah. Are they onboard?"

"Yes. Took some convincing but I wheeled them in."

I had no idea who they were talking about but it sounded work related and if they were happy, I was happy.

"Oh, Nina. My son and I wanted to thank you."

"For what?"

"The Power Ranger you had sent over."

"Blossom, I didn't send you the Power Ranger. I really wanted to because Jason is so sweet, but after I left your apartment, I took a small trip out of the country."

"Then if you didn't send it, who did?"

I was baffled now.