Chapter 75

"Two boxes of pizza please and two sets of your regular meal, then drinks ..."
"Oh, I almost forgot. Please add one kiddie meal too."
"Yeah! Same address."
"Okay, thank you."
I slowly opened my eyes. The glass ceiling first came into view. I can see my own reflection through it. I look so pale and exhausted. I feel so heavy. That seems to have exhausted all energy for no apparent reason.
"You are finally awake," Spencer's handsome image was the next thing I saw. Worry is very visible on his face.
"Where am I? What did you do to me?" I get up tired.
"You are in my condominium. I brought you here last night."
"What happened last night?" I quickly grabbed my head. It is aching so bad!
"We got into a fight with some drunkard. We run away and here we are ..." he shrugged.
Is that all? I vividly remember those scenes. But I don't remember coming here with him. How did he convince me to go with him? We got into an argument. I walked away from him and ... And-what happened next ?! I don't remember anything.
"Don't think too much about what happened last night. The important thing is, we escaped safely."
"Ayanna?"
I promised the boy to go home to the city with him. It would be sad when I found out I had left. She will be left alone again!
"She's in the living room. Playing," he heaved a deep sigh, "You don't remember?"
"Remember what?"
"You yourself loaded the child onto the boat. I thought you weren't going to come with me. I was just surprised when you suddenly appeared."
Really? I really don"t even have one to remember, shit!
"Are you sure?"
"Just forget it. Just get ready for that. The head of the orphanage you support called. Asked when you would visit them."
"Zion ... Did you see?" I change the subject.
"C'mon Neilani, don't be intimidated."
"I'm telling the truth Spencer!"
"You are just tired," he turned his back and strutted out.
Apparently he just didn"t have what I said last night. Is it that simple for him to forget my harsh words? If only everything was that easy for me. If only I am not overly emotional, like I am right now. Maybe things for me isn't this heavy to bear.
I got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom. My luggage and Ayanna's things were on the sofa. No more no less. How I carried them last night, I don"t know. Did I suddenly acquired super strength? I shook the idea off. That's lame!
I just took a quick bath. It will be ten o'clock. I have very little time to play with the children in the orphanage. I was often there at seven o'clock. I took the robe and covered my nakedness with it. I tied my hair first before coming out of the bathroom.
My head still hurts, and I can't stop thinking about what really happened last night. Why don't I even remember one? What happened to me?
"Hello!"
Shocked I turned to the bed. Ayanna in her usual bright smile, run towards me. She hugged me tight. As if we haven't seen each other for a long time.
"I've been waiting for you to come out."
"Really?" I stroked its wet hair. He is fine and well settled. I'm gonna bring her with me, "Where did you take a bath?"
"In papa Spencer's room ... He also chose my clothes," she turned around, showing me her dress.
"Nice!" I smiled a bit, "Why do you call that man papa?"
"He said. If you're my mom, I should be my dad. He really wants me to live here so he can have someone with him," he said, playing with the hem of the robe I was wearing.
"Tell him, in your dreams."
It stared at me for a moment. Slightly confused.
"What?"
"Just get out of there first. Wait for me in the living room."
It nodded and quickly left in front of me. I immediately opened the luggage and went shopping for clothes. I chose black cami and high waist pants as my outfit of the day. Then white puma shoes for my feet. I tied my hair in high bun, and put little amout of make up. I also took my favorite sling bag for a cell phone and wallet.
"Ayanna let's go," I said after opening the door.
He and Spencer were side by side. Both laughing while watching the show on television.
"Will you take him with you?"
"Yes. Lend me a car," I held out my hand for the key.
"I'll come with you."
Then I noticed how it was. A gray sweatshirt and denim pants. Paired with white puma shoes too. I raised an eyebrow, then suddenly looked back at his face.
"Twinning," he said, unbothered. He stood up, then loaded Ayanna. They went out first. It left me stunned.
What entered his mind?
I forced myself to disregard his weird gesture today. Maybe he just drank something good for the body. So it was and became sober.
In the basement I had already reached them. Spencer is standing near his car's door. It turned out for me.
"Thank you," I said as I hopped in.
I didn't hear any response from him. He slowly closed the door and moved to the other side. Island is sitting comfortably at the back. Holding a small teddy bear. I don't remember anyone giving her such a toy.
"Where did you find that?" I asked frowning.
"The man gave-" she looked around. Searching for someone.
"My friend," Spencer said.
I looked at him intently. He said he cut ties with his friends. Only me and Fergus know the truth about him. How was he able to find a friend despite the situation so heavily concealed?
"We can trust him okay?" he said, a little bit guilty.
"An old friend?"
"Yeah."
"You're the only one who will ruin your own plan. Tsk!" I shifted on my position.
I folded my arms and focused my gaze outside. There's only a few cars that were parked around. The condo unit owners probably left here early. Good and he found a place like this. Quite far from civilization, then quiet.
I was silent the whole trip. I am still tired. My body still wants to sleep. But my mind won't allow me. Especially my want to see Gresia right now.
"Where are we?" Ayanna asked.
"At the orphanage. We're going to visit some kids," I looked at him for a moment.
I can sense Spencer's gaze on me from time to time. But not once, did I look back at him. I am not mad at him. I'm just upset because of what I found out. But I know it will boil down soon. I couldn't stand him, no matter how much he occasionally opened up to me.
"We're here," he stopped the car right in front of the orphanage's gate.
He had brought me here once before. It was only once, but he also marked for the right detour on the road. The sharpness of his memory is very impressive. When I was, I had long since forgotten which part of the Philippines it was located.
I went out first and Ayanna opened the door.
"Come here," I stretched my arm for her.
"Lots of kids!" smiling at this harvest.
"They will be your new playmates."
"Really?" from me, her gaze shifted to Spencer, "I'm going to have a playmate papa."
I hold his right hand. Spencer held the other. As usual, when I saw them, the children immediately ran towards me.
"Ate Gee!" gasping for breath Joy stopped in front of me, "You're here again!" she is genuinely happy.
Looks like they've been waiting for me for a while. Sunday and they knew it was my free day. And I usually spend this day with them. Here I honed my culinary knowledge. My long patience is also tested in this place. Most of all, I have grown my teaching skills here.
"How are you all?"
"Good!" they harvest almost simultaneously.
"Is he your boyfriend?" posthumous question of one.
Spencer and I stared at each other. I pulled him close and smiled a bit.
"Is this just my dog?" I was joking.
"My handsome dog," he said, almost a whisper.
"Shut up."
"You're really good at pissing Neilani," he jokingly squeezed my side.
"You're gonna miss me when I'm gone," I tied my hand around his arm.
No goodbye Ayanna left our side. Accompanied the kids to their mini playground. They doesn't look ill. And I am glad to see it. I hope that their healthy bodies will continue.
"Gone who? You're not going anywhere. Not without my knowledge," Spencer's brows shot up.
"Whatever you say ..."
"Your sweetness is too much," Marie said with a smile. She went towards us. Carrying Greece on her arms.
"Hello Baby!" I quickly left the one next to me, and ran closer to them, "I missed you."
"Missed you," she mocked unintentionally.
She's so cute!
All my burdens are automatically gone, at a simple glance here. I don"t know, but I feel so relieved for him. I can sense my child presence on her. And it is what I want to live for.
I want to see this child's progress. I want to personally witness her development. I want every day, to see him, hug, and kiss. Even if he and Ayanna are the only ones I will take care of now.
I want to prepare myself. So when the perfect timing comes, I can be the best mom my child would be glad of having.
When I am already equipped enough, I can firmly confront the real challenge of being a mother.
"What happened to your face? I thought you were coming next week?" I asked in surprise while analyzing the line on Kiesha's face. Its forehead is furrowed and its gaze is dark.
"Something happened ..." she welcomed herself in. Go straight to the kitchen to drink cold water.
"I'm ashamed of the landlord," I murmured and rolled my eyes. She's so comfortable around our house. Too comfortable, even if he went back and forth here he would not feel ashamed.
"I'll let you in too, I've already done so."
"Where's your husband?" I raised an brow.
There must have been another quarrel between the two of them. His face wouldn't be like this if they were okay.
"Why ask for someone else when I'm here? I'm your friend, you're already hurting bangs!" he lowered the glass he was holding to the table.
"I haven't caught up with him before, there's still a lot left in what I'm selling."
I went back to selling cookies. My savings are declining because of the increasing expenses. Also include the documents that need to be paid for Ayanna"s legal adoption. Thank you and Spencer will cover the cost of locating the child's relatives. The investigation is still going on. It will be a long time before it ends.
"Where? I'll be the one to eat," without hesitation he opened the refrigerator. But no cookies were seen.
"I am not giving it for free."
"Buraot," she pouted.
It's in my room. I will send it to the orphanage later. Spencer's following me here also did something good. I finally have a personal driver now. I have a car. Regular gasification is a depressing case. Just extra expense, so it was and I made a display in the garage first. Unless needed, I'll release it there.
"Anyway, what happened?" I change the subject.
Her eyes darkened even more. She cleared her throat, then sat on the high end chair.
He recounted one by one what had happened before. From beginning, to end. Nothing was missed, including attacks and words thrown at Fergus. She looks like a professional story teller. With all the emotions and gestures. I can feel her every story. That seems to be in the exact spot of the scene, and with it wrestling with a group of alleged bad guys. If I had a fight in the past, he would have fought yesterday. No wonder why we became good friends until now. Even in different places, the work is the same. But the difference, I have enough reason, he is a bit vague.
"Then he said, You should have stayed out of it. You're still in a hurry, there are casualties', "Kiesha said, copying her husband's voice.
I sucked. Prevents self from smiling at what it does.
"And I replied, 'Would you say that too? I helped the workers, I was wrong ', "she dramatically held her chest.
If no one is talking, he will look mad.
"He yelled at me. He said, 'Because you are really wrong. You are not helping our people, you're creating war! Do you think they will stop after what happened? They will come back and take revenge. The people you have saved will be especially ruined '. He was furious at that. Imagine him clenching his jaw and sporting a dark menace. "
"Of course, I stayed firm on my ground. I answered, A child would die if I didn"t do that! I failed to save my baby, I can't do that again to an innocent child '. I'm already irritated by that. She"s so good at tweaking, "she rolled her eyes.
"But what got me big time was his next words. He said, You still don"t think". It hurts so much! He always makes me feel like I don't have a brain. "
"I exploded even more. And I yelled, Yeah, I"m stupid! No one cares about the possible consequences of everything, let alone if you act. You're happy now? I already admitted my fault '. "
I sighed violently and just lost my senses. Its a headache. Why are they making things so complicated? Why would the ego of the two of them increase?
"You know, you both have a point. You did that to help the child and his father. Fergus said that because you're becoming reprimanded again. There is a possibility that those people will come back and make more trouble. Make sure they really avenge the loss of the two colleagues. You two failed to recognize each other's point ... "I nodded. I think I was the only one who was convinced by what was said.
"What do you want me to do then, apologize right now?" she winced.
"It's up to you what to do," I shrugged.
I don't know how to adress their problem. I also seek answers to personal questions. I can say nothing of good help to him.
"But it's also good that you come first and chill," I added.
She didn't answer. So am I.
We opened a new topic about something else after a long silence. I answered all his questions. Even though our fight is long over, we are still regularly checking on the person involved in the crime. We make sure it doesn"t escape. I am regularly checking on his progress inside his cell, through the CCTV footage I've hacked. He killed many lives. In fact, imprisonment is not enough as a punishment here. That evil took everything we love. Leaving a deep scar and unaided memories within us.
"In case Fergus calls you. You say I'm not here, right?" she got up from her sit.
"Where are you?" I raised my eyebrow.
"In your room, sleep."
"No way!" I answer quickly.
He will mess up my things again. Just like you often do when you get overwhelmed here. I always want a tidy and comfortable place to stay at. She is the type of woman who doesn't care, as long as there is someone to sleep with. But she's not that sloven. Only at times. Especially when she's lazing.
"Thank you," she faked a laugh, "I'll borrow a dress too. I don't have anything-"
"You buy ..." I cut her off.
"Really? Will you let me borrow the new ones? You are so thoughtful!"
"Kiesha Amira!" I still have a thyroid gland problem because of him.
This woman still hasn't really changed. I just shook as I watched his receding back.
Two days if its presence is tolerated. Two days longing for Greece"s smile and voice. As well as Ayanna. Sadly, I can't take her here with me. I still don't know how to explain to mama. It will surely surprise you deeply. How could her son, who was raised tough and practical, become so soft? She will understand right away, if I have enough money left in my account for a a child's shelter. But I have a different situation now. I have a lot to prioritize. Overwhelming amount of bills, financial support overseas and many more!
Thank goodness and Spencer really wants the child to live in his power. He is so fond of Ayanna Isla, more than I do. I almost think that this is his missing child. I can trace some similarities in their appearance, that adds up spice to the possibility. It had a big potential, knowing what kind of an asshole he was before.
I picked up my phone over the drawer and typed a message for him.
'Are you still feeding the child?'
I only waited a few seconds before it replied. He just seems to be staring at his phone now.
'What do you think of me, a sadist?'
I secretly smiled.
'You are more than that.'
I also typed in a laughing emoji. It's like I want to tease him again.
'You want a picture?'
'Sure!'
I answer quickly. He didn't even try to ask what kind of photo he would send. I am assuming it was Ayanna's cute photos.
We are now both breaking the rule. We should not be allowed to pass messages. Because maybe Kiesha will please read it. She had her own phone with her. But sometimes, she borrow mine. I was the same with him. Especially when watching a movie.
My phone beeped. Followed by Spencer's message in the notification. I immediately opened it. I am too excited to see Ayanna. But instead, I saw something else.
That"s just the masculinity of my eyes and violent swearing. Something that surprised mama a lot. This supposedly peaceful sewing in the living room was even more disturbed.
"What's that Geline Neilani. The next morning you're calling your cousin," she annoyed throwing the pillow that rested on her lap.
"I'm sorry," I wiped my mouth and moved to the kitchen.
I shivered as I typed another message to Spencer.
What is it, bold? You are crazy! '
'You gave me your permission.'
'I didn't expect your topless image! What can I do with your chiseled chest, eight pack abs, and V-line? '
I am itching to go to him now to give a lesson.
Suddenly the phone rang. When I saw his registered name, I quickly answered it.
"You're crazy!" I sighed.
"That's your breakfast for today," he chuckled.
"I don't know about you. I wish you had pneumonia."
"Come here now. I miss you," I can imagine him biting his bottom lip, suppressing a smile.
"Don't fool me. You're annoying!"
"You're always annoyed with me."
"Because you're not doing anything right."
"All right, you'll hit me later."
"What's that?"
"It's like I'm going to hit you."
Nothing in myself made me smile. Even though it was corny, he still sold me his stretch. Maybe this is really the effect when the rich joke.
"Nak, Fergus Da Silva is outside," mama grabs my attention.
"The boss is here, bye!" I hanged up.
I hurried out of the kitchen and peeked out the window. Fergus, dashing in suit and tie is what I first saw. He is holding a bouquet of flowers. The wind ruffles her hair. But even if maybe tweak him, he's still handsome.
"Wait, I'm just going to Kiesha," I frantically ran upstairs to the bedroom. The friend lying on the bed was pulled out. The eye is open, but the mind seems to be in another dimension.
"Fergus is outside," I said, pulling the comforter away from his body.
"You admitted I was here?"
"I think he has people assigned to watch your every move, so anywhere you hide he can find and find you," I shrugged. "How sweet, you'll be really sad ..."
"Tsk!" she rolled her eyes.
I think it's going to act, he's the one who wants to coax.
"Don't let me in."
"It's already inside."
"Did I think it was still out?"
"Earlier, but I'm sure mama is letting him in now."
That's for sure. Is it mama, she softens when it comes to Fergus. Who wouldn't anyway? If that's how handsome the visitor is. Even when Zion came so often. He almost forgot when I was actually the real child.
"Let me go home ..."
"You've been here for two days, but your head is still hot?"
"Yeah, it's still boiling Gee!"
"Are you pregnant gurl ?!"
"Red days ..."
"Do you want chocolates or si-"
"I want peace!"
From me, his gaze shifted to the door. I have also turned my attention to it.
Fergus is standing with authority in front of us. His pair of treacherous eyes were fixed at the woman of his dreams. The woman so impulsive and sometimes neglectful. But still he choses to love. My bestfriend, Kiesha Amira Alfano.
"Sorry to interrupt your talking girls, but can I come?" he licked on his lips.
"Sure! Where's my flower?" I answered quickly, mixed with joking.
"It's still in the shop, it's being made. It also has a label, 'In loving memory of your heart. I'll have it delivered later," he replied back.
"Nevermind!" I sighed and pretended to be disappointed. From him, my gaze averted to Kiesha.
"It hurts your wife too much, let me down?"
"Leave it to me," she laughed a bit.
I snorted, openly glared at Fergus, then sped away.
"The next time you fight, coax his friend too, huh?" I said afterward, before finally leaving.
In fact, I was jealous of them. I know it's bad to feel this way. But I just can"t help it. I miss the feeling of being inlove ...
To be continued...