Chapter 4 Four

I smile at them understanding their confusion,I was also shocked when she told me Travis was going to help me. 'She knows his father,and as much as I hate asking for favours,I know we would run down if we don't get help.'

'What?' Malory scream makes me jump this time. 'Your mum has a rich boyfriend.'

'Malory.' I call laughing. 'Dont get into the match making spirit. Ben is the doctor that took care of me while I was in the hospital.'

That man is tied to me,to us all I am not surprised he asked his son to come to my rescue.

'I know his father is a doctor,I didn't know he was the same one that treated you as I never got to meet him.'

It is still a sore topic for me and I am glad Malory doesn't push it either.

'Well,his mother is dead,she died when he was ten. Travis went to a boarding school and won his first competition...'

'Stop' I look at Malory surprised 'Did you really check all that.' I turn to Quinn for support and almost scream when she shrugs her shoulders smiling.

'All that matters right now is that he has a single dad who happens to be a very good friend to our Aunty Livy. Travis is a super man he would do this in other companies and gain alot.'

Malory has a very wild imagination they are just friends and nothing more.

'It would be more exciting if you marry on the same day,every news paper is going to have you on their first page.'

'I would be his step daughter,and have so many shares.' Quinn says dancing again.

'You are both unbelievable.' Malory leans closer to me.

'He has dimples?'

'Oh Malory that man is so handsome.'

I hiss loudly when they both start dancing and laughing. 'You two go live with him I am sure he has more than enough rooms in his house.' I throw my sponge at Malory and brush at Quinn when they keep jumping and laughing.

***

I am seated on the sofa,armed with a pen and book. I tried to sleep,but like always I am hunted with nightmares from that night. Quinn walks into the parlour in her nighties.

'Eva.' she calls in her sleepy voice. 'It is past three what are you doing here.'

Today,my dream had a taken a different turn,I dreamt about Crystabel locked outside papa office she had screamed my name begging me to save her but like always,I let her burn like I did to John.

'I was at Crystabel school yesterday and during the drive I couldn't help but feel guilty.'

'Why honey you have always been perfect with her.' Quinn says taking a sit beside me.

'Perfect?' I say my voice rising. I stand up and begin pacing.

'I arrive at her school and I am reprimanded by those teachers. I had no idea that my baby was suffering so much. She hates interacting with others,she loves being alone and fights anyone that dares to talk to her.' I turn to face Quinn 'I didn't know any of these things.'

I sit down then stand immediately,I am too angry to sit.I turn back to Quinn pointing a finger at myself.

'Those teachers questioned me, asking if I even have a relationship with my daughter and you know why I don't fight back.' I ask sniffing. 'It's because they are right.'

I am shaking now, willing myself to cry. 'I see that girl that always picks on her and I say to myself,my little girl is better why can't she stand up for herself.'

Quinn is crying now,and I envy her for being able to cry when she is hurt. 'We all haven't been there for her Eva you can't blame yourself for any of this'.

'Good?' I am furious,not at her but at myself. Crystabel mother had asked me to take care of her that night and I was doing a messy job. 'Crystabel deserves more,I am either too busy, having nightmares or spending years in the hospital.' I look at Quinn 'But you are always here,being the big sister but I know you have school and your own life to think about.'

'I am not going back to Canada.'

'What?' I ask confused, finding it hard to understand what she has just said.

She stands up,holding my hands. 'I am not going back to Canada.'

'What about your dreams?you can't stay you just started your masters.'

'I don't want it anymore.'

'What do you mean you don't want it anymore?'

'I came back here cause I finally realised everything. I realized I want to be here. You have been the strong one Eva, working,fending for us all. I am your big sis well at least two years older.' she says the last part laughing. 'I want to take care of you,I want to take things off your shoulders i still want to travel the word but as a different person.'

She nods her head when I try to speak. 'I am not going to be there and leave my family here,I can't have you working to pay my bills.'

'You worked to feed me when I was in the hospital.'

'I am offended this is some sort of payback. I want to be here for you,for my family. Mom called,she is scared for the company.'

'I am capable.' I quickly correct myself when I remember that I have kind of made a mess of things. 'We have Mr Scott.'

'No.' She replies shaking her head. 'I don't mean you can't handle things.you work alone Eva you don't even have a secretary.'

'I have workers I don't need anyone in my personal business,I have your mom.'

Quinn laughs 'You and I know my mom knows nothing about calculations,I am staying back I will be your secretary, assistant or whatever.'

'This is not what you want Quinn.'

'It is what I always wanted it just took me alot of time to realise.'

I hug her thightly, Quinn has always been there for me.

'I love you so much Eva,you get to spend more time with Crystabel and also go on dates with Travis.'

'What' I say frowning.

'Dont think I missed that hot look you both shared.you need to live for yourself,you have done enough for us.'

To be honest,I am relieved that she is staying back,I am happy that I no longer have to carry everything alone.i hug her thightly having my family here is all I need right now.'

***

I have always considered myself a morning person,super active and productive once the sun comes up. But today for reasons I would never acknowledge I feel like crawling back to bed.

Travis Scott that man made me think of crazy things. How can he be so beautiful and complete. I have an headache blame Mr beautiful for it.

My mind drifts back to Quinn since I started my company,I have never had a secretary although Aunty Livy has always helped. I still needed someone professional, someone who knew how to handle a computer.

I don't do well with people,they make me uncomfortable, conscious and ill tempered well except my family. Aunty Livy had employed other workers behind my back I didn't blame her cause I knew we needed the help. Only if I had agreed to employ people earlier,I most certainly would have chosen competent ones and would have avoided this mess I am in right now.

Travis. I groan inwardly thinking about Mr beautiful it is 9am on a Monday morning and I am seated in my office thinking about a man!I needed to speak to Doctor Ben.

I am really anxious because I know I would be seeing alot of him,this morning after breakfast Aunty Livy had given me heads-up about the whole arrangement.

'Eva,you will be working closely with Mr Scott,you need to put him through with the documents and all so he knows how best to help us.'

And when I had voiced out my objection she had glared at me like a mad woman.'Eva you should be grateful.that man is loosing alot of money working for you for free.' And with that,she had stormed out of the room leaving me frustrated and angry.

'Mr Scott just called,he has things to sort out at the office.'

I look up to see Grace at the door,she is a slim woman with big breast that I sometimes wondered if they were real. Grace works directly with my Aunty.

'Thank you'. I reply completely dismissing her with a wave of my hand. she snorts I always knew she didn't like me,but it's okay the feeling is mutual. He wasn't coming in today I breathe, I didn't even realise I was holding my breath. I know I would have to face the man one day but I am grateful for the time I still have. My phone begins to dance on the table signalling a call.

'Hey babe' I say to Quinn.

'Eva,I know you are busy and all,I am sorry for taking advantage of our relationship.'

'Quinn oh goodness.' I say laughing. After our conversation last night,she had decided to stay back and work as my secretary something I am super happy about. This morning,her boyfriend Gideon had called her and she had told me she wouldn't be able to start today.

'Okay whatever babes. I would be taking advantage from time to time the boss is my sister.'

'You are crazy.'

'Crazy good.' I hear her talk to someone in the background and I assume it is Gideon.

'Gideon would like to meet you Eva,he wants us to have lunch together would you do that for me.'

I know she is asking cause I have never hidden my feelings about Gideon. I dont like him and I had my own reasons for it.

'Quinn you know the company is under water right now. I have to meet with Mr Scott.' it is a small white lie. 'I have alot of...'

It is fine Eva,I understand you have work to do,I keep forgetting some people are busy.'

She ends the call before I am able to give a reply. I feel like a bitch but I really can't help it. Quinn doesn't need a man in her life,she needs her family not Gideon who would constantly keep her away.

I remember I once told her how I felt she had been so understanding and had told me she hoped I would like him one day. But I cannot be blamed I have lost so many people within the space of seven years,I don't want to love more people and risk loosing them.

I pick up my phone locating Quinn's number when she doesn't pick up I stand up and start pacing. She is angry and disappointed. She has sacrificed alot for me the least I can do is meet Gideon. I call her again and she picks up at the third ring

'Yes.'

Let's meet by two,send me the address.'

'Eva,you don't have to do this,if it is going to make you feel uncomfortable,I completely understand I am sorry for asking in the first place.'

'No I am the one that is sorry,I cannot promise you that I would be nice and accommodating but I would try not to be a bitch.'

'Eva if you promised to be a good girl,I would certainly not believe it.i just hope you guys get along someday. He makes me happy Eva and I would be happier if you accept him.'

'I will try,I promise.'