Chapter 4 GINA MILLS

BACK TO THE PRESENT

After the meeting with the various heads of the company had finally come to a successful end, everyone returned back to their offices with the exception of Nina who stayed behind to brief him on the decisions made so far after the meeting.

Sure they were all alone now with no one eavesdropping, John feigned a smile as he sauntered back to his desk with his eyes fixed on Nina who was busy filling in a data on her iPad.

Clearing his throat,he casually mumbled, drawing her attention as he settled into his seat.

"How is our daughter coping with her preparation towards her second year in the Uni?"

"Good" Nina said with a soft smile which explored her dimples.

"She'll be leaving for the campus today with her Nanny".

"I'm glad to hear that" John stated– he lost his grin:

"Umm..., can't believe how time really flies– just so soon, our little Gina is all grown and taking her own decision" He sighed.

"Despite how well I love her, l couldn't give her the most cherished moments of every child while growing. Although I would love to tell her the truth,yet my selfishness wouldn't let me. Such a pity".

John instinctively felt guilty and Nina saw the sorrow in his eyes." I know it's for the best ; for all of us." She consoled.

"At certain point in life, certain truths are better left untold than said and I believe Gina would someday understand– she's a brilliant young lady, trust me." She affirmed.

John lapsed into reflective silence as memories of Miriam's childhood moments with him flooded his thoughts. For that instance, he felt how bad a father he had been to his younger daughter.The thought of kids waiting for their father to pick them up after school and all made him curse underneath his breath– his countenance dimmed. Her eyes danced as she scanned his face.

"Um,Sir....." she called,a smile lingered at the corners of her lips. John tilted his head, looking straight into her. eyes without a blink and for an instant,he noticed her beauty.

"I believe Gina would love for our happiness today– that's the best we can offer as support from her, parents as she clime the academic ladder with excellence not brood and mourn over spoilt milk. "she commented and John chucked with a faint smile.

"You're right–i'm suppose to be happy for our daughter." He said and Nina nodded with a smile.

"Do get me a picture of her second academic year later".

Sure,I will, she answered. But then a tap on the door cuts in, making her pause on her words.

"I believe this shows my time is up". She said with a smile and John nodded with a yes.

"We'll talk again later" He mumbled and howled to the door, the moment she turned to leave.

'Yes, come in."

NINA'S RESIDENCE

It was already past 10am and the sun was as bright as ever, up the skies. A young, beige warm undertone lady, paced from the door to the edge of the flight of stairs,impatient. Her long chestnut curry hair, neatly gathered in a side pony. Standing out in a white off shoulder and a pair of blue jeans trousers, which delicately drew out her hourglass shape.

"We're running late, Aunty Erica–What's keeping you up there? " Gina howled as she looked up the stairs.

"I'm here now.... shall we?" Erica called as she approached her. On seeing her, Gina grumbled on.

" It's my second year and I've got to be there earlier enough to finish up all the necessities." She explained and Erica smiled.

"Alright... alright, enough with the nagging." She mumbled with her hand lifted in surrender. "We're off now" She exuded, briskly walking past her as she led the way.

Gina sighed with a smile and sped after her– her upturned eyes, coupled with her beautiful figure made her appear like a model.

"Did you get all my stuff?–Hope I didn't forget anything." She ranted an, unnecessary worried. Erica chuckled.

" You didn't, Gina– hurry up". Their soft chuckle faded out of the house as they exist the door.

Gina was in her second year at Oxford University, studying theatre Arts. Her Nanny had volunteered to accompany her sort herself out since Nina was busy with work.

Coming off age without her father wasn't an easy task for Gina but she finally pushed through with the love Nina had always showered her with– her Nanny as well, became her source of comfort and support.

As advantageous and witty as she was, Gina always won the heart of those around her, helping her miss out on the emptiness her father's absence would have left.

Full with humbleness, humility and uniqueness, just like her mother, she stood out in all her academics. It seems she had combined just the perfect qualities of both parents when it comes to intelligence.

But how would the story be when she finds out the truth..?