Chapter 7 TERMINATED

EPISODE SEVEN

" Rose it has been terminated"she said holding my hands as her eyes got teary. "Mum, explain to me, what has been terminated?" I asked impatiently. i was getting scared already, seeing the tears in her eyes that she was trying so much to resist. I didn't understand what she was talking about. " The contract, the ABRS contract " she said. "Why? How? What happened?" I asked. She cleaned her eyes and cleared her throat before answering my questions. " Well, I received a call from the organization this morning that the show has been cancelled for confidential reasons. I told them how our company already started designing the dresses. But they said that there was nothing they could do since they haven't made money from the show."she said " I have spent a lot on this project and we have started designing the dresses since we did not want to work under pressure. But now, it's all a loss." she continued.

My mum told me all about it. She has already invested millions in that project since she had the expectations that she would be paid. But now, it has all gone down the drain. I don't even understand. We have the money, why didn't she find out why they stopped the show. What stupid confidential reasons did they have? This is so annoying. Now, we are less rich than we were before. Geez, I can't imagine being poor. It's not that I am pompous but I can't just imagine myself worrying about what to eat or when my school fees would be paid. Life is just so easy when money is available. " Mum, don't worry, everything would be okay. I am sure you will get more contracts, profitable ones" I said to her as I hugged her. She nodded her head . " Should I ask the maids to bring your dinner?" I asked. " No, don't worry. I am not hungry " she said. " You have to eat mum. Don't think about the lost contract. You need to be strong mum. God would replenish your efforts . You have nothing to worry about " I consoled her as I told one of the maids to get her dinner. She ate a little and went to sleep.

The next morning was a Saturday. Mum wasn't as cheerful as she used to be though she tried concealing how she felt. I tried comforting her and did the best that I could. " Mum, it's okay, there is a reason for everything. " I consoled her. She smiled at me but deep down, I know she is hurting. " Mum, dress up" I told her. " Dress up? Why? ",She asked. " Let's go have some girls time, we can go to the spa, cafe, let's just go out." I said. " But I don't have any plans on going out today, I haven't even made my hair." She said. I know she is looking for excuses to stay at home but it isn't going to work. "Mum, don't worry, you have a long, shiny hair, you can just comb it to the back" I said to her. " Fine, fine, you win" she finally gave in as she stood up to get changed. I smiled, my plan worked.

We went out and had a very fun time together. She forgot all her worries and laughed throughout. I was really happy to see her that way. Happiness is really important and laughter is the best medicine indeed. She looked so radiant, sometimes going out really helps. We visited the mall, the spa, cafe and a restaurant. We were about entering the car to go home when we heard someone calling my mum's name . We both turned to the direction of the voice. A dark tall man wearing glasses stood beside a black Porsche car calling my mom's name repeatedly. My mum seemed to recognize him but I don't. " I'm coming dear, get into the car" she told me as she went to meet the man. They talked and laughed for what seemed like hours to me. I was getting tired already and it was getting late.

"Wow, I never knew I would meet him today, here all places. " My mum said as she got into the car. " Who's he mum?" I asked." Ohh , that's Frank, he was my high school senior then. He was a very good friend of mine before he traveled abroad to further his education. Though, he came back some years ago, we are just meeting for the first time." She said. " Wow, no wonder you both had a lot to say to each other" I said. " Yes, he even lost his wife to cancer some years back." she said. " Ahh, that's so sad, may her soul in peace." I prayed .

" Amen, he has a daughter and two sons now, his late wife birthed them before the cancer incident. They are grown now " she said. "Wow, you guys talked a lot." I said. " Yes, we connect quite well." She replied. "He told me he already has investments here and has decided on settling here. I think he is planning on remarrying too. It's not easy to stay alone" she said. " Yeah, it's not easy to stay alone. You really tried mum" I praised her. " Thanks dear" she said. We got home and a wonderful night rest.

The next morning, we had a short service. We don't usually go to church, we just stay home and pray to our God on our own. I spent the rest of the morning watching TikTok. After I was tired off just scrolling and scrolling, I decided to have a little afternoon sleep. But before I could lie on the bed, I heard a knock on the door. "Roseline, get the door", my mum shouted from the kitchen. " I am coming, please hold on" I opened the door and saw a handsome face staring at me. Louis???Ohh my God, it's Louis, I screamed at the back of my mind.