Chapter 3 Knowing Ben.

The lost relationship 3

©️ Fardaykhemy Raheem.

Grace arrived back from work and met the house empty without her daughter.

She placed a call to Olive mother.

"Good evening, ma'am.

I'm sorry for disturbing you this evening.

Is Angelina there?".

"Yeah.

She is with me.

I'm sorry, I'm the person that delayed her".

"No problem, Mrs.

Just inform her that I am around".

"I will ma'am ". Olive mother said before ending the call.

Grace sighed out loud and removed her dress, remaining her underwear.

She entered the bathroom to take a shower before changing to a casual wear.

Angelina came back from Olive place and hugged her mother, while she hugged her back.

"Look at you.

You're becoming more matured by the day.

Your face is brighter. What's the matter?

Talk to me. Share the good news with me". She insisted and Angelina explained the state of Olive health to her mother.

"That's a good news and I have another good news for you too, Angelina ".

"What's that mummy?". Angelina asked adjusting on her seat.

"I don't want to share the news with you before but I will feel so bad if I hided such things from you.

Angelina,

I am your mother and I deserve to be happy.

Do you agree with me?

"Yes, mother".

"I am tired of my lonely life without a man. Even though, you are filling up the vacant space in my life but it is not enough to having a man of my choice" Grace said checking her daughter countenance but Angelina did not blink a bit.

She continued...

"So, there is this guy at my place of work.

He is all over me now for the past three months.

I ignored his advances at first but when he keep pestering me with the love and affection.

I decided to give him a chance.

And, Angelina.

I haven't felt like that in a while.

Like, he has a hold over me".

"A hold over you.

Have you fallen for him?

"Yes, Darling.

I tried to stop it from happening but I couldn't.

I have accepted his proposal today".

"So, what next mum?

"We might get married as time goes on ".

"Get married, mum?

At your age?

"What's wrong with my age?

I had you at a very tender age and you've grown up to a matured lady.

I kept myself away from different men so that I can focus on your well being.

Now, you are matured and all grown.

My responsibility is getting lesser now.

I just want to be happy again".

"Mum, I am your happiness.

You don't need any other men in your life again".

"Please, Angelina.

Don't talk me out of it.

I have made up my mind about it.

I am just informing you about it.

I don't want it to look as a sudden news to you.

I want you to have the experience of a father's love in your life.

You haven't experience a father love before?

"I don't want a father, mum. Please, you are enough for me.

I don't want you to be in a relationship".

"Angelina. Stop being a child.

I have withold myself for a long time now.

It's time to witness the real happiness". Grace said and rise up from her seat gently.

Angelina was shocked with the sudden news of having a step father.

"I am old enough to take care of myself.

I don't need any father love". She muttered to herself and stomped her leg on the floor.

How will she get acquainted with the person her mother is bringing home.

She went to her room and locked the door from behind before sinking into deep thought.

After a while.

Grace walked over to Angelina doorstep.

"I prepared mashed potatoes for Dinner.

Would you like some?

"Go away, mum".

"Bad language, daughter.

Open the door first ".

"I can't mum.

I want to be alone".

"Won't you have your dinner?"

"I am full , mum ". Angelina responded.

Grace walked away from her doorstep.

_________

The following day.

Angelina woke up earlier than expected.

She wanted to escape her mother questions.

She dresses up quickly and the time is 6:45am.

She carried her bag and try to sneak out when Grace called her back.

"Leaving so early?

"Yes, mother.

We were told to submit an Assignment this morning".

"Isn't it too early to leave for school?".

"Punctuality is the best, mummy.

Good bye". She said turning back but Grace called her back.

"Is it because of what we discussed last night?

"No, mum".

"I am your mum and I know every of your attitude.

I am only being honest with you. Fine, you may not accept him now but once you start living with him, you will like him".

"I am off to school, mum". Angelina said Changing the topic before stepping out of the house.

Grace shake her head after her daughter left and went to prepare for work.

She arrived at her office and went straight to her seat.

Ben walked over to her seat and held her fingers.

"What's the matter, babe?".

"It's nothing, just feel exhausted this morning".

"Exhausted?

Do you over stressed yourself at home?

"Not at all.

I just prepare for work".

"How is your daughter?".

"She is fine ".

"Would you call for a sick leave and get back to the house?

"I am okay, Ben.

Thanks for your concern". She said with a raised tone and Ben left afterwards.

She turned on her system and start working on it.

__________

Angelina arrived at school with Olive.

She is looking better now.

"Hi, Carl! Angelina said passing through Carl seat.

"Hi.

How was your night?".

"It was fine and yes, Carl.

This is Olive, my best friend in the whole world". She introduced Olive to her and they both exchange pleasantries.

They both walked back to their seat.

"So, Olive.

He is the new student that I told you about yesterday evening ".

"I could see.

It is all written over him.

I am surprised that you could get along with him so fast.

You know, being the introvert part".

"I think I've started migrating to the extrovert part". Angelina said while they both giggled.

Jack arrive with his two friends and they both ignored him.

He walked towards their direction.

"It seemed that the Lion Queen is back to school.

Your friend look like a scared dog yesterday when you aren't around".

Stop reffering her to that sick name, jack.

We've had enough of your trouble.

Why don't you leave us the hell alone? Olive fired back at him.

"I won't leave you alone unless you start respecting me in this class! Jack shouted and everyone looked towards their direction.

"Excuse me,

Respect you as what?

The teacher or what?

"My parents has the control over the administration of this school and that should ring some respect to your ears". Jack said referring to Olive.

"Is there any problem over there?" Carl asked interfering to their conversation.

"Do you have the ability to solve the problem if there is one? Jack returned his question.

"You keep shouting at the two ladies and I have to know if there is a problem with you or not? Carl asked pointing towards jack.

Jack chuckled at what Carl Said before moving towards him.

He stopped at his front and laugh in a wicked manner.

"You are still new to this school and you don't have an idea of how thing runs here.

I will advice you to steer clear of anything that involves the ladies".

"Is that a threat or what? Carl asked.

"Call it anything you like but steer clear of us". He said and walked away.

Carl walked towards the two ladies.

"Are you okay?".

"We are fine.

Thanks for that". Olive appreciated her while he thanked her back.

"But, you should be careful.

Jack is not an easy going person". Angelina added.

"What makes him SO bold of himself.

He think so highly of himself".

"I learnt that his parents are highly influential and have helped this school reputation alot of times. They are highly respected and no one dares their son".

"That is ridiculous.

No wonder, he behave anyhow".

"It is part of the reason why you should avoid him".

"I'm only protecting you guys.

You are my friends and friends protect each other". Carl Said.

"You are meeting me too for the first time. Am I also your friend? Olive asked.

"Angelina's friend is also my friend".

"You are welcome". Olive said and give him an handshake.

The teacher for the next subject came in and they all dismissed.

To be continued.