Journey To The Unknown

It was a hot afternoon when Isabel decided to take the risky journey of her life. not knowing what life has in stock for her, all she wanted was to leave that toxic environment that was her home.

"a home that felt like hell, a home she shared with her self-centered mom and her beloved late dad".

that place ceased to be her home the moment her dad breathed his last.

Since her father's death, that place never felt like home to her anymore.

very early the next day... she was already on a bus traveling to the big town.

without informing any of her family members not that they would car.

but she felt guilty for not telling Brenda about it.

she knew her best friend will oppose it and will do everything humanly possible to change her mind. she was lost in thought for hours, "her mind was just wandering up and down."

unknown to her an accident had just occurred, if not for the screams emerging behind her she would never know that the bus was on fire.

everyone was on their own trying to escape, scampering for safety, she only had her Backpack with her, but she never wanted to leave the old lady that was seated next to her.

she reminded her so much of her grandma. taking a risky move, she threw her backpack out of the window jumped out, and managed to pull the disoriented old lady out with her.

because of how remote the place is, she had no choice but to take the old lady with her, she would die if she left her behind, Isabel thought to herself.

Grandma, are you okay, Isabel asked the old lady with a mixture of concern and fear in her voice.

I am okay my daughter, thank you for saving my life, my name is lady Diana the old woman said, and I want you to please look for my family.

when you get to new yoke, go to Rivera cooperations and ask for Leonard, tell him that I sent you, give him this as proof, she handed a bracelet over to Isabel. I think I have found a wife for my grandson.

that was the last thing lady Diana said before she passed out. the impact of the fall when they jumped out of the broken car window coupled with the fumes from the burnt car made her fragile and collapsed her lungs.

Help, help, help us, my grandma is dying, somebody help me my grandma is dying. Isabel kept yelling until a taxi driver that was among the rescuers had no choice but to take them to the nearest hospital.

Back in Baltimore, Brenda was worried sick, not knowing where her childhood bestie ran off to was causing her to panic. Calm down, George said to her.

George, you don't understand, my friend could be in trouble.

I understand George cuts in, she is my friend as well, don't think that way, just relax she will be fine.

How can I relax when my friend might be in danger, I can feel it, all is not well, she called me last night but I was too busy with you that I didn't notice, I was not there for her when she needed me, if anything happens to her I will never be at peace with myself Brenda replied.

Nothing will happen to her and I want you to calm down George said and hugged her tight, my love, we are going to find her George said and kissed her deeply, not giving her room to utter another word.

New York City.

Leonard can be seen walking up and down the office, after getting a call from his grandma that she is In a bus traveling to new yoke, he still can't get through to her.

he tried calling her but the number was not reachable. I don't know why grandma is so obsessed with traveling by road, I don't know why she's always scared of traveling by air, he thought to himself.

just then Sandra barged into his office, am sorry air but I think you should see this... she was already informed to pick Leonard's grandma from the bus station but when she got there she was told that there had been an accident that she should check the hospital or the morgue.

she kept calling Leonard but when he didn't answer, she decided to inform him in person, Since the news is on tv that's the best way to convey the message to him without trembling.

I hate being the conveyor of this kind of news but it concerns your grandma, so I think you should watch the news, it might be of help.

Immediately Leonard saw the news he became more worried, sir I went to the bus station but, Leonard stormed out of the office not waiting to hear what Sandra has to say.

Sandra immediately followed him. Sir, sir Sandra called as she ran after Leonard. She is a secretary that works so hard and also values her job.

Sandra tell Edward to inform the police let a quick search be conducted immediately Leonard said without stopping.

Yes sir. Sandra replied and left in search of Edward.

Edward is a very handsome man in his late twenties. he is Leonard's assistant, but he's more like a friend to Leonard, his mum was Leonard's nanny so they grew up together, he's more like a brother Leonard never had.

Leonard treated him very well, when Sandra informed Edward, he soon went into action, he not only informed the police, but he also drove to the scene of the accident to see if he could find a clue or anything that can lead him to Leonard's grandma.

"lady Diana is like my grandma as well, she treats me like her grandson, so I have to make sure she is safe Edward thought to himself."

after searching around nonstop for a day and a half, Edward decided to take a break and hoped that lady Diana will turn up safe and sound!

It's been two days now, I have searched the Hospitals and the morgue but she is nowhere to be found, "what could have happened to her."

She's all that I got Leonard said, obviously worried and restless.

you have me, Jayden cuts in, you have Edward who is more like a brother to you, man I will never leave your side, and believe me, your grandma will turn up safe and sound.

I have equally called all the hospitals and morgues, I sent her picture to all the tv stations, I posted her picture all over the city and the social media, and I announced it on all the radio stations.

believe me, she will soon be found, Jayden said while patting Leonard's back.

Thanks, man I don't know what I would have done without you Leonard said without looking at Jayden.

no need to thank me, man what are friends for am also fond of lady Diana. just then the door opened... interrupting their conversation.

forgive me for not knocking sir but this is important. Please miss, repeat what you told me earlier Sandra said turning to the stranger beside her.

hello, I am Isabel and lady Diana sent me here, Leonard rushed towards her, not waiting for Isabel to complete her speech.

tell me my grandmother is ok, please.

calm down Sir, I managed to pull her out of the car unharmed but she gave me this before she became unconscious and she's still like that for the past two days.

I gave them all the money I had on me but since they need more I have to look for her relatives, and I know her family will be worried about her Isabel said.

please take us to her Jayden cuts in.

she's at the outskirt of the town in a small clinic in a remote village nearby not too far from here, am sorry I should've come earlier but I didn't want to leave her alone Isabel said.

what are you waiting for, take me to my grandma? Leonard replied almost screaming.

I will drive buddy because you are not in the condition to drive, Jayden said as he snatched the car keys from Leonard.

Almost two hours later they arrived at the clinic, Holy care clinic, Isabel was praying that they get there safely because Jayden kept speeding and running the traffic lights, she heard Mr. Leonard call him Jayden.

Jayden and Isabel waited at the reception, when Leonard saw his grandma, he hugged her tightly.

the old lady murmured, "is that my Leo?"

Leo was so happy because of the doctor's assurance that she will be ok.

Lady Diana regained consciousness immediately Isabel left to fetch her grandson.

meanwhile, Isabel was so happy that her old friend was in a stable condition so she decided to leave. I will be right back Mr. Jayden I have to go freshen up and change since my friend is in good hands.

thank you so much miss Isa, can I call you that, Jayden asked in a low voice.

Isabel nodded gently

we are grateful for what you did for us Jayden continued.

alright Mr. Jayden I need to go freshen up now, see you later. Isabel left without looking back.

A few days later, Grandma was back in the new yoke and kept asking for her granddaughter.

but grandma I am your only grandchild, no My Leo I heard her tell the nurses to please save her grandma, she's beautiful and so kind, she saved my life. Lady Diana said.

okay, Granny, you are talking about the good lady that saved your life Leonard asked. Her name is Isabel Leonard continued.

Yes my Leo the old lady managed to say.

My granny I will do everything in my power to find her I promise, Leonard, assured Lady Diana.

I trust you my dear grandson lady Diana said quietly.

But grandma I already know that she's a beautiful and a kind person so I will find her and reward her for saving your life, maybe a car, house, a job and some cash, whatever her demands are will be met Leonard said with confidence.

My boy come and sit beside me, Grandma Diana said while smiling at her grandson, Leonard sat beside her without hesitation.

ok, granny what do you have to say Leonard asked?

my Leo everything you just mentioned, the house, car and the rest of them are all ok but why don't you marry her, a woman so beautiful and kind like her will make you happy for the rest of your life.

besides you need a strong lady by your side to pull you out of any misery in the future as she pulled me out of the burning car, Lady Diana said.

grandma, Leonard pretends to cough I need to go get water, Leonard cunningly said.

my grandson is trying to fool me but what am saying makes sense.

no, it doesn't, grandma stop having those ideas. Leonard said trying to sound serious.

oh, so the cough miraculously goes away, my grandson is trying to trick me, grandma said.

Yea grandma you caught me this time but you are the one that got some funny ideas. Leonard said trying not to laugh.

yea funny indeed, grandson I am funny... your grandma is very funny!!!

It's been three weeks now, Leonard kept going back to the hospital hoping to catch a glimpse of the Good Samaritan that saved his grandmother's life, but all to no avail.

it was as if the young lady Isabel disappeared into the thin air...

for a busy business tycoon like Leonard, creating time to go to the clinic would have been a major problem for him because of his busy schedule.

but he had a promise to keep, not only that, something kept pulling him back to that place. it was like a force that was greater than him.

the hospital canteen became another hang-out spot for Leonard, he would go there and sit for an hour each day to the extent that almost every staff there got to know him, and the fact that he is looking for Isabel became known to everyone there.

It was a bright Friday afternoon, Leonard decided to wait a bit longer than usual, something in him keeps telling him that he is going to meet Isabel.

having asked around a couple of times and no one seems to know where Isabel was, waiting became his only option.

meanwhile, he received an emergency call and was about to leave when he bumped into a lady that was walking absent-mindedly.

Isabel came to the hospital because of the severe pain that tormented her the night before, she wouldn't want to miss her first day of work the next day because her menses came, hence the decision to go to the hospital.

after getting checked, some pain-relieving drugs were given to her.

she decided to eat at the canteen and take her drugs before going home, that was when she bumped into Leonard.

"am sorry mister she said without looking at him." Leonard stood still... who could this lady be he asked himself?

that voice... that back, that perfume, I must have met her before.

"he stopped when he realized that he was talking to himself and decided to check who the mystery lady was."

Leonard kept his distance and watched the lady as she sat down, Isabel sat down with her back facing Leonard making it difficult for Leonard to see her face. yet he kept staring at her.

Isabel ordered her meal and ate silently, then she took some medicine and kept eating, Leonard was lost in thought, he kept staring at the beauty in front of him until a Child ran and held him.

uncle have you seen my mom. the little boy asked? Leonard had to squat down to get to the same level as the lad. he gently rubbed the lad's head and said... no my dear, I haven't seen her but I will help you find her.

uncle am hungry the boy said. without waiting for the boy to complete his statement, Leonard picked him up and heads straight to the canteen.

when he got to where Isabel was seated, he stopped, put the boy down, and asked.

miss can we sit with you please?

sure the lady answered without looking at him, Leonard sat down and ordered a meal for the boy.

When the meal was served, he looked at the lady and begged, Miss please help me feed the boy.

he did that on purpose because he wanted the lady to raise her head so he could see her face.

Miss, am sorry I hope we are not bothering you Leonard asked?

of course not, Isabel raised her head touched the boy's cheek, and said with a smile on her face, what an adorable boy, your son is so lovely.

Leonard was smitten by her beauty and attitude and didn't realize when Isabel called him. Mr. Leonard.

Mr. Leonard, she called him again and again until she drew him out of his deep thought, she took the boy from his lap and started feeding him.

Leonard was stunned, miss Isabel where have you been, it's good to meet you again, Leonard said.

nice to meet you again Mr. Leonard, Isabel replied. how is Mrs. Diana doing? I hope she's better now? Isabel asked.

yes she is, that very thoughtful of you to ask, my grandma is fully recovered and she keeps asking of you, she wants to see you.

am very hungry... the young lad interrupted Leonard. oh sorry, baby Isabel said and started feeding the kid.

Leonard sat silently and watched Isabel feed the young lad. he was so engrossed with the beautiful scene that he didn't hear the question that was thrown at him.

Me. Leonard, what's your son's name Isabel asked again?

oh, he's not my son, I found him here, he's looking for his mom and I promised to help him find her.

oh poor kid I hope he finds his mom Isabel said. oh my said...

Sebastian "a woman screamed while running towards them."

the boy was happy as he jumped and happily called out... mama, mama.

Sebastian oh my baby you scared me. Sebastian happily ran and hugged his mom.

good evening the woman said as she stood before Leonard and Isabel. Thank you madam for taking care of my son, Sebastian's Mum said as she stretched forth her arms to carry her child.

Oh ma'am no need to thank me but thanK Mr. Leonard, he was the one that found your son, Isabel said while looking at Leonard.

Thank you so much, sir, I am Victoria Smith, nice to meet you both, Sebastian's mom said.

Likewise, Leonard answered. Oh your son is an adorable kid, and miss Isabel here took great care of him, Leonard said, Thank you. Mr. Leonard and miss Isabel, I don't know what I would have done without you two today, am so grateful to you both and I would love to take my leave now as my daughter will be awake anytime soon.

Ok run along miss Smith, Leonard said, bye miss Smith, bye Sabastain Isabel said and waved at them.

Bye uncle, bye aunt Sabastain waved as he left with his mom.

When they left, there was an awkward silence between them.

Mr. Leonard, nice to see you again Isabel cleared her throat and said but I have to leave now, she stood up to leave.

"Wait a minute Miss Isabel," please can you follow me to see my grandma?

she's been looking for you since she got discharged from the hospital, could you please spare me a few minutes, just follow me home to see her.