Tears of an Orphan Episode 10 – Mary Francis Solomon

Tears of an Orphan

Episode 10

© Francis Mary Solomon

Juliet’s phone rang inside the hotel room she had booked with her boyfriend. The room was wide, with a big soft bed covered in white sheets. A golden lamp glowed on the side table, and the air smelled faintly of expensive perfume. The curtains were thick and heavy, blocking out the city lights. It was a place made for comfort and romance, but Juliet’s face looked troubled as she glanced at her ringing phone. She grew worried, knowing it must be Precious.

“Hey, beauty, why’s your face like this? Who’s calling you?” Fred, her boyfriend, asked.

“It’s Precious, my friend. I think she’s already bored. Remember we left her alone? We even tried to make her join us on the dance floor, but she refused. She doesn’t like clubbing. I deceived her into coming, saying it was a birthday party. I thought maybe she could meet someone who would like her. Now she’s calling me, and I don’t know what to say,” Juliet explained.

Fred frowned. “Juliet, why would you do that? You know she doesn’t like clubbing. And you know we planned this night. Don’t ruin it. I haven’t even had you yet. We promised to spend the night together here. Now what? She needs to go home while we enjoy ourselves.”

“Babe, please, don’t be angry. I’ll fix it. I’ll call her and tell her I can’t go home tonight. Your driver can drop her off,” Juliet suggested nervously.

Fred exhaled. “Fine. Call her now.”

Juliet dialed. After two rings, Precious answered. Her voice carried relief.

“Hey, Juju! I’ve been calling you. Where did you keep your phone? I even searched for you on the dance floor but didn’t see you. Where are you?” Precious asked, her tone filled with concern.

Juliet swallowed. “Oh, Precious… I’m so sorry. I didn’t tell you I was stepping out. I’m not at the club anymore, and I won’t be going home tonight. I’ll send someone to pick you up and take you home. Forgive me, please. I thought it was a birthday party, but it wasn’t. I’m so sorry.”

Precious was shocked and disappointed. She immediately frowned, as if Juliet were standing right in front of her to see how angry and hurt she was.

“But Juliet… why?” Precious’ voice cracked. “Why would you do this? I’ve been waiting here so we could go home together. Now you’re saying you won’t come? How do you expect me to go home alone at this night when we planned to return together?”

“Bestie, please forgive me. The bills are on me. Just wait, someone will come and drive you home.” Juliet rushed her words and ended the call without giving Precious a chance to answer.

Precious lowered the phone slowly, her chest heavy with pain. Her lips pressed tightly together as anger and disappointment burned inside her. I feel like a fool. She left me… she really left me.

Samuel, who had been watching her closely, noticed her frown at once. “Hey… that call didn’t go well, right?” he asked gently, his eyes full of concern.

“Nothing,” Precious whispered, her voice heavy.

“That was your friend, right? From the look on your face, it didn’t go well,” Samuel said softly, his American accent smooth and calm.

Precious sighed. “Yes. She said she’s not going home tonight. But I need to go—this isn’t what we planned. We were supposed to go back together.”

Samuel touched her hand gently. “Can I do you the honor of driving you home myself?”

Her heart skipped. For a moment, she forgot the sting of Juliet’s betrayal. Samuel’s words sounded safe, different, warm.

She hesitated. “No, it’s fine. She already said someone will pick me. I’ll wait for them.”

“I insist,” Samuel said gently but firmly. “You’ll feel safer with me than with some stranger you’ve never met.”

Precious gave a weak smile. “I’ve never seen you before either. Today’s the first time we met.”

Samuel chuckled. “You’re right. But honestly, meeting you today feels like I’ve known you for years.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she turned her face away shyly.

Samuel quickly called Roland, his bodyguard. “Roland, let’stake her back home before we go home. Do you understand?”

“Yes, my prince,” Roland replied, bowing slightly.

Precious gasped. Her eyes widened. “Sam… you mean you’re a prince?”

Samuel shrugged. “Yeah, but it’s nothing. Just a title. Honestly, I don’t care about that. And Roland,” he added firmly, “don’t ever call me ‘my prince’ outside. Keep that for the palace. When I’m in public, I’m just Samuel.”

“Yes, sir,” Roland said quickly.

Precious called Juliet again to say she was already on her way. Juliet apologized weakly, but Precious’ heart was too hurt to care.

Samuel held Precious’ hand as they walked to the car. Roland drove, while Samuel and Precious sat together at the back.

Along the way, Samuel spoke. “Sometimes I go to the palace,” he explained, “but honestly, I rarely stay there. I mostly live here in Lagos, in Banana Island. The palace is full of luxury, sure… but I don’t like being there. My parents boss me around too much. I like my freedom.”

Precious listened quietly. She felt peace in his voice, but at the same time, her heart was confused. Why do I feel so drawn to him? Why now, when Juliet just broke my trust?

Roland’s voice broke her thoughts. “We’ve reached Victoria Island. Should I keep going straight?”

“Yes,” Precious answered quickly. She turned to Samuel. “Wow… you stay in Banana Island? That’s amazing. I stay here in Victoria Island. My parents live in Surulere, a simple part of Lagos. I just stay here because my workplace is closer from here.”

Samuel smiled. “That’s cool. I graduated from a university in New York not too long ago. I’m managing one of my dad’s companies here for now. But soon, I’ll go back to the States for my master’s.”

Precious’ chest tightened. So soon, he’ll be gone. Why does that thought hurt? We’ve not even started anything, yet I don’t want him to leave.

Soon, Roland drove into her compound. Precious’ house was a simple two–storey building painted pale yellow. The walls showed a little age, but the place was neat. The balcony had iron railings, and a few potted plants sat by the entrance. A single bulb glowed above the doorway, giving it a modest but warm look. It wasn’t fancy, just the kind of place a young teacher could afford.

Precious stepped out, and Samuel followed. He gave her a warm hug. She melted into his arms, wishing it would never end. For twenty long seconds, they held each other close. Precious’ heart pounded wildly, but she pulled back quickly, not wanting to look cheap.

“I really like you, Precious,” Samuel whispered softly into her ear.

Her breath caught. She almost replied, but stopped herself. Her cheeks turned hot, and she looked away shyly.

“You’re so pretty,” Samuel continued gently. “I’d love something serious with you. You said you have a boyfriend, but you’ve already captured my heart.”

Precious stayed quiet, letting his words sink deep into her heart. Confusion and sweetness mixed inside her chest. I’m only 18. This must be infatuation. But why does it feel so strong?

“Goodnight, beauty. Have a sweet rest. I’ll call you when I get home,” Samuel said as he stepped back into the car.

Precious stood at the gate, watching until the car disappeared. Her heart was heavy with disappointment over Juliet, yet light with strange new feelings for Samuel.

She entered her room. It felt unusually calm and quiet, because she usually stayed there with Juliet. Now, without her, the silence was loud. Precious quickly pulled off her clothes, freshened up, and slipped into her nightwear. She laid on the bed, her eyes staring at the ceiling, her mind full of Samuel.

Her phone lit up. It was Samuel calling.

To be continued….

Inspired by the Great Teacher

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Stay blessed till we meet in the next episode.

Written by Mary Francis Solomon.