JUST FOR LOVE 2 Episode 32 – 33 by Azeemah Salami

JUST FOR LOVE 2 Episode 32 by Azeemah Salami

Dan’s POV?

I wiped my sweat with my palms as i ran to the police station.
It’s a bit far from the house but I’m a fast runner,I’ll get there in minutes.

My parents..my parents has been arrested by the cops..
Oh..no.
I tried not to cry as i run.
I put in more energy and i was at the station in minutes.

I stopped in front of it and breathed heavily, sweat poured out of my face and i used a part of my school shirt to wipe it off.
I already un-bottened the shirt while i was running.

I swallowed hard before walking slowly to the gate.
Two cops were standing there,armed with guns.

“Good afternoon” I greeted.
“What may we do for you,are you here to report?” One of them asked.
“No,I’m here to see my parents” I said.
“Your parents? Who are they? Their names?” They asked.

“Mr and Mrs Shaw” I said.
“OMG,you’re artist Shaw’s son?” They both asked.
I nodded.
“Wow,you’re as handsome as your father,may i see your ID card?” He asked.
“I’m not 18 yet,this is only my school ID card” I said and stretched it to him.

He quickly scanned it and then handed it back to me.
“Come with me?” He said and opened the gate.
We both stepped in and i started following him into the station.

Some cops are practicing in the compound while some are stationed all over the building,armed.
Their faces look unfriendly,but that isn’t my concern right now. I need to see my parents.

I kept following the cop. We entered a corridor, cornered and then walked into a wide space.
There are some cops chilling behind the counter, while some stood looking fierce.

I wonder the amount of cops in this station.

“He’s artist Shaw’s son” The cop i followed said.
“Really?”
“Yeah”
“You can leave, Max lead him to his father’s cell” a cop which i think is superior to others said.

“Okay boss” one of the fierce looking cops said.
“Come with me” he added and i started following him.
We walked passed different cells and i felt so sorry to see people there.

This is actually the first time I’ll be visiting a police station.

He finally stopped in front of a large furnished cell,covered all through with glass,I saw mum and Dad sitting on the couch,they were both discussing,theyweren’t even watching the movie was being displayed on the TV.

The cop handed me a chair.
“You’re only allowed to talk to them for 20 minutes” He said and left.
I shifted the chair closer to the glass which has holes all over it to enable people hear each other.
I sat down…they both haven’t noticed me.

“Mum,Dad” I called and they both turned.
“Dan” they both shouted and rushed to the direction of the glass that i was sitting.
I wish i can just go in their to meet them.

I wiped my tears and looked at the both of them.
“We’re sorry Dan” They both said.
“For what?” I asked.
“For bringing you into so much pain” They said.

“It’s fine,how are you both doing?” I asked.
“We’re fine”
“How’s Mike?” They asked.
“He’s fine,i couldn’t bring him along with me cause i ran all the way here” I said.
“Oh..my..God Dan,I’m very sure you haven’t eaten anything today and you ran all the way here? Do you want to get sick!” Mum said worriedly.

“I’m fine Mum,I’ll be fine” I said.
“Liam ordered the cops to arrest us” Mum said,and started crying.
“I know,our gatekeeper told me everything. I don’t have anything to say about that” I said.

“How are you both gonna get out of here?” I asked.
“Until Liam order our release and he said he’ll do that only if Anel is mentally stable” Dad said.
“Really?”
“Yes,son” Dad said.
“He came here?” I asked.
Dad nodded. “He was even pissed at the cops for giving us this luxurious cell,he told them to change the cell to a less standard one”

“So they are gonna change this cell soon?” I asked.
“No,the cops said I’m an influential person and i don’t deserve any less cell. Liam left in anger”
“Wow” I smiled and Dad smiled too.

“Mum,it’s okay. Stop crying,you know I’m capable of taking care of Mike right?”

She nodded and cried louder.

“I’ll make sure you both get out of here soon. Did he by any chance mentioned the name of the psychiatric hospital Anel is admitted into ?” I asked.
“No he didn’t,but I’m sure the cops knows it” Dad said.

“Okay,i hope you both are comfortable here?” I asked.
“This place is okay but i can’t be comfortable in any other place than home” Dad said and i noticed the sadness in his voice.
“Don’t be sad Dad,all this is just for a little while, i believe Anel will be well soon” I said and noticed i was starting to get weak and hungry.

“Have you both eaten?” I asked.
“That’s the food they bought for us over there” Mum pointed to the table.
“Wow,they really made everything available for you. Why haven’t you both eaten? You need to eat so you can gather enough strength to think and plan on how to leave here soon okay?” I said.

They nodded.

“If you don’t eat,then when i get home i won’t also eat” I said.
“We’re going to eat…i promise” Mum said.
“Good!” I tried to smile.

“I hope this hasn’t gotten to the press?” I asked.
“No,it hasn’t . The cops promised to keep their mouths sealed” Dad said.
“Wow,it looks like the cops really like you” I said.
“Most of them are my fans and they were so glad to see me,they all kept coming one after the other to say ‘hi’ until their boss stopped them”
“So bad it was in the cell,they had to see you” I said and noticed i was getting weaker each passing minute.

We were all in silence…tears build up in my eyes and i struggled not to let it fall.
“You and Mike should take care of each other okay?” Dad said and that made my tears flowed out.
Mum also started sobbing.
Minutes passed in silence and only our tears were heard.

“Your 20 minutes is over” I heard and glanced up to see the cop.
I cleaned my tears and stood up.
“Please,give us 5 minutes more” Mum pleaded.
“There’s no problem” The cop said.
“No mum,it’s fine. I have to go home now,i have to go prepare something for Mike” I said knowing I’m gonna cry more if i stay any longer.

“I’ll be here tomorrow” I waved at them.
“Take care son” Dad said.
“I love you Dan,tell Mike i love him too” Mum cried after me as i followed the police.
“I love you too” I shouted but didn’t turn cause i was in tears.

I quickly stopped the cop after i was sure we were out of mum and Dad’s view.
“Please can you tell me the name of the psychiatric hospital Asanel Yates is admitted into?” I asked.
“Mill psychiatric hospital” He blurted and i almost jumped in joy.

“OMG..did you hear that? Did i said that aloud?” He asked.
“Huh? What? What did you say? I didn’t hear you” I lied.
“Really?” He asked.
“Yeah,what did you say?” I asked.
“Thank goodness” he sighed in relief.
“Please tell me the name of the hospital” I said, pretending i didn’t hear what he said earlier.

“I can’t tell you that” he said.
“Why?” I asked.
“We’ve been warned against revealing the name of the hospital” He said and i almost laughed.
He already revealed it.

“Please,just tell me. I’m not gonna tell anyoneyou told me,i really need to see her” I said.
“I can’t” He said.
“Please” I pleaded, trying to hold my laughter.
“I can’t!” He barked and this time i couldn’t hold my laughter.

I laughed out loud…

“Why are you laughing?” He asked.
“Nothing,i remembered something” I said trying to control my laughter.
He gave me a suspicious look before he continued his walk.

He led me out of the gate where i boarded a cab to my house.
I can’t believe i found out the name of the hospital so easily.
The hospital I’ve been searching for days.
Wow!

Damn! I’m so happy right now.
I’m gonna see Anel soon.
I just have to go home, freshen up,eat and go straight to the hospital.
I should go straightaway but I’m afraid i might just collapse.

I smiled happily and rubbed my palms together wishing the cab man will get to my house already.

I paid the cab man before alighting from the cab.
I walked to the gate and knocked.
The gatekeeper opened the gate and i rushed into the house, ignoring his questions.

I opened the front door and got into the living room.
I met Mike seated on the couch, with his assignment.

He raised up his head and frowned at me.
“Where have you been?” I asked.
“I..i forgot something at school” I lied as i walked up to him.
“What did you forget? Cause I’m not seeing anything in your hands and why’s your shirt un-bottened?” He asked.
“I didn’t see what i forgot”
“Okay then but what exactly did you forgot at school?” He asked.

“A textbook, don’t bother me with more questions, continue your assignment. I’m going up to my room to freshen up,I’ll order pizza. We’ll eat that first before i prepare meal” I said.
“Okay,but i can’t find Mum and Dad.” He said.
“Ohh…they already went back to India for a business emergency” I lied.

“Really?” He asked.
I nodded.
“But they didn’t informed us” He said.
“It’s an emergency so there was no time to inform anyone,they called me few minutes ago to inform me about it, they’ll be back soon so don’t worry huh?”
He nodded and sat back to continue the assignment.

“Once the pizza arrive,you know what to do right?”
“Of course, remember you taught me the other day” He smiled.
“Good boy” I smiled back at him and started walking to my room.

I got to my room and quickly placed an order for a box of pizza before going to freshen up.

I wasn’t happy before…i haven’t been happy for days but just knowing that i’m gonna see Anel soon brightened my mood.

???

“Now,i feel so refreshed” I grabbed my phone and walked out of my room.
I’ve gotten dressed after freshening up and now I’m heading to the living room. I’m starving.

I got to the living room and saw that Mike has eaten half of the pizza. He even took juice with it.
Where’s he?
I scanned the living room but couldn’t find him.

“Mike” I called.
“I’m in the kitchen” he shouted.
“Doing what?” I asked.
“I want to help you get your own glass cup for the juice” he said.
“Okay thanks” I sat and started eating the pizza.

He returned with my glass cup and placed it on the table,in front of me,he sat opposite my couch.
I poured some juice into the glass cup and gulped it down my throat.
I dropped it and continued eating the tasty pizza.

“Why are you looking at me?” I asked him when i couldn’t bear his boring gaze any longer.
“I want some slices of pizza” he said.
“But you already finished half of the box” I said.
“Yes”he conceded.
“And you still want more slices?” I asked.
He nodded.

“Well…I’m not giving you” I said.
“Why do you think i went to get your glass cup for you” he frowned.
“Ohh…i knew there was a reason behind your kindness” I said.

“You can have the rest,I’m full already” I said.
He grinned and shifted the box closer to himself,he started eating happily,his gaze on the cartoon being displayed on the TV.
I smiled and poured more juice in my glass cup and then gulped it.

I sighed in satisfaction and laid on the couch to rest for a while before going to Anel’s hospital..

???

I yawned and opened my eyes,i realised i was laying on the couch.
I closed my eyes to have more sleep but quickly popped them open.

“OMG what’s the time?” I asked sitting up from the couch.
“It’s 9pm already” Mike said, removing his gaze from the cartoon he was watching.
“Damn!” I swore.
“Did you planned on going somewhere?” He asked.
I nodded.

“Sorry,it’s time for dinner already and I’m hungry,i was about waking you” he said and continued watching his cartoon.
Why did i laid on the couch in the first place.
I should have just headed out after eating the pizza.

I can’t go anymore cause i won’t be allowed into the hospital and i also can’t leave Mike all alone in the house.
I’ll go tomorrow morning after Mike has gone to school.

But i feel so good after that little sleep.
I remembered my parents in the police custody and felt sad immediately.
I sighed and stood up,walked into the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Even though I’m not very hungry,Mike has to eat.

**

We both went to bed after having dinner.
I made Mike sleep in my room tonight.

❌?Next morning?❌

“Dan won’t you go to school?” Mike asked as i prepared him for school the next morning.
“I will but I’m gonna go late,you go ahead” I said.
“Okay” He said.
“You can wear your shoes right? let me quickly go make your breakfast” I said.
“Of course i can” He said and i walked out of his room, heading straight to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

**

“Dan,is my breakfast ready?” I heard Mike asked.
“Almost ready,have your seat,I’ll serve you soon” i said and flipped the pancake i was making.
“Okay” He said.

I dished out his pancake and coffee, placed them on a tray before taking it to the dining.
I placed it on the table in front of him.
“Thanks Dan” he smiled.
“Uhn…you said ‘thanks’ today?” I asked in surprise.
“Yes,i feel i needed to appreciate your efforts but don’t expect the ‘thanks’ all the time” He said.
I laughed…”Of course i know”

I walked back to the kitchen and dished out my breakfast too.
I pulled off my apron and hair net before taking my breakfast to the dining.

?

“Bye Mike” I waved him bye.
“Bye Dan” He smiled and waved back.
He entered the car and i watched our driver drove him out of the wide opened gate.

Now.
I can go on with my own business.
I plan to go visit mum and dad first before going to Anel’s hospital.
But first i need to go take more cash.

? ? ?

I stood in front of the hospital for a while, holding a nylon containing some boxes of chocolates.
I got them for Anel.
I stared at the bold inscription ‘Mill psychiatric hospital’ at the top of the building.
It’s a huge hospital though.

I’ve gone to visit my parents and they seemed to be doing well.
I told them of my plan and they gave me a go ahead.
I’ll go visit them again later in the day.

I summoned courage and walked into the hospital.
It’s a psychiatric hospital,i expected it to be different but to me,it wasn’t.
I walked to the large desk where three nurses are seated.
They all smiled as i approached them.

“Good morning” I greeted.
“Good morning,how may we help you?” They asked.
“I’m here to see someone” I said.
“Okay,what’s your name?” They asked.
“Daniel Shaw” I said and they all gasped.
“You’re related to artist Shaw?” They asked, holding their breath.
“No” I said.
“Ah!” They sighed,their disappointment obvious.

“Well, what’s the name of the patient you’re here to see?” They asked.
“Asanel Yates” I said.
“Ohh…that beautiful girl” one if them said and i smiled and nodded eagerly.
“Who are you to her?” They asked.
“I’m a family,is anyone in the ward with her?” I asked.
“No” They chorused.

Good!

“Liam sent me here” I lied.
“Ohh..Liam sent you here?”
“Yeah” I nodded.
“None of her family has gotten here this morning. You can go in,just go through that corridor. She’s in ward 8”
“Okay thanks” I said happily and started walking to the corridor.
“You look handsome” they shouted after me.
“Thank you” i said and quickly entered the corridor.

I located ward 8,breathed in and out before opening the door.
I walked in slowly..
The nylon containing the chocolate nearly dropped as i saw her laying fast asleep on the bed.
She’s putting on the hospital wear,her always-well-arranged hair was scattered and rough,she has lost so much weight and her skin looked pale but she still looked beautiful and my feelings for her grew intense.

I walked closer to her bed and stared at her face for a while.
I can’t believe i finally saw her.
I finally saw Anel…i nearly screamed.
She’s still mentally unstable..it’s obvious.

I dropped the nylon and sat beside her on the bed.
I held her two hands which were damn cold.
My heart filled with sadness as i stared at her.

I cried and placed my head on her chest,closed my eyes and prayed.

I quickly round up my prayer when she stirred.
I raised up my head and saw that her eyes were opened, i had to restrict myself from pulling her into a hug.
Her bright eyes shone into mine and that movement in my heart increased.
She didn’t utter a word,she only stared at me.

“Anel,I’m sorry. I’m here now,I’m here for you. I lo..” I was saying but noticed she was starting to sit up slowly,her eyes not leaving mine.
It was when she sat up fully that i realised that her eyes were filled with tears.

They scrolled down her cheeks.
What!
Has she gotten well?
Is she now okay?
Why’s she crying?
OMG…could it be that she’s starting to get well?

“Anel” I called but she kept on crying.
I shifted closer to her and hugged her tightly, we both cried.

She suddenly pulled away from my hug and laughed,she grabbed her own hair and started dragging it.
She screamed so loud that my ears nearly got blocked.

The door opened and some nurses rushed in.
“What have you done to her? They asked.
My fears increased when i saw Liam walked in,in anger.

❌❌❌

I stood in front of the hospital after been thrown out by Liam and i even sustained a little injury but that doesn’t mean anything.

I just saw Anel and i can’t get more excited, even though i wished i had spent more time with her but seeing her alone filled me up.
I thought she was getting better,not until she screamed.

Ah!
God,please heal Anel fast.

I don’t care if Liam threw me out,I’m coming back tomorrow to see her!
But will the nurses allow me in?

?NEXT DAY?

“Haven’t mum and dad called you yet?” Mike asked.
We were walking to the door after we both alighted from the car.
We just returned from school.
“They called yesterday but you were asleep then” I lied.

For how long will i keep lieing!

“I really want to hear their voices,I’ve missed them” He said.
“They’ll call soon and I’ll make you hear their voices okay?”
He nodded.

We got to the door and i pulled it open and allowed Mike go in first.
I planned on going to see mum and dad before going to Anel’s hospital.
Liam’s threat isn’t gonna stop me from seeing her!

“Mum, Dad” I heard Mike screamed and shook my head.
Has he missed them that much.
I closed the door behind me and started walking to the living room.

My jaw dropped when i saw mum and dad seated on the couch, smiling.
They both stood up.
“Oh..my.. God” I screamed and rushed into their arms.

“Mum, Dad how..how did you both did it?” I asked, happy to have my parents back.

“Well…we were released after Liam called the cops that his niece is now mentally stable?” Mum grinned.
“Huh? Did i heard you right?”
“Yes Dan. Anel,is now mentally stable, infact she was discharged immediately” Dad said.

I dropped my backpack and ran out of the house heading straight to Anel’s house.

My face broke into a smile.

“Lord, I thank you” I shouted happily in the street, ignoring people’s gaze.

I ran faster…
Oh..my beautiful psycho??

?Dan’s POV?

“Lord, I thank you” I shouted happily in the street, ignoring people’s gaze.

I ran faster…
Oh..my beautiful psycho??

Shit!
I stopped running as i realised i can’t possibly run to Anel’s house,it’s damn far.

Well…I’ll just go home, freshen up and take a cab to her house.
I’m so happy right now.
My Anel is back!
I can’t wait to see her.

My face was filled with smiles as i jogged back home.
I knocked on the gate and waited for a while.
It was opened by the gatekeeper and i walked in.
I noticed he was smiling happily.
Of course,who isn’t happy that mum and dad are back.

I smiled back at him before walking to the door.
I opened it and walked in…a delicious aroma welcomed me.
Woah…Mum is cooking already.
“Hmm” I sniffed as i closed the door behind me.

I walked into the living room,and met Dad already painting.
“I can bet you’ve missed your work” I smiled and sat beside him.
“Ofcourse i have. Its the thing i missed the most” he smiled.

He has freshened up already, looking young and handsome in a black short and white t-shirt.
His curly black hair is brushed back and i watched as he painted the drawing perfectly.
Im so proud of my dad.

“I gat the most handsome dad in the universe” I said to him and hugged him tight making him drop the paintbrush but i don’t care at the moment.
“And i gat the most handsome son in the universe” He patted my back.

“Why should i be left out from this hug” we heard Mum said.
We giggled as she walked to us with her apron and her chef cap which made her look awesome.
She joined in the hug after pecking my cheeks.

I smiled. “I gat the most beautiful Mum in the universe”
“Oh..my.. I can’t believe I’m blushing” She said and we laughed.
“Dad! You couldn’t call me to join in the hug” We heard Mike yelled.
“I’m sorry little prince,come here” Dad said.

He rushed to us and also joined in the hug.
He grinned at me…”Dan don’t you think we gat the most wonderful parents in the world”
“I don’t think so,i know so ” I said.
“Awwwn…thanks my darlings” Mum said sweetly.

“Honey” Dad called.
“Yes sweetie” Mum answered.
“Don’t you know we gat the most amazing children in the world” He said.
“Of course sweetie” Mum said and i think my cheeks glowed.
Mike grinned like an idiot.

“Oh..my.. the soup is burning” Mum shouted and started running back to the kitchen,her chef cap fell off her head and we all laughed.
“Silly people” she laughed and picked her cap before continuing her race to the kitchen.

We laughed on and on…

“I thought you were going to Anel’s place” Dad said after our laughter subsided.
“Yeah…i was actually on my way but i realised i couldn’t run all the way there,it’s damn far” i said.
“So what are you gonna do?” He asked.
“I’ll just go freshen up and board a cab there”.

“You’ll do that now?” Dad asked.
“Yeah Dad”
“No, you’re not gonna do that now”
“Why?” I asked.
“You’ve not eaten” He said.
“That’s not necessary,I’ll eat when I’m back”

“Nah, you’ll go freshen up,eat and then you’re free to go anywhere” He said and i sighed.
“Okay Dad,I’ll quickly go freshen up then” I picked my backpack and stood up, about walking to my room.

“Dad how was India? Didn’t you bring anything for us?” Mike asked.
Dad glanced at me, before clearing his throat.
“Mike,you know it was a business emergency,they couldn’t get anything for us” I said.
“But i wasn’t asking you” He said and i felt like knocking his head away from his neck.

I sent him a glare and he twitched his nose,then jumped on the couch.
He grabbed the remote control and switched on the TV.

“Business emergency indeed” Dad whispered to me and laughed.
I chuckled as i climbed the stairs to my room.
*
I dropped my backpack on the bed and pulled off my shoes and socks.
I un-bottened my shirt and pulled it off.

I sat on the edge of my bed and pulled my backpack closer.
I unzipped it and brought out my phone.
A message to Anel will do.

I smiled as i began texting her.

?Hi, beautiful psycho.

?How are you?

?I’ve missed you so much, I’ll be right at your place soon.

?I love you” I thought of adding it but i don’t think i had the courage to.
I cleared it.

I ended the message with;

?Dan?

I sighed and stood up.
I can’t just express how happy i am.
First,my parents are back and my beautiful Psycho is now mentally stable.
I can’t be more happy!!

I danced into the bathroom…

*?

I picked my phone immediately i finished dressing up.
The message read; ‘seen’ but there was no reply.
Maybe she’s busy…
Should i just call her? No i think i should wait till i get to her house.

I felt a bit sad as i walked out of my room.
I descended the stairs to the living room,i found no one.
I headed to the kitchen.

They were all seated, obviously waiting for me.
“I’m sorry to keep everyone waiting” I said and quickly took my seat.
“It’s okay” Mum said and began dishing out the delicious looking meal.
The aroma almost made me dip my hand into it.

Mike was smiling to himself as mum placed a plate of soup and baguette in front of him.
I laughed when i remembered the feud between him and Ana.

“Why are you laughing?” Dad asked.
“I remembered something” I said.
“You always have something to remember”Mike said with a mouthful.
“And how’s that your business,i can’t even believe you’ve started eating already” I rolled my eyes.
“Don’t believe it! That’s your cup of tea!” He said.
“Mike,Dan table manners” Mum said and placed my own meal in front of me.

“Thanks Mum” I said and waited for her to finish dishing hers and dad’s.
She did and we all started eating.

“Delicious” I smiled.
“Yummy” Mike said.
“Tasty” Dad winked.
“Thanks sweets” Mum smiled.
We continued eating,i wanted to ask Dad some questions but not in Mike’s presence and i can’t disregard the table manners.

❌

Mike was the first to finish eating,i was surprised he didn’t ask for more.

He stood up “I’m going to do my assignment”
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask for more” I said.
He rolled his eyes at me before sauntering out of the dining room.

I laughed.

I gulped down water after i was done with my meal.
Everyone was done with theirs too.
Mum cleared the plates to the kitchen.
I offered to but she declined.

“Dad” I called.
“What time were you released? What time did the cops said Anel was mentally stable?” I asked.
“We were released by 2 o’ clock and we got home by 3. Just thirty minutes before you guys returned from school.” He said.
“Ohhkay”

“I was actually about calling my lawyer before we were released”
“Why didn’t you called your lawyer immediately you were arrested,i know you won’t even have spent a night in cell if you had”

He smiled “of course i know,but i had my reasons for not calling my lawyer immediately.”
“It’s unheard of to be arrested for someone else’s mental disorder” Mum said, walking back into the dining room.
“I was so pissed at first” She added.
“Of course it’s unheard of but do you know Liam told them a totally different thing” Dad said.
“What?” I asked.
“Never mind son,you still want to visit Anel today right?” He asked.

“Oh! I’ve forgotten” I quickly stood up.
I dropped my phone on the dining table and ran to my room to take some cash and my face cap .
I was returning to the dining when i overheard Dad and mum’s discussion.

“I can’t believe he told the cops that we hit something on Anel’s head!”
“The cops should have asked for the medical report” mum said.
“They did but he claimed he hasn’t gotten it from the hospital yet”
“I can’t believe Liam has turned into a monster. I knew he was hot tempered but he wasn’t this worse then”.

“Yeah,and that’s the reason i didn’t call my lawyer immediately cause i know he’ll be sued to court if my lawyer investigates the whole thing and discover that he was telling lies” Dad said.
“Mara’s death really affected him,Liam wasn’t this cruel” Mum said and dad gave a nod.

I walked back into the dining and tried very much to act like i didn’t hear a thing.
I picked my phone.

“I’ll be leaving now. Mum,dad I’ll be back soon” I said.
“Okay dear”

I walked slowly out of the dining room.
How could Liam tell such a huge lie.
He’s beginning to piss me off seriously..

I walked out of the door, dipped my phone into my pocket,wore my face cap and started walking to the gate.
The gatekeeper opened it before i got there.
I thanked him and walked out of the gate.

I stood in front of our house, waiting for a cab.
Thoughts of what Liam did kept flooding my head.
He was looking for ways to make sure my parents get punished.
Who does that but a cruel person.

I waved a cab to a stop…
I need to get some chocolates first.

???

‘what if Liam throw me out?’ I thought for the umpteenth time as i stood in front of Anel’s gate.
I’ve been standing here for some minutes now,scared to knock on the gate.

‘what if he had told the gatekeeper not to allow me in’ I thought as i rested my back on the wall.
Why didn’t i think about all this before coming?

“Dan” I heard a little voice call my name.
I turned and saw Mary their house help and Ana who was already rushing to me.
I smiled and bent slowly, holding her in a hug.
I pecked her cheeks..

“How are you Ana?” I asked.
“I’m fine Dan and you?”
“I’m good”
“I miss you so much” She said.
“Me too,you look more beautiful” I said as i dragged her chubby cheeks.
“Thank you” she smiled.

“Good afternoon” I greeted Mary.
“Good afternoon Dan,how’re you?” She hugged the grocery bag closer to her chest.
“I’m fine, thanks”
“Is anel in?” I asked.
She shook her head and i couldn’t hide my disappointment.

“Is she still at the hospital?” I asked.
“No, she’s now at her dad’s”
“Woah!” I sighed in relief.
“The doctor said she needed a psychologist and her dad’s fiance is one so she’s gonna be staying there for a while” Mary said.
“Ohh.. thanks so much Mary” I smiled.
“You’re welcome”

“I’ll be leaving now” I said and brought out a box of chocolate from the ones i got for Anel.
I handed it to Ana who jumped on me in excitement.
“Thanks Dan” She hugged me.
I smiled.

“Mary,do you also love chocolate?” I asked.
“I don’t mind” She smiled shyly.
I brought out a box and gave her too.
“Thanks Dan” she grinned and threw it into the grocery bag.

“I’ll just board a cab here” I said.
“Okay we’re gonna wait here with you” Ana said, holding my hand.
“No Ana,we can’t. Your dad will come looking for us once he realise we’re getting late and drop your chocolate in here,he mustn’t see it” Mary said.
Ana frowned and dropped her box of chocolate into the grocery bag.
Mary knocked on the gate.

“Bye Dan” They both waved, before walking into the opened gate.
“Bye” I waved back with smiles.
“Dan,when will you visit our house again?” Ana asked.
“Soon” I said.
“Are you sure?” She asked.
I nodded.
“Okay Bye” She waved at me one last time before Mary closed the gate.

I know I’m not gonna be visiting here anytime soon.
I saw a cab approaching…

???

Even if i was afraid to knock on Liam’s gate, should i be afraid to knock on this one too?
Anel Dad isn’t as wicked as Liam.
I knocked gently on the gate and waited for the gatekeeper to open it.

The gate opened and i came to face the gatekeeper.
“Good afternoon” I greeted.
He answered with a nod of head.
“Come in” He said and i did.
He locked the gate and turned back to me.

“I recognize your face,you can go in” he said.
“Thanks” I smiled and quickly walked to the door before he would change his mind and decide to ask me questions.

I rang the doorbell twice and waited nervously.
I transferred the nylon of the chocolate from my right hand to the left.

The door opened and my heart thumped faster.
Anel’s dad fiance, Claire stood there with a smile.
“Good afternoon ma’am” I bowed a little.
“Good afternoon dear, how’re you doing?”
“I’m fine ma’am”
“You’re here to see Anel right?” She asked and i nodded.
“Come in” She said and paved way for me.
“Thanks” I said before stepping in.

I breathed in fresh scent of flowers.
Its so cool in here .

I waited for her to close the door before following her down to the living room.
My walk came to a halt when i saw Anel seated on the couch,her face buried in a novel.
Her black hair was packed neatly into a ponytail and there are fresh flowers stuck in her hair.
She was twisting some between her fingers as she read the novel and there’s another bouquet of flowers beside her.

Should i also have bought flowers instead of chocolates?
Is that what she likes now?

“Anel, someone is here to see you” Claire said.
She raised up her head and her gaze locked with mine for a short while.
She turned back to her novel without acknowledging my presence and i must admit that i felt a bit hurt.

“She has refused to talk to anyone since she returned from the hospital,i hope she’ll talk to you” Claire whispered to me before walking away.
I walked to her slowly… hoping she’s gonna accept the hug I’m about to offer.
I don’t care if she hasn’t talked to anyone,i miss her.

I got to where she was seating, dropped the nylon, crouched in front of her and pulled her into a hug.
She didn’t push me away neither did she reciprocate the hug.

“I’ve missed you so much Anel” I said.
I hugged her tightly for a while before releasing her.
I expected her to say something but she didn’t,she didn’t utter a word and didn’t even act like i was there.
She wasn’t even looking at me.

“Anel” I called but she didn’t respond.
Her face was still buried in the novel.
I took the novel from her laps and read the title aloud.

“Safe by his side by Debra Webb”
I’m glad i finally made her look at me but the look she was giving me wasn’t a nice one,it spoke of hatred.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, almost in a whisper.
“I..i came here to see you” I said.
“You can leave,i don’t want to ever see you again” She said and my heart filled with sadness immediately.

“Anel, please I’m so sorry”
“How can i continue my friendship with the son of my mother’s murderer. Dan, please kindly leave” She said slowly.
“Anel,i can’t believe you’ll allow that get to you. My father didn’t kill your mother, please don’t let that affect us” I pleaded.
“It already has,for the first time in my life; i had mental disorder!” She said and i noticed her eyes had turned red.
Even the voice no longer seem like hers.

“While you were enjoying, i was constituting nuisance, while you were playing,i was dragging my own hair, while you were happy,i was sad. My mother was killed,i had mental disorder” She laughed sadly.

I couldn’t control the tears that ran down my cheeks.

“I don’t want to ever see you again, you’re not part of my life anymore” She said.
“Anel, ple…”
“Get out!!!” She screamed and tears dropped from her eyes.

I stood up slowly and left their house in tears.

Maybe that’s the end of our friendship…
And also the end of my love for her.

JUST FOR LOVE 2 Episode 32
#OpraDre