Blemished Love Episode 22 – Loudest Thoughts
Austin needed to tell Grissel about his encounter with Clive before she finds out. He went by her office and she decided to take him out for lunch across the road.
‘Grissel, I did something which I need to tell you.’
‘Oh really?’ Did you ki*ll someone?’ She joked.
‘Yes, nearly.’ Austin replied her.
She stepped on the brake and pulled over.
‘Is the person okay?’
‘Yeah, he will live for now.’
‘Great then. I wished it was Clive.’ She smiled weirdly and focused on her steer.
Austin kept glancing at her.
‘It was Clive.’ He finally mentioned.
‘Wonderful. I’m tired of that guy in your lives.’
‘You resent him that much and you forgot to tell me he tried to touch you?’
‘Huh!’ She exclaimed.
‘I knew the moment you told me last night to warn him. I confronted him by running him over.’
‘Good news, I hope he cracked a few bones.’
He smiled. ‘Trust me.’
‘I didn tell anyone because i know he won’t try it anymore and besides the man I married is only patience with me and not with his friends.
‘Are you sure, it was the right thing to do?’
‘No but Tom is in a fix right now, I don’t want to complicate things.’
‘Emmm, I also heard about your other life.’
‘Your sister must have overheard when she came over to the office the other day.’
‘Exactly, but you should have told me and I would still be there for you.’
‘Why would you want to do that for me?’
He managed a sigh and glimmered at her.
‘I knew you were in love with me Austin.’
‘Really?’ He sounded uncomfortable.
‘Yeah, in fact even Tom figured it out.’
‘OMG. Why hasn’t he killed me yet?’
‘You are a good man Austin. He’s aware you out grew that kind of love when he asked your permission to date me.’
‘Great, tell him I’m still on standby so he shouldn’t mess up.’ He smiled and Grissel laughed.
‘’You are calling for another fight between you two right?”
‘Not really but how is he holding up with the whole other marriage stuff.’
‘Better than I imagined. Kindly thank him for me when next you see him.’
‘I will but can we go for lunch now.’
‘Of course.’ She shoved her hand into his hair and focused on the steer after a minute.
*****
‘Paige?’
‘Uhmmm.’ She responded with her mouth full of sausage.
Melisa had asked her out that afternoon so she could find out about Shirley. For some reason she was not so comfortable when Grissel mentioned Shirley last night.
‘Do you know Grissel?’ Melisa suddenly asked.
‘Grissel? She repeated. ‘Yes I do.’ Paige picked up the ketchup in front of Melisa.
‘You do? How?’ She asked quickly.
‘Is she not your sister in law. You mention her all the time.’ Paige clarified and Melisa sighed heavily.
‘Oh yeah, I thought you knew her from somewhere else.’
‘No, I haven’t even met her before. Why did you ask?’
She scratched her face slowly. ‘Nothing I just felt like asking.’
‘Alright, but I miss you the whole week Lisa.’
‘Have you ever met Shirley’s mom?’ Melisa suddenly asked instead of answering Paige’s question.
She paused and wondered for a while. ‘Ermm, not really. My brother just dropped her with me when she was young with the story her mother left.’
‘So he doesn’t take care of her?’
‘He comes home once a while to see them.’
‘Michael is also his son?’
‘Yes, but different mothers.’
‘So you don’t know where she met Shirley’s mom?’
‘No, it’s definitely not in this our state. But why are you suddenly interested in Shirley.’
‘Nothing, I just felt meeting you was a twist of fate.’
‘I feel it all the time and those two are my world.’
‘God bless you for being a mother to these kids.’
‘You know God?’ Paige teased.
‘Of course, I do. I pray every time.’ She replied.
‘And you still sleep around?’
‘That’s unfair, besides I’ve been trying my best since I met Dane.
‘Yeah I noticed but i also need prayers to get hooked up soon.’ Paige laughed so loud.
They were still talking when Henry appeared before them from nowhere.
‘Henry, what are you doing here?’ Melisa frowned.
‘This is Henry?’ Paige asked.
‘Yeah, the one and only.’ Melisa responded staring at him.
‘The friends with benefit guy, I never got to meet.’ She still asked to confirm.
She nodded.
‘Wow, that was all I was to you Lisa?’
‘Come on Henry, you know we never had anything special. I was clear on that and aside that we were great friends.’
‘Were? What happened to us?’
‘Nothing, I just don’t want to be in the middle of you pursuing my brother’s wife anymore.’
‘But you know I could just walk up to Tom and tell him about what you planned with Amy right?’
‘Go ahead Henry. I’m so tired of that secret anyway besides I’m not so sure that would get you Grissel so good luck.’ She rolled her eyes at him.
Henry has become a pain in her a$$ lately. Dane however wasn’t making it easy for her at all. She just want to cut ties with him which is so difficult to do.
‘I’m sorry, if my blackmail angered you but what would you have me do.’
Paige who was watching the drama folded her hands now after munching on her sausage.
‘Henry, leave Grissel alone. That’s all I want now. I brought her into your life and it’s my responsibility to make things right so stop stalking her.’
‘So if I stop we can go back to hanging out?’ He asked.
‘No, I’ve moved on, if you want us to have a few drinks I could manage that but not ending up in your bed.’
‘Alright, I get that Lisa. But I actually followed you here to help you with your brother and Grissel’s situation.’
‘What situation?’ She asked surprised.
‘Don’t tell me you’ve not heard they are not legally married and have been subpoenaed.
‘What?’ She shouted drawing everyone’s attention at the restaurant.
‘Are you alright?’ Paige asked.
‘I’m not sure but we have to go now.’ She dropped what she owed in the menu book and dragged Paige along leaving Henry to himself.
***
‘Where’s your boos?’ Grissel yelled at the reception that afternoon.
Anna recognizing her as Tom’s wife was pointing to Tom’s office.
Grissel ignored her and walked to Stella’s door fuming while Anna run after her.
‘Why didn’t you tell me the truth?’ She yelled when she entered.
Stella reading the expression on her face knew exactly why she came to her office.
‘I tried to stop he….’
‘Leave us alone Anna.’ Stella gestured with her hands and stood up from her seat.
She knew how furious Grissel would be when she found out what she did.
Grissel stood in the middle of the room with her two hands on her waist.
‘Are you happy now?’ She picked up the brown envelope from the bag she dropped on the floor earlier and threw it at her.
‘I’m sorry, I just wanted to be of help.’
‘Help? You ruined my life Ella.’ She was still yelling when the door opened.
‘What is going on here?’ Tom stood at the door with Anna.
It was obvious Anna went to call him.
Stella sighed and Grissel rushed into his arms.
‘Ella ruined our lives.’ She sobbed.
‘Okay, calm down.’ The fact that she wasn’t talking to him the previous night and that morning prompted Tom to tread carefully.
He disengaged from the embrace and looked into her eyes.
‘Do you know where you are?’
She nodded. ‘Your work place.’
‘Great, then we can’t cry here.’
‘Okay but she sig……’
‘Can you drive?’ Her husband quickly interrupted.
‘I drove here by myself.’
‘I’m not asking you who drove you here.’
‘Yes, I can drive.’
He wiped her face with the edge of his shirt as it was almost his closing time so he doesn’t care if he had to soil his shirt.
‘Can I have your phone?’ He demanded.
She pointed to her bag on the floor. He walked to where she dropped her bag, picked it up and took out her phone.
‘You can have my phone but you have to go home now. I’ll be late tonight.’ He pulled her closer and kissed her while glancing at Stella who quickly took off her gaze.
Tom handed her the bag after the kiss and walked her out as Anna quickly gave them way.
When they walked out the other staffs were murmuring how Tom has been cheating on his wife with Stella and Grissel came to the office to make a scene.
He escorted Grissel to her car and watched her leave.
Tom came back to his office as though nothing happened earlier.
Stella on her way home decided to explain himself as Tom didn’t drop by after Grissel left.
‘Hi.’ She greeted shyly.
‘You are done for the day?’ He asked.
‘Tom, I’m really sorry.’
‘I should be apologizing to you Stella. Grissel had no right to confront you at your work place.’
‘I’m sure she had no other choice.’
‘Yes she does Stella. What happened to calling me or waiting at home?’
‘But still I was at fault. I had no idea this would happen.’
‘That’s fine, I had a call in the morning about the subpoena before she even got here.’
‘You did?’ Stella was surprised he never mentioned it. She had the chance to read the file Grissel brought earlier.
‘Yes, I was hoping to talk to her once I get home.’
‘But we had lunch and you never mentioned it neither did you tell me you knew everything.’
‘I got to know that morning we were to leave New Jersey. He was the reason I was acting weird?’
‘He was there? You should have said something.’ Stella walked over.
‘Friendship and marriage is two different things. If I have a problem as big as that, my wife would always be my first point of contact.’ He frowned. ‘That is why I’m so mad right now that she came over to my work place to make a scene when we could have talked at home.’
‘Take it easy with her. She’s frustrated and lost reliving her past all over again.’ Stella advised.
‘I know that and I told her I wasn’t going to leave but she’s making it difficult for me to breathe.’
‘That sounds like my Grissel? She can give you a tough time but the sweetest and gentle person I’ve ever known.’ Stella blushed.
‘I love that woman Stella but I feel like she’s drifting away and I’m the only one holding on.’
Stella just stared at him. ‘You are one weird but awesome man Tom.’
‘Call me crazy but instead of being hurt, I rather want to protect her and her tears cut me deep.’
‘Grissel has that kind of effect on people.’ Stella clarified.
‘I know right, but she’s still holding back.’ Tom complained and Stella can see the hurt in his eyes.
‘Just give her as much patience as you can. You chose her for a reason and your kind of love is rare.’
He smiled at her words. ‘Your cousin on the other hand is very useless to me right now.’
‘I agree, but I promise to fix this Tom.’
‘Don’t bother. What could you possibly do now which you couldn’t do eight years ago to help your friend.’
‘I was simply a coward eight years ago and I regret leaving Grissel to take the fall for both our mistakes.’
‘She doesn’t hold any grudge against you but I would appreciate if you stay out of it. I’ll handle it.’
‘Okay, feel free to ask for help if you need it.’
‘I will Stella and by the way, do you mind if I don’t come to work tomorrow Saturday. I’m picking my mother in law at the airport this evening.’
‘Aunty Gina, is coming over?’
‘Yes, I wanted to surprise Grissel but as it stands now I’m not so sure what I’m going back to.’
‘You’ll be fine. Have the weekend off.’ She handed him the file Grissel dropped earlier.
‘Hey, thank you. You’ve really helped.’ He called after her when she was almost out of the door.
She nodded. ‘And that Kiss earlier made me jealous.’ She whispered and went out of the door before Tom could reply.
He smiled and shook his head.
***
Grissel was sleeping on the couch covered in a blanket when Tom entered with Gina.
‘I’m sorry Tom, I sh…..’
She spotted her mom when she raised herself off the couch.
‘Mom.’ She rushed hugging her and her tears begun to flow.
Gina led her to the couch and patted her back like a baby.
Tom brought them Juice as it seemed they were not going to end their talk anytime soon.
He had to eat his portion of dinner and when he was done, mom and daughter were still talking.
Tom heard Grissel apologizing several times and a few cautions from Gina which he felt was too harsh but at the end of it all they were smiling.
Since it was late, they had to continue the next morning.
Gina had dinner with Grissel and was going to bed when Grissel followed. She forgot Tom was around.
‘You have to go to your room Grissel. Your husband is pacing up and down in front of my room.’
‘Mom, as it stands now we are not legally married. I would have to start distancing myself from him.’
‘I know but you two need to talk and he’s been out there for some minutes now.’
‘It’s just standard procedure, he should be able to live without me for a few days while I think of what to do though I’m not so sure my marriage can be saved.’
‘Believe in yourself Grissel. You lawyers always have a way out but right now take it as tonight is the last time you would have to be with Tom.’
‘Okay, since you are sacking me, I would go.’ She gave her mom a hug and got out of the room meeting Tom sitting on the floor.
‘Let’s go to bed. Tomorrow is another day and we can figure this out.’ Grissel said reaching out to him on the floor.
‘How do you feel?’ He asked when they got to their bedroom.
‘I don’t know. Lisa and aunty are coming over tomorrow morning.’
‘You called them?’
‘I had to when you chased me out of your office.’ She announced weakly.
‘You know coming to my office wouldn’t have changed our marital status right?’
‘Yeah and don’t worry I called Ella to apologize.’ She replied.
‘That’s a great step and did she mention why she signed the annulment papers instead of her brother.’
‘Forget Ella. She was still in Mexico when Adam reached out and since i needed it urgently she couldn’t wait. She had to choose between whether I should leave you on the altar or she could take the risk.’
‘It’s a great risk and a favor she did for you.’
‘You think I don’t know that. I would have accepted canceling our marriage than what we are facing now.’
‘Come here, I need you tonight which may probably be our last night.’ He whispered into her ears while leading her to the bed.
‘Thank you for bringing my mom over.’
‘Shhhh.’ He kissed her softly and after a few minutes deeply.
‘Ahuh.’ She murmured.
‘I apologize for ruining my birthday party and thank you for the shirt.’ He laid her gently on the bed and kept looking into her eyes.
‘Can you stop talking?’ She whispered and raised her head up to meet his face.
Tom reached out for his phone by the side drawer on turned on a slow music ignoring her attempt to kiss him.
‘We have company and if indeed today is going to be our last night together I would want it to be memorable.’ He caressed her face.
‘You know my mom can still hear us right?’ She had her hands in his hair.
‘Do you plan on bringing the roof down?’ He teased while undressing her.
***
‘What did you do to your wife last night?’ Julia asked.
They came a while ago and noticed Grissel was still asleep. Tom didn’t want to wake her up as she spent the whole night crying in his arms hence slept late.
Paige tagged along as she was to drop Melisa over at the airport for her flight later that morning to Dallas.
It was obvious that wasn’t the only reason why she brought Paige to the house.
‘Nothing, I guess she’s just too tired to have noticed we have a full house.’
‘I don’t believe you Tom.’ Julia smiled sheepishly.
‘She was up all right working.’
‘Working with her voice I guess. Gosh you two were too loud.’ Gina chipped in smiling.
‘So I was right. Let me even go and check on her for proof of life.’ Julia teased and stood up when Tom’s phone rang and he picked up.
‘Hello, Stella.’
They exchanged pleasantries and she made him aware she was outside.
‘Huh, you are outside my gate waiting for me?’ Tom realized everyone was watching him so he toned down.
‘Relax, I didn’t come to make a scene.’
‘I know you wouldn’t do that but you know your friend is still fragile.’
‘What if I have a solution to your problems?’
‘Is that Ella?’ Gina interrupted their conversation on the call.
Tom nodded to her. ‘You can come in, I’ll wait for you at the door.’
He hanged up and Julia was watching him sternly.
‘Aunty, it’s not what you think. She’s Grissel’s friend and her ex-husband’s cousin.’
‘I remember Ella. I spoke to her a few times before Grissel left Ghana and when she got here we were in contact. She’s a good person but they both never told me what their deep relationship was all about.’ Gina was still talking when the door opened and Stella stepped in.
Stella exchanged pleasantries after hugging Tom. She took off her dark shades and walked to Gina.
‘It’s been long Ella.’ She reached out for a hug when there came a sound as if someone dropped a glass.
They all turned to the direction the sound came from.
Blemished Love Episode 23 – Loudest Thoughts
Melisa was standing over the broken glasses while Paige held her wobbling hands slowly out of the mess she created. They both didn’t want to wait for Stella to come in before they grabbed her a juice so Melisa dragged her friend along to the kitchen to grab a glass of juice for Stella who hadn’t come in yet.
‘Is everything okay?’ Julia asked her niece who was still standing staring at Stella.
‘I’m fine, just a sudden headache.’
‘Let me get you something for that.’ Tom offered.
Ever since Grissel’s story broke out, Melisa has been extremely helpful and Tom hasn’t shut her up in a while.
‘She will be fine,’ Paige answered him when she noticed Melisa was lying about the headache. She quickly went in for a dustpan to help her friend clear the broken glass.
‘Emmm, you are Stel..la Re..ed right?’ Melisa asked with a stammer while Paige dragged her to a seat in the far corner as she was still standing at her initial place.
‘Yes, how do you know that?’ Stella asked curiously. Wait you look familiar.’
‘Oh yes, you both have Henry as a mutual friend.’ Tom smiled teasingly.
‘I think so.’ Stella said with a weird face as if she was still trying to remember where she knew Melisa from.
‘So Miss lucky, you never told me you write Reed.’ Tom shifted his attention to Stella.
‘Oh that must be my dad’s fault, he wanted me to drop my mom’s maiden name if I was going to take over the company.’
“So you changed to Medt.’
‘Yeah, a name I totally dislike.’
“We have something in common then. I never liked my dad’s name but some people won’t let me stick to my mom’s.” Tom said glancing at her aunty childishly.
Stella kept looking around for some few minutes, as the others were still watching Melisa.
‘Are you looking for Grissel?’ Gina asked her.
‘I actually came to see her about something.’ She replied.
‘She’s still asleep.’ Tom responded from where he sat.
‘I thought as much.’ Stella knew Grissel loves an undisturbed sleep.
‘But if it’s urgent I could drag her out of bed. I know what it took you to be here.’
‘Okay, I spoke t….’
‘Tom you haven’t introduced the young lady to us.’ Julia interrupted curiously as she was sure her presence was making Melisa uncomfortable.
‘Forgive me aunty. Stella is my boss and the cousin to Grissel’s Ex-husband Dane.’
‘Dane?’ She stressed and glanced at Melisa who was already deep in thoughts.
‘Yes, do you know him?’ Tom asked as he noticed Julia was sad.
‘Dane Reed?’ She asked again to be sure and avoided Melisa’s gaze this time.
‘Yes, tall and well built.’ Tom muttered thinking Julia needed more descriptions.
‘OMG! Melisa.’ Julia exclaimed when she realized he was the same man Melisa is helplessly in love with. She could have shrugged it off since that name is a common one around there but Melisa’s earlier action flashed her mind, the more reason she asked for an introduction to be sure.
‘What is it aunty?’ Tom rushed to her side. Julia clutched her chest as if she couldn’t breathe.
‘Dane. Dani.’ She mentioned and glanced at Melisa who was wiping her tears.
‘Yes, that’s him and Dani is Grissel’s daughter.’ He mumbled. ‘Wait a minute, how do you know Dani?’
Suddenly Melisa’s sobs became deafening to the ears.
‘Lisa, why are you sobbing?’ Tom focused his attention on her sister now.
Paige held her tightly.
Gina and Stella was so lost to the extent the expression on their faces could be read from afar.
‘Can someone explain to me what is going on here?’ Tom yelled.
Melisa picked up her bag beside her and dragged Paige along to the door.
‘And where do you think you are off to?’ Tom asked on top of his voice.
‘You don’t get it do you?’ Her sister wiped her face with the edge of the shirt Dane got for her. She frowned when it seemed she noticed.
‘No I don’t and you should start talking if you want me to get it.’
‘What’s the point in telling you anyway?’
Tom left Julia who had her head against the couch and walked towards her sister at the door.
‘Paige what’s going on with your friend?’
‘Do you really care about your sister at all?’ Paige angrily asked.
‘And what is that supposed to mean?’
‘I mean if you do, that name would have meant something to you.’
‘Is this about why I’ve been hard on you?’
Melisa looked up at him and sobbed.
‘I know about Amy’s set up and I’m working on forgiving you so you can stop crying.’
‘Tom.’ He heard his name from the other side of the room and turned around.
‘Not now Stella.’ He recognized the voice and turned around while Stella stared at him.
‘I think your sister is trying to tell you Dane is the same man she’s in love with.’ She said with certainty as she remember her mom talking about Dane’s new girlfriend.
‘What?’ Both Gina and Tom chorused.
‘You’ve been sleeping with that nauseating man.’
Melisa glared at him and opened her mouth but nothing came out.
She turned the door knob and run out while Paige followed.
‘Lisa wait.’ He called after her but she was already out of the door.
‘I hope she doesn’t do anything crazy.’ Gina prayed.
‘How is this even possible? I mean she found about Grissel’s other marriage before anyone else did.’
Julia lamented. She has been happy for Lisa recently and her mind was at peace and now this.
‘I guess we were all occupied that none of you bothered to ask of his name.’ Tom clarified.
The room was so quiet for a whole five minutes as everyone’s emotion was high.
‘I think I should go now.’ Stella quickly stood up straightening her short shirt.
‘Go where?’ Grissel asked descending the stairs.
Everyone fixated their eyes on her as they were not too sure how long she has been standing there.
‘Why are you all suddenly quiet?’ She asked sounding different.
‘Nothing, Good morning.’ Tom quickly masked his fear. Knowing Grissel she would hate herself once she hears the news.
‘Good morning, I’m guessing the look on your faces tells me this secret meeting was about Lisa and Dane.’ She gestured to no one in particular.
‘Huh. Tom walked up to meet her.
‘Grissel you knew and didn’t say anything?’ Julia asked a bit relieved now. Though she was worried about Melisa going through another heart break she can’t help but sympathize with Grissel as well.
‘I spoke to her a while ago. She woke me up and don’t worry she’s fine.’
‘You spoke to Lisa? But she just left here.’ Tom asked with a surprise and worried tone.
‘Yeah, she’s on her way to meet Dane.’
‘I can’t believe this. To think all this is wrong she’s on her way to see him. Who does that?’
‘Allow Lisa to find some peace. If Dane makes her happy why not.’ Grissel said quietly.
‘Really and that doesn’t bother you.’
‘Why should it bother me besides we are separating today so I don’t have any connection with you anymore?’ Grissel walked over to her mom giving her a hug and then to Julia who she flashed a smile to.
‘We talked about this Grissel and Stella is even here to help.’ Tom was practically begging with his voice.
‘I forgot you are here Stella.’
‘Hi, I wanted to tell the cou….’
“That you faked your brother’s signature.”
Stella nodded while the others murmured.
‘I can’t have you do that, I can win this even without your testimony.’
‘Grissel, just accept her offer.’ Tom mentioned.
‘So I can stay in this house with you for another twenty-four hours.’
‘What is that even supposed to mean?’
‘It means we are not married and I have to leave today if I ever want to win this case.’
‘Where will you go?’ He asked with frustration written on his face.
‘Can’t you see my mom sitting right there. Everyone thought, I didn’t have a family so they were mean to me.’
‘I never did that Grissel.’ Tom raised his left arm up trying to control his anger.
‘Tom it’s just standard procedure.’ Stella chipped in.
‘And I’m not a fun of standard procedure. Don’t you get it?’ He snarled at Stella.
At this point everyone in the room decided to leave as they were tired of watching the drama.
Stella and Julia said their goodbyes to Gina and walked out while Gina rushed upstairs.
‘Grissel you’ve changed overnight.’
“I’m glad you noticed.” She strolled away from him towards the kitchen and Tom followed with his hands in his short pocket.
‘Come back here.’ He called out to her on his way to the kitchen.
Grissel turned around. ‘Tom, why can’t you leave me alone?’
Why would I want to do that?’ He asked still walking closer.
‘Because, you are suffocating me and I want to breathe.’ Grissel mumbled without regrets
‘How could you say that when we still love each other.’
‘Gosh, this time around it’s not love but obsession.’ She replied and took her eyes off him.
Tom watched her closely. ‘You need space?’ He waited for an answer and when he got none he added, ‘It’s unfair but take all the time.’
Grissel ignored him and wasn’t watching where she was going. She hit her head on the kitchen pillar and cursed herself.
‘Serves you right.’ Tom said quietly and walked away from her. Grissel glanced at him going and rolled her eyes. She didn’t know where all that anger came from earlier.
*****
Lisa was supposed to go to Dallas that morning but Julia decided they should see Tom first.
So when Stella mentioned Dane that morning and she left the house in a hurry, she was encouraged by Paige to call Grissel as she believed it wasn’t a coincidence that among all the men she could fall in love with is the one man who had hurt someone close to her.
Paige dropped her off at the airport and she changed her ticket to the next available flight. She wasn’t so sure what she plans on doing when she gets there but Grissel seems not to have a problem with her relationship with her ex-husband.
Dane was to pick her up that morning but Dani was complaining of nausea so he asked one of his drivers to pick her up. He had no idea she found out.
Lisa stood at the door, wiped her face from the tears she shed since she found out about Dani’s mom. She figured Dane must have changed her name from Shirley.
She entered and saw him leading Dani to her room.
‘Hey, how was your flight.’ Dane mumbled with a worried face. ‘Julia called asking if you had arrived because your brother was worried about you.’
Melisa rolled her eyes at him, ignoring his questions. Dani run into her arms and she carried her up when suddenly her tears couldn’t stop flowing.
Dani asked to be put down when she heard her sob.
‘Why are you crying Lisa?’
She asked drawing her dad’s attention to Melisa.
He walked closer to her and tried to hold her hands.
Melisa pushed his hands away.
‘Don’t you dare touch me ever again?’
Dane wasn’t so sure he understood her.
He called out to one of the nanny’s to pick up Dani.
‘Dani, wait for me inside.’
‘Daddy, you hurt her again? But you promised.’
‘I did but trust me, this wasn’t my fault.’ He pointed at Melisa.
‘Then who is making her cry.’
The little girl asked pointing to Lisa still in tears when her nanny came to carry her away.
Dane sighed after watching them disappear into the room.
‘Lisa, what is all this. You can’t do that in the presence of my daughter and make me look like a bad father.’
Melisa gave him an ugly stare. ‘You think hiding the fact that her mom is alive makes you a good dad?’
Before he could finish, Dane had walked away from where they were standing as it was so clear the whole family finally found out.
‘Look, I was just waiting for your arrival today so we talk about it but I’m glad you already found out.’ Dane said and kept walking farther away from her while Melisa kept yelling.
‘Don’t walk out on me? Grissel is alive, why did you lie to Dani her mom died.’
Melisa paused, drawing Dane’s attention to the earlier sound were cut off from their conversation when they heard something drop and turned around. Dani was standing at the door staring at them.
‘I thought I told you to stay inside.’ He yelled.
‘Would you stop yelling at everyone?’ Melisa chipped in.
Dane turned to look at her and breathed in heavily.
Dani knelt on the floor picked up her book and dragged her feet on the floor to grab her dads attention.
She turned around while going back to her room.
‘Daddy, I don’t like you anymore.’ She pouted and turned back to her door.
‘Princess, come back here.’
‘Mommy is not in heaven but you lied to me.’
‘I didn’t lie, that woman is not good for you as a mother.’
‘It’s not your decision to make.’ Dani muttered maturely.
Both Melisa and Dane was taken back at how she could say that all of a sudden.
‘How can you say that? I’m your dad and guardian.’
‘Not anymore daddy, I’m eighteen years now.’ She said walking closer.
‘You are eight years my dear.’ Dane found himself relaxing now.
‘If I add one to eight then I’m eighteen.’ She said and quickly run back to her room.
Dane stood in the middle of the side room and paced around.
‘You did this Lisa. I can’t forgive that.’
‘Neither can I forgive the fact that you were actually using me to get back at Grissel.’
He was mute for a while when his phone rang. Dane pulled it out and quickly hanged up.’
Melisa stood there watching him pace around.
‘You didn’t bring your luggage?’ He finally calmed himself with his eyes lit.
‘So you can keep using me?’ Melisa snarled.
‘Lisa, don’t say that. I love you and it has nothing to do with that woman.’
‘That woman? Was that all she was to you?’
‘She killed my son and nearly ruined my daughter’s life. How else do you expect me to call her?’
‘Grissel is a good woman, and from what I heard she didn’t leave her children in the car on purpose.’
‘And you believe her?’
‘Yes, no one in their right mind would ever do that.’
‘Then she’s crazy to have done that.’
‘Crazy people don’t go to law school and become one of the first in their class.’
He scoffed. ‘She’s a lawyer?’
‘Of course, a damn good one.’
‘She must have swindled someone to get there.’
‘That’s where you are wrong. She had family and don’t forget she was looking after herself before you met her.’
‘You mean when I took her out of her misery.’
‘Watch your mouth, I won’t stand here for you to badmouth Grissel.’
‘But you know what I’m saying is true. That woman used me and destroyed my life. She will get what is coming to her.’
‘That woman is married to my only brother. If you destroy her marriage, then you destroy me.’
‘Are you blackmailing me now? I thought you love me.’
‘I’m not but I can’t be stupid either just because I’m in love with someone who wants his ex-wife back.’
‘We were never divorced.’
‘What would you get from putting her back in jail and separating her from her husband?’
‘I won’t get anything but I can’t allow her be happy with someone else.’
‘You are smart but not wise Dane.’ She walked away from her to the couch.
‘Can we stop talking about other people’s business and talk about us?’
‘There’s no us anymore. You forgot if Grissel separates from Tom, you are not allowed to have any relationship either.’
He sat beside her and laughed hilariously.
‘What is funny?’
‘I have my ways Lisa. How then do you think I got her subpoenaed?’
‘I know you have connections and you can do whatever you want to with your money but just let Grissel be happy where she is now.’
‘Why should I do that? I’m doing this so Dani wouldn’t suffer.’
‘Trust me, she had already paid for her mistakes. And if you ever loved her, you would want to see the mother of your daughter happy than sad.’
‘I never loved her like I love you now.’
‘No you don’t love me, you were just using me.’
‘I wasn’t Lisa. I do love you but finding out from you, that criminal is related to you broke me.’
Melisa paused and glanced at him. ‘I gave her up when I mentioned her that day over the phone right?’
He reached out for her hands which she withdrew. ‘Yes, avoiding you and stalking you for weeks wasn’t because you were not ready for marriage but because you mentioned her and I was furious she’s still in the states when I thought she was deported after York.’
‘You mean your plans to get her deported didn’t work so you were not expecting to find her happy with my brother.’
‘Your brother, I sympathize with a lot. How does he cope with someone like that?’
‘It’s called love without blemish.’
‘That’s weird, but if you came here so I change my mind forget it.’
‘If you won’t change your mind for yourself do it for Shirley.’
‘Oh, she told you I changed her name to Daniella.’
‘Don’t let hatred control your life.’
‘If she wants to be free, then she should get me my son back.’
‘That’s not even possible Dane. Let this woman go or else you can’t be with me.’
‘You will leave me?’ He licked his lips sadly with love in his eyes.
‘I may because I can’t be with someone who wants to destroy my family.’ Melisa admired his lips and felt a surge going through her body. Her thoughts were filled with love.
Dane kept staring at her and pushed his lips on hers in a hurry.
‘What a.. re you do.. ing?’ She was talking in between their clenched lips and tried pushing him off when in earlier all she wanted was to be in his arms.
Dane held on tightly and kept on kissing her vigorously.
She wanted to give in at point but still stood her ground. She finally found the strength to let go but couldn’t as her emotions were wild at that moment.
‘Yuck.’
They heard that sound faintly from afar and stopped.
‘Who is there?’ Dane asked and there was no response. He looked around and there was no sign of Dani or the house helps.
He looked at the wall clock and was convinced Dani must be asleep and probably the sound was from outside.
Dane looked back at Lisa who was gasping for air.
He drew her closer and wrapped his hands around her neck.
‘Look at me and tell me you don’t want this and you have fallen out of love with me.’
Melisa whose face was down blushed.
‘I do want you and I still love you but you are hurti….’
‘Ssshhhhh.’ He raised her face up. ‘That is all I want to hear.’
She nodded and sobbed like a small girl who just lost a contest.
Dane kissed her on the forehead and gave her a tight hug.
For some few seconds in each other’s arms, their cloths were flying around.
Dane was about to take off her underwear when she spoke up.
‘Someone might come in here.’
‘No one is allowed in here unless I ask them to.’
‘But I’m sti…ll not..com..for.table.’
‘Okay, let’s go upstairs.’ He dragged her along leaving their cloths on the floor.
‘Yuck.’ Dani came out a few minutes after from behind the couch where she was hiding.
She walked to the couch, sat down and folded their wears which were scattered in the hall.
***
‘Are you okay?’ Dane asked pulling the sheets to cover her.
She nodded turning her back towards him.
‘Then why are you not looking at me.’ He asked dragging himself closer.
She sighed.
‘What we did a while ago was wrong Dane. It can’t happen again.’
‘It can’t happen again because I screwed up or because you feel guilty not to have achieved your aim of coming to Dallas.’
‘We are family now, don’t forget that.’
‘Family? OMG, you are an African.’
‘What has that got to do with anything?’
‘I read they are African values.’
‘Whatever.’ She shifted when his body touched hers.
‘Okay, I’m sorry.’
‘For sleeping with me when you said some months back you were not ready or for mentioning Grissel several times.’
‘What? He quickly sat up.
‘Yes, you are still hang up on her even if you don’t want to admit it. You think you want to make her life difficult by asking her to choose between jail time and separation from Tom but you fail to admit you still want her.’
He was so quiet for a few minutes and tapped her to look at him.
‘Daddy.’ Came Dani’s voice from the door.
He picked up his phone from the bedside and checked the time. It was pass twelve midnight.
‘Dani, is that you.’
‘Aren’t you two done yet? I’ve been waiting for hours.’ She quietly asked.
Melisa sprung up quickly and turned on the bedside lamp. Their gazes met while Danes confused eyes kept searching her eyes.
‘Are you okay?’ He shouted back.
‘Dad, I need you in my room right now.’
‘You need me?’
‘Yes, Nanny Zoe isn’t awake. I’ve been on the couch for long.’
Dane quickly got himself from under the sheets and walked unclad to his wardrobe.
‘Okay, I’m sorry, give me a minute and let me dress up.’
‘I need Lisa too.’
Melisa shook her head indicating she doesn’t want to go.
‘She’s not in here and besides she must be asleep by now. I will be right over.’
‘Lisa, I know you are in there and not asleep.’
‘You are right. I will be with you soon.’ She gave up and replied her loudly.
‘Great, you’ll need your dress. You left them in the hall.’
Melisa tried to laugh while Danes face became pale. He dragged on his boxers and angrily walked out.
‘Give me that.’ He took the wears from her and threw it over to Melisa who caught it immediately.
‘Dad, I heard everything and I want to go and live with my mom.’
‘Go back to bed, you are not going anywhere.’ He thundered.
‘You are yelling Daddy.’
‘Yes because you are being naughty Dani.’
‘It’s Shirley, not Dani.’
‘What? Where did you get that from?’
‘I heard everything, you changed my name.’
Dane at that minute was fuming while Melisa came over.
‘Your name is Shirley, I get that but kindly go back to bed. We will come over soon.’
‘Are you sure Lisa?’
‘Yes, let me talk to your dad.’
‘Okay. Daddy?’ she muttered.
‘Go already before I smack you.’
Melisa pulled him back in and waved Dani who took a step back when her Dad mentioned smacking.
***
‘She’s right Dane. And if you keep scaring her in that manner, trust me you will lose her when Grissel takes the stand in court.’
‘What is that supposed to mean?’
‘I’m saying that, you claim you are doing this for your daughter. She wants to see her mom, who left her when she was just five months old. I think she wants closure, she’s known you to be both her mom and dad all these years but now that Grissel has shown up, I believe it’s not a coincidence that I’m in your life so let Dani see her mom.’
‘You don’t expect me to let her live with that woman after all these years.’
‘Not necessarily to live with her but just meet her over the weekend so even if you decide to go ahead with your case in court, you still have your daughter on your side.’
‘You think my daughter is capable of turning on me in court.’
‘Trust me, if Grissel puts her on the stand she just might if you don’t do as she says.’
‘You think she’s capable of putting her own daughter on the stand?’
‘She’s young, I get that but if you won’t let Grissel be happy where she is, Dani might end up as a bargaining chip.’
Dane walked over to his bed, put on his flip flops as he was bare footed earlier.
‘Let’s go and meet the new Queen of the house.’ He managed a smile while Melisa followed.
To be continued
