《A Touch From You》


 Chapter 1

    Lance Corporal Jason Smith woke up bright and early that morning, ready to begin a new day. He had sleptte the previous day due to his constant thoughts about his father who was a professor ofw in Harvardw school.


    Jason Smith¡¯s mother passed away four years ago when he was only sixteen and at the tenth grade and ever since then, he hasn¡¯t been able toe to terms with the fact that his precious mother was no more. They were very close when she was alive and even till now, he still saw shes of her beautiful face in his dreams.


    ¡°Jason, up up. Time for the morning parade¡±, a voice said.


    The voice belonged to a fellow Marine, his roomate and his best friend, David Rowe. Jason sighed, saying a quick prayer before he climbed out of the bed. He pulled out a clean white shite, shrugging it on before he made his way to the bathroom to brush his teeth.


    Jason Smith was huge with a broad shoulder and a Chestnut hair. He had a gap tooth and when he smiled, a dimple was prominent. He usually stuck up for his fellow marines but all he was after was protecting his integrity.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re good to go. I¡¯ll go round up everyone else while you prepare the parade ground¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Aye aye boss¡±, Davidughed.


    He was a bit shorter than Jason but his heavy build made up for it. Jason smiled as he made his way to the big bunker where most of the other Marines stayed. He took out his whistle, blowing it with all the energy he could muster and soon, the junior Marines began climbing out of their bunker.


    ¡°It¡¯s still early¡±, one groaned.


    ¡°I know Brian but we have to do this, orders from above¡±, Jason smiled.


    He really didn¡¯t me them because most of them were just starting out and wasn¡¯t quite used to the rigorous lives they lived.


    ¡°Are we going to get food when we¡¯re done?¡±, he asked.


    ¡°Yes Brian, we will as soon as we¡¯re done with the parade¡±, Jason chuckled.


    Soon, all the junior Marines were outside and ready to begin the parade which was headed by Jason. Despite the cold, they were able to have a sessful parade and soon, Jason dismissed them to go have breakfast.


    He made his way back to his bunker, in need of a cool bath before going over to the kitchen to grab some breakfast. Jason had a huge appetite and hoped that some of the food was still avable. He knew what the junior marines could do especially when they were left with a lot of food.


    Just then, his best friend, David walked in grinning like a chesire cat. His jet ck hair was tousled and Jason knew that he just had a y-fight with one of the junior marines.


    ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡±, Jason asked.


    ¡°Heard from a reliable source that we¡¯ll be going out of the barracks to town for a few days¡±, David said.


    ¡°Really?¡±, Jason asked.


    He couldn¡¯t believe what he had just heard. None of them had been to town for almost two weeks now as a result of the constant meeting they had with their toon sergeant.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Yep but Sgt O¡¯Neal is expected to tell us more about this when heester today or tomorrow morning but since you¡¯re his representative here, I thought you should know about it so it wouldn¡¯t take you as a surprise when he informs us¡±, David said.


    ¡°Good thinking, thank you Dave¡±, Jason grinned.


    He was greatful for this news because it made him look forward to something. He always liked to go out to town because it reminded him that there was apletely different world outside the barracks.


    ¡°You eaten?¡±, David asked.


    ¡°Nahh but I¡¯m heading there now. Boy, I¡¯m starved¡±, Jason chuckled.


    ¡°Same here. Let¡¯s go¡±, David said.


    Jason shrugged on another white shirt before the duo made their way towards the kitchen. When they got there, Jason was d to see that there was still surplus of food just waiting to be eaten. He grabbed whatever he and David made their way towards a far corner at the cafeteria.


    ¡°Have you heard?¡±, David said quietly.


    Jason looked up, munching slowly on his food as he tried to make out what David was talking about.


    From the look on his eyes, he knew that whatever David was about to say was serious and he wasn¡¯t one to carry rumours.


    ¡°There¡¯s some people working for the enemy amongst us. I don¡¯t know who they are but it¡¯s best we be careful of the people we talk to around here¡±, he said quietly.


    Jason stared around as if trying to see who was the enemy but no one paid them any attention as they were all focused on their meals.


    ¡°Let this just be between the two of us¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Of course. I understand, we really can¡¯t trust anyone at the moment¡±, David said.


    ¡°Has word about this gotten to the squad leader?¡±, Jason asked.


    ¡°That I¡¯m not sure of. He¡¯s not even around, he went to towntest night¡±, David said.


    ¡°It¡¯s possible that he actually went to town in respect of this and if so, it¡¯s more serious than I thought¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Yes. Something like this isn¡¯t one to y with¡±, David said.


    Jason cut into his chicken wings, throwing it into his mouth. He munched slowly as his mind filtered through all the marines he talked to, trying to figure out who was likely to betray them.


    ¡°If you¡¯re thinking about who could betray us, it¡¯s better you stop. You¡¯d be surprised when you find out that it¡¯s the least person you expected¡±, David said.


    ¡°Is it certain that Sgt O¡¯Neal woulde in today?¡±, Jason asked.


    He needed to talk to him and try to find out if he had any knowledge about what was going on.


    ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t know. I haven¡¯t seen him for a week now, what¡¯s wrong?¡±, David said.


    He sipped slowly from his cup of tea as his mind was focused on what he had heard.


    ¡°Just wanted to see him and talk to him about something¡±, Jason said.

 Chapter 2

    He pushed his te to the side of the table, having done with his breakfast. He tapped his fingers on the table, sighing in deep concentration.


    ¡°Just be careful on who you talk to. As of now, we can¡¯t really trust anyone¡±, David said.


    ¡°Of course, I will. Thanks for the advice¡±, Jason smiled.


    David nodded before rising up to his feet. He had other matters to attend to at the records department where he also worked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be at the RD in case you need me¡±, he said.


    ¡°Sure¡±, Jason said.


    David left soon, leaving Jason behind who was deep in thought. What David had just told him was the farthest thing on his mind. Though, it bothered him but not as much as what he was currently battling with.


    Jones knew that he needed to find a way out of this ce. He needed to do something that would take him out of here for a long time, permanently. Asides that, he constantly thought about his enstranged father who didn¡¯t care if he was alive or not. All Jason ever knew was the love from his mother and now, she was dead which left him heartbroken and yearning for love.


    He knew where his father lived, on the campus grounds at Harvardw school but Jason vowed not to go in search of him since he didn¡¯t bother to check up on him not a single day. He didn¡¯t understand why his father would suddenly part away from him knowing fully well that this was the time they needed each other the most especially since his mother had passed on.


    There was absolutely nothing he hadn¡¯t thought about as to why his father chose to abandon him but none could justify his father¡¯s actions.


    ¡°Just the man I was looking for¡±, a voice said.


    Jason looked up and immediately stood at attention when he discovered it was the squad leader, Sgt O¡¯Neal smiling down at him. Jason saw him as a friend and a confidante and sometimes, they traded stories of old.


    ¡°At ease corporal¡±, Sgt O¡¯Neal said.


    He took the seat David had just vacated, signalling one of the waiters to get him a cup of tea since it was particrly cold that morning. Jason resumed his seat, a bit nervous as to why he was here.


    Even though they were somewhat close, it still didn¡¯t change the fact that the Sgt was his senior and could easily dismiss him if he was found guilty of his crime. But knowing who he was, Jason knew that he wouldn¡¯t do that to him.


    ¡°This is a pleasant surprise sir¡±, Jason smiled.


    Usually, he was the one to go see O¡¯Neal in his office but this time, reverse was the case as the senior officer sought him out. Jason knew that he wanted to pass an information to him, hence hising here.


    ¡°I know. I wanted to talk to you about something¡±, Sgt O¡¯Neal said.


    The waiter brought a steaming cup of tea, cing it on the table. Jason watched as the vapor spiralled upwards. He was a bit entranced by the sequence and spent a good minute watching it.


    ¡°Anything else Sergeant?¡±, the waiter asked.


    ¡°No, thank you Harold. And please, report to the record department as soon as you¡¯re done here. David needs a helping hand¡±, he said.


    ¡°Roger that Sir¡±, the waiter said before taking his leave.


    ¡°Sorry about that¡±, Sgt O¡¯Neal chuckled.


    ¡°Not a problem sir¡±, Jason said.


    He watched the Sergeant closely and discovered that he was a bit nervous, bordering jittery and Jason had no idea why. This was unlike him and deep down, he really hoped that he wasn¡¯t a part of the conspiracy that was slowly brewing.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve heard about thetest development¡±, he began.


    ¡°No Sir¡±, Jason said.


    He decided to appear neutral and unaware of what ever was going on. David¡¯s warnings still rang in his ears and he wasn¡¯t about to make such mistake knowing fully well the kind of person he dealt with.


    ¡°Word has it that SSgt Rodriguez, the toon Sergeant would make an appearance soon¡±, he said.


    ¡°Okay Sir but is this odd?¡±, Jason asked.


    ¡°Well, on a normal level, it isn¡¯t. But considering what I¡¯ve been hearing, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a good idea for him toe now¡±, Sgt O¡¯Neal said.


    ¡°What have you been hearing Sir?¡±, Jason pressed.


    ¡°That there are some miscreants, betrayers amongst us¡±, he said.


    Jason sat back because now, it had been confirmed to him that indeed what David said might be true after all.


    ¡°Has this been confirmed Sir?¡±, Jason asked.


    ¡°Not yet. You know things like this take time before we can determine if it¡¯s true or not¡±, Sgt O¡¯Neal said.


    ¡°I understand Sir. So what¡¯s being done about it?¡±, Jason asked.


    ¡°Corporal, that¡¯s where the problem lies. Nothing¡±, he said.


    ¡°Alright Sir. I¡¯ll suggest we keep this under wraps, we shouldn¡¯t allow it to get to the ears of everyone because now, we really don¡¯t know who¡¯s our friend or foe¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Very correct. You¡¯ll help me with something too¡±, he said.


    ¡°At your service Sir¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Inform everyone that SSgt Rodriguez might make an appearance pretty soon and I want everyone to be orderly. I really don¡¯t know when he¡¯sing but I feel it¡¯s pretty soon¡±, he said.


    ¡°Roger that Sir¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Good, thank you¡±, Sgt O¡¯Neal said before downing the rest of his tea.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    He rose to his feet while Jason rose too as a sign of respect. Jason escorted him out of the cafeteria as he watched the senior officer make his way back to the block of offices that stood at the far corner of the ground.


    Jason knew that he had work to do and it was up to him not to fail in the duties that was left in his care.


    ¡°I better get to work¡±, he muttered.


    There was so much for him to do and the earlier he begins with it, the better for him.

 Chapter 3

    He made his way towards his room to draft out what he going to say when he addressed the Marinester that day. There was so many things going on and with SSgt Rodriguez nning to make an appearance soon, it was up to Jason to conduct the whole thing based on the trust Sergeant O¡¯Neal had for him.


    Later on, Jason was satisfied with the n he had drafted. It was going to be effective, that he could tell and he couldn¡¯t wait to put it into action.


    Just then, his best friend and roommate walked into the room, looking tired but in good spirits.


    ¡°You look like you were ran over by an ammo tank¡±, Jasonughed.


    ¡°Worse than that¡±, David groaned.


    He dismantled his weapons, a precautionary measure that was taken by all the marines should there be a cause for attack within the barracks. He dumped it on a nearby couch before climbing into his bed without removing his shoes.


    ¡°Your shoes David¡±, Jasonughed.


    ¡°Just leave it there. I¡¯m too tired to remove it¡±, David groaned.


    ¡°Is the record department that bad?¡±, Jason asked.


    ¡°You have no idea. I ended up sorting a total of five thousand records of Marines that were here since the inception of this barrack¡±, he said.


    ¡°Wow, that much?¡±, Jason said.


    He took the couch, popping open a can of soda. He sipped slowly as he listened to the breakdown of everything David had said.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m telling you man. I don¡¯t know why we had to do that boring work but I guess it¡¯s still connected to recent news¡±, he said.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Sergeant O¡¯Neal met me at the cafeteria shortly after you left¡±, Jason said.


    David sat up, he was now interested in what Jason had to say. Hardly anyone withing the barracks would pass on a juicy gist especially when it had to do with a senior Marine officer.


    ¡°What did he want?¡±, David asked.


    Jason told him everything that had transpired between them. Talking about it now, he knew that whatever was going on was a bit serious.


    ¡°Dang!. I knew it¡±, David said.


    ¡°I think so. But for now, let¡¯s keep all these under hush¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°You got it¡±, David said.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t wait to get to the outside world once I get the opportunity¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Me too and I heard there¡¯s a way¡±, David said.


    ¡°You know, we usually go out but what I¡¯m yearning for is a total freedom¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Yeah, I get you¡±, David said.


    ¡°I want to begin my life properly, you know with a wife and kids¡­ Someday¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Really?¡±, David asked.


    ¡°Yeah, you sound surprised. Why?¡±, Jason chuckled.


    ¡°Well, I just thought you¡¯re a marine to the core and would want to spend all your life working for them¡±, David said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong corporal. I love the Marine and everything it stands for but sometimes, I just yearn for what I could get on the outside world. I want to love and have children¡±, Jason said.


    He couldn¡¯t believe he was saying this but recently, he had began examining his life and how it used to be just before his mother died. They were one big happy family full of love until everything came to an abrupt end when death took her.


    ¡°Your parents¡­ You don¡¯t talk much about them¡±, David said, quietly.


    He knew that the subject of his family was a touchy one and he wasn¡¯t about to be an insensitive man and pressurize him on it.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to talk about¡­ Nothing really¡±, Jason sighed.


    ¡°Whatever it is, know that you¡¯re loved by someone out there. You might not know who it is but it¡¯s a known fact that someone out there has our best interest at heart and soon, we¡¯ll find them¡±, he said.


    ¡°I never counted you to be someone philosophical corporal¡±, Jasonughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. It¡¯s a fact and it¡¯s the truth¡±, he said.


    Jason stared at him, his drink forgotten. From the way he talked, Jason knew that he was serious about what he said because David wasn¡¯t one to say things he wasn¡¯t sure about.


    ¡°So, what about you?. Your family?¡±, Jason asked.


    He barely knew anything him and wanted to know more just in case he didn¡¯t see him again.


    ¡°Well, my parents are pastors and they head our local church. My father is actually a retired Marine Corp and when he retired after thirty five years of meritorious service, he dedicated the rest of his life to serving God¡±, he said.


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s¡­ Nice¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Thank you. Ever since I was a little boy, I¡¯ve always wanted to be a part of this and serve my country and I¡¯m just d I got the opportunity¡±, he said.


    ¡°Lucky for you. My dad was rarely home due to the nature of his job as a federal judge. The few times I saw him was just for hurried visits and gifts before he took off again¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Wait. Your dad was a federal judge?¡±, David asked.


    There was a look of inquisitiveness in his eyes and Jason knew that he was up to something.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ What¡¯s wrong?¡±, Jason asked.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he judge Smith. Judge A. B Smith?¡±, David asked.


    ¡°The one and only¡±, Jason said dryly.


    ¡°Wow. Your dad is kind of like a hero in my town. He got popr especially when he defended that girl who was used of murdering two men. Could you even believe it. A ten year old murdering two grown ass men¡±, David scoffed.


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s not a hero to me¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°I was about six or seven when it happened. Can¡¯t really remember the rest of the story but at the end, your father was able to prove to the whole world that the girl was innocent and it was her stepmother who did it¡±, David said.


    At that moment, Jason was proud of his father and what he had achieved.

 Chapter 4

    Jason couldn¡¯t rte to his excitement because all he saw in his father was someone who abandoned him when he really needed him the most. He sighed, downing the rest of his soda as he rxed more on the couch.


    Just then, there was a loudmotion outside as the duo sprang up to find out what was really going on.


    ¡°What could that be?¡±, David asked.


    They got outside soon and discovered that two Marines were in the heat of a fight with their hands fisted and ready to exchange blows.


    ¡°Hey, hey. Stop that¡±, Jason barked.


    He stood in between them, separating them before they could cause some damages. He knew that if this got to Sgt O¡¯Neal, the senior marine officer wouldn¡¯t take it lightly.


    And just as he feared, Sgt O¡¯Neal walked in at that moment with a stern look on his face.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± he asked.


    The rest of the marine officers stood at attention as he walked in. Jason walked towards him, saluting before exining what transpired.


    ¡°I take the me Sir, I should have conducted them in a proper manner¡±, Jason said.


    He was fond of taking the heat for his fellow marines, something David wasn¡¯tfortable with.


    ¡°See that this never happens again¡±, Sgt O¡¯Neal snapped.


    ¡°Yes Sir¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Good. See me outside for a minute¡±, Sgt O¡¯Neal said before walking out.


    Soon, the area was bursting with activities as the two marines involved in the altercation reported to the office for questioning.


    ¡°Taking the me again¡±, David said.


    ¡°You know I had to. I¡¯ll be back, O¡¯Neal needs me outside¡±, Jason said.


    He made his way outside, and soon found the senior marine officer standing under the shades of a tree.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m here¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Good. Remember what I told you earlier about the news I heard?¡±, he asked.


    ¡°Oh yes sir, I do¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°We¡¯ve just confirmed that it was a fake news after all. There¡¯s nothing like that¡±, he said.


    Jason heaved a huge sigh of relief. He didn¡¯t know what he¡¯ll have done if they were made to fight against each other.


    ¡°That¡¯s good news Sir¡±, Jason said.


    ¡°Yes good news. Anyway, that¡¯s all I wanted to tell you¡±, he said.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Thank you sir.¡±


    ¡°Prepare for your field day tomorrow see you¡±, Sgt O¡¯Neal said before walking away.


    Jason groaned as he went back to his room. Field day was the day assigned for the marines to clean the barracks and Jason was sure not looking forward to it.


    He got back into the room and told David everything Sgt O¡¯Neal had said. They weren¡¯t looking forward to the field day tomorrow but there was nothing they could do because it was part of their work in the barracks.


    ¡°But I¡¯m just d that news was a fake¡±, David said.


    ¡°Me too. Lord knows what would have happened if it wasn¡¯t¡±, Jason said.


    The duo talked some more before calling it a night because they had a big day the following day.


    The next day, they woke up bright and early, ready to begin their normal duties before themencement of the field dayter in the evening.


    ¡°SSgt Rodriguez might make an appearance today¡±, David said.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t wish and especially not with what¡¯s lined up for us already¡±, Jason said.


    Later that evening, true to David¡¯s words, the most senior Marine corps officer and their superior, SSgt Rodriguez walked in with a bulging stomach and a buzz army cut.


    The Marine corps officers all stood at attention as he carried out a routine check on them before ordering them to clean the barracks.


    Two hourster, they were still at it and Jason was already getting frustrated because it was alreadyte into the night.


    ¡°Can we just get back to our rooms, it¡¯ste¡±, Jason groaned.


    ¡°I wish¡±, David sighed.


    They were in their rooms, cleaning the whole ce when the subject of their conversation walked in, holding a white glove.


    They stood at attention as he went round the room, inspecting everything they had done using the white glove he brought along.


    Jason stood there, watching his Sgt wipe his hand across his windowsill, feeling a familiar sensation creep across his face. He was nervous, he was always nervous when Sgt Rodriquez inspected his room.


    Sgt Rodriquez never came to the Barracks on field night, and when he did it was normally because his olddy had kicked him out, which really meant Sgt Rodriquez was looking for any reason he could find to mess with his Marines.


    ¡°Lance Corporal, is this what you consider clean¡±, said Sgt Rodriquez as he turned around, showing the slightest of darkening on the white glove on his hand to Lance Cpl Smith.


    Lance Corporal Smith was one of Sgt Rodriquez¡¯s Marines, and normally Smith held Sgt Rodriquez in high esteem, but right now Smith just wish he could crawl into a hole and hide.


    ¡°No sir.¡± Came his reply, but he immediately knew he¡¯d made a mistake.


    ¡°Oh, so you think I don¡¯t do shit.¡±


    ¡°No Sgt, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    ¡°So, you see me doing paperwork, and you just assume that¡¯s what I do all day. Do you see brass on my chest?¡±


    ¡°No Sgt!¡±


    ¡°When Ie back in here Lance Corporal, this room better be clean, or you better be cleaning.¡±


    Sgt Rodriquez turned on his heel and walked out of Smiths room to go to the next one.


    There was so much for him to do and he hadn¡¯t even began with half of it. Jason knew that if he was toplete his tasks on time he had to begin as early as possible but at that moment, he couldn¡¯t quite understand why he was sozy. He woke up that morning filled with strength but at that moment, all he wanted to do was just to sleep.


    He knew his fellow marines wouldugh at him if he told them about his dilemma and so, he decided to keep it to himself and face whatever task he had to do.

 Chapter 5

    This is going to be a long night.¡± Jason said as he walked over to the package of cotton swobs grabbing a hand full.


    ¡°Yeah, it is.¡± David said as he grabbed a handful of q-tips.


    The two of them began cleaning the room once more before David crawled under his bunk.


    ¡°It¡¯s my turn. You kick my feet when hees back¡±, he said.


    ¡°Sure, no problem.¡± Jason said as he continued to clean.


    The night went on like that, Jason and David swapping being under the bed, with their fingers stuck between the mattress and the springs so it looked like they were doing something. That is until they were woken up from the kick of a boot. When they were finally released from field night it was well past 2, and they had to wake up at 5:30 for PT.


    ¡°It¡¯s well past 2¡± Jason groaned.


    ¡°This is the longest we¡¯ve gone on field day¡±, David sighed.


    ¡°Might as well find a girl to get into a marriage with so I can leave this base¡±, Jason chuckled.


    ¡°Take me along because I¡¯m surelying with you¡± Davidughed.


    *******************


    Maka Bary groaned as she searched her bed for the offending machine that was bent on keeping her away from sleep. She didn¡¯t have to get up for work until another hour but now, it seemed those ns were about to be cut shut.


    Maka found her phone, buried under her pillow as she swiped the screen open to see the caller ID.


    Her boss, Louis Anderson also known as New York¡¯s billionaire and the most eligible bachelor was calling. Maka scrambled to her feet nearly dropping the phone twice in her haste to pick up the call.


    She had no idea why he was calling her so early when she was due at workter that morning. Her phone fell silent only to resume it¡¯s noisy chant of Sia¡¯stest track, chandelier. Maka¡¯s head was filled with different thoughts but the most dominant one was her promotion which was due anytime soon. Maka had a feeling that this was the reason why her boss was calling her so early.


    Maka picked the call, cing the phone on her ear. For several minutes, all she could hear was deep breathing.


    ¡°Hello¡±, she said.


    ¡°Miss Bary. How lovely of you to pick my calls after so many attempts¡±, Louis snapped.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir, I wasn¡¯t with my phone¡±, she lied.


    ¡°Telling lies doesn¡¯t suit you my dear but I¡¯m just going to let that slide for some reasons¡±, he said.


    Maka chuckled, covering it up with a cough. Louis could be funny when he wanted to be but most times, he was always too serious.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir¡±, she said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I want to see you in my office earlier today as I have something very important to discuss with you¡±, he said.


    ¡°Okay sir, I hope everything is alright?¡±, Maka said.


    Her thoughts strayed to her promotion once again. If it wasn¡¯t about that, she didn¡¯t know what it could be about as he wasn¡¯t giving her any clues whatsoever.


    ¡°Nothing serious. So meet at the office by nine sharp, failure to get here on time Miss Maka then you¡¯ll have yourself looking for a new job¡±, he snapped before cutting the call.


    Maka sighed, dumping her phone on a nearby table. She didn¡¯t know what it was all about but from the tone of his voice, it was serious.


    ¡°Guess I have to start preparing now if I¡¯m to beat the crazy traffic¡±, she muttered.


    She made her way towards the bathroom. She needed to wash her long jet ck hair and the best time to do that was now. Maka picked up her toothbrush, intending to do that first before going over to other things.


    As she brushed her teeth, her thoughts strayed to the conversation she had with her boss. Asides that, she had heard a lot of rumours about him and how he was always in the habit of changing girls on a regr basis. Maka suspected this to be true since she had seen him with numerous girls who graced the cover of various magazines with him.


    As someone who didn¡¯t believe a rumour when she heard one, she didn¡¯t really believe it. After all, those things could have been doctored by his enemies.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll just have to see as time goes on¡±, she muttered.


    She proceeded to wash her hair which would take longer minutes. Maka finished in record time and she was d she was able to aplish this even though she had no idea how. It must be the Louis effect she thought but she waved that thought away.


    Soon, Maka was done and ready to leave. She was dressed in a ck ired skirt over a light blue chiffon blouse that brought out her hair colour all the more.


    ¡°I look like a princess¡± she giggled, staring at the mirror.


    She nced at her clock and discovered it was thirty minutes past seven. She mentally calcted the time she would get to the office and winced when she discovered that it would be a few minutes past nine before she got there. Knowing how strict to time her boss was, Maka wasted no time in getting out of the house.


    Just as she stepped out of her t, a taxi drove past. She thanked her lucky stars for bringing it her way as she got in.


    ¡°Where to Miss¡±, the taxi man said.


    ¡°The Anderson tower please and if you can make it faster, I¡¯ll pay you double¡±, Maka said.


    The taxi man chuckled, driving off with a screech. Maka prayed with everything within her that she was on time. She didn¡¯t want to be jobless when she just got this job working as a personal assistant to one of the richest men in the country.


    They soon got to the street leading up to the tower and Maka heaved a huge sigh of relief because she knew she was going to be on time.


    ¡°Here we are Miss¡±, the taxi man said.


    Maka smiled, handing him a wad of cash. She climbed out of the vehicle as she made her way into the building. When she got to the reception, she waved at Brenda who was thepany¡¯s receptionist before taking the elevator to the top most floor of the building. Upon getting to the executive hall as it was fondly called, Maka made her way towards Eric¡¯s office but not before dumping her bag on her desk.


    She knocked gingerly on the door, waiting for hismand for her toe in and soon, his loud voice instructed her toe in.


    ¡°Good morning sir¡±, Maka said.


    ¡°Morning Miss Bary, have a seat¡±, he said.


    Maka sat down gingerly, twisting her hands in herps. She couldn¡¯t deny it, she was nervous especially as she didn¡¯t know why she was being called.


    ¡°Rx Maka, you¡¯re not getting fired¡±, he chuckled.


    At the mention of her name, Maka whipped her head up to see him smiling. His smile turned her into a staring mess and she had a hard time tearing her eyes away from him.


    ¡°I¡­ Thank you sir¡±, she stuttered.


    ¡°So, I¡¯m just going to get straight to the point on why I called you here¡±, Eric said.


    Maka sat there, a nervous mess as she wrung her hands together. She didn¡¯t know what to expect and she wondered if perhaps he had nothing important to say but knowing the kind of person he was, she highly doubted that.


    ¡°I like you Maka and i mean a lot¡±, he said.


    Out of all the things she expected, she didn¡¯t expect this. It waspletely out of the blues and she had a hard time trying to determine if he was serious or not but the expression on his his face told her he was.


    ¡°I don¡¯t quite understand you sir¡±, she said.


    ¡°I mean, I¡¯m attracted to you and I would really love it if you could give us a chance¡±, he smiled.


    He came around the table, taking her hands in his as he gave it a gentle squeeze. Maka smiled, gripping his hands back. She loved this, loved his caring side and she was d he considered her worthy to date.


    ¡°Say something please¡±, Eric begged.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°I have to think about this for a while if it¡¯s okay with you. I meant, it¡¯s all so sudden¡±, she said.


    ¡°Okay, I have no problems with that. Just make your answer favorable¡±, he said.


    Maka nodded as she watched him ce a gentle kiss on her palm. She had an answer already and it was a no and there was no going back. She couldn¡¯t risk dating someone like him and have the whole tabloids after her, it was something she couldn¡¯t afford to risk.

 Chapter 6

    Jason


    ¡°My name is Jason, what¡¯s your name¡±, I  asked as the silence between us was getting ufortable.


    I had a deep urge to know more about this strange girl. Apart from her being attractive, there was just something about her that I couldn¡¯t quite ce my hands on. She stared at me, debating within herself whether to give me a reply or not.


    ¡°I¡¯m Maka¡±, she finally said.


    Maka, that was a beautiful name. Now what? She¡¯s told me her name already, now what am I supposed to do. Why do I feel so shy and timid around her.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s taking you to Chicago?¡±, she asked as her phone lit up with a new message.


    She quickly sent a reply before staring back at me, waiting for an answer.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s kindaplicated. Let¡¯s just say my girlfriend and I n on getting married soon and I¡¯m heading over to her parents for the introductions¡±, I said.


    It wasn¡¯t totally the truth but I wasn¡¯t going to spill my guts to this strange girl. She could be an assassin for all I know. Another thing is that I didn¡¯t know the state Sophia was. She could call off the arrangement depending on her mood.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t look so happy¡±, Maka said, raising an eye.


    This girl was seriously creeping me out, was she some kind of mind-reader or what. Fine, I¡¯m not all that happy not because of our rtionship but because Sophia might probably have my head even though none of this is my fault.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be jumping for joy either. I¡¯m not a kid¡±, i countered.


    It was like we were ying a game. Maka smiled and shook her head, while replying yet another text.


    ¡°Jeez, does that phone ever go off¡±, I said without thinking.


    ¡°It does but only at night¡±, she simply said.


    I snorted and returned my attention to the window. I could tell she was staring at me, probably thinking what a weirdo I am. At this point, I just wasn¡¯t in the mood for anything not until I ascertain what mood Sophia was in. I fired another strings of texts to her but yet again, I was met with silence. Well, that just proved that she was livid.


    ¡°And I get it your girlfriend is not really in good terms with you¡±, she pressed.


    ¡°Are you some sort of mind reader?¡±, I asked.


    ¡°Nope¡±, she said popping the ¡°p¡± while sticking out her lower lip. Lips I wanted to kiss so badly.


    Gosh! Get a grip on yourself Jason, you¡¯ve got a girlfriend.


    ¡°Kind of¡±, I repliedmely.


    I returned my attention back to the window. I was careful on what to say because I didn¡¯t know who I was dealing with. She could be a bad person for all I know. Not that I was hiding anything but still, one can¡¯t be too careful.


    The voice of the train attendant filled the air, announcing that in the next half hour, it would reach it¡¯s destination. I heaved a sigh of relief, happy that I would get off soon and also get rid of Sophia.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So, tell me about yourself¡±, she said.


    I groaned. Apparently, striking up a conversation with this beauty happened to be a bad idea. All I wanted was some peace and quiet and not this chatterbox. So as not to appear rude, I smiled.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing much to say, except that I have a girlfriend and I¡¯m in the military, I live a pretty boring life¡±, I shrugged.


    Maka remained quiet for a bit even though I had no idea why. It was almost like she was processing and analyzing her response. I was just about to say something when she replied, cutting me off.


    ¡°Wait. What? You¡¯re in the military, that¡¯s just¡­ Interesting.¡±


    Sighing, I closed my eyes a bit thinking about the events of the past few days. Our impending engagement, Sophia¡¯s temper and our rtionship that¡¯s on the brink of distruption.


    Deep down, I knew that Sophia doesn¡¯t love me. The signs are there already. Her short temper, her rude remarks anytime we argue and to top it all, ignoring my calls then iming she was asleep.


    Then, why am I still holding onto her¡­ Why can¡¯t I just let go. This whole thing got me confused and a bit angry because I can¡¯t understand these emotions I feel.


    ¡°A dor for your thoughts¡±, Maka said, staring at me with her hypnotizing green eyes.


    Only then did I realize that the train had stopped, we¡¯ve finally gotten to our destination and I didn¡¯t know because my mind was so far away.


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived¡±, she said.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±, I mumbled.


    There and then, it dawned on me that this would be thest time I would be seeing her. I should be happy but I wasn¡¯t. Instead, I felt this aching pain in my chest. Though we didn¡¯t talk much I felt like I¡¯ve known her for a very long time.


    As we made our way out of the train, I was just about to ask for her number but a high-pitched voice stopped me. I stilled, knowing who that voice belonged to. On cue, Sophia hurried towards me just as I stepped out of the train. Her red hair flying about, gaining the attention of people around us.


    Maka quickly left my side, standing a bit further, not wanting to be caught in this.


    ¡°I was so worried¡±, Sophia said, a light frown on her face.


    Instead of looking at her, I found myself looking at Maka and to my surprise, I wanted desperately to know what she was thinking about. Sophia followed my line of sight and her frown deepened. I could tell that she was boiling inside, waiting for the right moment to unleash her anger.


    ¡°Can we go now¡±, I said quickly, trying to avert an impending confrontation.


    ¡°Yes but not before telling me who she is¡±, she said, pointing at Maka.


    Maka paid no attention to us, tapping her phone probably replying some more text messages. I could tell that she was waiting for somebody or maybe¡­  her boyfriend.


    I can¡¯t exin it but the thought of that made me angry and jealous which I had no right to be. I barely knew her and feeling these kind of emotions was unhealthy.


    ¡°Sophia, she¡¯s nobody. We just sat together in the train that¡¯s all¡±, i said, hoping that she would drop it.


    ¡± I see¡±, she said, giving Maka a death re who was still oblivious to all of these.


    I managed to drag Sophia away from the train station but before I left, Maka looked up, catching my eye. For some seconds, we both stared at each other, a kind of unspoken understanding passing through us before a bus blocked our view. And just like that, she was gone like the wind.


    Turning my attention back to Sophia, I gave her a gentle squeeze, silently reassuring her that I would never leave her but she ignored me, going ahead to g down a taxi I presumed would take us to her parent¡¯s house.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to your parent¡¯s right?¡±, I asked as we boarded a taxi.


    She sighed, like she was about to deliver a bad news. I tensed, sensing that this wouldn¡¯t be pleasant.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking for a few days Jason and I think we should hold on on the engagement for now and probably take some time off¡±, she said without any emotion at all.


    I stared at her simply lost for words. I wasn¡¯t shocked or angry just numb. I kind of expected this but why does it hurt so badly?.


    ¡°When you say take some time off, what do you mean?¡±, I asked.


    ¡°I mean we should stop seeing each other for now until we figure out where this rtionship is heading.¡±


    ¡°Have you found someone.¡± I blurted.


    Sophia remained silent and that confirmed all my thoughts and fears. Now, I understood all her attitudes these past few days.


    ¡°I asked you a question¡±, I said, calmly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to answer that Jason.¡±


    When I got to my bus stop, I quietly got off the taxi without another word to her. I didn¡¯t trust my words and I didn¡¯t want to leave on an angry note so I simply opted for silence.


    The taxi pulled away, taking part of my future away. I walked the few minutes to my house and sat on my porch, thinking about the green-eyed girl.

 Chapter 7

    Maka


    I watched as Jason and his girlfriend left the train station. I could tell that he was in a rtionship that was on the verge of copsing. A blind man could even see that. From my little assessment, Sophia was a control freak.


    She basically had Jasper by the neck, the poor boy was too scared to talk at times for fear of ruining the already shaky rtionship. Sophia doesn¡¯t care about that, I could tell but why was she still holding into him?


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s none of my business. They can as well go to hell for all I care.¡±


    Earlier, I had ordered a taxi that would take me to my destination straight away and now, the message confirmed that it had arrived. Moving to the parking lot of the train station, I pushed Jasper and his clingy girlfriend to the back of my mind.


    I boarded the taxi which was sofortable, I nearly slept off. As the taxi powered down the road, my thoughts were filled with the fund-raising event. It was already in full swing and they were already awaiting my arrival. Few minutester, the taxi pulled to a stop in front of a stone grey building with purple hibiscus adorning the front yard.


    The building was one of the oldest in the town and it usually served as a center for meetings and other social gatherings. After paying the taxi man and giving him some extra charges in which he grunted a thank you, I walked into the building. Even from the lobby, I could hear soft music ying in the background. Light mumurs filled the room as i got nearer. Opening the door, all eyes were on me as I timidly made my way into the room.


    ¡°Maka!¡±, a loud screech greeted my ears.


    Even before I could turn, someone tackled me to the ground, hugging me fiercely.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Okay¡­ Let me go now¡±, I grunted.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough Megan. Give her some rest¡±, my mumughed as she helped me to my feet.


    My mum was my height and when we walked down the street together, people usually assumed she was my elder sister. Imagine their faces when I tell them she¡¯s my mother.


    Even at 50, Maria Thompson looked radiant and charming as ever. I hugged her tightly, missing her warm hugs and strawberry voured shampoo. Unlike my hair that is jet ck, her¡¯s was more brownish but now with some grey undertones as she grew older. She was dressed in a fancy summer dress and bright yellow heels that clicked whenever she walked.


    ¡°Hi mum¡±, I said finally.


    ¡°Hey sunshine¡±, she beamed.


    ¡°You¡¯re the sunshine now mum with your bright yellow dress and shoes. You look beautiful mum¡±, i said.


    Sheughed, her one sided dimple popping out.


    ¡°How was your trip honey. We were so worried when you didn¡¯t arrive on time.¡±


    ¡°I know mum. The train got dyed for an hour but the good thing is I¡¯m here.¡±


    A hand tapped me and looking down, I discovered that my little cousin Megan was still there.


    ¡°Helloooo¡­ Am I invisible or what. Pffft¡­ I feel totally ignored¡±, she whined.


    Megan was only eight years old but she had the brain of an adult. She knew things that some adults didn¡¯t even know and she never missed an opportunity to show off her brilliance. Adorning a pink gown and thigh high boots, she looked cute just like a little princess.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Megan and no, we¡¯re not ignoring you, just caught up in adult talks¡±, i smiled down at her.


    ¡°Now Megan, go y with the other kids¡±, my mum said.


    ¡°Promise you¡¯lle y with meter¡±, she said, sticking out her pinky finger.


    I looped mine with her and we pinky swore, a tradition that never seemed to grow old.


    ¡°I promise¡±, i said as she ran off, quite happy.


    ¡°She¡¯s a case¡±, my mumughed.


    ¡°The most beautiful case. Is Aunty Pat here?¡±, I asked.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Yes. My sister has been looking all over for you. I had to tell her your train got dyed.¡±


    Aunty Pat was Megan¡¯s mum and my mum¡¯s younger sister who flew in all the way from Georgia where she worked as an health consultant in a big firm just to attend this event.


    ¡°Her husband is here too?¡±, I asked, a lump growing in my throat.


    My mum sighed. I could tell that she was about to deliver bad news and I wasn¡¯t quite ready to hear it. For some time now, aunty Pat has been having some problems with her husband. He was constantly in and out of prison for drug rted offences. He uses drugs heavily and also sells to other drug users like him. Rumour going around now ims that he has connections to some Mafia members and because of this, he ran into debt and now he¡¯s wanted.


    Aunty Pat doesn¡¯t deserve any of this and I feel sad because her life and Megan¡¯s are in danger. What if the mafiaes looking for her, what if her husband, a drug addict hurts her and Megan¡­ I shuddered, putting that thought away.


    ¡°Maka. That¡¯s okay, I know what you¡¯re thinking about. Nothing¡¯s going to happen to them¡±, my mum said, giving me a reassuring smile.


    I smiled lightly, just to make her happy but within me, I was really scared.


    ¡°Now¡­ Let¡¯s go see your dad.¡±


    ***************************


    ¡°I¡¯m happy we could all gather here together to donate to this good cause. Ever since I was a young chap, I¡¯ve always dreamed of doing this. Giving back to the society is one way I feel fulfilled and happy.


    Now, these young children have no means of survival. It¡¯s left for us to show them love and affection.


    ¡°These children are victims of broken homes, child abuse amongst other factors and our little acts of kindness is basically all they¡¯ve ever known¡±. He paused, looking around the hall as he waited for his words to sink in.


    ¡°I want to implore you all to never stop helping these children. Take out time to visit the shelter, give out clothes and shoes, celebrate the birthdays of those who are celebrating, give them good quality books and I tell you, you will be forever remembered for that singr act of kindness. And now, as we raise our ss, I pray for more events like these, more joy and more care to these children. Cheers¡±, the Mayor said as he clinked his ss to his vice.


    The event was slowlying to an end and somehow, I didn¡¯t want it to. The children in our care deserved much more and it was my responsibility and others in the society to give them the best care in the world.


    ¡°Hey girlfriend.¡±, Harry beamed, opening his arms for a hug.


    I ran to him because I missed this special human so much. Harry has been my backbone over the years, always standing up for me when I was too weak. For every abuse I faced in the hands of my boyfriends, he was always there tofort me, giving me a shoulder to lean on. Too bad he was gay, not that I¡¯m judging but I could have married him before he said kiss me.


    His salt and pepper hair was neatly styled and it seemed as if he had put on some weight unlike hisnky frame I was used to. He wore leather pants and white id checkered shirt. His shoes were polished to perfection and I could actually see my reflection from it. One thing I loved about Harry is his neatness. Harry could effortlessly dress to kill at the shortest amount of time and this is something I envied him for. He is my best friend and I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to defend or support him in anything he does.


    ¡°When did you get back sweetheart?¡±, he asked.


    ¡°A while ago.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t believe it girl but I¡¯ve got juicy gists for you¡±, Harry beamed, a mischievous look in his eyes.


    Iughed because I could never get tired of his gists and talks.


    ¡°Did you by chance meet a hot guy¡±, Iughed.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ maybe not but we can¡¯t talk here. Too many eyes and ears, I¡¯m totally crashing at your ce this night to give you the full gist¡±, he said, giddy with excitement.


    ¡°Totally¡±, Iughed.


    The event finally came to an end and I was overjoyed because arge sum of money was realized. This would go a long way in helping the children and the shelter. Before we finally left the venue, memories of Jasper filled my mind and at that moment, I wondered what he was doing.

 Chapter 8

    Jason


    In your life, never pray to wake up with a banging headache. I woke up that morning feeling like I carried a 50 pound brick on my head. I felt groggy and worse, felt like puking.


    I slowly rolled off my bed and headed to the bathroom to ssh some cold water on my face when my rm clock went off. I took smallfort in that knowing I woke up way before it went off.


    After using the bathroom, I went into the kitchen to pop some pain killers before making a bowl of cereal. An hourter, I was feeling more like myself. It¡¯s Saturday and I was totally free for the day. Sophia usually visits on Saturday but that wouldn¡¯t be happening ever again. She was probably in the arms of her other boyfriend while I was here feeling sorry for myself.


    At that point, I was determined to forget all about her and move on with my life. She was in the past and I sure as hell wasn¡¯t going to visit that again. The loud ringtone from my phone startled me, shaking me from my thoughts.


    That could only be one person and I knew exactly who it was.


    Sure enough, it was who I suspected as my friend Dn¡¯s name popped up on the screen.


    ¡°Hey man, what¡¯s good?¡±, he said in his baritone voice.


    ¡°Asides a raging headache which by the way is getting better, everything else is shitty¡±, I said.


    ¡°Sophia?¡±, he asked in a low voice.


    Dn knew all about Sophia and I and I wasn¡¯t surprised when he asked because he knew from the onset that our rtionship would notst. I hate to admit it but he was right all along, I was too blind to see it.


    ¡°She broke up with me yesterday, right after I got off the train.¡±


    ¡°I hate to say this man but I told you. That girl was bad news now look.¡±


    Strangely, I felt relieved now. I felt somewhat happy she decided to end it now. What if we had gotten married and then she asks for a divorce? I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do to myself if it had gotten to that.


    ¡°I know man, I¡¯m just d she ended it now at least I¡¯ll have a lot of breathing space.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s up for today¡±, he chuckled.


    My n was to stay at home today and probably finish my book I began writing a month ago but I just couldn¡¯t stay cooped up in the house moping and pretending to write when I know quite well that I would still think about her.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Saturday, let¡¯s hit the gym¡±, i said.


    ¡°Hell yeah! That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about¡±, Dnughed.


    I was overdue at the gym and desperately wanted to get my muscles back in shape. I wouldn¡¯t allow my sorry excuse of an ex-girlfriend get in my way. I¡¯m a man and I needed to up my game and stop moping like a love starved teenager.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up by 9. Be ready¡±, I said, cutting the call.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    It¡¯s going to be a long day and I¡¯m definitely going to make good use of it and the gym was a good ce to begin.


    ********************


    Sweating and heaving, I was just about to call it quits and drop the dumb bell when Dn walked into the gym from his water break with a huge grin on his face.


    The only time I had seen Dn grin so widely was back in 5th grade when he won a spelling beepetition. Dn and I grew up together and there was practically nothing I didn¡¯t know about him, he¡¯s like the brother I never had. Of course, growing up with two elder sisters didn¡¯t count as there were somethings you just couldn¡¯t tell them because they wouldn¡¯t understand. And that was when Dn moved in to our neighborhood. His house was just beside ours and I can¡¯t count the number of times, I snuck in from the adjoining fence. Good days.


    Back to the present, Dn¡¯s grin only grew wider and I was just about to ask him what¡¯s up when he stopped me with a hand.


    ¡°Man, you wouldn¡¯t believe what I saw.¡±


    ¡°Pffft Dn, you¡¯re always so dramatic. I thought you won a lottery or something¡±, Iughed.


    ¡°This is far more beautiful than a lottery. I just saw two beautiful chicks heading towards the gym and man when I say beautiful, they¡¯re drop dead gorgeous.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know them so I really don¡¯t know why you¡¯re so excited and secondly, you know what I just passed through and being in a rtionship is so not on my mind right now so, forget it. You can go ahead though, I won¡¯t stop you¡±, I said as I picked up the dumb bell once more.


    Apparently, this was more pleasing than what Dn said. Call me insensitive or what not but I wasn¡¯t in the mood for anything called rtionships. Sophia had sessfully taken that away from me but I knew I¡¯ll get it back maybe not now but soon, very soon.


    ¡°Oh boy, here they are¡±, Dn whistled.


    I turned to look at who just came in and I got the shock of my life. Standing at the doorway was Maka in all her beauty, her midnight hair tied in a tight bun and beside her was a girl I didn¡¯t know but from the looks of it, it could be her sister. They were both gorgeous but the sister looked a bit older probably a few years older.


    The dumb bell i was holding fell on the floor with a loud ng, bringing the girl¡¯s attention to where Dn and I stood. Maka¡¯s eyes flew to mine and I immediately saw the look of recognition on her face. Her sister who was apparently oblivious to this looked around the gym before tapping on her phone.


    ¡°I told you¡±, Dn chuckled.


    I had a feeling that as from this moment henceforth, my life was about to change. In what way, I didn¡¯t know but all I knew is that it would change and Maka was going to be a major part of it.


    I found myself moving towards her and I couldn¡¯t stop. Dn followed, not wanting to be left out from whatever was going on. I braced myself on what to say but Maka beat me to it. With the softest voice I had ever heard, she said;


    ¡°Hello Jason.¡±

 Chapter 9

    Maka


    He was here, in the flesh. Jason was really here. I scanned the gym, looking for his girlfriend but she wasn¡¯t here, probably toozy toe.


    ¡°Hi Maka, fancy seeing you here¡±, he grinned.


    ¡°So you think a girl can¡¯t go the gym¡±, I teased.


    ¡°No, no. Nothing of such, just thought girls didn¡¯t like all these stuffs¡±, he saidmely.


    He was making a fool of himself and we both knew but I didn¡¯t care because he looked cute doing that.


    ¡°Maka, I¡¯ll be in the car if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Yes mum, I¡¯ll be out in a bit¡±, i said as my mum left the gymnasium.


    ¡°Mum?¡±, a guy with salt and pepper hair who stood beside Jason blurted.


    ¡°Oh boy, this is getting interesting¡±, Jasonughed.


    The guy in question was going red in the face. His ears and face burned like he was standing beside an open me. Suddenly, I understood everything. Apparently, red-faced guy thought my mother was actually my sister and was nning to hit on her when he got the rude shock.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°You thought that was my sister? Well, sorry to burst your bubble darling but that¡¯s my  mother and you better stay clear or else my dad would have you for breakfast¡±, Iughed with tears streaming down my eyes.


    Red-faced guy walked away muttering. He was clearly embarrassed from that little show and wanted to save the little dignity he had.


    ¡°Is he your brother or¡­ I see no simrities though¡±, i said.


    Jason stared at me with open adoration, oblivious to what I just said. This was getting a bit awkward and I snapped my finger to get back his attention.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I spaced out a bit. Yes, I mean no he¡¯s not my brother. He¡¯s my best friend¡±, he smiled.


    ¡°Oh I see. Well I¡¯ll be on my way, say hi to the red-faced guy¡±, I said.


    ¡°His name is Dn and wait? You¡¯re leaving?. You only just got here¡±, he said with a sad look in his face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stay for long, I just came to check out this ce. I¡¯ll start officially next Saturday but it was really nice seeing you again¡± , I smiled.


    ¡°It was. Errm, Maka can I get your number please. I¡¯ll like to keep in touch¡±, he said sheepishly.


    This was the part I dreaded. I specifically selected the people who had my number and saying no to Jasom was kinda mean. I didn¡¯t know him that well, I mean I only just met him yesterday and for crying out loud, he had a girlfriend who might I say is a control freak.


    ¡°If you¡¯re thinking of my girlfriend Sophia, we broke upst night. It¡¯s not something I¡¯ll like to talk about¡±, he said, sadly.


    Maybe it was out of pity or sympathy for him but at the end, I gave him my number and he give me his.


    ¡°I¡¯ve really got to go now, my mum¡¯s waiting¡±, I said.


    ¡°Sure, I guess I¡¯ll see you some other time then¡±, he said, taking my hands in his.


    ¡°Yes, you can let me go now¡±, iughed.


    ¡°Oh shit, I¡¯m sorry. See you around Maka¡±, he grinned.


    ¡°See ya¡±, I said before leaving the gym.


    I made my way to the car where my mum sat patiently waiting as she scrolled through her Facebook ount.


    ¡°Hey mum.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re done. I hope you like the ce?¡±, My mum asked.


    ¡°Yes mum, it¡¯s nice.¡±


    This morning beforeing here, I got a call from my doctor who advised I should start working out to get my body back in shape after my illness. No one knew this with the exception of my parents and Harry but for some years now, I¡¯ve been suffering from a terminal illness. It¡¯s an on and off thing which only surfaces when I¡¯m deeply stressed or under severe pressure.


    It¡¯s characterized by chest constriction, heavy breathing and me constantly loosing my strength and might I add, I¡¯ve had to use an inhaler.


    I¡¯m somewhat lucky though and that¡¯s because for the past two months, I¡¯ve had no sign of it returning.


    Due to my past records, my doctor advised I should start working to reduce it¡¯s re-urence and this, I was grateful for. Meeting Jason was aplete surprise, I didn¡¯t expect to see him so soon after the train journey.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that young man we met at the gym¡±, my mum said as she drove out of the building.


    ¡°Well, this might sound strange but we met on my way back home yesterday at the train station. I don¡¯t even consider him as a friend, more like an ¡­ acquaintance. His name is Jason and that¡¯s all I know about him¡±, I said.


    My phone lit up with a new text from Harry reminding me of our movie night in his house this evening. I sent him a reply, acknowledging I¡¯d be there.


    ¡°Just be careful my dear, I wouldn¡¯t want you to get hurt a second time¡±, my mum said quietly.


    I sighed, the memory of my previous rtionship still fresh in my mind. It was terrible, the emotional damage I got from that wouldst me a lifetime. Good thing I had supportive Parents and Friends who helped me throughout that dark phase.


    ¡°I will mum, I promise.¡±


    ¡°My sister Pat and Megan would be staying with us for a little while before they head back to Georgia¡±, mum said.


    The problem with Aunt Pat and her husband was getting worse and I feared for their safety. Megan shouldn¡¯t be brought up in that kind of environment where she constantly saw her father being arrested for one drug rted crime or the other.


    ¡°Mum, isn¡¯t it possible for them to move in permanently. I mean, Aunt Pat could easily get a job here and Megan could enrol in a new school¡±


    ¡°My dear it¡¯s not that easy. This is the time that Ronald need his wife and daughter the most, taking them away from him would be disastrous.¡±


    I was angry, how on earth would that be disastrous when his family¡¯s life was at risk.


    ¡°Mum, you¡¯re her elder sister. Please talk to her¡±


    My mum sighed as she pulled into our driveway. I could tell that her sister¡¯s issue was taking a toll on her. It was a delicate matter and she didn¡¯t want to do anything that could put a damper on their rtionship.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try but you know your aunt, she could be stubborn at times. She wouldn¡¯t want to leave her job in Georgia and go running from  something like this.¡±


    ¡°And that something is very important mum. What if some of the people he¡¯s supplying these drugs to revolt against him and hurt his family? Would that make you guys happy? Mum, let us do what we have to do now before it¡¯s toote¡±, I said, mming the car door as I stormed into the house.


    I was tired of having to wait before drastic measures are being taken to curtail an issue. It was a bitter experience I learnt in the hands of my ex-boyfriend. If I had known, at the first sign of his violent nature, I could have ended it immediately but no like the fool I am, I suffered in silence until it nearly cost me my life. Never again would I allow that to happen to the people I love, I have vowed to protect them no matter the cost.


    ¡°Hey honey, you guys are back?¡±, My dad called from the living room.


    ¡°Yes Dad but I¡¯m not in the mood to talk. I¡¯ll be in my room if you need me¡±, I said.


    My dad remained silent, apparently noting the anger in my tone. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk, i just wanted to sleep then head over to Harry¡¯s house in the evening.


    Shutting my room door, I sat on my queen size bed as tears of anger and frustration spilled from my eyes. I felt totally helpless and useless, I needed to help Aunty Pat amd Megan escape from the lives they lived. I needed them to stay far away from him before he hurts them, Megan shouldn¡¯t constantly be filled with fear for her father and the life he lived.


    I didn¡¯t know what to do. Even as I thought about this, the first drop of rain hit my window sill and soon, it was pouring. I stared out the window watching the rain fall down in torrents as the cloud took on a dark hue. My eyesnded on the picture Megan drewst summer, it was a picture of me and her walking hand in hand under the clear blue sky. I smiled and suddenly, I felt better. I felt better not because I had a solution to the problem but because I knew everything would be alright.


    At a time like this, our best bet was to keep up hope that everything would be fine. As long as Aunt Pat and Megan were here, nobody could hurt them. The rain settled into a light drizzle and soon, it was just a Pitter Patter of sounds. My phone lit up with a new message, I knew it was Harry, once again reminding me of our movie night but I was shocked to discover it was from Jasper.


    J: It was nice seeing you today ?


    M: Same here ?


    The text icon floated, indicating he was typing. Soon, the message came in.


    J: I thought I¡¯d text you to see how you¡¯re doing?. Guess I¡¯ll see you around, bye Maka?


    M: See ya?..

 Chapter 10

    Jason


    ¡°You know that girl?¡±, Dn asked.


    After our workout session, Dn decided to follow me back home. Of course, my home was he¡¯s just like he¡¯s was mine. There was absolutely nothing he didn¡¯t know about me, he¡¯s been with me through my good and bad days. I didn¡¯t want to hide Maka from him because if he was in my shoes, he wouldn¡¯t do that.


    ¡°This might sound crazy but I do. We met at the train station on my way back and since then, I¡¯ve been unable to keep her out of my mind¡±, I said.


    Dn had just stepped out of the bathroom and his hair was dripping all over my carpet, turning the red colour to a deeper one. Dn never learns, times without number I told him to always dry his hair in the bathroom but he prefers doing that in my living room.


    ¡°Do I see a rtionship soon¡±, he chuckled, throwing his wet towel on my face.


    He made his way to the kitchen, apparently looking for something to eat. The half empty pack I left this morning was still lying on the table and he decided to settle for that. Soon, he brought his bowl to the living room, sitting on the couch while he flipped the t v on.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so man. I¡¯ve just escaped from one that wasn¡¯t really pleasant, I wouldn¡¯t want to jump into another immediately. I¡¯m just going to rx¡±, I said.


    ¡°You want my honest opinion?¡±, Dn said in between munching his cereal.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Maka seems very cool and I think she¡¯s not going to be like Sophia. I mean, I don¡¯t know her so well but I trust my instinct and so I¡¯m going with that¡±, he said.


    I knew Dn was right. Deep down, I knew Maka wasn¡¯t that kind of girl. Oddly, I trusted her but I just wasn¡¯t in the mood for a rtionship now but that doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t be friends. I¡¯ll just keep up my friendship with her then see how it goes.


    Dn finished his cereal just as his phone rang. I made my way to the bathroom to wash off the sweat away from my body before fixing something to eat. I returned to the living room but Dn was gone.


    Typical Dn, hees in unannounced and leaves without fanfair.


    A note was stuck on the fridge and I discovered it was a note from him. His scrawny handwriting said he had to run an errand for his mum and he would be back tomorrow. Oh well, I guess it¡¯s just me in this house alone.


    *****************


    In another part of the country, a group of men sat round a table discussing a matter of interest. The main topic of discussion was a man named Ronald Kingston, a man they badly needed. These men were not to be yed with as they controlled most of the resources in the town, they were the Mafia.


    A group of men consisting of about 10 had been sworn to secrecy before joining the brotherhood and a betrayal of that would lead to death. Ronald Kingston was their target but he¡¯s been very difficult to get hold of. He owed the brotherhood a lot of money from a drug supply gone wrong and now, he was on the run.


    They would get him, they knew that but the problem was time was running out and the godfather was getting restless demanding that Ronald was captured at once.


    They  knew he had family somewhere and the man they sent confirmed that indeed Ronald was a family man. The men knew that if Ronald wasn¡¯t captured, they would swoop in on his family and anybody associated with him. They were bidding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike. Sooner orter, they knew that Ronald would be in their hands.


    Maka


    A weekter, Aunty Pat and Megan moved in and I was a bit relieved that at least, they had family close to them. Ronald was still on the run and Aunty Pat hardly knew where he was, the only time he called was to say he was somewhere safe and he wouldn¡¯t be seeing them for a while.


    I was somewhat happy not because of the situation they were in but because Ronald was far from them.


    At least, if he was far they wouldn¡¯t be the target of the people who was after him. They would be here safe from them. As a precautionary measure, my dad installed additional security system in the house that alerts us to any intruder who steps into the house unannounced. My auntined that it was too much but my mum shushed her and so, the matter was forgotten.


    I had a doctor¡¯s appointment today and I was a bit nervous.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    My illness hasn¡¯t returned for over six months now and I was d. The doctor just wanted to do a routine check-up today just to be sure I¡¯m doing well.


    ¡°Mum, I¡¯m on my way, do you want me to get you anything?¡±, I asked.


    Mum and dad were in the living room watching the rerun of the big time rush. They were huge fans of the show and wouldn¡¯t miss a day of it.


    ¡°No honey, I¡¯m good. Just be back on time, say hi to Doctor Tyler for me¡±, she said.


    ¡°Will do. Bye guys¡±, I said, shutting the door.


    I climbed into myfortable Volvo which has been with me for close to five years now. I got her when I finished high school and since then, she¡¯s been a steadypanion taking me where I need to go without any problems.


    I turned on the car¡¯s radio tuning in to a radio station I was sure was currently ying cool jams. Sure enough, I was right. Justin Bieber¡¯s Holy was currently ying. I sang along without a care in the world, feeling happy in a very long while. Today is going to be a beautiful day, I just know it.


    Soon, I got to the hospital and walked into the reception. My favorite nurse, ire was at the desk filling some papers. ire was a beautiful brte with small nt eyes and dimples whenever she smiles.


    Asides this, she is so friendly and makes you feel better even at the worst situations. She knew all about my recurring illness and ever since, she¡¯s given me all the love and support I needed.


    ¡°Hi ire¡±, i smiled.


    ¡°Hey girlfriend¡±, she beamed,ing around to give me a hug.


    ¡°How have you been?, It¡¯s been a while¡±, I said, so happy to see her.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been doing great darling and I¡¯m happy you¡¯ve not being regrly, shows that you¡¯re improving and this, I¡¯m happy for¡±, she smiled.


    ¡°Thank you ire, for everything. You¡¯ve been a good friend and a great help¡±, I said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it darling, what are friends for¡±, she said, giving my hands a gentle squeeze.


    ¡°Is the doc in? I have an appointment, I hope I¡¯m not toote¡±, I said.


    ¡°Sure, go right in dear. He¡¯s waiting for you.¡±


    I left the reception as I headed towards doctor Tyler¡¯s office. I knocked gently to announce my presence before opening the door.


    Standing beside his desk, going through some charts, Doctor Tyler beamed upon seeing me. He give me a big hug and I returned it wholeheartedly.


    He was just like my dad, bubbling and full of energy. At times, I call him my second dad because of the way he takes care of me and makes sure I¡¯m doing alright.


    Asides his bubbly personality, doctor Tyler was a sad man. He lost his wife two years ago and ever since then, he hasn¡¯t been the same. Though when he¡¯s working, he tends to put that issue aside I still see some hint of sadness in his eyes.


    The only family he has left are his three sons who are all married and are in different parts of the country. He was a lonely man, living in a big house all by himself.


    The onlypany he gets is when the maides in some days to cook and clean. I tried inviting over to our home for dinner but he always declines, saying he wouldn¡¯t want to be a bother. This time around, I was determined to bring him over for dinner today after work.

 Chapter 11

    The next morning, Maka woke up with a slight ache in her chest. She couldn¡¯t understand what brought about that ache. She got up from her bed, rubbing her chest in slow circles to try to ease the pain but still, it wasn¡¯t showing any improvements.


    Maka didn¡¯t want anything to spoil her chances of seeing King, a man she has agreed to go on a date with sometimesst week. The pain was doing everything it could to do just that. Asides that, Maka couldn¡¯t afford the money to get drugs if it ever came to buying them. The only money she was concerned about was feeding money and the rent of their house. Every other thing was secondary.


    ¡®¡±Mak honey are you awake?¡±, her mother said.


    She opened the door to her room before walking in. She could tell that there was something wrong with her daughter judging from the frown on her face.


    ¡±What¡¯s wrong baby?¡±, she asked.


    ¡±I don¡¯t know, I just feel this pain in my chest¡±, Maka said, touching the area.


    ¡±Do you feel a burning sensation in there?¡±, her mother asked.


    ¡±No, it¡¯s just a dead pain¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±I¡¯m sure it¡¯s going to ease soon but meanwhile, let me get you some pain killers¡±, she said.


    Maka nodded before her mother left the room. Her meeting with King was officially ruined because for one, her mother would never allow her to go out in this condition.


    Laura soon returned with a small bottle. Maka took two pills before downing it with a ss of water. Sheid back down a bit to clear her head while her mother left to return the pills.


    She came back soon and Maka was grateful for herpany. She needed someone she could talk to while the drugs kicked in.


    ¡±I saw a waitress job at the Royale restaurant yesterday¡±, Maka said.


    Her mother knew all about her job hunting and how long she had been searching for something tangible to do. She was tired of working for her current boss who was making life unbearable for her unless she dates him. Maka was a beautiful girl and she could easily get anything she wanted but most of the job offers she received had a lot to do with nudity.


    Maka had her honor to keep and she knew that she¡¯d rather die than expose any part of her body all in the name of getting money. She wanted to make her mother proud and had vowed never to do anything that would cause her any pain. She had suffered enough to take care of her when her father died a few years ago.


    Her mother had literally killed to protect her from her abusive father and Maka knew that if given the opportunity, she would do it all over again.


    ¡±You¡¯re thinking again¡±, Laura smiled, gently.


    New stress lines were at the side of her eyes and Maka knew it was as a result of old age. Her mother was getting on in years and Maka didn¡¯t know if she was ready to say goodbye.


    ¡±I just can¡¯t help it. I want a better life for us, a life free from poverty and struggles. I want to change our situation Mom¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±A step at a time dear, a step at a time. You do not have to rush anything. You have the whole world at your feet, take your time my darling¡±, she said.


    ¡±But I¡¯m going to go for this job. It¡¯s the highest paid i¡¯ve gotten so far, i can¡¯t afford to miss it¡±, Maka said.


    Already, the pain in her chest had already subsided and she was feeling much better than before. She still had thoughts about her meeting with KIng but Maka decided it wasn¡¯t worth it. Two people had already warned her concerning him and she knew she¡¯d be a fool if she failed to listen to their warnings.


    It was better she let them go than roping herself into something she wasn¡¯t capable of handling. From her research, she discovered that the Williams brothers were really connected but yet, there was something sinister about their activities.


    ¡±Yes, I can¡¯t stop you from going because I know you want to do this. All I¡¯m saying is, you have to be careful. I know how stubborn and hot headed you are, it wouldn¡¯t do you any good if you bring in that attitude when your interview is going on¡±, Laura said.


    Maka knew what her mother was talking about. She was stubborn, that she knew but it was justified. Just because she was poor and drove an outdated car bus doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯ll allow anyone to just walk all over her.


    She had pride and she was going to use it to the best of her abilities without going overboard. The job she had seen was something that could conveniently take care of her bills without her breaking a sweat and she was going to try as much as possible to secure it.


    ¡±I want to sell the car bus¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±Why? But it¡¯s been really helpful, don¡¯t you think?¡±, her mother said.


    ¡±Yes Mom, I know it has been but the maintenance is really high. I would even prefer going by cab. I calcted the cost of maintenancest week and it was double the amount we even spend on food. I think it has to go Mom¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±Alright dear, whatever you say. You run this show¡±, Lauraughed.


    ¡±No Mom, you do¡±, Maka said, giving her mother¡¯s hands a gentle squeeze.


    ¡±How is your chest now? Any improvement?¡±, Laura asked.


    ¡±Yes, I can hardly feel anything¡±, Maka smiled.


    ¡±Thank goodness. I was beginning to get worried¡±.


    ¡±I¡¯ll look for a buyer for the bus from today. The earlier we sell it off, the better. I¡¯m just hoping we get a good amount for it¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±If we get a thousand dors for it, we¡¯ll be lucky¡±, Lauraughed.


    ¡±Mom, it can¡¯t be that bad¡±, Makaughed.


    ¡±Have you seen the state of that car? It¡¯s terrible to be honest¡±, sheughed.


    ¡±Well, let¡¯s just keep our fingers crossed¡±, Maka smiled.


    ¡±We will. I need to go get started on breakfast, just rest okay. You¡¯ve been doing so much these past weeks¡±, she smiled.


    It was true. Maka had nearly died as a result of the different jobs she took over the weeks. From being a maid to interviewing clients for a blog where she was paid peanuts to even working on a farm. It was too much for one person to do and Maka realized that her chest pain was as a result of that.


    ¡±Do we still have any food?¡±, Maka asked.


    ¡±Of course, we do. Remember you stocked the house with foodst week from all the paychecks you received¡±, her mother said.


    ¡±Oh yeah¡±, Maka chuckled.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡±What day are you going for the interview?¡±.


    ¡±I have to be there by ten tomorrow and I have to dress smart¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±Of course, you have to. The Royale restaurant is one of the biggest in the country and is host to top personalities and celebrities. I heard Taylor Swift has dined there before¡±, her mother said.


    ¡±I feel kind of nervous Mom, I feel like I won¡¯t do my best¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±No darling, don¡¯t feel that way. Remember that the first agent of failure is fear. You have to remove that fear and face your task squarely. You are a beautiful darling and there¡¯s nothing you can not achieve if you put your mind to it¡±, her mother said.


    Maka smiled, giving her mother¡¯s hands a gentle squeeze. She had no idea where she¡¯d be if her mother wasn¡¯t there to support her. She was her biggest support system, one she could always rely on.


    ¡±I will Mom, I¡¯ll face it¡±, Maka smiled.


    ¡±That¡¯s my girl¡±, her mother beamed.


    ¡±What are you making?¡±, Maka asked.


    ¡±Spaghetti and meatballs, your favorite¡±.


    ¡±Yum¡±, Maka grinned.


    Her mother left soon and Maka was d she had that conversation with her. She was relieved and she knew she would do excellently well in her interview because she had never failed and she wouldn¡¯t begin now.

 Chapter 12

    Jason


    Few days had passed and it was the most amazing moments of my life. Everyday with Maka was a breath of fresh air. I learnt more about her and I shared more things about my family with her. I had no doubts that my mother would love her, Mrs Woods loved beautiful things when she saw one.


    I could hardly believe my luck when our past crossed again and this time around, I was fully convinced that we were meant to be together. The fates had decided our faith and that is I was to be with Maka.


    Even though I¡¯ve been having the best time of my life, it wasn¡¯tplete without my best friend, Dn. I was currently outside his house trying to find out if he was in. Since he dropped that cryptic message¡­ Protect her, I¡¯ve been racking my head trying to understand what he meant. The more I think about it, the more I get confused. I couldn¡¯t tell Maka because I didn¡¯t want her to get scared and also because my mother¡¯s birthday is in three days and I really needed her to be happy. That was one of the main reasons why I¡¯m currently standing at Dn¡¯s front door.


    I knocked again hoping that someone at least answers the door. I was just about to call it quits and return to my car when the door opened to reveal Dn¡¯s mum. Mrs Robinson stood with a pleasant smile on her face and my pounding heart subsided a little. Dn must be fine, that¡¯s why she¡¯s smiling.


    ¡°Jason¡±, she said, giving me a big hug.


    ¡°Good evening ma¡¯am¡±, I smiled.


    Mrs Robinson, Dn¡¯s mum was like a second mother to me. She was a tall woman, her brown hair already had grey undertones and when sheughed, there were new lines beneath her eyes. She was getting on in years and I felt was because this woman standing right here took care of me like her own son the days my mother travelled and had to leave me behind.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you son,e in¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am I¡¯d love to but I¡¯m in a bit of hurry. I came to see Dn. Is he in?¡±, I said.


    She wore a confused look and my heart began racing again. I dreaded what she was going to say, bracing myself for it.


    ¡°Dn is not here. As a matter of fact, I haven¡¯t seen him for a couple of days now. The only time he called which wasst week, he imed he was busy and woulde home when he¡¯s free¡±, she said.


    ¡°Why?, Dn what are you up to?¡±, I whispered.


    ¡°Jason what¡¯s wrong? He¡¯s your friend, didn¡¯t he tell you where he is?¡±, she choked.


    There was a sheen in her eyes, she desperately tried to fight back tears. I took her hands, giving it a gentle squeeze silently reassuring her that everything is okay.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Dn and I haven¡¯t really been in speaking terms. Honestly, I¡¯m so confused¡±, I said, helplessly.


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s involved in anything bad? Is my son a criminal?¡±, she sobbed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I¡¯ll call him before the end of the day and find out where he is. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s fine, don¡¯t worry¡±, I hugged her.


    ¡°Thank you¡±


    After making sure she¡¯s alright, I left for my car. I¡¯m sure Dn is alright, he¡¯s an adult and knows what to do but deep down, I was scared. I offered up prayers to any gods above to keep him safe. I was on my way to Maka¡¯s house to give her the travel tickets to California. I haven¡¯t told her we¡¯d be traveling for the party, I wanted to surprise her and I couldn¡¯t wait to see the reaction on her face.


    I parked in the driveway and killed the engine as I stepped out of the car, heading to the front door. Just then, a thought crossed my mind. I¡¯ve been to Maka¡¯s house so many times but she has never been to mine. I decided to invite her and I knew just what I would. Before I got to the front door, it was flinged open by her eight year old cousin, Megan.


    ¡°Hi¡±, she said with a toothy grin.


    ¡°Hi, how are you Megan?¡±, I smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I know, you¡¯re here to see Maka. She¡¯s upstairs,e on in¡±, she said.


    ¡°Sure. Megan, you shouldn¡¯t just open the door at the sound of any car. You¡¯ve got to be more careful okay?¡±, I smiled.


    ¡°Okay. Nowe in, it¡¯s freezing¡±


    She pulled me inside, mming the door shut. Once again, I admired the beautiful living room and the pleasant smell wafting from the kitchen. Maka¡¯s mum came out from the kitchen holding a tray of freshly baked cookies. She smiled when she saw me and told me to go upstairs where Maka¡¯s room was.


    I took the stairs two at a time and soon, I was standing at her door. I pushed quietly and I discovered she was fast asleep. Setting the tickets on her bed side table, Iy on the bed sponning her from behind. She mumbled still lost in sleep as I silently caressed her hair. She turned opening her eyes as she took me in. Somehow, her eyes shone even brighter in the semi dark room.


    ¡°You knew I was here didn¡¯t you¡±, I said


    ¡°Of course, your perfume gives you away and also because no one holds me the way you do¡±, she smiled, tracing my lips with her finger.


    I leaned in, taking her soft lips for a kiss. She moaned, wrapping her hands around my neck as I deepened the kiss. I kissed every inch of her face while she caressed my hair which made me rx. She broke the kiss first as tried to catch her breath. Her face was red and I was secretly proud of my work.


    ¡°Remind me to always kiss you when you¡¯re upset because boy, you¡¯re one hell of a kisser¡±, she said, smacking my chest.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m always going to pretend that I¡¯m upset just to get your fine lips on me¡±, I said.


    ¡°Jason.. You¡¯re so crude¡±, sheughed.


    ¡°How was your day honey¡±, i said.


    ¡°Boring¡­ But I finally started that book I¡¯ve been wanting to write. I¡¯m proud of myself¡±, she beamed.


    ¡°Mighty proud of you young woman. What would be my reward for encouraging you?¡±, I smiled.


    And without no need for words, Maka kissed me. She poured every emotion into that kiss and I returned it in like manner. We could go on and on but I really wanted to tell her why I was here so I broke the kiss, taking her hands in mine as I decided on how to put my request.


    ¡°Listen baby, I¡¯ve got to something to say¡±


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±, she said in a small voice.


    ¡°No, nothing¡¯s wrong¡±


    I reached out for the two tickets beside her bedside table, presenting it to her as I watched different reactions cloud her eyes.


    ¡°Jason-,  she whispered. What¡¯s this?¡±.


    ¡°Well baby, we¡¯re going to California for my mum¡¯s birthday¡±, I said, finally.


    For several minutes, Maka remained silent thinking over my words. I could tell that she didn¡¯t expect this and was quite surprised at what nowy in herps.


    ¡°I should have informed you a few days back but I wanted it to be a surprise and I totally understand if you don¡¯t want to go¡±, I said quickly.


    ¡°No¡­ No, Jason it¡¯s not that. I don¡¯t know how my mum would take this, it¡¯s easier knowing I¡¯m here but California would give her an heart attack¡±, she said as she picked up the tickets.


    ¡°I understand, there¡¯s no pressure on this babe¡±, I smiled.


    ¡± When do we leave?¡±, she asked.


    I didn¡¯t expect her to ask that question and for sometime, I didn¡¯t know what to say. I stared until I snapped out of it.


    ¡°The birthday is in three days time but we can leave the day after tomorrow so we can settle in before the party on Saturday¡±, I said.


    She mulled over my words for sometime and just then, a brilliant smile lit up her face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go Jason and I think I know just the right way to persuade my mum¡±.


    ¡°Maka, what do you have in mind?¡±, Iughed.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you worry. You¡¯ll see¡±, she said with a sinister look in her eyes.


    ¡°I hope that whatever you do, you do not get grounded for life¡±


    ¡°Puhlease, I¡¯m an adult. I won¡¯t get grounded¡±, she smiled.


    ¡°Okay mademoiselle but know you can call on me in times of trouble and I¡¯lle bounding in in my shining armor¡±, I said.


    ¡°Oh no prince Jasom, you¡¯ll be riding in with your power bike and by the way, I love it¡±


    ¡°Sabrina loves you too¡±, I said.


    She had a confused look on her face and I realized it¡¯s what I said. Maka didn¡¯t know that my power was named Sabrina. I quickly exined this to her before she got any ideas but she burst outughing after I told her.


    ¡°Why Sabrina though?¡±


    ¡°Well, my grandma¡¯s name is Sabrina and before my dad died, he always told me how string she was and because my power bike is the strongest bike I know, I named her that.


    ¡°That¡¯s so cute. Can I go on a ride on it soon?¡±, she said, giving me a puppy dog eye.


    She knew I couldn¡¯t resist it and at the end, I gave in but that would be when we returned from my mum¡¯s birthday party which also reminded me that I had to get her a gift.


    ¡°Do you happen to have any ideas on what kind of gifts I can give an elderly woman¡±Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Of course, I do. Why don¡¯t we hit the mall, there still time before it closes. The earlier, the better¡±, she said, leaving the bed.


    Maka changed in the bathroom because in her own words, she didn¡¯t trust me not to do anything rash. Soon, she was done and we headed downstairs. She informed her mum where we were headed and the older woman shooed us off.


    We got into the car and soon, we were on the long ride to the mall but with my girlfriend by my side, it was totally worth it.

 Chapter 13

    ¡°Have I ever told you how pretty you are?¡± Jason asked.


    The love birds were currently in a field on the outskirts of town. They had driven in Jason¡¯s truck, a four wheeled drive that seemed to bepeting with The sh on the highway.


    Maka blushed, looking everywhere else asides the man the man that was behind her smile.


    ¡°You¡¯ve said that to me more times than I can count Jason¡± she smiled.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Jason cupped her face, giving her a warm kiss. This was his favorite thing to do because it gave him the assurance that she was his and his alone.


    ¡°And I¡¯ll never get tired of saying it. Youplete me Maka and I bless the day I saw you at that train station. Looks like we were meant to be¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°We were¡± Maka smiled.


    They stayed infortable silence for a while, watching the scenery while being at peace with each other.


    ¡°You really haven¡¯t told me about the job you do¡± Maka said.


    Jason sighed. He knew this topic was bound toe up one way or the other and he didn¡¯t know if he was ready to have it with her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I said something bad?¡± Maka back tracked.


    ¡°No¡­ No, you didn¡¯t¡±Jason said.


    Thest thing he wanted her to feel was awkward or sad. She had every right to ask him about his job since most of the time, they would be together.


    ¡°I think I told you I¡¯m in the military right? The Marine to be precise¡± he said.


    ¡°Yeah, you did and that¡¯s a really brave thing for you to do. I mean, it takes a whole lot of guts for one to even enlist in the Army¡± Maka said.


    ¡°My dear, you have no idea¡± Jasonughed.


    His rich baritone voice filled the whole area and Maka found herself loving every minute of it. He made her whole, made her feel safe in his arms and this was something she had always wanted to feel.


    ¡°So what has it been like. You know, the whole thing¡± she said.


    ¡°There are so many stories about it but I think I¡¯ll just tell you the less horrific ones¡± he smiled.


    ¡°But I want to hear it all¡± she pouted.


    ¡°No babes, less horrific ones or nothing¡± Jasonughed.


    ¡°Deal then¡± Makaughed.


    ¡°Okay. So here goes, there was a particr day we had to go on a mission to a nearby town that was really ravaged by insurgents, bandits. You know, those bad guys¡± he began.


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s terrible¡± Maka said.


    She sat up to have a better look at the man she hade to love. As he spoke, she found herself staring at his plump lips she had kissed so many times.


    ¡°We went as a group because we believed that way, we could achieve what we wanted to achieve and that was to send those bad guys away. It got so bad when our truck got it and guess what?¡±he asked, looking down at her.


    ¡°What?¡± Maka asked.


    She feared to know the answer to his question but she knew she had to find out what happened if she was to get the full picture of the story.


    ¡°I was in the truck¡± he said, finally.


    ¡°Oh my God! No!¡± Maka said.


    ¡°That¡¯s how I got this scar¡± Jason said, pulling open the top button of his shirt to reveal a jagged line across his chest.


    ¡°Damn! I¡¯m so sorry Jason¡± Maka sighed.


    She knew what she had signed up for when she agreed to date him. He could be called at any time for war and that was something she didn¡¯t know if she could live with but nevertheless, she knew she had to live with it because she was hopelessly in love with him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault honey and it was a long time ago. Sometimes, I forget it¡¯s even there not until I see it¡± he chuckled.


    Maka sighed, looking at the clouds as they traveled by. The sky was do beautiful but her heart at that moment was far from beautiful.


    There were different thoughts guing her mind and they all centered on Jason. She had thoughts about whether he would survive if he got called to fight again. He was in the military and his first line of duty was to protect his country and she knew that would alwayse first.


    ¡°Babe, you¡¯re thinking again¡± he sighed.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help but think about all of this. What if you get called to fight and you don¡¯t make it, what then bes of me¡± Maka sighed.


    Jason sighed. He understood everything she was feeling and he felt the same way too but at that moment, there was nothing either of them could do.


    ¡°I will always live. For you Maka, I will always live¡± he smiled.


    He leaned closer to her, cing a soft kiss on her lips. There was absolutely nothing he wouldn¡¯t do for her and that includes living.


    ¡°I love you, always know that Lance corporal Jason Smith¡± Maka giggled.


    ¡°Ohh look who¡¯s going military on me¡± Jasonughed.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it. It has a nice ring to it¡± Maka giggled.


    ¡°It sure does¡± Jason smiled.


    ¡°How is your mom?¡± Maka asked.


    Jason¡¯s father had died a year ago, leaving behind his mom and him. He was an only child and imagine the horror she felt when her only sin decided to enlist in the army.


    ¡°She¡¯s fine. She¡¯s in Florida. Chicago¡¯s cold is too much for her¡± Jasonughed.


    ¡°But to be honest, it is. The weather keeps plummeting every single day¡± Makaughed.


    ¡°I know right. Well, that just means I can snuggle with you everytime I like¡± he grinned.


    Maka sat up, hugging him as she brought her lips to his. She kissed him with everything she had and she knew that as long as she lived, this was what she would always enjoy.


    Jason gave her a sense of peace and security and that was something she really needed in her life especially since she seeing the signs of her boss being temperamental. She would tell Jason all about it one day but just not now.


    She didn¡¯t want anything to ruin this moment and she vowed that nothing ever will.

 Chapter 14

    ¡°So babe, I¡¯ll be traveling for a few days¡± Jason said.


    Maka had spent the previous night in her boyfriend¡¯s house and to say he was amodating would be an understatement, he was caring.


    She sighedzily from the bed were she was still battling with sleep. They had slept on the same bed but nothing happened which just showed how controlled Jason was. Maka knew that if it were other men, they wouldn¡¯t waste any time in bedding her. Because of this, she loved him all the more.


    ¡°Do you have to go.¡± She groaned.


    Jason chuckled,ing close to her. He cupped her cheek, staring into her deep blue eyes. He had never loved someone as much as he loved her and he vowed to spend the rest of his life loving her.


    ¡°Yes honey, I have to. Duty calls¡± he said.


    He was due for a promotion and he knew he couldn¡¯t afford to miss any assignment given to him. He wanted the news about his promotion to be a surprise to her and was patiently biding the time until he told her.


    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s your job and I can¡¯t stop you from going. But please, be careful. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ll do if I loose you¡± she sighed.


    ¡°Baby, listen to me¡± he said.


    Maka was fighting tears but she couldn¡¯t afford to cry now. Jason meant so much to her and she knew she¡¯d die if anything were to ever happen to him.


    ¡°Nothing and i mean absolutely nothing will happen to me. You have to believe me. I am yours and yours for life and it would only take the end of the world before anything were to ever happen to me¡± he said.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Maka sniffed.


    A lone tear slid down her eyes. Jason wiped it away, kissing her lightly on the cheek.


    ¡°A hundred percent my love. I love you too much to die¡± he said.


    ¡°Okay. What day are you leaving?¡± Maka asked.


    ¡°On Friday then I¡¯ll be back on Tuesday.¡± he smiled.


    ¡°Urghh. If I have my way, I wouldn¡¯t even allow you go.¡± she chuckled.


    ¡°Well, this is what you signed up for. Dating a military man ain¡¯t easy.¡± heughed.


    ¡°And I¡¯m ready to go on the full ride because I love you too much¡± she said, kissing him.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡± he said.


    Maka felt suddenly shy. She tried looking everywhere else but Jason wasn¡¯t having it. He kept her cheek in ce, caressing her face with all the love he had for her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy with me Maka. I¡¯m your boyfriend, you shouldn¡¯t do that¡± he smiled.


    ¡°Well, you have a way of making me blush. Thank you.¡± she smiled.


    Just then, the loud chirp of a phone broke the moment. It was Jason¡¯s phone and Maka had a feeling that it was work rted.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡± he said.


    He gave her a light kiss before walking towards the living room where his phone was on the dining table.


    Sheid back down on the bed, smiling as she thought about how lucky she was to have a man like Jason who really loved her for who she was.


    ¡°Hey Davie what¡¯s up?¡± Jason said.


    His voice was loud and Maka knew it wasn¡¯t hard for her to listen in.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m at home.¡± Jason said.


    From the way his voice grew louder, Maka knew that he was heading her way. He came into the room soon, smiling when he saw her. He sat on the bed and immediately, she snuggled him.


    ¡°Okay¡­ Has themander been briefed yet?¡± Jason asked.


    His smile turned into a light frown and Maka knew that something had happened. She couldn¡¯t hear the other end of the conversation but from the way his body tensed up, she knew it couldn¡¯t be good.


    ¡°Shit!¡± He said.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be there soon.¡± he said before cutting the call.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Maka asked.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if this would make sense to you but we are meant to believe that there¡¯s been an infiltration at the camp. One of our armour tanks just got burnt¡±. He said.


    ¡°Oh my God, that¡¯s bad¡±. Maka said.


    ¡°I have to go now, there¡¯s been a radio call to all personnel¡± he said.


    He got up from the bed, pulling on a shirt that hung from his wardrobe. Maka watched him with a frown on her face. His duty came first that she knew but anytime he was away from her, she was always sad.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be out for long but babe, you can leave if you like¡± he said.


    ¡°Okay¡± she sighed.


    Jason picked up on her sadness. He sighed, looking at her but all he saw was a deep sense of sadness. He made his way towards where she sat on the bed, wearing one of his t-shirts.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever told you how much I love you wearing my shirt¡± he said.


    Makes giggled when he tickled her. She knew what he was doing and she loved it because it only told her that he had her best interest at heart.


    ¡°I promise I¡¯ll try to be back soon.¡± he kissed her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, take your time. I know this is important to you and I wouldn¡¯t want to be a nagging and demanding girlfriend¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Thank you for understanding baby girl¡± he smiled.


    He kissed her deeply and Maka found herself loving his touch every day.


    ¡°I have to tell you something when you get back.¡± She said.


    ¡°I hope it isn¡¯t anything serious?¡±Jason asked with a light frown on his face.


    ¡°No babe, just something I observed in my workce¡± Maka said.


    She had been battling within herself for days on whether to tell him some of the things she observed especially from her boss. Maka knew that if she wanted their rtionship to flourish, they had to be open to each other.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try to get back on time so we¡¯ll discuss about this okay?¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Okay boo¡± she giggled.


    He kissed her once again beforecing up his boot. When he was done, he shrugged on his jacket because the weather was chilly outside.


    ¡°You look so handsome¡± she smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s all for you my love¡± he chuckled.


    He leaned towards her, cing a gentle kiss on her lips before walking out of the house.


    Maka sighed, longing for him. She knew he had to get to his base to check out things but yet, there was a selfish part of her that just wanted him to stay with her.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to shake off that feeling Maka¡± she chuckled.


    She smiled, thanking the stars above for sending Jason her way but deep down, there was still a nagging doubt on whether their rtionship could stand the test of time.

 Chapter 15

    ¡°How is your boyfriend doing?¡± Maka¡¯s mother asked.


    She had just gotten back home. She realized that staying in Jason¡¯s huge house was easier said than done. She missed him terribly and couldn¡¯t wait for him to get back. She wanted to hear about everything he was currently handling back at the camp.


    ¡°He¡¯s fine Mom. He had to get to his base this morning, something urgent came up.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Oh, I hope it¡¯s nothing serious?¡± Her mother asked.


    Maka sighed because she didn¡¯t know the answer to that. The manner at which Jason left was worrisome and she could only hope that whatever it was, it wasn¡¯t serious.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Mom honestly.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Whatever it is, I know everything is going to be okay. I¡¯ve seen the way both of you look at each other, even a blind man would know both of you are in love.¡± she chuckled.


    ¡°Mom.¡± Maka smiled.


    She was grateful for what her Mom said. Jason was the only man she had ever loved and she was determined to spend the rest of her life loving him.


    ¡°Well yes Mom, you¡¯re right. I¡¯m hopelessly in love with him.¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m just d to see you happy.¡± she smiled.


    ¡°Me too, this is the first time in a really long while I¡¯ve been this happy.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°So darling, I¡¯ll be going away for some time. I¡¯ll be going to Singapore for some business.¡± she said.


    ¡°Oh really? What business is that Mom? You didn¡¯t tell me about it.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry darling, I must have forgotten. There¡¯s this new contract I¡¯m chasing right now and if all goes well, we¡¯ll befortable.¡± she said.


    Maka knew that this wasn¡¯t the first time her mother would be venturing into something like this. The previous ones she¡¯d been doing were always failing but this time around, she really hoped that this would work out.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking honey but trust me, this is going to work out.¡± she said.


    ¡°I hope so Mom, I really hope so.¡± Maka said.


    Her mother gave her hands a gentle squeeze. They had been through a lot and all what Maka wanted was for them to be sessful.


    ¡°What day are you going?¡± Maka asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave next week. My flights already been booked. I¡¯m going to miss you darling, are you sure you¡¯ll be okay on your own?¡± She signed.


    Maka knew that if she had her way, she would rather stay than go away and leave her all alone but as it stood, Maka knew that sacrifices had to be made in order for them to achieve what they do desire.


    ¡°Mom, of course, I¡¯ll be fine. Remember, Jason is here with me. I¡¯ll be fine Mom.¡± Maka smiled.


    Being an only child, her mother was fond of worrying which was something she was used to.


    ¡°Okay. I don¡¯t know how long I¡¯ll stay for, it could be six months or even a year.¡± She said.


    ¡°Mom, that doesn¡¯t bother me. As long as you¡¯re fine, that¡¯s all that matters. I might evene to see you when I gather enough money for the ticket.¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡°Speaking of money, how about the interview you went for. How did it go?¡±she asked.


    ¡°I got it Mom.¡± Makaughed.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding me right?¡±her motherughed.


    ¡°No Mom, I¡¯m not. I got the jobst week. You were so busy and swamped up in trying to put the final touches to your trip, I just didn¡¯t have the mind to disturb you¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡°Oh darling but that isn¡¯t a disturbance. I¡¯m so happy for you my darling¡± she smiled.


    ¡°Thank you Mom¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡°So have you resumed?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    She wanted to tell her about her boss¡¯s demands but she didn¡¯t want her to worry. She would tell Jason because he always seemed to know what to do.


    ¡°Okay¡­ Is everything alright love?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes Mom, everything is alright. I just thought about something¡± she said.


    ¡°Okay. Darling, I¡¯ve got to work out something now. If you need me, I¡¯ll be in my room okay?¡± She said.


    ¡°Okay Mom.¡± Maka smiled.


    Her Mom left, making her way towards her room. Maka was left all alone in the living room. Her thoughts strayed towards Jason and she found herself wondering what he was doing. Just then, her phone gave a small beep, indicating she had a call.


    She nced at the caller ID and discovered that it was infact the subject of her thoughts. Jason was calling and at that moment, Maka loved him all the more.


    ¡°Hi¡± she smiled.


    ¡°Hey love. How are you?¡± Jason asked.


    Maka found herself rxing upon hearing his voice. He was alright and that was all that mattered to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Missed me already?¡± Sheughed.


    ¡°You have no idea.¡± He sighed.


    ¡°The hurry ande home. Although, I¡¯m in my house now. Had to leave yours because I was missing you badly.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when I get back. I hope you¡¯re okay?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine. I should even be asking you that, are you okay?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes Love, I am. The situation here wasn¡¯t as bad as I thought. We¡¯re trying to contain the situation but we have everything under control now¡± he said.


    Maka sighed, that was a good thing to hear. When Jason left, she just didn¡¯t know what to think. She was d he was alright which was all that mattered.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s a relief¡± she smiled.


    ¡°Honestly. How is your mom?¡± He asked.


    Maka proceeded to tell him everything about her Mom¡¯s intending trip. Talking about it now, she realized she was going to miss her. She had never been away from her for more than a day and with her going away for a while was something she had never experienced.


    ¡°Wow. But you¡¯ll be fine darling, I¡¯ll make sure of that¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°I know that and my mom is quite happy we¡¯re dating. She said asides her, the only person she could trust to take care of me in her absence would be you.¡± Makaughed.


    ¡°I told you.¡± Jasonughed.


    ¡°This woman fails to realize that I¡¯m no longer a baby.¡±


    ¡°Well, you are in my sight and I¡¯m going to spend the rest of my life treating you like one.¡± Jason said.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s so sweet and charming.¡± Maka gushed.


    ¡°Only for you my love.¡± he smiled.


    ¡°So what time would you get back?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Can¡¯t say for now but should be in the evening.¡± he said.


    ¡°Okay, stay safe.¡±


    ¡°I will love, I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m about leaving base. Love you.¡± Jason said before cutting the call.


    Maka ced her phone on her bedside table, sighing in bliss. If this was what love felt like, she was ready for it.

 Chapter 16

    Maka was woken up by a light brush on her face. She had fallen into a dreamless sleep an hour ago. She sighed, smiling as she thought it was all a dream. The light brush came again and this time, Maka knew it wasn¡¯t a dream. It was real.


    She opened her eyes to see Jason staring back at her with a grin on his face. Maka screeched, hugging him. She hadn¡¯t known when he arrived and seeing him here made her happy.


    ¡°How did you get in?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Hey baby.¡± He smiled.


    Maka ced her lips on his, giving him a light kiss. She had missed him and now that he was here, she felt happy.


    ¡°The door was open and that reminds me, you should always shut your door. Anyone could just walk in.¡± he said.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Maka sighed.


    Her M had left an hour ago and she was toozy to stand up to lock the door. She was quite d that it was Jason who walked in and not another person. She didn¡¯t even want to think about what could have happened if it was someone else that walked in.


    ¡°You¡¯re home alone?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes. Mom stepped out an hour ago.¡± She said.


    She sat up, smiling as he cradled her in his chest. He smelt of sweat and his faint cologne stuck to him. It was a heady scent, one she knew she could never get tired of.


    ¡°Are you okay baby?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine.¡± Maka said.


    From the look on her face, Jason knew that his girlfriend was anything but fine. There was something bothering her and for the life of him, he didn¡¯t know what that was. She wasn¡¯t usually like this and he knew that if she acted this way, something was definitely wrong.


    ¡°Alright babe, talk to me. I know something is wrong, don¡¯t lie to me.¡±


    Maka sighed. She knew she had to tell him one way or the other but what she feared was his whole reaction to this. She had seen his temper first-hand and she wasn¡¯t ready to deal with it if it came to that.


    ¡°Remember I told you I was going to tell you something when you got back right?¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Yes baby, you did. Is that what all this is about?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°Partly yes but I need you to promise me something.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Alright babe, I promise. Just tell me what is bothering you.¡± He smiled.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    He gripped her hands, giving it a light squeeze. He wanted her to be assured that no matter what she has to tell him, it would never put a damper on their rtionship.


    ¡°My boss asked me to date him.¡± She said.


    For several minutes, Jason remained quiet. There was no expression on his face which just made Maka all the more agitated. When he was like those, it usually meant he was thinking deep and fast.


    ¡°Say something Jason.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°When did he ask you out?¡± Jason asked.


    Maka expected him to ask another question but certainly not that. She knew he was going somewhere but she couldn¡¯t quite put a finger on what it was.


    ¡°The first week I began working.¡± She said.


    ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡± He asked.


    He was still quiet which didn¡¯t help her at all. She just wanted to know what he was thinking about. His behavior now was worrisome and she had a feeling that it was going to get worse ining minutes.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of all of these?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Just answer the damn question Maka.¡± Jason snapped.


    As far back since they began their rtionship, Maka realized that this was the first time Jason would ever snap at her.


    ¡°You see, this is why I never wanted to tell you. I knew you¡¯d behave this way.¡± She said.


    Like a sh, the look on his face gave way topassion and love. He gripped her hands, giving it a gentle squeeze. He didn¡¯t mean to make her agitated but one thing he couldn¡¯t stand was for another man to hit on his girl.


    Maka was his and his alone and he vowed to deal with any man who looked at her in a wrong way. Her boss had just done something he didn¡¯t like and within him, Jason vowed to fish him out.


    ¡°Carter. Eric Carter.¡± She said.


    ¡°Carter? The billionaire?¡± Jason asked.


    He knew who he was. Times magazine had named him one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. His business spanned so many cities and a few countries. He had donated to charitable causes and he was known as the man who was perfect in the eyes of many.


    One thing they failed to realize was that beneath all the goodness Eric seemed to portray, there was a darkness within him that no one knew about. All they saw was the mask he wanted them to see. Eric wasn¡¯t a good person, far from it and Jason had a mind to tell Maka everything he knew about him but he waved it away.


    He would tell her soon, but not now. Now, he needed her to stay far away from him but with her working for him, Jason knew that would prove difficult.


    ¡°Do you know him? I mean asides the billionaire stuff? Maka asked.


    There was no way he could tell her about their history. It was something that happened a long time ago. If he had his way, he preferred to forget everything that happened that fine afternoon.


    ¡°Jason, you¡¯re not telling me something. Do you know Eric?¡± Maka asked.


    ¡°I know him as a billionaire and nothing more.¡± Jason said.


    He looked everywhere else but at her and she knew he was definitely hiding something from her.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll just tell you a little about him. We went to school together. That¡¯s all.¡± He said.


    Maka¡¯s face lit up like a light bulb. She didn¡¯t know about this and hearing this from him made her a bit happy but looking at him now, he was far from happy.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t look happy about it. Why?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Now, you want to make me say everything.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t help it. I¡¯m inquisitive.¡± Sheughed.


    ¡°Eric wasn¡¯t really a nice person. You know, he bullied a lot of people and stuff just because his parents were rich.¡± Jason said.


    He couldn¡¯t tell her everything for now. If she knew even half of what Eric did back in school, she would never look at him the same way ever again.


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s terrible.¡± She said.


    ¡°Very. Maka, I need you listen to me. What I¡¯m about to tell you now is really important.¡± Jason said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°I need you to stay away from Eric as far as you can. I know it might not really be possible due to the fact that you work for him and all but I need you to try. Will you do that for me babe?¡± He asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s this all about?¡± Maka asked.


    She was getting confused by the minute. She couldn¡¯t quite ce her hand on what Jason was really driving at.


    ¡°Just promise me please.¡± He begged.


    ¡°Okay, I promise.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Jason sighed.


    ¡°What¡¯s really going on?¡± She asked.


    ¡°One day, I¡¯m going to tell you everything but for now I just need you to stay clear from him. If I have to pick you up from work and drop you everyday, I will.¡± He said.


    ¡°You¡¯re just acting strangely.¡± Maka sighed.


    She ced her head on his shoulder as he brushed her hair lightly. There was nothing he wouldn¡¯t do for her and the first thing he had to do was to keep her safe.


    Eric was now in the picture and Jason vowed to repay him for the evil he did many years ago.

 Chapter 17

    Maka,e in here for a minute.¡± Eric Carter said.


    Maka gulped as she felt her heart rate rising up a notch. She had no idea why her boss needed her attention but all she knew was that it couldn¡¯t be good.


    There was no reason for him to require her attention. She had done all he asked her to do that morning and even the ones for the following morning.


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± Maka said.


    She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart down but try as she may, it wasn¡¯t helping. She was agitated and the only way her heart could be back to normal was when she was done with him.


    Maka had noticed the way his sleazy eyes followed her about which was something she wasn¡¯tfortable with. It seemed there was an hidden intention within him, born out of the desire to harm her but in what way, she had no idea.


    Jason¡¯s words the previous day filtered through her mind and she knew there was something more to what he was saying. She couldn¡¯t quite ce her finger on what it was but whatever it is, she knew she had to follow his warnings.


    Maka walked towards the door, knocking lightly before pushing it open. Eric sat on his desk, lightly tapping his pen on the table. In all her life, Maka had never seen someone as arrogant as he was. He was full of himself, very proud and talked to people anyhow he deemed fit.


    The main reason why she was doing this job was to have something to fall back on. She couldn¡¯t be depending on her mother or Jason for money. She needed to work for something hence her applying for the job.


    Jason had told her times without number that he could adequately take care of her but Maka didn¡¯t want that. She needed to work for her own stuffs.


    ¡°Sir, you called?¡± She said.


    She smoothed her skirt, looking down at her ope toes heels before looking back up at him. Already, he had his eyes on her and Maka knew that there was definitely something going on with him.


    ¡°The reports I asked you to fill, are you done with it?¡±


    Maka couldn¡¯t believe that this was the reason he had called. She had filled reports yesterday and even emailed it to him but apparently, his dumb brain forgot.


    ¡°Yes sir, I did that since yesterday and even sent it to your mail. Didn¡¯t you receive it?¡± Maka snapped.


    She couldn¡¯t take the bite out of her tongue. Eric was slowly frustrating her but she knew she had to be patient if she didn¡¯t want to loose her job.


    ¡°What kind of time is that?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir.¡± Maka breathed.


    He stared at her with a smirk on his face. She didn¡¯t know what he was after but all she knew was that she had to be really careful. He had already shown the signs and she wouldn¡¯t be caught unawares in case he wanted to try anything funny.


    ¡°Good. Would you be free this weekend?¡± He asked.


    Maka was taken aback by this question. She mentally checked if they had any meeting they were to attend together but nothing came up.


    ¡°No Sir.¡± She said.


    She decided to lie, if he had any intentions of asking her out, she effortlessly blocked it. She wasn¡¯t going to be in the same room or restaurant with him.


    ¡°I see.¡± He said.


    He remained quiet for a while, giving her a once over before dismissing her. Maka left, mming the door lightly to show her annoyance. She couldn¡¯t quite believe he had wasted her time, asking frivolous things. They were things that made no sense at all.


    ¡°Damn you Eric.¡± Maka said.


    Just then, her phone beeped, indicating she had a call. ncing at the caller ID, she discovered it was from Jason. She smiled because her boyfriend just had a way of cheering her up. This was the moment she really needed him and he was here.


    ¡°Hey baby.¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡°Darling, how are you?¡± Jason asked.


    There was a bit of noise there and Maka knew he was either at the gym or his base.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine but I miss you, badly.¡± She sighed.


    ¡°Just imagine I¡¯m there, that¡¯s all you need to do.¡± He said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try. Where are you? It¡¯s so noisy there.¡± Maka said.


    A new mail had juste in for thepany and she knew she had to get on with it before Mr bossy pants had a reason to query her. From the look of the mail, Maka had a feeling it was important based on the tag ¡°IMPORTANT¡±.


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯ll call you back soon. I need to get on with something.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Okay love, is everything alright?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°Yes, just got apany mail. I need to attend to it ASAP.¡± She said.


    ¡°Okay, talk to youter love. Love you.¡± Jason said before cutting the call.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Maka ced her phone on the table, clicking through the mail on thtputer. It was from an investor and a major one at that. He requested the presence of Eric and a few of his staffs for a banquet he was hosting this weekend.


    ¡°Banquet? Huh it can¡¯t be what I¡¯m thinking.¡± Maka said.


    Looking through the mail, she discovered that it was to hold this weekend. She was having a funny feeling about all of this and she really hoped it didn¡¯t turn out to what she thought it would be.


    She forwarded the mail to Eric¡¯s email, waiting for his call that was sure toe. Sure enough, few minutester, he summoned her in.


    ¡°I understand there¡¯s a banquet we¡¯re to attend this weekend.¡± He said, waving the paper at her.


    ¡°Yes sir, the mail just arrived. It¡¯s this weekend at the Radisson building.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°I see. Like I said before Maka, I hope you wouldn¡¯t be busy on that day because you¡¯ll be apanying me to the event.¡± He said.


    Maka stared at him, wishing it was a joke but it wasn¡¯t as his eyes took on a look of mischief.

 Chapter 18

    Back home, Maka didn¡¯t waste anymore time before logging on to herputer to find what she could about Eric. At least, she had learnt that he was a billionaire and that would just make her search much more easier. What she wasn¡¯t expecting was for several topics about his promiscuity and womanizing traits to appear.


    Apparently, Eric Carter was a billionaire. He wasn¡¯t really known but yet, there was still something. Asides being a womanizer, a blog post reported on his arrant temper and how he seemed to always re up at the slightest provocation. There weren¡¯t many details about the type of business he did which left Sarah a bit confused.


    Asides that, Maka couldn¡¯t ce the Eric she saw today with the character the inte painted him as. To her, they were twopletely different entities that just seemed so different there weren¡¯t even any simrity.


    ¡±Hey honey.¡±


    Maka looked up and discovered it was her mother. She looked so tired from thest time she saw her yesterday.


    ¡±Hey Mom.¡± Maka smiled.


    Erica ke was 47 and Maka just looked like her. She was an older and chubbier version of Maka and even when they walked along the street just before everything came crashing down, people knew that they were rted.


    Her blond locks which now had some gray undertones were packed to the side to give way for her smooth but slightly wrinkled skin.


    Erica Thompson had no husband and she had single handedly trained Maka since he died. Most people didn¡¯t know about it but Erica had killed her husband and gone to jail for it ten years ago. Carl was an abusive husband and father to them and one day, Erica just snapped, having enough of everything.


    She had gone to jail for it ten years ago and those ten years were the hardest for the both of them. Due to this, their rtionship was somewhat strained but yet, they still tried to make out time for each other.


    ¡±Good morning Mom. Did you sleep well?¡± Maka asked.


    Just like her, Erica had recurring nightmares which were mostly centered on her time in jail and the horrors she had faced with Carl. Maka could barely remember some of it since she was little then but one still stood out in her mind.


    It was a memory of her father, hitting her mother¡¯s head on the wall repeatedly while Maka watched in abject horror. She remembered the amount of blood that flowed from her mother¡¯s head and at that moment, she wondered if her beloved mother would die.


    The only thing that saved her was when their next door neighbor came bounding in with a gun. He threatened to shoot Carl¡¯s head off and that was the only reason he released her mother. She was rushed to the hospital and the doctor had said that she only survived by a hair¡¯s breadth.


    It was a memory Maka would never forget. Her past was haunted, filled with all the pain she couldn¡¯t voice out and she knew it would take a really long time before she could snap out of it.


    ¡±Stop thinking darling.¡± her mother said.


    ¡±Sorry, I tend to do that a lot.¡± Maka smiled.


    She had a sense of deja vu at that moment because she had said something along that line to Mark a few hours ago.


    ¡±So where did you run off to this morning?¡± he asked.


    ¡±So you knew i went out?¡± Maka chuckled.


    ¡±Of course I knew. What kind of a mother would i be if i¡¯m not conscious of what goes around in our house¡± Erica chuckled.


    Her thin frame shook slightly and Maka knew she was under a lot of stress. What she faced wasn¡¯t going to leave her anytime soon and it would only take the best of a therapist before she could find any semnce of peace.


    ¡±I went to see a client¡± Maka said.


    She told her mother all about Mark and from the look on her mother¡¯s face, she didn¡¯t like what she was hearing.


    ¡±To me, he doesn¡¯t look like a good person. That¡¯s the way all these billionaires behave. They behave like they own the whole world and no one has any right to talk to them¡± Erica hissed.


    ¡±To me mom, he seems like a nice guy. I guess the inte just doesn¡¯t like him¡± Maka said.


    ¡±Whatever. I want you to stay away from him okay?¡± she said.


    Maka was tempted to tell her about the coffee date she had with him but she remained quiet. It was no use.


    ¡±Okay Mom¡± Maka said, finally.


    Erica smiled, moving out of her room. Just then, Maka¡¯s phone gave a light beep, indicating she had a call. The caller ID showed it was Jason calling. Maka hadn¡¯t heard from in for a while and she was quite worried that something might have happened.


    ¡°Hey love.¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡°My baby, I hope you¡¯re doing alright?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°I am. What¡¯s up with you? I haven¡¯t spoken to you for a while.¡± Maka whined.


    In reality, it was only a few hours but as the clinging girlfriend she was, she missed him every minute that passed.


    ¡°Maka, it¡¯s only been a few hours but I know you¡¯ve missed me.¡± Jason chuckled.


    ¡°Badly.¡± Maka smiled.


    He remained quiet for a while and Maka knew there was something going on with him. Jason hardly stayed quiet especially when he was talking to her. This was odd and she was determined to find out what was wrong.


    ¡°Jason, talk to me. What¡¯s wrong? There¡¯s something bothering you and don¡¯t even lie to me.¡± Maka sighed.


    ¡°Would it surprise you if I told you that I know Eric?¡± Jason said.


    For several minutes, Maka remained quiet. No doubt, she was surprised by Jason¡¯s words. That wasn¡¯t what she expected to hear which just brought rm bells in her head.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Baby, are you there?¡± Jason said.


    ¡°How?¡± Maka asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s really a long story but I wouldn¡¯t want to bother you with that. I¡¯ll tell you everything in due time but for now, I need you to stay clear away from him. He¡¯s a bad man Maka, a very bad man indeed.¡± Jason said.


    Maka¡¯s hands shook lightly upon hearing those words. She was working with with a dangerous man and there was no telling what he¡¯ll do if he discovered that she knew all about him even though she didn¡¯t know the details yet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay away from him.¡± She croaked.


    ¡°Please do until I figure how to get you out of hispany without raising suspicions. But please, don¡¯t let there be any indication that he knows about any of this.¡± Jason said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Maka sighed.


    ¡°I love you baby, never forget that.¡± Jason said.


    ¡°Love you too.¡± Maka smiled.


    Jason cut the call but not before informing her he would check on herter in the day. Now, what he had to do was to keep his woman safe and he had every intention of doing that.

 Chapter 19

    That night, Maka was so tired she slumped into her bed before her bed time. She left her mother in the living room watching a rerun of her favorite tv program.


    Deep into the night, Sarah had a weird dream. She felt herself being caressed and cared for in ways she didn¡¯t believe was possible. Eric was the face behind this and she felt herself loving this side of him. Gone was all the hostility and anger that seemed to always be around him. Eric in her dreams was apletely different person.


    With Eric, she had never felt so free and loved and she wished this would continue. But all things had toe to an end. Maka woke up with a light frown on her face, she couldn¡¯t quite believe that everything that happened was all in her dream. It was so real but it was all in her imagination.


    She yawned, stretching herself lightly before climbing out of her bed. She had nowhere to go that day, her next appointment with a client at work was the following day and before then, she had to concentrate more on the blog and fill in details that weren¡¯t there before.


    Maka got to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee and met her mother sitting on the kitchen chair, holding a ss of wine. Her drinking was back and Maka  knew it was as a result of her recurrent nightmares.


    Erica couldn¡¯t handle them like her daughter did and she resulted in drinking to clear her head. It was a bad habit and she knew it but she couldn¡¯t quite stop it.


    ¡±It¡¯s early Mom.¡± Maka smiled, gently.


    ¡±I know, i just needed to clear my head.¡± she smiled.


    Maka walked towards her, taking the ss of wine from her. She emptied the rest of the contents down the sink. If her mother continued like this, she knew she might have to seek help from outside.


    They couldn¡¯t fight this alone and any help would be really beneficial no matter how little it might be.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡±Here mom, this is better.¡± Maka said, handing a steaming cup of coffee to her mother.


    ¡±Thank you darling. You take care of me so well even though I don¡¯t deserve it.¡± Erica chuckled.


    ¡±Don¡¯t say that Mom. You deserve every care I give to you.¡± Maka said.


    Erica remained quiet, staring at the steam rising up from her cup. Maka made a cup for herself, going over to sit on the chair beside her mother.


    ¡±So how was your date yesterday?¡± she asked.


    Maka couldn¡¯t call it a date per say because Mark¡¯s twin brother, Jack had shown up unexpectedly. Not that she didn¡¯t like his presence, as a matter of fact she loved it and if he wasn¡¯t there, Maka couldn¡¯t imagine what the whole thing would have turned out to be.


    ¡±Well, it was kind of okay i guess.¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡±That doesn¡¯t sound so encouraging.¡± Ericaughed.


    Maka decided to tell her a little about Mark. After all, she couldn¡¯t hide everything from her mother.


    ¡±You were right mom, he¡¯s a jerk. I really don¡¯t understand why he was so hostile to his brother.¡± Maka said.


    She took a slow sip of her coffee, reying the events of the previous day in her mind. Jack was nothing short of charming but Mark was another person entirely. Maka was quite d that she had nothing to do with either of them. Jason was enough for her and she would never trade him for anyone else.


    ¡±I hate to say it but I told you so.¡± Erica smiled.


    ¡±I know mom and now I see it. They are two different people entirely. His brother is so charming and carefree. Anyone whoes across him would know they love him immediately. That¡¯s the kind of energy Jake has, an infectious one.¡± Maka smiled.


    She couldn¡¯t quite wait for dinner with him tonight. She found herself anticipating everything he would do, every move he would make towards her and this just kept her on the edge.


    ¡±What¡¯s this smile on your face? Has Jason proposed?¡± her mother asked.


    Just like her, her mother was very observant too. It was a trait she got from her which had also helped her but not in her marriage.


    That almost ended her and if not for their old neighbor who came in to rescue her, Sarah knew her mother could have been dead.


    ¡±I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll call it that yet but we¡¯re getting closer.¡± Maka said.


    She had only just met Jack yesterday and thinking about him in that way was something she wasn¡¯t even going to consider. Her mother stared at her and she felt quite ufortable with the wide eyed look she gave her.


    Her mother was always wary which was something she couldn¡¯t stop based on what she had passed through in the hands of her husband. She didn¡¯t want the same for her daughter which was her greatest fear.


    ¡±Mom. I¡¯ll be careful. I know that¡¯s what you want to say but I promise I will.¡± Maka said.


    ¡±I¡¯m not saying you shouldn¡¯t have fun but have fun while being careful.¡± she said.


    ¡±I will Mom, you worry too much.¡± Maka chuckled.


    ¡±If i don¡¯t, no one will.¡± she said.


    She had a good mind to tell her mother everything about Eric but she shied away from that thought because she didn¡¯t want her to worry again. She had been through a lot and making her worried was thest thing on her mind.


    Jason and her would handle everything themselves without involving her mother in on it, it was the best thing to do.


    Maka smiled gently, wishing that the genesis of their problem never urred, maybe only then she could have had a better life free from fear.

 Chapter 20

    The first thing that woke Maka up the next morning was the loud ringing of her phone. She groaned, reaching for the offending material that didn¡¯t want to stop.


    She was having a headache and she knew it even in her dreamlike stupor. Her head was pounding and it grew worse with the loud ring of her phone.


    Maka sessfully shut the phone off, sighing in peace at the quiet that filled the area. Just then, the phone red again and this time, it was louder. She groaned, reaching for the phone again but this time she decided to answer the call.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Maka groaned.


    ¡°Hi love, is this a bad time?¡± Jack said


    Even in her sleep filled stupor, she could recognize Jack¡¯s voice. She remembered everything she had talked about with her mother the previous day and at that moment, she loathed him. She couldn¡¯t imagine she had fallen for his charms and his deep baritone voice when all she was feeling about it now was irritation.


    Maka felt guilty about falling for another man when she was in a rtionship with Jason. He very much loved her which just made her feel worse.


    ¡°Sixty thirty a. m is not a bad time to you?¡± Maka snapped.


    She wasn¡¯t usually like this but now, she just didn¡¯t care about what he thought about her. She wanted to shed him off like skin and the earlier she gets on with it, the better.


    ¡°Wow. Someone woke up on the wrong side of bed.¡± Jack chuckled.


    Maka sat up, rubbing her head in apparent irritation. Jack was adding to her headache and all she wanted him to do was just to leave her alone.


    ¡°I guess so.¡± Maka sighed.


    ¡°So I called as regards our dateter today. What time should I pick you up?¡± he asked.


    Maka couldn¡¯t believe what he just said. She couldn¡¯t understand how insensitive he could be. There was no apology whatsoever from him and all he was concerned about was the date. Now, she could see what her mother was warning her about.


    She failed to see through him earlier but now that she knew the kind of person he was, she was going to stay clear of him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother about the date, I¡¯m noting.¡± Maka said.


    She was beyond angry now and was only trying to tamp down on her temper but the more she talked to him, the more her anger rose.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± Jack seethed.


    ¡°Does it look like I¡¯m joking Jack. I¡¯m noting so don¡¯t bothering to get me.¡± Maka said.


    She decides not to sugar coat anything but instead, say it the way it was. It was clear to her now that Jack was someone that couldn¡¯t be trusted.


    ¡°Why? Did I do something wrong?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No, you didn¡¯t. The thing is, I just don¡¯t want to go and I think we should give ourselves some distance.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°I see.¡± he simply said.


    Maka remained quiet, waiting for his next words. She was grateful to her mother for helping her see the liar he was. Maka wondered what could have been her fate if she had continued with her n to go on a date with him.


    No doubt, she knew she could have ended up regretting every thing because Jack wasn¡¯t one to let go of something so easily. It was best she backed off now since she hadn¡¯tmitted herself to him.


    ¡°So bye, I wish you all the best.¡± she said before cutting the call.


    She sighed, cing her phone on her bedside table. Her headache was getting worse and she knew she had to do something before she had a total migraine.


    Maka got up from her bed, making her way towards the kitchen for a strong cup of coffee. Her n was to take this and wash it down with some painkillers before going back to sleep. She didn¡¯t have to go to work that day since she was on a shift.


    ¡°Thank you for ruining my morning Jack.¡± she seethed.


    The coffee was ready soon. Sarah ced the steaming hot mug on the center table, going over to the first aid box they had in the apartment before pulling out a sachet of painkiller.


    She took two out of the pack, throwing the pills into her mouth before chasing it with a huge gulp of the dark brown liquid.


    Maka sat on the dining chair for a long time as her mind strayed towards Jack and everything they had discussed. She felt peace within her and she was quite d that she was able to tell him off.


    ¡°What are you doing up so early.¡± a voice said.


    Maka looked towards the direction the voice came from and discovered it was her mother who was walking towards her.


    ¡°Good morning Mom.¡± Sarah smiled.


    ¡°Good morning love, did you sleep well?¡± She asked.


    She brought down a mug from the rack, pouring a healthy portion of coffee from the small sk Maka had made. She made her way towards where her daughter was sitting before taking a seat beside her.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°I got a call from Jack as early as six this morning.¡± Sarah said.


    ¡°What did he want?¡± Erica asked.


    Maka told her everything they had said and as she recounted it to her mother, she was quite d that she had told him off. It was better than regrettingter on.


    ¡°I hope you weren¡¯t rude?¡± her mother asked.


    If there was one thing Mrs ke frowned against, it was being rude. No matter who the person might be, she was always nice to them. This was something Maka was trying to cultivate but it was getting too hard because that wasn¡¯t who she was.


    ¡°You¡¯re just like your Father. Strong headed and stubborn.¡± her mother had once said.


    Maka was a bit proud about that because she was d that at least she took one trait from her father.


    ¡°Well, I tried not to be.¡± she said.


    ¡°Oh Maka, I hope you didn¡¯t anger the young man¡± her mother chuckled.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t, I just told him straight up why I couldn¡¯t go for the date and I think that¡¯s the only thing he was angry about.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°So are you going to check out the new job you told me about yesterday?¡± her mother asked.


    ¡°Gosh! Mom, thank you so much for reminding me. I havepletely forgotten about it. I¡¯ll goter in the day.¡± Sarah said.


    She was quite d her mother reminded her about it.


    ¡°Okay love, I wish you all the luck.¡± she smiled.


    Maka smiled but deep down, she knew she was going to need it maybe even more. She was nning on leaving Eric¡¯spany and was sourcing out other jobs. She knew Jason wouldn¡¯t agree to what she was doing being that she didn¡¯t tell him beforehand but she knew she had to do this on her own and fast if she wanted to escape Eric¡¯s clutches.

 Chapter 21

    Maka got to her seat, where she would be working and despite herself, she was quite d to be working in an organization like this. The atmosphere was peaceful and lovely, a far cry from her former ce of employment.


    Maka switched on theputer she was to use beginning from today and in all her life, she had never seen anything as beautiful as theputer. She inserted the details Eric had given her a few moments ago and immediately, all the details about thepany appeared on the screen.


    She read through the first paragraphs and was quite impressed about thepany¡¯s achievements. Not only had they won so many awards but Eric had also been invited to give several talks about the dynamics of business and everything generally under the financial sector.


    ¡±Wow¡±, Maka muttered.


    She was beyond impressed about everything they had achieved and she was really proud she was with them. Samantha smiled lightly, ncing at the paper she had. ording to what Eric had told her, she was to send the reports to the head ountants office downtown through fax.


    Just then, the phone on her desk gave a shrill sound, indicating that a call wasing in. Maka took a deep breath before putting the phone on her ear. This was going to be her first official correspondence with someone who wanted to do business with them.


    ¡±Hello, Maka Thompson speaking¡±, she said.


    The voice that spoke next was a woman¡¯s. She had a sultry tone to her voice and she knew that the woman was probably expecting Eric to have answered the call.


    ¡±Who are you?¡±, the woman asked.


    ¡±My name is Maka Thompson Mr Eric¡¯s new secretary¡±, she said.


    ¡±I see. Well, is he in? I¡¯d like to speak to him¡±, the woman said.


    ¡±He is. Who should i tell him is calling please¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±Rita. He knows who i am¡±, the woman snapped.


    Maka was ready to tell her off but she knew that wouldn¡¯t be good for her. She had to apply etiquette to whatever she did based on who she was working for.


    ¡±Alright¡±, Maka said.


    She muted the call, switching on the inte. There was a small beep and she knew the line had been connected.


    ¡±maka. Is there a problem?¡±, Eric asked.


    ¡±No, there¡¯s no problem. You have a call waiting for you. There is a Miss Rita waiting on the line¡±, Maka said.


    Upon hearing her name, Eric stilled. He didn¡¯t expect Rita to call so soon when he had specifically told her not to call his office for whatever reason. He never wanted to see her until the issue between them was resolved.


    ¡±Sir. What should I tell her?¡±, maka asked.


    She was quite worried over his silence and she had a feeling that the name affected him more than he was letting on.


    ¡±Tell her I¡¯ll call her soon¡±, Eric said.


    ¡±Alright Sir¡±, Maka said.


    Maka cut off the inte, unmuting the call before cing it back on her ear. She ryed what Nathan had said to the woman but she had a feeling that the woman wasn¡¯t pleased with what she said.


    ¡±So Ericis avoiding me¡±, Ritaughed.


    ¡±I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am but I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s busy with some things at the moment¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±And what do you know about it huh?¡±, she snapped.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Maka sighed, trying to reign down on her anger that was slowly rising to the surface. She was trying everything she could to reign down on her temper but the woman wasn¡¯t helping matters.


    ¡±If that would be all ma¡¯am, I¡¯d like to disconnect the call¡±, Maka said.


    ¡±How rude¡±, Rita screamed.


    Maka had enough of it. She cut off the call, mming the receiver on the cradle. She wasn¡¯t going to sit there and listen to a deranged woman scream her head off just because she wanted to speak to her boss.


    ¡±People are so rude¡±, Maka muttered.


    She hissed, going over the files on her table. Just then, she felt a presence in front of her. Looking up, she discovered that Eric was in front of her table.


    Maka stood up immediately not because he deserved it but because it would appear rude if she sat and he continued to speak.


    ¡±Do you need anything Sir?¡±, she asked.


    ¡±No, no¡­ I¡¯m alright. It¡¯s lunch break¡±, he said.


    Maka nced at her watch and she was quite surprised to see that indeed, the time was far spent.


    ¡±Yes, it is¡±, she said.


    ¡±Would you like to go for lunch with me?¡±, he asked.


    Maka looked up and was quite surprised by his question. She never expected him to ask her that and from the look in his eyes, he was quite serious about it.


    ¡±I¡­ I don¡¯t know¡±, Maka muttered.


    ¡±I¡¯m sorry¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have bothered you¡±, Eric said.


    Maka nodded, watching as he made his way back into his office. The tension between them was palpable but she stood firm in her resolve to never fall for him again. What he did could be forgivable but she could never forget it.


    Never. Eric had hurt her too much and she knew that if she had the chance, she would get back at him without thinking about it.


    That was his fate but right now, she was biding her time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

 Chapter 22

    Maka woke up with a smile that fine Saturday morning. The source of her happiness was due to the fact that her boyfriend, Jason would be celebrating his birthday that day and she was really excited for it.


    She had everything nned out already, all she needed to do was put the final touches to the preparations and it was guaranteed to be a st.


    ¡±Can¡¯t wait to see the look on Jason¡¯s face.¡± Maka murmured.


    She was still keeping the issue with her boss, Eric on hold for now. Since it was Jason¡¯s birthday, she didn¡¯t want to say or do anything that would ruin a beautiful day just like this.


    Maka sighed, thinking about the Client she was to meetter that day. She knew she had to give up that meeting because it was her boyfriend¡¯s birthday and there was no way in hell she would miss it for any reason.


    Her jet ck hair was tousled as a result of the constant tossing and turning she did in the night, Maka hated to admit it but she had nightmares. On some days, she didn¡¯t but on most days, it was terrible. On those bad days, she could barely sleep and found herself wide awake until dawn and for the rest of that day, she was usually in a foul mood.


    The previous night was a good one for her and she was d about this because she couldn¡¯t quite imagine herself being grumpy today. It would speak bad of her and this was something that wouldn¡¯t look nice on her.


    On those days she had nightmares, she usually found herself thinking about how her life would turn out if Jason left her. No doubt, she knew she would be miserable and what¡¯s worse, really dejected about it.


    Jason was the best thing that had ever happened to her and she prayed constantly that nothing would ever sever their love. He was her soulmate, the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with and he had also made it known that he wanted the same.


    Maka smiled, thinking back on the day Jason had asked her to be his girlfriend on that rainy day in his house. She had epted immediately because there was really no reason to beat about the bush when she knew what her heart wanted.


    They had been friends for quite a while and this just cemented their love. Maka had the best time of her life by being his girlfriend which was something she knew she wouldn¡¯t find anywhere else.


    Maka was going to be twenty one which just made everything easier for her. He was going to be her soulmate and she knew nothing would stop it. She rose up from her bed, walking towards the bathroom to do her toilet business. She had a lot of things to prepare and if she wanted to begin with it, she had to start very early.


    The previous day, Maka had talked to Jason¡¯s parents who were really supportive of them. They had given her list of things Jason enjoyed doing and eating. Maka discovered that they were simr in their likes and dislikes which just butteressd the point that they were meant to be.


    The fates had already decided it and nothing could go wrong. Jason was due to arrive home by eight that day due to him going on a patrol at his camp. Jason was next in line to be the head in his camp.


    When Maka was done in the bathroom, she made her way back to her room where her phone began ringing. She wasn¡¯t expecting anyone¡¯s call since she had canceled most of her appointments the previous day. Her mother would still be in bed since the time difference between them was huge.


    Maka picked up her phone and discovered it was her best friend calling. ire Peters had been her friend since way back highschool and that bond was still with them even up till now. They practically knew everything there is to know about each other.


    ¡±Hey babe, what¡¯s up?¡± Maka smiled.


    She was happy to hear her voice after a short while of silence. ire had taken up a job as a sales representative in one of the biggest supermarkets in the country. She took up the branch in the UK which saw her taking thousands of dors every year as their senior staff.


    Maka was proud of what her friend had achieved, she deserved it after working so hard in school. ire was usually the brainiest out of all of them and it was no surprise to Maka when she got the job.


    ¡±Hi love, how are you doing?¡± ire said.


    Maka could hear some background noise and she knew either ire was busy doing someundry or she was simply cleaning. Asides being a brilliant bee in school. ire was a neat freak. She hated anything associated with dirt and she always found a way to keep her surroundings clean.


    ¡±Wait, let me guess you¡¯re cleaning?¡± Maka asked.


    ¡±You know me too well.¡± ireughed.


    ¡±Of course, why wouldn¡¯t i? I¡¯m your best friend after all and it¡¯s just the same way you know me.¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡±Yes, I need to clean ASAP. I¡¯m expecting some guests in a few hours and I have to make the house spotless. I haven¡¯t heard from you in a while and so i got worried and decided to call.¡± ire said.


    ¡±You¡¯re so sweet ire.¡± Maka sighed.


    ¡±Of course, that¡¯s why you love me.¡± ire chuckled.


    Maka told her all about her preparations for Jason¡¯s birthday party but she had a feeling that ire wasn¡¯t in full support of it by her continued silence.


    ¡±ire. Is anything wrong?¡± Maka asked.


    ¡±I don¡¯t mean to be a spoil sport but are you really sure that this Jason loves you?¡± ire asked.


    Maka remained quiet for a while, staring into space. What ire said had her thinking about her future with Jason but still, she was convinced that Jason loved her. He had said so countless times but right at that moment, Kathie wondered if he was telling the truth.


    ¡±Yes ire, Jason loves me.¡± Maka said.


    ¡±I see. Maka, you know i love you right?¡± ire said.


    ¡±I know that ire and I really don¡¯t want you to get worried. I¡¯m happy with Jason and i know he loves me.¡± Maka said.


    ¡±Okay, that¡¯s really good to hear. I really don¡¯t want you to end up a sad broken mess if this doesn¡¯t work out. I¡¯ve seen how you love people Maka, you love them to a fault and i really don¡¯t want anything that would destroy your happiness.¡± ire said.


    She perfectly understood what ire was saying and Maka was deeply touched by her show of concern. It just meant that ire loved her and wouldn¡¯t want to see her sad.


    ¡±Nothing will ire, i¡¯m sure of that.¡± Maka said.


    She was convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that Jason was for her and her alone. There was no way in hell he would break her heart after everything they had been through together as a couple.


    ¡±I¡¯m just d that you¡¯re really convinced that this boy loves you. My friend is in love.¡± ire hooted.


    Makaughed, grinning from ear to ear. She was really relieved that she was in full support of this. She couldn¡¯t imagine what would have happened if ire wasn¡¯t;t supporting this.


    ¡±So what¡¯s up about you and i mean your love life.¡± Maka said.


    ire had dated once in a while but it wasn¡¯t really anything serious. Though she hated to admit it, ire was a hopeless romantic who was easily swayed by love but yet, she always advised Maka on what to do.


    ¡±Let¡¯s just say you¡¯ll soon be surprised.¡± ire said.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡±Alright then, i¡¯m patiently waiting.¡± Maka smiled.


    They talked some more before Kathie cut off the line. Now, all she had to do was n a perfect birthday for her boyfriend. Nothing could spoil this day, that much she knew.

 Chapter 23

    ¡°Do I look pretty enough Jason?¡± Maka asked, and giving her a warm smile he nodded genuinely.


    Appraising her, and looking up and down at her pretty evening exquisite dress that he had personally selected for her, Jason couldn¡¯t deny the fact that his partner and date tonight for the event looked so gorgeous.


    A blonde haired beauty, Maka had caught Jason¡¯s eyes the first time they had met at the train where she was to attend an event and from there on their rtionship had blossomed.


    Her enchanting blue eyes had drawn him towards her.


    No not him and all through the journey they had exchanged flirty winks, his sexual innuendo egging him on as he wanted to have those beautiful eyes of hers looking at him, while he hugged her.


    At first, it had started with a fling, as Jason had used his effective yboy talks on her, wanting to woo her and have her spend the night with him, and luckily his antics had worked quickly.


    That same night, taking some permission from her ever willing father who was his friend they had first disguised talking about business butter on when they were really alone he had scored a date with her for the night, and after the event he had driven her to one of the ssic hotels he owned and he had made love to her.


    Till this day, he knew she was amazed at his sexual prowess, and her feistiness was what had kept them glued till this day.


    After that one night stand, they had continued to meet, and he started taking her out on dates, spoiling her with gifts , taking her on vacations and making his intentions clear that he wanted to date her however short their rtionship might be.


    Soon the media got wind of it, and at a public business event much to the agreement of her father, they had both made their rtionship official amidst cheers, and that media going gaga.


    She was his first public girlfriend in years, and widely known for his yboy ways the media had been more than surprised and some weeks even after their announcement Jason kept on making headlines.


    Apparently, Maka had no idea the in fact, Jason was a popr figure in the Marine. The first time she had known about it, she was quite surprised because he hadn¡¯t told her before.


    Now, they were not really stable, but she was rather possessive of him and she was the forte keeping their rtionship afloat.


    Her father wanted them to get married, saying it would seal so many¡­


    ¡°Jadon darling¡­¡± She drawled seductively, interrupting his thoughts, cing her well manicured hands on his shoulders, and he used his bare tattooed hands to retain herposure, cing them gently on her waist.


    ¡°Yes Maka¡­¡± He replied curtly looking up at her, and he could see her irises darkening.


    ¡°No, no¡­¡± He shook his head furiously knowing what she wanted.


    ¡°But we still have up to thirty minutes before we leave for the event.¡± She pouted, her red lips in full disy, and despite having an effect on him Jason controlled himself.


    ¡°You¡¯re already dressed up, and the make-up artist just finished doing justice to your gorgeous face. If I take a hold of you now, you and I know that you would be roughened up beyond repair, and you wouldn¡¯t want to go through the stress of dressing up again would you?¡± He asked, and gently disentangling her arms from his shoulders, standing up he added, ¡°I¡¯m not even dressed yet.¡±


    ¡°I can dress myself up, and¡­¡±


    She stopped, as someone knocked on the door of the hotel suite they were staying at.


    ¡°Come in.¡± Jason said, and in walked Alvarez, right hand man and best friend too.


    Alvarez was Jason¡±s childhood friend, and while Jason had struggled in college, wanting to get a good business degree and understand the fundamentals of finance, Alvarez who was not really interested in education had worked menial jobs, and security positions for restaurants and clubs using the money gotten to take care of them.


    His husky build, and his fierce look had helped in securing the jobs, and when Jason had established a reputation he had ced Alvarez as his head of security, cing so much trust on his best friend and brother he had ever had.


    Despite how serious Alvarez looked, he was a man of so much love and an affection, and to think he was already married, and had a family he loved dearly was enough to make Jason happy for him.


    He was happy that they were both doing well, just like they had nned when they were little.


    ¡°The limo is ready Jason, and the guards are in ce. We¡¯re good to go, but you aren¡¯t good to go.¡± Alvarez added sarcastically and his eyes flickering to Maka, he gave her a short wave, which she reciprocated reluctantly.


    They never got along, the duo and Alvarez had told him one time that he was just tolerating her.


    Sometimes Jason thought that Alvarez hated her, because she was not the person he wanted for him, but he had moved on from his past, and that Alvarez needed to know.


    Back then, they had been friends, Alvarez and Sophia¡­


    Just the mere thought of her name, was enough to bring a sour look on his face, and he shook his head rigorously discarding every thought.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get dressed soon, and we¡¯ll be downstairs.¡± Jason said, and bowing a hearty smile on his face, Alvarez left the bedroom.


    ¡°So nothing?¡± Maka pouted, but Jason was far of in the bathroom, choosing not to answer her at all.


    He heard her grumbling, and pacing restlessly around the room, something she always did when she was angry, or frustrated but he was already engrossed in his duties.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    There was nothing he could do again.


    ¡­¡­.


    Sophia looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, of the suite she was at.


    The exquisite interior of the bathroom, rivalled any she¡¯d ever seen, and if she had just been here on a normal visit Sophia knew she would have taken her time to study the gold ted and flowered marble designs, but no¡­ she was here because she wanted to instill, some sort of confidence in herself.


    She needed to focus on the job at hand, and that was that!


    She had arrived earlier at the hotel given to her, and following the instructions of the manager all the ushers, waitress and waiters of the day¡¯s event, had all jumbled together in a room, as they all dressed and prepared for the uing asion.


    They had already been addressed, and given instructions on what to do and how to do it, and the only thing remaining was for them all to file out, and begin to do their work.


    The event was already underway, downstairs in the hotel¡¯srge banquet hall, and Sophia knew that soon her job would start.


    This was not the first time, she was handling a waitress gig abroad, but she couldn¡¯t exin the feeling she was having now.


    She was so nervous, palms sweaty, and her confidence was detoriating rapidly, due to reasons unbeknownst to her.


    She hade into the bathroom, to have some form of privacy, away from the bustles of activities going on in the suite, and also wanting to regain herposure and confidence.


    Rubbing her sweaty palms together, she breathed in and out heavily and said slowly, ¡°It¡¯s just an event, serving pompous assholes and rich socialites. Sophia you can do this!¡±


    She looked herself in the mirror, arranging her hair well, dusting of her uniform and pping on a confident smile and look, she repeated her mantra again, this time adding some more words, ¡°It¡¯s just an event, serving pompous assholes and rich socialites. Sophia you can do this! Soon, you¡¯ll be done and off to London. Back to your lowly and cool life.¡±


    Yes! She could do this, she thought to herself as the door to the toilet opened, and someone called her name from outside.


    Yes, she could do this! The words echoing in her head as she walked outside, to receive the final briefing before embarking downstairs to the event.


    Yes, she could definitely do this!

 Chapter 24

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about the intending trip with your boss?¡± Jason asked.


    The couple had a lot of fun the previous day on the asion of his birthday party. To say that Jason was surprised by the party would be an understatement, he was amazed. Maka could actually see the look in his eyes and she was quite d she was able to pull it off. There were several guests in attendance which mainlyprised of Jason¡¯s friends at the Marine. It was the first time Maka got to meet them and she was quite d that he had loyal friends who would stand up for him when the need arises.


    Maka sighed, looking out of the window. She knew she was at fault in this but she couldn¡¯t quite believe that he had brought it up and what¡¯s more, how he knew about it. One thing she hade to learn about him is that he could easily get the information he sole desired but from what source, that was what she didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°I was nning to tell you but the situation didn¡¯te up again.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Oh¡­ I see. So you¡¯re keeping things from me now right?¡± Jason asked.


    Maka did a double take, staring at him. She didn¡¯t understand what he meant by that. How on earth was she keeping things from him when she had been open to him since they began dating.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you Jason?¡± Maka said.


    She rose up from the bed, staring at the man she loved with all her whole heart. Like a sh, an image of the party the previous day filtered through her mind. She wasn¡¯t sure about it yet but she had the feeling that she had seen Jason¡¯s ex-girlfriend Sophia at the party. Before she could put any mind to it, the figure left.


    ¡°You don¡¯t tell me what¡¯s going on in your workce anymore, it¡¯s like you¡¯re a ghost.¡± He said.


    He was getting angry now, that much she knew. Yet, she didn¡¯t know how to breach the anger he was currently feeling.


    ¡°I swear it Jason, I¡¯m not. I¡¯ve been open to you ever since we began dating. Why would I even keep things from you when you¡¯ve been really open with me.¡± Maka chuckled.


    That seemed to soften the look on Jason¡¯s face. He walked towards her, wrapping his hands around her waist. Maka sighed, resting her head on his broad shoulder. He was three times bigger than her and he could easily envelope her in a hug.


    In his arms, she felt safe and secure, different from how she felt when he wasn¡¯t with her. She didn¡¯t want them to fight. They had never fought before and she didn¡¯t want them to start now. She loved him too much to argue with him.


    ¡°Baby, promise me you¡¯ll always be open with me.¡± He said.


    ¡°Darling, I promise you. There¡¯s nothing for you to be worried about, trust me on that.¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡°I love you and you know that right?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°I know and I think you¡¯re even obsessed with me.¡± Makaughed.


    Jason cupped her jaw, giving her a gentle kiss that made her swoon. Maka could never get used to the love and attention he usually showered on her. He was everything she needed in a man and she continually blessed the day their paths crossed on the train.


    ¡°There¡¯s something I need to tell you.¡± Maka said.


    There was a look of worry in her eyes and Jason knew it had to be serious to warrant that look. He was a bit eager to know what that look was for, Maka meant the world to him and he wanted to share in her pain, her joy and everything she was feeling.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about it but I think I saw Sophia yesterday at the party.¡± She said.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°What?!¡± Jason barked.


    ¡°Calm down. I know it¡¯s a surprise but like I said, I¡¯m not certain if she¡¯s the one.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°She could be babe. I swear it, that girl has some stalker tendencies. You have no idea.¡± Jason said.


    He was pacing about now, the agitation on his face imminent. Maka knew she had to calm him down before he went berserk. Jason had a temper, that much she had seen in him and she wasn¡¯t about to witness it again.


    ¡°It¡¯s just my thoughts Jason, I¡¯m not certain she was there so calm down. Even if she was there, she can¡¯t do anything.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Babe, I don¡¯t think you really know who Sophia is. She¡¯s as evil as Eric, in fact I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she had the capabilities to kill.¡± Jason said.


    A shiver of fear ran through her body as her mind thought about what Sophia was capable of doing. At the train station, Maka had gotten a glimpse of what she was capable of. The evilness in her eyes was enough to confirm Jason¡¯s ims.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to scare you but babe, I don¡¯t trust her and that¡¯s why you¡¯ll be moving in with me.¡± He said.


    Maka did a double take, staring at the man whom she hade to love. Moving in with him was on a whole new level and she wasn¡¯t sure if she could do that.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that sudden?¡± Maka asked.


    ¡°No it isn¡¯t. I even think it¡¯s a good idea, since your Mom would be traveling for a very long time, I can¡¯t afford to leave you alone in that house.¡± Jason said.


    Maka could sense in his words but yet, she still had her reservations. The problem wasn¡¯t Jason, it was her and if she would befortable with it.


    ¡°The house would be lonely and here, I would be able to look after you. I know I might not be at home all the time but my t is more secured than yours. No offence baby but that¡¯s the truth. I¡¯ve enabled thetest security system and it would only take the most skilled burr to gain ess.¡± He said.


    ¡°I know babe and that¡¯s why I¡¯m moving in.¡± Maka smiled.


    ¡°Really?¡± Jason grinned.


    ¡°Really babe.¡± She said, kissing him with all the love she had for him.


    ¡°Wee to my life.¡± He smiled.

 Chapter 25

    ¡°Maka,e in here for a moment.¡± Eric¡¯s loud voice boomed through the inte.


    Maka sighed, rising up to her feet. The issue about them traveling together seemed to have been forgotten since he never brought it up again. This time around, Maka had no idea why he needed her. Sometimes, she was just tired of him and his antics. It seemed everytime she was on her seat, he always looked for ways to send her on one assignment or the other.


    Maka knocked gently, pushing the door open before walking in. His office was as cool and serene as ever and the only thing that seemed out of ce was the documents scattered around his table. He was putting them in order as she stepped into the office. Maka stood a little distance away from the table, wishing he could just get on with whatever he wanted to say. She needed to go back to her table to resume the task she was doing earlier.


    ¡°I¡¯m here Sir.¡± She said.


    ¡°Oh great, have a seat.¡± Eric said.


    Maka found this odd because Eric had never offered her a seat anytime she came to his office. The only exnation to all of these is that there was an ulterior motive to why she was here.


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine Sir.¡± Maka said.


    She controlled her anger because she had no idea how he would react to that. It was better if one person had his head above the waters.


    The look on Eric¡¯s face was hrious. Never in his life did he expect Maka to talk to him like that.


    ¡°I see. Well you can remain standing if that¡¯s what suits you.¡± He said.


    Maka sighed in relief. She was quite d that he wasn¡¯t dragging the matter beyond this point.


    ¡°Well I called you here to inform you that our trip has been cancelled. Turns out I could have easily done the meeting virtually which I¡¯ve already done rather than traveling all the way.¡± He said, scratching his head.


    To say Maka was relieved would be an understatement, she was free. She couldn¡¯t imagine staying with him in the same hotel room. He was egoistical and very proud and Maka knew she wouldn¡¯t evenst a day with him. She couldn¡¯t wait to tell Jason to see his reaction. Her army boyfriend hated him like the dirt on his feet.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Maka simply said.


    She wasn¡¯t about to give away her relief for fear of him changing his mind. She hade to learn that as far as her boss was concerned, he could do and undo. He was that bad and Maka desperate wished she had another better paying job than this. If she had that, she wouldn¡¯t waste anymore time to drop her resignation letter.


    Eric walked towards her with a smile smile on his face. His face was smug and Maka knew he was about to either say something bad or worse, do it.


    ¡°You know Maka, you¡¯re a very pretty girl.¡± He grinned.


    He stopped in front of her, flicking an imaginary dirt off her face. Maka took a step back, loathing his touch on her body. She didn¡¯t know what hade over him but one thing she knew was that she wouldn¡¯t stand there and watch him touch her.


    ¡°Thank you Eric.¡± Maka said, staring at him dead in the eye.


    ¡°You know, that¡¯s the first time you¡¯ll call me by my name.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°Well, you gave me the option of calling your name or addressing you as ¡°Sir.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°I like my name on your lips more.¡± He grinned.


    Now, he was showing all signs of being a maniac and she knew she had to leave the office as soon as possible.


    ¡°Would there be any other thing you¡¯d like me to do? I need to get back to some of the pending work on my desk.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Yes, there is one thing though.¡± He said.


    ¡°And what would that be sir?¡± Maka asked.


    ¡°I want you to go out with me for dinner this evening.¡± He said.


    Maka did a double take, wondering if he actually said what she thought she heard. She couldn¡¯t quite believe he had the effrontery to ask her out.


    ¡°So what do you say?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Sir, I can not. I have some things to do this evening.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°Hmmm things like what?¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but that¡¯s private.¡± Maka snapped.


    She was done ying the good and quiet employee. Eric had breached into her private life and she knew it was proper to give it back to him. She wasn¡¯t going to settle for being a pushover like some of the other employees she knew.


    ¡°I see.¡± Ericughed.


    Maka remained quiet, staring at the man who was trying to make her life a mess. She knew she couldn¡¯t allow him to and she vowed to block every of his antics.


    ¡°I need to get going sir, if that would be all.¡± Maka said.


    ¡°You¡¯re free to go but I want you to know one thing Maka, I¡¯ll get you. I don¡¯t know how or when but I¡¯ll surely get you and then, you¡¯ll be mine.¡± He said without emotion.


    Maka shivered in fear as his words resonated within her mind. From what he said, Maka knew she¡¯d be a fool not to take that as a threat. Now, it was clear to her that she had an enemy and she was prepared to fight him at all cost. She didn¡¯t care how but she knew it had to be done.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see how that goes.¡± Maka hissed before walking out of the door, mming it with enough force to rattle the hinges.


    She got to her seat as tears welled in her eyes. She didn¡¯t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry and quickly wiped her tears with her sleeve. Right now, Maka knew she had to tell Jason everything that was going on.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    In this case, he was the only one who could help her deal with him. He was strong and had a lot of connections and Maka was quite d she had someone who loved her and was ready to do anything for her.


    Eric had drawn the first blood and this time around, Maka was ready to emerge the victor.

 Chapter 26

    ¡°And now, I get to hear all the gists. You¡¯re not going to escape it this time around¡±, Rose said as soon as Maka walked into the room.


    ¡°Urghh¡­ You¡¯re so dramatic. Fine, I¡¯ll tell you all about it. Let me just take a quick bath¡±, Maka chuckled.


    Roseughed, opening a box of take out spaghetti she had ordered for the both of them. Toozy to fix up something, Maka was d for her thoughtfulness.


    ¡°So, like you know, Jason took me on a tour to some parts of his work yesterday¡±, Maka said.


    She grabbed one of the boxes, digging in immediately. She was d that Rose had thought about ordering, it seemed like she knew she didn¡¯t have the strength to cook.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Yeah, I know all about that. I want to know the real gist¡±, Rose said.


    ¡°What gist? That¡¯s it¡±, Maka chuckled.


    ¡°Well, you know. How you and Jason suddenly became close and you riding in his car. Last time I heard, Jason never allows girls drive in his car¡±, Rose said.


    Maka remained quiet as she thought about what she said. If this was true, then she knew that Jason found her special.


    ¡°Really? I didn¡¯t know about that¡±, Maka said.


    ¡°Yep, it¡¯s true. So, there¡¯s something going on between you two but we¡¯ll just wait and see what it is¡±, Rose smirked.


    ¡°To be honest, I really don¡¯t know what I¡¯ll say if Jason asks me to marry him.¡± Maka said.


    Even though it was still too early for that, she had a feeling that anytime soon, Jason would throw the question.


    ¡°Darling, I¡¯ll just say you go for whatever your mind says. I mean, Jason is a nice guy so I don¡¯t see why you shouldn¡¯t go for it¡±, Rose said.


    ¡°I know¡­ I know it¡¯s just that him being popr might not be something I¡¯ll befortable with. Most popr guys tend to have strings ofdies and I don¡¯t think I want to engage in constant battles with them¡±, Maka said.


    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be doing any of that. I believe that if a man truly loves you, you don¡¯t have to fight for his love. Ites naturally¡±, Rose said.


    ¡°That¡¯s true but that¡¯s not always the case¡±, Maka said.


    ¡°Can we just drop the depressing thoughts and focus on how Jason is slowly falling in love with you¡±, Rose said.


    ¡°And how would you know that, Miss love expert¡±, Makaughed.


    She dunked her take out box into the trash can, rising up to grab a bottle of water. She was really concerned about what Jason thought about her, and was concerned about scaling through work and making sure Eric behaved himself.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s written all over his face. Trust me babe, that¡¯s a man in love¡±, Rose chuckled.


    ¡°Well, whatever. I¡¯m just here to read my books¡±, Maka said.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see, sooner orter, you¡¯ll marry him. It¡¯s only a matter of time¡±, Rose said.


    Just then, Maka¡¯s phone gave a sharp beep, indicating she had a call. Swiping the screen open, she discovered it was her mother calling. Her heart rate went up as she thought about what could have possibly gone wrong at home.


    ¡°Hey Mom¡±, Maka smiled.


    She kept her fingers crossed, praying within her that nothing was going wrong in her home. There was no telling what anyone could do.


    ¡°Hi sweetie, how are you?¡±, Erica smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine mum. Is everything okay?¡±.


    ¡°Of course dear, why wouldn¡¯t it be¡±, Erica chuckled.


    ¡°Oh¡­ It¡¯s just that¡­ Never mind what i think¡±, Makaughed.


    ¡°I hope your studies areing along well?¡±, Erica asked.


    Even though she wasn¡¯t really educated, she knew the importance of Education and never failed to teach this to her children. She was semi-literate but she was one woman you could never cheat.


    ¡°Yes mum, it is. As a matter of fact, I really enjoy it. How are you?¡±, Maka asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine dear, everything is alright¡±, Erica sighed.


    Maka knew there was more to what she said but at that moment, she just wasn¡¯t ready to listen to the more about any problems.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay¡±, Maka said.


    ¡°Yes. And how is your friend?¡±, Erica asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s just one Mom and her name is Rose. She¡¯s fine, I¡¯m d I got a good friend. She¡¯s really friendly¡±, Maka said.


    ¡°That¡¯s really good to hear¡±, Erica smiled.


    ¡°Yes. How¡¯s Nancy? Have you seen her since?¡±, Maka asked.


    Nancy was the kind olddy that usually checked up on her mother anytime Maka was not around. She was grateful to the kind woman who had taken it upon herself to look after her mother.


    ¡°Yeah, she stopped by yesterday. Such a nice girl¡±, Erica said.


    ¡°I¡¯m d. I miss youand I really can¡¯t wait to be back as soon as I get a break¡±, Maka said.


    She was feeling homesick already and was looking forward to the day she went back home for the holiday. She missed her mother¡¯s homemade pie and badly wanted to have a bite out of it but she had to wait till she got back home.


    ¡°Me too, I miss my little princess. Alright dear, talk to you some other time. Sleep well¡±, Erica smiled.


    Maka cut the phone, cing it on her bedside table. She was d that no one had burnt down the house already and that her mother was still alive.


    ¡°That was your Mom?¡±, Rose asked.


    ¡°Yep, she misses me¡±, Makaughed.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky. Mine was even praying I get out of the house as fast as possible¡±, Roseughed.


    ¡°Really? Why?¡±, Maka asked.


    ¡°Because I was always disturbing her with my loud MP3. I¡¯m a big fan of music but my dear momma wasn¡¯t having any of it¡±, Roseughed.


    ¡°Now, I see why you¡¯re so crazy about thetest trends in music. I knew you were crazy about it¡±, Maka said.


    ¡°You bet. Gosh! I¡¯m so tired, I need to get some sleep¡±, Rose yawned.


    ¡°Same here and I¡¯ve even got an early morning job tomorrow¡±, Maka aid.


    She snuggled into her warn bed, pulling the covers up to her neck. The weather had gone suddenly chilly. Maka switched off her bedside light as she heard Rose¡¯s faint snore. She smiled because she knew her friend and co-worker was tired.


    Just before sleep took her, Maka¡¯s thoughts wondered towards Jason and what he was doing at that very moment.

 Chapter 27

    Jason


    My mum¡¯s birthday is today and I was excited because I was celebrating it with the woman I love. Maka was still asleep, her head resting on me as she snored softly. Her longshes fanned her eyes and at this moment, she looked angelic. I stroked her long ck hair, feeling the soft curls glide through my hands. She stirred as she settled morefortably on me. Damn! I love this woman.


    When I was with Sophia,  I thought I had found love but I was clearly wrong. Maka was everything I needed, her attention to even the most tiniest details was one I found truly admiring. She neverined and even the time she does was understandable especially when it had to do with me pestering her for one thing or the other but still, I still found that adorable.


    ¡°Are you thinking of another woman because if you are, I¡¯m going to skin you alive¡±, a voice said.


    Looking down, I found out that Maka had already woken up, giving me a brilliant smile. Even when she¡¯s half asleep, she still looked beautiful. This girl was simply a goddess and I blessed the day I saw her at the train station.


    ¡°No other woman but you my love¡±, i smiled, giving her a gentle kiss.


    ¡°It¡¯s your mum¡¯s birthday and oh my gosh, what¡¯s the time?¡±, She said, scrambling away from the bed.


    ¡°Rx babe, it¡¯s just eight and the party doesn¡¯t start till ten. We¡¯ve got plenty of time and I know what we can use that time for¡±, i smirked.


    ¡°Come off it, we should go help your mother you know,st minute preparation and oh, let¡¯s go give her the gift¡±, Maka said heading towards the bathroom.


    I sighed, knowing there was no way I could say no. Once her mind was set on something, there was no going back. Soon, she was out of the bathroom having just had her morning bath. She was just in a towel and I fantasized on the different ways I could dy her from leaving the room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it¡±, sheughed.


    ¡°Oh dang! How do you always know what I¡¯m thinking about¡±, I said.


    ¡°Jason, I¡¯m your girlfriend and secondly, there¡¯s this look in your eyes that tells me what your next move is. Now, stop talking and take a bath¡± she said, kissing my lips before moving away.


    *******************


    We moved downstairs, hand in hand. Maka was dressed in a beautiful red dinner gown that hugged her body, bringing out her shape. Her hair was styled giving it a more fuller look and her lips were painted bright red, giving her a daring look. I was dressed in one of mytest tuxedo and as I walked hand in hand with my girlfriend, I feltplete like nothing coulde between us.


    ¡°You two look so amazing¡±, killian smiled.


    I smiled, Killian looked so handsome in his blue tuxedo just like the one I wore. His hair was styled and he currently puffed a fat cigar which was wedged in between his mouth.


    ¡°Hi Killian, you look handsome¡±, Maka said, kissing his cheeks.


    ¡°You always manage to look younger than me¡±, Iughed.


    ¡°Well, i try. The guests are just arriving and the party is ted for ten, this is just nine a. m, I guess Eleanor sure knows how to draw a crowd. You guys mingle around while I go chat with some of them¡±, Killian said, as he moved towards the living room.


    Maka and I left the hallway as we headed towards the kitchen. Sure enough, my mother had already hired tons of caterers who would be in charge of serving the guests. The birthday cake which was at the center of the kitchen was being decorated. I stole a slice of cake from one of the smaller ones at the kitchen ind.


    ¡°Jason!¡±, Makaughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry and the cake looks so good¡±, I grinned.


    Soon, it was time for the party and we all converged to the living room where most of the guests had already arrived. The big birthday cake was wheeled to the center of the living room and it was center of attention. Just then, thedy of the moment walked in. My mother was dressed in a cream colored gown giving her a regal look. Her hair was styled in an updo fashion making her look like a queen.


    ¡°Wee everyone, wee. Thank you foring¡±, my mum said, greeting the guests.


    Frederick stood by her side, looking proud. When she got to where we stood, she hugged me and Sophia, gushing over how beautiful we looked.


    ¡°Happy birthday mum¡±, I said, hugging her.


    ¡°Thank you darling¡±


    ¡°Happy birthday Eleanor, we got you something¡±, Maka said, handing over the gift.


    ¡°Thank you darlings, I¡¯ve got to greet the ighwe guests. See youter¡±, she smiled as she walked on.


    Maka and I mingled with the guests and I was having the best time of my life when suddenly, everything went downhill. I stared at the womaning towards me, Maka hadn¡¯t noticed her yet. I quickly slipped away, intercepting the woman as I dragged her towards the kitchen.


    ¡°Sophia, what the hell are you doing here¡±, I thundered.


    To say i was surprised at seeing her would be an understatement. I was damn shocked. Thest time i had seen her was when we were supposed to hear over to her parents house for our introduction only for her to bail on me. She looked goi, healthy that much i could see but what I really wanted to know was what she was doing here. She had no business here, in fact she shouldn¡¯t even be here in the first ce. I didn¡¯t want a face off between her and Maka, I had to prevent that.


    ¡°I¡¯m here because of you.¡± She smiled.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Why? Why Sophia, I don¡¯t love you anymore.¡± I seethed.


    ¡°Because I want you.¡±


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