Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Tom's POV

I was in a state of ectasy when I saw her waving at me through the window. There were so many thoughts running through my head. I can see she is gradually begining to like me but I don't know if she loves me as much as I love her. Women can be very difficult to understand. Even with my experience with Tilda, they seem like a blank book that need to be filled through one's own experience. There are sooo many things I wanted to tell you her, but I don't know if she can take it. I don't know if it will make you happy and bring us together or only dissappoint her and destroy our friendship.

After Mark was pulled away by Tilda during the office dinner party, I sensed her whole mood was destroyed. She couldn't focus on anything else so we decided to leave, just as we heard Mark arguing with Tilda. I was pretty sure it was about my past with Tilda. I couldn't help my notice the way she looked at me when she tried take Mark away from our little argument. I know her very well because she used to be my world and I knew that look. I know she still loves me but love is not what I feel for her anymore. The love we once shared is now dead and burried. Never to be resurrected again. When we got to the dinner hall, she was running to the ladies room with Mark running after her. Everybody was just staring without trying to interfere in anyway.

Since Tilda broke up with me, I have strongly guarded my heart against any other heartbreak but everything changed. Yes! because of Maya. There are things I don't understand about her because  everytime, her eyes tells a different story. It's very difficult to read her. Even her friend Tracy is not able to. Just as I managed to start the car and begin reversing out of the driveway, I saw Mark's Car Moving out of the driveway as well.

I swear it can't be anyone else because he has his car custom made from the factory and no one else has the right to use that particular car. They don't even produce it for mass sale. He has a sole-purchaser right which he paid an insanely huge amount for.pppp

I  immediately got down from the car at the same time he got out of his. 'What are you doing here'? I screamed with anger. But he was strangely silent. No, this can't be Mark. Why this sudden change? I have known him for over ten years and we became so close even though we had different views about life but we were both determined in our own ways when it comes to business. I think that was what actually brought us together.

I am asking you one more time, "What are you doing here Mark?"

This time, I was technically holding his shirt collar. "You followed her again? To tell her to stay away from me? Tell me something Mark? Did somebody cut your tongue? What do you want?"

He lifted his hand as a form of surrender but still didn't utter a word which made me more angry. How could he make me look bad and act like the good guy. Then I suddenly remembered that Maya was still looking out the window. Now here he is trying to act like the good guy. Finally, he spoke in a shaky voice.

" I mean no harm Tom, I only came to apologize to her. Trust me, I will never abuse her with my words anymore."

Now I felt so bad about how I behaved but who wouldn't have done what I did if they were in my shoes? He was a total jerk in the beginning trying to tell me who and who not to associate with so why wouldn't i suspect him in the first instance.

But why couldn't you do so in the morning or monday. Why did you have to come at a time like this? I asked trying to cover my shame.

"I won't be able to sleep with all that in mind Tom".....he replied with tear filled eyes. Was it really tears? Mark never cries so what has caused this drastic change? Or is he pretending? For what will he pretend? The more I thought about it, the more confused I got. I finally  let go of his shirt collar.

'I am sorry Mark....' I said apologetically....

"I know, Tom, I understand and i deserve it.' He said responsibly, making me stunned. His behaviour has totally changed and just when I was about to ask him how he knew Maya's house, I saw the security officer coming our way. My screams must have drawn his attention.

" Is everything alright please...."He asked respectively after getting close to us.

Yes, everything is fine...I replied confidently. We were just leaving, I added.

I think it's been a long night, I said to Mark, we have to leave now. It's already 2am. We should get enough rest before golf practises begin. He gave a weak smile as he nodded in the affirmative. I know he likes golf and our sundays are always spent at the golf park together.

As we finally drove out of the car park, I noticed Tracy had joined Maya as they both waved at us through the window. It was so beautiful and satisfying to me and I felt like I had won a gold medal, just knowing these two.

Maya's POV

As I continued waving at him, I realized our plan didn't work out the way we wanted it. When I saw them drive out together and both got out of the car, I wanted to go down there to stop Tom from doing any harm to Mark but Tracy stopped me. She told me Tom could handle it. I wonder how she knows Tom this well because, they were able to resolve everything before the security officer even got there.

I know that they have spent some time together in the process of showing me all the love and care but I feel there is something more than that. After they drove off, Tracy and I dropped immediately to bed. I didn't know we were this tired. When we work up to both our phones consistent ringing, it was almost 12noon. God, I have never slept this much and maybe its because I have never slept this late as well.

After having lunch together, Tracy decided to go home. I instantly felt sad and she noticed it.

" I thought you were used to living alone? "she teased.

I do but I have gotten used to having you around. Why don't you move in with me? I asked out of the blue making her shocked.

Are you sure about that? she asked doubtfully.

Why not? This bed is big enough for both of us and besides, it's safer. Mark coming to see me at that time makes me think about a lot of things and I don't think leaving alone is a good idea. What if it was someone else? Or what if he hadn't changed and did any harm to me. There are sooo many thoughts running through my  head right now, Tracy.

"Okay. I will go talk to my parents and move my things in a few hours." She said excitedly.

Let's go together. That way, they will know you are not lying.

"Great," she said blooming with smiles.

I was so happy she agreed to live with me. Now I understand Jude's warning.

So, we got to Tracy's house and surprisingly, her parents didn't object. Afterall, she is an adult. So I helped her pack her stuffs and together we had dinner with her family. I understand why it was easy for her to get through all her heartbreaks and even when she was left at the altar. When she told me the story, I wondered how she was able to get over it but seeing her family, I had my questions answered. They are so wonderful that I wanted to change asmy mind for us to stay here instead.

But we made up our mind and left after a few chats with her younger siblings especially Dan. He won't let his sister go. I felt so sorry for taking this decision. Tracy is not like me. She has a family that loves her so much and I am taking her away from them.

I was about to tell them Tracy will no longer stay with me when her mum spoke. Come on Honey, she was supposed to get married two years ago. If that had happened, she wouldn't be here today so she will still leave us anyway, even if it's today or tomorrow. Her words gave me an instant release from my guilt.

Whether she left with me today or she got married tommorow, her family will still miss her right? So I don't have to feel bad. Dan followed her to the cab I had arranged. Then she gave him a long tight hug and promised to visit him frequently and also call him every morning. It worked like magic because, his countenance changed immediately and he was beaming with smiles. I couldn't help falling in love with him too. He is sooo cute and looks like his mom. A very handsome boy. Tracy told me he will be six in two weeks so we decided to plan a surprise birthday party for him as we were on our way to my apartment.

When the can pulled into the car park, I was speechless when I saw a lot of police men with about eight police cars with sirens everywhere. Most people had come out of their apartments as it seems the police were asking them questions pertaining to something. I saw most of the occupants I had never seen before. Few of them I met at the car park a couple of tikes. Life around here is centered around work, family and few close friends so there is literally nothing to encourage socialisation which is why we hardly see one another.

" What's going on? "was Tracy's confused voice mixed with concern.

I don't know but I think something bad has happened else we won't see a lot of police around. I replied carefully, Trying not to cause any panick. Isearched around steadily with my eyes, looking for the reason for presence of the police but I saw no one, Not even a caution tape in any area so I decided to ask one of the police men close by.

Excuse me Sir, I tapped the shoulder of the police officer. He turned around facing me and asked. How may I help you ma'am?

" Is there a robbery or something? No ma'am we are looking for two missing ladies?

Missing ladies?

" Yes, I was told they were in room 509. Do you live here?"

Yes I do, I responded looking at Tracy who almost burst into laughter when I signalled her to stop.

So do you per change know anyone by name Maya and Tracy? He asked again.

Sure I do.

He nodded, great, great, whiles signalling the other offices to come. So where are they? He asked with expectation'.

Here, I said trying not to laugh as Tracy was facing the other way. I knew she was laughing.

Ma'am, I am very serious. I was told the victims must have been kidnapped.

What? I couldn't control myself anymore as I burst into laughter, drawing the attention of the other police officers.

I....we went over to her house, I said, pointing at Tracy but she wasn't there. How could she have just disappeared like that? My eyes kept searching through the crowd trying to know where she is.

So you mean...all this while, you were the ones we have been searching for and you weren't kidnapped?

Before I could answer, I heard Mark's commanding, domineering and angry voice from the crowd.

I didn't pay you to just come and hover around. I guess his last words got stuck in his throat when his eyes met mine....