Chapter 65: Chapter 65

CHAPTER 22

Days had gone by since I'd last been at C.I. It'd been about 3 days after my bitter exchange with Luke and Laurel. They had stolen my sleep and peace of mind. I would watch my son go to bed every night and watch him wake without getting proper sleep. Every time I tried to sleep, I heard Laurel's voice, continuously repeating that she was expecting Luke's child.

"Talk to me. I understand you're hurt, but you shouldn't be." Lydia says, as she enters the kitchen.

"Hi. Good morning." I say, sipping my cup of warm water, lemon and honey.

"Good morning, and again, thank you for letting me crash here. Honestly, I've stayed longer than I planned to, and that I should."

"No, no. I enjoy your company. This is your house too, and you love my son and he loves you too."

Lydia smiles at me. I smile at her too. Lydia was like a caged butterfly. She didn't deserve to be with David. She deserved happiness. She deserved someone as wild and loving as she was.

"Why are you hurt, really?"

"Maybe I'm hurt because he rejected my son and he's accepting the son of that. . .thing."

"Are you sure? Is that the real reason? The only reason?"

"No." I say as I begin to sob. "I'm hurt because I love him, and the fact that he's moving on and starting a new family with someone else is killing me. Louis and I should be his family. The only consolation I have is that I know how much of a monster he is. He and Laurel are the perfect match and you know what? I'm going to stop talking about him. I don't want to talk about this." I say, wiping my eyes. I drink my lemon-honey mixture.

"I understand." Lydia says. She continues, "The decor team'll be here shortly. Tomorrow's our baby's big day, remember?"

"I know." I say as I nod. "I'm so excited, it's almost as though it's my birthday." I giggle excitedly.

A few hours later..

I'm in my bedroom, trying to watch some television. Ashley's with Louis and Lydia's in the living room with the people decorating the house.

I'd remembered my tiff with aunt Ruth and I didn't feel comfortable about it. It would be the first time I'd gotten into an argument with her. I pick up my phone and text her.

To: Aunt Ruth; Forgive me. Please attend Louis’ birthday tomorrow, it won't be complete without you.

I hoped she would respond to my message, but she never did.

**

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you!" I sing as I hold my son, dancing around the room. As usual, he had a smile on his face.

"Heh." I take out his pacifier as I clean his mouth with my shirt. "How old are you today, baby? You're one. Say one." I say, as I raise my index finger up. He begins to mumble words I find hard to understand.

"In a few months or even a year, you'll be able to talk to mommy well. We'll have super long conversations, right, monkey?" I ask him as though he would reply me. "Your nappy's full, baby." I say. "I need to potty train you. You're becoming a big boy, aren't you?"

Lydia comes in with Ashley and the cook. "Where's my godson?"

"Happy birthday Lou-Lou!" Ashley says, blowing the party horn.

"I see you're all ready, well, except the birthday boy." I say, as I hold his chin. Delores waves at Louis.

"Well? Go on, give him a bath. We're waiting and in a few hours, our guests will be here."

***

I made sure Louis had all the nice things I had, ranging from designer toys to clothes. I'd dressed him in a custom made Gucci shirt and trousers.

"You might have your daddy's face, but you sure are stylish like your mommy." I say as I brush his blonde hair excitedly. I carry him up from the bed and head over to the living room. I needed to get dressed.

"Woah. This is amazing." I say, as I scan my living room now turned into a mini zoo-aquarium. It was beautiful. The living room was extremely large so the space gave it a more realistic vibe. I notice Louis slapping my breasts. I look at him. "Aht, aht, aht. No, sir. You're not getting any breast milk. Heck, I've run out of breast milk. Louis, you're one today, you can't have breast milk for the rest of your life, my love." As though he understands what I'm saying, he begins to cry. His pacifier drops, but I catch it on-time before it touches the floor.

Ashley comes in. "Let me hold him."

"Thanks. So, any progress? Have you found somewhere you like?"

"Yes, well, I found two places. I really like them, but I'm having a hard time choosing one." She says.

"Okay, do you want my help? What are your choices?"

"There's Dakota High and there's Springfield. I just happen to like both, you know? There's really no difference except for the fact that Dakota and Springfield are long time enemies."

"Dakota High? No, please. Definitely not."

"Why?"

"Well, Dakota High was the high school I went to before I went to college, and I must say, it’s a toxic area."

"That was your school?"

"Yes, and it's not a pretty place. I don't know, times have changed but I'm just telling you from my experience. Besides, only the children of the extremely rich go to Dakota High. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'll foot your bills, but when people find out you actually work here, it won't be pretty. I'd advise you go to Springfield."

"Then it's settled. Thank you, Ms. Richardson. You've been so good to me."

"No, thank you. Thank you for caring for my son because I know most of the time I'm not home. I'm grateful for that."

"Honestly, no one has ever done so much for me. When I was 9 my foster mom kicked me out. Same story when I was 12, until my foster dad died. I spent most of my time in an orphanage where I was treated like trash until I met you. It's been a year."

"That's true, but what about your real parents? Don't you know anything about them?"

"No, I don't. I honestly don't even remember most of my childhood. I only just woke up one morning and found myself in the backseat of a car. In a junkyard. That's as far as I remember."

"Do you remember if you had siblings? Do you have a momento? A photo? A pendant?" I ask her.

"Well, I do have a necklace and my doll."

"If we can just find where the necklace was bought and by whom, I think we can find your family, Ashley."

"No." She says, looking sad.

"Why? You can always talk to me, Ashley."

"Because, they're dead." She responds, looking at me.

"Why would you say that? How do you know that?"

"Because I have nightmares. I see them die." Her response sends chills down my spine. Whatever Ashley went through must've been one hell of an experience. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

My makeup is minimal. It reminded me of my days as a single woman and as Luke's wife. Minimal makeup, light pink lipgloss and bias dresses. Today, I'd worn a turtle neck tank top and black leather pants.

As I'm leaving the room, my attention is drawn to my bed. "Heh." I laugh as I realize that Ashley or probably Lydia had left me a party hat. I take the hat and walk to my mirror. I put it on. I can't help but giggle as I look at myself. I looked funny and I loved it. As long as it was for my son and his happiness, I was ready to wear anything.

**

"Anna?" I gasp as I enter the living room.

"Natalie! Oh, my goodness! What?!" Anna exclaims. We exchange hugs.

"You cut your hair?" I ask.

"You dyed yours?!"

"And the reunion begins." Lydia says and we both chuckle.

"How are you? How have you been?" I ask Anna. Anna, Veronica and I were the 'IT Girls' of college. We were the popular-fancy-rich girl squad everyone wanted to be like or be friends with. Lydia was once a part of our clique but personally decided to leave. Her reasons, no one knew.

"You had a son? You had a child? I'm sorry, but I'm shocked, I'd never believe Natalie would have a child so soon."

I chuckle. "Well, when life gives a basket of thorns, make strawberry juice. Louis, is my strawberry juice." Anna and Lydia laugh.

"That's amazing."

"Well, what have you been up to? I see your Instagram, you're mainly posting food and spaces." Lydia asks.

"You live in Australia, right?"

"Well, I own an artisan restaurant and to get recipes, I usually get my inspiration by visiting different places, you know? The atmosphere, the people, rich, poor, middle class, young, old— I'm all in for creating food to suite the taste of anybody. And yes, I live in Australia."

"I am so sorry we lost touch, my life has been one hell of a ride—

"I know. I still keep up with LDN Rich & Famous."

"José’s here." Lydia says excitedly. I look at her astonished. Lydia was really heaven-sent, a good friend. I didn't need to tell her how I felt about something or if I was sad. She knew. We just clicked, and I was grateful, having a friend like here by my side.

**

José and I hug as soon as I open the door. "Natty!" José screams. I almost begin sobbing.

"Jo!"I respond, hugging him.

"You are such a terrible friend, you know that?" He says, breaking the hug.

"I know, but I could say the same, you know? You didn't try to reach out to me. Where have you been?"

"Scotland. And yes, I did try to reach you, but it never went through."

"Well, there's a story behind it all."

"Well, fill me in, that's why I'm here right?"

I nod. As usual José looked great. He had gotten taller. He wasn't as skinny as he used to be during our college days. José was the only black male friend I had. He was the only male friend I had.

***

The neighbors had brought their kids over already. Louis and the twins were playing inside his little tent-play house. I'd put in a bowl of diced chocolates and skittles. From where I am, I chuckle as I notice my son going between his bottle of milk and the bowl of chocolates. The young man was really living it up.

"Didn't you think to leave him though?" Anna asks.

"I did. Trust me, I did, but every time I tried to, somehow, he would catch me. I had to give up."

"What if you were never even really I love with him? Stockholm syndrome is very real, Natty." José says.

"No," I assure my friends. "I really loved him. Maybe the relationship blossomed through that, but it really grew into something real. That's why I have my son. My son will forever be a reminder, a symbol of my love for him." I say. José pours the remaining champagne in the bottle into my flute. "Thanks." I say.

"Let's have a toast." Lydia says. We all raise our champagne flutes.

"To friendship. A life long, everlasting bond. The times we were happy, sad and together. This bond is sacred and I hope we get to relive such moments again, and again. Cheers." She says and we clink our glasses together.

The doorbell rings. "I'll get it." I say as I drop my glass. It was probably aunt Ruth. I was nervous and anxious at the same time. I had never fought with her before so I was currently in a very awkward situation. I compose myself before opening the door.

"Aunt— I pause, shocked. "Alex?"

"Surprise?" He asks, handing me a bouquet of roses. My mouth drops open. Why was he here? I didn't invite him, hell, I didn't even make mention of Louis’ birthday.

"To say the least. What are you doing here?" I ask, looking behind me carefully.

"I just was around here, I decided to check in on you. See how you're doing."

"You were around the corner with a bouquet of flowers sitting in your car?" I ask, raising a brow. This man amazed me every single time.

He laughs, "You got me. Fine, I did come here to see you. Last time, you left without a word."

"You could've just called me. There was no need coming here. It's my son's birthday."

He gasps. "Oh! I had no idea. I'd have gotten him a gift. I'm sorry, if I'm invading."

This was the perfect opportunity to get Alex on my side. At least, I wasn't trying to get close to him, he was doing that, and it made me glad. He wouldn't suspect a thing when I would need to use him against Luke. "No, it's fine."

"Well? Won't you invite me in? Or is there. . .?"

I look at him through my lashes. "Come on in."

**

I'd taken Alex directly to my study. For some reasons, I'd unconsciously felt that it was best if no one saw him. Specifically José and Anna.

"Would you like a glass of whiskey or wine?"

"I'd say bourbon. Thank you." He says. "What is this place?" He asks.

"Well, as you can clearly see, it's my study."

He chuckles, "I love your replies, Natalie. You know, there's something about you, I just can't get my fingers on."

I flip my hair as I sit on the desk, "Is that a complement, Mr. Robinson?" I ask, staring directly into his eyes. Immediately, I look away, uncomfortable.

"Most definitely. One can only complement a beauty when they see one, innit?"

"I'll be back with your bourbon." I say as I take my leave. As I leave the study, I pause for a moment. My heart was beating fast. My feet were cold. Why was I anxious around him?

After getting the bourbon, I return to my study. "Premium bourbon whiskey. 1995."

"Fantastic." He says, taking a sip. "Fair enough."

"May I ask you why you always come around me, Mr. Robinson?"

"Please. Call me Alex." He drops the bourbon on the table. "If I'm being honest, Natalie, I want to get to know you. Of course, if you allow me the chance. I am attracted to you. I can't seem to get you off my mind. Trust me, I'm no stalker, but I think it's safe to say you have bewitched me."

I tilt my head, looking at him closely. I'm at a loss for words.

"Do you want me to leave?"

"No, I don't." I respond. The heavens were definitely on my side. The one person I needed to finish off Luke for good. I couldn't let such an opportunity pass me by.

"Thank you for your honesty and not beating around the bush."

"Well?" He asks. He looks anxious. I turn to my desk and take a piece of paper. I take a pen and write out my number.

"Here." I say, as I hand it over to him. "You should know that I'm not easily impressed."