Chapter 73: Chapter 73

Chapter 73.

‘’Congratulations cousin. You have done what you have always wanted to do. I envy your strength, your determination, your ways of doing things, I mean show me your ways, babe.’’ Tabby says and bursts out laughing.

Tabby and I are at mum’s place, we are a very big family living here. Mum insists that I can’t just move in with Harrison because she wants a grand wedding.

‘’You know you can also do whatever you wish to do. I think I just either started the race or finished it earlier but I know you can start the race too and finish it at some point.’’

‘’You’re crazy, babe.’’

‘’Crazier than you?’’

‘’Not exactly. I am crazier than you, girl.’’ We burst out laughing.

‘’Hey, you didn’t tell me what happened when you went to Alvin’s place. How was the reception?’’ Tabby asks making me remember that day.

‘’How come I haven’t told you how it went?’’ I ask with a frown. ‘’You know, ever since I knew Alvin. I fell in love with his foster parents. They were composed and they were always the good guys who I admired.’’

‘’She nods. I know that already, babe. Did they welcome you?’’

‘’Yes, very much. They told us their story and how things happened. They were so very sorry to Aliana and said their selfish ways caused all that. They at some point told Aliana to call the police on them but that wasn’t gonna happen. Aliana said it wasn’t their fault. They were lied to and there was no way they would have known if the papers were genuine or not. They further asked Aliana not to stop Alvin from visiting them. Aliana said to them that that’s not possible because one, Alvin is a grown-up and can decide whatever he wants to do independently. Two, she said that they raised Alvin and even a mad man would know that they had rights and that they probably were more attached to him than she was.’’

‘’Wow, Aliana is one wise woman.’’

‘’She is, very wise. We had a nice time and I was really happy that Henry and Anita also decided to come with us. They love their foster sister so much and they have been very supportive of her. When they had a family gathering, I was invited just like Harrison’s fiancé. Apart from Williams, Alvin, and Aliana, no one else knew that Williams is my dad.’’

‘’Babe, you are such a lucky creature. I am so happy that you are going to be my sister in law. Who ever thought that that could have happened? Besides that, you have three fucking fathers! You are a lucky bitch.’’

‘’Hey, don’t be so discourteous I don’t like your language.’’ She smiles slightly. ‘’Yes, I am really lucky to have three fathers but you also have Mr. Jones, right? And …’’ I am about to say and her father when I remember that her father died a long time ago.

‘’Sorry, babe.’’ She says apologetically perfectly ignoring my other sentence. ‘’What did uncle say about your achievements? I am sure he is regretting everything he ever did to you.’’

‘’Well, we didn’t talk much but he seemed genuinely happy that all these have happened. He already apologized and I believed him, he is still my father, you know?’’

‘’Yes, anyway, don’t tell me you forgot the dinner that we’re supposed to go to.’’

‘’Which dinner?’’

‘’Really, babe? You are not supposed to forget these things. Today is Janet’s rendezvous party and you of all the people shouldn’t miss it. You know how much Alvin loves you and you know what would happen if you missed this.’’

‘’I have a deadline, Tabby and in as much as I want to go, I don’t think I will get time to do it. Please pass my congratulatory message to Alvin and Janet.’’ Well, I have become a very good liar and I smile when I see the revulsion daubed on Tabby’s face.

‘’And who tells you that I would go if you aren’t going? That’s in your dream. I know both of them because of you and you are not missing that party.’’

‘’What are you two talking about honey?’’ Luke asks and we both turn to look at him. He is such a hard-working chap. He had gone to work very early and now he is back.

Tabby stands up and hugs him. ‘’Hey, tell your silly sister here that she has to attend Janet’s party. Janet never misses her events and a few days ago when she was launching her designs, Janet was there and Alvin was her MC. She cannot miss this.’’ Luke just smiles winking at me then walks away.

‘’Your brother is so rude, just like you.’’ She says and slumps on the couch.

‘’Relax, I cannot miss the party. Take back your word because I am not rude the way you are saying it.’’ she bursts out a hearty laughter.

She hugs me and we all walkout Luke is standing there and he looks like he’s in deep thought. ‘’I need to go get Harrison for the party. I got to have a date with me to the party and my Harrison will always be the best ever.’’

They both laugh but that’s it. I walk into the house to pick my keys. I literally feel like driving to Harrison’s but I will leave my car there because the moment I get to the party, I will drink myself crazy.

There is anomalous traffic on my way. I am not calling him to let him know that I am going to pick him. It is literally a surprise. I hope he is from work already.

I get to his house thirty minutes later. Smile despite myself as I pull up at the very well-maintained parking area. My neat Harrison really loves his things neat and well kept.

I skip out of the car. I am happy. I am feeling completely fulfilled and I know that this is a gift for me from God.

A peaceful life.

I hope he is at home. I press the button on the silo and stay calm as I wait for its binary flaps to open up. I walk in when they open up and press the number of his floor.

The door is closed. I knock slightly but no one opens it. I have been coming here on several occasions so, I open the door using the spare key that he gave to me and I walk in.

Something clunks in my mind and I decide that I am going to surprise my sweet Harrison. I walk to the kitchen and delve through the fridge. He must be very hungry right now so, I will prepare some food for him.

Thirty minutes later, I am busy setting up the dining table for him. I haven’t cooked for him in a long time. Every time we are together, He is either taking me out or cooking. He rarely lets me, cook, because he feels that it’s too much work.

‘’What is going on here?’’ I hear a voice, a familiar one almost startling me. I turn swiftly to find Harry standing there in a nicely fitting white collard t-shirt and navy blue pants. He looks lovely.

‘’You petrified me, love,’’ I say walking towards him. His arms are wide open and I walk straight into them. I feel warm, loved and cared for. He smells fresh like he just came from the bathroom. I take a few seconds taking in the nice smell that is accompanying him.

‘’You were so grossed-up into what you were doing. You weren’t even listening to who is coming in or going out. I came in, went upstairs and took a shower. The aroma of what you were cooking, baby that’s what caught my attention. I wanted to come back to you fresh and … hey, thanks for coming over, I am really hungry.’’

I don’t say a word. I want to take my time and relish the moment. The two of us being here, alone, no disturbance at all.

‘’What do I owe this visit?’’ he asks.

‘’Silly!’’

‘’What?’’

‘’Can’t a girl comes to see her baby daddy without letting him know?’’

‘’Hey, I didn’t say that. It’s just that I wanted to come and see you at your mum’s because I had plans for us this evening. Never the less, I am so exultant that you are here. We can do something from here, you know?’’

‘’Something like?’’

‘’Eating the dinner you just made and having a good time together. I believe you are off duty for a few days and that only means I take a few days off as well which I have and both of us can go to Fregate island in Seychelles.’’ My heart leaps with joy the moment he says that.

I want to talk but I decide to shut my mouth and not say a word at all.

‘’Fregate is a very nice island. It is slurped by the Indian Ocean in a dozen hues. It is also a taste of Seychelles at their dreamiest. Wild landscapes still thrive on the private island, which is a haven from the Seychelles' more developed shores. Giant Aldabra tortoises saunter through the understory there, while two species of sea turtles crawl ashore to lay their eggs. Granite cliffs swerve for the breakers, giving way to powdery beaches: one, Anse Macquereau, can be turned into a perfectly private getaway. A "beach occupied" sign dangles from a nearby palm tree, inviting visitors to reserve the picture-perfect cove for themselves. I am super sure you are going to like it, love.’’

‘’And when will we go to Seychelles?’’

‘’As soon as you say you wanna come, baby. We will go.’’

‘’Do you still remember your nephew’s party though?’’ facepalm. ‘’You know we do have to go, right?’’

‘’I didn’t remember, love. But you and I will attend the party and plan to go to Fregate later. I want us to be away from everyone and everything like a month before we come back to be with all of them. Okay, baby?’’

‘’Sure.’’

Wow, he has really thought about this. Being on the island will give us time to relax and make more babies for us.

'Really?’ my innate asks and I remember that she was listening to me. I don’t say anything, though.

**

The party is lit. I am into a very deep conversation with Alvin and Henry. They want to know why Harry and I haven’t gotten married yet. Henry thinks we are taking too long but I don’t want to rush anything.

‘’You guys don’t even have girlfriends and here you are thinking that Harry and I are wasting time?’’

Hey, that’s literally an insult. I have a girlfriend and her name is Janet. She is your assistant. Why would you brush it on our faces that we don’t have girlfriends? You should have said Henry doesn’t …’’

‘’Have a girlfriend? Can you two close your eyes?’’ We close our eyes and in exactly thirty seconds, he asks us to open our eyes and when we do, I swear I almost faint when I catch the prevue of what’s happening. Harry is busy kissing Clare and I smile absently at the two of them. ‘’Next time have your facts right, sister in law. Do not go around accusing people falsely of not having girlfriends.’’

‘’Wow! And you two didn’t find it important to tell me all these?’’

‘’So that you say no to us being together? No thank you.’’ Alvin bursts out a peal of hearty laughter and when I turn to look at him he is holding Janet securely around the waist.

‘’Sweet pie, this is just the evidence you wanted. This is my Janet and since we are now engaged, I will marry her soon. I love her to the moon and back.’’ I smile. Janet just said yes to Alvin and I know that makes her very happy.

Aliana loves her so much. She was with her for some time. She never discriminated against her for being a maid but did welcome her as a daughter in law.

I am tempted to ask where all the love he felt for me went to but I intentionally push back the thought. He deserves better than I can offer.

‘’I am honestly very happy for all of you. Henry and Clare, please don’t leave me in the dark next time. I always want to know what is happening in the life of those that I love.’’ I wink at them and they smile. Janet and Clare come to hug me.

‘’Thank you, sister. I love you.’’ Clare says with teary eyes and a shaky voice.

‘’Thank you too, sister. I love you right back.’’

‘’And I love both of you very much.’’

‘’Of course, I love you all very much too,’’ Henry says and both he and Alvin join the hug.

A tinge of guilt runs through my veins as I watch the most handsome man in the party walking towards us. The two boys pull away but the girls maintain their position.

‘’You can’t be serious, baby. Are you cheating on me?’’ we all burst an appeal of laughter as I break loose and walk towards him. He opens his arms and I gladly walk into them as he wraps them warmly around me. He makes me feel so earnest and the intense love is making my blood warm.

‘’Did you know that your silly brother is in love with my little sister?’’ he nods and I feel bad that I was left in the dark.

I, however, don’t dwell so much on that because I don’t really think it matters that much.

A waitress walks towards us with a tray of wine glasses and we all take one each except for Harrison who gladly takes a glass of water.

‘’Cheers to the newest couple in town. Janet and Alvin. I wish you nothing but the most peaceful and admirable life. Do not hesitate to come to uncle for pieces of advice whenever you feel like it. Cheers!’’

‘’Cheers.’’ Everyone shouts in unison. There are a number of couples. I spot Anita busy chatting with a girl and I smile at her when she looks at me keenly. She is one adorable sister in law.

There is music, not so loud James Bay’s Wild Love is playing and the song has been dedicated to the two lovers of the day.

We all love them so much.

The hall is full and everyone seems to be dancing to the current tune.

The song brusquely and snappishly stops and … ‘’I want to congratulate the two lovers of the day.’’ A voice too familiar comes through and each and every one of us who understands the voice tense.

We turn to look at the entrance and I rub my eyes rigorously to ensure that what I am seeing is true. Jenna or Mrs. Williams is here chaperoned by the wardens of the prison. I have seen a couple of them before so, I know they are the curators.

She is in a wheelchair.

Harrison moves closer to me and pulls me even closer to him. ‘’You are safe, baby. Don’t you worry because I am here and she will not be doing any harm to you.’’ He whispers with confidence.

‘’Thank you,’’ I tell him gently as he tightens the hold on me.

Right on cue. I watch in awe as everyone walks into the hall. My mum, Mr. Williams, Mr. Jones, Aliana, and many other people. Some that I don’t even know.

What the hell is going on? I ask myself as Jenna is brought to the cenre of the hall.