STORMS AND TWISTS

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Clara walked into the reception of her father’s company. She asked for directions to the Managing Director’s office. On a normal note, she wasn’t supposed to be there but Josiah’s kindness warranted that. She found the room with much ease and knocked on the door.

“Come in. The door is opened.” Josiah aid from within without looking up from the desk. He was engrossed in what he was doing. Besides, it was a busy Monday.

She entered and he was flabbergasted to see her.

“Good afternoon ma’am. Please sit down. How may I help you”. He said, taking his gaze off the desk and shifting gaze to her.

Clara shrugged. Why would he think she was there on official business?

“Well, I just came here to appreciate you for Friday’s night. I mean if you weren’t there, who knows maybe I would have woken up on the hospital bed the next morning”.

“Stop it. We are humans and that’s why we have to help others when they are at the vulnerable moment”. He said, waving the whole situation off.

“I know why you are saying things like that. Just because I am Mr. ‘Manuel’s daughter or a movie star does not mean I can’t appreciate people for their kind gesture. You are a life saver and I owe you big time”. Clara said.

“That’s true but it’s not that way. I helped because you needed it”.

“Anyways, you have to accept my apologies if you don’t accept my gratitude.”

“Oh come on”. He said with a shrug.

“I’m sorry for involving myself in unnecessary adventures all the time. I usually don’t plan it but it occurs almost every time I try to get away from you.”

“It’s not your fault. We can’t always plan for everything. Sometimes, our plans don’t fall into place.”

“By the way, I bought a new phone already and I saw your message via my brother’s phone. I have a phone now”.

“So you really want us to exchange contacts?”

“Yes”. She said, taking off her wrist-watch. They discussed for about thirty minutes more and Clara left.

…

Casey and Cody were in the classroom during break time. They were solving questions on Chemistry in silence. Then Cody brought up a topic.

“My mother is celebrating her 47th birthday on Saturday. I want you to attend”. Cody said.

Casey went berserk immediately.

“What’s your matter with you? I’m not attending and no one can make me”.

“What’s wrong with you? I told you about an invitation but you just acted weird.”

“Are you…” Casey came to the knowledge of what he was doing.

“I’m sorry. How’s your mom?” Casey asked, realizing that he had overreacted.

“She’s alive, hale and hearty for your information”. Cody said, about to leave in anger.

“Well, I can’t say the same about mine”.

“Why?”Cody paused to listen to him.

“I never knew my mother. I was just nine months old when my mother died in a plane crash. I feel like I should not be telling you this.”

Cody felt remorse immediately.

“I’m sorry”.

“You don’t have to be. You are not the cause of her death.” He said with a wry smile.

“I understand if you don’t want to come. It’s not elaborate.”

“I’m coming”.

“Thanks, bro”. Cody said and hugged him

Josiah was about to close for the day when he saw a wrist-watch on his desk. He exhaled deeply. He tried to recollect the events that occurred for the day. It was then that he remembered that Clara took off her watch while they were conversing. It must have been hers.

He drove to the estate shortly after work. He knocked at the gate. He met the security man if Clara was around and he answered in the affirmative. He proceeded in and knocked.

“Casey, the door is opened. Must you always make me to open the door for you?” She said, thinking it was that brother of hers. She came outside and realized it was Josiah. Her face froze in surprise.

“I’m sorry. I thought it was someone else.”

“It’s okay”.

“So what brings you to my humble abode?” She asked in a courteous manner.

“I came to return your wrist-watch”. He said, handing it over to her.

“Thanks a lot. I was actually looking for that and I had no clue I forgot it at your office.”

“You are welcome. By the way, who’s Casey?”He asked inquisitively

“He’s… Well, never mind”.

“Okay, I will take my leave.”

“That’s fine by me”. She said with a smile.

She accompanied him to the gate and waved him bye as he drove off.

…

It was Saturday. Casey was prepared to leave for Cody’s place. Clara tried to stop him but all her attempts fell on deaf ears.

“Must you attend that party?” She complained.

“Cody’s my friend so I’ve got to go”.

“You are becoming adamant lately”. She said with a shrug.

“And you are also becoming secretive”.

“Okay, you may leave if that’s what you want”.

“Thanks, my sweet sister”. He said and gave her a hug.

Later in the evening, Casey came back home. He looked downcast and Clara knew he didn’t enjoy the party a bit. It was almost as if Cody invited him to show how wonderful his mother was.

“You look pretty unhappy”. She said, holding his cheeks.

“Yes, you got me. Cody and his siblings have everything in the world; a mansion, money, everything else and most especially a mother that cares.”

“It’s okay. Everything is going to be fine .And by the way I think it’s time I tell you all about mom’s death and the circumstances surrounding it”.

“Okay.” He said, resting his head on her laps.

“Okay”. Clara said and exhaled to get ready for the story.

“Mom and dad met in their university days and they started dating when they were in their final year”.

“Cool”.

“Now you are running commentaries. Well, they got married after two year of dating. Then they gave birth to an adorable baby girl after a year in marriage”.

“That was you” Casey asked.

“Yes it was, baby bro. Then mom and dad couldn’t give birth for a long time after I was born. They had to wait for nine years before they could give birth to a bouncing baby boy.”

“That’s me”.

“Yes, Casey. It’s you. Well, everyone loves the little boy so much and his big sister cuddled him. He was cute and handsome”.

“I am still cute and handsome”. He corrected her.

“Okay, but please stop interrupting me”.

“Mom was a pilot and she was on a one year leave due to her giving birth to you. Her leave ended the day you turned nine months old. The saddest part was that she died on a plane trip to Berlin the same day”. Clara said. She got carried away and was oblivious of the fact that she was shedding tears without restriction.

“It’s okay. The deed’s done”. Casey consoled her.

“That was her last flight. It would have been her last flight as a pilot whether she was alive or not”. She said, still not making efforts at wiping her tears.

“What do you mean?”

“She had submitted her resignation letter but the date on it specified that she must be the assistant pilot on deck en route Berlin.”

“It’s so sad.” Casey muttered.

“Yes. It’s sad. She didn’t want to resign because she loved her job; dad was always scared he would lose her and he did lose her. She decided to stop her work and take on the greatest adventure ever- motherhood. Death didn’t allow you know mum. She was the best mother ever and she always made sure I was okay even though her schedule was so tight. I don’t know the right words to qualify her. She’s a rare gem.”

“Í didn’t get to know her but she’s the best”.

“Yes she was”. Clara said with a sigh”.