UNEXPECTED BOND

Chapter4

***Mabel POV*****

Two years later.

I stood by the roadside, waiting to hail a cab home from work. I needed nothing more than to have a good rest before heading out to another part-time job.

The thought of that fateful night two years ago had changed my life. I was lucky to be supported by my mom and best friend Anne.

A cab halted in front of me, I hopped in and gave him the direction.

“Five dollars ma’am,” the cab driver responded.

“Ma’am, we have arrived,” his words pulled me out of my reverie.

I got home and was greeted by my Son Alvin and my mother, who stood by the door, with a worried look on her face.

“Mummy is back, Mummy is back,” Alvin raced towards me for a hug. I picked him up and whirled around with his hands in the air. He had the same piercing blue eyes as his father.

“yey,” he let out a blissful smile.

I approached my mother who was already in the kitchen.

“Mother, what is it this time around? why do you always have to look this way when you have something to tell me?” I asked, knowing my mother’s nature.

“When are we going to stop living like this, The bills keep piling up, coupled with my medical expenses,” I worry so much, child. She replied, her hands holding my cheek.

“It's been two years now, and no sign of Alvin’s father. Don't you think that as time goes on, he will start asking questions about his dad?” she added.

“I know Mother, I am trying my best. Everything will be alright soon,”

The thought of what my mother had said earlier lingered in my mind as I left the house for my next job.

For the past two weeks, I had been going to the bar to sing, to raise more money.

_________________

I was at the airport waiting for Dante. He had been away on a business trip for quite some time now.

While I was waiting, I noticed the ladies couldn't take their eyes off me. They kept squealing in excitement and whispering to themselves.

The experience wasn't new to me.

One of them who had been staring at me summoned the courage to approach me.

“Hello, can I have a word with you please?” she said.

I spun to look at the figure that approached me.

“Yeah, what for?” I asked, without taking a second look at her.

“I was thinking if you could give me your contact, so I could invite you to dinner.”

She replied.

“No, thank you,” I said, as I matched toward Dante, who I could see from the arrival unit.

“Brian, it's so good to see you brother,” Dante said, grinning from ear to ear.

“Welcome back to New York, how was your flight and how’s Mexico?” I asked as we exchanged pleasantries.

“My flight was fine, and as for Mexico, it's there. I'm back in New York.” Dante said, with a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“I see, you're still the center of attention. Mr billionaire CEO,” he said with a chuckle as we drove off.

“I'm certain that's not why you're back here,” I replied with a smile.

“Driver, please take us to the imperial bar before we head home,” Dante instructed the chauffeur

As we strolled into the bar, we were greeted with the sound of a melody mouthpiece singing. My gaze traveled to the stage. But the place was dimly lit, so I couldn't see the figure properly.

“Tell me, how's business in Mexico,” I said as we took our seats.

“Fine, man. Let's talk about business some other time.” he replied with a grin.

Dante saw a waiter passing by, so he ordered a bottle of wine.

After the artist was done singing, the crowd cheered, applauding her.

Dante made a gesture at the figure, to come forward.

“Hi, am Dante”, such a sweet voice you have got.

“Thank you, am Mab…” he cut her off before she could finish her sentence.

“Do you always come here to sing?” Dante asked.

“Yes, I come here most weekdays, except on weekends,” she replied.

‘That voice sounds familiar, do I know her from somewhere? I thought to myself.

“Excuse me, gentlemen, I have to go now,” she said. As she spun around to leave.

“Wait, hold on…” Dante said, but she was already gone.

I excused myself to take an important business call. When I veered around to return to the bar, I bumped into something.

Our eyes locked on each other. I took a closer look at her and the memories from that party, two years ago cripped into my mind.

“Do I know you from somewhere?” I asked her.

“Let me go, I think you've mistaken me for someone else,” she replied.

I quickly snapped out of my thoughts, releasing her from my grip.

“Watch your step next time, you could have fallen to the ground,” I responded

“I will, please excuse me,” she said as she scurried away.

I went back to where I left Dante and he was already wasted.

“When did I just leave and you're already wasted.”, I muttered under my breath.

As we drove home, I couldn't stop thinking about the lady from the bar. Was she the one from the birthday party?. There was something familiar about her voice. I need to see her again, I thought to myself.

Dante was fast asleep, snoring loudly. His loud snore pulled me from my reverie.

“Welcome back, baby,” It was Hannah. She was still awake.

“I was worried sick about you, where have you been?”

“Thanks love, I went to the airport to pick Dante up.” I replied, without looking at her.

“You don't look happy, is something bothering you?” she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.

“Everything is fine. You don't have to worry.” I said, headed towards the bathroom for a quick shower.