AFTER THE BREAK

CHAPTER TWO (The Break)

Everyone looked straight ahead . Talia saw the woman she's known for many years to be Ericks mother . Her tall graceful figure giving what seemed to be a speech still looking beautiful in her late forties .

"It is with great Joy we welcome home Erick my son ..."

Talia walks in trying to get a better view she knew Ms Enriquez never really liked her she was grateful Erick always tried explaining he's mother's side to her saying that "Erick didn't need love or a girlfriend he had other things to do first "

Talia never argued with those words she never knew how it's like to have a mother and having commands from one . She still respected the strict lady

'with time she'd have to accept us '.

Erick would say afterwards. That was the only face she wished to see now

" And am pleased to say he returns as the CEO of ALPHA CORP ..." The room erupts with loud aplaudes In cue , a young man in a blue suit tall , he's hair neatly plasted on one side a smile which radiates his entire figure

the person Talia longed to see her heart beating loudly it was no call or text it was Erick she thought to move up to him right away but knew now wasn't the time .

'work first' she used to tell him soon she'd stand by he's side .

" ...well of course he'd have to go through further examination .." Mrs Enriquez says with a serious tone that earns a laugh from the audience she was one to be strict alright.

Talia has watched her push her son to the limit and still never let him break ever since Erick lost he's father to an accident six years ago , Mrs Enriquez has always taken up her son's affairs seriously.

"..and of course .." her smile gradually returns " .....this is a double celebration as I want you all to welcome GEORGIA MENDEZ ..."

Talia hadn't heard of such name before but the loud applause only ment she was very important ...perhaps a celebrity ? Talia claps as well her eyes glued to Erick who seems quite happy he's eyes darting around as if looking for something haven sighted Talia he looks abit nervous .Talia tries moving up to meet him thinking he wanted her up there as well however ,the next shocked her

" My future daughter in-law " Mrs Enriquez labels Georgia a beautiful lady with a blue long satin gown wraped around her hurl glass figure ,black hair curled of shoulder length her bright red lips muttering ' thank you' to Mrs Enriquez .

Gracefully she walks towards Erick and both stand like a couple they look good actually matching outfits looking like a Go couple.

Talia's heart dropt her steps halt . Her eyes glued to them Erick looks at Talia and gives a little smile not of encouragement but as if appologetic . Then he's gaze returned to Georgia the woman by he's side .

Talia couldn't hear a word anymore the audience were buzzing but she felt lost rushing out of the hall , Talia could finally breath .

Her hands clutched to her chest breathing heavily .

"Talia " she heard someone call her name . she knew who it was but didn't feel like facing him . Earlier that was all she wanted to see him , hold him , drawn in his eyes ,talk for hours thier love was pure at least that was what she wanted till now .

" Talia " Erick called again looking abit worried . Talia inhales sharply and turns

" Not Lia anymore? Erick !?" Talia says in a sharp tone

" Talia ....I didn't want you to find out this way "

At some point in Talia's heart she hoped it was a prank but that was the first thing he could say to shatter that glimpse of hope .

" Find out what ? ...That you came home with a lover ? a fiance ? and you couldn't tell the one person waiting for you these years ? "

" I texted you ...I Called you " Erick tried to say in he's defense .

" oh really you called me ? I have a broken phone of all the times you could you had to tell today?..."

"...Talia I didn't know how to tell you it just happened okay ? "

" When Erick when ? when did it happen?"

The air suddenly went stiff than it already was

" Two years ago.." Erick says calmly he's shoulders slump .

Talia takes two steps backwards her hands on her hips eyes calculatively looking around she couldn't believe it finally her eyes gaze at Erick calmly she ask

"Is that the real reason why you asked we take a break ? ..."

Gulping down some saliva , Erick nodes .He knew he lied to Talia about wanting to study more and they should call it out for sometime

" I dont know how it happened Talia . "

" And when we got back together three months later what happened?" Talia ask her voice rising with each word her eyes disappointed the fact hitting her hard Erick cheated on her .

"Talia it just happened okay ...I tried talking to you about it ,gave you all the signs didn't you notice I wasn't into our conversations anymore? didn't call much anymore ? didnt notice we stopped talking like we use to . ?

Talia, Georgia is the one I love now okay .. I don't know which good way to say this but it just happened she's very influencail and supports my career ..." Erick voices out in frustration as if he'd been tutoring a hard head child over and over again on the same lesson .

"So now it's my fault , hmm ? I don't support your dreams huh?..." Talia shouts in disbelief her brows furrowed and eyes clear with anger " Well then am sorry am sorry I didn't notice all the signs okay ..am sorry I thought you were so busy trying to make it up with your career to give you whatever space you asked for . Am sorry I didn't notice you already gave up on me cause my heart kept LOVING YOU !"

And that was the climax Talia dashed out on her heels walking far away out of the hotel Erick didn't move a muscle he knew it wasn't worth it . He'd hurt her it was evident it was better to let her be .

Dejected , Erick walks into the hall he's mode abit sour he smiles lightly when Georgia walks up to him her voice light .

"Babe where have you been ?"

" No worries am here now " Erick assures her .

"Erick?" someone calls out .

"Chloe " Erick refers to the short lady who's brows form a knot

" Where's Talia ? " Chloe ask her tone bitter

"She left " Erick answers Chloe abit guilty but Georgia could see it as they stood side by side .

"It's your best friend you talked about ? why did she leave I wish to meet her " Georgia complains innocently . Chloe doesn't bother answering her but takes the exit .

"She had an emergency ..." Erick tries to explain and gives her a kiss on her forehead

" Come let's go in " . The couple is called by Mrs Enriquez asking to meet some business partners . Though the environment buzzed with life , Erick's thoughts seemed far away .