To Love Again

Chapter five

Selena flew back to Chicago with Mary, she needed a fresh start away from places that reminded her of Craig.

She still hurts from her loss but not as much as before. It was exactly two years she lost both her husband and her child. 

When they both died she did stay awake crying from her loss, her heartbreaking all over again. She wondered if she would survive the hurt, but she had to be strong for Mary's sake. 

Her daughter still had nightmares about the accident and cried non stop for her father and sister. Selena would hold her and pray as tears trickled down her eyes.

***

Selena had inherited a huge amount of money after her husband died. She was rich, but she didn't want to remain idle, she needed to work so she could keep her thoughts away from her loss.

She started her Accounting firm, they provided services sold to clients which ranged from data entry, inventory, and also sold and installed software.

Her business grew because she hired professional and dedicated staff and her delivery was prompt and efficient. She gained more clients from customers who referred her services to their friends.

"Ma'am, someone is here to see you," Stella said into the speaker to her boss.  She was Selena's personal assistant in her accounting firm.

"Let him in." She said. Since her relocation to Chicago, her family members had not visited her, though they always spoke on phone. So she was surprised and happy when Francis walked into her office. 

"Francis..it's been so long." She stood up so they could hug. He had lost some weight but in the right places. "How are Dad and Loretta." She enquired wondering why his eyes looked sad. "They are all fine, Selena."

Francis and Selena chatted for a very long time, both filling each other up on what was going on in their lives. "Selena, I lost my job, and I need a place where I can stay until I get a new job and apartment. I also needed a change of environment that's why I came here".

She looked up at him and asked if that was the only reason he came over. He replied in affirmative "and also to see you and Mary, it's been so long we visited." Selena felt relieved and didn't hesitate to voice it out.

"Thank God, when you came in you looked sober, I thought something worse had happened." She said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to get you worried." Francis replied

"I would love to have you around, Mary would be so happy." They both looked at each other and smiled. Selena was happy to have a family member near her for a change.

***

It was exactly three months since Francis moved in with Selena. They had bonded more and Mary was so used to having her uncle around because he took her everywhere he went.

He had gotten a job at a construction firm, he loved his job and he made good money from his work.

It was almost Easter and Francis suggested they throw a party for a few of their friends, colleagues, and a handful of neighbors. 

Selena liked the idea, but it had been so long since she organized a party. She felt rusty. "If we are to have a party, we better start planning because it's just 2 weeks ahead."

"We would order the pastries online, I would ensure that wine and beverages are stocked up. You would be in charge of groceries, as for the cooking we would do it together." Francis said. 

"You seem to have everything planned out, that's nice." She beamed at her brother.

Mary was also excited when she heard about the party, she also wanted to invite her friends too. "Mum.., can I invite Cindy and Kim." She pleaded. They both left three blocks away and attended the same school. 

Selena couldn't say no, it had been so long since she saw her so excited about anything. "Call their parents mum, you can invite them too. She looked at her mom hopeful. 

"How time flies Selena thought", she looked at her daughter and wondered how life would have been if Margaret and Craig lived. It was almost three years since they died, they rarely talked about them but still, it hurts whenever they did.

Francis, who overhead their discussion, promised to invite them himself. He was acquainted with both parents during those times he took Mary to school. His niece was grateful for his help and went over to hug her uncle, whom she loved so much.

Time flew so quickly and it was Easter Eve already. They cleaned the house, stocked up on groceries and wine. The pastries were scheduled to be delivered in the evening. 

Stella had come over to help with the arrangements, She had been free and volunteered to help out.  She also had a soft spot for Francis and wanted to be around him.

They both kept stealing glances, they made small conversations, as they both had to work in close proximity and before the day was over they had fixed a date for Saturday by 7 pm.

They had stopped to rest with a cold glass of lemonades when Craig asked her for a date. "Stella, would you go on a date with me. I have admired you for a long time and would love to date you."

She hadn't expected him to ask her out, he had always acted as if he didn't find her attractive except for today she noticed he stole glances her way whenever he felt she wasn't looking. "I did like that, she said." She couldn't wait for Saturday.

Selena who had noticed the tension between them was happy when Francis told her he had a date with her. She loved Stella very much, and Francis was almost 31 years old and though he had dated a few ladies since his devastating breakup with Lizzy, he hadn't put in much effort to make the relationship work. He had asked her some questions about Stella on a few occasions, but she only hoped he would get the courage to someday ask her out. Selena prayed this time around her brother would find true love and happiness with Stella.