Stars that fade

STARS THAT FADE: New beginnings

Chapter 2: New Beginnings_

Days turned into weeks, weeks into years The Andersons adjusted to life with Jaime, while the Ramsons navigated parenthood and their priorities. Both men were pillars of Lagos' elite business circles – Mr. Anderson with his tech empire and Mr. Ramson with his finance dynasty. Their penthouse offices in Ikoyi and villas in exclusive neighborhoods like Asaba's Delta Hills spoke of their status.

Mr. Ramson kept his promise, cutting back on late-night deals and focusing on Jewel and Ethan. with Ethan settled into a routine, the Ramsons faced a new challenge: balancing work and family. Jewel struggled with feelings of loneliness, while Mr. Ramson was a present dad – but still fully engulfed in his business. He started teaching Ethan the basics of deals and investments, envisioning a future where Ethan would inherit the family empire.

*August 15th, 2014*

The kitchen buzzed with activity as the aroma of sizzling tomato stew wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of fried vegetables and the promise of a feast. Jollof rice simmered on the stove, its rich red hue beckoning guests to gather 'round. Fried rice, a medley of colorful veggies and perfectly cooked grains, was almost ready. And on the sidelines, an array of small chops – crispy, golden, and irresistible – waited to be devoured as appetizers.

Balloons danced in the living room, their vibrant hues matching the excitement in the air. Flayers declaring "Happy 15th Birthday" fluttered, a testament to the celebration ahead. "Jewel, the food's almost ready!" someone called out.

Meanwhile, a voice echoed through the hall, "Ethan! Ethan! Go and welcome the Anderson family, you know you and their daughter celebrate together."

Feet stomped fast down the stairs in a hurry. "Good evening, sir. Good evening, ma," Ethan greeted the Andersons. "My boy, how are you? You're getting taller than me," Mr. Anderson said with a chuckle.

Ethan's eyes scanned the area, searching for Jamie. They celebrated birthdays together and had become best of friends. "Jamie has always had a sense of style and kept her dressing simple and classy," he thought. He watched her step out of the car, her skin glowing, her floral dress fitted perfectly.

"Babe, Mr. Anderson called out to Anna, see these children getting all big while we get old." Jamie let out a sweet smile. "Dadddyyyy!" she squealed. "Ahhhh, growth is constant," Mr. Anderson chuckled.

All walked into the house together…….

Whispering conversation between Jamie and Ethan as they both walked behind: "Big head, how are you?" Jaime called out to Ethan. "Stearin stare, who did you call big head?" Ethan replied with a grin. "Ohhhh, because we are both age mates now?"

Ethan's 3rd sister, "Stormie," called out, "Ethan's wife is here!" referring to Jamie. Both families laughed.

Celebration started; both families were having a good time. As usual, the last agenda was always cake cutting for both Jamie and Ethan. The sky looked so clear that you would doubt the heavy rain that started. Thank God Mrs. Jewel suggested an indoor party this time around, as August was known for troubled skies.

Jamie sat alone, privately away from family and friends. She could smell the dust that was produced as the rain hit the sand, a smell so sweet she would go out to eat the sand. She thought to herself, turning fifteen made her feel like a full teenager; soon she'd celebrate her sweet sixteen.

_BOOM!_ 💥

The thunder struck so loud it felt like it could tear the house apart.

Jamie jumped in fear hold her chest so tight

Ring! ring!

Mr. Ramson picked up his phone. "Hello, sir," a voice from the phone said, "oga sir, your container done sink oh."

Phone dropped to the ground. "I'm finished!" Mr. Ramson shouted on top of his lungs. He walked straight to Mr. Anderson and grabbed him by his nicely beaded "agbada". "You told me this deal was going to bring me enough money to level up! You told me to trust the shipping company. Why am I getting a call that my goods sank? You betrayed me, James!!!!"

Everyone present for the party stood confused and stared at what was happening. James held onto Fred's hands to release himself, first telling Fred, "Calm down, Fred, what's going on?"

"I just got a call saying my containers sank! You assured me that before next week ended I would get my goods!" Mr. Fred lamented. He had sold half of his company to invest big time into the deal James had brought for him to invest in.

The house was silent; the party was cut short, and people began to leave. Mr. Anderson got on his phone. "Hello, hello, Abdul, what is going on?"

"Sir, sir, report getting to me is the ship had to offload people's goods into the sea as they were facing issues of sinking, and Mr. Ramson's goods were part of it."

"Abdul, I trusted you!!!! You have caused damage to my name! I'm sorry, sir," Abdul said. "Sir, this has never happened on my watch before. You've been using me for seventeen (17) years, and none of this had happened."

Mr. Anderson had nothing to say. "Fred, calm down, please, we can sort this out."

"Get out! Get out!" Fred shouted, his voice echoed as heavy as the thunder. Ethan had never seen his father that angry before.

Jamie reached out to her mother's arm whilst the chaos. "Let's go home," James called out to Anna and Jamie.

As the rain poured down, two families parted ways, their bond forever changed by the storm that shook their world.