SHADOWS AND FEELINGS

Chapter two: no longer a stranger

Later that night, the house was unusually quiet. The faint hum of the ceiling fan filled Anita’s room as she stretched out on her narrow bed, staring up at the pale, shadow-speckled ceiling. The day had been long — not in the physical sense, but in the way that certain days leave you thinking, replaying moments over and over until they blur at the edges.

Her chores were finally done. The aroma of the evening meal still lingered faintly in the air pepper, stew, and the comforting smell of her mother’s cooking but Anita barely noticed it. She lay on her back, one hand tucked under her head, the other tracing idle patterns on the faded bedsheet. Her mind kept returning to the events of the afternoon: the tall man with the warm eyes, the one who seemed determined to speak to her no matter how much she tried to hurry away.

“What is this man after?” she thought to herself, a small frown creasing her forehead. He didn’t look like the type to go around chasing strange women in the street. His clothes had been neat but not flashy — the kind of understated quality that whispers of money without screaming it. His confidence, too, had been something she noticed; not the loud, arrogant kind, but the sort that made you believe he was used to getting what he wanted.

And then there was her just a simple girl trying to figure out her next step in life. A girl with big dreams and empty pockets. “Men like that don’t just stop you on the street without a reason,” she told herself.

She was still pondering, her mind balancing between suspicion and curiosity, when a sharp chime cut through her thoughts. The notification sound from her phone. Anita sat up slowly, picking it up from the bedside table.

A message from an unfamiliar number.

She tapped it open.

Hey pretty Anita, this is Erik — the gentle guy who had to follow you to the end of the earth just to get your attention.

A startled laugh escaped her lips. She hadn’t expected him to text so soon. The boldness of his message made her shake her head, but she couldn’t deny the way it pulled a smile from her.

“Oh, it’s the mystery man,” she typed back, fingers tapping quickly.

So that’s what you named me, huh? came his reply almost instantly. Mystery man. I like it. Hahaha.

They chatted easily after that. Erik told her bits about himself enough to sketch the outline of a life that sounded almost unreal to her. He spoke of a few companies he owned, the different projects he was managing, the travel he’d done. He didn’t boast; he simply shared, in a matter-of-fact way, as though these things were as ordinary as going to the market.

Anita listened, her responses brief but curious. When it was her turn, she told him about herself. How she had just graduated. How she’d trained in catering and dreamed of opening her own business someday, but for now, she was at home, doing little more than helping her mother and searching for opportunities.

Everything will work out well for you someday, Anita, Erik typed, his words carrying a quiet certainty that made her pause. I can tell you’ve got something special. It’s only a matter of time.

There was a short silence before his next message appeared.

Hope I’m not being too forward… but I’d like us to have lunch together tomorrow, if you don’t mind.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. Lunch? Already? Something in her tightened, a reflexive caution that told her not to rush. She set the phone aside without replying.

The three dots indicating he was typing appeared, disappeared, then reappeared.

I’m sorry. I think I was ahead of myself. I’m just eager to get to know you more… in person, I mean. I didn’t mean any harm, okay? No pressure at all. You pick the place and time whenever you’re ready.

Anita felt some of her tension ease. She reached for the phone again.

No problem, she typed. Let’s see how it goes.

The next morning, after her usual chores, Anita was seated cross-legged on the floor while her mother sat behind her, carefully loosening her braids. Strands of hair brushed Anita’s shoulders as her mother’s hands worked steadily, the soft pull and release strangely soothing.

Anita was close to her mother; she told her almost everything.

“Mom,” she began slowly, “I met someone yesterday.”

The hands paused briefly before continuing. “Hmm. Someone?” Her mother’s tone was light but curious.

Anita hesitated, then began narrating the entire encounter, from the street to the text messages.

Her mother chuckled. “Wow. So all this happened yesterday and you didn’t give me the gist since?”

Anita smiled sheepishly. “I was… thinking about it.”

Her mother leaned forward slightly to glance at her daughter’s face. “Well, you saw the guy, and from the little you know about him, do you think he’s someone you can date or be with?”

Anita shrugged. “He’s not that bad. He seems like a sweet person… though you know how some men are sweet at the beginning, then monsters later.”

Her mother nodded slowly. “I agree. But not all men are the same. You’ve been single for a while now, my dear. Maybe you can give this one a chance, see where it leads.”

“Okay, Mom. Let’s see,” Anita said softly.

They had barely resumed their quiet rhythm when Anita’s phone buzzed again. This time, it was a call from Erik. She exchanged a quick glance with her mother before answering.

“I’ve been thinking about you since yesterday,” his voice came through, warm and slightly teasing. “I couldn’t resist anymore. I had to call.”

Anita laughed lightly. “You’re not disturbing me. My mom’s just helping me loosen my hair so she can make cornrows for me.”

“My oh my, Anita,” Erik said, sounding mock-scandalized. “Why are you stressing your mom? There are so many salons you can go to why put her through this?”

Before Anita could reply, her mother, having overheard, raised her voice so Erik could hear. “Oh, my son, thank you for this relief! I’ve been so exhausted. Just come and take her out of this house!”

Erik’s laughter spilled through the phone. “Thank you, Ma! You’re the best. Anita, I’m coming in the next fifteen minutes.”

“What? No, it’s fine!” Anita protested, half laughing, half confused. “My mom doesn’t mind. She does this all the time.”

But her mother only winked at her, clearly enjoying herself.

Anita ran to her room, muttering under her breath. “What is going on? Did you two plan this?”

Her wardrobe door creaked as she opened it and began rifling through her clothes, pulling out options, holding them up, discarding them again. Finally, she settled on a simple but flattering outfit something neat and comfortable that didn’t scream I dressed up for you but still looked nice.

Exactly fifteen minutes later, Erik called to say he was at the gate. Anita’s heart gave a small, involuntary skip. She smoothed her clothes, grabbed her small bag, and stepped outside.

Erik was leaning casually against his car a sleek, dark sedan that gleamed even under the mild morning sun. He smiled broadly when he saw her, opening the passenger door for her.

They drove through the city, the conversation light and easy, until they reached a salon unlike any Anita had ever visited. Glass doors, polished floors, and a soft scent of lavender and expensive hair products greeted her.

“This is beautiful,” she murmured.

“Only the best for you,” Erik said simply.

He handed her a bundle of money. “For your hair and nails. Take your time. I’ll wait in the car.”

Anita, cautious as ever, discreetly shared her live location with her mother before stepping inside.

Hours later, when she emerged, she barely recognized herself in the mirror by the reception desk. Her hair gleamed in perfectly neat cornrows, her nails painted in a soft, elegant shade.

When Erik saw her, his eyes widened slightly. “Anita… you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, please. We both know that’s not true.”

“You may not believe me,” Erik said seriously, “but that’s my truth.”

He hesitated a moment, then smiled. “Can I ask… will you have lunch with me? Please?”

She agreed, though she made it clear they couldn’t stay out too late.

The restaurant they drove to was stunning high ceilings, soft lighting, and tables dressed in crisp white linen.

“We’re here for the buffet,” Erik said, grinning. “Eat whatever you want, baby girl. You deserve all the finest things in the world.”

Anita felt warmth rising to her cheeks. They ate, drank, and talked more openly now, their laughter mingling with the low hum of conversation around them.

Somewhere between dessert , Anita found herself saying yes to Erik’s request to be his girlfriend. Erik couldn’t believe his ears, are you serious Anita love, you just made me the the happiest man on earth right now.

While Anita and Erik were on their way home, the atmosphere in the car was warm and unhurried. The late afternoon sun painted the streets in a golden hue, and Anita found herself quietly watching the world pass by outside her window.

But the peaceful ride was interrupted by the sharp buzz of Erik’s phone. He glanced at the screen, frowned slightly, and declined the call. Moments later, it rang again. And again.

“Your phone is quite busy,” Anita said, raising an eyebrow.

Erik let out a small sigh. “It’s my company. They’ve been trying to reach me since we left the restaurant. Something must need my attention urgently.”

For a moment, he kept driving, his jaw tightening as if he was trying to resist the pull of responsibility. But the calls kept coming, one after another.

Finally, he turned to her, his voice gentle but tinged with apology. “Anita, I hate to ask this… but would it be okay if we stopped by my office? I promise it’ll be quick. I just need to check on something before I drop you home.”

Anita hesitated. The thought of going to his workplace felt a little too personal for a first outing. Her mind raced — was this safe? Could she trust him? She searched his expression, and all she saw there was sincerity and a quiet hope that she wouldn’t say no.

After a moment, she exhaled softly. “Alright. I’ll trust you.”

Erik’s smile returned, slow and warm. “Thank you. I won’t keep you long.”

They drove across town until they reached a building that made Anita’s eyes widen. The structure rose sleek and modern, its glass walls reflecting the evening light like a jewel. Everything about it — the manicured hedges, the gleaming entrance, the valet at the door — looked like something out of a five-star hotel brochure.

Erik parked in a reserved space close to the entrance. He turned to her with a slightly playful expression. “Come with me? I can show you around. Introduce you to some of my staff. She shook her head slowly and said no I’ll wait in the car. He quickly went in and resolved the issue and returned to the car.

He drove Anita home, and they have to say goodbye bye.

See you tomorrow darling.