THE LOVE IN ME

Chapter Eight

As soon as the staffs have closed Eve want to John’s office “hey Eve,did you forget anything?”he asked as she entered

“ no, I wanted to give you this” she answered giving him an envelope “ resignation letter”John said in surprise “yes I can’t do my duty properly in this state” Eve stated “ are you sure, you want this?I mean this is a big decision”he asked with concerned

“I don’t know what I want and what I don’t, but at this moment I just want to leave here”Eve replied in tears,it has gotten to a stage she could no longer hold them back even if she tried. “ Eve it’s okay,i understand what you’re going through, but still take it easy with your self,and if you think that this decision will change the way you’re right now then fine,I give you my support” He consoled “ come here”he said giving her a tight hug,John decided to give a lift saying it was his duty as a friend.

After staying at home for few days,Eve decided to go visit Ella,so as to avoid the constant questions her mom always asked cause she doesn’t have answers to them.she bought a ticket for Germany and left the house with her laptop and some few casual clothes.

“ who’s there, am coming” Ella said from within as she rushed to open the door “ “who,Eve?” Ella sounded shocked “ good evening girl” Eve greeted as she entered the living room, it was a two bedroom apartment,always neat as ever Eve thought “ sorry I came unannounced,my phone was no longer of use”Eve apologize,to be honest she broke the phone herself,her imaginary friend explained within “ on problem about that, but what happened to you, you’re way too far for looking good” Ella asked still standing at the door “ girl am tired and need a fresh bath” Eve said passing her question,she walked through the corridor found a room with only a bed in it “can I stay in this room” she asked “ suit your self”that was Ella’s reply “and which way is the bathroom”Eve asked after few minutes “ “the last door by the left”Ella answer, Ella went back to the kitchen and prepared pasta and source,she took Eve’s part to her room and was surprised to see her sleeping “Eve wake up I brought you food,you must be every hungry” Ella said placing the food at a safe Conner and sat on the bed, then she tucked in some falling hairs to the back of Eve’s ear and was taken aback to see Eve crying “ what’s wrong hmm? talk to me, what happened?”Ella asked concerned

“Please Ella i just need to be alone, I don’t know what is wrong with me,and even if I do,I don’t feel like talking about it, so I beg you don’t ask me again please don’t” Eve say in between sobs “ ok then at least eat something, you look pale”Ella requests but Eve declined. Elle left the room as her phone started ringing.

The next day Ella was ready for work and Eve still hasn’t come out of her room “ can I come in” Ella asked as she opened the door “yes” Eve answered drying up her tears, with the look on her face Ella knew she has been crying “ good morning,i kept your breakfast in the microwave so you could warm it up who you’re ready to eat” Ella informed choosing her words carefully “thanks” Eve appreciated “hm John told me you....” “yes i resigned” Eve said cutting her short “ ok then I am off to work”Ella gave her a hug and left. Eve took her bath and engaged in her laptop,and started searching for what she sees as her problem. The day ran out very fast and in no time Ella was back from work she went into the kitchen to get some water,and every thing looks just the way she left it,she opened the oven and found the food untouched, “ Eve why didn’t you eat anything since you don’t like the noddles”Ella asked “ am sorry I didn’t have the chance to leave this room” Eve replied with tiredness written boldly on her face. This went on for two days Eve rarely eat anything,the only thing close to close to food she ever took was soft drinks she could barely finish the a glass.

Mike notice that he has never set his eyes on Eve ever since the last staffs meeting, and today she was not present as well, “sir this are the documents you asked for” his secretary informed “Please call the MD for me”he ordered

“Yes you sent for me” John said as he entered

“do you by any chance know noticed that Eve has not been coming to work” he asked trying not to sound awkward

“ I think the question should be, do you want to hear the name Eve?”John asked rather “ just tell me what you know”Mike urged “ok than,Eve resigned on the last staffs meeting, and I remembered giving you her resignation letter” John was shocked at the mention of resign,he remembered John giving him an envelope but he ignored it since it was from Eve,thinking that it was an apology note “how am I supposed to know if she even like me in the first place,without thinking for once,she just made up mind and that is it” Mike said “ she couldn’t even apologize, she didn’t even say anything” Mike snapped “ but you neither gave her chance nor attention, anyway,Ella told me she is at her place”John informed

“ really,not just leaving the company but the country as well” Mike said in total disbelief. “ i will see if Ella can help me” Mike said.

Eve and Ella were at the Balcony, Eve was looking at the sky blankly, there was silence between then, only the sound of cars ,and trucks were heard, not long Ella’s phone starts to ring she answered the call as it was from Mike “ hello, good day” she greeted “ hi,um is Eve there? with you?” Mike asked “ yup I think we should chat up” Ella suggested so that Eve won’t know that she is talking to Mike cause she noticed Eve’s reaction changes at the mention of Mike.

Mike hey sorry to bother you, but please just tell me if she okay

Ella I won’t say she is but, she no longer cries if she is busy with her laptop

Mike so how is she doing?is she getting back to normal?

Ella I can’t say,but all I know is that she is getting worse

Ella and her communication level is very low,she is not the Eve she used to be.

Mike can you send me a video of her.

Eve turned towards Ella’s direction and found the phone camera facing her “ what are you doing, talking my photos or what?” Eve asked sitting upright

“umm I was just talking them...”

“I said don’t” Eve shouted interrupting her

“okay okay stop shouting” Ella stopped informing Mike the Eve was angry when she caught her. At that moment Eve notice a ring on Ella’s longest finger

“ and since when did you start wearing rings? Eve asked calmly

“ since the day I got engaged” Ella replied coldly

“ I see,and to who?”Eve asked in disappointment

“To John off course, who else, see am sorry for not telling you, i actually called you the very day he proposed but you weren’t picking my calls” Ella explained “ and I wanted to tell you that night you came,but you were in a bad situation,so I didn’t” she explained further, all the while Eve kept quiet she knew Ella called her that night,the night that ruined her life.

“So how does this love thing works anyway, is it the same?as the ones you felt for Ben and the rest?” Eve asked sincerely , but the question didn’t go down well with Ella “ really is that the congrats that I am supposed to get from a friend like you? why do yo always find ways to bring my past to my present uh why Eve? Ella yelled

“ am sorry it’s just a question,I mean,is it the same way you have always loved Ben?” Eve asked again innocently, before Eve could say another word Ella landed a slap on her face “how dear you compare my love for John with Ben uh tell me” Ella asked giving her another slap, Eve was weak and shocked, she and Ella hadn’t fight to the extent of slapping each other, is this how love works forgetting about your friends and focused on her lover. “ is this what your love tells you to do” Eve asked crying “ enough Eve,just keep shut! keep shut!!” Ella shouted at her and left Eve to cry her heart out. Eve passed the night at the Balcony.The next morning,Ella went to Eve’s room and found the bed empty,she went to the Terrance she was not there, where could she have gone, she hasn’t came out of the house since she entered for the first time

“ Eve Eve please am sorry for what happened last night,can you just come out of where you’re hiding please” Ella said in fear, what could have happened to her, did she commit,no no she can’t,or did she, with this thought she ran inside checked the whole rooms and very Conner of the house and Eve was no where to be found,she went out side and asked the neighbors around if they saw her and their reply was negative, she went back to her room and started crying,she called John and told him what happened and that Eve is no where to be found “ maybe she went out to get some air due the the fight you both had, to be honest Eve is not in her right frame of sense, you shouldn’t have slapped her”John blamed her “ I know but she said to much,and she didn’t stop when I slapped her the first time” Ella complained crying

“ it’s okay when I get to the office I will informed mike about it, and if she is still not back by 12pm then go report to the police okay” he advised.

“what do you mean by Eve is no where to be found” Mike asked,as John informed him “calm down,I think she might have gone for a walk to calm her nerves” John replies,just then Ella called “ hello,babe is she back?” John asked as he answered the call

“ no I think she left, her bag is no longer in the wardrobe, just her laptop” Ella said from the order side “where could she have possibly gone?” Mike asked impatiently “ I don’t know” Ella replied “ is the laptop on” John asked “ no it down, I will get it charged up after the call” she replied,after the call Mike was pacing around “ take it easy Mike” John advised “not only is she hurting me, but making go insane as well” he said taking a seat in. After closing from work Mike went to see Eve’s mom,she welcomed him warmly she was looking tired and pale,she couldn’t say much “ Ella told us that Eve left her place” Mike said “ I know she already told me, I don’t know what is wrong with Eve,ever since when she returned the day after the wedding she went, she hasn’t been herself,she didn’t even tell me where she passed the night on that day” Mrs Nelson lamented,Mike told her what happened between him and Eve that night and apologized for his attitude “you did nothing wrong,it was what other normal person would do,but the truth is Eve hates love,i was afraid these days would come and it did,now we just have to wait for what will happen”Mrs Nelson said gazing seriously at no where in particular “ I will inform the police about it” Mike said “ No please don’t let them Label her missing, I can’t bear to see my child labeled missing” she placed her two hands together begging him,Mike request her to stop begging,,he later agreed not to tell the police and promised to find Eve.

What do think happened to Eve?

Is she dead? or truly missing?

Eve POV I

It been two weeks since I resigned, a week I left home, two days I left Ella’s house, i didn’t leave because if the slaps,I left because I felt it was time,I was actually going to leave the next day, but after that fight I will be too ashamed to stand before her. Now I am in my way to meet the answers to my many questions,the reason why i can’t move on with my life,the reason why his own mistakes I have to bear. Yes I found him,the only person my mom tried to keep me away from him,if he couldn’t search for me,I will, I find him and asked all my questions, I will tell him how much I hates him,and how his one mistake ruined my heart and made me live in fear, I hate you Mr Greg Nelson, I hate you, yes Greg Nelson the renowned professor.

The cab pulled in front of a big gate “ this is it mam, No 18 park street” I looked out from the window,it was a fine house fit enough for a professor, three to four bedrooms,I guess, how many kids did he have, that made him build a huge house like this “ mam this is”the driver said cutting me off my thoughts “thanks” I got out of the car and stood in front of the gate, should I bounce in like I own it,what am I supposed to do now,am to weak to stand on my two feet, what should I say “hey dad”or “ good day dad,I am your lost and neglected daughter,but am back”and since when did “dad”come in,and am not here to exchange greetings or make amendments, I am here for my answers and that’s it.

The gate wasn’t locked,I guess they were expecting me, u couldn’t help so I smiled at my childish thoughts, it was a little distant from the house,I ringed the door bell twice, then heard a woman’s voice saying she is coming, I couldn’t bring myself to at least smile instead a wore and unimaginable expression of anger,hatred mixed with weakness, the door opened and a beautiful woman old enough to be my mom stood before me with a smile that vanished in no time,she went back leaving the door opened,”what am I supposed,to do enter”I thought, just then she came back with a tall man, his eyes were same like mine,light in complexion, I guess that’s were I had mine, with few wrinkles here and there on his face,guess that was due to tiredness, and a express of shock on his face, yes that was what I wanted shock, did he think I was dead or maybe lost and forgotten?for him yes,I was.

I didn’t know what happened after that deep look but, I know I saw myself going down, my knees were useless at that moment,thank God it brought me here before failing.

After what seems like forever,I woke up in a room,the couple looking at me like some sort of wired being “ what?do you know me?”I asked, my anger was warming up “ I think I do, those eyes,won’t deny me” Mr Greg said giving a faint smile “ and you want me to thank you for the eyes Mr?” I said my voice getting high “ I think you should calm down dear, your too weak right now”the voice was warmly,then I turned towards her she was pretty,but that didn’t makes her welcome for me “ am sorry Mrs,but I don’t remember asking for your opinion,so stay away from my business” I blunted out I wanted to add husband snatcher,but my mom trained me better than that, “ you shouldn’t talk to her in that manner” Mr Greg cautioned “ by the way dinner will soon be ready,do come down stairs to eat” he said turning to leave.

“what do you think,that I came here to eat?uh I came here for answers and that is what I will get” I yelled “ calm down dear” the woman said trying to touch me “ don’t think of it,I told you already,stay away from me”I scolded not minding the age difference,she is pissing me off. “ how dear you shouts at my mom?” a new voice asked, I looked away from the woman and looked behind her, she was a little girl of about 10-11years of age “ baby you’re back come, I will go fix you something to eat” the woman said take the girl by the hand and left the room “ I expect your mom to do better than this” Mr Greg said with disappointment written on his face “put my mom out of this she did a great job bringing me up,not you who wasn’t aware that I was born” I snapped, his face turned pale after I said those words,yes and that was what I am looking for, I wanted him to feel my pain,to feel the heart broken just like me,and am not giving up on that mission.

Mr Greg left the room quietly with a heavy heart,as soon as the door was close,Eve started crying on till she fell asleep. “ wake up,it’s time to have dinner”a soft voice whispered in her ears, Eve opened her eyes and found the woman smiling at her, what’s her problem, Eve thought “what?”Eve asked harshly “ I brought dinner for you since you didn’t come down to eat” she replied counting her words “ thanks,but no thanks I don’t want your food and anything that has to do with you, just leave me alone okay, get out” Eve shouted “ you know what?if she doesn’t want to eat then leave her alone, I will have the food” the little girl said as she entered the room took the food and left, Eve was surprise by her attitude though she cared less if the food was taken.Eve refuses anything that is been brought to her the next day,when it was time for dinner Mr Greg brought food for her “I heard you haven’t had anything since you came at least have this” he said placing the food on the table close to the bed and sat i the chair beside it there was silence between them “why did you do this? why did you choose to hate me?”Eve asked as tears flooded her eyes “it wasn’t intentional it just happened” he replied “do you know how that,because of your quest for love you turned my life into hell,you made me lose everything I worked so hard to get,first I was denied the love of a father,for that reason I hated any child back then in school who their dads brought to school,I am always jealous of them,even if i was intelligent, I see myself as a dumb,a fool,s loser”Eve said in bitterness “am sorry,am sorry if I cursed you so much pain, am sorry”Mr Greg apologized in tears “our wedding wasn’t based on love,she knew it, we got married because both parents thought it was best and that it would keep their friendship going,after the wedding I did my best to fulfill my responsibilities as a husband,after six months,life wasn’t doing any of us good, so I decided to go find a job in here,on getting here I got a job, within two months I found the love of my life,I tried to avoid it run away from it,but it kept coming to the extent I gave up,I couldn’t run any further. Then I came back home and told your mom about it and left,I couldn’t find the courage to stay for few more hours,I just left” he said after a long silence cleaning the tears from his face “yes she told me,you couldn’t when looked at her,according to her she wanted to tell you that she was in love with you, but instead you broke her heart,your love broke her heart, she couldn’t control the shock so she ran mad, she was at taken to the hospital for treatment where she spent three months and was later informed that she was two months pregnant,pregnant for a man who abandoned her,thank God she recovered,and gave birth to me, because of the heart break she refused to get married,and for that reason I am suffering today,I resigned from work just because the four lettered word,I ran so as to avoid getting hurt like my mom,I ran”Eve said and cried like never before the thought of Mike was like a knife pressing through her heart “it wasn’t intended,even when I and my wife received the letter she sent about your birth,my wife was angry with me for abandoning you and your mom,I had to go search for you, the letter was sent from Mexico hospital,but in reaching there,they said she already left I kept searching until my wife gave birth,still I missed my right as a father to be the first to carry his child in two occasions,what more could life throw at me,she forgave me but still insisted on searching for you,I gave up the search as my last child was born and i was not getting younger.It just seems like your mom disappeared from the world”he said trying to make things clear,but Eve wasn’t ready to accept any of it,he was right Eve’s mom used the word disappearance when telling her the story “ get out” Eve said coldly “ but baby at least......” “ I said get out” she shouted, if sounds could pull roofs then hers could have “ shut up, how dear you shout at my dad”a male voice said in anger as he stormed into the room “it’s okay son come on let’s go”Mr Greg said trying to stop him from moving closer “ no dad,mom and sis already told me what she has been doing ever since she stepped in here”the boy said in anger “ come on sweetie let’s go” Mr Greg pulled his hands and went out

Eve POV

I felt jealousy eating me up,he cared for his children not me, I have no chance of becoming one of them,and I don’t intend to join them either.

Mrs smart was walking through the corridor and saw Mike’s door was opened,she peeped in to her surprise mike was still on the bed “Mike dear what is wrong,aren’t you going to work?”she questioned as she walked in, Mike ignored her question,she sat on the bed “ tell me,what bothers my son hmm,come on talk to me,do you want anything hmm, my grown up boy who still acts like a kid” she teased “ mom it’s not funny” mike said sitting upright “how am I supposed to know if it is funny or serious when you’re not saying anything hmm, so tell me what is it, I notice that you no longer come home early,each time we’re eating you just take few spoons and dash into your room calming you have some business to attend,you barely talk to either me or your dad these days what is wrong?”she asked seriously.I never knew I was acting strange,but the truth is ever since the disappearance of Eve everything around seems invisible,I kept blaming myself for her situation and actions,my communication level with people around me has reduced to greetings nothing more,at the office I just talk business . “Mike am talking to you”Mrs smart said jolting Mike out of his thoughts,

“Am sorry mom, I am not going to the office today”he answered “and why?”she asked “ mom please,can we please no talk about it” he requested “it’s better you start talking,and don’t think I am in a hurry, because when it comes to my son,I can suspend anything,so start talking” she urged “ mom please” Mike protest “ so with the way things are looking,I see it’s about a girl,and who is this lucky girl that makes my son acts like he is pregnant” Mrs smart teased. “since you already know it’s a girl can I be left alone,and as for the word lucky,she would have been rather”he corrected “what do you mean by that” she asked,Mike couldn’t hold back any longer,he told her about Eve and her sudden disappearance “if you truly love her just the way you claims,then what is stopping you from finding her”she asked “nothing I just don’t want to abandon the business” he complained “ so you think it worth it”Mrs smart ask “off course mom”he answered in total weakness “ then go look for her,I will take care of the business” Mrs smart advice

“really mom thank” Mike leaped our of the bed and gave her a hug “thank you”he said again “ you know,you’re a heart blackmailer, I just can’t say no” his mom said

“ only you and dad sees me that way not her” Mike remarks “by the way what’s her name again”Mrs smart asked as it occurred to her

“She is someone you know,and don’t asked any further,you will know her,when you see her”he replied with a genuine smile on his face. Ella has already sent the laptop to Mike,and he entered her last searched,he noticed that Eve has been searching for one Mr Greg Nelson Wright,Mike searched for him and found nothing much except for the fact that he was a renowned professor and his wife a biologist,and has three children, “what could be the connection” he asked John as he had invited him over “ I don’t really see any connection,except the man’s middle name is Same with Eve’s” John replies “ yea I think I should show this to Mrs Nelson” mike said putting the laptop back in the bag “ that is a good idea” John agreed.

Mike knocked at the door of Mrs Nelson the following day “ ha Mike,you’re welcome please come inside” she greeted warmly as she opened the door, after chatting around for some time mike brought the topic of Mr Greg Nelson Wright “ am sorry to ask but do you know him” Mike ask minding his tone,she was silent for some time,then took a few breath before answering him.she told Mike the story of her life and which is the reason Eve was afraid of accepting his proposal “ but she could have made me understand” mike blamed “ it is not something she likes talking about it,please don’t blame her” she plead “ it’s okay I am not blaming her it just that she does things, she thinks favor her but in reality hurting very one around her” Mike said “I think she has gone to find her dad, my fear is that will he accept her? I can’t bear to see my daughter rejected” Mrs Nelson said and broke down in tears, “I will go look for her as soon as I gather enough information about him” Mike said “No don’t let her be,let her get the answers she is looking for”Mrs Nelson suggested,and started crying,Mike did his best to console her and when she finally relaxed he stayed with her for few more hours before leaving.

IT’S been three days since Eve ate anything, she kept on rejecting the food brought to her, “ would you please stop doing this to your self,you can’t keep on like this” Mr Greg said as he try to make her eat,ever since their last discussion she has been crying nonstop,she refused to take her bath “just....go I....want...to.....be left ....alone” she requested in between sobs, before Mr Greg could say anything she fainted.after few hours Eve woke up as she heard a someone talking softly,she opened her eyes and saw an elderly woman sitting before her with a smile on her face “who are you,and what are you doing here?” Eve asked in a weak tone “ shh just do this one thing for me now hmm,here”the woman replied putting some food inside her mouth,Eve wanted to protest but the taste of pasta caught her senses,she chewed slowly not wanting to let the woman know that she is hungry “ you don’t have to pretend dear,just eat” the woman said smiling as ever,God she just read my mind,Eve thought after eating taking few more bites Eve refuse to eat any further “ ok then just make sure you take these drugs once you’re done with your evening meal,okay?”the woman said and stood up “I asked you a question before” Eve reminded “ I am a nurse,and I came to do my job,you should stop starving yourself it won’t help”she said and left the room

Eve POV

God I never knew I was starving until now,damn that pasta taste great,but as soon as I remembered why I was, where the whole food tasted raw.To be honest I didn’t know when I fainted I thought I fell asleep.i rowed out of the bed,my hair covered my face,so tried to move then with my hand when an offensive smell hit me, I lift my hand and smelled my arm pit,damn that is it I smell like damp! God that’s why Mr Greg’s daughter had a disgusting face the other day.i quickly rushed to the bathroom it was neat,but looks like it’s not been used for a while, but I care less, I took a long cool bath, washed my hair,I didn’t come with my hair dryer so I left it to air dry it self.I sat on the bed waiting for the next move.soon the door was opened and a group of boys walked in,two were thin not that thin just normal,and the other was chubby and fat and he looks just like Mr Greg,I guess he is his son “ what is she doing here” on of the thin boys asked referring to me “ God is she alright i mean,she looks crazy right?”said the other “ yeah she is my moms patient” the chubby one replied “ oh why didn’t she take her to the hospital” the first thin boy asked again “ guess she couldn’t afford the bills” the chubby boy replied with a smirk on his face, I won’t allow these things of a children insult me and go free,never “ hey fatty you better shut up else I will punch you hard and you will get skinny,and as for you kites you better get out before you float out on your blood” I said in a cold voice, they left the room slowly,only the chubby guy looked back in anger,I knew he was hurt but who cares he insulted me.

Later in the evening I came down stairs and saw the family having their dinner,i walked pass them and heads towards the door “ where are you going?”Mr Greg asked stopping me from moving an inch “ out......to get something to eat”I replied dryly “it’s almost 8:00pm so there is no going out,you can come join us” he said warmly “thanks but no thanks” I said turning to go back to her room “ you can try it, I prepared rice and chicken stew” Mrs Greg said, yes that’s her name second Mrs Nelson “ I bet you haven’t tasted any thing like this in your entire life” said the chubby guy,i turned towards him “really?”I asked as I reached the table,take a quick look at the food,it looks yummy,ahh “ is this?..,” pointing at the food with a disgusting look on my face “ what you call food, firstly you don’t know me,curse if you do,then you will know that I don’t use this kind of dishes,let alone eat such food” I continued “ yeah he was right,you haven’t eaten anything like this” the little girl said sharply “ no darling I wanted to say,I eat from minister’s plate,and my mom is the best cook” I said with pride “are you always this rude, you had to call my brother fat which made him cry this afternoon,and now you’re insulting my mom’s cooking”the little girl said in total hatred “ did you really call him fat?”Mr Greg asked his voice sounds weird I guess he is angry “ it not like I did it intentionally,off course I said it intentional but,still he and his friends called me crazy” I defend “ yeah yeah don’t you act crazy uh?” the little girl said this time she is pissing me off “please don’t talk to my kids like that,you can transfer all your anger on me not then”Mrs Greg said in a pleading tone “ listen young lady,don’t ever use such words at my children okay?”Mr Greg say more like a warning,at that moment I realize that I was never one of them,neither will I be one of them,I ran into my room and shut the door.

“You shouldn’t have said that word,she is our daughter” Mrs Greg said as they retire to their room “ I know but if I hadn’t said that she wouldn’t have stopped,she...she is just stressing me,for Christ sakes it’s not my fault,she doesn’t even call me dad,Mr Greg” he said chuckle at his own name,his wife round her hands around him “don’t worry,give her some time she would come around” she said giving him a good night kiss.

The next day Eve refused to come out of the room,she had been crying since last night,she got out of the bed took her bath and went back to sleep,though she is not crying as before but she was getting thin.she watch the children from the neighborhood playing down the road when a cab stopped in front of the house,the kids ran towards the cab and hug someone,Eve wasn’t able to see who it was as he was too close to the fence, after five minutes there was sound of joy in the house,every body was happy and chatting freely,but Eve care too less to know what is happening down stairs,after a while she heard footsteps approaching the door,it opened and a boy walked in he was tall,well built,and his biceps were in shape,he has a strong body but his face was calm and simple.He didn’t even pay attention to Eve who was watching his every moves.

Eve POV

God is this who they called to keep an eye on me?,he might be looking strong but I think am older than him.He want to the bathroom and came out after what seems like forever “ sorry if you’re the owner of the bar soap i,but it smells great” he said as he came out with a towel in his neck,to be honest I wasn’t expecting him to be that silly or should i say friendly,no words seem to come out of my mouth so kept quiet “ am sorry if I offended you,it’s just that it was the only soap I found” he apologized sincerely “it’s okay,just that they didn’t let me go out of the house,I could have got another one,so are you a bodyguard or something?” I asked in worries,he raised his head up and looked at me in surprise “ what ?”I asked not liking his looks “sorry,I am not your bodyguard,I am Scott you’re half brother,just brother I don’t like to be half” he said honestly like an innocent child,seriously do i have to deal with kids “ I am going out do you want anything?” he asked as he has already left changed his clothes “ sure,I think I want to stay alone in this room”I said,he laughed a little while and said “seriously this is my room we are talking about” and chuckles, his Laugh was a little similar to that if Mike,and the thought of Mike just makes me lost interest in taking to him “are you okay?” he asked with concerned as he sees me crying, “ am fine,just get me some things to eat”I said cleaning my tears before he reached me,I pulled out my card from my pocket trying to give him “don’t worry I can handle it” he said as he turned around a girl walked in she looked surprised and shocked if I would say,but why? “ hey babe,you’re here already” Scott said happily as he hugged her tightly,she smiled at me weakly “ you’re welcome, as soon as you told me that were in town,I quickly came running” the girl replied with a big smile on her face,i swear I couldn’t help it so I felt a bit jealous of her. “ meet my fiancé Meg,and Meg meet my sister”Scott introduced “ nice to finally meet you”Meg said with smile “ah welcome,sorry but you said finally,I don’t understand”I said in confusion “yep we will discuss that later,but first let me go get you some food” Scott said skipping my question and left the room with Meg.

“she seems normal if you ask me”Scott Said as he reached down stairs “you mean,she didn’t say anything to you,like shout or something”Mr Greg ask with concern “no she just asked me if I was a bodyguard,cause you didn’t let her out so she thought I was to keep an eye on her”Scott informed “thank God she at least talked to you,so what did she say?”Mr Greg asked “nothing much,she wants me to buy her some food”Scott answered “you know what dear just buy her some snacks and I will prepare noddles,okay”Mrs Greg said “sure,and I think you should make it look like it’s bought”Scott suggested and left the house.Not less than two hours Scott came back his mom gave him the noddles and he went straight to his room “here,I brought noddles,snacks and some soft drinks”Scott said as he hands the bags over to her “thanks”Eve said weakly “ ehh you eat,I will go meet Meg”Scott said and excuse himself.

“what happened,didn’t she like the noddles”Mrs Greg asked

“”she hasn’t started eating when I left the room,I can’t lie to her if she asked me where I got the noddles from”Scott explained, “so j left the room” he added

Eve decided to come down stairs as it was 7:30pm,since Scott is back,he can have his room,I will be passing the night at the living room.on reaching there,the family were already having dinner,she ignored them and settled at the living room “come join us”Mr Greg invites “no....can I Put on the Tv?” She ask not looking at him,there was a sudden silence,so she turned back and found the whole family staring at her

“what?”she ask almost worried if she said something wrong “ nothing...do you always ask for permission,before watching Tv?”the little girl asked,her question surprises Eve though “no,I asked because it’s your house,so maybe you guys have rules on when and when not do stuffs”I replied trying to explain herself “it’s okay you can watch if you want” Mr Greg said.i searched for Chanels but non seems to be doing any thing reasonable,Until she found a cartoon station showing Barbie.after dinner every body was retiring to their room only Eve lay on the couch “aren’t you going to bed”Mrs Jennifer asked as she walked up to Eve.yes that’s is her name Jennifer “no Scott is back so he can have his room back,besides his fiancé is also with him right?”Eve asked not looking at her face

“you’re right that’s why Scott will be staying with Max and Meg will share the bed with you......that is if you’re okay with it”Mrs Greg quickly added “ are sure it’s not a problem with you?and is that his name Max?”Eve asked more like calling him

“Yes mom” Max answered running down the stairs “no no I called you,not like I called you intentionally,but I just found out that it’s your name”Eve explains as Max reached down “so now you know my name,does it sound thin like you”he asked sarcastically,his mom tried to scold him but Eve stopped her “am sorry for his manners”she apologized “it’s okay you don’t have to” Eve said taking the stairs back to the room “off course it doesn’t sounds thin like me,but sure sounds MAX like you” Eve told Max as she opened the door and winked at him before closing it. “Seriously...she just knows how to get me”Max said with a smile on his face and went back to his room,Mrs Greg was left speechless as she never expected this to happen.

Eve POV

I entered the room and found Meg already in bed but not sleeping,I ignored her and went to the bathroom,took my bath then changed into my nightie.i climb the bed and turned my back against her,some there was a beep sound from her phone,some she was chatting and giggling every now and then,I be honest I was irritated she is just giving me hard time with my sleep,not that I was actually sleeping,I was just wondering round my thoughts but her’s was making it worse,I wouldn’t want to show my bad side on the first day of meetings her,so i endure for the next twenty minutes.soon the room was quiet I could sense she is not asleep kept tossing from here to there “ what is it”I asked sitting up “nothing....I am not just comfortable with the pillow” Meg replied

“here” I gave her mine and used hers

“Sorry can i ask you some questions” I asked after few more minutes of silence “yeah”Meg answered “ sorry but,I just want to know,so tell me how do you feel when you’re in love”I asked sheepishly “like seriously? don’t tell me you don’t have a boyfriend,or that you’ve never dated anyone”she said in total dismay “is it a sin not to have a boyfriend”I asked irritated

“No,but when Scott asked me to be his girl,I agreed because I was already having feelings for him”Meg reply giggling “so..,why did you accept to be his wife?”I asked again

“he is the right person for me,I mean he knows me like himself,and always does things to keep me happy,I agree we ague sometimes,but that still didn’t stop our love yo blossom....”we talked and talked until we fell asleep.

The next morning I woke very late and my ear was in pain,guess the pillow was to hard,not that I had any thing to do,but the discussion of last night made me wonder if I would accepted one thing I that I fear the most.i don’t know how but honestly I slept peacefully last night without any thoughts of guilt in me and anger.i just felt the old me,I quickly took my bath since Meg was no longer in the room,after which I searched for a notebook and found one in the wardrobe and a pen on the desk,I felt like drawing some designs since it been long I held a pen,before I could start,Scott came in with two cups of tea on his hand “i thought we could have breakfast together since you didn’t come down”he said extending one cup towards me,I couldn’t refuse, I was hungry and I don’t seem to have any hatred for him,it seems like I had known him all my life,I dropped the note and pen, and collected the tea from him “thanks” I said sipping from it “ah its great”I compliment “sure mom makes good tea”he said carefully unsure of what my reaction would be “I said it’s great not good” I corrected we laughed and enjoyed the tea, we talked about our childhood days and some common issues in the country.

. “I really missed you sissy”Scott said as they were through with their discussion “ever since the day mom and dad told me I had an elder sister,I have done nothing but waited for you, even after dad stop searching for you,I stopped talking to him for almost a month,I know he tried but it was not just enough for me” he told me“come here,I thought they said soldiers don’t cry I teased giving him a hug “I know how,but I feel like I missed you too”I said pulling out of the hug “ now go, let me put some things together”I ordered him out.

God I just feel happy,I better use it for my design now.

At noon Eve was having her nap when sounds of laughter woke her up,she went to the window and saw Max chasing Scott and Meg round the house,they seem happy with each other.Max,went inside,Scott and Meg were chatting freely,Scott slide hands around Meg waist while Meg did the same,Eve watched them quietly “why can’t I live a normal life,I can’t I just move on with my life”she asked her self,then she felt a hand on her shoulder,she turned to saw Mrs Jennifer standing,holding a plate of cookies in the other hand.

Mrs Jennifer took Eve to the bed and sat her down “how long have you been here?”Eve asked turning her face away from her “few minutes ago”Mrs Greg answer “so who is he?”Mrs Greg asked “ Mike,he is my boss,but he actually asked me out before I started working for him though” Eve answered knowing who she was referring to

“so do you like him,or did he break up with you?”she asked again

“No we were not in a relationship,we would have been now if only I didn’t.....,i don’t know,but I felt right when I thoughts of the words,but the moment I said them out,I regretted them.”Eve said crying.she told her how Mike proposed and how she rejected his proposal,how Mike started ignoring her to what happened at Ella’s house and why she is here. All the while Mrs Greg listened quietly until Eve was done with her story “so now tell honestly,do you have a single feeling for him,I mean is there any way you reacts when bye is around you”Mrs Greg asked “no he just,irritates me,and makes me feel comfortable”Eve replied dryly “remove the hatred and think more,then you will get your answers”Mrs Greg advice and left the room,Eve was left in beep thoughts

Eve POV

That evening Mr Greg plead with me to join them dinner,I have already thought of everything and came in conclusion of forgiving him and start my life afresh with them,so I decided to join them for dinner,when it was 7:30pm I came down stairs though everyone was looking at me a manage to sit down with them,there was silence and nobody even moved an inch

“Well if I froze the moment, then I guess I will have enough for my self” I said and starts serving myself “no dear,...you didn’t do anything,please let me serve you” Mrs Greg requests,I insist that I could help myself but she refuse,this kept going for few seconds “ baby i think you should allow her serve you” Mr Greg insist,leaving me with no choice but to agree, I took few spoons and complimented the cooking,seriously it tastes great “ and my name is Eve Nelson” I said making correction because my dad....did I just say DAD,yes I did,I can’t run from that,he is my dad and that’s the truth.were was I...,yes,he always calls me baby

“ I know,you see she’s also called Eva”Mr Greg said pointing at the little girl,we looked at each other,she was blinking in dismay

“What?so you know I am your big sis,and I bet you got jealous of the name so dad and mom had to name you Eva”i said teasing her

“You’re right,I actually named her after you”Dad confirm

“I also want to use this opportunity to inform you all that I and Meg has decided the date for our wedding,it’s two months from now”Scott announce,wow I didn’t know when I joined them in celebrating to be honest a real feeling of joy embrace me

“I will be honored to design your dreams dress”I said as we all settled down

“really do you do designs”little Eva asked

“Hmmm I haven’t told you guys about me,so where do I start from”I asked them

“Start from wherever you want,we are ears”Max said griming like a child.

I talked of how I saw Ella, then to how I got a job and how I resigned ,blah blah blah. “i can’t bore you with my life story,so that’s enough”I said not wanting to talk further “it okay,I already explained it to them”mom said comforting me “really ?thanks i didn’t know how to explain myself,I couldn’t have bring myself to share it with you all,it’s not something I am proud of” I said giving mom a hug “no all thanks goes to you for accepting my family”dad said joining the hug soon the whole family was having a big hug.