THE LOVE IN ME

Chapter nine

Eve POV

It’s been two weeks I arrived at Greece,three weeks I left Ella’s place and a month I left home.my dad and step mom or should I say mom are doing everything possible to put me back in my normal shape they hardly ever want me to go out.Scott,Max and was Eva are trying their best to keep me happy,we sometimes run round the house when both parents are not around we almost do everything together,all these days I felt truly happy and satisfied,I do miss home but the shame,and lack of courage is still keeping me here,I can’t even call my mom,you shouldn’t blame me,I can’t stand her when she is angry and she might scold me for what I did to Ella,who knows my grandma would have been in bad shape after my disappearance,I still don’t have the strength to accommodate her anger on me,I hate it when she is angry with me.and as for Mike,I don’t know if i will be opportune to stand with him.

“Sissy sissy,come out,it’s time for us to hide”Eva said running towards Eve’s room. “ok am coming we’re is dad and mom?”Eve asked her little sister entered the room they are that the basement,come now lets go” little Eva said dragging Eve’s arm,they came down stairs and found the boys waiting for them “so now who’s on my team?”Max asked “I”said little Eve

“Ok then I will be on Scott’s team” Eve agreed “ok then you and Scott should go hide,while me and Eva will look for you two” Max said,the rest run to their hideouts.Max and Eva kept searching until they find Scott “ok now let’s go find Eve”Scott suggested as they ran towards the back of the house,when they heard someone knocking at the gate “you know what,go look for Eve, I go check who’s at the gate”Scott said running back to the gate on reaching there he opened the gate and saw you young man if about twenty four years of age,he looked dissent,too dissent for Scott’s liking “what can I do for you”Scott asked after viewing him for a while.

Mike POV

seriously is he going to look at me all the day before attending to me?to be honest he is too hug for my liking,I really wanted this kind of body structure,but too bad I am a lazy person when it comes to exercise,so mister are you going to tell me what I want to know? “what can I do for you”Scott asked,good now you have to do something that’s supposed to be done long time ago

“I am looking for Eve Nelson,is she here”I asked,oh with the look on his face he is not going to make it any easy for me,but thank God i came prepared.

“do you have any business with her?,I mean did she invites you,because I don’t remember her mentioning that she will be expecting someone,and I don’t even know you,so how am I supposed to know that,you’re not here for something else.so tell me who are you?”

Seriously is he going to be interrogating me now

“am Mike Smart...”

“am serious,so don’t give me a fake name,if you’re smart then am smarter”Scott said interrupting Mike,

“Hey mister,I am Mike Wilson smart,and am not here for jokes either.just tell Eve,that’s if she is here,that I want to speak with her and if she doesn’t want to see me then come back and tell me,I don’t literally have the whole time in the world” I said not minding if I was shouting or not the guy is really pissing me off

“You don’t have to rise your voice”Scott said more like a warning “I go call her”he said and left.

God who is he anyway?honestly he is the person that I don’t like.

Scott told Eve that someone was looking for her,he didn’t mention that it was Mike,Eve thought it was the Currie service as she has ordered for some magazines and other stuffs,so she ran to the gate a smile on her face as Max was mimicking her silly run,Eve chuckles as Eva also joined Max

Mike POV

Is this guy going to inform her or not,at least he should give me some feed back instead of ignoring me here ,I looked up as I saw her laughing,Really she is laughing?.

Eve POV

As I looked towards the gate, I was shocked to see Mike,i don’t know why,but the smile on my face disappeared in no time as I was up to him

Mike POV

Yeah just as I expected you should be in shock,she walked slowly until she reached me,so what now?

“Hey” did she just say hey like she don’t know me really?

Eve POV

What’s wrong with him,is he not happy to see me?so why did he come here in the first place, i don’t know if I am to hug him or just start talking,if you ask me I prefer I start talking but wit the way he looks?nah,he wouldn’t even reply to my “hey”

“So how are you?”mike said stretching his hand for a hand shake

So he is going to be formal,like his here on a business meeting,great!!

“am doing great as you can see”I replied not wanting to give him hints that I am hurt with his question and attitude

Mike POV

Yeah yeah,I can see that you’re doing great “so since you’re doing this great,didn’t it occur to you that some close relations are not doing this great”I asked sarcastically getting angry at her silly attitude

“I don’t understand,and please don’t say things sarcastically,if you have anything to say just go straight to the point”she said rising her voice

“Really are you going to acting dumb?or you’re really dumb uh,you left the company as if that wasn’t enough you insulted Ella and than flew down to this place,now you’re acting like you didn’t do anything?”I questioned in near anger

“Mike are you angry with me? and stop saying I insulted Ella I didn’t,in fact she treated me in a way I never expected”Eve said trying to defend her self

“I see,you didn’t only rejected everybody,you’re also heartless Eve,you’re,

your grandma was admitted to the hospital due to shock when ......,why am I even telling you,you never cared for any one,all you know was just you and you alone”I shouted at her

Eve POV

So this is why you came here only to blame me,not knowing that I am in this condition all because of him,and now he is blaming me

“Mike leave..” I don’t know why I am asking him to leave,but I guess I don’t want him to see my tears,not on the first day of seeing him again after so many weeks

Mike POV

“Really so you’re going to ask me out uh”I asked in shock as I never expected this from her

“Mike just go,go,go” she shouted making her voice louder in each GO,anyways I was already going to take my leave.i left without looking back,entered the car and drove off.

The whole family rushed outside only to see Eve sitting on the floor crying “what happened dear,come on talk to me”Mrs Greg urged as she and her husband rises her from the ground and took her inside “I knew he would say something wrong,did he hurt you” Scott asked as they sit her down “who are you talking about?”his dad asked in surprise

“the guy that came to see her”Scott answered “why didn’t you inform us first before allowing her to see him”his mom said in an angry tone “am sorry the guy looks too dissent,and innocent”Scott said more like an apology.all the while Eve was crying she couldn’t even move.

At night Scott came to Eve’s room “am sorry if I disturb you,I am brought dinner for you since you didn’t come down to have your’s”he said as he sat beside her,she was no longer crying but,she still didn’t want to speak with anyone, “am sorry Eve please do be silent because of my mistake,and I failed to protect you as an elder brother should have,please forgive me”Scott apologized in tears

“Come on am fine,and you didn’t fail to protect me,it’s just that I didn’t expect him to still be angry with me,I thought...I thought he was here to make amends”Eve said

“Don’t worry I already tracked him,I know were his stays,and I will teach him a lesson”Scott said but sure sounds like a promise

“You do know were he stays”Eve asked in surprise

“Yes I noted his car number,so I tracked him”Scott answered wondering why her voice sounds so interesting on hearing what he said

“Please I beg you,don’t do any stupid,and as for the lesson don’t even think of it,just give me the address tomorrow morning okay”Eve plead

“Why should I give you,he only spoke with you and you were left crying and now you want to go see him?” Scott said in concern

“Scott you will give me the address,and you won’t do anything funny,and by funny I mean,stupid okay” Eve said more like a warning

“So now you’re angry with me?”Scott asked

“No no Scott,for Christ sakes I am not angry with you,just don’t do anything wrong,and you will give me the address”Eve cleared

“I think that would be if you eat your dinner,then I will give you the address only if you promise,that you will be safe around him”Scott replied

“Playing smart uh,want me to do two things,just for one request,fine deal”Eve agreed.

Mike POV

I couldn’t believe she asked me to leave,does she know how hard it was for me to find her whereabouts,and all she could do was to ask me out,great..great that I am in love,am in love to a girl who doesn’t even care about what others feel.

“It’s okay,maybe she is not yet feeling better,give her some time,she will come around”John advice

“really she would come around with another insult to my feelings,God she is a pin in the ass,now am starting to have this fear that she would never accept me,not even as a friend”I told John in tears of frustration “c’mon dude,stop crying,this won’t help,you take a break for some time,then go see her dad and talk things out like men,okay,i got to go,we have a meeting in the next ten minutes”John advice

“Thanks ,I owe you a lot” I said cutting the call.

Eve POV

Now what am I supposed to do when I see him tomorrow,I don’t even have anything to say,God please help me!.

The next morning I woke up early took my bath and went straight to Scott’s room,thank God it’s opened I don’t have to knock, “Scott,Scott wake up,wake up”I said a little louder so that he could hear me

“God what time is it?,did anything happened”he asked childishly

“No I can for the address..remember what we talked last night?”I said almost impatient “oh the address,it’s on the desk”he answered sitting up,I quickly looked around and found the desk at the other side of the bed,I was about to reach for it when the door opened “Eve dear? I what happened,are you okay,I couldn’t find you in your room so I decided to come check here”my dad said as he entered room

“I was actually not feeling sleepy so I decided to come meet Scott”I said turning to look at the Scott who seems wasn’t aware of what is happening around him

“Oh and you took your bath already?thats good”dad said giving me the what’s wrong with you look

“Yeah,I took a quick bath since I was feeling hot,...eh do you want anything,or should I come with you?”damn it how could I have asked such question, “if you’re want,I was actually going for a little walk”my dad offered.its already too late,so I have no choice than to accompany him.

We left the house,to be honest the walk out was really great,it’s been so long since I came out of the house,I mean in have never stepped out of the gate,ever since I entered.

We returned home by 8am,and the whole family was up,Max and Eva were ready for school and mom was also ready for school since she was now a college school lecturer.dad had resigned,but he do support some schools when the need arise,so he don’t have any where go except visiting some old friends,then Scott is on leave for three weeks since he was a soldier.

After breakfast the rest family went to their separate ways,leaving me and Scott

“So what about the address?”I asked as soon as we were left alone

“I do have it,so I when are we going”Scott asked

“What we?,i thought I was go alone”I asked in surprise cause we didn’t talk if WE last night “and I did all you asked me to do,so why this attitude”I said getting angry

“Hey it’s nothing,I will give you the address but,if he does anything stupid like yesterday then,I will have to handle him myself”he said in a warning tone, Mike don’t have any problem I do,it’s only when I say things that I wasn’t supposed to say,that’s when Mike reacts,so you have to warn me not him

“You know what?just give me the address and if anything goes wrong then I will call you to come get me,and besides Meg will be coming so you can go do some preparations about your wedding”I said,sure enough that didn’t go down well with him but he has no choice,he went inside and came down in few minutes, “here”he said handing over the address to me “but don’t think I don’t have my eyes on you”he concluded and went inside “thank you sir” I said as he ran through the stairs,I quickly went in side and change into something more comfortable and easy.

The taxi stopped in front of a five star hotel,it was the address on the list that even gave to the driver “mam we’ve reached”the driver informed looking at her through the rare mirror,Eve quietly gave him his bill and came out of the car,she walked graciously into the hotel even though she hasn’t fully recovered at least she wasn’t in a bad shape, she went to the receptionist and asked for Mike “am sorry ma do you have an appointment with him”the girl asked sweetly

“No I just want to talk to him”Eve replied calmly “ok then,let me give him a call”the girl asked Eve to sit at the chair opposite while she made the call “who is she?”Mike asked

“She said her name is Eve Nelson”the girl informed “ tell her to wait I am busy” Mike said cutting the call

“Ma he said you have to wait,I think he is on a meeting,do you want anything to for the meantime?”the girl asked uncertain what her answer would be

“Uh do you have magazines,fashion magazine?”Eve ask

“Sure,I will get you some”the girl replied and came back in a snap

Eve occupied herself with the magazines,she sat quietly waiting for Mike to call her in,after two hours the receptionist received a call,after the call she informed Eve that mike wants to see her,the girl lead the way while another girl behind then carried a tray of food.

Eve POV

Seriously after keeping me waiting now he is going to invite me in,honestly it’s not his fault,I am the one looking for him.

The receptionist knocked on the door,and I could hear him say “come in” his voice was cold.

The door opened and they walked in the receptionist informed the presence of Eve,tho other girl dropped the tray and they left leaving Eve who was standing close to the door,Mike back was against her,he was still wearing the clothes if yesterday.Mike ignored Eve and went on eating the food that was brought,Eve stood speechless not knowing if she is to talk or wait for him to give the go ahead.After what seems like forever he finally speak up “are you going to stand there,or is the door still calling back?”he asked rudely

Eve POV

So that’s what all he have to say after keeping me waiting for the past three hours, “am sorry....”.

Mike POV

“For what?..uh” Mike asked cutting her short.if she is going to be sorry then,she must tell me what was her wrongs,because I seems to be the only person that ever made mistake I her site

“Uh you never make mistakes,or do you”I asked standing up to face her.damn she is still looking beautiful as ever,even if her neck bones do show out a little,what is wrong with me,even if I compliment her she could take it for something else.so just go back to business

“I wanted to say sorry..if my standing at the door if was irritating”she is so confident in her voice when she spoke

“So what brings you here and how did you get to know this place?”I asked as it just occurred to me that I didn’t give her my address

“I got ,your address from someone,and I came to apologize for what happened yesterday and to talk things out”she replied,now I could sense the tension in her voice,that’s what I want,to at least make her fear me for a while.

“So now that you’re here,there’s no need to bend any word,let’s talk on fact.what was that nonsense you pulled yesterday?”I asked not giving a damn if she is affected by the way I started the conversation

“Actually I wasn’t expecting to see....”

“I wasn’t expecting to see you laughing either”i said interrupting her,that was the truth I didn’t expect her to be laughing happily,I thought she would be inside crying her eyes out.

Eve POV

Really ?seeing me laughing was a crime to him,what does he expect?oh!he expect me to be crying and and avoiding every body.

“Mike What was I supposed to do if not laughing uhm,you want to see me crying,too bad of you,haven’t I cried enough?” I asked him,and all he did was to give me the “So what”look

“ since you regained your senses then why didn’t you call?,why did you ignore everybody,I know you wouldn’t have called me,then you should have called your mom since you also messed up with Ella” he replied shouting at me. I won’t stand here and watch him blame me,because he was the root of the that has grown so big and tall.

“Really, fine I didn’t give a call because of you,yes you Mike,all this nonsense wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t screamed at me,it wouldn’t have happened if,if only you allowed me explained myself that night”I said dropping the bag at the floor

“Wow! I thought you were dumb but no,you’re totally awesome in terms of not allowing your brains to work,don’t tell me you don’t remember what you said on that blessed night”Mike said stressing the BLESSED.

There was silence between us,Mike went to the table,took a glass and a bottle of wain,he took the drink in a gulp then go for the second,third fourth,

“So this is what has become of you” I asked in disappointment

Mike POV

What?become of me?,does she know how much her nonsense words hurt me

“do have any idea of how I have been all these while,and here you’re asking me such a useless and pointless question,how would you know how I have been fairing when you don’t even care about your own mom,.....your grandma has been admitted to the hospital twice,first when you started avoiding every one,second when you ran away from Ella’s place due to shock and fear she collapsed again,speaking of Ella she has extended her wedding all because of you,not to talk of the pains I went through,making the company ran into loss of thousands,all because of a girl who don’t even appreciate my presence,I wanted to stay back and focus on the company,but things grew from bad to worse,I couldn’t think properly and if I continue like that,I would ruin the company,all just because of you Eve,yes you Eve!”I softly but the rage in me could be smelled,she was now weak her wknees couldn’t even stand properly.she slowly sat the edge of the chair.

Eve POV

What have I done?,I didn’t know that.....no I didn’t expect things like this to happen,how selfish could I be,how heartless of me,my mom didn’t train me to be this kind of woman,I always knew that there is a part of me that could harm,but I never thought it would reach this extent.looking up to see Mike taking another gulp,and all this is because of me,then I notice that he was a little thin and weak,what have I done

“Mike stop,I think you have had enough”I said getting up from the chair and walked towards him “Mike I said enough!”not minding if my voice was getting louder

“You are getting drunk and I don’t think it’s the best”I advice as I collected the bottle from him

“Wow you care now uh,anyway it’s not an alcohol,so don’t disturb your self”he said shifting me aside.God this time I don’t care if he shouts or even hits me,but he is not going to the drink.

Eve hold the glass of wine in Mike’s hand with the intention of not letting him gulp it down “what is this?”Mike asked

“I said you’re not drinking this”Eve stated

“Wow haven’t you collected the bottle so what is wrong with you?”Mike said as he was irritated by her attitude.Eve paid deaf ears and starts dragging the the glass from him,first it was gently,within seconds they were serious,,Mike decided to leave the glass for her not knowing Eve was holding it with force,as soon as he left it the drink spilled in her eyes

“Mike!!”she shouted as dropped on the glass on the floor.

Mike POV

What a day for me,now what does she want? “Mike.......my eyes”she said,I turned back and saw her cry badly “what happened,did you drink it through the eyes”I joked,as I held her for support “really why didn’t you tell me that you’re going to leave the glass”she shouted and pulled my hands off her,she tried to move away from me when she hits her foot on the stool,she grunt in pain, “I said take it easy,you will hurt yourself” I said holding her, “when did you say take it easy”she blunted in tears “it’s all your fault,its your faults”she said and started hitting me,honestly it doesn’t even hurt anyway,I sat her down in the bed,and went to call the hotel doctor who came in as soon as the call ended.

“Were is she?”the doctor asked,I pointed to the direction Eve was,God she could crying!,please stop embarrassing me,at least not now.the doctor came to her and wanted to sit her up when she pushed his hand away, “it’s okay I will do it”I quickly said

“Eve you better act normal,we are not alone,I called a doctor and he is here”i whispered in her ear,so she allowed me to sit her with out any drama.

After fifteen minutes the doctor was true “ma I have given the eye drop to your husband and he will apply them every thirty minutes okay” the doctor informed as he took his leave. Wow she blushed at the mention of husband,thank goodness that she is blindfolded.

Eve POV

What did he just say “husband”who’s husband,and the thought of Mike as my husband made my blood rushes to my cheeks,damn they didn’t even spare me,and now that I am blindfold Mike must surely be smiling,oh God.i quickly turned my head back to the pillow.

Mike saw the doctor off to the door and came back smiling like a child who just got a new toy,he walked to the bed a sat close to her,he placed his hand on her shoulder and turned her towards him,Eve was still closing her eyes in embarrassment “what happened WIFE uh”he asked making her whole face turn red.Oh oh I never thought I had this effect on her,God does she have any idea that I have effects on her? Mike thought.

“Mike?Mike?” Eve called as he was no longer around her “what is it,you missed my presence?”Mike asked as he entered the room. “Where were you?”Eve ask ignoring his silly question

“ I went to...” “never mind I wanted say that my body is sticking so a need a bath...,and....a new dress”she request dryly interrupting him

“You could have at least me finish what I was saying first,anyway I went down stairs to request for a dress,so I help you to the bathroom,before you are done the dress would arrive”Mike said waking up to the bed and help her on her feet,Eve was silent as they walk to bathroom “easy there is a step down” Mike said as they were about to enter the bathroom, “you take it easy on the grip”Eve said as Mike hands were holding her tight “sorry”he apologized as he slipped his hands from her waist and placed them on her shoulder,he opened bathroom door and led her in,he turned on the shower and was about to leave when Eve called him back “where is the towel and bar,and besides you have to help me with my zip....after that you can call one of the hotel attendant to help me out with the dress” she requested shyly,Mike was about to turn her back towards him so s to open the zip

“No no stand in front of me and do it please”she said holding his hands

“Ok then let go of my hand”Mike tease,he managed to open the zip,but his fingers were doing no her skin no good “thanks”she said in relief,Mike gave her the bar soap and went to get the attendant. Just in time the attendant came in as soon as Eve was done without her bath,she helped Eve put on the dress and brought her out of the bathroom, “am done ma”the girl informed and left

Wow I knew the dress would be perfect.Mike told himself.

There was silence between them before Eve broke it “Mike ?can you please tell me what color of dress is this?”Eve asked

“It’s yellow,and it’s perfectly fine”he replied “thanks....but the truth is I don’t like yellow,I appreciate it though but....”

“Uh I never knew you nag this much,even on blindfold,tell me what other things are also perfect at”he said faking an irritating tone “I didn’t complain,I just said that I don’t like yellow”Eve said

“The color suits you,there’s nothing wrong with it,and besides I never knew selects color”mike said,the truth is I have never seen her wore a yellow colored clothes so I decided try this on her,all thanks to the wain,wink,Mike thought to himself.

Eve POV

Thank goodness for the first Time in my life I won’t get to see his reaction,so I think this is the best time and place to say how I really feel right now, “Mike,Mike are you there?”I asked as the room was silent

“Yes am here,do you want anything”he asked

“No no I just wanted us to conclude everything that has happened,so I wanted to say something that.....I should have said before all this mess happened”i managed say that

“Okay So what the news?”he asked dryly

“I...am...i am in........”

Mike POV

So you’re going to tell me that you finally found the guy you love and you’re sorry for hurting my feelings,well the truth is I can’t bear to see with another man,so don’t even bother to walk on my broken heart.

“So what are you trying to say?”I asked as she couldn’t get herself to say it out

“I was going to say that am in love..”she said

Eve POV

What he is not going to say anything,his silence is killing me,is he going to reject me now,now that I have l finally put myself together to accept that I love him,or ma I too late,has he moved on with his life?what am I thinking,wait has he found and other girl,no way this won’t happen not when I finally accepted him.

“Mike?Mike are you there”I asked as the silence grew further,now I wish I could see his face and expression,I am losing this blindfold,everything,was black as I removed the band from my eyes but within few seconds it was clear,there he is sitting silently with his laptop in front of him

“Mike am talking to you?”I said as I walked to him

“Eve enough,haven’t I been hurt enough for you uh,and now you’re in love! Wow so you’re are you telling me?to congratulate you or are you inviting to me your wedding,and by the way who’s is the great guy anyway,what does he have that I don’t uh,tell me Eve,all of a sudden you just decided to fall in love,do you even think or care about how other feels?,am talking to you Eve answer me!”he shouted,I was a little surprise at his attitude...

“so tell me is it the guy that I say at your house the other day?”he asked,his voice filled with jealousy,now I don’t know about you,but sure for me I can’t help it so I smiled within me,So Mike of all people can get jealous Ah

“Mike first things first,that guy is my brother,and I was going to say that...am in love......with Mike Wilson smart and not this bag of jealous guy standing in front of me”I said sincerely.but Mike was still the Mike he is,still silent.

Mike POV

What did she just say,in love with me!, no way,truth be told I am so....God there’s no words to express my feelings right now,but still Eve is unpredictable,you don’t know what she would do the next minutes

“Mike what’s wrong with you,are you going to say something or not?”she asked

“I am fine,it’s just that...am scared that..what if you’re not sure,you’re just saying it,to please me,and what if you we go on for some time and then one day you can just say it’s over,that you can’t move on from your past”I said,in total pain

“So you’re thinking that I might just blow up the relationship like I don’t know what am saying right now? Mike I have move on,I know I made I mistake that night,I shouldn’t have said those words but now,I am trying to give US another chance,Mike please,I now am unpredictable but that doesn’t mean,you should have doubts on me right?”she said in assurance.”come here”I said and pulled her Closer to me we had a tight hug “I love you”I whispered in her ear,and she responded with a blush

“You really know how to blush don’t you?”I teased making her hide her face in my chest

“it’s only happening today”she said

“Really,have I ever told you that you can’t lie?i managed to see you blush that day at the party,so what are you going to say about that too uh”I said teasing her the more

“God I knew I wasn’t safe around you”she said hitting my chest.

We had another emotional hug when the door burst open.

“Eve are you okay?”Scott asked in concern as he entered the room,Eve rise her head and gave him an annoying look

“What’s wrong with you,I thought I told that i would be fine?”Eve said in embarrassment as Mike was wondering what just happened, “I know but.....” “enough already,who are you and what are you doing here,how did you he in here i the first place?”Mike asked in surprise,cutting Scott short “I am talking to her,not you”Scott said firmly,Eve noticing the rage she quickly speaks “its okay both of you,and Scott he just asked a question,he meant no harm”she said trying to put things together

“Then,fine am sorry for intruding and I was just doing job as an elder brother that I promised”Scott apologized

“It’s okay,I never knew you were his brother ”Mike said

“So if we are good then,Mike meet Scott my brother,Scott meet mike...my boyfriend”Eve introduce shyly

“Wow...so he is one uh uh,so tell me all I need to know,like when did you two start”Scott tease making Eve blush,she quickly hides her face on Mike’s chest making both boys laugh

“Am Really was sorry for storming in like that,please forgive me”Scott apologies sincerely “it’s okay”Mike said extending his hand for a hand shake

“Eve,you didn’t do what we agreed on”Scott said after the hand shake

“And what was that?”she asked innocently

“Did you have breakfast?no,and I thought we agreed on it before coming here?”Scott reminded

“what?and I thought the agreement was for last night only”Eve replied in awe

“So have you eaten?,and don’t tell me you haven’t”Mike asked

“Am sorry if it’s a big deal for you two,but the truth is I haven’t eaten”Eve replied dryly

“Wow,it’s a big deal if you don’t know,we all get worried when you don’t eat”Scott replied sarcastically

“So if you don’t mind let’s go home” Scott said as he took Eve by the hand

“Stop it,am not a kid anymore,you go I follow behind you” Eve snapped

“Do you mind if I come with you,I would like to see the rest of the family” Mike request

“sure,to be honest am tired of talking to those children,I think I need some one mature enough,and Eve she just enjoys the company of Eva”Scott said in relief

“So you don’t like me talking to Eva,and here you’re nagging like a kid”Eve teased

“ ok then,I will go take my bath”Mike said and excused himself,Eve and Scott waited for him,in twenty minutes mike was back to them he wore a yellow T-shirt and a blue Demi jeans,he was looking handsome as ever,but the color didn’t go down well with Eve “why yellow”she asked,Mike took a quick loot at himself and realized that he wore a yellow shirt “Am sorry I didn’t notice,will go change it”Mike and turn to leave when Scott eye talked to him wait

“Uh Eve lets go wait for him outside”Scott said and Eve did as he instructs,Scott waited back for seconds for Eve to go out “don’t mind her the shirt looks perfect,so don’t take it off,I will drip her home so you can come later”Scott said

“What if she gets angry,and that’s one thing I can’t afford to do,not today”mike protest

“C’mon bro,trust me”Scott said and left the room.

“What kept you so long and where’s Mike?”Eve asked as Scott came out of the hotel “nothing I was just walking slowly that’s all....besides we should go mike say he will would come in a while as he had to get somethings first.

Eve arrived home with Scott the rest of the family was already worried about Eve’s whereabouts “it’s okay, I went to see someone”she answered as her dad asked

“Do you know anyone in Greece?”her step mom asked “actually I don’t know any one here,but I do know someone now,....and I have patched things up with Mike,making him the only person I know in Greece other then you”Eve explain shyly

“And dad he is coming here for dinner”Scott quickly added

“Wow,am so happy for you dear,come here”both parents said in union and gave her a hug.

“So we have to prepare something special for dinner,come join me”her step mom said pulling Eve towards the kitchen.After the cooking,Eve went and prepare herself for the dinner.Not long there was a knob at the door,Eva went to see who it was only to see a tall good looking man smiling in front of her

“Hello how may I help you”Eva as politely “hi am looking for Eve,is she around?”Mike asked nervously

“Yep she is,come in side we have been waiting for you,and I am starving”Eva said pulling Mike in

“Am sorry you kept you waiting”Mike apologize as he Eva lead the way,the family where sitting down watching Tv when Mike entered every one was there except Eve

“Ah you’re welcome...”Eve said as she came down from the stairs,she gave Mike a light hug and introduced him to the family

“It’s nice to finally meet you drear”the parent said I. union and they head for the table,Eve sat next to Mike,Scott and Max sat opposite them and Eva sat close to Mike

“So,Eve I was going to ask when are you going to call your mom?”her dad asked as there were eating,the room was silent,all waiting to hear what would be her response

“Um,I was going to call her when think I can handle her anger”Eve replied dryly playin’ with her food as she lost her appetite

“And why are you scared of her,she would be angry yes!,but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give her a call,listen dear it’s not like am forcing you to do something against your wish but she is still,and will always be your mom.so try give her a call so that she can at least have a few minutes of relief”her dad insists.

“I will”was all Eve could come up with.After the dinner Mike requests the family go allow Eve stay with him for tonight,they agreed and bid them farewell as they left the house.

Eve was silent all through the drive,Mum tried to bring a discussion up but she was too lost in her thoughts to pay attention so Mike kept quiet until they reached the beach,though it was almost 9:30pm but people were still at the beach,they walked to a reasonable distance from the people and sat on the wet sand

“So if you’re afraid of your mom,but you don’t want her to blow up then,why don’t you let her blow up so you know how to put it out?”Mike asked breaking the silence

“Mike she is not just my mom,she means more then that to me,I hate been the source of her anger,and am afraid she won’t forgive me,.....I can’t live with that hatred”she said and started crying

“It’s okay,here call her now and see how things turn out first before crying”Mike said handing her his phone,as Eve makes the call Mike excuse himself not wanting to interfere in a mother and daughter conversation.

After try the call for the third time Mrs Nelson finally picks up

“Hello dear,how are you”she answered as it was Mike’s number,but the caller from the other side couldn’t say anything

“Hello,Mike are you okay?...”she asked worriedly as Mike never kept her quiet,as soon as she hears Eve sniffing due to tears Mrs Nelson also became silent as she now knows who was on the caller,the silence took almost four minutes Before Eve could say anything thing

“Hello Mum....”Eve mumble out in tears

“Mom uh?so all of a sudden I am now mom? Eve do you have any idea of what you coursed....and why are you calling now uh?why because Mike asked you to right?”Mrs Nelson asked angrily

“Mom please sto.....”

“No you started it so answer me,didn’t mike asked you to call me?”this time Mrs Nelson shouted,Eve was shocked and cried the more

“Ye...Yes”Eve answered in between sobs,with the disappointment Mrs Nelson disconnects the call,by the time Mike return Eve was wet in tears ,Mike quickly from behind and comfort her,but she kept on mumbling some words that Mike couldn’t hear properly until she fell asleep.Mike drove back to the hotel and called the hotel attendant to clean her up at she has been drawing her legs with sand while crying at the beach,after the clean up the attendant placed her on the bed Carefully and left.

The next morning Eve woke up and was surprise to see her self in a night dress,she looked around and saw Mike collecting the breakfast tray from the room service,Mike put the tray at the table beside the bed and sat down close to her

“Are you....”

“Am fine”Eve interrupt coldly,she was looking at her night dress in surprise

“The hotel attendant changed them last night...”Mike tried to explain when Eve gave him a shut of look

“I didn’t ask,so why telling?”she snapped

Off curse I really wanted to know who changed my cloth,Eve thought and got out of the bed in anger,Mike was surprise to witness this new attitude of her

“What’s wrong with any way?”mike ask as he went back to his laptop.

After twenty minutes Eve came out of the bathroom and sat at the dressing table when Mike walked to her and stood looking at her

“What is it?” he asked,Eve kept quiet for some time before responding

“If something went wrong then tell me”she said

“Then why are you acting strange?Mike said as he move forward to tuck back some hair that had fallen on her neck,Eve slap his hand way and put the into place herself,Mike hand was left hanging in the air,

“What’s your problem,uh”he asked coldly,Eve kept silent,irritated with her attitude Mike went to take his bath by the time he was done Eve was having her breakfast.

“Can you drop me at any shopping mall?”Eve asked as they head towards the door

“Hmm”that was Mike’s response,as they walked out of the room he put his arm round Eve’s waist as they entered the lift and she quickly moved out of his hold and pretended not to notice with she did,her attitude made Mike angry he walked past her as the door opened,he went straight to the car garage and got in to the car,Eve also joined him and drove off,he stopped at a shopping mall and Eve highlighted from the car “thanks sir”she said and as soon as she realized her mistake she looked at Mike who shot her an angry look and speed off before she could say anything

Eve POV

God what have I done,the word just slipped out and I am not use to all these boyfriends stuff,I know I he was hurt earlier on when I move when he was holding me and now,sir! God tell me how worst Can it be,not that I don’t like him holding me it’s just that his touch makes me have all these feelings that I have never felt before and I love them but I don’t want to fool myself before him at not today,but now I have messed up with everything ah!.

Mrs Nelson was coming back from the clinic when her phone started ringing “unknown number”she said to herself

“Hello? ,this is Mrs Nelson speaking”she said as she answered the call

“Hey mom it’s me Eve”Eva said with relief

“Ho!....So what”Mrs Nelson ask

“Mom please,don’t be mad at me,please just let me explain myself please”Eve plead in tears as she senses that her mom will soon disconnect the call

“Ok say you have five minutes,I am running late for a wedding ceremony”her mom said

“Ok first am sorry for not telling you anything that happened that night I returned from the wedding, am sorry for put you all,in all the troubles and worries I cursed am sorry for not telling you that I was going to look for dad am sorry mom please”Eve said as she kept on crying.

“It’s okay,I wasn’t mad that you were going to look for your dad,I was actually sacred if he will accept you and I see he did,so.....how is he I mean his family”her mom asked dryly

“They fine mom,and the kids wants to see you,I have told them a lot about you”Eve replied with a smile

“and how is grandma,is she getting any better,Mike told me that she has been admitted”Eve asked with concern

“Yep she is doing good,ever since Mike told us that you’re doing just fine without us”her mom replied

“Mom please am sorry,am sorry”Eve apologized

It’s okay,.......aren’t you going to ask about Ella”her mom ask

“So how is she? Mike told me that she extended her wedding date,what happened?”Eve asked sniffing back her tears

“Ah she did that because you were supposed to be her chief bridesmaid,and Mike is John’s best man,so you see things can’t work if you’re not there”her mom explained

“Yeah even all she did to me,she still fine a space for me to be her chief bridesmaid Wow,you know that if she hadn’t slapped me that night I wouldn’t have left”Eve snapped

“And if you hadn’t bring her past love life topic she wouldn’t have done that either”her mom corrected

“I was only looking for way to tell her how I felt,I meant no harm,she has been in a relationship or long so I decided to explain this to her to know if when I really felt was true”Eve defend herself

“And how have you confirm your feelings and put them in the right place,or you’re still running?her mom asked worriedly

“Yes I have and.....we’re....together now hope you understand,I know you will”Eve replied shyly

“Wow congrats,so what did your dad say about him”her mom ask

“He really likes him and they talked a lot last night,he and Scott have more in common”Eve said smiling

“Hoo so who is this Scott now”her mom asked

“He is........”Eve informed her mom about the Nelson’s family and talked about some few other things up dating each other before they finally hung up.

Eve gave away a Sigh if relief as she was now in good terms with her mom,she looked in side her bag and brought out a contact note,she flip through them and dialed one of them

“Hello this is carol speaking,what can u do for you?”carol ask as she picked the call

“I know I am speaking with carol so were is Cindy”Eve asked,as she has covered her mouth with a hanker chief

“Hey mister,if you have anything important to say just say it and stop disturbing my precious little time cause I have non”carol said calmly

“Ok then when you have the time then call this number”Eve said and discounts the call.

“Who was that?”Cindy asked as she joins Carol on the table

“I don’t know first it was a guy’s voice then later it turned into a female’s voice,strange.......WTF it’s Eve’s voice”carol said loudly

“Holy me so now that boss,oh...her new boyfriend visited her she remembered us”Cindy teased

“Wait am giving her a call”carol said as she called back

“So miss I guess you now have all the time in the world right”Eve asked naughtily

“Oh so it’s you uh,do you know that you’re going pay for ignoring us this whole time?”Cindy asked as they put the call on conference call

“I know,and am really sorry for doing that I missed you two”Eve apologies

“We’re only going to forgive you if you bring us something from Greece”carol said

“God how did you know that am in Greece?”Eve asked surprise

“Oh shut up you child,don’t you know words flies,besides we do visit your mom since she was in a bad state so some how we all got to know your whereabouts”Cindy replied

“Oh I see,I must have been the topic of the month I guess”Eve said

“You don’t want to know,to bad boss had to be drag along”carol tease

“Umm...”Eve noised

“So don’t worry we all know what happen between you two,so how is he now”Cindy asked

“Really I should be asking you”Eve played innocent

“Come on girl,we all know he went to Greece to look for you so,what’s the new news?”Cindy asked

“Haha the news on today’s list is... OMG the boss of W&S fashion world I now in love with his staff miss Eve Nelson,and she just accepted her feelings for him.....”Eve announced as a news reporter.the three girls laughed healthy

“So are you okay now?”carol asked in concern

“Yeah I am now that I have put things together with you two,it’s been a while”Eve reply

“Yep it is”the two girls said in union

“So I have this design am doing now it’s for my sister -in-law so i am done with the upper part and I want you to girls to help me out with the down,I will forward it to you once am done”Eve requested

“Damn girl sister-in-law?you sure have a lot to say when you come back”Cindy said

“Off curse I do”Eve agreed.

After the call Eve took her bath and relax for some time,before the family arrived from their different destination.

Mike was busy in a meeting trying to negotiate with a client when he received a massage from Eve saying

Am sorry,for everything that I did this morning,can we talk when you’re less busy ?.

Mike ignore the massage and continue with his business,as soon as he was done Eve started calling

“What now?”he asked as answered the call

“Thank God you picked up,actually I am really sorry for what I did earlier this morning,I didn’t mean to act stupidly,I was just worried that my mom wasn’t going to make it any easy for me,and that thought made me angry...”

“And you decided to use the anger on me cause I am your punch bag right?” Mike asked angrily interrupting her

“No Mike it’s not like that......”

“Oh oh so we’re back to Mike now?what happened to the air uh?”he as irritated,and again interrupting her

“Ok babe am sorry really really sorry please don’t be with me now,fine I will do anything that you want me to do anything at all,but just promise that you will forgive me”she plead sincerely

“Fine I am not angry with you anyway it’s just sometimes you know how to piss me off,and as for the anything you asked...I think I want a proper dinner,hope am not asking too much”he requested

“No not at all darling”Eve replied chuckling

“Oh i see,what come over this evening Uh?babe?darling?”mom tease

“Haha don’t you want me to call you that baby! Umm,anyway don’t mind me am just fooling around trying to get used to the relationship”Eve replied honestly

“I know,hope you’re not stressing yourself about it” Mike ask

“Nope,gotta go i have something to prepare” she said and gave him a kiss through the phone.

“Wow love in the air,or should I say in the phone”Meg teased as se entered the room

“What don’t tell me you have been listening to my calls

“No no I wasn’t but I heard you give kisses”Meg said and all Eve could do was to blush

“God,He is not even here and you’re blushing,what if he touched you?damn you’re going to loss your legs”Meg said as she quickly run out of the room as Eve jokingly chase her out of the room.

“I prepared rice and chicken stew,hope you like it”Eve announced as she entered Mike’s room that evening

“Wow you didn’t tell me you’re coming here,I would have picked you”Mike said as he gave her a hug.Eve silently watched him eat until he was done

“The food was yummy....and I noticed you had a huge smile on your face so tell me what is it” Mom asked as he was done eating

“Ah always conscious if your surrounding uh?any way I wanted to tell you that I spoke with mom and we’ve settled things out”Eve said with a relief

“That’s great,I was actually going to call her so I can apologize in your behalf”Mike informed

“Oh so there’s no need for that now,so what else do you have in mind?”Eve asked

“Nothing except going back home on Monday,and you’re coming along too”Mike said

“Well i don’t have a problem with that,but my dad said they would follow me back to US so?”Eve asked

“So they should get ready,cause we’re leaving first thing in the morning”mike said

“Thanks”Eve said as I drop of tears slip from her eye

“What happened,did I do anything wrong?”Mike asked with concern

“No I mean thank for everything,thanks for accepting my attitude,character and me,thanks”Eve replied sincerely

“Come here all these attitude you’re giving are nothing compared to the live I have for you,I loved you before,getting to know you,and knowing you made me confirm my feelings that it was love,so there’s only one thing you’re going to do for me and that is not to change a bit if you,not even your attitude because I fell in love with everything in you”Mike said and planted a kiss on her lips.Eve was shy and she hides her face on his shoulders.

It‘ Monday the Nelson family are all ready for the airport when the driver came and took them to private plane,Eve ran towards them as they highlight from the car

“Welcome guys”she greeted as they share a hug

“Dad you’re looking nervous,what is it?”Eve asked as she noticed her father’s mood

“Ah.....I don’t know how am going to..,your mom.its been twenty three years since I was her,I .....don’t know..”Mr Greg said as he cleaned up the tears hang on this cheek,his wife took his hand and gave them a little squeeze as comfort

“We’re in this together”she whispered

Eve POV

Honestly I don’t knowing how my mom is going to takes,even when I mentioned that they were coming along she didn’t reply instead she asked what she is going to prepare for me when I arrived.

I know my dad messed up but I can’t stay mad at him forever,at least the Bible says,forgive so that your sins may be forgiven,and that was what I did.we entire plane,it was beautiful and the interior was breath taking,trust me Eva couldn’ keep her mouth shut all the while,my dad and step mom was in a world of their own they didn’t speak much only answers questions that Eva kept asking.

I was a more nervous when we landed as we are now heading home,Mike insists on going to his parents first then he would come the next day go see me,i know he was giving “us”space as he don’t want to get involved I bid good night as he drove off.now we’re standing in front of the gate the house looks the same way it has always been not even a thing changed,I took a quick look at my dad who was standing motionless he was just holding his wife hand for support,what a love,i don’t think my mom could ever have this kind of love even if she was the onliest and fairest of them all,I can imagine the pain she will go through if she sees them like this,nothing was wrong with my step mom anyway she is just like my mom,simple,humble and quiet with beauty,I can’t say she is more beautiful than my mom,or my mom the other way round. both are unique.i opened the gate and we walked in every one was silent,except Eva who was giggling sheepishly,God!she never stop showing her different colors,as we were halfway to the house the door opened and....mom came out with a weak smile on her face,before I could even take another step Eva was already in her arms giving my mom a big hug,soon the rest siblings joined and I was left looking like a patient who just woke up from coma and have no clue of what was going on

“Are you goi to keep standing there like the black sheep of the family”Mrs Nelson called out to Eve,she quickly ran and joined the hug

“Wow it’s like I known you all my life”Eva exclaimed as we pulled out it the hug

“Ummm so missed me then,anyway way am Mrs Nelson.....”

“I know,am Eva Nelson,so you’re my mom....I don’t like calling you step so o have to take it that way”Eva said childishly,with the look on the woman’s face she felt happy and satisfied with the little girl

“Come here”Mrs Nelson said pulling Eva to herself and gave her another hug

“You’re just like my innocent Eve”she said and gave her a kiss,the boys introduced themselves soon everyone was silent as both parents looked at each other in a awkward way they was no movement,the children just waited patiently for the next move.

“Hey.....Ah I see you’re doin good so there’s no need to ask,but I just want to ask to calm my nerves,actually sorry i didn’t inform you that I was coming...ha I don’t even have your contact not to mention your whereabouts.....am sorry if my presence brings back the bad memories that......haha the things is Am sorry,I didn’t know my actions would ruin Eve’s life....I don’t even know if am supposed to be here or if I am even welcome,.....I....i can’t call it a mistake cause it not..I think it’s just......”

“FATE”all the while Mr Greg was talking the children kept their eyes on Mrs Nelson who was just smiling not knowing if it was a smile of happiness or that of sadness and betrayal,and all of a sudden she mumbled something out “FATE....every that happened was fate nothing more nothing less,I know I grieved and went through pains and tough time...but I still accepted it the way it was.And my only fear was for Eve not to neglect her love all because of our mis....no fate.but now that she is fine and happy I have nothing to lose,and an apology is not needed”she said interrupting him and gave them a hug,the two women introduced themselves and hug the each other.the children finally released Theo breath that they have been holding.

All of a sudden Mrs Nelson started shouting at the couple threatening to call the police it they don’t leave,everyone was surprise at her sudden attitude,when Eve tried to calm her down she bursted into laughter.

Eve POV

God what has happened to her,I asked crying I know she went to a mental hospital before I was born due to the lost of her love.and over the years she has been fine since she regained her senses,she has never actually strange since I knew her from birth....and now...she is acting crazy again,I can’t even swallow the thought of my mom been crazy.

When Mrs Nelson notice the fear in Eve’s eyes she quickly hold her and whispered in her ear “am fine”she said cleaning the tears that was already washing away her face

“Am fine guys,..”said louder for everyone to hear,and she started laughing again

“Wow Auntie you’re such an actress”a voice said from behind,and every one looked back and saw a girl smiling at them,it was Ella,Eve walked to her and gave her hug

“I missed you”Ella said

“I missed you too”Eve replied

“And am really sorry for......”

“its okay guess it was meant to happen”Eve said shushing her up

“Hope you have the full video?”Mrs Nelson asked still unable to control her laughter

“Yep I have”Ella replied

“Oh silly you,do you know that she has been looking forward to act like this with someone,to bad it has to be you Greg”grandma said vas she came out

“Yes and she has always wanted to be an actress”Mr Greg said

“Thanks for remembering that”Mrs Nelson said sincerely

“So if we’re done here,should I remind you that the doctor said I should eat on time ,and besides the food is getting cold”grandma said and turned to go inside when Eva held her hand and they both went in.

Eve POV

My two mom held each other and entered the house while Scott and I followed,above all things I thank God that he gave me and mom the strength to forgive bathe past on moved on with lives.

EPILOGUE

Eve POV

Wow Mike and I are in Paris for our honeymoon,yes you heard me right honeymoon, and got married after Ella’s wedding,it’s was the day I will never forget in my life,I mean who forgets her own wedding date.

My dad and mom are now talking to each other even though they are not married but they both discuss sometimes,and my other mom she and my mom are like sisters they now do almost every thing together.and as for my mother-in-law she is amazing,the moment Mike introduce me to his family,I can still remember what she said

“Thank God,I always prayed for Mike to Mike to make you my daughter-in-law,and God just answered it”I quote

Ever since then she has been spoiling me rotten,all she now talks about I s her soon coming grand child,Yep Yep am three weeks gone.

And as for Cindy and carol they are one hell of a friend,the moment i stepped into the company they didn’t let me move an inch until I told them everything that happened in Greece down to how I decided to come see the that morning

“Babe come out now it time to go”

Mike called out as I have been busy writing

“am coming ,I will be there in ten seconds”I said as I come to an end of my note

So that’s it...I guess the love in me finally blossom.?

The END

WINKS

Book by : Asuelimhen MaryEve.