Second Chance At Love

Chapter2

Chapter 2: One Last Favor

Jennifer's POV

7 years later.

One thing I hate so much when sleeping, especially when the day is about to break, is the loud annoying buzz of my alarm that disrupts my sleep. Instead, it wasn't the alarm, it was my phone ringing heavily on the lamp stand.

I groaned annoyingly, burrowing into my blanket deeper for the warmth it provided me and then buried myself inside my soft bed. Mr Mickey, my cat twisted around my body as he enjoys the warmth from the blanket. I drew it closer to my chest before burying my face in its soft fur.

Whoever is calling should hold on for the queen to wake up.

A few seconds later, there was silence and I was about to drift off into a sweet dream when the loud sound broke the moment again, the phone began to ring.

The ringing won't stop so I groan blindly, reaching for the side drawer, my hand hits a glass of water that fell over to the floor and makes a shattering sound before my hand could find the phone. It wasn't my fault I should have switched off the phone last night.

Being a Medical laboratory scientist, you can imagine the number of hours I put into my work. The few hours I get to rest, I make sure to guide it with all my life and not let anything interrupt it.

A grab the phone and then slide the answer button without even looking at it, assuming it is just a colleague calling from work. I said, “I hope you know what time it is?”

“Jenny, Oh I am sorry to have woken you up,” the voice broke the last straw of sleep in my eyes.

I recognized the sweet familiar voice. And instantly, my body went rigid, the fogginess in my eyes cleared and I snapped awake.

“Hi… hi,” I stammer, clearing my throat. “Hi Aunty Ava.” I replied feeling guilty of being rude to her. “No you didn't, I was awake already.” I lied, sitting upright on my bed.

My cat meows beside me, coiling on my laps. I could sense her annoyance at the disturbance and then to calm her down, I began to pet her back.

I have known Auntie Ava since I was little. She was more like my second Mom and I wouldn't want to disrespect or be rude to her. I could do anything for her.

She sighs, “Ayy, I have known you since when you were a kid, Jenny.” She said with a chuckle. “So, I know when you are lying.”

But what I love the most about her is the way she calls me, short and unique nickname, Jenny. I didn't know when I blushed. Only three people know me well, Auntie Ava, Mary, my bestie and My Mom.

“I'm already awake auntie, no problem.” I assured her I was just by myself on the bed.

The silence between us stretched for about 30 seconds. I began to feel nervous about this phone call which made my heart thump a little faster.

I gave Auntie Ava enough time to process her thoughts and then speak to me why she called at this time of the night. I have known her for a very long time. For Auntie Ava to be calling me by this time means there is something bothering her or something important that she needs to let me know.

I couldn't wait any longer, “Aunty Ava?” The silence made me realize that there is something serious going on which I have waited for her to tell me. My heart began to thump into different scenarios, what could have happened or is there something wrong with Uncle Ronald?

“Auntie Ava, you haven't spoken since you called. Is there something wrong? You are already killing me with the suspense.” I chuckle pretending to sound normal even though my heart was already beating fast, as panic set in.

My heart and lungs feel like they are being squeezed right now. The suspense was already causing havoc in my head. What else could I do, I am an overthinker, you know.

Finally, I could hear her taking a deep breath and letting out the breath like she just gained freedom.

“I know this is much to ask from you… but I need a favor from you.” She finally spoke but her voice sounded hesitant. “I don't know if it is proper to be asking you for this favor.”

I'm sure she could also hear the loud growl from my stomach. “Come on auntie Ava you know I will do anything for you.” I replied to her and I mean what I said to her, “Tell me, what is it? what favor do you need?”

She took one last deep breath before speaking. “Jenny, IneedyoutohelpmesearchforDaniel.” She said everything at once almost with uncertainty in our tune.

I couldn't comprehend what she said, “Come again Aunt, I didn't hear you properly.”

She hesitated before repeating those words again, this time slowly. “I need you to help me find Daniel.”

I must have heard her wrongly. My heart froze at the instance of hearing what she's requesting of me. “I'm sorry Auntie, I must have heard you wrongly.” I replied try not to sound rude.

I hate how my voice sounds, faint and brittle.

“No Jenny, you didn't,” she sighed tiredly.

The warmth from the blanket now feels cold, creeping into my bones. My hands were trembling and I couldn't hold the phone to my ear properly.

“You want me to help you find Daniel?” I asked, feeling the weight of mentioning his name.

Her breath felt exhausted, “Yes, Jenny.”

I took a deep breath and then released the air. “But…Aunt Ava,” I began but hesitated for a moment. “I should be the last person in this world who you should be asking to look for Daniel.” I said without knowing the reason why she wants me to look for him.

I close my eyes, trying to imagine and process everything that is happening right now. I know Aunt Ava loves me and I promise I will do anything for her but the last person who I should get involved with is, Daniel.

“Maybe I shouldn't be asking you but…” her voice sounded defeated.

“No no no…. Aunt.” I quickly stop her mid sentence. “It's just that…”

“Your uncle and I can't find him.” Her voice sounded broken. It's been 11 years now but to her Daniel is still special to her he's the boy who fought back her family for wronging her.

“I don't get it?” I said. “I mean, I don't understand.What do you mean you can't find him?” I didn't want to intrude too much but the curiosity in me made me ask without hesitation.

“You haven't forgotten what today is right? Jenny.”

I tried to scramble my brain to remember anything. “Today is Tuesday,” I mumble softly. And that's when it clicks I quickly glance at the calendar on my wall.

Oh s*** It's April 27. My chest tights, I shouldn't have forgotten or maybe I just didn't care.

I cleared my throat, “Yes I remember Aunt.”

She took a deep breath again before speaking, “He left the kid with us yesterday and said he'll be back but up till now he hasn't returned.” she said and paused for some moment as if trying to summon more courage. “We have been trying to reach him on the phone but it is switched off. We have tried everything possible to reach him yet no words.”

Now, I am speechless. I don't even know what to say.

“Today is…I know it's been difficult for him, especially for the kid who just turned six years old.” She said and I could feel the pain and worry in her voice. “I'm very worried now, Jenny.”

I felt pity for her and I could feel how worried she was, but Daniel… Daniel is the last person who I would ever want to cross paths with. I've already made a promise to myself to have nothing to do with him ever since you got married to Lilian.

It will be pointless to try and convince him of my feelings. After all, he hates me and I'm sure the hate he has for me, even his enemy doesn't deserve that hatred.

“What about his friend Marcus?” I asked with a trembling voice. “He should know something about him. Have you tried to reach him?”

“We reached out to him earlier today but he couldn't give us any concrete answer. The address he gave us all led to a dead end.” She answered. “By the way he isn't even in the city, so there's nothing much he could do.”

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and then opened it. There is one last straw for me to use just to avoid myself from being the one to go find Daniel. “Have you called Mary? She is his sister. She should know his whereabouts.” I offered with a weak voice.

“She was the first person that will reach out to but her phone was switched off too. We couldn't reach her.”

That's it, I have exhausted every single option to avoid getting involved in this search party. By the way we spoke last night with Mary and she told me she'll be with her boyfriend. So if her phone is switched off then it means everything is going on well.

“You are the only person I know who could help us now Jenny,” she began to speak and I could feel the tears in her voice as she spoke. “You know him quite well more than anyone.”

I'm tired and confused, this is Auntie Ava, I can't reject her favor but I wanted to say no to her. I have already promised not to entangle myself in anything related to Daniel Brooks ever again not after he shattered my heart.

I tried to think of all the excuses in this world to give to Auntie Ava but each time I tried, I hit the blank page and I couldn't come up with anything.

“Please Jenny, I know this is not the best time for me to ask you such a favor but just this one last time, help me. I am worried about him.” The pain and sadness in her voice made me weaker and all my defenses just got infiltrated.

“I will Aunt Ava but I just don't know what to say to him when I eventually find him. It has been years since we last spoke to each other.” I murmur.

“I know but just try for my sake please, for the sake of the kid.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and let it out rubbing the back of my cat.

“Okay,” I finally replied, feeling defeated. “I will find him.”

“Thank you, Jenny.” She appreciates it and I could feel the relief in her voice.

It

was worth it after realizing how satisfied and happy she feels. But I have a deep feeling that meeting Daniel won't go well.