Where Memories Meet Tomorrow

Chapter 10 - The Game Of Moments

That morning, Jessica—Alex’s mom—called Mrs. Williams aside and explained everything: how Richard met Aunt Bola, how he borrowed a phone to call, and how it all led to the misunderstanding.

Later, Mrs. Williams called them out to talk.

As Richard explained the whole story of how he met his aunt, Mrs. Williams grew weak. She nodded silently through his words, but her mind was far away. What if they want to collect Richard from me? she thought. She loved him deeply—he had become her son.

Eventually, with a quiet sigh, she released their phones after they had finished preparing for school.

***

At School

Kate had a plan.

She wanted to create a moment between Richard and Lara - to stir something up. So, she handed a small food pack to Lara and asked her to deliver it to Richard. She knew he wasn’t playing football that day but would be watching near the field.

"He's probably around the field," Kate said. "Find him and give this to him."

Lara nodded and headed toward the field, holding the small bag. Just as she got close, one of the top strikers—Micheal—kicked the ball too hard and sent it flying off the pitch.

The ball was coming straight at Lara.

Just before it could hit her, Richard rushed in and blocked it with his body.

Gasps echoed around the field. Murmurs spread like wildfire through the school community.

"Are you okay?" Richard asked, gently brushing Lara's arm to make sure she was unharmed.

"Are you okay?" Lara asked back, her voice soft with concern.

"The ball hit—" she began.

"I'm fine," Richard cut in with a smile. "That's what matters."

As he glanced down, he noticed the bag in Lara’s hand.

"This bag...," he said, recognition flashing in his eyes.

"Yeah, it's your food," Lara replied, her heartbeat quickening. "Kate asked me to bring it to you."

Richard smiled. "Let’s eat together at the canteen."

"No, it’s your food," Lara said, a little flustered.

"Come on, let’s go," Richard said, gently taking her hand and pulling her along.

****

Elsewhere

Mr. Gabriel called Aunty Bola.

"I’m truly sorry," he began.

"I'm I Richard?" she snapped. "You’re sorry now?"

"I know it was my fault. I should’ve listened to you. I shouldn’t have dated Kayla."

"Now you know?" she said bitterly. "After she used you for her business?"

"I know."

"She duped and dumped you, Gabs."

"I know," he said solemnly. "Can I follow you to the house?"

"Don’t tell me you want to collect him back," she warned.

"No, I’m not. I just want to see him."

"Better," she replied.

"Can I?"

"You wish."

"Okay, thanks, sis."

****

“Can you really do this?” a voice asked gently.

"Babe, don’t whine me. We’ve talked about this," Mrs. Montgomery replied. "You want to take your son too, remember?"

"I know." the voice said- it was Mr George, Alex's father. "Are you sure you want to see him at school?"

"Yes," she said firmly. "I can’t face his foster mother, so I have to meet him myself."

As they pulled into Greenville College, Mrs. Montgomery stepped out of the car. One of the staff members led her toward the administrative office.