Anna.

CHAPTER 24

Marshall stifled a yawn bone tired but happy he had completed the day's work. He glanced at the rolex watch on his wrist and almost screamed it was almost 11pm he didn't realize the night was far gone while working. He packed up and made for the exist taking time to glance around the office most of his employees were already gone the few left bade him goodbye. His eyes looked for a certain person and when he didn't see her he sighed softly maybe she was home. He hadn't seen her all week and missed her greatly. It sucked big time having this unrequited love his head bent low he was almost at the driveway when someone stumbled into him.

Um am so sorry I wasn't looking.

Tiana he said holding her arms Christ just the sight of her lighted his whole day up. I haven't seen you in a long time how are you?

I am fine she stepped away from his arms and you?

Fine but it's better now I have seen you.

She attempted a smile but failed miserably. ok bye.

Wait he called after her are you gonna leave just like that?

What else do you want from me please let me go.

He stared at her face suddenly noticing her eyes seemed tired and face looks strained what could be causing her sleepless night he asked himself.

Tiana is anyone bothering you in the office?

No am alright.

You are clearly not fine what is the problem? he asked his voice rising.

It's nothing I said I am fine if anything you are the one bothering me she shouted right back at him but regretted it at the hurt expression on his face.

Marshall am sorry I didn't mean to yell it's just there's a lot happening that I don't want to talk about. I hope you understand.

He nodded at her apology are you almost done with your work?

No I still have a lot to tidy up.

I will wait here for you if you are done I will take you home.

But you are tired go home I will take a cab home.

It's too late am waiting here for you.

It will be a while before I will complete my work and people will gossip if they see you waiting for me.

No matter what you say I wouldn't budge it's nothing if my name is gossiped with or I can go in with you and help complete the work and we will head home.

No that's worse I earn my salary.

Then go inside and get to work am waiting here for you.

Okay if you insist but you really don't have to wait she said heading inside turning back she saw him settling one one of the chairs available at the driveway . she turned back to her direction sighing deeply and hoping he hadn't seen her starring.

"what was the matter with him how could he wait for her when he was clearly tired "

"What's wrong with her? Marshall muttered to himself what could be troubling her? well no matter what he will find out today and help solve the problem. He ganced at his watch it was midnight he made a mental note to implement a new rule the office should be closed by 10pm max.

Tiana hung her bag on her shoulder and existed the office knowing he had left but hoping he was was still there. she was stupid wasn't she the one that had wasted a lot of time in order for him to get tired and leave and here she was wishing otherwise.

Stepping out to the driveway and not seeing him she felt more alone she brought out her phone to call her cab man to pick her up.

Tiana you are finally here I thought you would never come out.

Marshall I thought you left already but you are still here she cried clearly surprised.

I thought that we agreed that I will wait for you.

Her smile shone brightly at him.

Come on let's get you home before your smile breaks the day.

She chuckled for the first time that day once they were in the car she turned to him thank you for waiting for me. I really thought you were gone.

You are worth waiting for and I will gladly wait any time any day.

Taken aback by his words her vulnerability surfaced tears pooled at her eyes and she bit her lips to stop them.

Tiana he called softly on seeing her eyes he pulled her to his arms and rubbed her back up and down like a child this caused her to cry harder. Ti what's wrong? you can share anything with me a problem shared is half solved.

She hiccuped a few times soaking in his words. it's my dad she tearfully muttered.

What's wrong with your dad?

He has cancer she cried burying her face deeper into his neck as though to hide from reality.

Christ I don't know what to say there must be some medical solution or something.

There is nothing the doctors can do he is dying and he is the only one I have left in this world. When my mum left us my dad worked his hands off so I can have a better life and now I haven't even repaid him back and now he is leaving me just like mum did back then.

Sshhh don't talk like that am very sure your father loves you very much and wouldn't want to leave you and as for every thing he did for you it's not a debt you can pay back okay. And I know a doctor that specializes in cancer cases he might be given an opportunity to a live more years stop crying.

Sniffing and gaining her equilibrium back she moved away from his arms. I am sorry I have created fountain around you.

Tiana it's okay how do you feel now?

I feel free though I am a little bit scared my heart is Unburnded now I have told you everything. I just dumped all my problems on you.

It's fine your problems are mine as your friend he added hastily on her expression.

Thank you so much I really appreciate your kindness towards me unable to help herself she went into his arms again and he held her tightly to himself.

I want you to know tiana I will always be here for you as a friend he added quickly again and they both laughed.

OMG I can't believe I am genuinely laughing again.

You should always smile and laugh and you will have a leave with a pay so you can be with your dad.

I don't know what to say you are a saviour thank you.

Promise me you will always pick my calls and keep me posted on every detail.

I promise I couldn't do this without you thanks a million times.

Dropping her off at her doorstep he kissed her forehead.

Good night and sleep tight don't cry anymore everything will be fine.

Thank you and drive safely.

Wow are you concerned about my well-being? he asked striking for a lighter mood.

Just go its late already and be careful.

He waited till she had gone inside before making his trip back home her scents filled his whole senses in the car. He wouldn't vaccume his car and probably wouldn't bath tonight he thought slyly. She will be fine he assured himself one more time.

* Shot for the moon if you miss you might hit a star.