Life

Episode 10

Josh was beginning to get home early because of Gavin and the boy seemed to be warming up to him slowly. He was frustrated but Demi told him to give the boy time.

After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was their father and son relationship going to skyrocket after years of neglecting him.

But when he started noticing his son brought home more bible puzzles and he even had a picture bible and paintings which he had taken time to draw himself, he was furious knowing his suspicions about his extra classes were not mainly educational.

They were religious too and he was bound to sue whoever was filling his child’s head with fallacy and myths when he was supposed to be getting more acquainted with things fit for his age.

He even requested for bible stories before bed time, and when his aunt sat on the rocking chair to hear him read, he read from the Bible, not very clear, but he had improved.
This was getting unbearable.

He knew Demi was not responsible for this, most especially when she had been here with them a long while and nothing like this came up and he’d strictly warned her against it in the past.
Now that it came up, someone else had kindled the fire and Demi was making it burn.
He wanted to take his son out with his girlfriend Jasmine but when he told him he had extra classes with his class teacher which he wasn’t going to miss for the world, and he couldn’t bear it anymore.
His girlfriend walked into his office and planted a wet kiss on his lips. For a while he got lost till it became intense and he had to stop remembering His son’s teacher had requested to see him today by 1pm
This was just 12 o’clock and he didn’t want to get carried away as usual.
“honey.’’ He coaxed when he had broken free. ‘’I have to be see my son’s teacher by 1pm and I don’t wanna miss it this time.’’
“it’s okay.’’ She smoothened her dress. ‘’We can get back to what we started after the game right?’’
“yeah, of course.’’ He was the one who kissed her this time. ‘’you can even come along with me.’’
“you think it’s a good idea?’’
“well, what other way to let the kid know how serious our relationship is?’’
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“you think he’ll show up?’’ Gavin asked Scarlett looking hopefully into her eyes.
She squatted before him and held his face in his hands. His father must be a loser if he didn’t know what he had in Gavin. So talented and gifted and yet so soft inside, like a vulnerable flower.
He’d tried to protect it by looking stubborn and hard on the outside but God had helped her get across to reach him.
“He will show up. let’s hope He will.’’
“I wont mind y’know if he doesn’t show up.’’
Scarlett smiled sadly. ‘’Gav, you have to let your father know the truth about all of this and those classes we’ve been having together after school. You have to let him know I was the one who volunteered and the school doesn’t have a hand in this.’’
“and If I don’t?’’
“it means you’re lying, and God doesn’t tolerate lies.’’
“my Dad is a lawyer, and he might take you to court if he finds out the truth.’’
Wow..it was amazing how fast the boy could pick up things so easily within how many weeks.
Imagine if he’d been left without proper attention and She thanked God once again.

“hey…’’ she raked her hand through his hair lovingly wishing she already had one of her own. ‘’we’re adults, and we’ll settle it like one okay?’’
He had a worried look on his face and Scarlett felt fear rise up within her at the thought of her facing a tough and strict lawyer who was ready to take her to court for trying to feed his son something he so readily antagonized.
“I believe you.’’ He finally succumbed and she drew him into herself. He returned the embrace and beamed at her just before presenting a red rose to her.
“for me?’’
He smiled shyly. ‘’I love the color of your hair. Maria thinks it’s out of this world.’’
Maria was the girl he had begun talking to in class.
“why thank you Gavin’’ she touched his cheeks and hugged him again wishing Gabe could be here right now to see this beautiful child whom she had fallen in love with.
“I’m gonna be six in June.’’ He smiled and she laughed excitedly. ‘’really?’’
“yup.’’
“that’s great!’’
“Gavin?’’
Gavin recognized his father’s voice and tightened his grip on his teacher. Scarlett understood at once and prepared herself for the worst.
“Mr. Riley..’’ she breathed in and turned immediately to face her student’s father once and for all.
She retreated and swallowed unable to look away.
She stood petrified hoping it was some sort of false illusion
“Josh?’’ she squeaked.
“Scarlett?’’ he squinted and on full realization of who it was, he gulped. ‘’Scarlett Ruby’’
“you know each other?’’ Gavin broke into their palpable tension.
A short laughter escaped his throat and didn’t take his eyes away from her. ‘’yeah. Back in high school.’’ He kept staring at her till she blushed but his eyes went to her hair instead.
It amazed him that she was still capable of blushing when he looked at her.
“what happened to your hair?’’ That huge curly hair she had back in high school had been a sort of weakness for him, accompanied with her green eyes. In the past, he’d raked his hands through it when kissing her and loved the feel of it.
But now, what she had was a short and straightened red hair that made her look like one of those models on the runway.
“long story.’’ She replied nervously and kept trying to look away while tapping her fingers nervously on her skirt.
“you look stunning.’’ He commented when he saw how slim she had become and how her oval face still had that rosy cheek he’d always admired whenever she blushed.
And her eyes, oh her eyes, he could look into them now since her walls had been broken. She wore contacts but he could recognize the beauty in those eyes any day any time.
“you’re not bad yourself.’’ She responded noticing the difference between now and high school. Goodness, even in his plain white shirt and blazer, one could tell he worked out pretty good and the shirt seemed to be tight against his body frame. His hair was still dark and thick as usual, tousled casually but looking neat enough.
Even in his casual outfit, she could tell he was a well to do man and full of style who had women at his beck and call.
She was so out of his league, just like high school.
Why did everything seem to be happening so fast after how many years she’d tried to forget everyone in her past?
He laughed revealing a perfect set of white teeth. ‘’wow!, it’s a small world afterall. Who would have known I would be meeting Scarlett Ruby after 10 years she disappeared and forgot all about me.’’
She swallowed unable to defend herself.
He knew he was making her uncomfortable but he didn’t back down and his eyes didn’t waver from her either ‘’I see you’ve met my son so no need for further introductions.’’
‘yeah, Gavin is a great kid.’’ She managed to say wondering how early he had gotten married and forgotten about her in time.
She was glad she had left when she did. Sheila had been right afterall, Josh never saw her more than a library friend.

“so, you teach in Sunnydale?’’
“you’re not gonna sue her Dad, are you?’’ Gavin blurted out worriedly.
His eyes twitched and a sly smile curved on his lips. He wondered How it would be to see Scarlett at his mercy just for a brief moment and waved it aside.
“no, why should i?, rather I’d like to have a conversation with her over dinner to get a better understanding of this whole parade.’’ He had his hands on his son’s shoulder.
“Gavin, why don’t you go and play outside while your father and I talk briefly.’’
“okay.’’ He mumbled and soon he was far away from them.
“Wow. It’s a small world after all isn’t it?’’ he started putting his hands into his pockets confidently and still looking at her
Scarlett felt hot and hoped he didn’t notice the effect he was having on her. gosh! This was horrible. She never expected to have any residue feelings for this guy who had only wanted to see her miserable through her high school years.
“yeah.’’ She swallowed and tried to laugh to ease the tension. ‘’so, how are you?’’
“I’m great, and I don’t need to ask much since it’s obvious you’re doing pretty fine. You’ve been doing pretty fine ever since.’’ His eyes went to the ring on her finger. ‘’and engaged?’’
“yeah, I’m getting married August.’’ She said almost immediately as if trying to assure herself more than him.
He raised an eyebrow. ‘’I see. He must be one lucky guy.’’ He knew she tried to avoid his eyes and enjoyed the fact that she wasn’t comfortable with his presence. She had to be uncomfortable! After all she’d put him through. After making him fall in Love with her and disappearing like it meant nothing to her. and now she had the boldness to tell him she was getting married in about five months time.
Well, he had tried getting married to Gavin’s mother, but their relationship never really worked and He had held on to make himself free of thoughts about her. at least, if it was an obsession, it would come to an end pretty soon but it really didn’t.
It was like she left a scar on him
And this time he wasn’t going to let her go so easily.
“what do you say about dinner tomorrow night where we can talk about this whole thing where my son is involved?’’
She gulped. ‘’I have plans.’’
“it can wait, right?…, I mean this is Gavin and I need to clarify somethings on his behalf and mine.’’
Scarlett wanted to yell at him and rain her fist on him till she was out of breath but managed to nod.
He hadn’t changed at all, and well, she was doing it for Gavin. Her dinner with Gabe would have to wait
“sweetie, is everything alright? Jasmine came from behind and snaked her hands around his waist as if Scarlett posed as a threat where her boyfriend was concerned. Scar saw the look and recognized it for what it was.
A sign of insecurity.
In places where Josh Riley was concerned, she didn’t care anymore. She could clutch him all she wanted. Her focus was on his son and her career.
“this is Miss Ruby, Gavin’s teacher.’’ He said quite uncomfortable that she still had her arms on his waist while Scarlett didn’t look the least surprised. “Miss Ruby, meet a friend of mine Jasmine Crane”
“how do you do?’’ Scarlett extended her hand to the pretty slim blonde and marveled that Josh didn’t even change in his taste for women.

The young woman received it and attached a false smile to her pretty face. ‘’Nice to meet you Miss Ruby.’’
“if you’ll excuse me.’’ She returned the smile and turned to leave unaware of Josh’s scrutiny on her whereas his girlfriend was fully aware that she nudged him back to the present.

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“I don’t think going out with him is a good idea Rea.’’ She began looking into the dressing mirror and afraid of the old feelings he’d awakened just by looking at her two days ago.
She felt like she was holding out on Gabe. Even when he called, she just told him she was having dinner with a child’s parent and it was no big deal. It was just a simple dinner about the boy and it was going to end in an hour or two.
She would call him before going to bed to assure him it was true.
But now, she was beginning to doubt and she took comfort in the fact that Gavin might be there and she was going to keep diverting the conversation back to his son if he tried to drift away.
“you take life too seriously honey.’’ Sue began working on her hair. She had been excited when Scar told her she would be the one to do her wedding make-up.
She was a nurse, no doubt, but she loved colors and fashion to the core.
“so what.’’ She continued unperturbed. ‘’He asks you about a past you two never had and you tell him right to his face what you think of him and how he treated you. He talks about suing you and you tell him you’ve got a good lawyer who’s got your back and if he threatens you because you’re trying to accelerate his son’s learning process, tell him to go to hell. That’s probably where he’ll end up anyway.’’
Rea and Scar opened their mouth agape and not long after, they broke into hysterical laughter.
“it’s the hormones.’’ Rea and Scar mouthed together and Sue shook her head in resignation since they were good at taking words from her mouth.
Rea looked at her through the mirror and their gaze locked. ‘’You don’t have to go if you don’t want to Scarlett.’’
Susan was quiet but paused on her hair raising her gaze to look at Scarlett too. ‘’she’s right y’know. I mean I don’t mean to intrude into your business but I just feel you might still have feelings for him and might give in if you’re not careful.’’
“and that’s why I have to see him tonight to get rid of those feelings or I’d end up not forgiving myself. And I have to stop thinking about silly feelings and talk about his son. Gavin is a promising child and I hate to think I would be responsible for any backlog he might have in future if I don’t talk to his father about it.’’
“okay.’’
In 30 minutes time she was ready leaving Rea and Sue to marvel at how she had turned out.

Even in her black dress, and heels, she looked amazing.
“I don’t know what you’re drinking girlfriend but it’s doing you real good.’’ Sue smiled
“is he coming here?’’
“yeah. I told him not to bother but he insisted.’’ And as if he heard their conversation, he pulled up in front of the house just in time.
“Just be careful okay.’’ Rea cautioned her friend and embraced her.
“I gotta run.’’ She kissed her new girlfriends and hurried to the door. She didn’t want him coming into her place and greeting her friends like he was some prince charming who was taking her on a date. He didn’t have the right to.
She was glad he didn’t whistle when she stepped out to meet him but just looking at him looking all cool and strikingly handsome in a tieless shirt and black blazer and black pants was enough to make her throat go dry and she obediently slid into his exotic ride.

Maybe ‘she’ should have done the whistling.

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For a while, neither said anything and stared at the menu. The restaurant looked expensive and exotic and she knew she could never come here on her own for a meal.
For a while, she got carried away by the exquisite meals on the menu and the way everyone looked so formal and she began to feel under-dressed although she doubted any other dress would be better.
This was her best dress.
“the 1986 vintage wine you asked for sir?’’ the waiter spoke courteously and revealed the bottle to him like it was a treasure hidden before placing it on the table
“thank you Ralph.’’ He smiled at him before ordering. Scarlett was a little intimidated but didn’t want to show it and so ordered for something she’d always wanted to try.
“you should know I don’t drink.’’ She told him point blankly
“oh really. Forgive my ignorance. I forgot I was talking to a missionary.’’ He teased
Scarlett felt hurt but she swallowed her pride. ‘’and do you have issues with missionaries Mr. Riley?’’
“and did I mention anything of the sort?’’
“Gavin is a good kid and a promising one in fact. One of the major reasons why I’m here.’’
“of course, but sweetheart, are we gonna miss out on all the fun because you wanna talk business, c’mon, let loose umm.’’
“there’s nothing to talk about Mr. Riley.’’
“oh, not even an explanation for why you left ten years ago without saying goodbye.’’ He blurted out before he could take his words back. He had been meaning to say it ever since but not before they had dinner.
“oh really, is it goodbye you want?’’ her voice was getting high but she didn’t care. ‘’well then, I guess this is it, goodbye.’’ She stood from her seat and walked out but that was before Josh ran after her and grabbed her to face him.

“and where are you going?’’
“home.’’ she tried jerking free most especially when his fingers seemed to send disturbing sparks up her arm.
“when we haven’t had dinner?’’
“I’m doing all I can to help Gavin Mr. Riley, why don’t you do the same by getting serious and facing the issues at hand.’’
“you ran from me didn’t you. You ran away because you felt I wouldn’t feel what you felt for me back in highschool.’’
Scarlett’s spat. ‘’oh you wish!”
“then why don’t you look at me in the eye and tell me what happened that made you leave everything. You didn’t even care about my feelings.’’
“ohh, you think YOU have feelings?’’ she didn’t like the feel of his body against hers and she tried creating a distance between them which was hard to do. ‘’the only feelings you ever had was for yourself and for your stupid team and your stupid girlfriend who made sure I got that into my thick skull, and I did thank you very much.’’
“You never told me anything…’’ he choked out
“I didn’t need to. I supposed you would find out yourself.’’
“And so, we can’t pick up from where we left off?’’
She scoffed. ‘’I see you already did that ahead of me Mr. Riley.’’
“you’re talking?!, you’re the one who’s getting married this summer!’’
‘’and you’re the guy who has his girlfriend sliding her arms around his body in inappropriate places.’’
“you’re jealous…’’ he smirked
“oh please!.., what do I have to be jealous of when I don’t even care what—
But she didn’t finish her statement as he crushed his lips on hers and she melted so easily like warm butter on bread. For a while she was lost in another world till reality dawned on her and she realized she didn’t want to let go because she was loving it too much and she hated herself for it.
She broke free and placed a hand on her lips that was already aflame with his kiss.
And then she hit him hard across the face and ran.
But that was before Josh saw her misty eyes