A Deal With The Billionaire

EPISODE SEVENTY FIVE

THEME: Bottled up feelings

CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

Raven walked stealthily on the gravel floor towards her father’s grave with a heavy heart. She wasn’t exactly happy especially on a day like this. It was her father’s death anniversary. Aside that her heart ached for her failed love lives, it has been five days since she last set her eyes on Christopher and he also didn’t make any attempt to reach out to her.

It was obvious he didn’t care about how she felt. She had taken a day off work to pay homage to her dead father. It had become a yearly routine for her. When she was still little she and her mom came yearly to drop him flowers, but since she became a teen she had since been coming on her own.

Moreover, spending time in her father’s presence always brought solace to her. Sitting next to his grave, Raven placed the fresh Lily she had bought on her way coming on the engraved stone. Using her hands to wipe off a speck of dust, she caressed the inscription of his name.

“Hey Dad, it’s me.” Her voice broke at that and she didn’t prevent the tears from falling off. “How is it up there? I miss you.” She sniffed. “You know, most times I feel like if you were here a whole lot of things that have happened to me wouldn’t have occurred.” She sniffed again, sitting properly on her legs.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“You should see Rowan now dad. He is a big boy now and… mom always say that he is just as thoughtful and sweet as you are. I wished you are alive to see your grandson.” More tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Dad, I know you can hear me. How sweet would it have been if you could respond to me. I feel like my love life is a total mess, or is it just me?” The tears were uncontrollable now.

“I can’t help to feel like there is something wrong with me dad and it hurts. It hurts so bad. Of all things Jacob left me to watch over a child all by myself and now Christopher doesn’t even want to see me. I can’t seem to understand it all and I am tired dad really tired.” Raven cried bitterly as she let out all the emotions she had been storing up in her mind.

It had been long since she had such space and time for a loud cry without worrying about anyone seeing her disheveled. She felt sad, however a light comforting breeze blew over her. Sighing deeply, Raven felt at ease since a long while. Letting out a light smile, she whispered. “Thanks Dad. it’s always a pleasure coming here.” She muttered.

She looked around before her gaze glanced down to check her wristwatch. “Oh my God, how long have I been out?” She threw the question at no one in particular.

Raven dusted herself. She blew a kiss at her father’s grave. Turning her back, she began to move away from his grave when her phone rang. It was Tiana.

‘Hey mama. Did I call at the right time?’ She asked.

Raven chuckled. ‘Yes, you did Tiana. How is the restaurant?’

Tiana groaned. ‘Urrrgghhh can you like forget the restaurant for a day and think about yourself?’

‘It is like an habit but I will try.’

‘Please do.’

‘Yes ma’am.’ She giggled.

Tiana lowered her voice. ‘How are you feeling now?’

‘Better I guess. It always feels good being in my dad’s presence.’

‘So, are you coming to mine place or your mom’s place for today?’

‘I will go to mom’s place. I intend to get them some groceries. Thanks so much Tiana.’

Since her encounter with Christopher, she had been going back and forth, spending time with her family and friend till late night between her mom’s place and Tiana’s place all in the name of avoiding him. But it has always been more of her friend’s place to avoid questions from her mother.

‘Ok then, we would meet at work tomorrow. Take care mama.’ Tiana said before ending the call.

Inhaling and exhaling, Raven got into her car and drove to a nearby grocery store to get few things for her mom and son. The last time she was there they still had groceries, however she wanted to distract herself and take as much time as she could to stay out away from the misery she had to face at home.

It took her only few minutes to get the groceries sorted, which actually didn’t sit right with her and she still had enough time to waste. She decided to drive her car around town for sometime while doing window shopping. For a long time she stood at a smoothie store thinking of how bad Christopher must be frustrated with her because he didn’t make any attempt to reach out to her. She had been mistaken when she thought he had a soft spot for family. Well since she wasn’t his family it was easy to hate her and not pay her any attention.

Raven was beginning to fall into the pit of sadness yet again, however she was quick to call herself back. None of her tears was worth shedding over a man. They weren’t worth all of the headaches that she had to endure because of them. After moving around town for a few hours, Raven realized it was almost night time. She got into her car and she drove to her mother’s house.

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THE MCKENNA’S HOME

“Mom!” Rowan called out in excitement as he sighted her.

Dropping the groceries she had in hand on the table, she hugged him to herself. “How is my handsome champ doing? I have missed you so much son.” She cooed.

Sliding out of her hold, he made a face. “You saw me two days ago mom but you sound like we haven’t seen each other since ages.” Rowan said to her.

Raven stared at her son in amusement. “Wow look who has grown so much.” She teased, tickling him and causing him to laugh loudly.

“Hey there, Raven.” Eva greeted as she walked into the kitchen.

“Hi mom, how are you doing?”

“I am fine dear. Christopher called to ask after you this afternoon. It seems like he needed to reach out to you so bad.”

Raven’s heart leaped at the thought of Christopher asking after her. He obviously wanted to be certain she hadn’t eloped and breached the contract.

“Oh thanks mum.” Raven replied.

Eva observed her daughter’s countenance. “Is everything okay, Raven?” She asked.

Raven feigned an happy smile. “It’s all good mom. But you know today was dad’s anniversary and since I needed to be alone with him so I had to switch off my phone.” She responded.

“Ok then, I think you should go to Christopher and have dinner with him. He might be expecting to see you soon.”

“Hmm.” Raven mused as she bit on her tongue hard, fighting off the urge to blurt out how she was feeling and how scared she was to be in his presence.

What if he wanted to murder her in cold blood? Horrible thoughts flooded her mind.

“Won’t you both mind having dinner with me? I could make some pasta.” Raven offered. She didn’t want to leave yet.

“We are fine mom.” Rowan Interjected. “I and grandma already decided to have a movie night and order some chicken or pizza.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Raven said, wishing she could be with the both of them for the whole night.

“Yes dear, don’t worry about us. Please go home, Christopher might be worried sick about you.” Eva told her.

Raven moved to kiss the both of them. “Alright mom thanks.”

“I love you mom! Bye!” Rowan waved at her as she walked out of the house.

Kicking at her car in frustration she screamed loudly when she got inside the car. Raven checked the time as she hoped badly that Christopher wouldn’t be back from work and even if he was back she wished he would be in his room. But, judging by the routine they had both kept to for the past couple of days, she felt he might and should be in his room. And with that in mind she drove home.

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