A Deal With The Billionaire

EPISODE HUNDRED AND FOUR

THEME: Raven’s Loneliness

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK CITY.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Raven caressed Rowan’s hair as he munched on the cereal with delight at the small dining table. He had been awake by the time she returned from the store. He had gotten her message and stayed put just as she told him. He had kept himself busy by whiling away time on his iPad. Rowan had always been a good and reliable kid.

Raven’s eyes watered as she watched her son feed his mouth and also feed his eyes with the cartoon he was watching.

“Can you clean up yourself Rowan?” She asked him, dropping her hands from his hair.

Rowan nodded. “I can mom. I do help grandma with her dish chores most times too.”

Raven smiled, bending next to him. “And why is it most times and not every time?” She teased.

“Cause a boy gets busy with homework, games, painting and so much more.” Rowan listed these things with his hands.

“I see someone has got his hands full.” Raven praised her son as she ruffled his hair.

Rowan grinned in response as he returned his gaze back to the iPad screen. Raven couldn’t be more grateful for the child she birthed. Ever since the surgery and him getting told not to indulge in athletic activities, Rowan had deviated into another interesting field. He draws and paints athletes on the field, then with the help of Eva and his friends at school they make conversations between them. Hope, James, Ava and Ashley’s kids always made it a point of duty to indulge him whenever he was at their house. To make him more delighted with his new decision, Christopher had bought him a soccer game box for children.

Remembering the Crawfords and how much they have become part of her and her son’s life, it made her heart ache not just for her but for Rowan’s little mind. He thought he had found a new family but they were already getting apart before starting.

Raven sighed as she pulled at his hand. “Rowan, baby.” She called him.

Dragging his eyes away from the screen reluctantly, Rowan stared at his mother. “Yes mom.”

“Do me a favor baby, do not call grandma or anyone till I tell you to do so. Can you do that for me?” Her eyes pleaded.

Rowan thought for a moment, it seemed like he was about to ask his mother a question but he thought otherwise. “Ok mom. Whatever you say.” He nodded.

Raven kissed him. “Thanks my baby. I would be in the room, let me know if you need anything.”

“Alright mom.” Rowan replied.

Raven checked the front and back door again to be certain they were bolted right before she headed to one of the rooms. She had chosen the one that could contain both hers and Rowan’s things. She didn’t want to be too forward and get too comfortable in someone else’s house.

Dropping herself face down into the bed, she screamed till the noise choked her. Rolling onto her back as tears dropped from her eyes.

Fate was definitely having fun tossing her around. Raven was just still disturbed due to the situation of her relationship with Christopher. And Jacob had to show his bloody face when he was least needed. How unlucky could she get?

Raven pulled at her hair violently as she wanted to rip something off so bad. Her hair wasn’t an option as the hard tug made her scalp ache. She stood up from the bed and dragged herself to the floor.

The urge to call Christopher and hear from him nagged at her so bad. She had his contact saved in her head, even though she had deleted every of their contact. She could read his number out by heart.

Tears dropped from her face, holding her knees tightly to her chest as she felt all alone. She thought of calling Tiana but then thought otherwise. Checking the time she noticed Tiana would probably still be at work. In an instant her phone rang consistently. Checking the caller it was Tiana. Raven smiled and cleaned up her face before picking up.

‘Are you a mind reader or is it that we are connected by heart?’ She teased.

‘I would choose both. I’m really good at popping up at the right time.’ Tiana responded.

‘Shouldn’t you be working?’

Tiana groaned. ‘I am working but can’t a lady get some break. l?’

Raven laughed. ‘How many breaks do you need before getting to work?’

‘As much as I can get. You not being here for just two days has had me loosing my sanity.’ Tiana lamented.

Raven’s smile faltered at that. ‘How is the restaurant?’

‘Fine. Allen says you can return to work whenever you deem fit. I had to make him bend his neck before he gave in.’ She laughed. But Tiana paused when Raven didn’t respond to her joke. ‘What happened Raven?’

Raven felt the tears sting her eyes again as she had been awaiting the question like her life depended on it. ‘I saw Jacob and he wants to meet Rowan.’

There was a rumble at the other side, like Tiana had fallen off wherever she was sitting. ‘Stop playing!’

‘I am not joking Tiana.’

‘How did he turn up in Brooklyn? Has he been stalking you?’

‘Not that, he is here on some sort of contract. We only got to meet coincidentally. Seeing him only adds to my misery. I don’t know what to do Tiana.’ Raven wailed.

‘Calm down Raven. Breathe ok, take a deep breath.’ She imitated her. ‘There you go. Don’t get too worked up.’

‘What do I do Tiana?’

Tiana went silent for a minute. ‘Maybe it’s time to let Rowan know his father.’ She said in a low tone.

‘Tiana!’ Raven exclaimed. ‘How can you say that? He had denied the boy before he was even born and had never showed his face up until now! How do I let such inconsiderate and selfish person into my son’s life?!’

‘Calm down, it’s gonna take some time. But you would surely handle it. Let Rowan decide if he needs to keep the man in his life or not. Do you want to tell him how he had been rejected by his own biological father? Do you know what that would do to him?’

‘But-”

Raven tried to argue but Tiana interrupted her. ‘No buts. You would have to let go of your own selfishness and anger for the sake of your child.’

‘I feel so alone Tiana. What did I ever do to deserve this?’ Raven said in a tight whispered.

‘Nothing at all Raven… nothing. Life just plays us like it wants… more like we are its play toy. But for every fall, you my friend will push through till the very end. You are stronger than you think Raven.’

Raven sniffed as the tears rocked her shoulders. ‘Thank you Tiana. Thank you so much.’

‘I am always here for you mama. Do well and come back home to me, I will always wait up for you.’

“Tiana!” Someone called Tiana from the background.

‘I really need to go now Raven, I would call you later.’

‘Ok Tiana. Bye!’ The call ended.

Raven felt a bit relieved from talking to Tiana. She decided to freshen up and also prepare dinner. Standing up, she felt a bit light headed and had to sit on the bed.

The whole room went round in circles for a second. After taking in deep breaths, she stood up again. This time it wasn’t so much like the first time.

“It must be the ride and long day I have had.” Raven muttered to herself as she headed to the bathroom.