Novel-novel oleh Sheila Blue

GLENDA'S POVONE WEEK LATER“Where is he? How is he?” Concern adorned my weary voice as my worried gaze rested on my brother-in-law.“He’ll live.” Sam said with a grin.Jane nudged him and gave him a warning glare. “Be serious for once! Don’t scare her with your silly jokes!” She reprimanded him.Sam pouted, but his eyes didn’t discard the mischievous glint they held. “I’m serious. I’m sharing good news.” He said with a shrug.Jane’s irritation at her husband stood up a notch. Her glares intensified. “Can’t you see that she’s worried?”Sam sighed resignedly. “I was only trying to lighten her mood.”“Well you’re doing a terrible job at it!”Sam raised his hands in surrender. He shifted and gave way for Jane to come closer to my gurney.Jane approached the bed with a sweet smile. “We came as soon as we heard. How are you feeling dear?” She helped adjust the gurney so my upper body was elevated. It gave me a better view.“I’m doing fine... Where is Maurice?" I asked again.It has been two

MAURICE'S POVBrian acted impulsively. That's what I thought and I couldn't resist the urge to scold him. He shouldn't have taken such a risky task upon himself. I was most certain that he had hurt himself, his hands were hurting and he was hiding it.“Scold me later, after we leave here.” He smiled at his deed, hiding his pain behind those genuine smile.I couldn't help but manage a half smile. He looked charming. Brian was a good boy. He just needed to be pointed in the right direction and I'm glad he found his way back home.I promised myself at that instance that things would be different from there on. He would be my son and I would be his father.I nodded for him to come along and went ahead with Glenda, expecting him to follow behind us. I had only taken a few steps when I heard the crash.I immediately turned around. “Brian!” I yelled, but it was already too late. “Dad.” He choked out in response. He blinked, sighed and seemed to relax. He looked calm, smiling up at me. As t

BRIAN'S POV“Elsa?” I asked him in surprise.It only meant Elsa had run after me when she couldn't stop me from going into the house. That crazy bitch!With everything that my father had told me, it was clear that she hadn't entered with good intentions. She must have sensed my intentions and she wanted to act ahead of me.She wanted to cement her plans, ensure everything happened according to how she wanted it. It was her house after all. She knew where she had left Glenda and could find her easily.Maybe it was a good thing she came in. This unit was large and finding my father and Glenda in this fiery mess was already proving difficult until I stumbled on the door, and heard the thudding coming from within. If she hadn't locked them in here, then maybe I would not have found them.I wanted to lift Glenda, carry her in my arms, but I thought against it and allowed my father to carry his wife.“I doubt that she's still in the building. Quick, let's get out of here.” I ordered and w

MAURICE'S POVA miracle did happen. Only it wasn't how I expected it.“Glenda!” I thought I was hallucinating someone calling Glenda. I braced myself. The thief had come. Death was near. It was so close, looming over us and breathing over my neck. I could feel it. But I wasn't scared. I wasn't afraid. I was ready for whatever was to come.“Glenda!” The call came again.My eyes flew wide open when I heard the second call. I was not hallucinating. I was not imagining things. Someone was indeed calling Glenda.Quickly, I raised myself from the forlorn stance I had assumed on the floor.My dead hope resurrected instantly. Someone was here. Someone had come for us.“Is anyone there? We are in here!” I yelled. My voice had become hoarse, dried from the smoke. I prayed whoever it was out there had heard me.“We are here!” I tried to increase my volume. I ended up wheezing from the strain.I guess my coughing gave away our location as I heard shuffling, then someone approaching.“Elsa?” I as

MAURICE'S POVHis reaction only confirmed my fears. Glenda was in that heat.I watched in horror as the flames grew taller into the sky. My breath hitched. My fears skyrocketed. Anxiety clothed my core. I was shaking with fright.That's when I caught sight of the approaching figure. A ray of hope stirred within me. Maybe. Just maybe.Brian strode past me like a zombie, his gaze set upon the fire like it was beckoning to him.Once the outline cleared to reveal Elsa, every ounce of hope and logical thinking within me vaporized.At that moment, nothing else mattered. Not Brian. Not Elsa. Not me. Only Glenda.I willed my legs to move and like a flash, I ran past Brian into the fire. The dense, hazy smoke welcomed me. Everything blurred in my vision. I squinted in an attempt to adjust to the smoky view.I squinted through the smoke and raised a hand to fan out the smoke. It didn't help to clear my view.“Glenda!” I called out. A raspy cough escaped my throat as the smoke filled my lungs.

BRIAN'S POVI caught a whiff of the familiar perfume as I entered the house. My heart began to beat at a double rate. My worst fears came alive when I stepped into the room to find it empty. Glenda was gone.“Shit! Shit!” I cussed and kicked.I exasperatedly ran a hand through my hair. Just when I had everything ready. When all my plans were ready and set. That sick bitch had to appear now. Why did I ever bring her here? What had I ever found attractive about that sick witch? I looked down at my crotch and cussed myself for my lack of control. But how could I have known then that this would come back to bite me in the ass? How could I have known that Elsa was as sick as the woman who birthed her?“Darn it!”Was this how all of my plans would be ruined? Would I not be able to protect Glenda? Would I allow Elsa and her mother to have the last laugh?No! I swore to protect Glenda and I would fulfill that promise.But where do I even begin to look for Glenda? Where could Elsa have taken

Jake and Sheena exchanged confused looks. What was Mirabel talking about? Their minds shared similar questions.'I need to tell you something about my father's death.' Mirabel announced.'What about our father's death?' Jake asked. They had moved to the study where they could converse in private. Sheena and Jake kept expectant eyes peeled on Mirabel.'I … I.-' she inhaled sharply before she continued. 'I know I've not been the best of persons but I'm working on myself. Hating the one man who had taken me in and had shown mercy on a lowly young orphan. I know now the old man loved me, loved us, even if he never showed it much. He's human after all and bound to make mistakes.' Mirabel swallowed before she began speaking again. 'I had always wanted him dead. Now that he's dead, I regret not having more time with him… I never had the courage to kill him even though I would have loved to, but I wouldn't have stopped anyone wanting to. This was before I knew the truth.''Mirabel, do you k

Sheena opened her eyes to bright blinding lights. She squinted trying to adjust her eyes to the lights, but shut them after an exhausting attempt. She let out a laborious breath so she could speak, but somehow, she didn't seem to find her voice. She felt parched, her throat overly dry and painful.She opened her eyes again, blinking severally to accommodate the light. After her success at it, she scanned the room. White pristine walls, huge beeping machines, a tray filled with medicines and needles. A hospital. It clicked. She was in the hospital.How did she get here? Memories of the previous day's event flood her mind as she wondered."Jake!" Was he okay? Did Damian shoot him too?Anxiety and fear hijacked every cell in her being. Her breathing hitched and she struggled to raise herself. The effects of the sedatives were still very much active, she felt dizzy but undeterred.'Hey! What are you trying to do?' The concerned voice filled the room as the intruder pushed the door hard,

'He didn't suspect a thing?' The skepticism in Jake's voice was evident.They had just finished making love. Sheena was resting her head on the muscled bare chest of Jake. She related her experience with Damian to Jake as she idly pulled on his chest hair, a sweet painful sensation for him.Sheena shrugged. 'I couldn't believe it myself. He just went to sleep without saying a word.''I think he is brewing something in that egregious mind of his. He can't be that collected after discovering you went out.' Jake spoke pensively. He paused weighing the possibilities before speaking again. 'And today?' He asked. 'Did he say anything to you today?''He left the house before anyone was up.' She raised her head to stare at him, studying his features. 'Maybe he's tired of paying me any attention. He's got too much trouble on his hand right now. You made sure of that… I don't think it's something to worry about.' She added.'I just have a bad feeling about this. It just doesn't seem right.' It

'I love you.' Jake whispered to Sheena as they lay on the large hotel mattress. His hand wrapped around her neck, he pulled her closer and planted a passionate kiss on her head.'I love you too.' Sheena replied and kissed him on his lips. She snuggled closer into his hold. Her desire to remain there glaring.Sheena and Jake have been meeting over the past few weeks. Sneaking in and out of hotels like teenage lovers. After that night at the Rollins house, it seemed as though they've never been more in love with each other. Always wanting to be near the other, making mad sweet love.'Hmm, delicious.' He said in reference to her kiss. He moved in to steal more kisses and Sheena laughed at his boyishness.'What?' He asked against her lips. 'You want it here?' He tickled her sides and she laughed harder. He nibbled on her lower lip as she laughed.'Or you want it here?' He trailed kisses down her neck and Sheena girlishily giggled. 'Or here?' He moved further down her breast and took a ni

'What do you want? Why are you here?' She turned to Mary. You let him into the house? 'Is he why you brought me here?' Sheena asked incredulously.'Please calm down, you're raising your voice. You'll make Damian come here ' Mary pleaded.'Let him come! At least, he'd get rid of this-' she eyes Jake in disgust, indecisive on what adjective to qualify him.'You'll wake up Jayden. Look at her, do you want to wake her?' Mary appealed to her reason and love for her child.Sheena turned her gaze to the bed and softened. Her anger rose again at the sight of Jake near Jayden. 'Get away from my daughter!' Sheena bellowed at Jake. She charged towards him and yanked his hand away from the child. She relaxed again as she watched the child. She smoothed her hand on the silk of Jayden's hair.The sigh of contentment and peace that escaped the child's lips, assured Sheena that everything was fine with Jayden and that she was only sleeping.Sheena bent over and kissed the top of Jayden's head before

Jake sat in the back seat of his car mulling over the events of the night. 'Drive faster.' He ordered his driver as he rested his head on the headrest, his face turned up staring at the roof of the car. He was thinking.'I can't. Damian keeps Sheena locked up like a prisoner. …It's difficult for me, even as her sister, to see her. We always have to sneak around to meet. …Sheena was waiting, waiting until you'll come to save her.'Elena's words played repeatedly in Jake's head like a mantra. Sheena had been suffering too, just like he suffered in jail. He shut his eyes tightly to drown out the pain, regret, and remorse he felt. He felt deeply foolish and sorry. He had wronged his woman. He had added salt to her painful wounds and he needed to tend to the wounds he had inflicted on Sheena fast.Regardless of the fact that Sheena didn't know that he thought so lowly of her, he still tortured himself for entertaining such thoughts about her. Jake wanted to meet Sheena so he could right

Ashley disengaged from the hug. She watched the intruder spy the hallway ensuring he wasn’t seen entering the room. Mr Knox turned, following Ashley’s gaze, he watched the sneaky behaviour of the grown man. Amusement danced in his eyes. “Aren’t you too old to be playing hide and seek?” DJ paused. Caught, he shut the door ignoring the loud groaning sound. Sheepishly, he turned to face them. “I just really wanted to see her.” He confessed, scratching the back of his head and hiding his face from the old man. In the heat of the whole situation, Mr Knox had instructed him not to go close to his daughter. But seeing him do this, somewhat softened his heart. Ashley fixed her eyes on DJ, smiling at his awkward stance. “Come in.” She sounded excited. “I guess that’s my cue to leave.” Mr Knox said, rising from the bed. “No no sir. I could come back.” “It’s fine. I was leaving anyway.” Knox responded, not missing the tingle of excitement in Ashley's voice. He turned to her and spoke i

Pamela helped Ashley sit up. She worked the adjuster on the gurney to allow Ashley to get into a very comfortable position. “Thank you.” Ashley rasped. “How long have I been out?” “Only two days.” “Two days is a long time.” “You've been out for longer. I think you're improving.” Ashley chuckled, wincing as the action jolted pain through her. Pamela smiled at her. “Easy.” Ashley looked around. “I thought my dad was here. How is he? Was he injured?” She had seen Mr Knox when she had groggily opened her eyes earlier. Now she began to wonder if it had only been a dream. Pamela shook her head. “He was here and he's not wounded. He's talking to the doctor. He'll be back shortly.” Ashley looked over herself. Except for the IV feeding her veins, she had no wounds. Pamela sat beside her. She placed her palm over Ashley's hand. Reading the question on Ashley's mind, she spoke. “You weren't shot. You fainted from the shock, coupled with the stress from the days before.” Ashley sq

Mr Fox’s behaviour set off suspicion in Helen. Something was off. She sensed it. Her instincts never stirred her wrong.Helen looked straight into his eyes, noting the secret he was failing desperately to hide. “You know.” It was a statement. She wasn't asking him.Helen glanced over to her sister. “You told him, didn't you?”Mrs Fox parted her lips and silence spilled through. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what her sister was talking about either.“You just couldn't keep your damn mouth shut! You had to tell him!” Helen piped.“I- I didn't…” Mrs Fox tried to defend.“She didn't tell me anything. I walked past Rachel's old room and I overheard them talking. You murderer!” Helen’s gaze shifted to Mr Fox's face. She stared intently at him. Her eyes grew large as realization set in. “You called the cops.”She yanked her arm free from his hold and tried to scurry away. Mr Fox followed in pursuit and grabbed her hand again. This time, more fiercely. “I'm sick and tired of

Mrs Fox made dinner. As much as they pretended it didn't exist, the tension in the air was intense, hot and piping. Helen stepped out of the guest room to find Rachel and Mrs Fox at the table. Rachel and her mother exchanged nervous glances. Mrs Fox smiled awkwardly at her sister as walked into the dining room. “You freshened up.” Mrs Fox stated. “Yes. The water was warm and refreshing.” Helen replied. She didn't mix the secret communication shared between mother and daughter. She passed a look to Rachel. “Rachel, how are you feeling?” Helen's question had more to it than her mere words. Rachel, like the child Helen remembered, responded in a small voice. “Better Aunt.” Helen lifted her gaze to her sister. Mrs Fox shifted nervously. “I gave her some medicine for the fever.” “That's good.” Helen glanced over the table. “This looks delicious.” She commented, pulling her seat closer and setting herself to feast. The half-baked smile formed over Mrs Fox's face again. “Thank you

Thomas walked down the hospital hallway towards Pamela and Mr Knox. Pamela jolted up from her seat to meet Thomas. Mr Knox remained seated. His face, sad, dull and crestfallen. He seemed to be spending a lot of time in the hospital. Having just left here himself, he was back here again for his daughter and friend. Thomas hugged Pamela and gently kissed her forehead. “Mr Knox.” Thomas greeted the older man. Mr Knox acknowledged his greeting with a nod, and then continued staring at the door opposite him. Thomas pulled Pamela two feet away. “How is Ashley?” Thomas asked Pamela in a low tone. “She’s fine. She’s responding to treatment. The doctor said she needs a lot of bed rest.” Pamela glanced pitifully at Mr Knox. “But Dr Tony isn't doing well.” She added in a sympathetic tone. “Do you think this is a good time to talk to him?” He followed her gaze, glancing over to Mr Knox before returning to looking at her face. “Talk to me about what?” Mr Knox answered. Startled, they slowl

“Helen?” Mrs Fox furrowed her brows in surprise as she answered the door. “Rachel?” The surprise on her face deepened when she saw her daughter follow behind her sister. “Where are you two coming from?” she looked behind them expecting another guest. “Did Bruce come to see you?” She asked, recalling Bruce had come in a frantic search for Rachel. And the last time she spoke to Rachel over the phone, they had decided to fix things together. Rachel froze. A tremor overtook her. She tried futilely to still her shaking body. The bloody image of Bruce materialized before her. “Rachel, are you alright?” Mrs Fox asked in concern. She shut the door in a haste and was quickly by Rachel's side. Her protective hand draped over her daughter. She passed a look to Helen for some sort of explanation. “Rachel is unwell.” Helen offered. “Oh my!” Mrs Fox placed her palm over Rachel’s forehead. “You’re burning up!” Rachel could only shiver. The fever and the shock had her tongue tied. Docilely, s