CHAPTER THREE
Daddy's girl!
The morning birds chirped softly at the window as the first rays of sunlight seeped into the room, lightening up the bedroom.
Janice yawned and stretched as she lazily got up from the bed. She rubbed her bleary eyes and walked to the window.
Clean morning fresh air hits differently!
The fresh flowers in the vast dampened with humidity and she sniffed.
She washed her face and brushed her teeth languidly as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror: Her hair was dishevelled, sleep bags underneath her eyes, and sleep marks decorated her cheeks. She heaved a long deep sigh as she continued to stare at her reflection.
How does it feel to be the only child? This question constantly wounds her whenever she ponders on it. After losing her mother and supposedly younger brother that didn't even have the chance to catch a glimpse of this world, she was left with only her father. He'd give her everything she could ever ask for-the world becomes boring to her. Nothing excites her anymore. She could get anything
But now is different.
She could not get him or so she thought. He's proving too stubborn to handle and this ticks her off more than anything.
He had the gut to disappear and then suddenly shows his face. The nerve! The whole thing took her aback which was the reason she concocted a white lie so she could get away from there as soon as possible. It was a ticking time bomb for her.A sad realization suddenly hit her as she registered the thought in her head:
She couldn't handle it, she couldn't handle him
Isn't it laughable? The mighty Janice Jordan A.K.A drop-dead gorgeous everything I say goes.
What has happened to her?
She sauntered down the stairs to the kitchen. The tantalizing scent of scrambled eggs, toast and vegetables welcomed her. The maid was busy preparing breakfast when she sensed her presence, she turned and muttered greetings with her head slightly bowed.
Janice answered curtly and waved her hands at her, urging her to continue her work.
The polished light beige marble tile floor reflected the pendant's light; The large brown cabinets, granite worktop, the modern kitchen technologies and appliances all gave the kitchen a distinct aesthetic style.
She opened the double door fridge and grabbed a chilled orange juice. She poured herself a glass and gulped it down.
I will drop by tomorrow... his words suddenly rung in her head. That's right! Drake said he'd drop by the house today.
Come to think of it, when she informed her Dad last night about Drake's he just dismissed her fusses and said:" I always knew he'd come back. That boy just needed some time off. But it's sad about his mother though".She clucked her tongue still lost in her thoughts when she heard footsteps in the dining room. That must be Dad.
She strutted to the dining room and gave her Dad a soft kiss on his cheeksHis expensive navy blue customized well-tailored suit smartly fitted him. His sleek Louis Vuitton shoes sparkled underneath his well-ironed trousers.
"Good morning Dad," she mumbled.
"Sweetie hope you had a good night's sleep?" He said brushing his lips on her forehead in return.
"Yeah," she said airily
They both sat at the dining table just in time for the maid to emerge from the kitchen to serve breakfast. She gently placed the trays across the table and served the brewed coffee.
"thank you, Abigail," Mr Jordan said as he neatly placed the napkin on his shirt.
The maid bowed slightly and then disappeared into the kitchen.They began eating in silence.
"How's the company going Dad? Is everything fine?" She said, breaking the silence.
He munched a bit then dabbed his mouth with the napkin.
"Well, it's been going great so far darling. It's just the pressure mounting on me lately." He grunted softly.
"Oh daddy please take it easy. I'm sorry I can't be of use to you." Janice said almost dewy-eyed as she reached for her father's wrinkled hand and gave it a gentle squeeze with a wide smile plastered on her face.
His grip was firm and imploring as he held on to her slender small hands in his.
"Says who? Honey, you're amazing and you can do this trust me."
Janice groaned and rolled her eyes knowing where this conversation is headed.
"Dad can we please not talk about this again? Besides, you would run late for work" she withdrew her hands from his grasp.
"Honey you keep evading this topic anytime I bring it up. This...company is what is holding this family together-for generations! It's our trademark. Therefore we can not afford to just whisk it away. You need to learn Jane because you will be in my stead someday. Do you understand?" He said, giving off the stern look. His hazel eyes never left hers during the conversation.
Janice lowered her eyes to her unfinished breakfast that have now gone stale. After a couple of minutes of utter silence, She simply nodded slowly.
Her father sighed and drew closer to her, his hands gently rubbing her young shoulders.
"Look at me sweetie, I've always wanted the best for you. Always. And you know that. After your mum passed away..." He paused to gather himself as his voice was almost breaking.
"Well, it was a devastating moment for us. I do not wish to relive it. What I'm saying is, I know you're still trying to get over it. I miss your mum badly and I know you do too but she's not coming back, Jane. I know she'll always be here with us. So you need to make her proud. She believes in you and so do I. I know you've always loved fashion that's why I gave in to your demands and got your fashion store all set up for you. But who will lead the company when I'm no more? You really need to think about this. I will leave it here for now. I have a business meeting by 10, I better hurry."
He pecked her on her forehead.
"That's my little girl. I love you." He whispered sweetly in her ears which caused her to giggle sheepishly. Her Dad always has his ways of waking that little girl in her. Always her Daddy's girl.
"I love you too Dad"
He retrieved his coat from the rack. He paused then jerked his head toward her.
"Are you staying in today?"
"Sure. My store assistant has everything under control. I-I just need a break." She said, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, wondering why her father suddenly inquired. As if she got the big question mark written all over her face, Mr Jordan simply chuckled then said:
"I see. My regards to Drake whenever he comes. I will have a word with him in due time. Have fun".
He hurried down the stairs, leaving the flustered Janice whose cheeks have now turned pink. His shoes stomped the floor as he went. In a few seconds, she heard the car tires screech and zoomed out of the compound.
CHAPTER FOURThe past isn't far off from the presentThe Vroom of a motorbike suddenly jarred her from her daydream as she slouched on the rocking armchair beside the fireplace in the living room.She gently rubbed her eyes and peered through the window. Drake parked his bike in the garage, raking his fingers through his wind-blown sandy hair as he walked up to the front door.At once, the doorbell rang. Abigail appeared from the bedroom, she squinted through the peephole and announced that she had a visitor. Only that he is no visitor. She needs to change into something more befitting than her nightgown. She signalled for her to let him in and that she would join him in a bit as she scurried across the living room to the stairs.Abigail nodded. The doorbell rang again. The door clicked open. He heaved a sigh and then stepped in.The living room was massive with a touch of Victorian decor which gave off an austere elegance. The tall ceilings were decorated with traditional crystal ch
CHAPTER FIVEThe horse keeperThe fiery ball in the sky shone relentlessly as they trudged to where the stables were stationed. their boots sank into the soft mound of dirt as they went. Drake paused and cocked his head toward her, his wary eyes softened with worry. It was about five miles from the main compound. The wasteland was very massive about forty-six centimetres acres. A steady rhythm pounded his temples."You okay?" He inquired in between pants.She simply nodded, gasping for breath. Phew! It's been ages since she was at the stables.She placed her hand on her chest. She could feel the rapid thudding. She has to continue. She doesn't want to leave the impression that she's some spoilt twerp who can't even go for a walk."If you need some time to rest just say so. But we will be there in no time. Say about five minutes more" He glanced at his wristwatch and then back at her through squinted eyes."N-No! I'm good. Let's continue" She shook her head frantically.What's she tr
CHAPTER SIX*Where is my daughter?!*"What?! How did that happen?" Mr Jordan's desperate voice boomed across the show glass of his well-polished office. His PA stood concerned by his side. His temples crinkled with alarm."Okay. I will be coming over immediately!"In a minute, He slammed the phone on the desk and ran out of the office without glancing back. The sleek black luxurious Benz was already waiting for him in the parking lot. The bodyguard dressed in a black suit held the door open for him as Mr Jordan rushed in. The pA was already on his tail and all he did was signal for him to wait for his commands as the tinted window of the car wound back up and the car zoomed out of the compound with urgency. *************Drake was pacing to and fro the waiting room in the hospital corridor, his hands raking through his dishevelled wind-blown hair, beads of sweat greased his temples. How did this happen?When he found her she was lying motionless behind the rock, downhill.She must
CHAPTER SEVEN*I'm so sorry*The funeral was very private-it was held in a small town in Glasgow, away from the prying eyes of the media. The last glimpse of her mother's stiff whitish body was at the hospital, just before the doctor zipped the leather corpse bag over her lifeless face. "Time of death 8:45 pm, 10th of August, 2009". The doctor had announced.Her eyes had brimmed with unshed tears, blurring her vision and before she realized what was happening, she was rushed to the emergency ward right there in the hospital. It was a tragic moment for the Jordans. Her father was barely getting by and her condition made things even worse as he had to nurse the death of his significant other and his daughter collapsing in the hospital at the same time. She had felt really bad for him, adding to his headache like that. But it can't be helped-she couldn't control the mixed emotions welling up inside of her, threatening to explode any second so her body did the natural thing by shutting do
CHAPTER EIGHT*Let's go Home*"All vitals are good. You're set to go Miss Janice." The Doctor declared gaily as he gently patted her back after running a few checks on her vitals with his thermometer. Mr Jordan heaved a long deep sigh of relief, brushing his fatigued eyes ridden with deep lines underneath them. Drake leaned against the wall at the corner of the hospital room to give them space for a little family time.He was also relieved.Today had been one hell of a day! He glanced at his wristwatch, the time reads 9:09 pm. The day is almost over. He had brought her to the hospital around quarter past five, with his heart thumping in his chest forcefully and his hair wet from sweat clung to his face, he carried her in his arms as he scurried to the emergency ward. He was sacred to shit!Her shaggy blonde hair was pulled up lazily. Father embraced daughter. While locked in their embrace, Drake caught Janice peering her hazel eyes at him. And she mouthed a "Thank you". He smiled c
CHAPTER NINE*Always and forever*"I can't believe you didn't tell me what happened. I kept calling but you weren't answering your phone, I was scared to shit!" Hannah cried out as she perched at the edge of the Queen size bed. Janice was sitting upright on the silky royal golden bed, propped up by pillows. "I was unconscious for a while. My father was greatly distressed. I'm sorry to have made you worry. But I'm doing fine now." She yawned and stretched. Mr Briggs, the chauffeur had picked them up at the hospital and took them home. By the time they arrived, it was already a quarter past 11 pm. When they got home, her father helped her to the bedroom. Sleep had evaded her last night. she glanced at the clock, It was 4 am! She kept tossing on the bed pleading for sleep to come but it didn't. With tired eyes, she stared at the ceiling lost in the whirlpool of emotions, replaying the events of that day. Before she realized it, sleep crept up on her. She yawned and stretched again
CHAPTER TEN* Blind desire*The twin bed creaked beneath his weight as his body sprawled out on the bed. The alarm blared. He grunted as he tossed over the bed to stop the alarm. Time: 11:45 amHe groaned. Yesterday was draining no doubt. They got home pretty late and he slept fitfully throughout the night. Drake sometimes stays at the Jordan's quarters around the wasteland where the stables were located. When he needed some privacy or during his time off, he goes back to his crappy flat downside-the remote area of London.When he's not working for the Jordans, then he's busy with his mechanic work. Occasionally, he does home service for the big guys in London whom he either met at the club or through the recommendation of Janice.He got out of bed, yawning and flexing his muscles. His room was reasonably small for a person or two. The labyrinth of cobwebs clouded his room. He sneezed, almost misty-eyed. The cabin flooring kept squeaking in response as he did a few push-ups wi
CHAPTER ELEVEN*Like black and white*The fuming Drake paced the room in irritation. Blocking her line was a futile attempt. He groaned into the phone."Rachael? Really?! You don't know when to give up, do you?" He growled."And the best thing you thought to do was to block my line? What is the matter with you anyway? What have I done wrong this time? I thought by coming down to London you will be happy to see me. Apparently, I was a fool. Screw you and that rich bitch you've been shagging!!!" She screeched. The phone vibrated in his hand as her shrill voice travelled through it."Look I'm only in London to work. And my personal affairs is no fucking business of yours. Why don't run back home to Scotland and stop making a fuss over everything.""I'm not a child, Finn. For heaven's sake do I disgust you so much that you don't want to even see me? First, you returned to London without my knowledge and now that I'm in London you can't even see me because of some trull you've been bangin