The Mischief

Clifford helped his mum to bed and bid her farewell. He kissed her forehead and turned off the light.

"See you tomorrow mum."

"Okay, son."

He closed the door gently and left.  As he got to the hall, he met Nicole. Nicole approached him in a seductive manner.

Nicole : Hi, handsome..

Clifford : Nichole, what's the meaning of what you are doing?

She advanced more strong towards Clifford, caressing his face and trying to kiss him.

Clifford : Hey..., what are you doing?

He held her hand and strongly pushed her away.  She smiled, not bothered by Clifford's reaction.  Clifford looked sternly at her.

"Nicole, what are you even trying to do?" 

Nicole smirked,

"Trying to take back what's mine". she said

Nicole was Clifford's colleague in high school. She had a crush on him but Clifford didn't love her. She did everything to get Clifford's attention but he never noticed him.

Clifford didn't understand what she meant.

"What are you even saying?"

He got furious, pushed her aside and left. Nicole looked on as Clifford's back fades away to the car park.  She smirked,

"This is just the beginning Cliff." she said to herself.

She turned and left to her room. 

AT THE HOSPITAL

Rosita lays on the bed, tossing and turning wondering what's going on between Clifford and his mum.  She felt a hand touch her, she turned and it was Clifford. 

Rosita : Sweetheart...

She sat up and hugged him.

Rosita: How did it go dear? 

 "It went well sweetheart.  Mum was very happy to hear the news and also felt bad for what she did.  She had even wanted to follow me here."  He replied. 

Rosita was so relieved to hear this. Clifford smiled but his smile suddenly faded away. Rosita noticed and felt worried.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong with you?" She asked.  

"Nothing dear." he replied.

"You know you can share your problems with me dear."  she said

"Yes, but I assure you that it's nothing." he replied.

She smiled and nodded. He sat beside her on the bed and cuddled her. He sat quietly with the words of Nicole echoing in his head. They both slowly drifted off to sleep.

THE HOLLANDS' MANSION

It was around 6:30pm in the morning, Nicole heard a knock on her door. 

"Yess..., am coming."

She went to the door to check who it was. 

"Ma'am, please Mad. Flora wants you to join her for breakfast."

"Okay, I will be there soon." She replied.

"Okay, ma'am. 

The house help replied and left. She soon joined Mad. Flora at the table.

Nicole : Good morning mum..

She gave Mad.Flora a peek and sat beside her.

Mad.Flora : Good morning, sweetheart. How are you doing dear?

" I'm good mum." she replied

Mad.Flora : Your mum called me this morning. She wants you to stay here for a while.

"This is so great." She thought to herself.

"Okay mum." She replied

Mad. Flora sat quietly for a while wondering how to break the news to Nichole.

"Nichole, I have something to tell you. I don't know how to go by it but I still have to do it."

Immediately, Nichole knew what it's all about but pretended to have no idea.

"Sure mum, go ahead." she replied

Mad. Flora told Nichole about Rosita's situation ignorant of her awareness  and tried to make her understand that things are not going to work between Clifford and her.

"Sweetheart, I'm sorry for everything but hope you understand." 

Nichole smirked and said to herself,

"I perfectly understand"

Nichole : That's okay mum.

Their conversation was interrupted by a voice from behind.

"Good morning, mum."

They turned and it was Clifford.

"Son, come and join us." 

He pulled a chair and joined them. He looked sternly at Nichole and then turned to his mum.

" Mum, I'm here to pick you up as promised."

Nichole : Mum, are you going somewhere?

Mad.Flora : Yes dear, am going to visit Rosita at the hospital. I heard from Clifford that she will be discharge today.

Nichole : Oh really? Can I come along?

She turned to look at Clifford schemely. 

"Sure dear, you can." Mad.Flora replied.

Mad.Flora excused herself to get changed for them to leave.  Nichole moved from her chair to where Clifford sat.  She caressed his shoulders and whispered to his ears,

" If I can't have you, then no one will." 

Clifford stirred at her stunned. Just then, Mad.Flora joined them.

"Can we leave now?" she asked.

They all set off to the hospital. 

AT THE HOSPITAL

They arrived at the hospital to meet the rest of the family.  They were all happy that their mum came. Rosita was not an exception.

"Mum, you came?" 

"Yes dear, I did. I am so sorry for what I did to you. Please, forgive me dear."

"No mum, It's alright. I understand how you felt."

She hugged and congratulated her.  Clifford excused himself and left to the doctors office to sign the discharge papers. Soon, they were ready to leave.

CLIFFORD'S  APARTMENT

Few hours later, the car pulled up in front of Clifford's apartment.  Everybody got off , Lian and Clifford packed the stuffs into the house. They were all happy to have Rosita back home again. They all chatted and laughed heartedly.  Rosita felt thirsty and left for the kitchen to get some water.  Nichole followed Rosita without anybody's notice.