CHAPTER 4: Stranger at the canal 1

NARRATIVE

Amie paced to and fro the grand and spacious living room, her anxiety almost eating her up. Today's the day she's anticipated for a long time but also the day in which her world might crumble or get in a better shape.

She walked to the high shelf and stared skeptically at it for a while before finally making up her mind. She removed some books and pressed a secret button behind it, the shelf slowly gave way to reveal an office like room, hidden and kept from everyone else other than herself.

She knew she couldn't stall time again as the year had come that she must fulfill an old promise to a friend.

SCARLETT

'C'mon Sky, that's the 100th time already!' I sighed. 'You can just edit this ones you know.' I cried in exhaustion.

'Oh puhleasee, just one more shot sugar, I promise.' She said as she striked a pose for the umpteenth time. 'You know what they say with the unawares right? Just keep taking the shots, this one might come out really strong.' She added.

This girl would just be the death of me really...

'That's what you said the last time and the other time and the time before that. Point is, there are many lovely photos you've taken in this particular canal, really beautiful pictures. You just have to pick a few and edit them if you must, otherwise you'll be occupying your phone storage for nothing.' I admonished.

'But I want one more set,' she cried.

'Fine!' I said and she grinned like a highschool teen in front of her crush. 'Just this set and we're done or at this rate we might spend the whole day here.' I said and she immediately agreed.

'Deal Sugar,' she strike a pose again.

But just as I positioned to take yet another series of photos, my attention got distracted by the sudden commotion around the canal's walk way.

NARRATIVE

'Jamie I'm pregnant,' Paige said as she wrapped her hands around her husband's neck.

'Yes you are and I'm so excited about this. Your desire of becoming a complete lovely family is finally coming true and I just can't wait to see our little angel.' He smiled and placed his hand over his wife's growing stomach, while his other hand rest on her waist.

'I know, and I'm more excited than you're. Who do you think she'll look like? I'd say you, don't you agree?' She grinned.

'She?' Jamie asked with his eyes glistening from excitement. Paige smiled and nodded. 'Then she'll look just like you; beautiful and smart, charming and irresistible.' He rested his forehead against hers and Paige giggled.

'And we'll be together and happy for a long time right?' She asked with hope, radiating in her eyes.

'Yes, we'll be together forever.' He smiled and kissed her forehead gently.

********

The gray haired man caressed the photo he was holding tenderly in his hand, wiping the tears that had fallen on it as he reminiscence over his past with his beloved wife. Her death anniversary was only few days ahead and he already had everything in place while he mourned her silently.

His eyes scanned around the room that was once Paige's personal room and study, he still had everything intact even after many years of her death. He was sitting on her old chair and staring at her photo while he let himself drown in guilt as he couldn't stop blaming himself for all that happened many years ago.

He soon heard footsteps down the hallway. He wiped the tears from his eyes and returned the frame to it's initial position as he stood up.

Moments later, he was back in his study and Finley, his private secretary walked in.

'Mr Chairman,' He began with a low bow. Jamie Grey raised his gaze from the book before him to Finley.

'Yes Finley, any updates?' He asked.

'Yes Sir,' He stated. 'I got information that she's touring the city canal with her friend.' He added. Jamie immediately sat up straight in his armchair.

'What?!' He frowned. Finley raised a brow as he stole a fast glance at his chairman, wondering what the reason was for his sudden agitation.

'Quickly, get someone to take her out of there immediately.' He ordered. Finley stood transfix for a moment before it dawned on him. 'What are you waiting for? Go quickly lest she get's startled by the mob mourning Paige's death.'

'Yes Sir,' Finley bowed and hurriedly exited the office.

Jamie stood up from his chair and began to pace up and down his office, ruffling his hair at intervals while he panicked at the possible outcome of the incident.

She's only been here two weeks and he's yet to see her for himself. It'll be a disaster if she finds out the truth like this...

*********

Over two decades of Paige's passing, her name and good deeds were still familiar with the people of Birmingham. She was known as the city's fairy queen because of how well she related with people during her life time. She had started several charity organizations for the purpose of helping the weak and needy, she was overly generous and the people of Birmingham loved and honored her for that. Her death was a huge shock and loss to all who knew her, many mourned her death for years and some still do. On each month and year of her death anniversary, her fans held several occasions in honor of her. Few days before the anniversary, they held concerts, charity events and gave out huge donations to orphanage homes, hospitals, elderly people homes and in general; to all in need. Young children who didn't know her were informed by their mothers and families about her. Her name and deeds was rooted deep in the hearts of the entire citizens of Birmingham city and even in history.

It was on one of such events that the women of Birmingham carried out their good deeds as they walked through the city's canal, holding high over their heads, a big banner of the late Paige Grey, while helping orphans, and poverty stricken citizens who slept under the bridge, in a tunnel or even by the canal.

They paid little or no attention to several tourists, who toured the city's canal that evening. Well, they did until...

'Ma, Ma, look that's the fairy queen. The fairy queen is over there.' A little girl in company of her mom squealed excitedly as she pointed towards a direction and clapped her little hands in glee. At first her mother paid no attention to her but as the little child persisted, she had to oblige.

However, what she saw left her gobsmacked and transfixed for a while...