Chapter four

Claire's Point

“And Thats done.” I said as I turned off the stove.

Looking at the clock, I noticed it was few hours past mid-noon. Just then, my phone rang.

“Sophie.”

"Mom! I just landed! Where are you?" Sophie's excited voice was over the speaker. "I'm so glad I can see you!"

My heart skipped a beat. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so glad that I can see that you're home. I'm going out right now to come pick you up. Just hold out for a few minutes, baby."

"All right, I'll wait at the gate of arrivals," she said.

I ran to my room, changed into a new blouse and jeans, made my hair braided the way I thought was proper, and grabbed my bag. I was grinning all the way as I walked there. God knows I needed that. I needed that following all the fuss surrounding Daniel and the office. I needed her. I needed love and peace.

The moment I saw her at the airport, standing over by her suitcase in the light blue jacket, I nearly burst out crying. "Sophie!"

She turned around, and she was smiling. "Mom!"

I embraced her hard, tears and grins at the same time. She was carrying the same flower perfume that she carried in college.

You look lovely," I said, holding both sides of her face.

"So too," she said, smiling big. "God, I missed you."

The home car ride was filled with non-stop discussion. Sophie talked about her abroad life, her job, and the wedding plans she had set in place.

I didn't know how much I missed the U.S. until the present," she explained, rolling down the window a few inches. "The air, the roads, even the noises—each little thing just makes me feel home again.".

I smiled. "Well, your room missed you too."

Oh, that reminds me," she exclaimed all at once. "Ryan's inviting us to dinner tonight.".

"Dinner?" I stared, looking at the time on my phone. "But I made food. You made me make food for you, and I worked so much to make it for you.

She gave me the puppy eyes and pushed her lips forward, pouting, the sort that would give me a racing heart when she was a kid. "Oh, Mom… I know I told you to cook but Ryan called and wanted to come over for dinner as I just got in and he wanted to come over and spend time with I and my mom. I'm sorry."

I waved my hand. "No, no, it's all right. I know how these things are. I'll just eat a few bites of all that I made before I go. It's not quite two o'clock; I can still make dinner later."

She grinned. "You're the best."

I was driving, and as I approached the red light, Sophie shouted in surprise. "Oh! Look!"

I looked where she was looking at another massive sign. It was the same hockey commercial I noticed earlier today—the same men in hockey jerseys.

Sophie edged over and nodded at the midfielder. "That's Ryan! I'm engaged to him!"

I was immobile, staring at the familiar face. I was gasping for air.

"That's… Ryan?" I Slowly inquired.

"Yes!" Sophie exclaimed pridefully. "Is he not handsome? He's in one of his recent adverts there. He's among the star players in the team here. They're having a big game here. One of the reasons I came back, I was certain I told you in the morning."

I nodded stiffly, forced a smile even as my heart was racing. That was why he felt familiar.

I must have seen him at one of the sporting stations or a poster.

I tightened my grip on the wheel and let out a laugh. "He's… very handsome. You scored yourself a star."

Sophie smiled. "I know, isn't it?" She still couldn't help believing it at times.

Lover girl," I joked, attempting nonchalance. "Don't forget old Mom while enjoying the high life once you get married hm?"

Never," she cried, smiling.

Then I served her food back home even while having butterflies in my tummy. She enjoyed the food, liking everything that I prepared. I attempted to eat as well, yet the food was too heavy in my throat. I couldn't breathe whenever I saw that billboard. I felt as though i had seen him somewhere before, not in a billboard or in a sports broadcast.

After lunch, both of us entered the rooms. I felt as I needed a little sleep so that I would be relaxed, yet I was not in a state to relax in my mind.

I was continuously telling myself that I spotted him on a news channel.

But I knew deep inside.

Hours later, I was woken gently by tapping shoulders. I stood up and got ready, looking around. Sophie was ready, all set to go, her hair curled and makeup nicely done.

"Mom," she said, smiling. "Ryan's coming to take us to his home."

My stomach twisted. "So soon?"

"He's waiting to greet you in person," she said to him. "Quickly, get ready!"

I pushed myself out of bed, my heart was racing. I trembled as I got into a modest black cocktail dress and made a hasty makeup in an attempt to hide the eyebags under my eyes. In no time, I could hear the car horn outside.

Sophie stared out the window and shouted. "He's come! Mom, Ryan's come!"

I knew the crunching sound of tires on the gravel on the driveway.

Sophie ran to the front door, beaming all over. "Mom, come on! Mom let's go. Don't worry your make up is fine." She promised.

I took a breath and entered the living room.

The door opened wide.

And then he walked in.

Ryan froze the very instant his gaze met with mine.

His smile wavered. I caught a glimmer of recognition in his eyes, while I felt stunned running through my body. I experienced my throat clenching.

"Mama," Sophie yelled triumphantly, standing before me, her eyes sparkling with pride, not having noticed the storm and drama that was brewing around us. She walked in front, took his hand, and smiled. "Mummy," she said, "this is Ryan, my fiancé. Ryan, that's Claire, my lovely mummy."