Episode 14

_____Clinton______

I was at the bar having some drinks when Troy walked up to me,

"Hey buddy"

"Hey, it good to see you. It's been quite a long time since we last saw each other"

"Yeah, that was after our graduation from college" and they both broke into laughter

"So, what brings you to New York?"

"I came to attend my cousin's wedding"

"Really?"

"Yeah"

"Okay, how is business?"

"It's good. We hope for the best. Hey, what about your girlfriend, ummmm....."

"Audrey?"

"Yeah, Audrey. How is she?"

"Audrey and I broke up a few years ago"

"What happened? I thought she was your one?"

"That's what it seemed but she eloped with one crazy guy she met in one of her intervention programs and got pregnant for him"

"Oh! That's so bad"

"From that day onwards, I made up my mind never to believe in love again"

"Dude, that's clearly impossible. You mean you will remain single for the rest of you life?"

"If that is the price to spare me another heartbeat, then so be it"

"C'mon dude, snap out of this. Look, life isn't a bed filled with roses. We have ups and downs along the road that will only help to boost our confidence and abilities. You drinking here alone won't solve the matter. You need to someone new in your life"

"You really think so?"

"I know so. How about dancing with those chicks over there"he said and pointed towards the direction of the ladies

Though I was drunk and couldn't see clearly, I met this beautiful lady at the bar. Her hair was beautiful and her body drew me closer like a magnet. She felt a bit shy at the moment. Our eyes couldn't stop staring at each other. It was like s dream come true. It was getting late and she hurried home. It was like a princess fairytale but it wasn't midnight yet. She felt in a hurry that she forgot her handkerchief. She didn't come back for it. I went to the spot and I picked it up. It was designed with roses at the middle and tulips at the edge. Her name was embroidered on it

"Ivy"I said to myself.

__________Alex__________

It has been 7 hours and I'm still stuck in jail. The other inmates were already pain on my neck and they often bullied me. Whenever I complained to the officer, he would only make a mockery the situation and ignored me. I couldn't stand it anymore more. Maybe this is how prisoners are treated on a daily basis. Few minutes later, the officer came in and unlocked the cell,

"You are free to go home"he said and quickly locked the cell

He brought me out to the counter and gave me a document to sign. He gave me back my cellphone and my bracelet as well,

"Thank God someone was kind enough to pay your bail. If not, you would have riot here like the others"

"Please, who was it?"I asked

"See for yourself"

I turned around and saw Ms Natasha. She gave me a calm smile. I raced towards her and gave her a hug as a sign of me being grateful for her help

"Thank you Ms Natasha"

"You're welcome"

"Please Ms Natasha, believe me, I'm innocent"

"Yes I know you're. You were framed by somebody and I know just who it is..."

"But who is it?"

"When the time is right, I will you know"

"Thank you once again"

"Don't mention it. Besides, your dad will be happy to see you"

"Oh! I really miss him"

"He does too"

We left the police station and drove off

________Gloria________

I was done with all my appointments for the day and decided to pay Madison a visit. I told my secretary to cancel my appointment with Mr Eugene and schedule to tomorrow. I drove to the Diego's. I noticed that the gate was unlocked and unattended to. I parked my car outside and entered the compound. I met Anderson with a flash light and the car keys

"Good evening Madam Gloria"

"Evening, how are you?"

"I'm fine ma. When did you return from your trip?"

"A few days ago. Is my daughter in?"

"Yes she is"

"Okay"

I left him and went straight to the door. I rang the doorbell and waited for someone to open

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Gloria"

"Oh! Mom"said Madison

She opened the door and gave me a hug

"Welcome mum, please have a seat"

I sat down and she told Nelly to serve me a glass of water but I declined

"Mom, how is Dad?"

"He is fine. You know his always busy with work. What of your fiancé? Where is he?"

"He isn't back from work yet"

"Okay. What's so urgent that you need to needs to see me?"

"Mom, there is this girl that has been an obstacle in my way ever since she came here"

"Which girl? Who is she? Have I met her before?"

"No...not really. It's my father-in-law's new caretaker they hired. Evans keeps supporting her and sees me like the evil villian"

"Where is she?"

"She is in jail"

"Jail? What for"

"I needed her gone for for awhile so that I can think of a plan that will seal my marriage with Evans"

"Okay, have you made up your mind for the date of your wedding?"

"Mom..I want to carry on my career before I get married. I don't what to turn into a chubby model after marriage"

"Who told you that? You are here talking about your beauty when another woman is trying to still your husband right in front of you. Wake up, Madison"

But mom..."

"Don't but me. You have to play your cards very careful. Think  very careful about it"

"Okay Mom, thanks"

"I'll be on my way now"

"So soon?"

"Yes, your father might get worried if I don't get home on time"

"Okay, I'll walk you to your car"

"You don't need to"

"No...I insist"

We were about to open the door when Natasha and Alex walked in

"Gloria"Natasha said

"I can see you lack respect for your elders"I said

"Respect is only given to those who earn it. Alex please come in"she replied rudely

"What is she doing here? I thought she was in jail"Madison said

"I bailed her out"Natasha replied

"Good evening ma"Alex said calmly and accompanied Natasha inside

"Who is she?"

"She's Alex, my father-in-law's caretaker"

"Is she.."

"Yes mom"

"Enough of this yapping, I need some rest"Natasha said and went to her room.

Alex was still in the living room when Madison said

"Mom, hold your purse tight. These days we have thieves in our midst"We both laughed and went outside. 

We finally got to my car and I said to her

"Take care of yourself"

"I'll mom"

She gave a hug and bade me farewell and I drove off.