LOGINSalmaBut my gratitude was short-lived because she stepped out also. I walked without paying her attention. She was looking for where to get her next big story, and I was not in the business of helping her supply that. “Dr. Gascon… if you would just…” She caught up with me even though I was walking very fast to get away from her. Then finally she managed to block my path with her body. “I am not interested in speaking with you,” I said to her, “can't you just leave me alone?” The expression on her face turned bitter. “Word is going round that you paid three million dollars to your attending as a bribe to fast-track your residency,” she said, a sly smile curved her lips upwards. I was quiet. Too quiet for a while. Too quiet that my silence could be mistaken for a confession of guilt. “Is that it? You crooks are going to make up more lies about me?” I asked her. She had a smile on her face, “I believe I have your attention now then.” I rolled my eyes. “You do not,” I said to
Salma “How did you know they didn't read me my rights?” I asked Daphne as I strapped the seatbelt in the front seat beside her. “When I spoke to Brandon when he called me to report that you had been arrested it was the first question I asked him,” she replied, “Salma, I'm worried.” I looked right ahead without saying a word. “It was an unlawful arrest they made without verifying the facts so I was able to get you out, but if it's true…” I turned my head sharply to face her, “If it's true? You don't believe me?” “I do but that was pretty…” I cut her off, “It's not true. The evidence they have was doctored. I have never conspired with John to fake a kidnapping. I have a sick child for goodness sake. Why would I do something so stupid?” Daphne sighed. “Fine. “ I believe you, but no one does,” she replied. “Public sentiment right now is against you and John.” Some people are calling for your licence to be revoked.” “My license?” “Yes,” she replied, “and they want you fired from
Brandon “I need to leave,” I said, stepping away from her. But she was persistent as she tried to close the space between us. For a fraction of a second, I stood frozen while she tiptoed and found my lips. But it felt wrong. So wrong that I wanted to retch. Out of respect for her, I managed to contain my disgust in her presence and politely stepped away from her as far as I possibly could. “Goodnight Ariel,” I said, turning my back to locate the exit, but she was quicker than I was in finding the door. She also found the switch and dimmed the lights, taking off her lingerie in front of me. “What are you trying to do?” I asked, visibly alarmed by her small perky breasts shooting like arrows towards me. “I am way prettier than Salma,” she said, “and if she did not have you fooled before, there is no way a guy like you could ever find her attractive.” Salma might be a bad person, but she was not ugly. Her braces and awkward style might not make for the most appealing look, but
Brandon “What?” I looked at Elaine expecting her to discredit what Ariel had just said but she would not meet my eyes. “You’re telling me that she got to know the sex of my baby before I did?” I demanded from her, my tone harsh. “She’s my best friend,” Elaine protested. “Then you and your best friend can parent the child,” I was speaking from a place of anger, “when your water breaks make sure you fucking call her and not me, do you understand?” I walked away from them afterwards, skipping my daughter's room because I was too upset to look at her without making her worry. I left the hospital and sat in my car for a couple of minutes, hoping my anger would dissipate. But the more I sat there, the angrier I got. And the angrier I got, the more convinced I became that I needed to talk to Salma. This was not the first time she had done something like this to me. Ariel's words and the audio she had made me listen to, took me years back. It took me back to the night, almost six years
Brandon“I know we’ve had our differences in the past but…” “I have nothing to discuss with you when it comes to my daughter,” I said, “it is Salma’s decision if she wants you around her child and the last time I checked, she clearly hated your guts…”I was cut off by John’s voice coming from the phone she held up. I knew immediately that she was playing the leaked audio. “Why don't we have breakfast together?” “I don't know. I wouldn't want anyone to find out we are lovers.” “Very funny.” “So? I know you're here for more than breakfast.” “I want to know if you're interested in reclaiming your mother's inheritance.”“My mother's inheritance?” “If I can make people believe that Senator Schuamer killed your mother, he will have to give you a large settlement.” “Is that really possible?” “We can forge a will and say that it was your mother’s.”“Wouldn’t it look suspicious?” “Not at all. We’ll say that you were meant to receive it on your twenty-fifth birthday, but the lawyer w
BrandonI hated how the hospital's surroundings had become familiar to me. Even the roads leading up to the hospital were so familiar that I felt I could drive to the hospital with my eyes closed. I could not wait for the time when I would be able to take my daughter home or at least to my parent’s house. I parked my car in its usual spot and stepped out, unsuspecting of the reporter waiting for me to step out of the car. At first, I assumed he was a beggar seeking money from his scrawny frame and rumpled clothes, but when he opened his mouth to speak I realised he was not. “I am Dan Taylor from Digital News and I was wondering if you could spare me a minute of your time,” he said, extending his hand to give me his card. I gave the card a glance and looked at Dan’s face with skepticism, “If this is about Dr. Gascon…” “Please sir, it would only take a moment.” Dan had effectively cornered me so there was nowhere I could go. I sighed and waved my hands, signalling him to say what h
Brandon “You punched my father and left him for dead; don't you think that deserves some form of explanation?” demanded Elaine, her tone reflecting her displeasure with my actions. But if I could go back in time, I would have hit him more.“You only see what you choose to see, don't you?” My bloo
Salma “Excuse me,” I said, picking up my bag, and holding the court document in my hand as I walked away from my seat. “Dr. Gascon.” “Dr. Gascon.” “Dr. Gascon.” There appeared to be a myriad of voices calling my name, so I stopped and turned back once, signaling with my hands that I would be b
Salma “Dr. Gascon?” “Yes?” “This way please,” an usher led me into the hall of a fundraiser Freddie had just added to my calendar. The fundraiser was meant to raise money for young single mothers struggling to keep up. It was an initiative I loved, given that I was a single mother myself. Perha
Brandon The therapist’s office was just like I had imagined—designed to make one feel comfortable but I could see through the façade. The interior did not bring me ease but distress. A middle-aged woman stood up to greet us when we walked in. She motioned for us to sit on the sofa opposite her. “







