** ** Omniscient Narrator ** **Mr. Blackwood hears the sound of the door shutting in his sleep, he was still very sleepy but managed to open his eyes. His view was blurry, the room dim as the curtains were still closed. He gently tapped the other side of the bed but felt nothing, he turned to his side and she was gone- Anna had already left the room.He sighs and rubs his face with both palms, thinking back to everything that happened the previous night, they had made love like never before and were both very exhausted afterwards. He thought about the need to keep her to himself, he wanted her, he knew it and even though he was yet to admit it to himself, it was a bitter truth that he would be forced to face sooner or later.** **Annabel had just snuck out of Mr. Blackwood’s room with her shoes in her hand, she didn’t want to have any conversations with him today even though she had woken up beside him on the bed. She just had a lot of things on her

It has been two days since Anna set foot back on American soil, she felt out of place in the weather as her body had gotten used to the African sun. Today was Sunday and she wished she could be in that church back in Botswana, singing and dancing like it was a sort of religious club.Forget about Botswana, let’s talk about complicated relationships. After three days of being snubbed by her best friend, Anna had taken the initiative to call Jennifer and invite her for a peace talk; she couldn’t live with the idea that she was no longer friends with Jennifer Gilbert.Their friendship was something that happens once in a pink moon, she was the nerdy poor girl back in school while Jennifer was like the hot cheerleader with averagely rich parents, the kind of girl that dates the basketball captain, but somehow they found each other and they got alongAnna was not ready to lose that just yet, she would sacrifice her pride and amend things before they got ou

Mr. Blackwood sat on a soft plush cushion in his Home office, his gaze locked on the large wall clock as its hands moved slowly upwards. It was the eve of his birthday, a few minutes to twelve noon. Mr. Blackwood in recent years had formed a habit of staying up till the first minute of his birthday, he believed that it was negative to start a new year of your life asleep, he needed to be awake when the clock strikes twelve.The Home office was spacious and properly furnished, So expensive that a poor man would liken it to vanity. It was a sanctuary for productivity; featuring a custom-made desk, comfortable seating, and high-tech communication systems. The walls were adorned with inspirational quotes and art pieces which seemed to add a touch of personality to the space.His attention moving slowly off the wall clock to the bookshelf at one end of the building, his thoughts trail off to how lonelier his life had become with every new year, he had learnt to push everyone off since life

The D-Day had finally come, it was evening and The Blackwood Mansion was a stunning sight. Its usual understated elegance was replaced by an exuberant atmosphere appropriate for a grand celebration. As they decorated the entryway, a kaleidoscope of multi-colored balloons drifted gracefully in the wind. Lanterns lighted with dazzling lights direct attendees to the hall where the activities would be held.The dramatic alteration grabbed everyone who entered the beautiful hall. Garlands of fragrant flowers floated through the air as they spiraled across the polished oak floor, each meticulously selected from the house's gardens. In the center of the room stood a gorgeous banquet table draped in the most exquisite damask. Shiny cutlery and crystal goblets glistened under the soft illumination of crystal chandeliers. Each plate was adorned with a single, magnificent flower, taking the scene to a more refined level.Soft velvet chairs were prepared for the guests as they took their seats at

“Dave?” Maria Forbes called, looking all emotional like she would tear up at the sight of her son. She was finally standing less than one feet away from him after all these years.“What are you doing here, Mom?” Mr. Blackwood asked with a cold expression, the shock had quickly been replaced with solemnness, probably a poker face to hide his true emotions.“A… A friend invited me, she said it was a work partner’s birthday, I didn’t know it was you.” Maria Forbes replied.Mr. Blackwood scoffed and shook his head, finding her response funny. “You really didn’t think I would buy that, did you? I am no longer eighteen, mom, but you are still terrible at lying. You hate parties, you only attend them if they are a family function.” He uttered.Mrs. Maria Forbes Chuckled. “Maybe that is why my spirit was accepting of the invitation, because it was family, you can change the last name but you can't change the blood.”“Drop it already, Mom!” Mr. Blackwood growled as usual. The low growls had co