Chapter 4
Red's house, Dude's home
Ben explained things to Nancy and her Mom. But to their surprise, Ben was not feeling well.
" I am afraid I could no longer do it for you, Mom, Nancy" Ben grieved.
" But why ?" Nancy asked.
" I have told everything I know and witnessed personally. I believe that they have been doing things on Red ." He explained.
" We understand you. But how can we repel those things and save Red from their influence.?" She continued.
" We're not really sure if Red is under that kind of enchantment and have gone chemical application already" Mom insinuated.
" Her cousin, Linda and her relatives are the alchemists and not Sophia." Mom said.
" They are cousins and intimate. It is probable that Linda is helping Sophia do it" Nancy insinuated.
" I am sorry Mom. I am quitting this job. I still want to live for my family" Ben said as he went away in fright.
The revelation was kept secret between Nancy and her Mom but, they kept an eye on Red.
" He is restless and sometimes he is peevish for nothing" Mom said.
" What do you think ? Is he being enchanted by the alchemists ? Nancy worriedly asked.
" I just don't know. But, he looks so pacified and stays silent"
" How can we be sure he's getting mesmerized by alchemists?" Nancy continued.
" Let's observe him farther. For now, let's give them the benefit of the doubt" Her Mom insinuated.
In their bonding moment, Sophia would again re-open an issue about Red's property.
" I hope you don't mind if I ask you something that you might get fret " Sophia asked in a sweet and persuasive words.
" What about ?" Red asked.
" When will you bring us in the comfort of your big beautiful house ?" She continued.
" Let me think that over. My brother's family is there. My Mom and I decided that they stay in my house for the meantime while they are still preparing for their future" Red replied.
" Will you be willing to bring us home when they're gone?" She insinuated.
" Yes. But not now. I hope you know that my immediate relatives are opposed to this kind of relationship and they cannot accept such a kind of status." He said.
" I know. But they can't do anything if you wish and decide for it because you are old enough to decide for yourself. You are on your own."
" If it happens our relationship will never be the same again." He added.
" So what. We are on our own abode and not in theirs" she hissed.
" Let's forget about it for now. We will come to that issue in the right time" Red said.
" Until when ?" She asked.
" I will let you know."
" I will see that time soon" She replied with a smile.
Meantime, in Red's house at Brumville, Sarah and her son were enjoying their time with Amadeus in Skype.
" It's been one and half-years now . I am scheduled for a vacation next week, so get ready for my homecoming" Amadeus said.
" Me and Bob are happy to hear that Dude. We're so excited to welcome you home" Sarah delightedly said.
" Okay Dude, relax and keep up the good work " Her parting word for Amadeus.
After they talked, Sarah and her house helper resumed to do some chores when the phone rang.
" Is this the house of Red ?" the caller asked.
" Yes. Anything I can do ?" Sarah asked.
" Of course, yes. I learned that Red's house would be sold " She asked with antipathy.
" Who said that? I don't know anything about that nor did Red mention it to us" Sarah replied.
" By the way, how much is the asking price for the house?" She continued.
" I said I have no idea. I will check on Red when he comes" Sarah said.
Sarah was disappointed and restless after talking with the caller. She decided to get to the house to check on that matter.
" We have no idea about it ?" Nancy said.
" Red did not tell us anything about the disposition of his house. If ever that was Red's decision, why and what for when he does not need to sell it ?" Mom said.
" The caller was asking the price of the house. I just don't know where she got that information." Sarah explained.
" Don't worry Sis, we will talk to Red and clarify things with him" Nancy said.
" May be somebody was just making an issue about his house or she is just creating an intrigue." Her Mom added.
While they were talking Red arrived and was surprised knowing about the issue of the query on the phone.
" No. May be someone was making a fool of you. I am not selling the house nor did I tell someone to sell it" He replied.
" Anyway, Sarah don't worry, just go home and stay as is. Just ignore or tell any prank caller to stop asking about the sale of the house." Red said.
" Thank you Red for this clarification. I was just surprised when a caller asked me that way. " Sarah said as tears fell from her eyes.
When Sarah went home. Mom and Nancy began to say something with Red.
" Are you sure you don't know anything about it?" Mom asked.
" Yes Mom. Why should I do that when we decided they would stay there?" Red replied.
" Do you think Sophia will not do something to annoy Sarah ?" Nancy asked.
" I don't know. Why should they do that?" Red explained.
" Red, we know your relationship with Sophia. Don't you ever present her to us as your wife. We are open to a decent and qualified girl but, not her" Mom said.
" We suspect and doubt that she was the one who called on the phone" Mom continued.
" I was just helping her kids because they have been close to me for years. She is just a close friend since her cousin is my client. I will not let her do that if ever and they won't do it. Why should they?" Red explained.
" Assure us Red or else, forget us being your Mom and Sister." Mom warned.
Red would reprimand Sophia for the incident that thwarted him.
" Are you accusing me of something I never did?" Sophia exclaimed.
" Who else did you think would do that stupid thing?" Red said with accusation.
" You can't prove that Red. And I would never do that because I had talked to you about it last time" She insinuated.
Red did not know what to say in anger but, held himself from emotional outburst. He stopped his accusation and without saying a word, left Sophia alone. He fixed himself to flaunt a pleasant image . On his way out, he came across Ben in a hurry to his work place.
" Hi Red, how are you doing?" Ben asked.
" Good, heading to the job?" Red asked.
Red didn't notice that Ben's brisk walking made him follow his path while on an intimate conversation.
" I learned that you got a new car?" asked Ben.
" My car is three years old and never had any replacement yet" Red surprisingly replied.
" Sorry, someone told that you got a new car" He said again sarcastically.
" None. I have not thought of acquiring a new one yet." He insisted.
" Hey, Red. This is not meddling with your personal affair but, as a friend I must tell you a strange story"
" What about ?" Red curiously asked.
" Everybody knows, not only your relatives that you are closely involved with Sophia, right?" Ben continued.
" Now that they know it, I cannot deny it any more. Why? " He curiously asked.
Interesting and pleasing talks went all the way to the threshold of the office.
" I would be happier to make an appointment with you for further conversation" Red asked.
" Much better because I am too busy in the office now. However, I will just get in touch with you or I will visit you one of these days." Ben said.
Red became more curious with Ben's unfinished revelations but, he still bore in mind that the issue would involve Sophia's reputation and their criticisms. For him, it didn't make any difference to be the cream of intrigues.