''Because you got to know someone you shouldn't have''
''What? I don't understand''
''You look well. I should go now'' Jasper stood up and Inayah said to him.
''Why did I even waste my time asking? I knew I wouldn't get the answer. Don't think that I will forgive you for what you did''
''Make sure you do those check-ups. They're important'' Jasper said before leaving.
Inayah picked the bottle of water from her table and drunk a bit. She put it back and picked the phone that Clara left with to and called her aunt.
''Aunt, I want to go home''
...
Mrs. Gladys' House.
Hall.
Bertha looked at Inayah as they entered to the hall and she sat down. ''Look at you? You've lost weight'' she commented.
''It's not so bad. I can always eat and regain my strength''
''Why did you suddenly make a fuss about leaving the hospital? The doctor said you refused to take the scan and other tests'' Clara handed Inayah a glass of juice as she sat beside her. They had just closed from school when her mother called her to go and bring Inayah from the hospital because she was making a fuss there.
''Tell me, what happened at school today?''
''Nothing much'' Bertha replied.
''Samantha asked of you. I felt like pulling all the hair on her head out. That girl is so thick-skinned'' Clara made exaggerated expressions as she spoke.
''What did she want?''
''I guess she was just curious because you didn't go to school''
''I can't wait for the PTA day to come. I want that girl to pay for everything she has done''
''She will'' Bertha added.
''When will aunt be back?''
''She passed by the local store to buy groceries''
''Ayah, didn't mystery man visit you at the hospital?'' Bertha asked.
''He did but, I don't want to talk about it so, ladies don't even harbour any funny thoughts''
Clara became even more curious. ''Why? Did something happen again? Did he try to kiss you?''
''Do you have a death wish?''
''Girls, you won't believe what happened to me?'' Miss Gladys entered with the groceries in her hands as she spoke.
''What happened?'' Clara asked.
''Did you insult your boss?'' Bertha asked.
''Hey! What do you take this single mother for? A gangster?'' Miss Gladys asked and they laughed.
''It must be something good since you're all smiles'' Inayah looked at how ecstatic her aunt was.
''That's right. I got a call this morning and guess what? I am now part of the legal representatives of Miles Incorporation. This is big news''
''Mom, really?'' Clara stood up and hugged her mother.
''Whoa. Congrats aunt Gladys'' Bertha joined in, in the celebration.
''Suddenly? Were there open vacancies already?''
''No. That is actually the amazing part. My boss just called me and told me that Miles Incorporation is looking to hire another representative for their legal team and I was recommended. The salary aside the bonus is three times my first salary and I get to have an office in their company building''
''Mom, congratulations again'' Clara said and turned to exchange knowing gazes with Ayah and Bertha.
…..
Bertha looked at Gideon who seemed to be enjoying the food and asked, ''what are you doing here, out of the blue?''
''I already told you, I went to the hospital to visit Ayah but she wasn't there so I came here instead'' Gideon explained again.
''I see'' Bertha didn't say much again.
Mrs. Gladys looked at the happy faces of the kids as they ate. She picked a piece of fillet and placed it on Inayah's bowl saying, ''Ayah, eat more fish. You need to regain your strength''
''Thanks. You too, eat''
While everyone was busy eating and chatting, Bertha looked at Gideon with a sly gaze. She suddenly picked a fillet and placed it on his bowl before giving him a seductive wing.
Her actions were something he wasn't prepared for hence the spoon in his hand fell down in that moment of shock.
''Gideon, are you alright?''
''Oh, yes. I'm alright. Can I get a change of cutlery?'' Gideon stuttered when Clara asked her worriedly.
''Sure, you will get some in the kitchen'' Clara pointed at the kitchen and Gideon nodded his head and stood up.
''Okay, thanks'' Gideon looked at Bertha before turning away.
''Mom, you're not eating?'' Clara asked when she noticed her mother wasn't eating.
''I'm eating. I'm just happy to see you are all enjoying the food'' Miss Gladys said as she watched keenly with interest the little exchange between Bertha and Gideon.
''Aunt Gladys, your food is superb'' Bertha said and stood up with her empty bowls.
''Of course, she is my mother''
''You're so done for Gideon'' Inayah muttered while eating her food. She had also seen what happened at the table.
KITCHEN.
Bertha stood to the door and said to Gideon, ''that's why you shouldn't mess with your enemies''
''Just where I want you, Berth'' Gideon said and pulled Bertha inside, trapping her between the sink.
Bertha tried to push him away but he held her two hands steady. ''What are you doing? Let go off me?''
''I must say, you're quite a seductress. I didn't think you would be able to pull this off so well'' Gideon said and smirked.
''What about you? Are you not the one who asked for this in the first place?''
''I did, but, I want to call it off'' Gideon said to her.
'Why? Because your poor heart can't handle it anymore? Oh my gosh, don't tell me you're actually attracted to me in just this few days? That will be too troublesome on my part, you see…'' Bertha bit her lips subconsciously.
''Stop biting your lips''
''Why? You're not by any chance distracted by that. Are you? Gideon, is being more than 3 minutes since we left the table. You should move aside so I can go out before they find it suspicious''
''I see you are getting bold by the day''
'But of course, I have to live up to your expectations of me. My brother's job security is on the line''
''Let's make it more fun then?''
''What do you mean…?'' Bertha's words were cut short by the shock she received when Gideon placed his hand around her waist and pulled her closer to himself.
''Because, you're so bold, I have this sudden urge to kiss you right now but, I won't. At least not now. Just remember this, Berth. You're mine. My woman!''
Gideon whispered into her ear and let go. Bertha held the cabinet when her legs almost gave way. Her face was extremely red. She turned and splashed some of the water on her face.