A friend who listens

Sabrina's pov

On my way to meet Mr., K at our favorite diner, I was so furious. Of all the times we had to meet, why today? And why was he being a jerk to me? He had the guts to call me a loose woman because I was pregnant? I wanted to kill him with my bare hands. Even after not putting his trust in me at my toughest moment, he still thought that I was a promiscuous woman. He was proof that people don't change and it's only God who gives people second chances. As I parked at the parking lot of the diner, I couldn't help but wonder if Mr. K knew about Jake coming to the hotel today or if he had anything remotely to do with it. But he couldn't have done since I hadn't told him about my past with Jake.

Paps was seated at our favorite table. As I approached he stood up to hug me and pulled out a set for me. Such a gentleman. He immediately noticed my sour mood and asked, "Sab, did everything go well at the meeting with the investors? Is your day coming on well today?". I sighed loudly, and the look he gave me indicated that I had to spill everything about my day. He continued, "Let's order some food before you kill my grandson with hunger or alternatively with your sour mood!" I couldn't believe he said that, I had no comeback so I just shouted, "Paps!" and he busted out laughing loudly.

Once our bellies were filled with the sumptuous food, he gave me that look that said, "now spill" so I began the narration of how the meeting went trying to leave out the part about Jake. When I had finished, he looked at me queerly and asked, "According to what you have narrated, I don't think that's what made you so furious? Am sure you are not telling me everything Sab. So now let's hear about this person who made you so furious." So I narrated everything including my past with him and how my ordeal relates to this pregnancy I was carrying. Not once did Paps interrupt me, he listened intently with an occasional nod here, a sigh there, and even a traitor tear fell from his eyes. Paps was one of the few people that God allowed to grace this earth. He was a father and a friend. a complete package of what fathers should be.

As he stood up to give me a fatherly hug, I realized I had been crying. Damn you hormones! "It's unbelievable that you have been through all that. Am sorry my dear child, no one should ever have to go through what you have been through. I need to see this Jake guy; I need to tell him in the sternest way not to mess with you or he will have me to contend with. As a matter of fact, we can cancel this investment all together", he said.

Canceling the investment wasn't an option, we needed it if our business was to succeed. I will put up with Jake's presence even if it meant him annoying the life out of me. But one thing I wouldn't allow him is to disrespect and insult y virtue as a woman. Anyway, it was only for a few weeks and only two days a week. It wouldn't hurt to try. The good thing is once the investment is acquired I won't have to see his despicable face ever again. And I will continue living my life so peacefully. So I told Paps that we won't cancel, we will continue with the meetings until we acquired the investment.

Despite having a bad day, talking to Paps had made it better. One thing I had realized was that all I needed was a friend who listened and it felt good. When I opened the door to my apartment what I wanted to do was just to sleep and that's what I did.