TOUCHED

After breakfast, Jenny took Stephanie out that Thursday morning as promised. She opted to go with the public transport system by calling a taxi driver to come over to the house to pick up the both of them.

She told Mrs Bose that she wanted Stephanie to enjoy as much liberty as she could. This was because usually, they would go out with the security team of two officers and the driver. Sometimes the security team entered a Hilux and followed them behind closely.

But this morning, she wanted the outing to be simple and special. Spending such intimate moments with children has proven to be a way of making them feel loved.

Back at the office, Michael was still seething over Jenny's intrusion. He was certain that his mother had sponsored that choice of discussion about Laura.

He knew the day was Thursday so he was expectant of his regular Thursday appointment with Betty. He wasn't even in a sexual mood yet, he did not want to cancel the appointment. He had arranged for Betty to come in early last Thursday morning, so he believes that she might come again quite early.

Nonetheless anticipating her arrival by 11 am, he tried to focused on work. Making more money was better than feeling any emotional torment.

Back at the outing, Jenny took Stephanie to several of the places she had visited when she went to the market alone. Stephanie giggled as they walked together and pointed out some party parks they had seen at some gift shops for Jenny to buy.

Jenny honoured every of her choices and paid for the items. She wanted the outing to be less burdensome so she dropped the house address for the vendor to carry out a special home delivery service. She did not want them carrying too much luggage as they walked about. After paying, they left the shop.

When they finally got to the mall that they would pick their outfits, Stephanie shrieked at the various designs of outfits that she saw. Jenny suggested that they should buy some shoes first. This was meant for the Saturday's dressing.

Stephanie requested that they both wear the same outfit and Jenny obliged her request. On getting to the aisle that displayed the shoes, Jenny asked her to move around freely and pick her choice.

While Stephanie was on her own, she mistakenly bumped into a lady. The lady began to rain abuses on her even before lifting up her head to look at the child who had fallen on the floor. When she finally did look at Stephanie, she was startled. Extending a hand to raise her from the floor, she spoke.

"Stephanie? I'm sorry! Stephanie oladokun!. You are Michael 's Stephanie right?" the woman said.

"Yes I am. Good morning ma." The child mumbled out as she cleaned her arms.

"Do you still remember me? Aunty Damilola, your father's friend"

"Yes I remember you ma" Stephanie responded clearly.

"How are you? You are looking so chubby and big. I remember you been so tiny before". The little girl did not respond to that. Instead, her eyes roamed around the mall searching for her Jenny.

Jenny had been busy picking out different footwear that she did not witness the entire scene from where she stood. When she finally came close, she was worried as she saw the unknown woman talking to Stephanie who was still rubbing her arms. Hurriedly, she rushed over to her.

"Honey are you alright?. Are you hurt? Good morning ma. Is everything okay?" Jenny greeted.

"Yes I am fine mummy. I just collided into her" Stephanie responded as she wrapped her arms around Jenny's waist.

"Mummy? I am sorry I do not know you but I know the Oladokun's very well " the woman said to Jenny who was busy rubbing the child that held her close.

"I'm sorry is this is your father's new wife?" Damilola asked Stephanie who rolled her eyes at her as though she had horns.

"My name is Jenny and it was nice to meet you, ma'am. Am sorry my girl bumped into you"

"It's nice to meet you too. I used to be a friend of the family. My name is Honourable Damilola Adeyemi. I am the special adviser to the president on communication matters." She said, emphasizing on her being friends with the family and Jenny wondered why.

"Well it's nice to meet you ma. I came to pick Steph honey here and I wanted you to try this one out. It will go so well with the outfit I have in mind."

"How's your father?" The woman asked still standing close as they wanted to move.

"He is fine" Stephanie responded.

"Can we go now?" Jenny asked Stephanie who quickly nodded.

"I am sorry I am taking your time. It's being so long since I met with everyone. Seeing Stephanie here reminds me of everyone". She said as she began to sob.

"Is everything alright ma'am?" Jenny asked the woman. "Yes everything is wonderful with me. Do not mind my emotional outburst. It's just that it's been almost 5 years I think. Seeing Stephanie all grown is eliciting some nostalgia."

"I hope she did not bump into you that hard?" Jenny asked.

"No no no no no it's nothing of that sort. she's like a child to me. How old are you now Steph? You're so big."

"I'll be turning 13 on Saturday"

Stephanie replied holding Jenny tighter.

"Wow! Are you having a party to celebrate it?"

"Yes ma"

"Where?"

"At home ma"

"Please tell me I am invited. I would love to come" Damilola pleaded.

Stephanie gazed at Jenny who nodded in the affirmative.

"Yes you can come. You are invited"Stephanie said as Jenny moved her along gently.

"Do have a great day ma. Honey come along." Jenny said.

As they moved some distance away from the strange woman, Jenny stopped and stared at Stephanie checking her to see if she was hurt.

"Are you okay Honey?Are you hurt? who is she?. I wasn't too happy you were talking to a stranger"

"She was one of my fathers girlfriends and she was very mean. She is just pretending to be nice!" Stephanie stated looking sad.

"Oh honey, to say that about her. It's not so good"

" She doesn't love me Mummy. I am saying the truth. I guess she's just pretending or maybe because I am big now and she cannot hurt me again"

"Oh my love" Jenny plastered Stephanie's faces with kisses. Reassuring her that she is so loved and the young girl giggled.

Jenny loves the fact that Stephanie behaves always like a baby whenever she is with her. This made their bonding so unique. Together, they moved over to the aisle where the clothes were located to get some wears. Jenny told Stephanie that they would spend more time till they pick the perfect matching outfit.

Unknown to them, as they held hands,

the young lady stood in a corner, watching them and she dialled a number.

"Hello" she said

"Hello" came the male voice on the other side of the phone"

"Do you remember who this is?"

"Please this is a Thursday morning. I do not have time for any shenanigans, I will suggest you state your name"

"Ha ha I can't believe you have deleted my number, you this terrible man. It's Damilola your love."

"What the fuck? Who the hell told you that you are my love? Besides, why the hell are you calling me?Where the fuck did you come from?"

"Ha Michael, you are still the same arrogant bastard you were years ago. Nevertheless I just saw your daughter and I remembered you"

"Where the fuck did you see my girl?"

"At the Hearts mall with a lady she called Mummy"

Immediately, Michael knew it was Jenny.

"They're probably still inside. it's so nice to see Stephanie all grown up. But Michael I never knew you remarried"

"That's her nanny and she calls her mum"

"Are you for real? they must have a bond o. The lady looked too beautiful to be a nanny. She even speaks very well"

"That's Jennifer for you. Damilola is there you any other reason why you are calling me because if you can remember, I am a very busy man."

"Well, your daughter invited me to her birthday party. So i wanted to ask you if I can come."

"Left for me, you should not be invited at all. Not after the way you misbehaved the last time at my cousin's wedding. But since my daughter wants you there, then you can come"

"You are still so angry and high minded"

"Get the fuck off my phone." Michael said as he ended the call.

"Rude asshole" Damilola replied the silent phone.

After he ended the call abruptly, Michael wondered aloud where his daughter and Jenny was shopping. He knew Damilola was broke. She would always behave as though she had some political connection but she had nothing. She belonged in the trenches. He had warned Jenny to take his daughter to branded names to shop where she would not run into any low life.

In trying to control his temper ahead of his sexual release with Betty, he loosened his tie. He could hear his secretary talking to a female. Checking His wristwatch, he realized it was still so early.

To his dismay, the intruder walked boldly into his office ignoring his secretary's protest. There in front of him was his mother Mrs Bose.

"I'm sorry sir. I try to stop her sir, so I can inform you first. His trembling secretary apologized.

"Its okay, I understand. You can leave. Please hold my appointment."

"Yes sir, I will sir"

"Michael! Michael!" His mother called him repeatedly.

" Mummy good morning"

"Please save that your useless greeting, because I cannot believe that you are the kind of man I raised. You have filled my heart with so much disappointment but I will let it slide. I just came to deliver a message for you this morning and it is clear and simple" Mrs Bose spat out in anger.

"And what is the message Mum?" he sarcastically asked.

"Michael Adefemi Oladokun, if you spoil the good work Jenny has put into Stephanie's life, I will never forgive you. I may not understand whatever demons you are fighting but my grand daughter deserves undiluted joy."

"Oh please, I am not spoiling anything that idiot is doing"

"Yes she has suddenly become an idiot to you. But to us, especially to your soon to be 13 year old teenager, Jenny is the best gift in this world. Have

you asked yourself how your daughter has been fairing the last 4 days. She has not seen her father who lives in the same house with her. What sort of values, morals are you instilling into your child? Anyways have a thoughtful day". She concluded.

With that she turned away to leave the office.

"D you tell her to ask me that question about Laura?"

"Oh yes I did I wanted to know if you've grieved and moaned enough because it's been six years" His mother turned pointing her hands at him as she spoke.

"What the fuck is your concern with how i mourn my wife?"

"You do not cuss at me young man. I am not your mate"His mother yelled.

"I would cuss the fuck, how I want to. This is my office and I am a grown ass man. You do nor get to tell me when and how long I am to grieve" Michael yelled back.

"Michael for God's save, do not dwell on the unfortunate stuff. Open your eyes and see all God has done for you."

"Oh well I guess you mean the God who kills a pregnant woman with the baby in her womb" Michael replied still seated

"Oh my God! you're so stupid son. Who is giving you life and breathe? You're still unforgiving to God.

"Yes I will still be unforgiving as long as I want. What is it that you really want mum?Do you want me to sack that fucking cook of yours or better still, you are prepping her for me to marry. You clearly know I can do better than that house help of yours" Michael said standing up.

"You wouldn't dare to sack Jenny"

"Do you want to dare me Mum?"

"If you try to defy me and sack that girl, Michael i will disown you as my child"

He saw his mothers eyes filled with tears as she walked out his office. Slamming his fist on his desk, while standing, it sent sheets of paper flying in so many directions. He hated quarreling with her. He has made her so sad with all of his utterances.

In a state of pain, he felt so hurt after the arguments with his mother. Picking up his phone, Michael grabbed his jacket and exited the office. Entering his car, he waved off the security team and allowed only one officer in his front seat.

He was still angry as he dialled a number.

"Wow, I am surprise you are calling me back My love"

"Where did you see my child"

"Is that why you called?"

"Where the fuck you see them?"

" At the pink Hearts and hearts mall."

He ended the call abruptly again and drove straight to the mall.

There are several spas beside the pink hearts shop. It was a feminine shop for shoes, shorts and party dresses. As Michael parked his car, his eyes scanned the environment and he did not see his security team or the driver who moves around with them. He became worried.

Suddenly his eyes collided with them. They were both exiting the ice cream shop laughing like teenagers. Jenny had a big shopping bag in her hand while Stephanie licked a cup of ice cream along the pavement. They looked like sisters chatting and having a good time.

Driving his car closer to where they walked, he pressed on the car horn and he heard his daughter scream in excitement.

"Daddy! how did you know we were here."

"I guessed!" He replied

"That's a lie. oh Mummy Jenny you are the best." she kissed Jenny on the cheek and together they stepped into the car. Stephanie reached across the driver side and gave a kiss to Father. Michael did not take a driver but he had that military escort seated in the front seat with his rifle.

"what was that for Stephanie?"

"Mummy Jenny told me that both of your planned to surprise me today with ice cream and pedicure. How did you know to meet us here? she said you've been busy with work and you are not angry or depressed like grandma said." Michael was surprised.

"Now I know you never tell lies. I will always believe you" Stephanie kissed Jenny on the cheeks again, hugging her also.

Michael watched them through the review mirror and he was confused. Why would Jenny cover for him, even when he treated her poorly. He thought of how mean, he was to her. This just goes to show him that she is different. She also has a first hand knowledge of how to raise a child properly.

Maybe that was what his mother wanted. She wanted him to see the potential Jenny carried as she could raise Stephanie to become a lady. Maybe his mother wanted him to marry her but the girl was beneath his standard.

Besides, he had promised himself not to get married to any other woman on Earth. He was almost 40 and he was looking forward to his daughter going through school to any level and getting married. He was not ready to live with another woman who will Cause him heartache.

As they drove closer to the house, they noticed a delivery truck was already delivering the goodies for the birthday.

" I guess the party will be grand" Michael said as he paused waiting for the delivery truck to finish off loading it contents before parking his car"

" It's a teenager party" Jenna replied

" I'm hoping it would be spectacular" She added.

" I cannot wait Mummy" Stephanie screamed as she got out of the car and straight inside the house. She wanted to see the packs herself. She did not wait for him to park the car before running out. When her father parked the car properly, he turned to Jenny who was still seated at the back seat.

"Thank you for covering for me"

"You're welcome sir" Jenny responded as she came down smiling.