Chapter 125

Mike made sure h followed the elections and the collation of results strictly, he made sure that when he wasn't in the room watching the television, he was online following. All he was interested in was Olivia's victory. He believed strongly that it would create an open for communication. This time, the victory would have healed any wound that might have been caused knowingly or otherwise by his humble self. When he saw that it was only three results that stood out for the result to be declared and winner announced, he prayed more fervently. Margaret had noticed his interest in the election, she had also known that Olivia was in the race. She was having a tough time trying to reconsider her earlier stand on what she was doing leaving with Mike. She knew that it would be a tough battle winning Mike to her side, but from all indication and the impression she was getting from her family, she might have to give it a trial. She had given a lot of thought to it, trying to figure out her chances, and what strategy to adopt so as to come out successful. She could remember the Grandpa's words, to give it all that it takes as she had got their support. 

Margaret pondered over that statement and was still pondering over it. She knew from all angle, that it was a very weighty one. Does it mean she could get dirty and messy on this, or probably get pregnant for Mike, these were few of the thoughts she had. She hadn't been able to sleep with Mike without protection, and wondered how she won't suddenly accept to go the other way. She didn't throw away the possibility of Mike accepting the responsibility assuming she got pregnant for him truly, but the question that kept getting into her mind was, if he would take it to the next level being marriage. She had seen a lot of single mothers who got all that was required or expected of a father and husband from the man responsible for their child, but they do not live with them as a family should. She had to find a way to this, Mike wasn't the kind of man any woman would want to lose. They had come too close that she should be able to give it a shot. Having resolved that in her mind, she turned around and saw him on the bed, innocently sleeping. 

It was a cool evening, and they had drank some bottles of wine while they sat on the swing at the back of the house. Interestingly, they were joined by few of Margaret's cousins and their wives. A lot of things were dîsscussed basically on business grounds and numbers were also exchanged. They had come to see Mike to a reasonable extent an asset in the business world. They knew that dinner would be a lot busier in the sense that it would be ore of presentations of facts and figures as regards performance in the various branches of the family business. Already all was set for Margaret to carry the day because of the whooping sum that Mike's deal had brought in. It was the long discussion that got Mike tired hence the need for such a sleep. 

Meanwhile, it wasn't only Mike that had interest in the election, Philip was watching from far Israel, he was also praying that Olivia won, as he was of the belief it would be an opportunity to have a reunion via a courtesy visit of congratulations by Brains, Mike and himself. This was his plan, having been bothered so much at the turn of events amongst the three of them. He recalled how Mike always spoke good of Olivia, and felt it would be nice to let the ills and wrongs of the past whatever be it, to remain in the past. He wasn't ready to let out the plans yet, as he considered it would be better a surprise. He had pondered a lot about what had kept them apart, but failed to point at any reasonable factor. All he concluded was that such a misunderstanding was allowed to come between them because of ego. 

Brains was also following the news and the election, although he was much more becoming a better man and a gentle one a that. All thanks to Lucymang, who had showers him with love and care. He made up his mind to work on his relationship this time, the embarrassment that he got from the Harts thought him a huge lesson. This he was yet to overcome, even though he had tried for so long. He had thought Lucymang would play a huge role in making him forget easily, but he was disappointed when thought kept creeping into his mind. Of late, he had began to consider some of his earlier thoughts, especially towards his friends. He was beginning to feel bad that they weren't able to resolve whatever differences they had earlier before now. It has taking so long and for him, if they happen to allow it go longe, it might be the end of whatever they had shared. He could sense that the motivations they enjoyed together when they set goals for achievement was missing, and he was sure it would be the same amongst Philip and Mike. If there was one thing he must do, he decided, it was to use Olivia's victory to reconcile everyone. His thought was interrupted by Lucymang, she had been watching him keenly and knew he was somehow bothered over something. She got close to him, held him close and asked what was it that troubled his mind. Although Brains told her, but he didn't go into details, he wasn't ready for that. 

Pat was the most concerned of all, she mostly felt bad that Mike might lose Olivia, especially now that she was getting to a a very sensitive and high profiled position. She knew what their combination would produce in the society. If there was anything she loved about the duo, it was their mindset towards a better society. Even though Olivia was a strong force and already doing well in that aspect, having such a brain and heart of gold of a man by her side as a husband would be like having an office extension at home. She was still bothered the way she treated Mike, all she could think of the best possible way of restitution was making sure Olivia cleaned up her mess and gave Mike a reason to laugh. She strongly believe that Olivia's victory in the election would change a lot in her, so she planned talking to her once again about Mike during the joyful moments. She was optimistic that she would not only give her a listening ear, she would also accept her advice and suggestions. Added to her plan was that she would each out to Philip and Brains, to see that they settled all differences and accompany their friend being Mike to pay a visit to Olivia and congratulate her. 

When Mike woke up that evening, it was almost time for dinner, he wondered how he slept for that long when his plan was just to eat his head a little so as to relax his nerves. He had checked the time when he came in and from what the time was saying now, it was obvious he had spent over two hours sleeping. He turned around and saw Margaret sitting on the chair beside the bed, she was busy on her iPad. It was when he got up from the bed to go ease himself that she noticed he was awake. Mike cake out of the bathroom, he walked up to Margaret, gave her a kiss on her cheek, and asked how she was doing. Margaret was happy for that, she hadn't seen him in that light, she was always the one that initiated whatever emotional closeness they had ever had. To her, she felt it was possible he was beginning to consider her. She asked him to freshen up for dinner, and asked that he chose a casual wear. Mike understood her, he was already aware from the information passed, that the dinner would go into late night. This has been the case, a lot of presentations and questions, including that of the branches that were managed by non family members.

Mike went back to the bathroom and had his bath, he felt very refreshed when he came out, by then, Margaret was done with what she was doing on her iPad. She went for her bath immediately and in less than an hour, they were dressed and ready for dinner. The usual call that served as reminder was received via the room intercom, and Margaret told the caller that they would be down the dinner hall in few minutes. Margaret took the remaining time to rehearse her presentation, she wanted Mike to see, hear and point out errors where necessary. It was not easy for Mike to see any error except for few lines he felt was not placed in the right place. This they corrected and Margaret repeated the act of delivery ones again, this time it was error free. Margaret told him to carry a jotter along so he would write down some few things because Grandpa in his manner might bring him in to either ask questions or contribute to the meeting.

By the time they got to the dinning, everyone was seated, awaiting Grandpa's arrival. Mike shook hands with the other men, while blowing kisses on the women's cheeks. They took their seat and joined in the waiting. He could see the food was in place, the aroma he was getting made him more hungry than normal.  He could only imagine what the food would be this time.