DARED DEVIL

As Neo drove, he took a few peeps at Mirabella through the mirror, he was so sure something was really bothering her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Her reply was short, she looked out the window.

"Come on! If you are lying to everyone, I don't think you should lie to me, we both know that you aren't fine."

"Why on Earth will you call me Bella in the presence of Anne, The girl had her suspicions already and you just made her sure."

"Is that why you have been moody?" He asked again.

"You just got the both of us fucked up." She exhales deeply. "What if he tells Richard? It will only make more sense to him."

"Anne wouldn't speak a word about that," Neo said with a lot of assurance.

"How sure are you?"

"She knew about it all these while and didn't mention it to anyone, I'm sure she was about to say it yesterday just to save her skin."

"Still, we can't be so careless, I can't believe Anne was ready to sell me out."

"She already did." He smiled at her through the mirror. "Where are we headed?"

Mirabella smiled back, let's go back home, John must be at work now, it's too early to go to work." She signed heavily.

"As your lordship pleases."

************

"So what did you guys decide to do with that girl?" Lydia asked as she adjusted John's tie.

"My mom said something about deciding her fate while we were having breakfast, she even took Neo with her."

"Speaking of…" She looked around in a rush. "Where is your tail?"

John shook his head. "Stop it, Lydia, he is a friend."

"Whatever." she shrugged her shoulders and sat. "But where do you think your mom went with Neo?" She frowned as if something irritated her. "Why would she go out with Neo of all people? Last night, at the dining, even at work, she showed how much she hated him."

"You all keep forgetting that she employed Neo." John sat too. "The only reason she hates him is because he is loyal to me, not her."

"So, where is she?"

"How am I supposed to know?" He rested his back and exhaled deeply.

"You don't know where she is? What if she does something really insane?!"

"Something insane like what?"

"What if she kills someone?" Lydia whispered.

John sat up and giggled. "My mom acts like a dared devil but she isn't capable of killing someone."

Lydia wore a doubting look. "You know, it might happen by mistake, and that is why I think you should know about her whereabouts." She looked at her wristwatch. "Oh my God! I need to go issue the workers' payments now."

"Don't forget what I told you about the domestic workers, it's 0.5 percent instead for them."

Lydia looked at him for a second or two. "You are so considearate, but I hope your kind heart won't hurt you at some point." She stood and walked out.

John wanted to ignore all Lydia said and just think of working on another product or upgrading one of their old products, as that is the only means to keep the company running and to keep his position, but his mom won't stop coming to his mind. "It's too early to leave this place." He whispered to himself.

Lydia knocked twice before opening the door without permission to do so. "I tried calling Neo now, but it's not going through," she said from the door.

"Have you seen my uncle today?" The situation seemed to interest him a bit.

"He hasn't been here today, not even his wife."

"Fuck!" John banged the table. "Mom, his house should be the last place you should have thought of." He ranted.

"I'm wondering why you are still here, get out now and go check if she is safe."

John loosened his tie and stood. "Call me if anything comes up."

"Make sure you keep me updated too." She shut the door.

***********

Felicia wanted to strangle the young man standing in front of her to death, but she didn't want to go to prison at the same time. "Why are you here?" she tried to compose herself and her bitterness.

"My mom was here earlier this morning right?" John looked around.

"You always act perfect, but how come you don't even know your mom's whereabouts?" She smiled. "Why? Don't you care about her?"

"Maybe I don't, but I surely care more about her than your son does care for you."

"Shut that gutter mouth of yours."

"Why?" John smiled. "I am only giving you a taste of your own poison."

"At least I was legally married, I don't need a son to carry the last name." Felicia didn't want to lose to him.

"At least her son is successful." John winked.

Felicia couldn't utter any more words, she clenched her fists in utmost anger.

"I will ask you one more time, Was my mom here earlier today?"

"I have no idea." She retorted.

"Must you be this annoying." John murmured to himself and spotted Anne, standing few steps away from him. "Was my mom here earlier today?" He asked her.

"Yes." Anne nodded. "She was here with Neo."

John looked at Felicia scornfully and walked out.