CHAPTER TWELVE: MEETING WITH STEPHEN
On my way home while in the car a guy was seated next to me; he is slim, properly dressed and good looking. It seems he was coming back from work that evening.
"Good evening", I greeted
" How are you?" He replied.
" I'm good, thank you". I replied focusing on the driver who was trying to kick off
"You look pretty cool, are you coming back from work?"
" No Sir" I reluctantly answered without looking at his face.
" I'm coming back from my fiancee's house"
" Your fiance?, he asked with a thinking gesture. "that sounds quite serious and interesting".
"So he lives here in Ardmore? And where do you live?
"Excuse me, are you interrogating me?..... Please, I don't disclose my identity to total strangers. I'm sorry".
" Hahaha", he looked more handsome as he laughed in such a quite appealing manner.
This guy seems to be gentle and cool. He must be an amenable man. I thought to myself.
"Why are you laughing, are you making fun of me?"
"No, not at all my lady" I wouldn't do that for any reason to a damsel like you… the way you speak turns me on and it's quite funny. Hahaha" he laughed again.
" Oh my gosh I thought he was a gentleman but now I think he is going crazy", I said to myself feeling disappointed .
"Please pardon my manners dear. I am Stephen Leon by name, a successful business man from Dungarvan, what about you?".
This time he is looking serious like someone who means business.
" I am Tina Adans, the last child of the late Mr Adans Arthur, I live in Waterford with my family and I have come to visit my fiance here in Ardmore" … what else do you want to know Mr questioner?
"Hahaha" here he comes again laughing. Okay, your contact, please give me your contact info. I would like to reach out to you some other time if you don't mind".
"I do mind Mr Stranger. I don't go about distributing my contact info to total strangers like you".
"Come on pretty, why do you still refer to me as a total stranger? I just told you my name, please give me your phone number so we can be friends, you know?".
"I don't want to be your friend Mr Stephen. I'm engaged and don't want to involve myself in any kind of relationship with men. Thank you". I said and turned my face away from him.
" I mean I want us to be casual friends at least just to check up on you my lady. He pleaded.
" Stop calling me your lady, it irritates me to hear that from you. My name is Tina and you can call me that too, Period".
" Alright, I'm sorry Tina, can we just be friends? just a harmless friend nothing more…. He said with such a calm voice making me feel pity for him.
"+44 20 7222 4550, that's my number". I called for him as he copied it into his phone
"Thank you miss Tina I appreciate". He thanked me
"Hey Mr driver, please stop me at the second junction". " Yes madam," the driver replied.
Reaching the junction I tried confirming my bill from the driver.
" Thank you, please, how much is my money?" I asked dipping my hand into my handbag to get some cash.
"It's ..." the driver says before Stephen interrupts… "Don't worry I will pay off the bill. Just be safe dear I will give you a call later". As they drove off.
It was too late to say thank you, but I'd hope to say that anytime he calls me. I thought to myself as I stood in awe.
" Well, for now let me get going".
It was already 8:pm when I got home and checked my time ...."gosh, I return late, I pray mum doesn't yell at me I have to sneak into my room through the back door so no one can throw questions at me.
Hey Tina. You are back, what are you trying to do? Mum caught me try to open the back door,
"Good evening mum. Immmmm" I stammered.
"You are what?"
"I was trying to..."
"Trying to go in through the back door when the main entrance door is open, What for?"
"I'm sorry mum, I was scared you or big brother is going to sanction me for coming back home late". I replied, trembling.
"By this time? Come on my girl thank God you didn't stay out so late, I understand Ardmore is a far distance and you didn't leave home early too, so no cause for alarm". She smiled as she took me by my hand and we got in through the main entrance door .
"Thank you mummy. What for? Mum asked. You've done so much for me and I love you. Tony sends his regards to you mum".
"And how is he doing? …. He is absolutely fine, just that….
"Why are you suddenly sad, is there any problem, did Anthony hurt you or say anything you didn't like? Talk to me.
"Not at all mum, just that he said he is planning to travel and he is already working on it". My eyes were wet with tears.
"Travel to where and is his mum aware of this plan?" Mum asked.
"Yeah, she is and she approved it. As a matter of fight she is helping Tony to make up the money"
So why are you sad? You don't want him to go, I thought he would be going there for a better life?
"Yes mum, he said he is traveling in search of green pasture, and he will be going with Ambrose because it is his elder brother in the United States of America that will be hosting them".
Hmmm, it's good news but it's quite sympathetic, I know you will miss him so much dear, but all you owe him in this journey is prayers and support and maybe a small financial support from us.
"Really?. Mum, do you support that too? But I will miss him so much". I cried and hugged mum.
"Yes I do, everything will be alright in due time, just as I said keep praying and encouraging him". Mum advised.
"Thank you so much mother. What would I have ever done without you? I love you mum".
"Come on baby, enough of this discussion, go take your shower and change to something light. I mean your night wear and then come over to the dining room where the family is about to have dinner. Mother says as she steps out.
"Okay mum. I will be there shortly, love you".
I took off my clothes and dashed straight to the shower, quickly took my shower, changed into my night wear and headed to the dining room.
On reaching there I met Kennedy, also seated on the dining chair.
"Good evening bro".
"Evening Tina, I came back home this evening and you weren't present in the house, where are you coming from?"