CHAPTER 1: Leaving Canberra

NARRATIVE

Tears ran down Paige's face as she stared weakly around the white painted room. She could hear the sounds of footsteps along the corridor she wouldn't be walking out to again, the bustling and honking sounds of vehicles along the streets fifteen floors down. She smiled tearingly when she felt Harriet's hand on her face, wiping away the tears with a little hanky in between her fingers.

'It's okay Paige, you have to stop crying,' Harriet said pitifully, using her free hand to wipe the tears rolling down her own cheeks.

Paige sighed heavily, the pain from her earlier Ceasarean operation still hurt terribly. She smiled and placed a kiss one more time, on the forehead of her little treasure, the sleeping beauty cooed and stirred in Paige's arms and she couldn't withhold herself from letting out a pleased chuckle. Harriet beamed as she watch the adorable mother and daughter.

'She's so adorable and looks just like me, doesn't she?' Paige said, looking over at her best friend. Harriet smiled as she looked from mother to daughter, seeing the unhidden resemblance between both.

'Sure she does, Paige. Although I think Jamie would object to that if he were here.' She teased. The vibrant look in her silver eyes and the cheeky grin on her face disappeared, as her face fell at the mention of her husband's name.

If only I could unite with him again and watch him explode with glee once he sees our beautiful baby girl...If only I could live to watch her grow through life's inevitable stages... She thought

'I'm sorry,' Harriet apologized immediately, on noticing Paige's change of mood.

'You don't have to be Harry, it's not your fault.' She smiled warmly. While trying to turn on her side, she felt her head spinning and just as she was about to collapse back into the bed, Harriet immediately supported her, and was about to help her lay on the bed when Paige's warm hand grasp hers.

'Harry, you musn't forget your promise.' She looked down at the sleeping baby in her arms. 'Take care of her for me Harry, I don't have much time again as the poison has eaten too deep in my system.' Harriet broke into tears that instant as she collapsed onto the bare floor. Paige swallowed painfully while she bit on her dry lower lip as tears continue to roll freely, down her cheeks.

Slowly she stared at her baby one more time, and gently brush her fingers along her succulent, tender skin. Leaning over, she placed a kiss for the final time on her cheeks and forehead while she wished she could pause time for a moment.

She inhaled and exhaled deeply, knowing her time was up and she needed to let her go.

'Harriet please help me lie down,' she requested of her friend. Harriet quickly responded and did as she requested.

Paige closed her eyes as she pressed the child to herself, wanting to hold unto her until her very last moment. And with her last strength and breath, she hummed a song to the child who slept soundly, oblivious of the impending doom looming ahead of her.

Finally, Paige gave in as the cold hands of death took hold of her. But before she breath her last, she opened her eyes and sent one last pleading gaze, Harriet's way.

22 YEARS LATER;

SCARLETT

The door opened and I raised my gaze from my luggage towards the door only to find Mom standing behind my room door as she stared worriedly at me.

'Can't you stay? Do you really have to go?' She asked for the umpteenth time this morning.

I sighed, as I stretch to my full length from my initial crouched position over my luggage. I push away the strands of black hair from my face and looked at her. With my hips cocked sideways, I place a hand on my waist as a weary smile spread over my lips.

'Oh Mommy, not again!' I exhaled heavily when she gave me puppy eyes. Striding over in my flipflops, I pull her with me to sit on my bed.

'It's only a tour Mom, two months tour in Birmingham and I'll be back to you.' I tried to coax her. She stared at me reluctantly.

'Mom stop being such a baby.' I teased while wiggling her plump cheeks. She chuckled and raised her hands to mine. Taking them in hers, she placed her palm over them affectionately and smiled at me.

'Baby, you've never been to the UK and do you know how Birmingham is? What if you get lost while there and you aren't able to find your way back to me? I could die of panic.' She whined.

Oh boy! I roll my eyes mentally.

'Reason why there's something called a GPS Mom, besides I'm not a young teenage girl trying to find her way around. I'm a grown ass twenty two years college graduate. I can definitely take care of myself anywhere I am in the world so stop worrying over silly ideas.'

'Okay Scarlett, I trust you baby.' She finally agreed and I smiled. 'But you must return immediately your tour's over okay?'

'Sure Mommy. I can't trade my world best woman for anything in this world.' I said confidently and assuringly. Mom smiled sadly as she soothe my fingers with her thumb. I hugged her for a minute. 'It's time to go Mom, Skylar's waiting at the airport.' I said from her shoulders. Mom stroke my back severally before she finally released me.

Minutes later, I kissed Mom, the dog and our duplex goodbye before boarding a private cab to the airport.

*********

'Yo girlie!' Skylar shrieked immediately she sighted me. I turn my head towards the lobby just in time to see her racing to me, her luggage right behind her while her long wavy brown hair, danced with the wind.

'Woah! Easy girl.' I said as she engulfed me in a tight embrace, almost pushing us to the floor.

'Uhh...Sky?' I called.

'Yes Sugarplum,' she snuggle my cheeks with her eyes shut.

'We going down!' I said from her back.

'Oops!' She gasped and quickly balanced us and then she giggled.

'Sorry, didn't notice.' She grinned.

'Yeah I know.' I nod as I adjust my beanie.

Sky has a thing for hugging people she's close to or sometimes, even strangers, provided she's cool with them especially when they dress so good or smell good. She's just so free spirited and I love her for being her. I hope nothing ever changes this side of her.

'You smell good sugar, how was the ride here?' She said.

'Thank you Sky, the drive here was fine. You smell good too.' I said. She nodded and I noticed the mischievous grin on he cheeks.

'Had to sneak, or rather steal Cole's latest perfume. I'm sure he wouldn't mind.' She giggle.

I chuckled as a mental image of Cole screaming their home down on discovering Skylar's theft came to mind. As an older brother, it's easy for him to just let go or ignore but Cole wouldn't and Sky was just ever ready to torment his pitiable life.

'It's a surprise your Mom didn't follow you down here. How did you do, girl?' She suddenly asked as we both begin to walk towards the TSA checkpoint.

'Girl, I had to come up with the perfect reason to make her stay back.' I shake my head at the memory.

Mom's such an overprotective and a dotting mother. I don't think there's ever anyone more protective of their own than her.

'I know right,' Skylar chuckled. 'You ready for some hangout with freaking hot UK dudes?' She sang and I roll my eyes.

'Jeez! Sky, we going on a tour not some hookup,' I said.

'Oh puhlease, my tour wouldn't be a tour without the perfect touch of the right ingredients in form of some sexy hunks.' She gushed. I found myself laughing so hard over that.

What am I ever gonna do without Sky in my life?

Oops! Never wanna imagine that...

Well, well Birmingham, be ready for us!

NARRATIVE>>>

He had his back to the door while he sat in his office chair, head bowed and lost in thought. His tall frame, evident from the length of his reclined legs. Several stripes of gray, graced his auburn hair.

'Mr Chairman,' A younger man called worriedly as he stood before the gray haired, his back slightly bowed in respect.

'Tell me,' the man replied as he ran a hand over his thin beard.

'Yes Sir,' the other bowed and immediately stated his findings. 'From our research, we learnt she boarded the plane to UK today.'

'Very well Finley, you've done well. She made things easier for us. Keep an eye on her and remember to remain discreet about this.' He said while his fingers leisurely stroke his beard.

'Yes, Sir Chairman.' The young man said. He gave a quick bow and soon exited the massive office.

Once alone, the gray haired man let out a heavy sigh and continued in his reminiscence which was however short lived as a middle aged lady cat-walked in.

'Darlying, you were here. I've been searching all over for you.' She began, her painted red lips pressed into a thin smile. 'Imogen told me you wouldn't see her. I want to know why...'

'Not now, Harriet. Not now!' He swiftly interrupted. 'I'm already stressed as it is, I can't add a fully grown woman's nagging to my already exhausting list.' He deadpanned.

Harriet's thin smile changed into a frown immediately but just as she was about to lash out her grievances, the man stood up and walked out quickly on her, much to her consternation.

As she watched his retreating figure, her anger rose more and after some moments of gritting and biting her lips, she smirked.

A slow, intentional smirk.