Chapter 6

Gabriella took little Ray to the park to have a gcan'tplay with kids from the neighborhood, accompanied by Her best friend Mira, 

Everyone loves Ray, an energetic little boy with an amazing smile, Children would often visit Gabriella just to play with him,

 Parents come with gifts for Ray, Strangers stare in admiration, and people wave at him and say hi to him wherever he goes.

Most people will come close to ask for his name, wave, and walk away.

It's the weekend and the weather was friendly.

Gabriella and Mira were sitting on a bench in the park watching the kids play,

Gabriella drifted off again while discussing with Mira,

How is the design coming along Gaby? Mira asked but got no response, she turned her face to look at Gabriella and found her deep in thought, 

Mira touched softly on her hands and she was startled, 

What's wrong Gaby, don't tell me it's nothing because this is the Fourth time this week, what is going on?

Gabriella knew she had to open up to Mira, about how her past trauma with her ex-husband and her family have been affecting her lately, and also what triggered it.

I was at the Salon last week and this young lady was narrating her experience in her relationship and how she has been treated, it made me think of what I have gone through. Gabriella replied.

I don't know what I could have done if you didn't show up when you did.

I would have ended it all and nobody would ever look for me. Gabriella sobbed.

Mira gave her a warm hug, 

I will always be here for you and Ray, I don't want you to think about your past ugly experience, it's in the past now, Mira said

You have to be strong, Ray needs you now you can't break down now, If you continue to dwell in the past you won't move on Gaby. Mira continued while patting her on her back.

Gabriella cleaned her eyes, am sorry for being so selfish, I shouldn't be talking an myself and my problem all the time,

You are right, it's in the past now. I promise I will get over this feeling and be more cheerful for my son. He deserves better, After, all that happened wasn't his fault, he shouldn't have to suffer for any of that.

That's my girl Mira said and they both smiled, 

I asked you a question, Mira said.

How are your designs coming along?

Oh! I have enough to show you, wait till we get home. I have this new design that I made last night, I think it's something I have never done before, it's mind-blowing, I couldn't believe I designed that.

Wow! With this confidence those designers competing for the same position don't stand a chance, Mira made jokes.

Both ladies laughed.

Am so proud of you Gaby, You are so beautiful and talented, 

Thank you, Mira, 

You didn't tell me about your date last night Gabriella asked Mira.

Well, it's just like the other ones, Mark is not my type.

What do you mean he is not your type, you were all excited to meet this guy, and you told me he seems like your forever. Gaby said surprised as to why her friend changed her mind all of a second after being excited to go on a date with this guy

Mira met Mark on a dating site and they have been chatting all week. She didn't stop talking about him all week and was super excited to meet him.

Gaby was sure Mira was gonna date Mark after everything she told her about him.

But she was shocked to realize she didn't speak of him again after last night's date.

So tell me Mira, what happened?

Well, He is nothing like what he looks like online, and I have never been so disappointed in my entire life, it was a total catfish.

He lied literally about everything, when I got angry he kept apologizing, and when I made up my mind to leave, he told me I would never find someone like him ever.

Could you believe that Gaby, I drilled over this guy for one week only to be Catfish, Gabriella was so shocked.

But whose picture is that on his profile, Gabriella asked.

I don't know, but not the guy I met last night. Mira said With a sad expression written all over her face.

Am sorry Mira Gaby said holding Mira's hand and comforting her,

You are a lovely lady, any Man would be lucky to have you, your kind heart is priceless. One day you will meet someone who will appreciate everything about you.

Thank you, Gaby, Mira said with a smile. 

But I am still gonna try again, I met another guy on the dating site and I have a date with him later in the evening. Mira said

Gaby was surprised, You just don't give up do you?

Haven't you learnt anything from last night Gaby said smiling at her friend.

Yes I have, but I can't stop now. My dream man is out there and I have to keep trying until I find him, Mira said leaning towards Gabriella who was surprised at how free-minded her friend was.

Mira is from a wealthy family and at 16 she has already visited different countries. She was loved and spoiled by her parents. Although she has everything, she is a humble lady with a kind heart.

Her only brother is a medical doctor overseas, and her parents were living in a different town from where she stayed.

My brother will be in town in 2 weeks, I would love you to meet him, Mira said.

You keep saying a lot of nice things about him, I would love to meet him again, He was so busy the last time he visited Gabriella said.

Yeah, he is great, Mira replied.

He rarely stays for 1 week before going back to his base. He must be super busy. Gabriella said,

Yes, his work takes a lot from him but I guess he will stay longer this time, and I hope you both could work something out, if you know what I mean.

Stop it, Mira, Gabriella responded, I told you before am not ready for a relationship yet, not after going through that Trauma, maybe in the future but not now,

Your brother is a very nice guy. Any girl would love to be with him, am just not ready Mira, pls don't hate me.

Hate you, Never, I am just trying to see if your response will change from the last time but I see it's still the same don't worry I will leave you alone.

Am not mad, it's fine Trust me, Mira said.

Are you ready for your interview next week? She asked Gabriella 

Yes and No Gaby replied, 

Yes because I have my designs ready, and No because I am so nervous, I heard the board members will be in town for the final interview, and also to welcome the next designers to the company.

The CEO might probably be present but don't worry, you have got this Mira said,

They have seen great designers but they haven't met you, my friend, you are super talented. 

Thank you, Mira, Gabriella replied. 

What would I have done without you?

Both ladies were so carried away with their discussions that they paid little attention to Ray who they thought was busy playing with the kids.

A few minutes later She looked around and couldn't find Ray's insight. She stood up and walked towards the kids playing. Hello beautiful, where is Ray?

she asked one of the kids,

He was just here, I don't know where he went. She replied and continued playing,

Gabriella looked around and couldn't find him anywhere, Mira also stood up and walked around and couldn't find him,

Fear gripped both ladies as Gabriella started calling out his Name, 

Ray! Ray!! She screamed,

Everyone around noticed what was going on and they all searched around for him.

Where could he be? Gabriella asked herself, he was

just here, 

How did I let him out of my sight? 

Calm down Gaby he must be around somewhere,

I can't calm down Mira, Ray was just here, Now I can't find him.