MAURICE'S POVIt was ironic how Glenda was saying the same thing Sam had said to me. Although Sam pitched his differently, they were both implying the same thing. They wanted me to right my wrong, put myself out there and live life freely. Without holding on to the past.It was a simple yet such a difficult task and I didn't want to think about it, at least not now. I instead, focused on the delicate hands slowly and expertly massaging my temples, bringing me immense relief.“You said you used to do this for your grandma?” I asked with my eyes still shut.I sensed Glenda's smile. I could guess she had pleasant memories of her grandmother.“Yes. Grandma loved it when I did this for her. She would sometimes request for a temple massage even when she felt no pain.” There was glee in her voice as she seemed to travel down memory lane.She continued. “Granny said I have delicate hands.”Mentally, I concured to Glenda's statement. Her granny was right. She did have delicate hands, that brou
GLENDA'S POVI paled in surprise as I stepped into my room. A bouquet of purple roses sat elaborately atop the vanity table in my room. I immediately called out to Nora to inquire from her who had entered my room.“Where did those come from?” I asked Nora. I stood by the door and pointed to the flowers. It was almost as if I was scared to step into the room. Flowers, beautiful ones at that, in my room, was a rare thing. It never happened or at least the flowers were never for me.The one time I found flowers in my room while in college, they had been sent over for my roomie by her boyfriend. It was such a sweet gesture that got me somewhat jealous of her. A fairytale romance, I tagged it. A fairytale indeed, because there was no way I could imagine anyone ever doing something like that for me.Nora stood by the door along with me. My fears, a contagious infection, prevented her from stepping into the room. She stood by my side and peeked into the room, fearing what was pressing en
MAURICE'S POVI slowed down when it seemed we were going too fast. I wanted Glenda but I also wanted her to want me as much as I did her.I wanted her to feel every touch from me and experience how much pleasure it could bring her. I just wanted it to be memorable.I knew I achieved this feat when I raised my head from between her legs to see her head thrown back and her body still shivering and shaking from her orgasm.Just watching her reach the pinnacle of pure pleasure was a scene better than any romance movies or books put together.Glenda was the epitome of beauty in her aroused state. She gasped and breathed in quick exhausted successions.When she finally got some of her senses back, she looked down at me still nestled between her most feminine parts.My lips curled into an arrogant grin as I smacked my lips and winked at her. Her cheeks immediately coloured with embarrassment. She tried to hide her blush from me.I moved up and comfortably settled myself between her legs. My
GLENDA'S POVI was appalled with the thought that Maurice only deemed it fit to lay sleep with me because my idea turned out great.It only meant that if it had happened that things didn't go as well as they did now, then he probably would have kicked me out of his house.It only reminded me that I was only as good as my worth to them. If I didn't serve any purpose, then I was useless! How could I forget that?Angrily, without uttering a word, I dressed up and left the room. I was honestly tired of being a pawn. A tool only sought when needed.“Glenda… Glenda!” Maurice called out repeatedly behind me as I headed for the door.Maurice grabbed my arm, stopping me from opening the door.“Glenda.” His tone was draped with disbelief and concern as he chased me to the door. “Hey, what just happened?”I raised my eyes and glared at him. “Nothing. I want to leave.”“Leave your room?-” He looked around the room as though to clarify that it was indeed my room. “-You want to leave your room for
MAURICE'S POV“This is what I want. I'm sure of it. I want to start on a clean slate with her. I've only just realized it was a selfish idea… I'm finally taking your advice, brother.” I spoke into the mouth piece of my phone. There was an unfamiliar admittance to my tone.I was seated on the swivel chair in my study, on the phone to Sam. I had my back to the entrance of my study, very engrossed in my conversation to Sam.Sam chuckled. “I know you might not like to hear this, but you sound all so in love.”“I haven't told you I was in love with Glenda.” I said too quickly. I felt the inexplicable need to immediately correct Sam. “I just said I'm changing my mind about the plan.” I stated.I could sense my damn brother smiling. “Of course, but it's only a matter of time before you see it. You're always slow, playing catch-up.” As much as Sam tried to hide it by sounding serious, there was a tease in his tone.I shook my head. “Just let John know the update on my decision.” I instructed.
GLENDA'S POVNana had sent me to call Maurice. At this time of the day, I was certain he'd be in his study, so I headed there.On reaching there, I saw that the door was ajar so I decided against knocking. I poked my head through the small space of the door and regretted almost immediately after I heard Maurice's rigid voice.“LUCY!”I still at that moment because Maurice had his angry eyes on me.“I could come back later.” I said in a small voice as I cowered under Maurice's gaze. If Maurice was already in a foul mood, then the best thing would be not to be in the center of the heat.“It's fine!” Maurice snapped, but this time he had his glares peeled at a seething Lucy. “You can come in. Lucy was just leaving.”Slowly, I walked further into the tensed room. It felt hot in there even though the weather was chilly.Lucy stood up abruptly from her seat and twirled on her heels in annoyance. It made me wonder what they could have been talking about to stir this much heat between them.L
MAURICE'S POVSomething told me to go out of my study. I had the feeling that Lucy would do something stupid and I was right. Thankfully, I got there just in time before she opened her big mouth. This stupid girl was going to ruin everything for me. She stopped talking once she caught sight of me behind Glenda. The menacing scowl on my face was all she needed to see and she turned mute.I dispeled Glenda, urging her to go to Nana, but I kicked against the idea as it occurred to me that she could stay lurking in the corners trying to eavesdrop on my conversation with Lucy.It was not in Glenda's character to eavesdrop. At least I knew that much from the time spent with her. Still, I couldn't take chances.This whole episode was intriguing and no doubt had stirred Glenda's curiosity. So I asked her to wait for me. At a distance where I could keep my eyes on her and she could hear nothing from my conversation.I returned my gaze to Lucy. Anger coursed through me as I clenched my teeth.
GLENDA'S POVI smiled up at Nana wondering how she found it so easy to joke about almost everything. If I had taken life the way Nana did, I was certain I would have been a lot happier. The banter between the duo had been entertaining to watch. Nana knew just how to get under Maurice's skin. She knew him like the back of her hand. He was her son after all, adopted or not, she raised him.It still beats me how she suddenly came up with the idea of traveling just to see a rhino. She was watching too much of the wild animal channel and I thought it was making her brew crazy ideas.I guess she just wanted to live life to the fullest. I wanted that for her too but I was glad Maurice refused her request. Nana's health was declining and I wouldn't want to take any more risks with that. At least, this much, Maurice and I agree on.“I'll get your medicine now Nana. It's time you take them.” I said and left, leaving the two to talk about God knows what.I blushed on my way at the thought of Na
GLENDA'S POVONE WEEK LATER“Where is he? How is he?” Concern adorned my weary voice as my worried gaze rested on my brother-in-law.“He’ll live.” Sam said with a grin.Jane nudged him and gave him a warning glare. “Be serious for once! Don’t scare her with your silly jokes!” She reprimanded him.Sam pouted, but his eyes didn’t discard the mischievous glint they held. “I’m serious. I’m sharing good news.” He said with a shrug.Jane’s irritation at her husband stood up a notch. Her glares intensified. “Can’t you see that she’s worried?”Sam sighed resignedly. “I was only trying to lighten her mood.”“Well you’re doing a terrible job at it!”Sam raised his hands in surrender. He shifted and gave way for Jane to come closer to my gurney.Jane approached the bed with a sweet smile. “We came as soon as we heard. How are you feeling dear?” She helped adjust the gurney so my upper body was elevated. It gave me a better view.“I’m doing fine... Where is Maurice?" I asked again.It has been two
MAURICE'S POVBrian acted impulsively. That's what I thought and I couldn't resist the urge to scold him. He shouldn't have taken such a risky task upon himself. I was most certain that he had hurt himself, his hands were hurting and he was hiding it.“Scold me later, after we leave here.” He smiled at his deed, hiding his pain behind those genuine smile.I couldn't help but manage a half smile. He looked charming. Brian was a good boy. He just needed to be pointed in the right direction and I'm glad he found his way back home.I promised myself at that instance that things would be different from there on. He would be my son and I would be his father.I nodded for him to come along and went ahead with Glenda, expecting him to follow behind us. I had only taken a few steps when I heard the crash.I immediately turned around. “Brian!” I yelled, but it was already too late. “Dad.” He choked out in response. He blinked, sighed and seemed to relax. He looked calm, smiling up at me. As t
BRIAN'S POV“Elsa?” I asked him in surprise.It only meant Elsa had run after me when she couldn't stop me from going into the house. That crazy bitch!With everything that my father had told me, it was clear that she hadn't entered with good intentions. She must have sensed my intentions and she wanted to act ahead of me.She wanted to cement her plans, ensure everything happened according to how she wanted it. It was her house after all. She knew where she had left Glenda and could find her easily.Maybe it was a good thing she came in. This unit was large and finding my father and Glenda in this fiery mess was already proving difficult until I stumbled on the door, and heard the thudding coming from within. If she hadn't locked them in here, then maybe I would not have found them.I wanted to lift Glenda, carry her in my arms, but I thought against it and allowed my father to carry his wife.“I doubt that she's still in the building. Quick, let's get out of here.” I ordered and w
MAURICE'S POVA miracle did happen. Only it wasn't how I expected it.“Glenda!” I thought I was hallucinating someone calling Glenda. I braced myself. The thief had come. Death was near. It was so close, looming over us and breathing over my neck. I could feel it. But I wasn't scared. I wasn't afraid. I was ready for whatever was to come.“Glenda!” The call came again.My eyes flew wide open when I heard the second call. I was not hallucinating. I was not imagining things. Someone was indeed calling Glenda.Quickly, I raised myself from the forlorn stance I had assumed on the floor.My dead hope resurrected instantly. Someone was here. Someone had come for us.“Is anyone there? We are in here!” I yelled. My voice had become hoarse, dried from the smoke. I prayed whoever it was out there had heard me.“We are here!” I tried to increase my volume. I ended up wheezing from the strain.I guess my coughing gave away our location as I heard shuffling, then someone approaching.“Elsa?” I as
MAURICE'S POVHis reaction only confirmed my fears. Glenda was in that heat.I watched in horror as the flames grew taller into the sky. My breath hitched. My fears skyrocketed. Anxiety clothed my core. I was shaking with fright.That's when I caught sight of the approaching figure. A ray of hope stirred within me. Maybe. Just maybe.Brian strode past me like a zombie, his gaze set upon the fire like it was beckoning to him.Once the outline cleared to reveal Elsa, every ounce of hope and logical thinking within me vaporized.At that moment, nothing else mattered. Not Brian. Not Elsa. Not me. Only Glenda.I willed my legs to move and like a flash, I ran past Brian into the fire. The dense, hazy smoke welcomed me. Everything blurred in my vision. I squinted in an attempt to adjust to the smoky view.I squinted through the smoke and raised a hand to fan out the smoke. It didn't help to clear my view.“Glenda!” I called out. A raspy cough escaped my throat as the smoke filled my lungs.
BRIAN'S POVI caught a whiff of the familiar perfume as I entered the house. My heart began to beat at a double rate. My worst fears came alive when I stepped into the room to find it empty. Glenda was gone.“Shit! Shit!” I cussed and kicked.I exasperatedly ran a hand through my hair. Just when I had everything ready. When all my plans were ready and set. That sick bitch had to appear now. Why did I ever bring her here? What had I ever found attractive about that sick witch? I looked down at my crotch and cussed myself for my lack of control. But how could I have known then that this would come back to bite me in the ass? How could I have known that Elsa was as sick as the woman who birthed her?“Darn it!”Was this how all of my plans would be ruined? Would I not be able to protect Glenda? Would I allow Elsa and her mother to have the last laugh?No! I swore to protect Glenda and I would fulfill that promise.But where do I even begin to look for Glenda? Where could Elsa have taken
GLENDA'S POV I didn't want to accept how foolish I had been. How gullible I was. How blindingly trusting I was. “Elsa, please tell me this is all not true. Tell me this is all a prank. Say it. Laugh all this off… Say you're joking!” I yelled at her. I shook my head as though doing that would dispel everything that I had heard. “You are a liar! I don't believe you!” I broke into a sob. “I trusted you, Elsa. I loved you! I trusted you!... You were my sister! That's how much I cherished you.” I spilled through my teary, pain-filled voice. “And I hate you! I hate you Glenda! I hate you!” She countered, panting with dark rage. The room was filled with the heat of the hate emanating from her. The stench of her loath towards me was palpable in the ambience of the room. It felt so surreal. Like acting out a scene with the evil villain. Only, this was far from a dream or a movie. It was my sick reality. I could never have thought Elsa, whom I considered akin to my sister, harbored su
MAURICE POV It was a long drive. It had been two hours ago since Lucy agreed to take me to the place she talked about, yet we still hadn't reached. We kept taking neverending turns and corners. “Are we there yet?” I asked like an impatient child eager to reach the park sooner. “No. It's right up that corner.” Lucy replied. “How many more corners are we going to take?” Exasperation embellished my tone. “How did you even come to know about this place?” I asked out of my impatience and eagerness to quickly reach Glenda. The long hours of driving was beginning to make me rethink my decision. I couldn't help but begin to consider that this may be a ploy to distract me. “Um, he brought me here one time when we needed to talk privately. This is his hideout.” she spoke shyly. From the sound of her voice and the expression on her face, I understood that this was where they came to do all their plotting. Could Brian and Lucy still be working together? Could this also be one of
BRIAN'S POVI repeatedly slapped the passport against my palm, relishing in immense satisfaction as I walked to my car. It had taken longer than I had anticipated to get it done but I was finally holding it. My ticket to leave this place without being spotted by anyone.Best part, I was taking the woman I love along. Everything was falling into place. I smiled to myself as I got in my car. Aunt Helena had no idea how smart I could be. By the time she'll realize anything, we'd be long gone. Far long gone! To a place where no one can ever find us! Our disappearance would be a huge disappointment to Aunt Helena. It would put a big hole in her plans.As I sat in my car, my hand rested idling on the steering wheel. I gaze through the windshield, staring fixated at nothing ahead, my mind traveling back to that day at the hospital.★★★Flash back★★★“I've lost him.” She was crying profusely. “We failed.”I glanced over to Lucy curled on the gurney, an irritated look draped my expression.