I was simply in line waiting to make a deposit when I noticed a rather handsome male behind me.
I can't even put into words how handsome he was. I steal glances at him, pretending as if I am searching for someone. But for him, he had no shame in staring at me, his hazel eyes peering into mine with every stolen glance.
I can even make out the small smile that was playing at the corners of his thin pink lips. Even though he now pulled his hat further down his face, trying to hide his features, I'll never forget him and neither did I want to.
It was my time in the line, which took the teller buzzing his bell three times before I realised it.
"Just making a deposit," I told the teller.
He gave me a smile before taking the bank slip and cash.
"Have a nice day."
I smiled.
Even though my transaction was complete and I have no more business in the bank, I wanted to linger a bit, even if it was to get his name or to say hi.
I walked by where he was in the queue, giving him a sideways glance.
Even though he was staring at the paper in his hand, he still peeked up at me, his lips parting as if he wanted to say something.
I smiled, paying attention back to where I was going, in fear of tripping and embarrassing myself.
It left me to wonder, 'would he catch me if I fall?'
'Would he come to my side to see if I was ok?'
I steal one last glance at him, not so surprised to see that he was doing the same. This time, his smile was bigger and our eyes lingered on each other longer.
I returned a smile of my own; I doubt we'll ever meet again, but if we did, it would be by some sort of miracle.
'Life would be kind to me for once.'
I walked out to the chilling weather of Chicago. With winter in the air, the Wind City was already blistering, threatening to send below zero degrees days and several inches of snow.
I walked to the cafe just across the road, where I waited for my best friend Vanessa, so we can have lunch like we usually do every Wednesday.
I couldn't help but stare at the bank's door, expecting to see my unnamed man stepping out, but he never did.
I drummed my fingers on the table while checking my rose gold Michael Kors diamond-encrusted watch, getting a tod bit impatient. Nessa knew I hate waiting. She also knew that I hate being in a place by myself for too long.
Just then, the door to the cafe ding. My head snapped up almost immediately thinking that it was Vanessa, but it surprised me to see that it was him.
Our eyes meet and again he smiled at me, which I return, but he made no move to approach me. Instead, he took the next table and sat directly in front of me. His smile never left as he stared at me.
It felt a bit creepy to have him just sitting there by himself, staring at me. Then again, how did he feel? With me starting and smiling.
Just then, four people, three males and a female joined him. The female greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.
She said something close to his ear, and he cracked a smile, showing off his pearly white, straight teeth and dimpled cheeks.
The female removed his hat, exposing his dark messy bedhead hairstyle and bushy brows.
I swore my heart stopped at how handsome he was.
I had to use something as a distraction to stop myself from my constant gaze.
Gladly, Vanessa finally came. I welcomed her with a warm smile and exchanged seats.
I raised a brow at her colourful hair.
"Like it?" Flipped her hair.
"Love." I touched a lock.
Nessa was never one to follow the rules, thinks that we should express our individuality and isn't afraid to tell people to fu*k off.
A smile spread across her long beautiful face, while her grey eyes remained serious.
"So, how was your day?"
"Not over yet," I groaned.
I wanted to tell her so badly about that mysterious man, but knowing her, she would urge me to talk to him, stare or do some outrageous thing to get his attention.
So instead I told her about how the Real estate was coming along, as I listened to her gossip about the new male Art teacher, who she thought would be the perfect match for me.
"You should get into the dating scene, stop feeling sorry for yourself and get some loving," Vanessa said, as she hugged me goodbye.
I couldn't help me laugh, "yeah, when pigs fly."
I turned to leave, only to collide with him. He gazed down at me from under long lashes. His strong, masculine cologne was almost overpowering, and I had to catch my breath.
"Sorry," his smooth voice came.
I opened my mouth, but before any words could come out, his friends were pulling him away. All I could do was stare after him as he glanced back at me.
"Well, there goes my chance," I murmured, walking to where I parked my car earlier.
I had one last stop before going home; my newly opened Salon, where I am going to get my hair done before starting my day tomorrow.
I needed a trim, and I was planning on straightening my naturally curly red hair.
I had a busy day starting at five am tomorrow morning; I had high hopes for myself and wanted to break my record by selling six houses in one day.
Hopefully, I do, especially seeing that one of those houses had enough space for a potential family.
"Welcome, Royal-Reign." The receptionist greeted.
I smiled at her.
"Your stylist will be with you shortly. He is just finishing up with another client." She informed me.
I took a seat in the waiting area. The minute I did, I was presented with lemon water and orange slices.
"Thanks," I smiled at the salon attendant.
After waiting for half an hour, and skipping through three sports and a style magazine, Enzo finally called for me.
"Welcome, welcome. Looking varnishing as ever." He kissed both of my cheeks, then led me over to his chair.
"If I wasn't gay, I would have courted you already. Such a beautiful lass as yourself shouldn't be single." He went on, brandishing a blue cape to wrap around my beige O-neck solid Chanel dress.
"This lovely head of hair," Enzo played in it a bit, giving me a small scalp massage before working his magic.
"I love your hair," he gushed, spinning the chair around and snapping a few photos.
"So lovely." He pretended to cry.
"Oh, Enzo!" I slapped his arm. "Wish me luck for tomorrow."
"Oh, but darling, you don't need it. You are a walking blessing, a charm." Enzo praised.
I smiled at him and waved my goodbye. After stepping out into the night air, I pulled my shawl tighter over my shoulders.
Before getting into my car, I noticed the man before the bank again; across the road, coming out of a bookstore.
He pulled his coat collar up to his neck before walking away; I watched until he turned the corner.
I wish at that moment that I had said something to him, but what was I to say?
'Hi, I think you're
cute. Be my boyfriend; if not justmy friend.'I shook my head, then got in my car and drove off in the opposite direction. Doubting that I will ever see him again. The city was big, after all.
I reached home just in time before it start raining, then start preparing for the day. Gathering the brochures I needed and also my outfit.
By ten I settled in bed and continued reading She's my Luna on Goodnovel. I didn't know when I fell asleep, but when I woke up, it was almost time for my alarm to go off. So I decided to get up and get ready.
By four-seventeen, I had all the houses ready for its possible homeowner. I placed cookies and sandwiches under glass displays, along with water and apple juice in the refrigerator of the last house. I took a deep breath, smooth down my skirt, and put on a smile for my first client at five. The morning air was crispy, biting into my already red cheeks. At that moment, I cursed my high cheekbones, wishing for chubbier cheeks. I could hear a car pulling up in the stone drive away. I plaster a smile back on my face, then went outside to greet the family of six and one on the way. The children were the first out of the car, with the oldest being seventeen and the youngest eight. "Wow, such a big house." The youngest clamoured before running to the front door. "Alexandra, go get Leo before he breaks anything." Their mother orders. Alexandra rolled her eyes, like the true teen she was, but did as she was told. "Welcome," I smiled, shaking the Blakes' hands. "Thank you for coming
"Girl. He is more than an oh. He is worthy of several moans and back scratches.''"Nessa.''"What? I'm sure that you were thinking of that too. I saw you checking him out.''The back scratches never came to mind, but me being under him and moaning did.I bit my lip.(Could I tell Nessa that I have seen him around before?)(That I wanted to know him more?)(And how fascinated I am about him?)(No, that would only lead to Nessa doing or saying something weird and, in turn, embarrassing me.)(Wait, but we were in the same cafe yesterday, so didn't they see each other?)The ride hardly had time to stop before Nessa slipped off her horse, wasting no time to race over to him.I followed behind meekly, watching as she pulled him into a hug.His large arms engulfed her in a hug.The hug looked so comforting and like what I needed right now.I looked away, feeling slightly jealous, which made no sense.It's not like I put myself out there, as Nessa did. She was fun and energetic. While, well,
"I'm ok,'' I told myself, as I gingerly climbed out of my seat, my feet were still shaking from the frightful thrill."I'm ok," I said again, patting myself down to make sure all my body parts were still intact.Vanessa, on the other hand, had a huge grin on her face. She pulled me along once again and did the same with Nicholas.The next thing I know she pushed me into him."Sorry, clumsily me. I'm going to the bathroom. You two, you know, talk and whatnot." She walked off.We walked in silence for a while before Nicholas broke it by saying, "Royal-Reign. Is that your real name or?"I almost laughed, "I get that a lot, but yes it is, though I would rather people call me Reign. Royal is just so... too much.""Never heard a name like that before.""My mother gave me the name, you should hear my little brother's name. King Elijah-Prince.""Interesting, and the middles name?" He said."That I won't say out loud.""Last name?""Belmount.""Ok. Are you really single?" He awkwardly said aft
I sat on the floor of my closet, not knowing what to wear. I felt like messaging Nicholas to cancel, but that would be selfish of me all because I didn't know what to wear.I finally decided on a little pink dress, but changed my mind at the last minute, picking something else.I looked at myself in the mirror, hoping that I'm not overdoing it or creating the wrong impression.Being the nervous wreck I am about this pending date, I had to fan my sweaty armpits.I just hope I don't mess this up, seeing that I had no idea where I was going.I stood there staring at myself, once again stressing the small stuff.Should my hair be up, down, curly, straight?What?I played with my stiletto nails as I waited for Nicholas to show up.At one point, I was close to start cleaning, just to try and settle my nerves.I paced the length of my livingroom, waiting for him.Then the bell rang, causing me to jump and my heart to race.I glance at myself one last time in a mirror on the wall before openi
As I expected, I couldn't keep my mind from wondering to Nicholas. I have to say, neither could he.It had been two weeks since our date; we messaged each other since.Though we didn't see each other often, it felt like we did, between sending each other pictures and videos.Life must finally be looking out for me again, had finally taken my hand to lead me across the road.For the first time in so long, things were alright, things were looking up.I could feel the energy, the attraction between us. Life had finally placed someone in my path to fill the void of despair I had been feeling for so long.Even my therapist had noticed the change in my attitude, saying that I had come a long way.(Sadly, they want to keep me on my medication, because of my episode after my parents' death. They said I have manic depression {another term for bipolar}.)I stared at my phone, wondering if it was ok to ask him out for a second date.‘Do I want it to?’‘Yes, yes, I do.’I sent a message to Nichol
It seems as if Nicholas was waiting at the door for me, because before I could knock, he swung the door open."Hey," I smiled up at him.Nicholas pulled me into a hug. "You look amazing.""Thanks," I pulled away from him.’’Let’s go.’’ I smiled.Without knowing where to go, I drive around aimlessly for twenty minutes, until I settled for a piano bar.Thinking that I could impress him with my musical skills, or my drinking skills, whichever came first."Mystic musical." Nicholas read."Something new for both of us." I winked, hoping that he would like it.On the outside, the place was silent. The inside was theming with life, music, drunk patrons singing loudly and laughter.Nicholas glanced down at me at the same time I peeked up at him."Something new, huh?" He chuckled.I honestly was not expecting this.Even so, it was nice, just people off from working, kick staring their weekend.We found a small table in the corner, away from the crowd, with dim lighting and less cigarette smoke
I gently lifted Nicholas' hand off my stomach, then tip-toed in search of the bathroom. I didn't get far before another male raised his brow at me. I gave him a small smile, only to shrink back into the room I came from.Nicholas, being the sound sleeper he was, was awake and giving me questioning looks."You didn't tell me you had housemates." I lay back beside him."Yeah, it's. They're cool." He assured me."I have to pee." I told him.He snorted back a laugh, then pointed to a door inside his room."Oh," I hurried off to use it."When you're done, come to the kitchen. I'll rustle up something for us." His voice came through the door.I nod foolishly, as if he could see.I dragged on a pair of red shorts that I saw on a chair before making my way outside.The place got silent as all eyes turned towards me, making me wish I had stayed cooped up in Nicholas’ room."Sooo...you're the one that kept us up last night with all that fracas." A bald head, bearded man said.I felt my face hea
Maybe things aren't so bad after all. I think life might finally be looking up for me.I know I think this a lot, but that is how I feel.And after three months, I can safely say that Nicholas and I were in a relationship. His friends were more like family to both of us. I adored them and I think they feel the same way.I held onto Nick's hand as we walked through the park, eating ice cream cones."So, how would you feel about working for me?" I asked.Nick let go of my hand, "like as a slave or you as my boss?"I let out a laugh, leave it up to Nick to say such a thing."I could use an architect, and you are the only person I know and trust. You see, I have this crazy idea in my head. I saw this land space and just thought. Why not build on that piece of land? Maybe turn it into a gated community, I have asked, and the governor gave me the go ahead if I can acquire it. I just need a time." I brought forward."And the first person who you thought of was me?" Nick considered, sucking o
Just as I twisted my curly hair in the clip, Nessa's phone alarmed."Two minutes, then it is your time to walk down the aisle again." Nessa said.She came to hold me at arm's length, then hugged me."Feels like there is something between us," I joked."There is." She patted her four months stomach."Give them hell." I stoop down so I speak to her stomach."He already is, all the morning sickness. Mood swings and always sleeping. I miss eating bacon." Nessa began to cry.I allowed her the moment because I knew that it was just the hormones.Soon she was smiling at me again."Finish getting ready. I'll go call Lorain," she told me.I slipped into my white heals, then knotted my diamond studded tiara in my hair."Looking lovely," Lorain said, coming into the room. Complementing my simple mermaid dress.She picked up my flowers and hand it to me."Ready to give you away, Mrs Carter." She smiled.We walked down the aisle.When I didn't hear any crying, I looked at my left to see Mia and El
Due to some setbacks, Nick and I weren't able to move into our new house until I was almost due.And even though we were moving in, he didn't want me to lift a hand. So, I used my finger to instruct them on where the movers and our friends should put what."No, that glass table belongs in the living room. It goes in the middle. Does anyone not have vision?"I sighed, then sat on the sofa that was facing the fireplace that was below the TV."So we don't place the sofas in a straight line?" Jackson asked."No, this one faces the fireplace. While the other two face each other."Seeing that no one was placing the vases on the shelves that were on either side of the fireplace, I got up and made my way over to the boxes.I struggled to bend forward, while trying to bend sideways didn't work either.I puffed up my cheeks, trying to think of a way to get what was inside the boxes. I knew that if I should stoop down, I might not be able to get back up."What do you think you are doing?" I span
Nick came home early from work. He and his team were already halfway through with building our home."Hey you." He came over to kiss my forehead. "How are my girls?" He then kissed my stomach."Where is everybody?""Out back." I pointed with a chicken tender.I then dipped it in the honey-barbecue sauce that was sitting on my six months belly.Even though my baby shower was set to start in less than three hours, I was sitting in the living room eating junk food and pickles while using my stomach as a table because no one wanted me to do anything.They all were treating me as if I had suddenly become disabled.Shortly after, Nick came back with Jackson stirring him by the shoulders."You two just sit tight while we do all the work." He told Nick.I laughed at the look on my husband's face."Maybe massage her feet. I'm sure they are swollen." Jackson picked up a random bottle and threw it at Nick.Even though it was lubricant, it was for a different reason.With a cheeky smile, I placed
"Can I just take the blind food off? This is giving me anxiety." I asked."Not yet, just ten more minutes and I'll show you."I could feel the car coming to a stop, Nick getting out, then him coming around my side of the car."Ok, just trust me." He said, taking my hand.Instead of making me walk, Nick allowed me to climb on his back. After walking for a while, he stopped and place me on my feet."Ok, you can take the blindfold off."When I did, I noticed we were standing in a big open land."This is where our house will be." Nick grinned.I did a three sixty spin, to get a full view."So, it is a little bigger than I thought. The owner doesn't want it anymore and is willing to take any money from it, as long as I build a home. What do you think?""Have you done a survey to see what was wrong?""Nothing is wrong, just that there is a cliff at the back. But it is perfect otherwise.""And he is willing to take anything for it?""I mean, he is my uncle. So, yes.""I was also thinking tha
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Nessa said as Enzo applied her makeup."Look up,'' Enzo instructed."I hope you are not planning to run.""No, I can now say that I love him and if I should ever do that, I'm sure Rickie would cry.""Please smack your lips together?"After her makeup was set, I helped to zip her up into her mint-green and white dress, which I made exclusively for her.With its sweetheart neckline, and long flowing sheer skirting. I have to say that the dress represented her well."Time for the final touch."I stuck the flower crown in her hair, then let my hand rest on her shoulders."You look so beautiful," I told her.Nessa blinked back tears."Don't make me cry. You know I won't be able to stop." She tried to laugh.I gave her a hug, making sure to not smudge her makeup."I just wish daddy was here to see this.""Oh Nessa. I'm sure that he is smiling down at his baby girl."She dabbed at her eyes."I know, thank you Reign. I couldn't have asked for a better friend.
I was glad when the Dr Lynch said Nick could go home, but what made me even happier was that he remembered, he truly remembered.I couldn't help my smile as we left the hospital.I noticed Nick putting on his seat belt without me telling him to."I will never not wear this again," he said.I reached over to kiss him."You better, or else I will kill you myself."Nick gave a nervous chuckle. "I believe you."Before I could drive away, I saw Alba coming out of the hospital."What are you going to do about them?""I won't say anything to my sister, that's for sure. I don't see the reason for breaking up what she and Johnathan have because, from what Alba said, the two of them slept together before he and Christenna were together. As for my mother. Well, she just reminds me of why I left home, it had aways been her. And now she has no one because of her ways."I held his hand."Just know that no matter what happens, I will always be here for you."''I know, thank you."When we got home, t
By sometime after midnight, I got a call from the hospital, but all I could do was think about all the worst things, because I knew you only get bad news at this time.I took up the bag I had prepared for Nick, and as I drove to the hospital, I held my breath.I wasn't counting on him remembering who I was, even though the nurse on the phone assured me that everything was fine. But that was what they told me the first time, that he was ok when he wasn't.When I got to the hospital, I sat in the car for a while. My hands were shaking, and it felt as if I would pass out myself.I eventually built up the courage to go inside. I had to take deep breaths to carry on."Hi, I'm here to see Nicholas Carter.'' I said to the male at the reception."And you are?""His wife, Royal-Reign Belmont-Carter." I rushed.His eyes widen. "No freaking way. My fiancé is obsessed with your designs. I'm here putting in the extra hours so I can afford the dress she wants.""Oh, hmm. Congrats.""Yeah, your husb
Christenna took her husband's hand in her. "Well, Johnny. Looks like you will never be coming back here when our honeymoon is over. I wouldn't want my mother to try and kill you or get me pregnant in my sleep."They both get up, but neither made a move to leave.Michael was on his phone making calls."You will be hearing from my lawyer Gloria-Lyn, and so will you Alba." Mr Carter got up to walk out of the dining room.Nick stopped him. "Dad, even though I have no memory of that day, I want to apologise for holding a grudge against you."Mr Carter pulled him into a hug."Son, I have no hate for you. I never understood why you left so suddenly until I was fed lies by your mother. She told me you left because you went to Africa." Mr Carter then laughed. "I was just a gullible fool for believing her, not knowing she used my name."Micheal turned hateful eyes to his mother. “That's all you do. Tell lies. I went to see Sabrina after she had my son. When I asked you who the child really belo
"Oh, for the love of God," Michael said, then got up from the table.Alba huffed, but didn't fully enter the dining room."Did you request my presence?" She asked."Yes, that lie you told on me. I wish for you to clear my name," Mr Carter said, cutting into his pancake."Oh, that. See, I was drunk and my mouth just said what my drunken brain told it to.""A drunk mind always reveals a sober mind," I piped up. "And you wishing for Nick's death and our divorce clearly isn't something you came up with on the spot.""I was about to say the same thing. At first, mother was fine with what you had to say until the end of your statement. If I didn't know any better, that push was meant to either kill you or knock you out." Christenna said. "My reception was a shit show because of you." She added.Alba touched her forehead where a welt was. "Take it up with your mother.""This has much to do with you as it does with me," Mrs Carter said.Mr Carter hit his hand on the table. "Enough of the back