Chance

Danielle got to the house where Mrs. Beth had invited her to. Mr. Robyn ushered her in. The house was beautiful and well furnished. She walked in and realized they were quite a several persons in the room. Most of them were older than her, some in their mid-50s and others in their 30s. All were present with their spouses. Danielle was shy. She was directed to seat close to an old lady. She saw Mrs. Beth walk in with a tray of cookies to serve everyone. Mrs. Beth was happy Danielle could make it. "Can I get everyone's attention? Mrs. Beth said, to calm the noisy room. "This is Danielle Santiago Haddish, she works in the book store where I get most of the books for the book club" she continued while pointing at Danielle. Everyone smiled at her and all greeted her. Mrs. Beth also introduces everyone to Danielle. Danielle was happy to be welcomed so warmly.

After the introduction, they all went ahead with the topic they had for that day. contributions and suggestions were made by everyone. They all shared little problems they faced and proffered solutions to the ones they could. They ended the session with a short prayer.

Danielle was so happy she accepted Mrs. Beth's invitation. She felt so much relief. While the book club was going on, she realized Beth's son, Nick wasn't present. She was a little disappointed because she thought she would see him. After they all greeted and wish everyone a goodbye, Nick walked in and apologize to everyone for coming late. A bright smile grew on Danielle's face and her heart skipped a beat when she saw him. She laughed at the old lady who shouted at him for coming late and Nick could only beg her while he laughs so hard because of the old lady's gestures. Nick walked to where Danielle was standing, "So you eventually accepted mom's invitation" He said to her while smiling. "And someone walked in late for the book club," Danielle said to him shyly. They both kept talking and laughing at every funny comment they made. "I have to get going," Danielle said to him while checking her wristwatch. "I could drop you off, it's late to go alone." He replied. "Ermm well I have to pick my daughter at a friend's place before heading home" she directed to him. Nick was cool with it and still insisted to take her home. They both went to greet Mrs. Beth and her husband goodbye. "Thanks my darling for coming, I hope you enjoyed your time with us. Here give this to Elena" she said while handing over the toy she bought to Danielle. "You shouldn't have" Danielle answered, but Mrs. Beth still insisted and asked Nick to take her home. Danielle hugged her and wished her goodbye. 

Nick enjoyed the conversation he had with Danielle. He had already fallen in love with her. He loved the way she talks and the way she smiles at his dry jokes. They got to Britney's place. Elena was already asleep when they got into her house. Danielle introduced Britney to Nick and had a little discussion of what they were doing. Nick is a Human Resource Manager who works in an Oil and gas company. They were surprised when he told them he knew Monte Jnr who's Britney's boss. He said they were high school mate but Monte was a bully in school and EVERY WOMAN'S GUY. They all laughed at the funny story he had back then in school. It was late and Danielle thought it was time to get home. Nick and Britney exchanged pleasantries. It was a silent ride for them, Danielle was already sleeping. Nick didn't want to disturb her, She looked peaceful sleeping, and must have been a long day for her he thought to himself. Nick got to the house, woke Danielle up while he carried little Elena from the back seat. Danielle was surprised that he knew where they lived. "How do you know where I live?" She asked him. He only shrugged and laugh. "Can I take you for dinner sometime?" He asked! "Are you asking me out on a date?" Danielle asked. "Do you want that?" He asked too. Danielle laughed and nodded. They exchanged phone numbers. Danielle took the baby from him and waved him goodbye while he headed to his car and drove off.

Months rolled by and Danielle got closer to Nick, she had started liking him. Nick would always come by to check up on her, pick her from the book store, take her on dates, and sometimes pick little Elena from school. They got along pretty well while little Elena would always ask a lot of questions. 

Nick liked Danielle a lot and wished he married her. But he was scared of letting Danielle know about his past. He knew if she gets to know about his little secrets she won't want him anymore. A lot of times Nick would get furious anytime he sees Danielle close to any male customer or friend.

            One day, Nick went to pick Danielle from the bookstore as usual. When he got there he saw a man so closed to Danielle talking and laughing while carrying little Elena, it never occurred to him that was Marcus, Danielle's friend. He stomped into them, "Who is he?" He lashed out while giving Marcus a cold stare. Danielle was surprised at his actions because she had never seen him in this way before. "This is my friend Marcus, I met him at the hotel I told you about," Danielle replied. Nick was quiet for a while. Marcus had to introduce himself to him again and also let him know he's gay and there was no point in being all jealous. "I'm sorry" Nick admitted. Marcus gave the child to Danielle and told her he was leaving. "Be careful" he whispered to her and headed out.

There was a little silence between Danielle and Nick except for little Elena who kept mumbling into her mom's hair. Danielle wanted an explanation of what happened and Nick was still struggling to find words to speak.

"Can you tell me why you did that?" Danielle asked him. "Ermm I'm so sorry, I know I have no rights whatsoever to behave that way" Nick answered. Danielle felt pity for him and Nick promised never to act that way again. 

"Hey" while he tucked her strands of hair behind her ear, will you be free on Friday night? Would love to take you out on a date. He knew he had to make up for this. Danielle agreed on going out with him after all she liked him very much too. Nick was excited and decided to take them home. 

"What ! he did that?" Britney asked Danielle what had happened yesterday. Britney came around to see her since her boss had traveled and Danielle was at home all day. "Oh yes he did, I felt stupid and I couldn't get the chance to tell him how I felt about it. He looks cute when he's angry". Danielle said and smiled. " No no no, I'm not feeling right about this, I know guys can be jealous but this is way too much, I don't think I can trust him. This isn't the first time something like this happened" Britney raged. "You need to calm down," Danielle said to her. "Oh no you need to calm down and get to know him first" Britney blurted out.

Danielle knew Britney was right, She's carried away by the moments and blind to see what's happening. They both kept discussing other things. As Britney threw her left hand at Danielle to show her the engagement ring perfectly placed on her finger. Danielle screamed at the top of her voice as she hugged Britney with tears rolling down her cheek. She couldn't believe her best friend was getting married soon, She was happy for her.