067: A Phone Call Away 4

Abigail took a deep breath, her voice slightly trembling. "Well, when I was coming back from the supermarket today, after grocery shopping," she began, "I noticed two men trailing behind me."

Sophia's heart began to race at her mother's words. "Two men? Are you sure, Mom?" she asked, her mind racing with possibilities.

Abigail nodded, though Sophia couldn't see her. "Yes, at first I thought it was just a coincidence that we were on the same route," she admitted. "But then I realized they were definitely following me."

Sophia's grip tightened around her phone, a knot forming in her stomach. "What did you do?" she asked, her voice tense with worry.

Abigail's tone grew more determined. "I tried taking different routes, hopping on trains, anything to shake them off," she explained. "And after almost an hour, I think I finally lost them."

Sophia exhaled a shaky breath, relief washing over her. "Thank goodness," she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude. "Are you sure they were following you, Mom? It could have been a coincidence."

Abigail's voice held firm conviction. "No, Sophia, it wasn't a coincidence," she insisted. "I know a trail when I see one."

Sophia's mind raced with questions, her concern for her mother growing with each passing moment. "Are you okay, Mom?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Abigail's response was swift. "I'm fine, dear," she reassured. "I was lucky enough to lose them."

Sophia couldn't shake off the unease settling in her chest. "But why would anyone be following you, Mom?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

Abigail's tone turned solemn. "I have no idea, Sophia," she admitted, her voice heavy with uncertainty. "But it's got me really shaken up."

Sophia's mind whirled with possibilities, her concern for her mother weighing heavily on her heart. "Please, Mom, be careful," she pleaded, her voice filled with urgency. "And keep me updated on everything."

Abigail's voice softened with gratitude. "I will, sweetheart," she promised. "I just needed to let you know what happened. Stay safe, both of you."

As the phone call ended, Sophia rejoined Aliyah in her room. Aliyah noticed the concern on Sophia's face and asked if everything was okay. Sophia reassured her that everything was fine but couldn't shake off the worry.

"Why did you ask if everything was okay?" Sophia inquired, curious about Aliyah's observation.

"I could hear you over the phone, and you didn't sound like nothing," Aliyah replied, noting the tension in Sophia's voice.

Sophia sighed, explaining, "My mom just called me and told me that some strangers were following her."

"Strangers? Why?" Aliyah asked, her brow furrowing in concern. "Is she okay?"

Sophia nodded, relieved. "Yes, she managed to lose them."

"I can't imagine why anyone would be trailing her," Aliyah remarked, her voice tinged with worry.

"That's serious," Aliyah continued, her expression reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "But the important thing is that nothing happened. She's safe."

Sophia nodded, grateful for Aliyah's understanding. "Yeah, you're right. I'm just glad she's okay."

At that moment, the door swung open, interrupting Aliyah's admonition about knocking first. "How many times have I told you to always knock before coming in?" she started, expecting to see Tolu. Only to be surprised by her husband's unexpected appearance. Her expression softened immediately, and she stood up, welcoming him with a warm hug.

"Honey, when did you get in?" she asked, genuinely delighted to see him.

"I just got in now," John replied, inhaling deeply, taking in Aliyah's familiar scent as they embraced. "I'm so sorry for not reaching out when we were in Ilaro. The cell services at our transaction location were poor."

Aliyah reassured him, "It's okay. Sophia had already told me what happened."

"I've missed you, baby," John said, his voice filled with sincerity and longing.

"I've missed you more," Aliyah replied, her eyes shining with affection.

As John kissed and caressed her neck, Sophia stood up from the bed, sensing their intimate moment. "I'll leave you two lovebirds to it," she said with a smile, excusing herself from the room.

As Sophia approached the guestroom door, she saw Richard standing there, a broad smile spreading across his face as she drew nearer. His eyes lit up with delight, and as she reached him, he couldn't contain his admiration.

"I know this wouldn't be a new thing to you, you must have heard it more than a thousand times, but I'd have to add to the list of compliments," Richard began, still wearing his charming smile. "You are such a fine and elegant woman. The way you carried yourself as you walked towards me is not something a man sees more than a couple of times in a single lifetime."

Sophia couldn't help but smile at his words. "Thank you, Richard. You're quite a fine man yourself," she replied, returning the compliment.

Richard chuckled, playing along. "I already know that," he said, using his hands to strike a pose and making a playful, flirtatious expression. "I know I'm a big catch. You should take your chances now while I'm still available, single, and ready to mingle."

Sophia laughed, enjoying the banter. "You're funny, Richard," she said, shaking her head in amusement.

Richard grinned, his playful demeanor still in full swing. "What else can a woman want apart from this sexy package?" he joked, winking at her. "We'd mingle together forever, baby."

Sophia rolled her eyes playfully, shaking her head at his antics. "What I need in a man right now is more than just mingling," she teased back, enjoying their lighthearted exchange.

Richard then asked Sophia, "Where's Kourtney?"

Sophia replied softly, "She's in the room sleeping." She pointed towards the guestroom door and gently opened it to show Kourtney peacefully asleep.

Richard nodded understandingly. "Let's leave her to her sleep. I don't want to disturb her rest. You shouldn't wake her up because of me," he said considerately.

Sophia agreed, "Okay." She gently held Richard's hand, guiding him away from the guestroom door. With her other hand, she closed the door quietly, ensuring Kourtney's rest remained undisturbed. Leading Richard back into the passage between the rooms, Sophia knew it was time to have a serious conversation.

As they moved away from the guestroom door, Sophia turned to Richard, her expression serious. "We need to talk," she began.

Richard nodded, his eyes focused on her. "I'm listening," he said, giving her his full attention.

Taking a deep breath, Sophia continued, "I'm sorry for putting you in a tight position by calling you Kourtney's dad."

Confusion flickered across Richard's face. "What tight position is that?" he asked, puzzled.

Richard then continued, his expression genuine. "I meant everything I said before I went to Ilaro," he began, his voice earnest. "I'd be very happy to have Kourtney as my daughter, if you would have me."

Sophia's eyes widened, "Richard, I... I don't know what to say," she stammered, touched by his words.

Richard reached out, gently taking her hands in his. "You don't have to say anything now," he reassured her. "Just know that I care about you and Kourtney, and I want to be part of your life."