Chapter 102: I Wish You Both Well…
***Selene.***
***Friday, March 15th. Days later…***
“Hey Sel.”
Kirk comes to give me a bear hug. We’re working on a model of the Coastal Beam project and am already putting the little details in the inside. He worked on the main body. Am good tiny details.
“Hey, Sugar.” I smile, as I add glue to a piece for an inner wall.
I even have pieces for vines and flowers. Albert is now more amicable with Kirk. Though he's still getting used to Kirk stopping over once in a while,
sometimes bringing me home, but he’s getting there. Especially now he knows Kirk is kinda seeing someone. Livy from accounts department. Kirk loves office romance.
“How’s Livy?” I ask. His face grows red. “Are you blushing?”
A shy smile.
“She’s good. She’s great, actually, Sel. She’s funny and really kind. And intelligent.” He’s speaking enthusiastically.
I laugh, happy that he finally moved past us. I always knew Livy liked Kirk, but I didn’t know how to push Kirk to her. Somehow, Albert in my life boosted their closeness.
Kirk picks up a piece and adds glue to it. He places it, very meticulously. He has this focus whenever he's working on a model.
“So, I see you smiling more these days, Sel. You and Albert closer?” Kirk inquires.
I know he's with Livy now, but sometimes we get touchy talking about Albert. I still see the unease saying Albert’s name in his presence.
“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t break if you say his name in my presence, as you suspect.” Kirk adds.
I watch him carefully. Then I nod.
“We’re in love.” I disclose quietly, after a few seconds of quiet.
He remains still, working on the model. I allow the silence, knowing he needs to work this.
“Am happy for you.” He finally announces, his words sincere. “Although I won’t say it doesn’t hurt seeing that it wasn’t us. But I would be damned if I don’t confess that you two are great together.” Kirk admits.
A weight lifts off my shoulders. I don’t know if it’s guilt for leading him on, when I knew Albert had my heart back then. Or relief that he’s accepted this. He didn’t even attend our formal party. Told me he was out of town.
“I wish you both well.” Kirk finally smiles.
I release a pent up breath.
“So, any news about those hijackers that attacked the office. MBE is still holding out information.” Kirk changes the conversation.
I try to gather my end of the conversation. I know the truth that MBE wouldn’t get news, because Albert destroyed the means of finding news; he took down the trackers' boss.
“That’s sad. I wonder the reason they haven’t yet found any news.” I absently sympathize, placing a vine and a flower pot, somewhere in a corridor.
“I hear they are closing the case, cause it’s like a wild goose chase.” Kirk reveals.
I pause, taking this announcement in. Obviously being supernatural beings, as I read in that book, they wouldn’t be found by ghost hunters and police. They need someone else to track them. A water oracle. Those that serve as mediators between the Creator, the spirits and the humans.
I can't believe am believing this. But the book said so.
But I don’t tell Kirk this. I only nod and distract us with topics about upcoming Easter.
After work, I enter the elevator.
Inside, I hear my phone and I pick it. It’s a text from Susan.
***Susan: Hey Babes. Are you well? How is Albert now? I hope he is better. We should all go on an outing one of these nights.***
I smile, my heart anticipating the message behind her suggestion.
***Me: Are you back with Andres?***
She's typing. Am eager.
***Susan: Yes! Yes! I accept him and all his bullshit***!
I jump with glee. The door opens and I step out, just when another message pops in.
***Albert: Hey Honey. I’ve got this meeting with the municipality office, concerning the Summer Food project. Can’t pick you up as we thought. I’ll send the driver.***
I frown, displeased. I wanted him to pick us up.
***Me: Okay. I’d be waiting at the lounge.***
He sends me a kiss emoji and I close his chat, sad. Missing him already. We now text and call.
I pick Susan’s and we continue chatting.
In a few minutes, one of his SUV’s arrives and I enter. Paul and two other of his men accompanying us. Albert doesn’t even want to take chances. We pick Isabel from play school and soon return home. My body strumming from exhaustion.
I need to rest.
***
8pm on my phone.
I go downstairs to take a bar of chocolate. I suddenly crave chocolates.
It’s not been 30 minutes I woke from sleep after work. I didn't have dinner. Had a throbbing migraine.
My gynecologist asked me to expect my period anytime now, since Isabel isn’t breastfeeding any longer. Since then, I’ve been on high alert. These days, Albert and I use a condom when we make love. No taking any chances.
Downstairs is quiet. I think all the in house staff have gone to bed. I check the CCTV monitor on the screen and see Faye with Isabel. I’d go check Isabel, just as soon as I finish my chocolate.
I go to the living room and change the TV channel to a telenovela channel. I sit back watching, my robe wrapped around me. I hear a soft thud in the background and grow alert.
I go in the direction of the sound. It came from the foyer. I tip toe down the hallway, checking if one of the security staff is out there.
When I step closer, I look around and don’t find anyone.
I sigh heavily.
***Silly me. All this security alert thingy has me worked up.***
I turn around, heading back; something stings my right shoulder.
“Ouch.” I grow drowsy.
The floor's suddenly too close.