Twisted Fate

Her grandfather had been singing that song to her a few months to his death. Every time she visits, grandfather sits her down and sings the song to her.

He ensured she could sing it all by herself. After each of her stays, he would ask her to sing his newest favourite song before she leaves.

Her parents would smile when they came to pick her up. She had sung that song several times with her grandfather.

And when grandfather ‘s heart failed him, he was dying and her father brought her to visit her grandfather in the hospital. She saw her grandfather dying and to cheer him up, she sang that favourite song again.

With all difficulty, grandfather smiled and gave her a thumbs up. And after that day, she never saw him again except by his graveside when she went to give him her last respect.

“Yeah, grandfather gave me the password,” Ella said and sniffled. Her eyes were moist and she remembered those beautiful times she shared with him.

Mark Stone smiled. That’s it, she remembers. It’s so amazing. If it works, she has her inheritance straight away.

” Let’s get started already,” Mark Stone announced, pushing the box towards Ella. He was happy that she remembered the password but she looked sad, perhaps remembering her grandfather’s death.

Ella swallowed hard. She looked at the box and felt her hands trembling. She was going to actualise what her grandfather told her not to forget.

She entered he number 6 and it showed she’s correct, the free button showed and Ella’s mind felt a little sweet.

Next, the number 9 and she’s correct. Carefully she completed entering the numbers and keyed it in.

It showed they should hold on for a few seconds more. It was loading and the two of them waited, having their eyes glued on the box.

Ella’s hand was on her chest again. She was filled with expectations that it would open soon and after ten seconds, they heard the sound poop.

The box opened.

“Grandfather”

“That’s amazing”

Both Ella and Mark Stone said at the same time. They looked at each other and next into the box.

“You can bring the contents out, they are all yours” Mark Stone declared.

Ella, with a shaking hand, brought out its contents.

Alex drove in his white Lexus and arrived at the newly opened restaurant in town. That restaurant was said to be the most expensive restaurant at the time and only the wealthy people visited it.

Festus had said they should meet up there. Just as Alex arrived, he saw the family Black Lexus drive into the premises of the restaurant as well.

The two friends parked their car side by side and then alighted from the car.

“Hello buddy” Festus said, raising his thumb for Alex in a friendly manner.

“Boyfriend” Alex chimed. He calls Festus boyfriend at times. He was said to have numerous girlfriends and he never declined those rumours.

But often he said, he had just one boyfriend. Actually, only Lisa Anderson is his girlfriend. But he changes bedmates like he changes his pants.

The two friends walked towards the entrance to the restaurant. The steward bowed slightly and said “welcome to city restaurant” and held the door open for them.

Alex nodded and smiled.

Festus was dazed. Alex did what, smiled and nodded?

This has never happened. Alex Foster would treat people like air and pass by as if they are less human than himself.

He also nodded and walked behind Alex into the restaurant. A beautiful waitress walked towards them and bowed slightly, welcoming them to the restaurant.

“Thank you Miss”Alex spoke again and this time, Festus can’t help but to glance at him.

Festus had already booked a private room for them, hence they walked towards the room together.

As soon as they got in, Festus touched Alex’s temple. Is he alright? Is he sick or something?

Alex Foster noticed Festus’ absurd behaviour and asked “why, do I look sick to you?” He pulled a seat out for himself and sat down.

“No, just discovered you behave in an abnormal way”Festus blurted.

Alex Foster didn’t see anything he has done as being abnormal. He shrugged just as a waitress came in.

Festus took his seat and forgot to tease his friend. He would eventually find out what is wrong with Alex.

First that morning, his voice was lively and he sounded like a happy man. Now, he looked more friendly and humble than he had ever known.

They took their orders and the waitress left. Alex Foster’s mind went to Ella Smith again. Where could she be now?ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

He had learnt she went to see Mark Stone that day again. Khalid confirmed what the one he ordered to trail her said.

What did she go to Mark Stone for? She can’t possibly be planning towards their divorce right?

They were just two months and a few days gone in the marriage. Divorce cannot be crossing her mind so soon, right?

Or does she need legal advice on anything? Is she trying to make a case with anyone that she didn’t want to let him know?

Why can’t she just confide in him, huh? He was more than willing to be available to her and help her. All she needed to do was just discuss it over with him, that’s all.

Festus was left alone to solve the puzzle in the atmosphere around them. The room was exceptionally quiet.

“Can you tell me what made you so excited earlier today?” Festus interrupted his thoughts.

Alex smiled and stared at Festus with so much emotion in his eyes “guess what,?” He asked.

And before Festus could start guessing he answered the question “Ella kissed my chin this morning. I least expected it. I was shocked but somehow, it was a nice feeling.

That means the level at which she despised me has reduced. She no longer sees me so filthy…”Alex Foster kept saying words that made Festus surprised.

He was so carried away that he completely forgot to read the expression on Festus’ face. He didn’t see the shock and how speechless his friend was.

Festus was dazed. He had asked him why he was feeling excited that morning to the extent that he could perceive it in his voice.

The answer Alex gave as the reason had left him speechless. Ella kissed his chin, so what?

Hasn’t he been kissed by other women in the past? What’s the big deal about Ella kissing his chin? Just his chin. What if she had kissed his lips, he would faint off out of excitement.

The waitress brought their meals and they started eating. Festus was staring at Alex directly, when they locked eyes, Festus would smile.

Alex’s expression was different than usual. He looked relaxed, happy and charming. The aura was still there and that feeling of domineering was there but something has changed about him.

Was he already falling in love with Ella? That is the only thing that can make someone like Alex change into this humour.

Midway through their meal, Alex’s phone chirped. He looked at the caller ID and answered via his Bluetooth.

“Dinner with someone else, who?” He asked and Festus squinted. Who was he talking to, it appeared like someone was sent to trail an individual and he was giving a report.

“… find out who the man is and send me the address of the eatery where they went to” Alex Foster hung up and suddenly seemed to have a mood swing.

“Is everything alright?” Festus inquired.

“Ella is having lunch with another man, why can’t she just…” Alex stopped Midway through his speech.

He was getting too serious with anything that concerns Ella. Festus would be thinking of something else.

“Is that why you suddenly have a mood swing?” Festus asked and then added, ” Tell me, have you begun to fall in love with Ella?”

“What do you mean?” Alex Foster asked. He knew it, Festus would start thinking silly already.

“I mean are you in love?” Festus repeated and this time, he dropped his Cutleries and stared at him intently.