Hey everyone. The lady walked in, all smiles. Who missed me?
Sheila come in here. Adelia urged her.
I got some things. Sheila shows the bag on her hand.
Darielle what up? Have not seen you at work for a while. She gives Darielle a light hug.
I'm good . My friend came around, had to stay at her place for a while. Darielle grabs Cecilia's hand.
This is Cecilia, my elder sister from another mother. Darielle smiles as she stares at Cecilia.
For a second Darielle could see Cecilia wasn't interested in Sheila. But she shrugged it off.
"Cecilia this is Sheila."
Nice to meet you Cecilia. Sheila said
"Mmm" Cecilia gives a short response.
Her smile not reaching her eyes.
The atmosphere was getting tense, Evie noticed this and chimed in,
"Mom I'm hungry let's make dinner it's getting late."
As you can see I'm sorting out the items I got. Come help me. Leave the adults to their discussions.
They both walk into the kitchen.
Darielle sits near Cecilia while Sheila sits at the other end.
Darielle you look most especially bright today. Sheila starts a conversation.
Do I ? Darielle smiles, "thank you."
She's always breathtaking. Cecilia chimed in her attention still on her phone.
I know, but today she looks different. Sheila counters.
Cecilia sensing there was a meaning behind her words instinctively stares at her for a few seconds then focuses back on her phone.
How is work? Darielle shifts the topic.
Sheila gave an account of everything concerning work. But left some parts out.
Here Darielle I got you this.
Sheila gives her a yoghurt. Knowing it was her favourite.
"Darie, you don't like chocolate yoghurt."
Cecilia interjects.
"It's alright, I'll have it." Darielle twisted off the cap and drank it.
Thanks Sheila.
And yes how is Ale…
Guys pls help set the dinning.
Evie's voice interrupts.
Cecilia takes the initiative. Not interested in the discussion.
As she sets the table, Darielle help out leaving Sheila.
Are you good? Darielle sets the plate on the table.
Yh.
Darielle holds her stomache. It felt like her intestines were twisted.
Immediately she felt dizzy.
Darielle are you ok? Cecilia ask out of worry. Her face was contorted like she was in pain. Immediately Darielle sets the plate down, and all but ran into the bathroom. She dropped to her knees in front of the toilet and began to heave. Cecilia follows her.
" Ugh" Darielle felt relieved as she emptied the contents in her tummy into the toilet.
Cecilia held her hair backwards.
How do you feel now? Cecilia poured water on her face.
Darielle nodes. Act normal mom shouldn't know.
It's alright. Cecilia cleans her face with a towel.
Seeing them coming out, Sheila forms a worried expression. Is everything alright?
Yh, she's been having tummy upset.
Cecilia covers the situation.
Yh. Darielle supports.
You sure, Sheila probs
Darielle nodes. As she walked towards the table to continue from where she stopped.
Cecilia stared at Sheila. Her words felt off.
£
Soon they all settled down to eat.
As they ate. They talked. Adelia and Cecilia had more conversations.
Sheila would join in regularly while Darielle hardly talked.
Evie however just ate without a word.
Her eyes stared at an empty chair.
" I miss dad. " She unknowingly spoke out.
That moment she regretted saying it out loud.
The dining room became silent.
Darielle stared at Evie. She didn't blame her. She also missed him.
Adelia's face became pale instantly.
If Mr Edward were to be here, Darielle won't be looking for a job. Sheila added.
Cecilia was quiet. She scanned everyone on the dinning.
Sheila's words annoyed her.
But her words had truth in them.
Darielle's father would never had allowed her find a job.
They were never struggling. Things just took a drastic turn.
" Mom remember when Cecilia got French fries in her nose, and dad had to take her to the hospital." Darielle said.
Evie understood her sister's intentions and said,
Yh she was so scared that she peed on herself. Evie laughed out loud.
You guys don't embarrass me. Cecilia laughed too but her face was flushed with embarrassment.
Adelia laughed so hard her stomache hurt. The tears that had originally threatened to spill out went back in.
I believe you learned your lesson Cecilia.
Don't play while eating. Adelia added.
Aunt that was a long time ago. I'm all grown up. Cecilia defended herself.
Adelia nodded in acknowledgement. Alright, alright. Let's all eat.
Darielle sensing the mood was light began to eat.
They all finished up.
Soon it was dark. Darielle saw Sheila out.
Sheila.
Yes Darielle.
"About what you said earlier, concerning my job. Don't say it again in front of my mom.
I'll assume it slipped out. But it shouldn't happen again." Darielle clarified.
I understand. Sheila said.
Her driver got her settled in and drove off.
Darielle stood there for a while.
Her head thinking in different direction.
And it occured to her!
Inside, everyone had tucked themselves in ready to sleep. Evie had already dozed off.
Darielle stayed with Cecilia in the guest room downstairs. Her focused eyes on her laptop.
Darielle typed a letter, as she finished she dropped the laptop.
Darielle's fingers pressed her temples.
Darielle, I don't like her. There's some thing off about her. I just can't say for now.
Cecilia mumbles as she slept off.
Darielle noticed it.
"Detective Ceci"Darielle muttered. As she pinched her cheek.
Sensing the sting Cecilia rubbed her face in her sleep.
Careful not to wake her, Darielle cautiously left the room
As she closed the door she saw her mom crouched down in the parlour area staring at the fire place. As she walked towards her she saw his picture in her hand.
Your awake, come sit. Adelia said without shifting her gaze. Darielle sat beside her mom.
Your dad would be very happy to see you and your sister all grown. Your almost done with your studies. He would be really proud.
Her gaze shifts to the picture on the wall.
Edward Highmore stood, though his appearance was advanced he still carried charisma. His grey hair made him look more pronounced.
"I'm proud to be his daughter." Darielle said as she followed Adelia's gaze.
" Sheila was right. Your dad would never allow you work knowing your studying.
Adelia looked at her daughter
Why didn't you tell me? Adelia asked. Cause you had a lot on your mind. I'm not a child I can help with some bills. I'm still looking for work, I'll find in a matter of.Darielle responds.
"It shouldn't be strenuous" Adelia didn't want to advise her otherwise. She was growing after all.
Mmm. Darielle relaxes her head on Adelia's shoulder.
She knew everything, how it all crumbled.
Her eyes stared at the fire.
Mom if some thing you didn't plan or think would happen occured. How would you handle it?
I wouldn't let it get to me. I would have to be strong and move. It can be hard but if I dwelled on it. I would be at a loss.
Adelia caressed her hair as she spoke.
Listening her mom's words it dawned on her. Her mom really stood strong. Loosing her husband and taking care of two kids on her own showed it all.
Darielle looked at Edward Highmore's pictures that hung on the wall. Memories flooding in;
The Highmore family was one of splendor,peace and comfort. Money was never a problem. But everything took a drastic turn after his death.
The real estate projects of Edward couldn't be completed. Due to this,the corporation that lent him the resources to finish the project and pay once incomes are received, with their influence and backing forcibly took everything. Leaving them with only the house and a little amount of money that was barely enough to care and sort out she and Evie's school bills.
Mom. Darielle called out.
Mmm.
I will bring back everything.
No matter what. The Highmore family will be restored back to its original form.
Darielle vowed.
As Darielle spoke, Adelia could see the determination in her eyes.
"I trust you."
— — — — —
Wright Mansion.
"Do well to visit some other time," Talmadge beckoned. Without waiting for a response he adds,
" Butler iman see them out."
Talmadge headed towards his room.
He settles in.
How did the meeting go? A woman dressed in a bathrobe came out from the bathroom.
The usual. Hinting to her it went well.
A smile appears on Rose face as she sits on the chair. Her old yet bright reflection against the mirror.
" I told you it would go smoothly. The Scott family have been close for years. This time they would be of good advantage."
Talmadge comes into view behind her. His hand resting on her shoulder.
"Not just as friends but as business partners. Rose applies her skincare as she speaks.
Though advanced in age. Her vitality is present. How do I look?
Still as ravishing as ever. Talmadge compliments.
"Obviously, I don't take my appearance for granted." Her tone filled with confidence.
Talmadge let's out a grin and tightens his grip on her shoulder. "You said you had something to discuss with me."
Rose opens the drawer and takes out an envelope. She gets up and walks towards the couch.
She sits and crosses her legs elegantly on the couch. Talmadge flops himself on the couch.
" Here" she shows the envelope in her hand, waving it over her face. Seemingly like a gift she had won.
Stop keeping me on the edge, just spill it. He attempts to snatch the envelope but Rose keeps it at a far distance.
Enough of the jokes. Let's get serious.
She straightens her posture and toss pictures on the table.
Who is this? Talmadge picks the pictures and looks at it intently.
A smile of satisfaction appears on her lips.
"Look further."
He picks more pictures, his eyes widen in shock. " Is this ..."