The Aftermath: KAZMIR
It didn’t take long for us to get back to the Estate, even though it was late in the night.
For all that I also knew, there was also no way Stella would leave that very night – not with the danger she might be in.
“Welcome to our home, Stella-”
I hailed when we caught up with the compound after hoppin’ down from the car.
“It’s nice to have you here again, especially after such a long day as this.” I was smilin’ and headin’ to the entrance door I unlocked with its key and then walked into the house.
“Are you okay, honey?”
I turned to look at Nyssa who now managed a smile.
“You’ve been quiet since his arrest,” I added, huggin’ her close to me and walkin’ further. I now turned to look at Stella who was still on her feet. “We’ll join you shortly, Stella. Give us some time to change our clothes. And please take your seat.”
“Thank you.”
Myself and wife headed out of the livin’ room.
She reclined on me, somehow and I didn’t have to ask before knowin’ that somethin’ was wrong, and I was patient until we settled on the bed in the room we shared.
Then, I turned to face her. “What is the matter?”
“Nothin’ at all, Kazmir.”
She looked at me before fallin’ on the bed.
“I am just tired and need some time to rest.” She explained further before standin’ on her feet. “I also need to get ready so I can start cookin’ dinner. It’s late already, and I’m sure Stella cannot leave the house at this time. It’s late and she might be in danger.”
“No.”
I jumped on my feet as well.
“I mean, yes, she should spend the night here. But there’s no way I’ll let you cook. Do you even know what the time is?” I looked at the clock hangin’ on the wall while she did the same.
“I already ordered meals that’ll last us from now till the end of the week. I need you to rest enough, myself and Stella also.”
“Oh.”
She heaved in relief.
“I’ll show her the room then,” she was now smilin’. “I’m glad all of these are over. We can concentrate on ourselves and the reason we live for once more. I can’t believe I missed sessions with Ariadne.”
Instead of the usual jealousy, I didn’t feel anythin’ like that. All I thought ’bout was the woman, leavin’ behind her dreams of recoverin’ her senses and helpin’ me out.
“Thank you so much, Nyssa. I can’t thank you enough for offerin’ me this help you have offered.” She was at the door, turnin’ around with a smile, winkin’, and then finally walkin’ out.
Without any hesitation, I snatched my towel from the wardrobe and ran into the bathroom. At least, I should have a bath before the man who would deliver the meals makes it to the house. “This is good.” I confessed by the time I came out of the bathroom. Even though everythin’ happenin’ was real, obviously, it still looked like a dream and somethin’ that had yet to happen.
I walked out of the room a happy man. Coincidentally, the house bell rang and I rushed to the door, turnin’ to see Nyssa who I ran over.
“Take a bath and get ready, baby, I’ll get to the gate. Has to be the delivery guy.” I explained and walked away, listenin’ to the grumble of my stomach.
In moments, I was at the gate and openin’ it. “Hello, Good day,” I said to the man who bowed. “Come on in. It’ll take a while to be done with the transaction.” I explained further and he was in the space, bowin’ again and handin’ the cartons to me who said a “thank you.”
“Give me one moment, Mr.” I pleaded, takin’ my phone out of the pocket of my clothin’.
“I have made the payment.” I said after a while and he confirmed from his end with a nod, turnin’ around and walkin’ out of the gate, with a good night wish that ran out of his mouth while the next thing I heard was the bike sounds.
Inside the house, the women had different clothes on. “That’s better,” I heaved a sigh and walked to the dinin’ table. “My wife will dish out the meal and we can begin the celebration.” I looked at Nyssa who smiled, headin’ to the spot and doin’ the magic I was waitin’ for, and then we all settled down to eat.
“This is nice,” even Nyssa confessed. “I didn’t know they would do it the way I was expectin’ in my head. Which restaurant is this?” She looked at me, smilin’ and diggin’ into the meal once more. “Thank you, baby. I’m enjoyin’ myself.”
“The one Darius watches over,” I answered from where I was seated. “I could order more tomorrow if you want me to,” I said and she smiled, eatin’ from another plate and returnin’ to hers. “I thought this would be the best time to thank you for your assistance so far, Nyssa. All of these won’t be possible without you takin’ that risk and brin’in’ Stella into this as well.”
“It’s my pleasure,” she sounded, droppin’ her spoon. “I had to save the companies and your ass before that man takes over. You said he threatened you a lot and I don’t want to have a taste of that. Not yet.”
“Thank you.”
I got on my feet and walked to the bar not so far from the table. “I meant it when I said we would celebrate. At least, let’s make this worth it before returnin’ to our normal lives. And to you, Stella, I have you to thank so much for the favour you have offered me.”
“It’s nothin’, Mr. Draven. I had to take that man down. He’s been doin’ a lot to his workers and even illegally. It was time for ‘im to be taught a lesson and that’s what I did.” Droppin’ the bottle of champagne on the table, I grabbed three glasses and caught up with my chair.
“We toast to better moments, unlike what has happened which is still good in our sights.” I handed each woman a glass and poured liquid into it. “As tomorrow comes, I’ll leave the house with Stella who’s resumin’ as my secretary tomorrow. What do you say, Nyssa? I’m sure you don’t mind.”
“What?”
She looked up at me.
“Why would I mind, Kazmir?”
“She has done more than a secretary should do. She is deservin’ of this position if you ask me.” She now looked at the woman who smiled, noddin’ and turnin’ to look at me. “Give her the work and more if you can.” My wife interrupted my thoughts once again.
For the rest of the night, we settled right there, talkin’ ’bout things that didn’t exactly make sense. It was a good time, with my wife and a stranger who has become a part of my family – somehow. Finally, I got on my feet and walked to the kitchen after offerin’ to take in the trays and plates as well as do the dishes.
“Thank you.”
Back in the room, Nyssa said the words.
“Why?” I looked at her, settlin’ on the bed and next to her. “Why are you thankin’ me?”
She chuckled.
“For everythin’, Kazmir. From the meal to offerin’ the lady a place in your company as a secretary. It’s a good thing you have done if you asked me.”
At the end of the day, we talked ’bout her plans. Even though she said a few, I knew in my heart that there was more to it. Was she plannin’ to run away this time? Back to Lysander. What was this feelin’?