Chapter 28
Damian’s POV
I sped along the streets. The traffic was not helping matters as I could hear impatient drivers honking their horns noisily.
‘Who could be this woman that I don’t know of? What does she want and why is she here now? After how many years?’ I soliloquized.
I left college about six to seven years ago. Why now? I cannot even remember the faces of most of my colleagues except for Ethan, whom I am still very close to.
I was so entrapped in my soliloquy that I didn’t notice when the lights turned green.
The driver behind me was blaring his horn, obviously for me to move forward.
When I got to my family house, a sudden feeling of dread washed over me. It’s unusual for me to be scared of facing my Father. But this time around, my heart was beating.
I climbed the stairs and walked briskly to the second floor where the conference room was. I knew they would obviously be there.
The first face I saw, made me stop dead on my tracks.
Claire Smurf.
This girl has got to be kidding me. I stood at the door, mouth open, staring at my long-time closest friend.
She has not changed so much anyways, except for her curvy body.
I felt a mixture of emotions. I was astonished to find out that she was the lady in question and thrilled to see her again.
“Damian, we have been waiting for you. Come on inside.” My mom instructed.
“From the expression on your face, it’s obvious you are already acquainted with this lady. Is it true?” Father questioned.
“Father,…” I was about to explain when my father cut in.
“I have not asked for an explanation yet. It is a polar question. Is it true?” He asked again, this time the tone changed.
“I don’t seem to understand your question. What are you asking about?”
“Don’t play pranks with me, boy! Do you know this young lady or not?” He asked, clenching his teeth in fury.
“Yes! I know her. She was my friend, from college. We have not seen each other in a long time now. I’m as surprised as you all are to see her here.”
“Damian, it’s been a while. I know you must have forgotten about me. Trust me, I tried to forget you too but the seed you left in me was a reminder. Our son is a constant reminder of what we shared.” She said pointing at a little boy that sat there, watching every move.
“Our…son? When did we have a baby?”
“Oh, Damian. It’s not your fault if you don’t remember. I didn’t inform you because I never had the chance to. You travelled outside the country immediately after our graduation.” she explained further.
“Damian, so what she is saying is true? So you had something to do with her? You have a baby and here we are, planning am elaborate wedding party for you!” My father bellowed.
Whack!
That was the next sound I heard on my face and the stinging sensation came afterwards. My father struck my face in anger and was about to strike again, if not for my mother’s intervention.
“Leave me alone, let me deal with this boy that has decided to bring nothing but shame and reproach to my name.” My mum was standing in between my father and I, serving as the boundary.
“Son, tell me this is not true. Don’t just keep quiet.” my mom pleaded.
“Yes, Damian. Tell us. Tell me that what I just heard is not true” The voice of the last speaker drew everyone’s attention as all eyes turned in her direction.
Valerie. Damn it.
“Valerie, what are you doing here? How did you get here? This has nothing to do with you.” I said, mustering every form of calmness within me.
“I believe it has everything to do with her. You and I know that. Allow her to see for herself so that she can believe it too.” Claire said.
“Claire, why? Why are you doing this to me? Who exactly are you? You never told me about the father of your baby. Why does it have to be Damian?” Valerie said in disappointment.
Her shoulders slumped and her eyes welled up with tears which began to race down her cheeks.
I walked over to bring her into my arms but the moment I touched Valerie, she shook her hands off violently and glared at me.
“Don’t touch me with those filthy hands. What else have you been hiding from me? Tell me! Is this why you ran out like that? Without telling me anything? For just how long do you plan to keep me in the dark?” Valerie shouted.
“Valerie, allow me to explain. I promise that it’s not what you think”
“I’m sure you didn’t think that I would follow you down here. You wanted to handle this by yourself and cover up afterwards. You are a liar, Damian and it is difficult for me to trust you.”
“You followed me. What if I got into danger? You would have implicated yourself too. It’s risky, Valerie.”
“You care about me now, don’t you Damian? Do not even think of changing the topic now. Even if you have been fooling me, you can’t fool your parents.” Valerie snapped back at me.
“Mr and Mrs Richardson, I am sorry for barging into your mansion in this manner. I was with Damian when you called and he left in such a quick way that left me suspicious. I couldn’t help but follow him.” She explained.
“It is understandable. I would do same if I were you.” My mother replied.
“Valerie, please allow me to explain myself. I promise it is not what you think.” I pleaded.
“I don’t even know what to think anymore. You have a child with my closest friend. How do you expect me to accept that?”
“Hold on, you know her? You are also acquainted with Claire?” I asked.
“Oh, don’t be stupid Damian. Claire is my friend. The same Claire I have always told you about.”
It all dawned on me now. It’s a small world, afterall. So this is the Claire that I have been hearing about.
My parents just stood there, watching the drama unfold. Claire was sitted with her legs crossed, obviously enjoying the show.
“Valerie, I’m sorry that it came as a shock now. I wanted to reveal it to you but something always seemed to hold me back. I’m sorry.” Claire said.
Valerie looked at everyone in the room, her face as white as snow.
“Miss, it would be better if you could explain in details, what exactly transpired between you and Damian. Let us hear the full story.” My mother suggested calmly. I always admired her ability to appear calm and unperturbed even in the midst of a storm.
“Alright, I think I should start from revealing how I met Damian.”
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