I rush to my parents with my phone still clutched in my palm and Marcus on the line. The outburst from my father is so spontaneous that everyone in the hall, enjoying their time, becomes silent.I feel eyes boring into my back as I stand next to my mom and dad, both of whom have a solemn expression on their faces.“What was that about?” I turn to my dad, who continues to stare at my mother with a loathing gaze, ignoring my existence.I’m pressured to step between them when they refuse to acknowledge me.“I’m talking to you guys. What happened, dad?” I look between my mom and dad with concern. Something is off about them.My dad turns to me and gently smiles while kissing the top of my head.“Nothing. I just remember I have something important to deal with. Goodbye tomato.” He walks away and pats Ben on the shoulder, wishing him once more before leaving the apartment.I look around myself to notice everyone has a similar look of perplexity on their faces and even Ben is not spared.“Mo
“Are you sure about this? I don’t understand how we can help mend their crumbling marriage.”I look hesitantly between Denzel and the kitchen where my mom is working. Ben has been tagging along us since last night, making sure to not miss out on anything.Denzel and Ben updated me briefly on their plan last night but we’re yet to discuss the details and the possibility of it becoming a success.‘Misson matchmaking’ is what the two of them are calling it.“Of course we can mend the crumbling marriage, but first we need to find the termite who caused the cracks in their lovely house.”I blink in surprise. “Since when did you get so... poetic?”“I think you put a spell on him mommy.” Ben makes his presence noticeable in the most adorable manner whilst Denzel just shrugs his shoulders.“Just go over and talk to her. We’ll save your back if things go downhi
I leave my dad in the middle of lunch and make my way to the ice cream parlour on the opposite side of the road. Unlike myself, the two men are enjoying themselves. As soon as Denzel spots me getting into the parlour, he brings me my favourite flavour and patiently waits until I stuff my mouth with the last bit of thawing ice.“Easy mommy.” Ben says as he watches me swallow the cold ice cream until my brain freezes.I’m on the verge of tears and barely holding myself together in front of Ben after having a chat with my dad. He texted me once I left to say ‘go home safely’. I didn’t reply. He doesn’t deserve it.“It’s okay. Tell us everything whenever you’re ready.” Denzel rubs Ben’s back as he speaks to me.Little by little, I tell them everything, how my dad admitted to cheating on my mom. For a fraction of second, my disharmonious thoughts take me to Layla, to my ruined wedding almost six years ago.I shake my head to clear my thoughts. This is nor the right time or place for it.“W
“I’m celebrating my friend’s birthday. Why are you here?” My dad looks at me with accusatory eyes.“I’m here to meet with Dr. White.” I say innocently, looking at the woman.“Come, sit with us for the moment, Naomi.” Dr. White takes the first step to offer truce. Ben sits next to my dad and opposite to Dr. White whilst I sit facing my dad.His eyes don’t budge from my face.After a moment of silence, he speaks out. “So, Naomi, what exactly have you been going through to visit a psychiatrist?”“It’s not me. It’s Ben.” I admit in a whisper. All the colours drain from his face when he hears me and pays his undivided attention to Ben.“Why? What’s wrong with him?” This time, his question is directed towards Dr. White.She explains Ben’s condition to him briefly, and I see his face morph into a look of guilt.The strawberry cake in front of me makes me feel dizzy by its look. Like my dad, I’m allergic to strawberry as well.“I won’t interrupt you, then. Enjoy the rest of your day, Dr. Whit
I hold the divorce papers in my hand and stare at them with an aggrieved expression. Even though they’re not of my own, it still pains me to look at them.The dinner was last night and my dad called earlier today to let my mom know that they’ll be getting divorced in a week. Just a week from today, my parents will be divorced and living apart from each other.I can’t believe that. Even after being roasted by my dad’s furious eyes last night, I still cannot bring myself to believe this nonsense in the form of papers.However, my dad’s words are edged into my brain. ‘Stop poking your nose where it doesn’t belong.’‘Worry about your own life and child.’I can’t help but take his words to heart. Was he referring to how I’m bringing up Ben as a single mother? How I don’t have a husband? Was he silently judging me for my failed attempt at marriage?“Get out of your head.” I feel a sting at my temple and rub it with my fingers. When I turn my head sideways, I see Denzel standing beside me w
Denzel Flynn******I sigh inwardly when I see little rose’s head falling against the table. Ben, Mrs. West and I are enjoying the show from the terrace nearby.Upon learning that Mr. West understands the language of wine, I decided to offer a good one at their table. However, I should’ve taken in mind that little rose’s alcohol tolerance is as low as that of a newbie. She’s not the one to take wine on an empty stomach, but I suppose the thought of negotiating with her dad must’ve put her nerves on edge.Now, as I stare at her passed out form on the table, I wonder who will continue the plan. Mr. West looks shock, disappointed and amused at once as he stares at his daughter.There’s no choice. I’ll have to intervene.“Look after him for a sec.” I ask Mrs. West and entrust Ben to her before making my way down to where little rose is currently passed out.I steady my pacing and try to act natural as I pass by their table. Her dad is still not putting an effort to wake her up and I can
"Naomi, I'm leaving." His bluntness astounds me and leaves me speechless. I stand before Denzel, my soon-to-be husband, in my wedding gown. I eye him up and down and my heart sinks."Why aren't you dressed?" My voice comes out sharper than I intend. I feel pathetic inside but it appears as if I'm angry at him."We've to postpone the wedding. I have an important business to tend to." Denzel's words come out in a hurry. It feels as if he just can't wait to leave."What is so important that you're postponing our wedding?" My tone keeps getting harsher.There's a lengthy pause before any of us speaks."I've found her." The tears involuntarily slither down my cheeks. The ache in my chest intensifies and her name clouds in front of my eyes. Layla. I angrily stomp towards him. I put my hand on his shoulder and turn him sideways to bring us eye to eye. My face feels hot from anger but his only shows urgency—urgency to get away from me to get to her."Why? What does she mean to you that you
Naomi West ****** “Naomi West? Please sign here.” The postal delivery officer loans me his pen. I’m still on a call, so I don’t bother asking him questions. Even though I’m not expecting a parcel, I still take it. After all, it’s too small to be a bomb. I shut the door after the man and turn back around into my home. I flip over the parcel in curiosity to see who is the sender. To my utter confusion, there is no return address or the sender’s name on it. An anonymous parcel? Fine, not a bomb, but it definitely has something to do with drugs. “Mommy! Mommy!” Ben’s tantrum draws my focus from the phone call and the parcel. I hurriedly place the parcel at a height where my little demon can’t reach. I search the drawing room to catch him running towards me like a thief escaping cops. Behind him, Marcus jogs into the hall with Ben’s backpack and bottle. I understand at once why the little demon is running away from him. Ben quickly hides behind my legs and holds onto them before I