𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 1 "𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩,𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶." 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳. 𝘈𝘮 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪'𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘥 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯. "𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶,𝘪 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨" 𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘪 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺. "𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨,𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘳..𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘶𝘩,𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦" "𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦,𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘺,𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦" 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘪 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵. 𝘔𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘪 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺. **** "𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶?𝘩𝘶𝘩..𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘰𝘦?" 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. "𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯?𝘪 𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬" 𝘪 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘪 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘺. "𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬...𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘯,𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦" 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘵. "𝘕𝘰,𝘯𝘰 𝘯𝘰.. 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺,𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺.." 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘪 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘤𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨,𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦. Am brought out of my reverie by the ding of the coffee machine. I took the mug and sipped my coffee and placed it back on the island table, moving my finger at the rim of the mug,my mind filled with everything,the beatings,the words,each and everything that broke me.... Everything that killed my self esteem,the words that always reminded me how worthless I was,how unworthy of love I was. 'No,no,not today Esme...we've got a lot of work to do'I thought out loud shaking my head. ***** Making my way into the gallery,I check the time,7:45 am...okay,not too late. 15 minutes later,I changed the sign at the door to open,ready for today's business. "Good morning, you're welcome and feel free to look around if you'll see anything you like."I said giving my best smile to the lady in front of me. "Good morning,thanks ..am actually looking for a good design to fix in my new home"she said smiling brightly at me. "Ooh,I think I know a piece you would love "I say now eager to show her the new piece I drew not long. "Sure" nodding she said as we made our way to the piece. "Awwn,I love this very much,I would like to go with this"she said happily as she admired the painting. "Okay,no problem,am just gonna wrap this up real quick and hand it over"I said taking the piece off it stand and getting a wrapping paper to wrap it. "Here you go,you can go over to the counter by the door and make your payment "I said handing it over. ""Alright,thanks"she said accepting it and making her way to the counter. "You're welcome to come back"I heard the voice of Jessie, she's the one at the counter and the only person I can say am familiar with even though we aren't close. I pulled my hair back as I tried tying it up with a scrunchie,as I moved into my studio ready to drown my self in the day's work. Setting up a canvass,and adjusting it well on the stand,I grabbed my palette with a brush mixing in my colors. I moved to the speakers and connect it to my phone playing the usual slow song I do play anytime I want to draw or paint.I always feel much comfortable with a low background sound... anytime I try doing something that needs my concentration. Putting on an overall,to avoid getting my clothes stained,I sat on the stool ready to do what I do best. Humming to the song playing,I started first with a stroke followed by other strokes no longer humming as I drowned my self to my work, drawing ...my mind filled with different thoughts. Sometimes,I always wonder what if all these never happened,what if I never met him or her...what if I had a little more sense to discern there was something wrong when I saw those signs.what if,I'd been brave and more confident in my self. I remember every damn thing,all the conversations, promises, memories... Smiling bitterly,it was like I was back to that period... it felt so scary and it still scares me. "𝘉𝘢𝘣𝘦,𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥...𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘢" 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳. "𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶,𝘢𝘮 𝘌𝘴𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘥𝘢...𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘌𝘴𝘮𝘦" 𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦. "𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘌𝘴𝘮𝘦,𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘷" 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦.. "𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘓𝘪𝘷" 𝘪 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. "𝘈𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘩𝘩..𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴,𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘥" 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘫𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺. "𝘞𝘩𝘺?" "𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸,𝘪 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴,𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴" "𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭,𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘌𝘴𝘮𝘦,𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴" 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵. How stupid I was to actually believe they were best friends... looking back,the signs were there as bright as day. I was just too naive to notice it... standing up from the stool,i began drawing frantically trying to erase my mind of all thoughts,I need to stop thinking about everything that happened,am free...'it's all in the past' 'Yes,yes,it's all in the past..have moved on'i muttered as I picked up another color, smiling at what was already forming on the canvass. "Drowning"I whispered,that will be the name of this piece.Yes. Already concluding the piece,I added the final touch to the painting,I heard my phone ringing. 'who could that be'i thought as I made my way to my phone. "Hello,please..am I speaking with Miss Jordans"A voice said from the other end of the phone. "Yes,yes,you are.How may I help you?" I asked. "Am calling from the charity foundation,I need to confirm if the piece is ready?"she said again. "Oh,Yes..it's ready,when can you pick it up?"I questioned as I started cleaning up my things ready to go back home and relax. "Great,someone will drop by to pick it very soon..infact the person should be at your gallery in the next let's say..5 minutes"she said again. "Okay,no problem.. I'll be expecting the person"I said hanging up. Packing my bag and car key,I made my way out of the studio towards Jessie to tell her to expect the person coming to get the painting. "Hi,Jessie..uh,I wanted to tell you tha-"I was cut off by the sound of the bell signifying the entry of a person. As I turned am met with a young lady. "Hi,am Rose,from the charity foundation"she said smiling politely as she brought out an Id to show me. " Oh,great..nice to meet you,I was about telling her about your coming"I replied giving her a small smile.she seemed nervous. "Okay,sorry,if am late"she said as I signalled her to follow me. "No worries,you weren't late"I replied. "Okay,here is the piece.. it's all wrapped and ready for you to take"I said as I handed the painting over to her. "Thanks,a lot.."she said as we made our way out. "No problem, you're welcome and take care"I replied. "Am gonna get going Jessie "I said turning to Jessie who was calculating today's sales. "Okay,Bye and have fun" she said smiling softly at me.'Jessie is a very nice person and she will make a great friend if I actually accept people back into my life'I thought. "Thanks,you too and don't stay too long okay"I replied smiling back as I made my way out of the gallery towards my car. "Sure"I heard her voice faintly. Parking my car few minutes later,as I reached my apartment. I made my way in, changing my shoes by the door step into my fuzzy slippers,I made my way into the kitchen dumping my bag on the couch. 'Am so tired,and I need a well deserved sleep'i thought to my self as I drank a cup of water. Going to bed has always been a hurdle for me,from a good sleep to nightmares and they are non ending. I rinsed the cup and kept it at the cup rack and I made my way to my room,I need a shower before trying to sleep. Stripping,I made my way to the bathroom,as I stood under the shower, turning on the shower as I stood with the water pouring on me. Few minutes later,am done showering as I wrapped a towel around myself moving towards the mirror set,I sat as I started my skin care routine. After everything,have passed through have learnt to love my self more and take care of my self before anything. Am no longer going to ignore myself or put anything first before my self.Am going to love myself much better than before. I stood up and made my way into the closet and changed into my pyjamas,making my way to bed ready to get some sleep..if possible,I set my alarm and laid my head on the pillow. 'uhh,so soft'i thought to my self giggling a little. 'Am brave,am bold and am beautiful' I said softly drifting off.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 2 "Boss,the shipment has arrived safely"Elijah said. "Okay,no problem"I replied as I made my way into my office. I have a good feeling about today,I hope no motherfucker ruins it for me. "Boss,your sister is on her way here"he continues. Oh, he's still here. "Jasmine?,why,for what?"I asked now confused,we are not meant to be meeting till tomorrow. "I don't know boss,she just said she's on her way here"he replied. "Uggh,fine no problem"I said sitting down and getting ready for the day. Few hours later,after replying to some emails and signing whatever documents left for me to sign,I relaxed back on my chair as I pressed my fingers to my head already tired. "Trey,Trey,have you missed your beautiful sister,don't worry, she's here to see you"I heard the voice of my younger sister. "Oh God,just what I need right now"I muttered. "Jasmine,can you keep your voice down and stop screaming like a banshee and please who the fuck is Trey Trey,am pretty sure it isn't me right?"I replied rolling my eyes as I stood up to hug her. "Ouchhh,that hurts so bad..you just broke my heart"she said smiling as she hugged me back. "Whatever,so how you doing and I thought we weren't meeting until tomorrow."I said as I made my way back to my seat. "Well,am good but am missing my baby" 'Here goes nothing'i thought sighing. "Why did you let Henry go for the trip,you could have sent Elijah,he's a single guy that has no one to keep company and he looks like he needs it for the record"she said for the one hundredth time pouting. "And am still going to keep saying this,he was the perfect person to go and he'll be back soon,so chill". "Okay,whatever,so I actually came here for something serious."she said more serious now. "Huh,you serious..okay let hear it"I said smirking at her. "Sure,so Trish was telling me about this art gallery she came across that really really nice and she was impressed and I thought we should try it out,yunno you never can tell if you'd love it"she said. "Art gallery" "Yep,and don't try telling me your schedule is full..have checked with Elijah and he said you're free"she said winking at me. 'That damn betrayer'i thought ready to give Elijah a piece of my mind when am back. "Uggh,fine,fine,fine...no problem,am ready when you are"I said, raising my hands in surrender. "That's great,cause we're leaving now"she said clapping her hands excitedly as she stood up. "What,now?,am tired,come on" "Yes,now so... chop chop,get your fat arse up and let's move it"she said making her way out of my office. "Fine and for the record,my arse isn't fat dummy"i shouted after her. Damn her and the way she likes to embarrass me at every turn she gets. "Sure,whatever makes you happy"she shouted back. Grabbing my car keys,I made my way out of the office towards the car park. "Get in"I said to Jasmine as I held the door open for her. "Awnn,forever the gentleman"she said poking my cheeks. "God, Jasmine for fucksake don't do that and have always been a gentleman" I said making my way to my seat. "Okay,okay,fine,yes sir".she replied giggling. "So,tell me about this gallery that got you hooked up"I stated driving out of the garage. "Well,this will be my first time visiting but Trish told me that it's very nice and am gonna love it,yunno how much I appreciate art,and here is the address"she said as she inputed the address into the Gps. Yeah,anyone who knows Jasmine is aware of how much she loves and appreciates art. "Okay then, seeing is believing so let's get to that"I said. The drive wasn't that long from the office,it was a 25 minutes drive and trust me it's one of the longest 25 minutes have ever spent with Jasmine talking my ears off. "Jasmine,am gonna keep on saying this,no normal person loves winter season"I said as I looked around me for a place to park. "And am also gonna keep saying this you're the only abnormal person who hates winter"she said sassily as she folded her hands on her chest pouting. "Stop acting like a brat,am not abnormal..like who the hell loves it when they're cold and all shrively" "Yo, there's nothing like shrively,I don't even know why am having this conversation with you"she said as she threw her hands up in the air. "Yes there is..shrively as in when you're shriveled,if that makes any sense I guess"I replied grinning mischievously. "Yeah, whatever..hey look,there is a space up there" "Ooh,thanks, didn't see that" "You're welcome" Parking my car,we got off and made our way into the gallery,and I must say am quite impressed with the drawings and paintings hung on both sides of the wall. "Told ya,you'll be impressed"she said grinning widely as she rubbed her hands excitedly together in anticipation. "Yeah,yeah,your always right"I chuckled ruffling her hair. "Hey,don't do that,I spent hours trying to make this style"she said swatting at my hands. "I spent hours trying to make this style" I replied mimicking her,as I stuck my tongue out at her. "Hey,just you wait when I get you am gonna beat that your fat arse"she said as she rolled her sleeves and started running after me. "Catch me if you can,and for the record I don't have a fat ar-"I get cut off as I hit someone in the process of running. "Holy shit,Trevor be careful"Jasmine shouted. I quickly grabbed the person's waist to stabilize both of us not wanting to end on the floor. "Oh my God,am really so-"I cut my self from speaking as I finally saw the face of the person. 'Holy shit, she's freaking beautiful'.i thought as my eyes took her face in. Why is my heart beating,damn, she's pretty..no scratch that, she's fucking gorgeous. She's got a petite frame,her hair looks very soft and they framed her face perfectly,i bet they'd feel nice to touch,and don't get me started on her face... From her full brows to her double eyelids,down to her cute small nose and her lips,heavens...her lips look so captivating,small perfect red lips that looks absolutely ravishing. Then her eyes,Jesus,she's got very beautiful eyes,they are blue...light around the edges and deeper as they got in. "Wow" I muttered. "What"she said as she raised her brows in confusion. Her voice,she sounds like an angel,no a fairy am not sure,but she's got very beautiful voice. "Hey,am so sorry,no we are so sorry"Jasmine's voice brought me out of my thoughts. "Yeah,uhmm,we are sorry,are you alright?"I questioned. "Ooh, it's okay..I also wasn't paying attention"she replied and damn if my heart could beat any more faster. "Yeah,yeah it's fine"I said clearing my throat as I looked around me trying to hide the blush already growing from the root of my ears. "Hmm"Jasmine coughed,giving me a sly smile as she turned towards the lady. "Yeah,it's fine and we're also at fault for running that way in public place...we aren't meant to be doing that"she continued as she smiled at the lady. "Yes,no problem,now if you would excuse me" she replied smiling politely as she excused herself. "Sure" I just stood there dumbly unable to form any words as I turned watching her go. "Hello,earth to Trevor"Jasmine said loudly as she waved her hands in front of me. "What,and keep your voice down, we're at a gallery Jasmine" "Mmn,mmn,yes sir..but it seems someone is in love"she said as she wriggled her brows in a very weird way,I sometimes wonder how she does that. "Awwn,love at first sight.. uggh"she continued. "I don't know what you're talking about Jasmine and I thought we're here to see the paintings"I said avoiding her gaze. "Yeah,yeah,you definitely don't know what am talking about"she said smiling slyly. Moving forward,we started admiring the paintings with Jasmine ranting on which of them is going home with her. "Alright,Jasmine..can you make up your mind real quick,we've spent like an hour here already"I said checking the time. "Yes,yes,sure..am done.I'll be going with this,this and this"she muttered as she pointed at 3 different paintings. "Okay,so how do we go about it,like who's gonna wrap it up and shit and who is the artist" "Wait,am not sure..lemme check the pen name.Oh,it says Esmeralda" "Esmeralda,that's a nice name."I replied moving forward to get a look. "Yeah,I know right". "Okay,let get these done sister"I said grabbing her hand as we made our way to the counter. "Hi,how may I help you?"The lady at the counter asked smiling at us. "Goodday,uhhn..we chose some paintings and we need someone to yunno take it off and wrap it up for us"Jasmine replied. "Oh,sure no problem with that,I'll get our artist over"she said as she moved out of the counter and made her way Into a room not far from us. While waiting,I got a phone call. "Hey,am gonna answer this real quick and meet you there"I said to Jasmine as I made my way out. Few minutes later,I made my way back to the gallery. "Hey,sis.. you're ready?". "Sure,sure....I was just having a little chat with Esme while you were out"she said smiling at me as she moved towards me. "Esme?"I asked confused. "Yeah, she's the artist and the lady you bumped into earlier" "Ooh,ooh,yeah,I remember her"I said smiling unconsciously. "Hmmn hmmm"nodding her head as we made our way out to the garage. 'Esmeralda,Esme...am definitely coming back here some other time'. Driving back to the office,my mind filled with thoughts about her, Esmeralda,a beautiful name for a beautiful lady.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 3 "Good morning Jessie"I said as I made my way into the Gallery. "Morning Esme"she replied smiling. I made my way into the studio,ready to make a small piece before heading out.I've got an appointment with my Therapist. After all that happened,it's safe to say I had to go for therapy. Driving out 3 hours later,I got to the garage of the hospital and parked my car. Knocking on the door before entering the office. "Aah,hi Esme and how are you doing today?" Emily said as she stood to hug me. "Am fine,how about you?"I replied hugging her back. "Am also good,so..you ready for today's session" "Yes,yes..sure"I said making my self comfortable. ~1 hour later "Thanks a lot for today,I enjoyed the session"I said as I stood up ready to leave. "Pssh,my pleasure and besides it's my job"she said smiling. "Okay,I'll be on my way now" "Alright,take care." Getting into the car,I plugged my phone and played a song from my playlists. Honestly,after art I find solace and joy in music,I feel sometimes it's talking to my soul. I laugh a little at the thought,like talking to my soul. Arriving at the gallery,I parked and got in. 'Woah,it's kinda crowded here today.' As I stood by the door,I noticed two people,a man and a lady. Honestly,I noticed the man before the lady,his smile. He looks so happy and content like there's nothing troubling him. Not only him,moving my gaze to the lady...she is laughing so bright. Like come on,did I ever offend God,like why can other people smile and laugh so happily while I feel like am drowning and I can't escape it,I feel like there is a force pushing me down. Am I jealous?yes,a lot. Am jealous because there was a time I was like this,there was a time I laughed like I had no worries,there was a time I was happy. The guy looks so happy and the lady also. Shaking my head,I get rid of those thoughts,no...I have no rights to be jealous of them,they are happy...it's a good thing for them. Why will I be jealous?,I've got absolutely no rights to be jealous.Damn,I don't even deserve to be jealous because I don't know the shit they've passed through to get to this point. My mind still trying to convince me of why I shouldn't be jealous,am cut off by the impact of something or rather someone on my body. 'Oh,oh...am definitely gonna kiss the floor' "Oh,my God am very sor-"I look up to the voice of the person who grabbed me and stabilized me. Wow,it's the guy from earlier and damn,he's got good looks not gonna lie there. Looking at him up close,made me notice the contour of his face very well,from his lush,black hair that looks soft to touch to his eyebrows,his nose,his almost perfect lips and lastly his eyes. His eyes are a shade of grey,like grey grey and it's like a vortex that gonna suck you right in if you look deeper. I got cut off from my thoughts by his voice. "What?"I said now more confused as I didn't hear him well. Then we are interrupted by the same lady who I saw laughing with him earlier,as she apologized. "Yeah,no problem,now if you would excuse me"I said as I left there. I felt guilty,like they actually look like nice people,and I was jealous of them. Honestly,I think good people do deserve to be happy but I am no longer sure of that my theory, because I want to believe am a good person but why am I not happy. Looking back,I can't remember the last time I was truly happy,like very very happy. Nodding my head at Jessie as a form of greeting,I made my way back into my studio. About half an hour later, Jessie came in asking me to help with a customer. As I got out,am met with the lady from before. "Hi,am the artist in charge and you can call me Esme"I said to her. "Ooh,hi Esme,am Jasmine,you remember me..it was my brother that bumped into you earlier"she said smiling. "Yeah I do,so where are the paintings you'd like to go with" "Ooh,here they are,just about 3 paintings"she said moving towards a direction. "Alright,am just gonna wrap this up for you real quick then and you're welcome to come back"I said as I moved into action. "Definitely,I'll be back..I loved all what I saw here today, you're really good"she said giving me a thumbs up. "Thanks'i replied shyly. It's been pretty long since someone told me am good at what I do. Wrapping all three paintings,I hand them over and tell her where she'll make her payments,I move back into the studio. Before I could settle in my chair,I felt the vibration of my phone which was in my pocket,then it rang out. 'who could it be'I thought as I dipped my hand into my pocket and brought it out. "Hello,Nana..how have you been"I said smiling brightly,as I answered the call. "My fair sweet maiden,this royal has been very well even though you refused to visit..hmmph"she replied. "Hahaha,and this lowly maiden asks for forgiveness from the highness and begs to tamper justice with mercy"I said laughing, playing along. "Well,what choice do I have"she said snorting lightly. "That's why you're the best" "Oh please,don't flatter me, how have you been sweetie"she said more serious now. "Am good,am getting to the stage of being fine"I said as I folded my other hand on my chest, now walking round the studio. "There's no hurry,darl,you'll eventually get there one day and get the true happiness you deserve" "Well,I hope so,so to what do I owe this pleasant once in a blue moon call"I said, changing the topic. "Oh,you hurt my feelings there hun,do you mean I can't call just to check on you and are you saying I rarely call,young lady"she said obviously faking a gasp. "Definitely not,am just well a little surprise yunno your call was really unexpected" "Well,anyways am just gonna let that slide and go straight to the point" "Okayyyy" "So when are you coming to visit,have got some guests coming and I really really want you to meet them,they are old friends of your parents"she said. "Uhmm.. Nana,do I have to be there" "Definitely,young lady and no excuses..have still not forgotten how you missed our last appointment" "Okay okay,I'll be there,just tell me the day and I'll free my schedule just for you,yunno anything for you" "Ooh,please stop with your glib tongue and it tomorrow" "What, tomorrow,why tomorrow and you're just telling me" "Yes, it's tomorrow and what happened to I'll do anything just for you"she said snickering. "Well,it still stands but Nana come on,why are you just telling me now,what if I have something very very important tomorrow" "Well,am telling you now because I know if I told you early on,you will miss it and then come up with an 'ohh,it skipped my mind excuse" "Urrggh..okay okay fine,I'll be there alright"I said having no other choice. "Of course,I know you'll be there, that's will be all for now sugar pie,see you tomorrow"she said sounding mischievous,like she's got something up her sleeve. Yes,she definitely has something she plan on doing,I hope am not the victim again this time around. Trust me,I love Nana so much but sometimes she can be a handful.But still,I have no other choice am stuck with her and am not complaining,cause she is a sweet handful. Nana is my maternal grandmother,who took care of me after my parents died and since then it's been just me and her against the world. She's the only reason why have never given up even after everything that happened,let's just say she's the driving force behind my being and existence. After all I went through,right from the loss of my parents and even after the relationship with my ex,she's been there for me through thick and thin and not once judged me or criticize me,well except when am in the wrong. And have always loved her,I love her and will always love her,even with all her occasional pranks, she's just a sweet little old woman. Now,I guess I need to get back to business and do all what I have to do in order to clear up my schedule for tomorrow. Come to think of it,I wonder what tomorrow will be considering my parents weren't the social type and it seems like I don't know this old friends Nana is talking about. Well, there's only one way to find out though and that is by going tomorrow. Few hours later,finally done with my work,I stretch my self obviously in need of a good massage,come to think of it, it's been long I went to a spa...I definitely need to go to one. I pack my things and make my way out,it's late already and am the only still around,I look around and make sure everywhere is locked as I went to my car. Entering my car,I zoom off ready to crash on the bed already am so damn tired.