logo text

chapter 11 Back in the past (Adam's family)

The room was not standard like the modern house, the arrangements and technology was far back to the early 2000s. The ceiling was painted white, curtains and couch shared the same patterns.
The clock hung in the same position as the calendar. The calendar was newly designed with a moon photo. In the calendar, 2002 was boldly italicized. Under it was the month of JUNE.
The ceiling fan motion was under 2. It twirled not too fast or too slow.
A woman in her late 30s was moving joyously in the room, her face filled with impatient information. In her right hand were papers of different colors. As she moves around, she glances at the papers and smiles.
Beauty wasn't her problem. As she moved her brown hair was blown by the fan, she was late thirty but her face and body disagreed with her age and grade her in her early 20s.
Her lips smooth and tipsy to drive anybody who came in contact crazy, her eyes could change a narcissist to an altruist.
Her name is Veronica. She checked her wristwatch as she moved around the room impatiently Maybe she was expecting someone or something special, there was something she reflect that made her blush, believe me or not some memories are worth remembrance.
        *************
        Flashbacks
        ************
The environment was quite busy like a bee hive, cars and passersby using the crowded roadway. the cars were far back in the late 90s and early 20s. Most of the road users kept crazy hairstyles that mimicked a tree shade, their palazzo pants didn't spare to clean the floor, their shirt so tied, this made you wonder if they could breathe freely.
"The radiant sun showered the land with its golden embrace, painting the trees and grass in a lush, vibrant hue, creating a scene of unparalleled comfort and tranquility throughout the day."
On the roadside, there sat a man with a torn coat and a beautiful cat beside him, on the floor his hat lay helpless, his leg locked and giving that 'w' shape.
"His hand extended forward, reminiscent of a child eagerly awaiting a comforting touch or a gentle stroke." I'm unsure of what fell into his hat, but whatever it was, it elicited heartfelt gratitude from the man.
As he was still begging, yes he was a beggar, his clothes categorized him as one. A sleek, obsidian-hued limousine with tinted windows gracefully occupied the space directly before him.
The door was open, a tall, model body shape, hairs cascading to his forehead, his black complexion glow as the sun stroked him.
His suit drip and sends the message of a billionaire down to the public that might seek to know who he is.
His shoes were properly polished believe me it reflects just like a "Mirror on the world" mentioned by Lil Wayne in 'Mirror'
He off his sunglasses his eyes ball got a good story to tell. His car boot opened, He retrieved a black briefcase and a boombox.
He dropped the boombox beside the beggar, the man glanced at him. I'm also surprised just like the man how on earth will a man so rich be competing with a beggar, don't tell me he's just faking everything.
As he flicked the switch, the vibrant melody of Davido's 'Unavailable' poured from the boombox, enveloping the atmosphere, prompting him to sway and groove to the rhythm.
As the song drew to a close, passersby paused, their gaze subtly tracing the contours of his figure with curiosity.
"Calmdown" by Rema followed up immediately, he grew crazy in the rhythms, dance, and dap.
"The soulful melody of 'Sensation' by Chris Brown touches the hearts of passersby, moving them to generously fill the hat with money and applaud his performance. Their cheers lift his spirits high."
He paused and checked his time, his mood switched, maybe he was up to something. He waited for the song to end, he bowed for the people. They appreciate by clapping and shouting.
They proceed on their journey, each heading towards their destination.
"Hope that's enough for you," he asked opening his briefcase and brought out a towel, wiped off the sweat on his face.
The beggar dipped his hand into the hat, his palm was filled with money, and the sad face he wore earlier switched to a happy one, he never saw this coming. He thought he was a competitor.
"Thank you, thank you," he bowed and held his palazzo pants. He never expected this much from the public, he expected something but not this much.
"Don't worry it's all yours, have a Nice time, he helped him back to his feet. I have something to attend to. Before he left, he dropped him an envelope with a bulge shape, if no country or continent sees this as worth 'thank you' and a smile on the face, then in Africa is worth a thank you from the receiver He left him to rejoyced with the money, with the money his want and need is about to be solved.
"Please what's your name?" The beggar creates space in his happiness and asks for his name. Who in this life will not want to know the name of his helper, if not for any purpose but for memories?
"Adam Token." He replied and opened the car door and drove away.
**********
An elegant woman of average stature, her luscious natural hair is intricately woven to honor and celebrate her cultural heritage, adding a touch of grace and reverence to her appearance. She wore a casual outfit, her face not makeup, she was too natural. The sun's luminance gently waned, hinting at the onset of evening, though the hour remained relatively early. Perhaps it was one of those days where daylight seemed fleeting, yielding to a prolonged nightfall.
Her handbag dangling in her left hand, her slippers so classic and transparent, She traversed the bustling thoroughfare as the pedestrian signal gleamed green.
She looked at the piece in her hand and looked up, there were striking words on the paper and on the building that was just a few meters away from her.
She pocketed the piece and walked to the building, Name was boldly printed out on the top of the building RAE LTD. On the door was a board with NOW OPEN on it, she pushed the door and it opened wide, she walked in.
The table and chairs were meticulously arranged in alphabetical order, inviting her to enter and settle into one of the elegant seats.
 Amidst the ambiance, other patrons savored their coffee, and indulged in meals and snacks, while a few lingered at the counter awaiting their packages.
She brought out a device from her pocket, its sleek design adorned with a prominent button labeled "Blackberry," positioned just adjacent to the vibrant screen.
She pressed the button and put the phone beside her ear, the device beeped and stopped. She did not like what she just saw, maybe she was expecting someone.
"Excuse me, ma'am," a resonant and polished voice gently beckoned her attention.
Raising her gaze, she spotted a gentleman clad in sleek black trousers and a crisp white shirt. Held firmly in his grasp was a black book adorned with the name of the restaurant delicately inscribed upon its cover.
"Your services are my priority, ma'am." He said spreading a smile across his face.
"Thank you. I'm expecting someone. A glass of juice would be perfect," she replied with a warm smile, appreciating his courteous demeanor and adept customer service skills.
"Okay, ma'am." He bowed and left.
The entrance door pushed open. Adam Token ambled in, he wore a classic outfit, black was hot but this white shirt was heavenly.
He looked around, people were admiring his outfit, 6 beautiful ladies were just giving him the greenlight, he played along with them but his eyes were moving around looking for the right person in the restaurant. He wanted to meet someone, don't tell me he was the person Veronica talked about.
He navigated through the bustling restaurant, his gaze scanning the room until it landed on a familiar figure. His eyes locked onto the person, drawing him closer with an irresistible pull as he made his way toward her
Her legs were crossed and her eyes well focused on the phone screen, he tapped her on the shoulder, she lifted her face. The impression on his face was not nice at all.
"Sorry miss, i thought you were someone I wanted to meet here, pardon my behavior it will never happen next time." He pleaded.
"There's no need for the apology, everyone makes mistakes." She smiled at him and continued with her phone.
"Really!! can i have a seat or you're expecting someone?" Adam asked waiting for her feedback.
Without prediction, we understand female nuances and the answer must not fail to be No.
She glanced at him, he didn't feel comfortable with the look but still maintained patient 
"I'm expecting someone but you can only have a seat with just one condition to leave when he arrives." She offered him a chair and continued with her phone.
"I will leave before he arrives." He assured her and sat on the chair.
Other girls were not happy with what they saw, he was too handsome too handsome to belong to someone else but them alone.
"I'm Adam Token, would you mind telling me your name." She dropped her phone on the table and looked at him, her mouth opened she was about to say something.
"Here's your glass of juice, ma'am." He dropped the juice.
"Thanks." She picked up the glass.
"Veronica Mars."
"Can I have the menu?" He took the menu from the waiter and flung it open.
"I'll have the Food 20, and she'll have the Food 25," he stated, handing the menu back to the waiter. With a nod, the waiter took note of his order and swiftly departed to fulfill it.
"Nice meeting you, Veronica Mars." He checked his wristwatch.
"Sure. But it's time i take my leave, Adam Token." She picked up her phone and dropped the glass on the table.
"So quick!! What about the food?" He didn't expect her to leave so early, She said she was waiting for someone but she's leaving.
"Sorry, i have something important to attend." She stood up and grabbed her bag. "Next time."
Adam did not believe, she was truly leaving. "Can i have your contact?" he can't let her go, maybe there's something special about her that he can't let go.
The waiter returned, balancing a tray laden with succulent chicken, a plate of freshly baked biscuits, a bottle of rich red wine, and a jar of refreshing juice. "Here's your order". He dropped it and left.
She brought out her card and handed it to him.
"Biscuits will be okay." He took the card.
His sparkling eyes elicited a smile from her. Though she wasn't particularly interested in the biscuits or anything else, the warmth in his gaze prompted her to take a few. With a friendly wave, she bid him goodbye.
She walked out of the restaurant but the lady were not happy with her.
The most beautiful lady in the crew approached Adam's table, she sat and exchanged pleasantries with him.
They engaged in conversation for a while, but unfortunately, the person he was eagerly anticipating never arrived.
"Beni, I must take my leave now," he said, extending his hand for a firm handshake as he rose from his seat. He saw Veronica's phone on the table. She accidentally dropped her phone while reaching into her bag for her card.
"Veronica's." He paused
Beni was confused about what he meant by Veronica's. With a swift movement, he grabbed the phone and hurriedly departed the restaurant
******
As the door creaked open, Veronica stepped inside, her expression weighed down by evident stress., so she pushed the door closed behind her, She eased her body onto the couch, seeking support as soon as she entered the room. her hand on her forehead, she wasn't feeling herself.
She unzipped her handbag and plunged her hand inside, swiftly retrieving an item before lowering the bag from her shoulder. checked it again. She was shocked, she emptied the handbag on the table.
"Where do i misplaced my phone?" Her brain worked hard to recall where she left the phone, Her brain went into overdrive trying to remember where she'd left her phone, feeling like a loading screen stuck on "PROCESSING" for an eternity if she were a piece of technology.
Her hand on her jaw. Happiness was very far from her. All she needed was to figure out where she had left her phone.
She calculated everything backward. She paused, her jaw dropped. "Adam!!" She nailed it hard.
"Rae restaurant! It's gone, forever," she exclaimed with a pang of longing, the weight of disappointment evident in her tone. "This day's a disaster. Nothing's going right," she sighed, covering her face with her hands as she collapsed onto the couch.
"I must return to the restaurant," she declared, a surge of determination lighting up her face. However, as she attempted to stand, her energy faltered, and she tumbled down with a soft thud., her body failed. She has worked more than expected.
"Hooo!! not now. Why now, what on Earth, i need my phone."
"I'm tired, first thing in the morning is to hit Rea restaurant."
She stood up leaving her handbag on the chair. Her sitting room is painted with white paint and her windows are adorned with placid curtains, The room was adorned with charming flower vases in every corner, adding a touch of natural beauty. A striking artwork of a leafless yet lively tree adorned one wall, offering a simple but captivating focal point.
She struggled to make her way to her room when a knock on the door interrupted her. She just hated the knock, if it was other days she would love to attend to it but today, no. She continued with her walk to other part of the room. The knockstroke again, she had no option but to attend to it.
"2 seconds please," she walked back to the door and unlocked it.
She paused her heart filled with half joy and half surprise. It was Adam Token.
"Adam!!" She bewildered. "How?"
"Good evening, Veronica." He greeted with a bow and a smile taking over his face maybe he loved the face he met again.
"But how?" She asked again, her mind far from all the problems she had earlier.
"Can i come in?" He waited for her to say yes, there's something special about her that he can't let go, if she says no then he would still take it as a yes.
"You're free." She made a way for him. He had a seat on the couch.
"Would you like to have anything? "
"No, just here to return your phone."
"If you're still wondering about how i got here, then i will tell you in the future." He brought out the phone and gave it to her.
"Wow!!" She exclaimed. She can't hold her joy till he leaves, 
"I thought i lost you, baby," she hugged the phone very tide, Adam watched her with curiosity, perhaps amused by her forgetfulness regarding her guest.
"Sorry,"
"Thank you, Adam," She said when she remembered he was still around.
He smiled at her.
"Can i ask for something in return? "
She wondered what he would ask for in return. "Okay but let it be something i will be able to grant."
"Sure."
 "A weekend dinner in Flame restaurant." His heart prays for her to agree to go with him.
"I will go with you on only one condition that there will be no trouble," in the restaurant. 
Hope he's not a gangster cause he looks too hot to be one.
"I promise you safety ." They shared a handshake, and he left with a friendly wave goodbye.
************
Rea restaurant
************
Days and months have passed since Adam and Veronica agreed to meet in a Flame restaurant, yes they met there and also met in other beautiful places, they spent a lot of time to know each other, they attended different occasions. I don't know if Adam is single nor do I know if Veronica is single but It sounds like these two friends share a strong bond, almost like kindred spirits. Their connection is so deep that it could potentially cause jealousy or friction in their other relationships due to the closeness they share.
 Adam's impeccable outfit, shimmering hair, flawless complexion, and luxurious wristwatch all speak about his taste and status, making a statement that money is no object when it comes to his appearance. He was money himself.
He lifted a spoonful of noodles, bringing it towards his mouth.
He looked up and saw Veronica, maybe she was back from the restroom or she had any unfinished business with the restaurant Her presence warmed the room, her smile radiating even brighter within the cozy ambiance of the restaurant. Her outfit is cool and adorable, and her steps move just like a beautiful clock, TikTok TikTok TikTok.
Her figure molded perfection, teasing out the best in suspenseful anticipation, Adam seeing her, was unable to put the spoon of noodles in his mouth.
Her styled hair complemented her beauty flawlessly, adding a lovely touch to her overall appearance.
She sat on the chair.
"Adam." She called
"Adam," she called out, her hand waving gracefully in the air like a fluttering butterfly.
"Adam!!" Her voice echoed desperately, filled with an urgency that pierced through the air, pleading for his attention.
"Yes," he replied, jolting out of his daze, and then swiftly dropped the noodles back in surprise.
"Any problem?" Veronica asked.
"No, you're beautiful. More beautiful than any other day." He smiled at her.
"Thank you, Adam. Guess i have a very special News for you." She said excitedly. Her heart filled with joy.
"Traveling?" 
"No."
"Appointment?"
"No".
"New? "
"No."
"Okay, i give up, tell me." He said with his hand up in the air.
"Someone is in love with me, Adam. Someone is in love with me, Adam." She said with great excitement.
"Wow!!!" He exclaimed he was only acting up, but he wasn't happy at all, he acting failed, his face frowned, his heart broken. What was his problem? he was happy few seconds how come he's sad?
She said the best news, news worth celebrating for 100hrs.
"What's wrong, Adam? I said someone is in love with me and you're crying, don't tell me it's tears of joy cause it will be the best moment for me and you"
"Yeah, my tears speak louder than words of joy. I'm genuinely happy for you." Veronica was not comfortable with his action, he looked disturbed and oppressed by different thoughts."
"Oh, Veronica, sorry I have to leave, i have an urgent meeting to attend." She didn't understand him. Was the news of finding love behind all this?
He rose from his seat. Typically, their interaction involved warm embraces and other friendly greetings, often followed by offering assistance to each other on the way home. but today burnt differently from every other day.
He departed without a farewell, his sadness palpable to her, yet she made a futile attempt to halt his exit. but ignored him with the belief that he as an important way to visit.
*************
She stopped when she heard a sound, it was from the door before she could open it, the door was unlocked. A man of average height unlocked the door and walked in with his briefcase.
He looks tired not only tired, depressed, and sad. He staggered into the room, maybe he was also drunk.
He lifted his eyes and saw Veronica. He pretended to be happy but it didn't last long, he landed on the floor She hurried up to him.
"I told you to stop drinking?"She gently reminded him. He remained silent, averting his gaze. His demeanor triggered a memory from years past.
    
    *******
 Flashbacks 
   ********
Veronica perched on a modest stool, facing a sizable mirror. With deliberate motions, she glided an ice block across her face, relishing the cool sensation as it glided smoothly over her skin.
She dropped the ice cube and washed her face. She dried up the water on her face, As she gently touched her face, she marveled at its softness, convinced that nothing could match its smoothness.
"This girl is on fire," she mumbled.
She picked up her phone.
Date, 12 January 1985. Time, 8:30.
She pressed the button down then stopped, Adam's name was written. She pressed and sent the call. Her phone beeped and stopped, She tried again nothing changed.
Adam always responded to her call but there must be something we don't know about.
"Today is making five days and Adam is not calling or answering my calls. There was no misunderstanding between us, Is everything okay with him?" She wondered and dropped her phone.
"The last time i saw him was in Rea restaurant. He left without saying goodbye, and not only that he acted gloomy and moody." She calculated and tried to arrive at the answer.
"Adam never acted that strange. I will check on him, and ask him why he's not answering my calls." She said and stood up from the stool and walked to her clothes shelf.
She wore a simple outfit and left, she was worried that anything bad would happen to Adam and that's one of the reasons she didn't spend time beautifying herself like she did on other days.
************
Adams House 
***********
Adam lumbered from one place to another in the room. His left hand a bottle of liquor was properly held tide, he drooled, his eyes blurred and red. He staggered and stumbled over things.
He looked sick, does it mean he spent the whole 5 days drinking? What might got him this hurt and pressed? Adam was handsome but his handsome, but his good looks began to fade as he persisted in drinking without eating.
The doorbell rings.
"Who's there?" He asked with a drunk tone, gulping down the liquor directly from the bottle.
The bell rang again.
"who's there?" If you don't want to come in you can spend your entire life clicking on the bell." He hissed and sat on the floor.
After minutes of waiting for a response the door knob rotate and the door was pushed open. A Lady walked in. 
"Veronica," she mumbled.
"What're you doing here? You said you found someone special?" He queried.
She was shocked to see Adam. Yes, it was Adam but the problem here is how he acted and also how he looked strange. Adam was very handsome, but since he spent days drinking without food, everything in his body changed.
She dropped her bag and rushed to him. 
"Adam, are you okay? What's wrong with you? Talk to me." She was scared and worried, Adam speak to me!!" she yelled at him, she was scared.
She held him and brought him closer to herself.
"Why do you care? Just let go of me." He fought off her arm. "You said meet someone that loves you? Then go to him and leave me alone."
Veronica was very scared to even listen to anything he was saying. She sat him on the floor and rested his body on the wall. "Eaten anything? Let me get you something to eat." She stood up and stepped forward, her hand was held from behind. She looked back their eyes met, the connection was too deep, Veronica looked away.
"Veronica." He called struggling to stand he slipped and fall.
"Adam!!" she called, her heart beat faster. She genuflects and supports him.
"Veronica, I can't live without you in my life." He paused and looked at her.
"Veronica, from the bottom of my heart". He coughed and gulped down the drink from the bottle.
"Stop it," she forced out the drink from his hand, paused, and listened to him. She never expected this from Adam. Her mood switches, don't tell me she does not have any feelings for him. But something in each and everyone of us told us that Veronica's word was the reason behind Adam's new attitude.
"I love you and i don't mind spending my entire lifetime with you." He sounded drunk to her.
"Stop all this drama, you're not okay." She managed and speak back, she believed him to say everything out of the influence of liquor.
"I'm not actor nor do i act." "I really love you, tell me everything you said in the restaurant is a lie?" He pleaded. Veronica now believes he wasn't drunk but he was hurt.
"Yes, i mean everything i said in Rea restaurant, i said i found someone who loved me and it was you, i love you too Adam."
Adam was surprised, he never expected her to love him back, he got closer and locked lips with her.
******************
"I'm sorry, Veronica. I'll do my best for you," he said with a touch of sadness, pulling her into a gentle embrace. His gaze fell upon the papers she had left scattered on the floor upon his arrival.
"What is that on the floor?" He asked. The papers got him so badly, he wanted to know the contents of it.
"The paper? " Veronica asked again. "You can get it if you want to know the contents." She added smiling at him.
"Okay!! Okay!! I know I got you sad by returning home drunk but i need to know what's in those papers." He said softly.
"The road is yours, the paper is yours just step forward and get it." She said again and broke free from the hug and landed her back on the floor.
"Okay, if you want this to be a challenge then i will win." He stood up and jiggled to the papers on the floor. She laughed at him. His movement was funny and he enjoyed how she was laughing.
Maybe it was long she laughed that loud. He made a crazy face and that made her laugh the more.
"I'm a winner," he screamed and picked up the papers, he stared at the headline, lowering his sight, he was deeply focusing on the outcome.
He stopped when his eyes got to pregnancy and it was POSITIVE. "Veronica," he hollered.
She didn't answer but just stared at him.
"Are you pregnant?" He asked excitedly.
"After all these years?" He ran up and hugged her and swung her around.
"Yes, Adam. After all these years we will finally have someone to love." She shed tears.
"After so many years of waiting for this new!! Then my joy knew no boundaries." He kissed her on the forehead.
"The doctor said I'm few weeks pregnant." She smiles and touch her tummy. "Little one i can't wait to have you at my side."

Book Comment (118)

  • avatar
    Marjorie Ebio Paglinawan

    because I love to read

    29/04

      0
  • avatar
    Joshua Aranas

    I Love This Story

    21/10

      0
  • avatar
    Ki S Sis

    😘woe

    18/10

      0
  • View All

Related Chapters

Latest Chapters