Having settled comfortably in Canada for several weeks, Sandra had fully embraced her new life abroad. Felix faithfully visited her daily, ensuring all her needs were met. Amidst the busyness of preparing for their upcoming wedding in Nigeria, Sandra expressed a desire for her wedding gown, jewelry, and cosmetics to come from Canada.
Felix assured her, "I promise you'll find everything you want in this place."
"Thank you, darling," Sandra replied, her appreciation evident as they shared a warm embrace. Amidst the wedding planning, Sandra had momentarily forgotten about Margaret, her mother's friend. However, upon stumbling upon the gifts and greeting card intended for Margaret, she found a way to reconnect.
Sandra dialed Margaret's number, but a young voice answered, not that of Margaret's. "Hello, I'd like to speak with Mrs. Margaret."
"Mrs. Margaret?" the voice inquired.
"Yes, Mrs. Margaret. Have I reached the wrong number?"
"No, but, uh, she's currently asleep. Maybe you could call back later."
Sandra attempted to continue the conversation, seeking more information, but the young girl abruptly ended the call. Despite persistent tries, Sandra couldn't get through to Margaret. Frustration mounting, she set her phone on the entry table and slouched into the sofa, fatigued.
As minutes passed, her eyelids grew heavy, and she teetered on the edge of sleep. Suddenly, her phone's ring jolted her awake. Hoping it was Margaret, she answered to find Linda, her new Canadian friend, on the line. Sandra and Linda had initially met at a supermarket when Linda accidentally bumped into her while she was shopping with Felix.
Linda swiftly apologized and made to flee, but Sandra managed to catch her arm. Though Felix seemed concerned initially, thinking Sandra might create a scene, he recognized her character and the absence of such behavior. Felix's admiration for Sandra extended beyond her physical attributes; it was her inner qualities that truly captivated him, marking her as an ideal partner.
As Linda stood before them, Felix's winsome smile captured her attention. Even though her initial collision had been with Sandra, Linda couldn't help but be taken by Felix's charm. Thoughts of Felix remained with her as she walked away, indulging in fantasies of being in his arms.
Sandra assured Linda that her call wasn't about the earlier incident and engaged her in conversation. Linda shared about her job at the Flamingo supermarket and her day off. She mentioned her openness to future meetups if Sandra were to visit the store again.
Sandra expressed genuine interest in Linda's company and asked for her number, but Linda, citing a prior engagement, regretfully declined. Despite this, Sandra persisted in trying to establish a connection. Her efforts eventually led her to Linda again at the supermarket. Their friendship blossomed, with Linda promising to visit Sandra and recounting stories of her day.
In anticipation of Linda's visit, Sandra meticulously tidied her home. With everything in order, she headed to the kitchen to prepare a meal just as Linda arrived.
CHAPTER 34:
As Sandra busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a meal for Linda, the doorbell chimed. She hurried to the entrance, thinking, "It must be Linda." Opening the door, Sandra warmly embraced Linda. "I'm so glad you're here," Sandra exclaimed.
"I'm happy to be here too," Linda beamed.
"Welcome to my cozy apartment," Sandra said, emphasizing the comfort of her space.
"It's lovely," Linda nodded, appreciating the ambiance.
Sandra inquired, "What can I get you to drink while I finish up in the kitchen?"
"Just water, please."
"Sure, I'll be right back."
Returning promptly, Sandra carried a tray with a chilled bottle of water and a glass. Placing the tray on a stool, she opened the bottle and poured the water into the glass. With the table set, Sandra invited Linda to join her at the dining table. Linda settled into the dining room, which, although not very spacious, exuded elegance with its high-quality table and chairs.
Linda's sudden shift in demeanor caught Sandra's attention. She paused and observed Linda savoring her meal. Sandra decided to address a topic that had been on her mind. "I think this is the perfect time."
Linda appeared curious. "For what?"
"There are questions I've been wanting to ask you, things that have been bothering me whenever I think of you," Sandra admitted. Her gaze fixed on Linda, who seemed engrossed in her food.
Linda's expression changed. "You want to know about my parents, but perhaps you should tell me about yours first."
Sandra hesitated briefly. "There's not much to say. Talking about it would only bring back painful memories."
Linda seemed puzzled. "I don't quite understand. Are you saying your experiences with your parents have been mostly sorrowful?"
"Is that the impression you've gotten?"
"Yes, that's how it seemed," Linda affirmed.
"That's not entirely accurate. While my childhood had its ups and downs, my dad used to take us shopping every weekend, and my mom taught me essential skills for women."
Intrigued, Linda leaned in. "Tell me more."
Sandra continued, "My dad had a busy work schedule during the week, but he always made time for us on weekends. However, as I got older, my once strong and loving father fell ill. We sought help from various doctors, but nothing could be diagnosed."
"Are you sure?" Linda asked, surprised.
"Yes, but during that time, my mom was away on a trip and couldn't return. She couldn't be there when my dad passed away."
"That's heartbreaking, my friend. I'm truly sorry to hear that. In contrast, I'm a Canadian citizen, born and raised here. My childhood was wonderful. My dad was a renowned musician who traveled the world for concerts, often taking me with him. This exposed me to different cultures and sparked my interest in music. I've continued his legacy as a musician."
As their conversation unfolded, the doorbell rang once more. Sandra glanced toward the door and extended a welcome to the unexpected visitor. "Please come in."
With the door slightly ajar, a handsome, well-dressed man entered, prompting a smile from Sandra. Amid her thoughts, she envisioned a future with him, filled with happiness and the joy of raising children.
Meanwhile, Felix was lost in his own thoughts. "Sandra is the one. She's the woman I want to spend my life with. She embodies all the qualities I seek in a partner."
Linda, however, couldn't help but feel a strong attraction towards Felix. Despite his impending marriage to Sandra, she secretly desired him. "Felix is attractive and embodies everything I want. I'm drawn to him."
A struggle waged within Felix, torn between his commitment to Sandra and his growing feelings for Linda. He fought to resist the allure.
Breaking the tension, Felix greeted Sandra with a bright smile. "Hi Sandra, how are you?"
"I'm well, and you?" Sandra replied, both of them seeming a bit shy, likely due to Linda's presence.
"Doing great," Felix responded, attempting to dispel the awkwardness. Sandra headed to the kitchen to serve Felix as well.
Linda chimed in, offering a friendly greeting to Felix and flashing a charming smile, even before Felix could initiate the pleasantries.
"How are you?" Felix asked Linda.
"I'm good, and you?"
"Same here, though the weather isn't very pleasant. It's too cold."
Linda interjected, "I actually enjoy it. Watching people ice skate is fun."
Felix chuckled, "It's not that simple, though. Bundling up in heavy coats, jackets, and boots, and keeping the house warm all the time can be a challenge."
"I find it cool," Linda shrugged, focusing on her meal.
Sandra joined the conversation, sharing her perspective on the weather and bringing in the tray containing Felix's meal.
Engaging in light banter, they relished their meal. Sandra then produced a bottle of wine, raising it in a toast to their friendship and the forthcoming wedding.