Blake's Pov
Greenville looked very peaceful and homely for me. There wasn't much pressure felt here and most especially no mother and Veronica thrusting me up and down. I was for once in a long time very comfortable and felt so free minded and cool.
Waking up everyday in the palace to mother's visit in my room and her telling me to take Veronica as wife was so sickening. Most times I wondered why she mounted so much pressure on me knowing fully well that I didn't want Veronica to be close to me .
Flora was the only reason ,I had to condone her and put up with her behavior. There was no way I would refer to my daughter as a mistake, but it still doesn't eradicate the fact that I sincerely regretted that night when we had both been so drunk.
If only we hadn't been close back then, just maybe Flora wouldn't have been made. Now Flora happened to be in my life, my most cherished and precious little girl ,who I would climb mountains for and defend with my last breath, yet she was still the linking point to what I tried getting away from.
I decided to spend a few days in Greenville, at least for sometime. Clearing my head from all the issues I was facing and getting hold of my shit which was paramount to me. My mental health was very important and I wasn't going to let anyone tamper with it or drive me crazy over these issues at hand.
I knew for sure that I was still going back to all the troubles at home, but first it was necessary to get myself prepared to face anything. The people in Greenville looked very much friendlier than those at New Orleans and that was what I loved about them the most.
The environment was so welcoming, I could notice how greenish the trees were, fresh spring water and the cool breeze which was everything to me at night. The servants at the courthouse were so hardworking trying their very best to ensure that I was very much comfortable and entertained. Their service was top-notch and I could only wish to remain here.
The way the people greeted,acknowledged and visited me at the courts was so heart warming. I wouldn't forget talking about the countless gifts I received each passing day. Even though I hadn't done anything for the town , they were still very nice and lovely people.
I lodged at the courthouse which was in Greenville and there I got to receive the freshness of not being dragged everyday which I got from the palace. I told the servants there not to announce my presence to anyone at the palace back in New Orleans.
That morning I felt hungry and after the maids had served my food, I thought of eating out for the first time. I was the crowned prince and Greenville was my town . it was very unfortunate that I actually knew nothing about the town.
I wanted to find out what the people wanted, how they were living and their ideology about things. I wasn't too sure if the minister of Greenville was actually doing his work accurately. Most importantly ,I knew Greenville was a very large place, so I desired to look out for the lady back then at the hospital. If she was still in town, then there was a great possibility of seeing her again.
I got into my car leaving the dinning table and the food that had been served while I drove around to find a nice restaurant. The look on the faces of the servants was worrisome as I thought maybe they felt I didn't like the food. I had explained to them that I had no problem with the food which they had presented to me that morning but only wished to eat out so as to get to know places in the town. I was pretty sure that they understood my reasons for not eating what they had prepared.
Soon I got to the most busiest street in Greenville where I saw a restaurant which was quite little but very portable and nice
'Sharon delicacy" that was the name of the restaurant which was posted on top of the building when I got to see it. I quickly looked up the place on my phone and got to find out it had good reviews by people on the internet.
I still wanted to be sure their food was good,most restaurants could actually pay to get good reviews ,I thought. There was this young man ,who I could tell was in his early twenties ,who had just stepped out from the restaurant. It would be best if I got to ask him how their meal was.
" Hello, good morning, please sorry for bothering you, I'm quite new in town and I have been looking for a good restaurant where I can eat. Do you think that one over there is good enough?", I asked.
The young man smiled and explained not only how good their meal was ,but how relaxing and comfortable I would feel when I got there.
Something struck me immediately he said that and I had the urge to eat in that particular restaurant, although it was little. First, I got down from my car , I walked straight into it. Only opening the door I could feel the warmth and the place very composed portable and neat at the same time .
The quiet music from the background which made the placed very homely and special made me take a sit down as I watched a waitress walk towards my direction. I guess she wanted to take my orders . She smiled while coming and I could imagine how much efforts they put in to make their customers comfortable.
I could remember the day I had disguised myself to go eat in an eatery at New Orleans, it was one terrible experience. The Zero customer service they displayed there and how rude the waitresses were was one hell of an experience. I had sworn never to return there when they finally got to find out that I was the Prince.
As she came close ,giving me a cute smile I could instantly feel great relaxation as I immediately knew that it was quite a welcoming place to eat. I didn't expect any drama , unlike the other places I had been to in the past.
"What would you want me to bring for you sir ? ", she asked as I requested for a plate of fried rice, some salad and fried chicken.
" Alright Sir, just a moment ", she replied as she walked away, heading to the counter to place my orders for me from the guy at the counter .
I got out my phone , flipping through my social media account,after my phone had chimed, reading the news feeds which I could find in it while I waited for her to get the food. A message came in , from Veronica. For Christ sake ,what is wrong with this woman, why wouldn't she let me be. Here I was trying to have a good time and she still manages to try in ruining my moment.
As the waiter brought forth my order I heard two women arguing and immediately I looked up to know what the issue was. I got a shocking surprise when I saw the lady who I had met at the hospital the other day, although I had seen only as side view but I was so sure she was the same person I was seeing presently.
I wondered how life can be so interesting ,I have wanted to meet her that day and had rushed down, but before I got there she had left and now here she was standing in front of me. She even looked more beautiful than the day I saw her with her sparkling eyes which was like the sun and her long beautiful black coloured hair which took off my breath each time I stared at it.
I wondered what the quarrel between her and the other lady was all about, but I knew that I must not fail this time around in talking to her. They kept on arguing while she left ,following the other lady who slams the door at her. I immediately asked the waitress who was there if she knew the two women and she explained that one of them happens to be the owner of the restaurant and the other was her friend who also visited the restaurants from time to time and helped her out with some things.
This was the most interesting news I had ever heard in weeks and I knew that I must make sure that I spoke to her this time around. The waitress went ahead to tell me that I shouldn't bother ,if I wanted to talk to them as they would still come back into the restaurant.
They always had arguments from time to time, but they made up as soon as they've had their arguments , she said smiling.
I could only understand their kind of friendship ,and so I relaxed and enjoyed my meal, while I waited for them to return.
I could see them outside through the glass frame arguing. Soon enough I noticed the tension between them was a bit calm as they both crossed the street, heading back into the restaurant.
My food was almost finishing ,and I had no idea how to approach her now. I had been eating so slowly so I could have to wait for her return back into the restaurant. What was I to say to her and what do I call her which wouldn't sound or look disrespectful? I had zero ideas on the kind of person she was and what words would be offensive to her .I could only pray some good opportunity comes up.
She got into the restaurant with her friend who went into the counter, while she sat down four seats away from mine.
I became glad ,at least she was close by now and the restaurant wasn't so crowded , I could go over and talk to her without causing much stir in the public.
"Hello young lady ",I said beaming with so much smiles which was so broad. I could understand the look she gave me, that look of who the hell is he, which could be broadly seen on her face.
"I am Blake and I'm so sorry to barge in on you like this ,but I wanted for us to meet each other ",I said.
"Do I know you ?she asked ,with a very uncertain face.
"No we don't", I replied, but I'm sure I saw you at the hospital sometime this week , although it was a side view of you but I'm pretty sure it was you or wasn't it?", I asked.
"You must really be silly", she said smiling a little .
"yeah I know I get that all the time", I tried to pull into the joke, although I knew I was never a funny fellow, but anything to get this damsel talk to me .
"Yes I was at the hospital ,so how come you were able to recognise me here ", She asked as she quickly frowned a bit.
I knew I was to be careful, any mistakes in what I say, could pull out conversation off balance.
"well let's just say I saw the most beautiful girl my eyes have ever seen and the image of you got stored in my memory ", I quickly said as I started laughing loudly as she joined me.
" well you must really be silly, are you by chance a comedian?", she said
" No I am not ma'am , I'm just a driver", I replied not ruining the moment we were already having together.
" Well my name is Blake and can I get to know your name?", I asked.
I could she those smiles blooming from her face. I think she was already liking me instantly.
" Well , I am Rose, but you can call me Rosie ", she replied.
I was so glad that I finally got to know her name, this really showed that we were going to get along very well with each other.
I looked towards the counter and could see that scary look from her friend which she had just had some arguments with.
" Is that your friend?", I asked.
" Yes that's Sharon, my bestie",She replied.
" Oh I see , that explains the stare", I said and Rosie only smiled. Although I wasn't too comfortable with the way she looked at us as we both talked , but I wanted to convince myself that the stare was that of a concerned friend who was looking out for her friend from a total stranger.
I had heard of lots of young women in the society that took to lesbianism and got so jealous when a male figure talks to their partner. That was the kind of look Sharon gave me and I wanted to convince myself to think otherwise.
" What's with the look? ", I could hear Rose ask, I immediately got the feeling that I wasn't so free with Sharon's look.
" It's nothing, I'm only wondering why she keeps looking at us from time to time", I said.
Rose laughed out loud and her response was quite unexpected.
" I know what you are thinking, but trust me it's nothing of sort. Sharon is only a protective friend who loves watching out for me . We are not a couple", She said.
If there was one thing I took note of about Rose, it was the fact that she was very sensitive and could tell my thoughts even with my saying it.
Here I was ,reasoning about those looks Sharon gave me and she immediately got what does looks represented and tried explaining everything out .
I was so comfortable,having heard what she said and this helped in clearing my doubts immediately.
" Can I get your number?", I asked.
" Uhmmm I am so sorry Blake, I actually don't give my number to strangers ", she replied immediately becoming a bit strict.
" But why not, I thought we just became friends just now. I believe when we get talking, we would be more acquainted with each other", I said.
Rose smiled as she excused herself and left for the counter to meet her friend. Sharon stared at me for sometime , and then pulled Rose into a room. I really didn't understand what exactly was her problem; but I had decided to hold tight to what Rose had told me.
Even though she refuse giving me her number, at least I knew her name and I also knew this place. I was going to keep visiting here until she gets very comfortable with me.
I paid from my food and immediately left the restaurant, Rose didn't come out after she went in with Sharon, so I had to leave and return some other time.