To Survive

THREE MONTHS LATER

"Sabella, I want you to be the matron of honor for my wedding."
"Of course, I'll be honored to do that, Sedem. Who
better than me but you can make me the maid-of-honour
because technically I am single and available for the
market." they laughed.
"So you have plans on getting married again?"
"I doubt. Marriage is a whole workload, you'll
understand soon." Benjamin walked into Sabella's office.
"I guess Sedem is talking about her wedding to Paul."
"You guessed right, Ben."
"The wedding is in two months and not two days.
Give us a break."
"Let me think. I've never been in a wedding gown
before. It's so embarrassing to say but my first white
wedding gown would be at age 48."
"Look at it this way, what happiness are you sending
into this marriage? The first source of happiness you're
going to point out is Clifford. He's your happiness and
you'll go through the entire cycle once again just to make
sure he's safe, happy, and with you. That is what matters
not how early you wear the gown. That day doesn't
matter much, it is what happens after that day that
matters the most."
"You're right," Sedem smiled.
"How is Aunty Kate taking all this?"
"She's so happy that her son has finally decided to
get married and she has grown so fond of Clifford. She
knows what happens between William and me and she knows that I'm past that."
"I'm glad."
"Frankly, Sedem, I think that wedding was pushed
back too much. You were supposed to get married this
month or a month before." Benjamin said.
"I wanted to but I also wanted to make sure that
Clifford was fit and back to normal."
"Now that he missed his final exams what is he going
to do about it?"
"I signed him up for private exams in June and he's
studying real hard for it. William's daughter, Saffron, has
been of great help to him."
"I'm glad everything is going well and I'll be more
than honored to be by your side on that great day of
yours just like you were with me," Sabella smiled.
"I still remember that day as if it were yesterday,"
Sedem smiled.
"I don't like to change the mood but Sabella, have you
heard anything about Ally Halle?" Sabella turned to
Benjamin and relaxed on her swivel chair.
"O that daughter of mine. She is trying her best
wherever she is to make sure that we do not find her but I
know where she is. I've known for the past month."
"The past month! Where is she?"
"She's in Anker, Sanen. She's working for a little
publishing company there as their secretary. I don't know
what is wrong with her and I don't think she'd like to see me so I'll keep my distance."
"That's the part I think you're wrong, Sabella. You
need to get your family together and that includes Ally
Halle."
"That girl wanted me to die and doesn't care if I've
been discharged from the hospital or not..."
"But she's still your daughter."
"I'd rather we do not talk about Ally Halle now,
please."
*
"Set the table great we'll be having extra guests,"
Juanita said.
"Who will those extra guests be?" Therod asked as he
kissed his mother on the forehead and moved to the living
hall.
"Kari Appenteng wants to come over for dinner. He
wanted to see me so I agreed. How is Macey's case going?"
"The judge is letting go of the case on the basis that
Macey admitted everything she knew and that Macey was
also a victim of The Don through the kidnapping of her
daughter. The highest Macey might get is a three-month
home arrest."
"For someone who can't put her ass to a chair that is
real punishment for her," Juanita teased and Therod
laughed.
"I'll keep you updated on everything that is going on."
"Sure."
*
"Kira Halle, I hardly see you around nowadays,"
Rhema said frankly when her daughter walked in. Her
six-month pregnant bump taking the lead. She sat on the
sofa. "How are you doing?"
"I presume I'm okay. How about you?"
"I'm managing," Rhema replied. She moved to take a
seat too.
"Where is Grandpa Kari?"
"He's gone shopping. He'll be having dinner at the
Ampates and your father hasn't stopped his search for Ally
Halle."
"I hate everything that is going on around me so
badly. I don't want Ally Halle to be part of our lives in any
way or any member of her family."
"It's my wish too but we can't change fate, can we?"
"Don't tell me you'll sit and do nothing while Dad
gladly accepts his illegitimate daughter?" Kira Halle raised
her tone.
"Do you want me to be frank with you? I wish so
badly that things wouldn't be the way they are now but
there's nothing I can do about that. I'm tied..."
"You can kill her..." Rhema slapped her daughter and
then stood.
"How dare you say such a thing. I didn't raise you to become a murderer, Kira Halle. You were the same
person who put that idea into your father's head that he
should go and murder Ally Halle. You never know where
destiny would take you and you never know when you'll
commit an offence. Of course, I hate Sabella for this act
and I find it tough to forgive your father whenever I
remember that he cheated and had a child behind my back
but that child has nothing to do with this. Don't let your
love for Adel blind you and make you end up doing
something you would regret. Whatever your decisions are,
leave Ally Halle out of this. She's my daughter as much as
you are because of your father."
"Now you are the all-caring mother, right?" Kira Halle
stood too.
"Sabella might not be my greatest fan but I know that
when it comes to a matter of life and death she'll do
anything to save you because you're the sister of her
daughter and I'll do the same for Sabella. I swear to you,
Kira Halle, that if you harm Ally Halle in any way I'll make
sure they have you arrested. Mark it anywhere."
*
"How is the new assistant Marketing Manager of KAS
Food doing?" Padi questioned as he walked into Alessia's
office at KAS Food. After her graduation just a month ago,
her mother had given her this big position in the company
and she was doing her best to make sure that Sabella
didn't regret that decision of hers.
"I'm good and what are you doing here? Aren't you
supposed to be at work?"
"Philemon has taken over so I decided to come and
see my woman," Alessia smiled and then walked over to
where Padi stood and then kissed him. Berna walked into
her office and smiled.
"Aunt Berna," they both turned and then giggled.
"There's a board meeting on Monday and I thought I'd
inform you so that you'll get our info prepared but looks
like you're busy."
"I'm never too busy for work."
"I've said that before," she walked out giggling. She
was the new Marketing Manager of KAS Food replacing
Ally Halle and she was assisted by Alessia. KAS Food was
on its feet once again with its new CEO, Sabella, who was
putting things in place to make sure that the business
strived. She opened new branches that were operating
smoothly to the satisfaction of all.
*
Sabella had finished for the day and took her purse
as she left her office. Her new assistant, Sedem, was still
by her desk.
"Let's go home."
"I have to finish up one or two things before I leave so
take the lead."
"Mum is holding one of her big dinners tonight and I
know you are aware because Aunty Kate and Paul will be
there and they will drag Clifford along so I have to drag
you along with me."
"Deal then,"
*
It was a big dinner night indeed because a lot were
present and the table was long enough to accommodate
them all and there was enough food to fill them all up.
They spoke more and laughed more than they ate and it
was fun to be together happily without any form of worry.
"I'd like to make a toast," Jana said as she stood.
Everyone took their glasses of champagne ready to hear
what she wanted to toast to. Pious stood too and held his
wife's hand. "I want to toast to new beginnings. I'm 8
weeks pregnant and although 45 might be too old for that
I'm excited."
"O goodness! This is the best news I've heard in a
while!" Lawrencia said excitedly as she clapped her hands.
"This is really good news," Kate smiled.
"I'd like to make a toast too," Sabella said, "I want us
to make a toast to all of our loved ones that we lost on the
way and know that they are watching and taking care of us
wherever they may be. Toast."
"Toast!" it was their happiness that was priceless and
it was moments like this that she wished she could
photograph.
"This year is definitely going to have one of the best
ends," Benjamin began, "Pious and Jana's child, Paul and
Sedem's marriage and maybe the love of Grandpa Kari and
Grandma Juanita." everyone laughed.
"I'll be beating you for that." Juanita laughed out too.
"Guys, don't get too drunk. Tomorrow I'm opening my
new resort and I want you all to be there," Therod said.
"We'll be there to support you, bro."
*
"I thought you were going to bring Kira Halle along.
How is the baby?" Birgitta asked her son when they began
to have dinner.
"She has been taking her drugs on time so the baby is
okay but she's a pain in the neck. I'm tired of Kira Halle. All
she talks about is Kira Halle,"
"You should try and understand her."
"I've been doing that since I met her. She hasn't
changed the slightest when it comes to that stubborn
attitude of hers. She says I'm still seeing Ally Halle but I
haven't seen Ally Halle in months..."
"No one has."
"But then to Kira Halle, I have."
"Let me tell you one important thing. You have grown out of love for Kira Halle but this is the time you
need to fall in love with her again and there you'll notice
that she'll stop complaining. She doesn't feel your love and
you know that she is not wrong about that. Do this for your
child. She needs to be born in a family of love."
"It's a boy."
"O wow," Padi finally spoke, "That's amazing."
"What do you plan on naming him?" Saffron asked.
"We haven't planned on that yet."
"That's no surprise."
*
The new branch of Ampate Resorts at Kasoa was
amazingly huge. Therod had put much into the
construction and decoration of that resort and it was
obvious that it was going to generate quick income from
the way it looked. There were many potential investors for
the company present and the opening of the place had
been made a formal event and the people understood the
memo. Therod invited lots of friends and his family was
present too making the launch more special to him. He
spotted Paul and Sedem as well as Aunty Kate and
Clifford. He was happy for Paul and Sedem and more
happy because Macey's case had been safely taken off
the court that afternoon and she was free of all charges.
The Arthurs made themselves present at the launch as
well. William and Birgitta smiling at each other like newlyweds. Their renewal of vows was a good idea and it had
helped them ever since. The Appentengs were present too
and Therod wasn't so pleased. The last thing he wanted was a confrontation between Rhema and Sabella.
"You look beautiful tonight," Therod complimented
Sedem and she smiled. He wasn't telling lies. Sedem
looked beautiful. Most of the ladies were elegant that
night.
"Thank you."
"Do you by any chance know where Sabella is?"
"She had a delayed meeting with an executive
member of the shipping company we work with. I'm sure
that's the reason why she's late. Don't worry, your sister
will be here soon to support you." she smiled at him and
Paul smiled too.
Alessia got to the place with the Cudjoes and when
she got out of the car the first person she spotted was Eli
Duncan.
"Eli."
"Alessia."
"How are you?"
"I'm good. How are you?"
"I'm good. The last I heard of you was when your
mother sent you abroad for some check-ups or something
like that."
"Do you know where Ally Halle is?"
"I've not seen my sister in months. I'm worried but
after the way she left I don't think she'd like to see my face
ever again. She's just difficult to handle."
"I really want to see her."
"You love her, don't you?" she said straightforwardly.
"I do."
"Let me be straight with you. I know Ally Halle and
she's in that phase of her life where she doesn't care
about who loves her or who doesn't. She's in her selfish
state and it's hard to get her out of there. Let's just pray
that she comes back."
*
The Bequin brothers joined Paul and Sedem as they
had a wonderful conversation. William and Birgitta had
joined them too as if nothing had happened between them.
Sedem had sought an apology from Birgitta for her affair with
William soon after their reunion and Birgitta went easy on
Sedem although the hurt was still obvious but then what
excited her the most was that she had her man and he
loved her.
"So do you Bequin brothers have any plans of getting
married?" Birgitta jokingly asked.
"They are married to each other, can't you see?"
everyone laughed after that one came from William.
"Gosh, is that Maisie Mars?" they all turned to look
behind at the lady who had walked in. She was a whole
package of silent beauty. Her hair was a dark brown bob
with a side-swept bang to the right. She wore a halter neck
light green blouse with a forest green accordion skirt. She
had matching green kitten heels with a brown purse to
match her hair color. She was greeted by one of the board members of the Ampate Resorts and Estates and
from the way they greeted her it was as if they knew her.
"That girl was like shit back then." everyone laughed
except Benjamin.
"My brother's lovely ex-girlfriend," Emmanuel added.
Benjamin still had his attention on Maisie. She walked
further in, spotted Benjamin, and froze. He walked over to
her side.
"Miss Maisie Mars."
She cleared her throat and then spoke, "Mr Bequin,
Long time no see."
"I have to admit you look beautiful."
"Thank you. Where is Sabella? I bet she is looking
better..."
"Maisie..."
"The name is Miss Mars, Mr Bequin. I am not on a first-name basis with you," she smiled and turned to the
entrance, "Speak of the devil." it was Sabella. Stunning as
usual. She wore a black mermaid gown that held firmly
onto her slim waist and drew out her hips. The gown
had a fishtail train and it was lovely to look at. Her black
hair was in a low bun and it drew out the dark make-up on
her face more. The dark eye-shadow almost gave a
gothic look but she knew how to rock it perfectly. Sabella
for you. "The woman of your dreams is here," Maisie said
and walked away from Benjamin.
"Sabella," Therod called out and she walked to her
brother.
"Where are Mum, Macey, and Thelma?"
"They're on their way. Macey is involved and you
asking about why they are not here. That lady was born to
look stunning for every event and she doesn't put in much
effort for that to happen unlike some of us."
"I saw Alessia with Eli."
"Eli Duncan. After his mother drew out her
investments from KAS Food and almost left us bankrupt.
If she wasn't the wife of a former member of parliament I
swear that I would have insulted the life out of her. What
does her son want now?"
"Is that a question to ask?"
"Ally Halle," she answered herself.
Sedem walked over to them, "Guess who is present
today after so many years? Maisie Mars."
"Maisie," Sabella repeated, "It's been ages since I last
saw her."
"There she is." Sedem pointed. Maisie was in a
conversation with Berna. She was more reserved in all her
actions and it was obvious from a distance.
"She looks like she's Berna's daughter and not a school
mate."
"Therod!"
"What? I'm just being honest plus Sabella, you're
not her favourite person so I'd advise you just walk around
and try not to bump into her. Hashtag peaceful night."
"I'm no one's favorite person."
"Yeah, you're not mine," he said and giggled.
"I was planning on writing a book," Sedem and
Therod stared at her.
"A book?"
"Yes."
"The last time you wrote was when you and
Richmond stopped dating and that's a long time ago. You
even tried writing when you met Manuel but you lost your
taste."
"Your frankness is sometimes too raw, Sedem."
"What do you plan on writing about?"
"My past, precisely about everything I did to get to
Kofi. I need to write about memories that most of you
have forgotten and that way I'll clear my head off it all and
then focus on my present."
"If that will help you then I recommend it. Any title in
mind? I know that you think of titles before you begin."
Sabella smiled.
"I was thinking of 'My Everything' but who knows, I
might consider a change."
"It sounds raw but when it comes to you nothing is
too raw."
"I'll write about people like Maisie and then I'll remind
myself of Kofi, Nicole, and Kay."
"O Christ, I just remembered that one. Any update on his whereabouts?" Therod questioned.
"Let's just believe he's dead because there's no trace
of his existence."
"I just hope they find him soon."
"Looks like your people are in," Sedem said and they
noticed Juanita, Thelma, and Macey walk in. Juanita was
still slaying as if old age meant nothing to her. Therod
turned to Sabella with a look of shock.
"Sabella, Mum's birthday is around the corner. I
forgot. I've been so busy with this opening that I
forgot."
"She's turning 70 on Friday. I never forget no matter
how stressed I am."
"What do we do?"
"A fucken party of course but she'll say no if we tell
her so we'll make it a secret party which I'm already
planning on."
"Sometimes I don't know what I will do without you."
"Make the sometimes always. Therod. You always
don't know what you will do without me."
"Emphasis on sometimes."
"Therod I think you've wasted so much time in this
long boring no drama life of yours. Look at her," she
drifted their attention back to Macey. The lady was bright.
She wore a silk velvet gown of dull orange, deep blue, and
violet, and the shades of violet were draped asymmetrically
around her waist. She wore orange platforms. The neckline of the gown was a halter strap and had a deep
blue shade in her gown. Her neck was adorned with a
festoon with matching emerald earrings and her hair had
been dyed violet and was in a high bun that seemed to suit
her perfectly not to speak of her flawless skin and the
curtain bang that covered her forehead. "Marry her
already."