With Him I'm Okay

-17- A Chance.

Missus Louisa and I were watching a TV show with undivided attention and we're not surprised when we didn't hear the doorbell ring couple of times.

"Coming..." Gifty ran to the door.

That was when it came to us that there was a visitor.
Oh, it was Ramani. What could be the problem this... Oh wait! Yesternight!
I then recalled the conversation I had with him last night. I buried my face in my palm as he walked in with a grin which would fade away in less than a minute.

"Oh, brother, it's nice to see you this morning" Louisa hugged him

"Yeah, I came actually because of Christine." Ramani replied.

"Christine? I see..." Louisa raised her brows teasingly.

"Yeah, we are actually going out but..." He drew closer to me, "isn't she well?"

Louisa just shrugged.
I then slowly rose my head to face Ramani and then with a smile, I whispered,

"A minute please"

I rushed inside and got ready.

"Phew! That was quick!"

I stared at myself admirably in the mirror. Gifty who was busy reading, gave me a stare.

"Umm..I'll be right back. We are..."

"Yeah, yeah I overheard. You can go mom" she rolled her eyes.

With much shame, I sigh and made it for the door. Just then,

"Hey Mom, try not to fall in love?" Gifty advised.

"Fall in Love?" I laughed, "of course not".

       _________________________

"Welcome, what can I get you"
The waiter smiled delightfully.

"Umm..I'll have some stuffed french toast with fresh juice" Ramani answered, showing off his pride in being a regular.

The waiter jots it down.

"And you my lady?" He turns to me.

I scan through the menu, looking for something plain and cheap.

"I'll have some oatmeal with fruits and nuts" I smiled.

"Just that? Ow my lady, that's unacceptable" Ramani frowned, "Eat all you can. Bills on me" he laughed.

"I-i think I'm fine" I said shyly.

The waiter exited, leaving a laughing man and an embarrassed young lady.

"So Christine, where you from?" Ramani asked.

"Well, hm that's a story for another day."

"You seem very...umm.. tight-lipped. Is there a problem?" He ached a brow.

"Oh no no, there isn't" I faked a smiled.

"Hm..Christine, whatever it is that bothers you, you can confide in me. I am ever ready to lend a helping hand, trust me." He rested his hand on mine and I quickly pulled back my hand.

"O-okay" I smiled, avoiding his embarrassed face.

"I know this will sound strange but Christine, i, I think I love you"

"You think?" I asked

"No, I know I love you. I want to help you. I want to help Gifty too. I want us to be a family. I want things to be fine. I know you've been through a lot and that's why you're pushing everyone away but please, give me the chance to prove to you that I can be that man"

He was gazing right into my eyes, making me feel uncomfortable. What was wrong with this man? Does he think he can be the man I want? Can he be like Mark?

"Excuse me" the waiter came in, looking sorry for interrupting. Well I was actually glad he interrupted because I ended to be alone for a while.

"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom" I got out of my seat and made it for the restroom which I clearly didn't know where it was but I just walked, praying to see a sign.
Then I bumped into a young lady about my age.

"Oh I'm so sorry" she said.

"Don't worry, can I know where the restroom is?" I asked

"Yeah, sure that way".

She pointed to a small corner. I nodded a thank you and rushed there.

As I looked into the mirror, staring at how beautiful I look - something I had forgotten all about.
Looks didn't matter to me anymore;surviving did. I had a daughter I needed to save; save from all this love nonsense. Gifty wasn't going to have the life I got. No! She was going to be a better human. She wasn't going to be fooled by a man or abandon the man she ever loved. She was going to be a special perfect person. And I was going to use Ramani. Yes, he is the only one at this juncture, who can give Gifty the life I want her to have.

I smiled at myself and after wiping my teary face, I walked elegantly back to my seat.
Ramani was still there, his eyes searching for me.

"You haven't touched your food?" I asked from behind, before taking my seat.

"I-im sorry Christine, I know I shouldn't have..."

"Shhh..."

I pressed my finger on his lips,

"Let's eat darling" I winked.

Ramani clearly looked so confused at the sudden change of events. I even saw him secretly pinch himself to detect if he was daydreaming.

After having such a good time, we were back at Missus Louisa's place.

"It was such a nice time" I said.

"Yes, and I look forward to having such a time with you again, what do you say?" He asked with pleading eyes.

"Sure, this evening, 8pm" I smirked.

"Okay my lady"

He gave me a gallant kiss at the back of my hand, intending to charm me. Pssh, charm me?
In turn, I gave him a peg and whispered flirtatiously into his ears,

"Have a sweet night handsome and dream about us"

I ended with a wink and walked inside.
I could hear him cheer happily like a child. Ha! He was so gullible. I wiped the kiss from my hand and unexpectedly, bumped into Louisa.
I prayed she did not see me wipe the kiss.

"So, I see you had a wonderful time?" She asked suspiciously.

"Yes, it was a great one. Can you excuse me now please, I have to..."

"Listen Christine," she begun in a tone I don't remember hearing before.

"Don't mess with Ramani, he's the gentle one, okay?" She grinned but her eyes warned.

I nodded and left for the room.
Louisa knew nothing. I wasn't going to mess with Ramani, I'm just going to give him what he wants, so that he gives me what I want. It's a truce. What could go wrong?

END OF PART 17

TO BE CONTINUED...