The Billionaires Too (#2)

Between Enemies and Friends

Sandra never thought the day would come where she would stroll around the garden with MJ Billings. She had dreamt of it many times before, but MJ was always cold towards her.
To Sandra, MJ was a reminder of herself. The trials and tribulations she endured and survived. MJ was strong-willed and was a fighter, something which she sometimes came forward too strong about.

She still remembered the first time Alastair brought MJ back to the house. She was the quietest of all the children Sandra had ever come across; she was laid back, cold, and untrusting. The only person she spoke to was Alastair, until eventually Alastair had to leave for his treatment after he was diagnosed with TB. Only then did MJ speak to her, although all she ever did was ask about Alastair and when he was coming back.

She always stayed in her room, and when anyone came closer to her, she would send them scurrying away with just one glance. She was a troubled child, whose eyes held many years of pain and anger. She didn't let anyone come to a touching distance, she always wanted to be alone; it was so bad that Sandra could not even come to her rescue when she had nightmares. She would wake up in the middle of the night, screaming and wailing, and she would attack anyone who came closer.

Sandra felt a strong attachment to her because she brought Alastair back to life. After he returned from the streets, it seemed that all he ever wanted to do was to get better for her. She watched the girl rise with Alastair by her side, and now here she was; all grown and powerful enough to impeach the president.

They walked towards the wishing well at the back of the house. It was thick with weeds since it had not been functioning in a long time, ever since all the children left the house.

"Where are all the children?" MJ asked.

Sandra sighed. "The last child was adopted six months ago," She said, and MJ stilled. "Is everything okay?" She asked, and MJ cleared her throat and continued walking.

"No wonder this place is so eerie." MJ said as she came to a stop in front of the wishing well. She sat down on the wall and started pulling down the weeds.

Sandra stood aside and watched her in silence. MJ thought she did not know her pain, but she more than anyone, understood what she went through. "Alastair and I were planning to move far away from here, so we made sure to get every single child into stable families; so that we could sell this place." She said as she joined MJ and started removing the weeds.

"He never mentioned it," MJ countered.

"He was going to, but then you left for Cape Town."

MJ sighed loudly and dusted off her hands. "That explains why he was so excited when he called me that day," she said thoughtfully. "I had a feeling that there was something going on, that he was up to something; but I had my own problems, and he made me believe it was nothing." She frowned. "Sandra, did this sudden turn of leaf, open old wounds?" She asked as she got back to removing the weeds.

Sandra shifted uncomfortably and tried to act normal, but she knew that sooner or later, MJ would find out everything. "You shouldn't have come to the memorial service." MJ's steps faltered as she went still, and Sandra wished she started the conversation better. "I mean, your health...you haven't fully recovered as of yet. It would do you good to rest for a few more days."

"I couldn't miss his memorial service, and besides, my business won't run itself." MJ argued.

Sandra pursed her lips, MJ always had a reason for everything. "You are not immortal, May Jeanette." MJ closed her eyes, and Sandra sighed softly; she had to remind herself that she had to choose her words wisely when it came to MJ. "All I'm saying is that if you are going to face the world again, you need to be in good health."