Chapter Four

Annabelle

"I'm currently at the Alabama International Airport, waiting to be picked up by mum," I replied as Jamesly was at the other end of the call, after which I hung up after our conversation. I had missed my flight earlier as I needed to pack up my items neatly before finally locking up.

Jamesly had left a day before as his flight was already booked, though we kept communicating.

I was back in the city of my birth. The prestigious state of Alabama, a state in the Southeastern region of the United States known for its wide variety of commercial, political, recreational and interrelationship. The busy commercial city I once left behind had really improved. What a privilege to be alive and witness such growth.

"Hello baby," I saw mum called out." We hugged each other passionately and exchanged pleasantries. "I'm happy you came back at this very time as I have very important information to share." Mum was looking as cute as ever. She wore a white cropped blouse with jean trousers which fitted excellently to her slender figure accompanied with a pair of snickers.

"What did I miss Mum," I straightened out to listen. "Don't worry baby, you'll find out soon." was her reply and I, on the other angle, was itching to know.

"Ann, you know our deal, right? Many people in the society may not know my real identity. But I choose to disguise myself."

"Please never tell anyone about us, thank you." "But mum, why do you keep hiding your identity?" I asked.

"Ann baby, when you grow up, you'll discover a lot. The world is not as good as it seems. There are friends who hide in pretence to harm you, that's if only you let loose your circle. That's all I can say." "A word they say, is enough for the wise."

I pondered deeply on my mum's words, she was good at dishing out advice and very intelligent too. I loved her, but at times, I just needed to disagree to prove I'm also critical. She can't always be the winner. Though I was proud of her and equally glad she birthed me, I still had my resentments about her.

While driving I glanced at her shabbily, scrutinising every bit of changes that had accrued. Well, nothing much, I heaved, but was taken aback at the new development which forced a scream out of my mouth, making mum discomfited. Mum had a ring on her finger. "Wait, are you for real?" I exclaimed. "What that?" Mum stuttered. I smiled at her, and pointed at the ring. I caught mum blushing while checking the direction I pointed to, she blushed, no way. "You've really changed mum, what's really going on here," Mum was that strict woman who hardly smiled and had little or no time for anyone, but now, it was different.

I was really excited, mum had been off this journey for a while. She dedicated her whole life into building her career. So I'm glad love found her again.

We finally parked in a magnificent building. I was astonished seeing the designs of the interlocking, the flowers and the paintings. All was neatly arranged and in good form. If the front yard could be this sheen, then it should be heavenly inside.

She snapped the door open and called out, "Honey I'm home." I only wandered around, admiring the interior decorations. It was worthwhile.

"Settle down Ann, just feel free and make yourself comfortable, I promise you, you'll like him. Right now, I'll need to get in there and fetch him out, she said excitedly." I observed the rush of emotions all over her, I mumbled, "it's good to find love again." I mean look at mum, she's different, don't you think so? My little brain kept pondering.

Moments later, a tall, huge, bearded man walked into the living room with mum. Both stood together with their hands wrapped against each other. I could see the smile on mum's face as she gushed "meet your new dad." So I have a step dad now. I was overjoyed that I'll finally have a male figure to call my dad. This is interesting, I muttered.

"But how come you never told me anything about this mum?" I inquired. "It was meant to be a surprise baby," she unwrapped herself from Mr. Freud and held my hands affectionately, "and also, I needed you to focus on your studies," she placated.

Not long after, Mr Freud, added, "you also have a step brother and he'll be down very soon to say hello." While feeling overly excited, as to the turn of events, even though accompanied with mixed feelings, I continued feeding my eyes with the beautiful decorations and designs on the wall, only to be called back by Mr. Freud, "Hey Ann, meet your step brother" I joyously turned in anticipation, only to be greeted by my Fiance, Jamesly Freud (Jnr).

A feeling of rage immediately rushed through me, constituting my puzzled state. I retraced slowly, "no, it can't be". I swiftly ran out of the edifice, hoping and praying that I could only wake up from the nightmare, but sadly, it wasn't a dream, but reality. I'd seen similar movies but never believed such could happen in real life scenarios.