CHAPTER 10: EDITED VERSION

Esther wore a white t-shirt and joggers pants. She was finally grocery shopping. Her car was parked outside the store, ready to assist her in conveying the items.

Her list was pretty long, and she ran around the store, picking out her things and throwing them in the cart.

It was mid-afternoon and surprisingly there weren't many people in the store. She wasn't complaining as it allowed her free reign, access and speed all through her shopping spree.

It was nice to shop when there weren't as many people and Esther found it almost enjoyable. Keyword being almost.

Having gathered all she needed, Esther was ready to go and trudged towards the counter to get her check. There was no line, and she immediately got checked and packed.

Taking two trips to her car, Esther was finally good to go and mentally hi-fived herself for a job well done. Unknown to her, someone was carefully watching her with unbelief clad in his hooded eyes. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

That person was Daniel Greenwood.

He visibly struggled to breath and in milliseconds she was gone. It was like she was never there to begin with. Like he had been hallucinating all these while and maybe losing his mind.

Still standing in the middle of an aisle, Daniel kept his eyes on the door which she just passed through. A gazillion thoughts ran through his complex mind.

Daniel didn't want to appear like a psycho or risk being discovered, so he picked up some sweets packets and some other snacks in quick succession. He was already losing his mind as it was.

The moment he turned around, he was met with the shock of his life. He wasn't dreaming, it couldn't have been a dream. There she was, standing right before his eyes. In the same white shirt he thought he'd wrongly seen.

It was her. Standing over the counter and attempting to gather all her paper bags in both hands. He was brought back to the moment he first laid eyes on her.

That curve, poise, confidence and hair of hers. They were still the same. She was still the same. Only a little bit older. And boy did she age like fine wine.

Daniel gradually took her in, mouth agape and loss for words. Like before, she was out the door before he could properly take her in. The moment the doors shut once again, he regained his senses and this time around, hurried to the counter and paid for his treats.

The woman behind the counter was stunned. It was actually ' Daniel Greenwood ' in her store and he was looking as pretty as ever! As soon as Daniel noticed her reaching for her phone, he dropped a thousand note bill and without a word, dashed out in pursuit of his queen.

On getting out, he saw the familiar ponytail in a car driving out, and he panicked. He couldn't lose her again! Heck, he just found her! Heaven did him a favor and he wasn't about to let it go down the drain.

It was his destiny to seek her out and make her his again. If there was anything his search for her over the years had taught him, it was the fact that only he could get to her.

She was his magnet. His soulmate. His Queen. And there was no denying that it was approved by the Heavens. Daniel rushed into the car and bellowed at the driver.

" Follow that car! Do not lose sight of her, step on it." He ordered hysterically, stunning the driver who immediately started up the car and began tailing her.

After a while of following blindly and silently, the driver realized that they were headed the opposite direction of their prior destination and decided to bring it to his notice.

Meanwhile, Daniel's eyes were focused on the car ahead of them. His eyes didn't lose sight of the target, it was as though If he blinked or removed his eyes for a little second, she would disappear. He couldn't afford missing her, not today, not anymore.

" Sir, I believe we are headed quite far away from your previous destination. " The driver blurted. Before he could get another word out, Daniel beat him to it.

" Keep your eyes on the car. Don't lose sight of her. " He said determinedly.

" Yes sir. "

The cars continued up until the neighborhood of her home was in sight and her car pulled up in front of her home.

Esther turned off the ignition of her car and let out a sigh. She was finally home and all she could think of was the two trips inside she was going to do as a result of the volume of her shopping bags.

She immediately got loose from her seatbelt and stepped out of her car, ready to get her groceries Inside. She packed a decent amount of bags in her hands, alongside her home key and uneasily marched to the front doors of the house.

Meanwhile, Daniel was inside the car watching her like a psycho stalker. He was gobsmacked as he once again reaffirmed the fact that it was his queen in flesh and blood.

As he watched her struggle with the bags, he couldn't stop a smile from coming into his face. She was still the same. His Queen was never a fan of grocery jobs, she still wasn't. He wondered what else that hadn't changed about her. He yearned to go closer; to find out, to touch her.

And he did just that.

Daniel stepped out of the car like an intoxicated person. He didn't remember to take along his face cap or mask. He walked over to her with his facial glory in full display.

As he drew nigh, his heart thundered within him and his pulse quickened. His stomach knots tightened and an effectual door of previously locked emotions poured out of him in measures he couldn't explain.

Two steps away from her, he reached out for her arm and the moment his palm connected with her arm, something shifted. Sweet shockwaves shot through his system just like he'd remembered.

This time around, it was even better.

He was on cloud nine. His thoughts and feelings spiraled out of control like a boy meeting his crush. Like a wolf joining with his soulmate. Above all the wonderful feelings, there was one unmistakable emotion that resonated through him.

One that caused his breath to hitch and his heart race. An emotion he never thought he could feel again after her. One that he felt once in the early stages of his life and had lost hope on ever feeling that way ever again.

Love.

Utter, unhinged, natural, and in its most purest form.

Esther felt a presence loom over her and before she could turn around to see just who it was, she felt a warm, manly and oddly familiar hand placed upon her arm.

She turned around in curiosity, backing her front door to properly face the culprit. Her eyes connected to the familiar brown orbs of Daniel, and the world stood still.

Esther was overcome by a lot of emotions she'd worked throughout the years to keep hidden. She was stunned, scared, angry, frustrated and to her disgust, happy. She couldn't deny that a little bit of her felt ecstatic to see him and the knowledge of that irked her to no end.

In a matter of seconds, what felt like a peaceful collision of two worlds was abruptly brought to an end.

" Esther." The sure voice of Daniel breathed, breaking the silence between them and making aware of how close they were from each other.

The feeling of his hand over her was nothing compared to how she felt at the mention of her name. The way her name effortlessly rolled off his mouth did things to her that she couldn't explain.

It was bittersweet. Nostalgic and intimate. A combination that never spelled well for her. Everything about her leaned into the familiar feeling but she fought it.

Gut Wrenching memories poured within her mind space from her past and it wasn't so hard anymore. She needed to be as far away as possible.

She was no longer that person, her life was changed now. She couldn't let him in and wreck all she had managed to create over the years. Deloise was now in the picture.

The moment her daughter's face flashed within her mind frame. The deal was sealed. Esther jerked away from his hold like one bitten by a snake.

" Don't you dare mention my name. How dare you touch me?" She spoke in a venomous voice. " Never show up here again."

Without waiting for a reply from a dumbfounded Daniel, she opened her door, entered along with her bags inside and closed it with an ear splitting bang.

There were still more provisions in her car but it could wait. She slid to the floor behind the door, and captured her face in her palms, trying to calm herself.

It didn't take long before she reduced to a sobbing mess. For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself the right to be weak and cried till she couldn't.

******

Aaron was in his apartment on campus, packing a bag when Tony walked into his room.

" Hey man! Where are you off to? "

He plummeted himself on the made bed in the center of Aaron's room.

" None of your fucking business."

Aaron continued packing his bag, nonchalant to Tony's presence. He didn't sleep through the night, and spent the whole time thinking about the deal.

As a result, he was crankier than usual.

" What crawled and died up your ass? Don't tell me you're still touchy about yesterday. "

At the mention of the day before, Aaron's jaws clenched.

" Shut up and tell me why you are here. I don't have all day." He said with gritted teeth.

" Bullshit. You're cranky. Something's up."

"Yeah, something's up, I'm two seconds from decking the shit out of you." Aaron announced in a warning tone.

"Easy, Tiger. I heard a little gossip and I figured you'd be in the best place to tell. " Tony stood up and walked towards the window mane, not the least bit threatened by his friend.

"News has it that the female lead was picked from the auditions. And it isn't Stella." He turned around and gauged Aaron's reaction. "You're not surprised. Is that why you want to drop out of the production?"

" Of course not. Why would you even think that? " Aaron asked incredulously.

" Then what's up? I'm dying from the lack of communication. "

" I don't care about the female lead and I need to be on my way to my gran's. Keep your mouth shut about my whereabouts. I need a break. "

Aaron zipped his duffle bag, and hung it over his shoulder.

" Is that code for not telling Stella your whereabouts?" Tony said with a knowing smirk. " You know that chick is in love with you. She'll go bananas if you go missing. "

" Don't even start. I'm late. I can't get into that right now. "

Aaron headed over to a basket of keys placed on the table within his room. He picked up a car key and proceeded out of his room with Tony hot on his trails.

" Oh come on! You know I'm right." Tony has always believed Stella was in love with Aaron. From the first day he introduced Stella to Tony, he had nursed the funny notion of Stella being hopelessly in love with him.

Over time, it metamorphosed into an inside joke between them but with the way he was feeling, he wasn't in the mood to entertain any sort of banter with his friend. He just wanted some peace and quiet time away, and maybe some advice from his Grandma as pertaining to the matter at hand.

The duo got outside and to Aaron's parked car. With a beep, the car opened and the duffle bag was shoved into the back seat.

" Whatever you do, keep my location out of your mouth. You. Don't. Know. Where. I. Am. " He said, enunciating each word.

Without waiting for a reply, he entered the car and doomed off, leaving Tony standing behind with a knowing smirk.

*****

In about thirty minutes, Aaron's car slowed to a stop in front of a vintage building where his Granny resided. He looked over the building he was nurtured, and felt his stress melt away.

It was good to be home.

Aaron entered the front doors with a smile as he took in the nostalgic scent of his grandma's home. Looking around, everything was the same. Vintage, homey and perfect.

" Who's out there? " A shaky voice said, following the voice were footsteps which caused the floors to creak.

" It's me! " Aaron said and followed the sound towards the kitchen. It was his favourite part of the home alongside his Grans. Sometimes he wondered if he really loved the kitchen for itself or as a result of his grandma's love for cooking.

No doubt he was influenced by her in that department but he couldn't have loved it any other way. He ended up learning how to cook from his grandma and connecting with her on a deeper level.

" Oh Ronnie! I'm in the kitchen. Is Stella with you? " The sweet familiar voice of Mrs Blackman rang into the hearing of Aaron. Successfully bringing a smile to his face.

" I can tell ma." Just one whiff and the aroma of some freshly baked pie overwhelmed his senses. His grandma was literally the best, his favorite chef.

Mrs Blackman was an eighty seven year old woman who loved baking and cooking. She was wealthy, being married to a politician back in her days who ended up divorcing her and marrying another woman at the peak of his career.

She never remarried and instead carried on with her life with her only son who ended up being her ex husband's only child as a result of his wife's inability to give birth. She lived her life as a single mother to her child- Aaron's father -and a terrific cook.

The moment Aaron came into his grandma's view, he was engulfed in a motherly hug. " How're you doing, why didn't you bring Stella? " Mrs Blackman chided with an accusing tone.

" I'm alright ma, how are you doing? Do you need help? Maybe it's about time we get you a caregiver who would move in. You shouldn't keep stressing yourself."

Aaron saw the fuss in the kitchen and switched into guardian mode. His grandma was all he had and he wanted her to live as comfortably as possible.

He took over the preparations going in the kitchen after pulling out a single dining chair for his Ma. In no time he was dressed up in a full chef attire, hands washed and ready to get hands on.

" Not in my house. I am doing just fine."

Mrs Blackman said, reaffirming her stance on having strangers in her home. A topic which has been pretty consistent in recent times.

Aaron knew his Ma. He knew that pushing the matter would only harden her resolve on her decision and decided it was best to revisit the topic at a much later time.

" Think about it. I feel stressed thinking about all you take on in the house. Just take a look at how much food is in here." Aaron said, looking through the packed fridge. " There's probably enough to last a family for a month."

" It's almost holiday, I would share those in the neighborhood. Maybe have some sent to your father and the rest of the family." Mrs Blackman said.

" Whatever. Just please take it easy. Don't overwork yourself."

Mrs Blackman watched Aaron do the job with a smile on her face. She knew he wasn't pleased with what she was doing but didn't want to upset her. Ron had always been so thoughtful towards her and it made her both happy and sad.

Happy that she got to see this beautiful side of him and sad that he wasn't letting anyone in. He was a very sensitive child and she wanted him to have more people in his corner who he could grow to trust and love.

While Aaron cleared up, his thoughts were back on the options he had. Mrs Blackman could tell something was bothering him but knew not to rush him as he would open up when he was ready.

" Ma. Can I ask you a question?" Aaron's voice piqued, just like she'd predicted.

" Do you now seek permission before asking? " She retorted.

" If you had a good shot at becoming an established chef but it came at the expense of working with your enemy, would you take the opportunity despite that hiccup or walk away? "

" I'm taking that opportunity and showing the world how good I am. In time she'll fade into background noise. That's how irrelevant I'd make that person. " Mrs Blackman said without blinking an eye.

" Wow.."

" Yes baby. You can't let anyone stop you from achieving your goals. Not even yourself. '' She said with finality. " Turn off the oven."

" Okay ma."

Everything was suddenly clear. Aaron spent the day with his Ma and left only after receiving a call from Tony that his presence was needed. He went back with a clear mind on what he had to do and couldn't be more grateful.

*****

" Never show up here again."

Daniel couldn't push out the last words he heard from her. He couldn't forget how she looked at him when she said those words. He couldn't shake off the feeling of hatred and anger poured into those words.

The fact that it was from Esther who once adored and loved him made it even more unbearable. He had done that. That wasn't the Esther he remembered and he had a feeling that he was responsible for that.

He was that monster who took until he couldn't anymore and left her with darkness. Darkness that she caught as a result of his leaving her in the dark.

Daniel was on his way to dinner at his friend's home. He was dressed in a casual outfit and proposed in his heart to finish up as quickly as possible. He wanted to be alone.

As he approached the home of Elvis, the urge to retreat to his hotel became stronger. He couldn't find strength to pull off another bomb impression of Daniel Greenwood. At this point he wanted to retreat to his home and be Daniel for the night.

Not the famous actor Daniel Greenwood but just Daniel.

He wanted to be the human Daniel but he couldn't bring himself to cancel on Elvis. It wasn't about Elvis anymore but about his family. A family who was expecting him for the longest time.

Daniel released a sigh as he watched his car slow down to a stop at the front of a huge yard. It was show time and he wasn't the least bit ready.

He had to be the charismatic Daniel Greenwood today and best believe that was what he was going to be. He was an actor after all.

The moment Daniel walked out of the car, his countenance changed and so did his entire being. He sauntered into the house with gallant steps and was welcomed by the screaming of two beautiful children.

" It's really you! From TV! " The little girl said with a huge smile, pointing at him. " Mummy! He's here! "

" Easy there, Sharon. Shine! What did I tell you about opening the doors? " Elvis said and soon he was in view.

" I should always wait for an elder to open." The little boy recites in an unsure tone.

" Leave him alone." Daniel rebuffed his friend, " Oh my, Sharon and Shine. If I didn't know better I'd think you're twins." He said with his tone very friendly.

" That's right! We are twins. My mummy said so."

Sharon was the talker between them. She was never one to shy away from people since her childhood. Unlike her brother who was much more reserved.

" Thank you for sharing, I never knew!" Daniel said in a sing-song voice, eliciting laughter from Elvis and his wife, Gift.

" Welcome to our home."

The family had dinner together with Daniel who tried as much as possible to remain present and kind. Contrary to Daniel's impression of having everything under wraps, Elvis noticed that his friend wasn't himself.

Daniel struggled to maintain conversations which were unlike him. Sometimes he was found staring aloofly by his friend.

After some time, Daniel decided it best he called it a night. His mind was filled with thoughts of Esther and it was eating deeply at him. He needed to reclaim himself and he couldn't do that here.

He expertly excused himself out of the home, apologizing for his otherwise short stay and promising to visit whenever opportunity presents itself.

Daniel sauntered out of the house, but not without receiving a stern order from Elvis to call him. On the way back to his hotel, Daniel picked up his phone and within seconds, dialed the number of Mr Austin. The call connected after two rings.

" Hello sir."

" Sorry to bother you, I'd like to request that you go on with the cast preparations and formal reading. I will be returning back to New York much later than expected." He said in one breath.

" No problem. Take your time,I'll handle things over here."

" Thank you. I'll be in t

ouch. "

Beeps were heard from the line, and the call disconnected.

Mr Austin was in his home when the call came through and immediately, he sent a mass text message to all the parties involved, scheduling a meeting for the next day.

It was time to get this show on the road.