Chapter 17

He was desperately calling out to her while she took to her heels with tears flooding the picture out of her eyes. She tripped and fell into his strong arms which clung on and pulled her tightly into his embrace. She sat by the lonely road soaking his collar with her ceaseless tears. She had waited and waited, but he never seemed to care about her existence. 12 long rough years and he could finally come back now? Did he expect to win her over with money or fame?

She felt weak at her knees and she trembled under his engulfment. Even though she didn't want to acknowledge it, it felt comfy and she never wanted to leave. She grabbed his collar and screamed right at his face; " why did you ever leave? I didn't do well without you! I missed you!" She screamed at him amidst sobs.

Braxton tried his hardest to calm her down but it was just impossible. As he carted her to his car to avoid creating a scene, her legs shook and her heels clinked noisily as it wobbled against the tarred road. He felt pity for her as he had never seen her in such a state before. As he moved her with the help of Coraline, to the car's back seat, he ignited the engine and headed for his new house. All the way, she was still sobbing till she dozed off on Coraline's lap.

Getting to the house, he fiddled the keys effortfully into the door and laid her back on the sofa. He felt his body aching with so much guilt as he took a glance at her sleeping face. Lifting off the few strands of hair that spread on her face, he pressed his lips gently on her forehead and left Coraline to take care of her. Grabbing a half-full glass of wine, he headed out to the porch to clear his head.

His first day seeing her after the par and he had already ruined it. Pouring himself another glass he stared blankly at the mid-afternoon scene that was laid wide before him as he tried to slow down the thoughts that were already running wildly in his head. He hadn't even begun attending to the main reason for his visit and there he was, struggling to keep up with Pandora's tantrum.

A persistent cough sound diverted his attention. He rushed back inside to find Coraline serving Pandora some tea while the latter sipped slowly and after exhausting the cup's contents, heaved out a long sigh.

He coughed slightly startling her. She sent him glares with blades then all of a sudden, she hung her face and began fiddling with her fingernails. She watched from her eye corners as he slowly slumped into the cushion adjacent to her. Coraline, fearing intrusion, took the chance to return the teapot to the kitchen.

" How are you feeling?" He asked with his eyes scanning her for any abnormalities.

" Fine, Can I go now?" She replied casually as she summoned Coraline to escort her home. As soon as she sat up from the sofa, she attempted to reach for her arm, but she slipped away.