A bus to forever
Chapter 60 A bus to forever
MILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.
Abigail stormed into the house flaring her nose angrily, her blazing eyes landed on her father who seem to be having a good time sipping on a glass of whiskey. Noah pretended not to notice the little flame of chaos that just rolled in and kept calm while scrolling through his phone.
“Why the fuck did the Venmo me two thousand dollars?” She bellowed standing in front of him.
Sitting up, Noah took off his reading glasses. “That was too much for you right? I was thinking to lessen the amount, but then you are daddy’s favorite girl after all and it’s my duty to spoil you silly.” He grinned at her.
“Cut the bullshit!” Abigail screamed, throwing her bag to the floor. “Don’t you ever try to patronize me in such low manner again. What the hell do you think two thousand will do in my life? How can you be so selfish? I should have known you were up to no good when you wouldn’t give me part of the cash that same day and insisted on sending it to me. What the fuck did you do with the remaining forty eight thousand?!”
“That shouldn’t be your business. And I will advice you cut down on that disrespectful tone. I’m not your mother. You still live under my roof and I pay your bloody bills!” Noah warned.
She hissed spitefully and snatched the phone in his hand. Noah tried to reach for the phone but Abigail was too quick on her feet, she went to his bank app to check his balance before he could reach her to wrestle for it.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
Abigail gasped loudly in shock. “How come you are not using the bank so much when you practically just cashed out a huge amount of money?”
The older man wiped at the sweat on his forehead as he panted heavily, he needs to really start thinking about getting fit. “W… well…” He stuttered.
“Can you be loud and clear dad?”
“Your older brother had some debts to clear up in order to get him out of prison.”
“Since when did I have a older brother? Who the hell is the bastard?” She bellowed.
“Well, I am here and breathing.” Harold answered from the top of the stairs as he swayed towards them.
Looking from her father to the stranger who also does look familiar, Abigail felt her breath hitch. The said guy looks like the younger version of her father, the only difference is his height and he had that arrogant chip of a shoulder that she had gotten from their father too.
“This is unbelievable!” She exclaimed after finding her voice. “What is he doing here, dad?” Abigail asked her father.
Noah shrugged, returning to his sitting position. “He is here to stay and his mother too.”
“What? Why would they stay here?” She retorted.
Harold sat on the couch and crossed his legs. “We are staying because this is my father’s house. And the least I deserve after being kept hidden for years is taking my place.”
Abigail clapped her hands in disbelief. “Dad, are you really letting this happen?”
Noah scoffed. “Why not? If your stupid mother had not left, we wouldn’t be having this problem right now. It’s her fault that she wouldn’t stay put in place. Despite all of my attempt to bring her back, her stubborn self has stuck with Maureen. I need someone to take proper care of me.”
“You entitled bastard!” She screamed loudly, stomping her feet continuously on the floor. “It’s all your fault that she left and I am not going to just sit around and watch you ruin things for me. I will get that money and also have your bastard and whoever birthed him out of this house. You should be ashamed of yourself dad!”
“Harold here owns much of whatever belongs to me just like you. And your stupid mother gave room to his presence. Even though I must admit that it’s a delight having him here.” Noah said , glancing at his son with a proud smile on his face.
Her heart clenched at the unrepentant look in Noah’s eyes, she didn’t realize just how much of an asshole her father is. Abigail no longer doubted her suspicions about him being a sexist. He would obviously pick his son over her countless times. She needs to get her mother back into the house if she would get her peace of mind. Cursing under her breath, Abigail snatched her bag from the floor and stepped back out of the house. Her car had broken down again and is at the repair shop, she would have loved to take it to her destination instead of a taxi but she flagged one down anyway and asked the driver to drive as fast as he can.
Getting off the car, Abigail inhaled sharply as she stepped on the house porch. Pressing the bell as she bit hard on her lower lip. The door opened with a displeased Maureen at the door. She had checked the peep hole to see who was at the door.
“To what do I owe this non-committal visit?” Maureen asked, folding her arms in front of her.
“Aunt, what’s with the attitude?” Abigail tried to sound playful. “I actually came to see my mom.” She grinned.
Maureen rolled her eyes. “Why do I have a feeling that you didn’t come to see her because you are concerned about her health? It’s obvious you are in need of something.”
The grin disappeared almost immediately. “Fine! I will cut to the chase. I need mom to return home right this minute. Everything is getting out of hand with her absence. Dad has brought his bastard son to the house and he seem to be a pain in the ass. I don’t think I can stand that. She has to return home now.” She ranted.
“Do you even care about this woman at all? If not for anything at least she birthed you. Her health has been derailing because of how much she has to put up with as regards you and your father. You didn’t see her home for days and you didn’t bother to call or text. And now you come around out of nowhere seeking for her to return. Do you even think at all?”
Abigail snorted, “I should have known it would be a waste of time sucking up to you, aunt. I want to see my mother and that is it. I will get out of your face the moment that happens. Hand me my mother!”
“She is no bag of chips that you pick up from the counter. Emma doesn’t want to see you or your father, so I would advice you leave right this minute.”
She gasped, “I can’t leave. Mom needs to return home for dad’s son to leave.”
“Isn’t he your half brother? You should be able to live with him in harmony. Don’t fret my darling. So now if you will excuse me, I have dinner to make.” Maureen hissed, shutting the door on Abigail’s face.
Abigail kicked the door angrily as she let out a string of curses. Her day just got worse with her aunt’s refusal to let her see her mom. She has no other place to return to except the house, the demerit of not having a job and parents who can afford to pay for a house off campus. It made her want to scream and curse at anyone who comes in her way. She wouldn’t let her father get away with cheating her and also taking her peace away from her. She would definitely make him pay.
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ROBIN’S FAMILY HOME, LOS ANGELES.
Leo swallowed hard as he watched Chloe covered in white veil as she made her way towards him with her father by her side. It’s said that days like this makes one heart flutter and all that you think about is how lucky you are to finally be with the woman you desire so much for life. However, the opposite is his own case. Rather than butterfly in his tummy all he could taste on the tip of his tongue is dread.
The kiss he had shared with Darby had him hooked that he wants nothing else but to have such moment with her again. Her face still plagues his sleep and if he hadn’t been countered by Aaron he probably would have gone to see her again by using Sinclair as an excuse. But his friend has been following him around for the past forty eight hours like a leech.
“You have got this man.” Aaron cheered him from behind.
The smile Chloe had on her face when her father handed her over to Leo was enough to light up a dark room. He couldn’t deny the fact that she looks extremely beautiful.
“Shall we begin?” The presiding bishop asked.
With both couple nod the exchange of vows began. Leo felt out of place and his head was practically swooning. He had zoned out all through the pep talk that he didn’t realize his name was being called.
Aaron jabbed him on the side. “Leo, it’s your turn to say your vows.”
Leo blinked rapidly. “Oh, I am so sorry. What…what am I to say?”
There was a few mumbling among the crowd, Chloe had a solemn look on her face at his behavior and it took the bishop a few seconds to get his act together. The vows were exchanged and the newly wedded couple were asked to kiss.
Chloe could feel the rigidity in Leo’s lips and for the first time since they have been together, she actually felt like smacking the daylight out of him for being unable to hide whatever he might be feeling, especially on a day like this. Her mood wasn’t at the best of its peak either, but she had managed to keep a happy face despite the turmoil going on inside of her.
Who would believe after several promise to herself to love Leo till death, another random man would interest her to the extent that she finds herself yearning for his touch. Even though she and Zac had only got down with each other two different times, it still felt nice. Shaking the thoughts off her head, she held on tightly to Leo and deepened the kiss. All of that was in the past and she has a new life now.
The party began in full gear after several congratulation speeches was given by the couple’s parents and friends. Aaron had insisted on not giving a half sincere speech and he refused to act that part of the happy friend. Leo eventually got his escape from Chloe for a few minutes when she was whisked away to change her dress.
“What the actual fuck, man?” Aaron asked while handing him a glass of champagne.
Leo swallowed the entire drink in one go. “What are you talking about?”
“You almost had everyone running their mouth on how the groom zoned out looking lost. For close to thirty seconds or more you were out of here.”
“At least I eventually returned. What’s the fuss all about?”
“Leo, what is wrong with you, man? Is this about Darby?” He lowered his voice looking around to be sure nobody hears them.
“Give me a break, Aaron. And stop involving Darby with every mess I create. She isn’t even here.” Leo said.
Aaron exhaled tiredly, he could sense the frustration in his friend’s voice and how tensed he obviously is. It’s worrisome that Leo looks more depressed as the day passes and nothing seems to interest him.
“You do know there is no way out of this right? It would be too soon for you to start acting up when you practically just exchanged a lifelong vow few minutes ago. I heard in sickness and in health. ” He said.
Leo eye balled him and clicked his teeth. “Please don’t bother me any further. My mind is already everywhere as it stands. I don’t want to subject myself to any kind of worry. Just let me be.”
“I am not leaving here until Chloe returns. I can’t have you running off saying you regret this. I would be subjected to finding you as the best man and you do know how much I hate searching for someone.”
“Why don’t you breathe instead? Take a deep long breath. You are rambling. Are you drunk?”
“And why would I get drunk on a five glasses of champagne?”
“Are you having some kind of anxiety attack? I’m the one who just got confined here.”
“I’m drinking on your behalf. You are never getting out of this and I might as well mourn the early exit of my best friend from the good side of life.”
“Have you lost your mind?”
“Just admit it that your youthful life is long gone and buried. She would never let you out of her sight.”
Leo chewed hard on his tongue as he glared hard at his friend. The twinkle of jest in Aaron’s eyes makes him want to smack his face. “Thank your stars that I have self control.”
Aaron snorted. “Well I don’t. Which means I won’t keep my mouth shut that easily and don’t you even think about it. So, tell me, would you still get drunk with me every now and then? You can’t leave me hanging. I might as well call the bishop to get us married.” He winked.
As much as Leo tried to hold back the laughter burning his insides, they eventually found their way out. Aaron is a complete nuisance who doesn’t even feel remorseful about his actions.
“I hate you for real, Aaron.” He mumbled.
Aaron grinned widely. “Now there is the genuine smile I have been searching for all day long.” He sighed, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Cheer up, Leo. I know this is so much for you, but it’s all done now. You have to find a way to make this work and I know you to not be a quitter. So try your very best to find an agreeable stand.”
Chloe stood behind them clearing her throat. “That is my place.” She eyed Aaron in a condescending manner as she sat next to Leo.
He snickered. “You had better keep the energy intact because I have no plans to back down.”
“Like you scare me or something. And thank you for making a mess of today by refusing to give a speech.” She hissed.
“Guys, please. You both are important part of my life I don’t need you to bite down at each other’s neck like this. That is enough.” Leo cautioned them.
“I will just go find Scarlett.” Aaron said, taking one last hard glance at Chloe.
“Did you see that?” Chloe bellowed when he left.
Taking a deep breath, Leo leaned towards her to place a kiss on her lips. “I’m sorry about that. But I don’t think I would ever understand the unspoken enmity between you both. Are you okay though, you seem to be sulking.” He asked.
She exhaled. “I could say the same for you, Leo. Why have you been uptight all morning?” Chloe asked smiling at someone who waved at them.
Leo waved back smiling widely before he turned back to her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know when that happened. Pardon me, please.”
“It’s finally time for the couple’s first dance. Let’s welcome Leo and Chloe Robin onto the dance floor.” The MC called out to them.
“Shall we?” Leo asked reaching for her hand.
Chloe smiled in return. “Definitely, baby.”
As they danced and the crowd cheered them on, Leo tried to put his mind in one place. He has a different future now, it’s best to focus on what he has than something he might never even get to reach. He can only hope to survive what is to come and try his best to be happy.