angel baby (heavy editing)

3.5

        The question asked by Lena put her into a sour mood immediately.

Why? Is she planning to make and my kids homeless again because she wants to build another shopping complex, Lia wanted to say, instead she replied, 

“I think everyone knows who that woman is”

Her response was a bit harsh but she couldn’t help it. Lena also noticed it. 
“Well, that woman is my boss and she sent me here”
Of course. 
Lia fought the urge to roll her eyes. 
Lena was a pretty woman and all but she worked for the enemy. 
“What are you doing here?” She asked all smiles gone from her face. 
“Well, she was in the neighbourhood a while ago”
Lia’s heart beat frantically in her chest. She couldn’t afford to lose her home again. She couldn’t put Oliver out in the streets again. 
“I’m going to have to stop you” she interrupted Lena from going further.
“Lia-“
“Listen, I know you mean well and all but I really do not want to associate with the likes of Jessica Borghese. That woman has done more harm to this community than good so thank you, I suggest you leave”
“Mom, please listen to her”, Kathy begged. 
“Kathy”, Lia warned. 
Chris watched them all not saying anything as he sipped from his water bottle. 
Lena looked down and prepared to stand up. 
“She’s here concerning Chris’s artistry” Kathy rushed out.
Lia’s attention is drawn back to her.
Say what now?
She looked at the woman warily
“Go on”
Lena simply smiled again. She knew her boss had quite the reputation with people. 
“My boss saw your son’s painting, this one to be precise”
She stretched out her phone to Lia who collected it. She looked at the screen and instantly recognised the art. Her son had seen it in a dream and it had taken a week to complete. She gave the phone back to the woman. 
“And her eyes were immediately drawn to it. And Kathy here was nice enough to lead me here to meet the mastermind of such beautiful creation, your son Chris”
Lia turned to face Kathy who was smiling from ear to ear. 

“Kathy also informed me that Chris is in his final year in high school” Lena continued. 

Lia was so anxious to know where this all was going. 

“PearlView Academy owned by Mrs. Jessica Borghese offers a brilliant art program. Mrs. Borghese is more than willing to sponsor your son for the three year program full scholarship ride, all you have to do is accept and he can start tomorrow”
Lia didn’t know what to say. To say she was shocked would be an understatement. 

For her birthday, she had prayed someone would sponsor Chris to an art school and then that happened. And if that person was Jessica Borghese, then so shall it be.
Is this a dream? Please don’t wake me up. 

Lia turned to face her son. He was sketching again but she knew he heard and was paying attention. She was almost certain he would not agree. He hated change, detested it even.
Kathy let out a small scream. 
Lia, a bit startled immediately turned to face her. She saw her clutching her phone tightly.
Kathy rushed to Lia’s side and showed her the screen.
It was the homepage of the website for  PearlView Academy. It was founded about ten years earlier and was popular for being owned by Jessica Borghese and for their splendid Art Program. 

Lia’s eyes scanned through until her eyes saw the tuition. 

The numbers of zeros made her feel dizzy. She had never seen so many zeros in her life all at once.

She didn’t like Mrs. Borghese one tiny bit but over her dead body would she allow her son bypasses that golden opportunity but she needed to be sure of something. 

“What’s the catch?” her eyes narrowed at Lena. 

“There’s no catch. He just has to show up. Mrs. Borghese is an artist herself she understands the value of art better than non artists do. You know she named the school after her late mother so it’s really special to her"