Can we try again?

Hundred and Six

Daniel

Daniel was on the sofa in his living room watching a documentary on the TV when his phone rang. He half-expected it to be Kim. However, he knew that was wishful thinking. She wouldn't call - not when she's mad at him. She always expected an apology from him, even when he's not in the wrong. It was infuriating at this point, but what could he do?

So, that left Samira. She was probably ringing to let him know she was done with her date and was on her way home. Daniel glanced at the wall clock - it was only a few minutes past 10. The night was still early. Or was she just calling to check up on them - to check up on Jameel?

Daniel pressed the answer button.

"Hey madam," He started before she said anything. "Don't worry your little head, Jameel is in one piece. He's been fed and now fast asl . . ."

He was greeted with a deafening noise in the background. Music and loud chattering. It sounded like it was coming from a nightclub. Daniel sat up now. He checked the caller ID again on his phone to make sure it was actually Samira.

"Hello," he said into the phone. "Hello? Samira, are you there?" He said calmly, trying not to let panic overcome him.

Samira never mentioned that her date was going to be at a nightclub. And even if it was, why would she be calling him now? And she never struck him as a nightclub kind of person, especially not on a first date.

Oh God, he thought. What if she was in some kind of trouble? He suddenly regretted not getting the details of this man she went on a date with. He should have asked for a photo, contact details, his social media, something. Or better still, he should have insisted on dropping her off., at least to know the location. If something happened to Samira, he couldn't bear to live with himself.

The panic he tried to suppress, began to rise. "Samira?" He called again, louder.

He heard a shuffle and some rustling and then, "Daaannniiielllll."

Daniel couldn't make out if that was actually Samira. "Samira?" He called again. "Is that you? Are you okay?"

"Da...niel, it's . . .me." her voice was slurred. "I'm having so much fun. Whoooo!" She screamed loudly into the phone, and Daniel had to move the phone away from his ear.

She was inebriated. Why? That didn't sound like a sensible first date experience, especially knowing the kind of person she was. The panic continued to rise in Daniel. He stood up now.

"Samira, where are you? Where is your date?"

"I'm at a place. . .somewhere . . . and I'm having the time of my life."

"Where is your date?" Daniel asked again. "Is he there with you?"

"Oh that one," She made a sound, like a hiccup. "He is not here with me. I left. He has a. . .ooops" he heard a crash and a bang. "He. . . in love . . .ex. That bastard."

"Okay. Samira. Listen to me. Where are you? I'm coming to get you now."

"Uh. . .I don't know." Another crash and bang. "Where am I?"

"Samira," he said desperately but firmly. "You need to think, please. Go outside and check the name of the club or restaurant, or wherever you are. Or ask someone, please." There was a sense of urgency in his tone. He needed to make sure she was safe. 

"I think. . ." there was another hiccup sound. "I think I'm . . .Pressure . . . Pleasure . . ."

"Pleasure Point Bar?" Daniel asked, hoping that's what she meant. "The one in North Greenwich?"

"Yes, that. . . the one. You . . . Daniel, are so very clever, aren't - ahhhh..." Daniel could hear more rustling and crackling in the background.

"Samira? Samira? What happened? Are you okay?

There was a burst of laughter. "I. . . tripped. I fell . . ." Followed by sounds of giggling. 

Oh God. She sounded like she was so wasted.

"Okay Samira, I want you to stay right there. I'm coming to pick you up right now. Please keep your phone with you and don't wander off. Please. Just stay where you are, okay?"

"Okay, mister." She drawled. "How's Jam Jam?"

"He's fine." Daniel picked his car keys from the dining table. "Please Samira, find somewhere safe to stay. I'll be 30 minutes. Do not leave the bar." He instructed again. 

He knew where the Pleasure Point Bar was and he should be able to find her if only she doesn't wander off somewhere. That would make things even more difficult for him.  He quickly grabbed his coat and was about to leave when he remembered his son. There was no way he could leave Jameel alone in the house whilst he went out hunting for his mother. He went into the room where Jameel was sleeping and gently picked him, resting him onto his shoulder. The boy stirred a little but did not wake up. With his keys in one hand and Jameel on the other, he headed out. This was definitely not how he envisaged his night to turn out like.

Daniel arrived at North Greenwich in less than 30 minutes. Thank goodness the traffic wasn't as bad he anticipated. As he approached his destination, he tried ringing Samira's mobile, but there was no answer. Panic continued to grow in him. Samira was in a vulnerable state right now and he prayed that she was somewhere safe. He got out of the car, picked Jameel up, and hurriedly made his way to the venue. He knew exactly where to go. He'd been there a couple of times with some mates. Jameel stirred in his hands, mumbling incoherently, and then adjusted himself on Daniel's shoulder. 

He hadn't walked very far when he spotted Samira from a distance. She was standing awkwardly, her bag clutched to her chest and it appeared that she was in a conversation with a lad. From afar, Daniel could see that the guy was getting a bit too comfortable with Samira for his liking; his eyes going up and down over her like a dog drooling over a piece of steak. Instincts kicked in and like a predator ready to attack and protect its own, Daniel increased his pace. If he had to get into a brawl tonight, he sure would. There was no way he was letting a stranger take advantage of his son's mother in her vulnerable state. 

"Hey!" Daniel barked as he approached them. "Hey what are you doing with her? Get your hands off her!" He was a few yards away and sprinting towards them at this point now. He could begin to feel the weight of Jameel in his hands now.

"Daniel! Jameel!" Samira slurred as soon as she spotted Daniel. The man looked at Daniel and Jameel, confusion etched on his face as to what was happening.

"Hey man! You gotta back off now. I've got it from here."

"Who the hell are you?" the man contended. 

"That's none of your business. Like I said, you need to back off." Daniel glared at him. His voice was low and menacing.

At this point, Daniel was stood face to face with him, eyes boring into him, as though it was a challenge. Daniel was a few inches taller than him, and bulkier than him too. He was confident he could take him in one go if need be. The guy did exactly as he was told. He raised both hands up in surrender and slowly backed away.

Daniel turned to Samira. She looked tired and drunk. Very drunk. She was swaying from side to side. Her make-up wasn't as in-tact as it did when he saw her earlier. He eyes were red and puffy, perhaps from crying. Mascara was smeared under her eyes, forming dark circles like that of a racoon. How much had she had to drink? He hadn't seen her like this before. In fact, he never pictured her to be one to end up in this state. But what he realised was that there was something wild and carefree about the way she was in that moment that Daniel found very endearing - sexy even.

He couldn't help but wonder what must have gone wrong with her date that made her go off like this. But for now, he breathed a breath of relief, happy that he'd found her and she was safe.

"Come on," He motioned to Samira. "Let's get you home." He adjusted Jameel on his one arm, and on the other hand, put his hand around Samira, supporting her as they walked back to the car. 

"I've got you." he whispered.