THE LONG WAIT

Chapter 3 : Explanation

-Adam-

When Ben arrives at Matthew's residence, he knocks on the door while holding a package of some kind between his fingers. His body goes completely still as the door opens.

Matt glances at his friend. Out at the home, he examines Ben intently and yells for his wife, "Miriam? I believe we have received a visit from the afterlife."

Ben laughs sarcastically, appearing unamused. "Haha! Very funny. I see you don't look surprised to see me at all."

With his arms crossed over his chest, he says, "Yep! Blackson informed me that you might stop by. He filled me in on what happened."

"I really apologise for not calling you sooner. Could you please forgive me?" explains Ben.

"I am not the one you need forgiveness from, "Mathew says. Just then, the door swung open, revealing Miriam standing beside her husband. Ben could see the anger and disappointment in her eyes while Matthew stood there with a smirk playing on his lips. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought that Matthew was pleased about his situation, but it seems he enjoys teasing him.

Miriam clears her throat, bringing Ben's attention to her. "Hello, beautiful. I brought a present for the baby and a box of your favourite chocolate." A peace offering." he smiles, trying to defuse the tension in her stare.

"You!" she says."Inside and explain yourself," She demands.

A moment later, the two couples sit on the sofa in each other's arms, while Ben has the adorable baby in his arms across from them and looks down on him with affection.

Isn't he adorable? Ben says. Speaking softly to the child in his arms. "You have lovely eyes, just like your mom, but you have your father's nose. I hope that's the only thing you got from him and not that nasty attitude of his."

"Keep talking like that, and you will be losing your position as godfather," Matthew threatens with a smirk on his face.

"Ow!, you wouldn't dare," Ben says, glaring at him. Miriam couldn't help but giggle. Clearing her throat, she says. "So, Ben, have you paid Shelley a visit?"

Ben looks at Matthew in shock, expecting him to have told his wife what had happened, given that Blackson had informed him about everything between him and Shelley when he returned.

"Sorry, I haven't told her. I thought you should tell her." Mathew states. "Tell me what?" she asks.

Ben takes his time to explain to Miriam the events surrounding his reunion with Shelley and how she rejected him.

"I am so sorry that happened. She is hurting, but I am sure deep down she is thrilled to see you," she says. "You have to tell her the reason why you didn't stay in touch for a year; although it's a stupefying reason, she might understand and forgive you."

"I want to explain to her why I stayed away if only she would give me the opportunity," he said, feeling frustrated. "If only you had seen the anger in her eyes when she caught sight of me."

"I could speak to her for you," she offers.

"No! Please don't. Blackson told me that because of me, she has distanced herself from you guys. I don't want to create any more friction between you and her."

"Well, she wanted to, but I made sure she didn't. We still meet from time to time for lunch. She also helps with the babysitting when I am caught up at work or Matthew needs some quietness in the house."

"Still, I can't ask that of you. I will find a way. You need not worry." Ben says, with a smile of assurance playing on his lips.

"Anyways, how were you able to get her to babysit him?"

"She volunteered; she is also Benedict's godmother." That's little Ben for short."

"Benedict," his smile deepens as he repeats the child's name. "That's a lovely name," he says while bouncing the little one on his lap, his eyes sparkling with warmth and joy. "I can't believe you guys named him with me in mind," he adds, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and gratitude.

***

David was on his way to Shelley's apartment when he ran into Sarah in the parking lot. "Sarah! Hey"

"Hey! It's interesting to meet you here; are you on your way to see Shelley?" She asks.

"Yeah! How did she seem to you?" He inquires.

"What do you mean?" she replies, confused.

"Was she angry, sad, or happy? Which is it?"

"Uhhhh, I don't know what you are talking about; however, she is behaving as she typically does. Is everything okay?" She asks gently, with a worried expression. David wasn't sure whether to let her in on what was going on. "You know what? Never mind that."

"Anyway, it was nice running into you." While David made his way past her, she called out to him.

"Umm, David, he turns to her. "Shelley told me you are into real estate." She asked hesitantly. "Yes, I am. What of it?"

"I believe Shelley may have mentioned to you my interest in fashion." In my hometown, I have a small boutique, and I was considering opening a couple of branches here." She pauses and scrutinises David's face for a moment, but he is unable to convey any emotions. She goes on. "You see, I'd like to request your services as a real estate agent." Because I am new to this area and lack experience, I was hoping to rely on your knowledge and expertise to shed some light on the several interesting structures I have come across. You could... take a look and tell me what you think."

Sarah and Shelley have been friends ever since they were children. Sarah was always fascinated by clothes. I recall instances where I saw Sarah wearing clothes that were larger than her own, which I assumed were her mother's, and she attempted, but failed, to model them. To this day, anytime I remember it, it makes me laugh. I can't believe she made a career out of it. David thought.

Sarah's yell of his name brought his attention back to her. He clears his throat and apologizes, saying, "Sorry." I would love to be your real estate agent. When do I start?"

"Will tomorrow be convenient for you?" she asked.

"Sure! Just name the place and time, and I will meet you there." He responded.

"Perfect! I will text you the time and place. See you then, David." She says with a smile playing on her lips as she turns and leaves. David stares after her for a few minutes before he makes his way to Shelley's apartment.