Serendipity

Chapter 17: Suspect

Fear has two meanings: forget everything and run or face everything and rise against them. The former is the original definition and the latter is a definition we must learn to create - Ziterem Chijioke.

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Both their gazes snapped up at the sound of the creaking door. A fair skinned man closed the door behind him and turned around. His gaze locked with Selena. But as soon as he saw Derin, his mouth formed an 'o' but then turned down in a frown.

"Wait, Derin right?"

Derin could never forget his face. His resemblance to Nonso wasn't a striking one, but his nose was just the same as Nonso's.

"Francis."

He checked his phone. "God! Now it all clicks together. No wonder Nonso sounded disturbed. They must be looking for you. What are you even doing here anyways?"

Derin raised her brow.

"Today is your birthday isn't it?"

She nodded.

"Shit. My brother left to see you very early, he didn't even stay up to play poker with me, he was busy arranging the floating balloons for your big day!" Francis gaped at her.

Derin shifted uncomfortably. She messed up.

"Francis! Way to kill somebody's surprise." Selena spoke up. "But wait o! You guys know each other?"

Derin shrugged. "Kind of,"

Selena groaned. "Kind of? You called his name."

"We've only spoken once," Francis deadpanned. "Besides how do you know her?"

"I saw her on the beach this morning." Selena shrugged.

"Derin, look, I just spoke to Nonso, and he seemed frantic so i suggest you meet him up." Then he added quickly. "Please."

Derin made to speak up but Francis went on.

"I know our last meeting was kind of weird but just do it. He'd been happier since he started seeing you again and believe me, that savage comment you made at the gym two weeks ago was ehn.... A big blow to his ego. And you know Nonso is not the type to get angry easily or take things to heart but he was really hurt that day. I was even really surprised when he told me he was planning a birthday for you. This is to show that you really mean a lot to him. So before you throw him in enemies zone, see what he has to give first."

Derin had her legs crossed and Francis words sunk into her. Enemies Zone.

Wow!

She must have really been harsh trying to keep him away. She looked up at Francis. His eyes never left hers. His gaze seemed as though they were surveying her soul.

"Ah! Francis stop that! Stop looking at her like that!" Selena snapped.

Francis smirked. "Just admit that you are jealous,"

Selena gagged. "Me? Why would I be?"

Francis moved away from the door, making his way over to Selena, he tickled her. She flinched at first, then burst into laughter, her voice rang out, echoing through the house.

"Stop."

Francis let go and grinned at her happily. Selena shoved him aside. "You play too much!"

He smirked and folded him arms. She glared at him. Chuckling softly, he kissed her cheek and patted her hair. "I'm not playing now."

She shook her head and rested it on his shoulder.