The Power of Destiny

Chapter Two

“Sometimes, what’s real is something you can’t see.” – Kelly S.

Her pregnancy will be due in two weeks time as the doctor had calculated. Ollie’s father, Dr. Robert Flander had bought all the required materials for his wife, Lilliana Flander, and the baby. Ollie had been very excited about the news of a baby brother. She’d always wished it would happen one day. When she heard the news, she told Lorna and they started saving money to buy anything for the baby.
Just few days towards the end of the second week, Lilliana started having little contractions and she had to go to the hospital.
“Dad, where are you goin’ with all these bags?” Ollie asked her dad when she saw him with a few bags.
“I’m taking your mum to hospital.”
“Is the baby comin’ out today?” Brinnie asked.
“I guess so, because she’s having contractions.”
“Can’t I come with you?” Ollie asked.
“No Ollie, not today. Maybe, by tomorrow, all of you can come with me to hospital,” he said and carried the two bags into the boot of the Tilda Hatchback.
He went back into the sitting room and helped Lilliana to the car, while Ollie, Sam, Ciara, and Brinnie followed. He helped her into the passenger seat and went to the driver’s seat.
“Mum,” Ollie called with tear-filled eyes. She went to the side window and her mother touched her cheeks.
“Don’t worry Ollie, I and the baby will be fine,” she replied her eyes becoming moist also. She brought her face closer to Olivia and planted a kiss on her forehead. “I love you Ollie, and I love you all. Just remember in your hearts that I will always love you and I’ll be with you in your hearts forever.”
“We love you too, mum,” Sam and Ciara said while Brinnie went to side window and Ollie gave way for them.
After a series of hugs, kisses and goodbyes, Robert started the car and drove off. Patricia, a nanny who took care of them came outside and took them inside the house.

THE NEXT DAY was a Sunday and the morning began with a very bad weather. The sun had gone behind the clouds and the clouds had become thick, dark, and heavy in the dark sky. The winds were blowing in gusts and the trees were swaying in the direction of the wind. Ollie had woken up with the sound of thunder rumbling. The windows were closed and the room was warm. Brinnie had then woken up and started crying. Ollie consoled her and also restrained herself from crying. Another thunder rumbling from a distance was heard, creating a heart full of fear for Brinnie and she clung tighter to Ollie.
“This is a bad way to start a day; weather like this isn’t good for business. I’m sure dad will have a tough time and mum… ” Ollie said and sighed. “… I dare not say anything,” she uttered solemnly.
“I feel it too, this is goin’ to be a bad day,” Brinnie said. “I just wanna see mum, dad and the baby to make sure they’re okay.”
“Don’t worry Brinnie, they’ll just be fine,” Ollie assured her.
Ollie got up and went into their toilet, washed her mouth and Brinnie followed suit. Ollie had her bath in the bathroom and bathed Brinnie. She wore a dress with sweetheart bodice of gold lamé beneath red lace; double-flounced skirt of pleated gold lamé topped with gathered red tulle with gold sparkles, and a red shoe. Brianna wore a scented lavender lace-up spandex dress with three-tiered ruffled skirt and detachable sleeves, and a lavender shoe. Ollie did her hair in a French plait and she did Brinnie’s hair in a bun without fringes.
Just when they were through with dressing and arranging, Patricia entered the room and informed them that breakfast was ready. She’d prepared croquette, eggs, béchamel, and croissant. Robert had not returned from the hospital and they had to wait for him after breakfast if before then, he has not returned. They all went to the dinning for their breakfast.
The weather had changed dramatically, and when they’d expected a cloud-burst, the thick and dark clouds gave way for the pinks and yellows of the sunrise. The sky became blue and the sun rays were beautiful. The warmth of the morning sun opened a bright new feeling and there was hope of a better day. Even the sun glinted on the windows that they had to open them and draw the curtains to allow its rays to filter in.
They’d just finished their repast when the car horn was heard. It was Roberts’ car. They all ran to welcome him and hear the good news. They got outside but Robert was still inside the car. They hurried to his side of the car and he opened the car door.
“Dad, are we goin’ to see mum and the baby?” Sam asked her dad after they were through with the greetings.
“Dad, what ‘bout mum, is she okay?” Brinnie asked.
“And the baby, dad, are they okay?” Ciara asked.
Olivia didn’t need to ask any questions, she noticed her dad was worn out and weak. His eyes were swollen and red, although he tried to appear cheerful, she still noticed his depression. She guessed he was worn out because of the work at the hospital and he needed to rest before any questions.
His face took on an unhealthy, whitish hue and he really looked devastated and dejected. He couldn’t answer their questions but just took a look at the four of them and his eyes glistened with moist tears. He sniffed them back and handed the car keys to Ollie.
“Bring out the bags from the boot, Sam, give her a hand,” he told Ollie and turned his back and made for the house. Brinnie ran to meet him while Ciara followed suit.
Brinnie went in front of him, held his hands and shook them crying, “Dad, where is mum and the baby?”
He broke free from Brinnie’s grip and swept her into his arms. He adjusted her on his left hand and took Ciara by the right hand, “They’re all fine,” he answered in a gruff voice and walked to the house.
Ollie and Sam carried three bags from the boot and locked the car. They carried them into the sitting room where Robert, Ciara, and Brinnie were seated. They dropped the bags beside Robert’s legs and Ollie handed him the car keys. Patricia appeared in the sitting room dressed in another sleeved top and skirt and was prepared to leave. She greeted him and informed him about her leaving, and then she left the house.
Robert opened the first bag and brought out a large box containing drawing materials, and a small box containing accessories. “Here Ollie, mum said this is for you. You know Ollie, we all know you are skilled in drawing and so she bought you these and a box of accessories in addition,” he said and handed the boxes to her.
She was absolutely delighted to have such a wonderful gift because she loved drawing. It was her talent. Her face gave way to a brightening smile and she knew her dream was coming true.
He brought out a fashion and designing set and put them on his laps. Sam was talented in making trendy designs for both clothes and shoes and she could sew them. It was a tangible talent! He handed the fashion materials set and a box of accessories to her. Sam was overwhelmed with joy when she received the gift. It was the bond between her and her mum that will forever be remembered in her heart. 
After that, he brought out a stationery set, a box of accessories, and a bag containing 5 novels. He gave them to Ciara since she was gifted with the talent of writing. She received the gift with joy and vowed in her heart to use the talent wisely.
He then brought out a box of accessories and a bunch of keys. He gave them to Brinnie and asked, “I hope you remember the empty room upstairs that’s on the right hand side of your room?”
“Yes dad,” she replied.
“That’s your music room from now on. I know you’ve always wished for one,” he replied smiling and handed the keys and the box to her. She got up and gave her dad a warm hug and he kissed her on her forehead. She went back to her position full of smiles and he brought out the last gift. It was a book containing everything about law, its types and branches, its rules, professions under it and everything that concerns law. He also brought out a box of accessories.
“Dad, who owns that?” Sam asked pointing towards the gifts he just brought out.
“Your mum said Ollie have always wished for a twin,” he replied.
“And?” Ollie asked getting interested.
“And she said you’re gonna have one if you believe there is.”
“Is that all?” Ollie asked happily.
“But there’s no magic or spell, and I believe there are no wishes,” Sam said.
“So?” Ollie asked.
“So how are you gonna do the believing stuff?” Sam asked getting confused.
“Look Sammie, sometimes what’s real is something you can’t see but believe it’s there,” Ollie said repeating her slogan.
“So, you know it’s not real and when you believe it’s real, it’ll become real?” Ciara asked.
“Of course,” Ollie replied.
“So you’ve believed now?” Brinnie asked.
“Yep,” Ollie replied.
“And where is she?” Brinnie asked again.
“She’s gonna come, and you’ll see her,” Ollie assured her.
“And when is that goin’ to be?” Sam asked.
“It’s goin’ to be soon,” Robert said.
“Have you seen her?” Brinnie asked.
“Yes.”
“Where is she?” Ollie asked jumping to her feet.
“She’s… she’s… with… em,” Robert said but looked depressed again.
“With whom?” Sam asked.
“She’s with your uncle at Cambridge.”
“Do we have any uncle at Cambridge?” Ollie asked, looking from Sam to Ciara, as if expecting them to answer.
“Actually, he’s not related to us by blood.”
“Then how did she end up staying with him while we’re staying here?” Ollie asked.
“It’s a long story, but I’ll make it brief,” he said and cleared his throat. “It all began when we started having problems with some partners whom we owed after doing a transaction for your mum. At that time, she was heavily pregnant with Ollie and Ro and I decided not to bother her much.
“One of my patients, Josh Smith, offered to help but requested for large collateral. He lent me the sum of money requested by my partners and I promised to pay him 2 weeks after my business was back on the road. He had also said he would request for anything as collateral and I agreed and also signed it down. When I asked him to come and receive the cheque, he turned down the offer and requested for one of the babies. I knew I couldn’t refuse because I had signed collateral and the sum of money was not written, but yet I protected all of us. He stole Rosella and went to Cambridge, although he left a contact number and address. We tried to reach him but we couldn’t.”   
Robert had received a letter saying his daughter was very good on judging people’s problems and giving them advices. So, he and Lilliana decided to buy everything concerning law, just in case they saw their daughter, again.
“Why have any of you told us ‘bout this since?” Sam asked in a half-whisper.
“We thought it might hurt your little minds when you were little but now your mum’s gone so I felt I should let you know,” he replied soberly.
“Gone?” Brinnie asked looking surprised.
“Where to?” Ciara asked.
“To Cambridge,” Sam replied with a shade of confidentiality in her voice. Olivia became confused and just stared into space. She’d understood what her dad meant by gone and she wondered where the baby was.
“Ollie, anything the matter?” her dad asked looking concerned.
“No, I was wondering where the baby will be?” she said quickly.
“Oh… he is gone also,” her dad replied sadly. She noticed the sad tone in his voice and she knew the meaning. Her mum and the baby were gone to a place of no return and she wept in her heart. She got up almost immediately and ran to her room, taking the gifts her mum had given her along with her.
Now, she realized the meaning of the gifts, it was to serve as the link between them and her mum and the baby, and also a form of remembrance that will forever be in their hearts. It was to remind them that they once had a loving and caring mum who was full of warmth, care, love, and support. It was to tell them that their talents were special gifts.
Few hours later, Ollie went to her daddy’s door and knocked. She knocked twice and waited until her dad spoke.
“Yes, come in,” he answered.
Ollie opened the door and entered the room after closing the door. As if acting on impulse, she ran to hug her dad and immediately burst into tears.
“Ollie, why are you crying,” her dad asked in a soothing tone and stroking her hair warmly.
She continued crying for a while and when she finally stopped, she asked, “Dad is it true?”
“What is true?”
“Is mum really gone?”
“Yes,” her dad answered reluctantly. He now knew why she had run inside the room when he’d mentioned it. “But how did you know what it meant?”
“I’m 9 dad, why won’t I know?”
“That’s right, Ollie. I hope your sisters don’t know ‘bout it now?”
“No, they don’t and even if Sam and Ciara knows ‘bout it, Brinnie won’t, at least not now.”
“And I hope they’ll take it well.”
  “Do you think I’m alright now?”
“Well I think you’re not happy but at least I know you’re goin’ to be brave enough.”
“I hope so,” Ollie said and hugged her dad. “Sorry dad, but how did you feel when you were told?”
“Well, I took it as a dear one would.”
“Did you cry?”
“Yes, but not much.”
“Sorry dad.”
“Thanks a lot, Ollie.”
“Dad, how does my twin look like? Is she fair or brown like me? Does she have blonde hair? How exactly is she?” she countered.
“Well, you guessed half-right. The two of you are very much alike, although she looks a little like your mum. The only difference is your hair, hers light brown, and yours is dark.”
She smiled. “I can’t wait to meet her. When is she comin’?”
“I don’t think she’s comin’, because Josh might think I won’t allow her to go back if she comes. She came only once when you were 2 years old, but anyway you’ll meet her,” he said and looked into her eyes. “By fate,” he assured her.
She smiled, hugged her dad, and left the room. ‘Always full of smiles, like her mum,’ he thought aloud.