CASCADING

BROKEN TIES NEW TIES CHAPTER 11

"What did you say?" Steffen stood statute in his room with his fist clenched. How did this moment come? When could these four words bring such a devastating impact on him?

"I said we have a son, Justin, two years old." Annabel forced the words out nervously as though she had lost all courage to face him.

"Where are you now?" Steffen asked coldly, but a flood of emotions overwhelmed him. He was so certain that Annabel would be scheming something. In the past she was always so mysterious, it seemed like a game of something to them that he always had to crack her codes.

"I am staying at Aunt Gale's apartment, room # 5" She replied.

"I know where you are, I'll meet you there in an hour." Steffen ended the call and dialled Kimberley his assistant.

"Hello." Kimberley had joined the company four years ago and had proven to be a valuable asset to Gerald's Construction. She being ten years older than Steffen brought wisdom to the team.

"Hi good morning, sorry for the early intrusion, but, can you take charge of this morning's meeting for me? Something urgent just came up that I personally have to deal with." Steffen gritted his teeth at the news Annabel announced. "You will need a contractor to take you all through, ah... I suggest Barry can do it since he's one of the seniors."

"Ok Mr. Morris I'm on it. Sir do you think you'll make back at anytime just in case they request to speak with you?"

"Ah...I don't think I will get back in time but I will keep you posted. "

Steffen scrambled on a blue jeans and grey T'shirt, snatched up his keys and headed out. It was just about 6:00 am when he reached the main road and turned onto the highway. His mind raced with all kind of thoughts as he tried to put the pieces together. 'Why was Annabel now reaching out to me after two years? A son? How is this even possible? How?' He drove a few more kilometres before it came back to him; the eve of his birthday two years ago when he and Annabel fell from grace, both forsaking their teachings of fidelity.

"My God, my God my sin is right now before me. I have failed you in the past and now it's here to consume me. Help me oh God," Steffen prayed out loud as he drove. He gripped the stirring wheel when he came to the street light and lowered his head on the stirring wheel. "I am nothing without you. Show me how to deal with this matter and place your arms around me. Protect me from the plans of the enemy as I find confidence in your plans for my life in Jesus Name, Amen."

Steffen arrived at the apartment where Annabel stayed. His mind was filled of things he wanted to say and do and things he shouldn't say or do. He stood outside the door reluctant and waited for a made up mind but it never came, Annabel opened the door smiling with a little toddler in arms. "Hi I am so glad you made it." She said.

Steffen stood immovable staring at the child in her arms while Annabel displayed antics of a doting mother. Steffen's chest tightened as his heart raced. He wasn't sure what he was feeling, it went something like anxiety, hurt, betrayal, confusion, disgust and anger. Annabel shook the child gently when he started to fuss, Steffen confronted her, "How did this happen?" He managed to ask.

"How did this happen? What do you mean Steffy?" She looked at him pitifully and brought the child up on her chest in a protective manner. "I don't believe that you would ask that. What, no hello how have we been keeping? How is my son..."

"Is he?" Steffen crossed her from finishing.

"What?!" Annabel retorted, appalled at his resolve. "Wait you don't think that..."

"Yes that's exactly what I think, that he is not my son." Steffen hated to admit the possible truth and wished that this was all some kind of messed up dream and he will wake up any moment. He thought of June and breaking the news to her. Steffen turned away and backed her, he looked out at the garden but couldn't see it his mind was confused as to what this can do to his relationship with June. 'She would hate me and never want to see me again.' He exhaled raspy as though he fought desperately to find oxygen. He walked off leaving her there with the child.