Come Running [Season 1 Completed]

Chapter 26

She had a quick shower and got ready. She picked a yellow boat neckline top over jeans, sliding her feet in some sneakers and tied her unkempt Afro in a high ponytail and wrapped a scarf.

Pink & Blue is a Christian orphanage Afro Praise partners with and supports. This year, Afro Praise decided to involve the children in their annual evangelical crusade dubbed  the 'Preach to all nations' Campaign and she had the 'pleasant' duty of taking care of the paperwork. What's the use of all the technology at the HQ when she has to follow up with the paperwork?!

God, forgive me for being so snobbish.

Immediately she got to Pink & Blue, Elijah called
"Hey."
"Heya" she answered
"Just wanted to let you know the appointment was booked under your mum's name and the files have all been sent to Pink & Blue."
"Why am I here again?" The exhaustion in her voice was not lost on him but he dismissed it with laughter.
"You know your mum's trying so hard to get you guys involved in Afro Praise activities. Besides, you only need to confirm the numbers."
"Easy for you to say."
He laughed again.
"I'm sure seeing the kids will lighten up your mood."
"Sure hope so."
"Can't wait to see you next month. Take care."
"You too."
"Have a great time."

While the paperwork was being processed and filed, she strolled down the hallway to the children's home. Running around in the spacious sand box playground, the sight of those kids, warmed her heart.
How was it possible that people could abandon such adorable little kids? The heart of man is indeed evil.
She abhorred abortions, much less child abandonment... I mean why indulge in sexual activities when you're not ready for children? It is for procreation, you know.
"God bless the owner of this establishment." She prayed.

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Sunday went pretty fast with a very insightful service and fun time with Bryson and the girls at their local church.

********
Monday was nothing but boring, especially, with the Molecular Biology test they had that morning. It was pretty much an everyday routine kind of day.

Chloe spent the rest of the afternoon with Bryson. They seemed to be getting really close. First, Carrie and now Chloe. She was virtually by her self most of the time.
"I can feel the love!" She whined.

She resolved to spend time at the local library to go over some notes rather than sulking at home watching some lame soap opera. The local library was surprisingly empty and at a corner she found, it was even more peaceful.

The first two hours of her stay was worthwhile. She got the right atmosphere to soak in the fundamentals of homeostasis in the human body.

She suddenly felt the someone's presence behind her. Kaiden was usually the one to sneak up on her but that familiar yet mesmerising mix of Oud and other woody scents was lost. Besides, he wasn't the type to visit a local library.

The shadow of man was cast on her note book and in one swift move, she dashed off her seat, shoving him in the process and leaving him unbalanced. His foot could no longer keep him in balance and he fell flat on the roughly tiled floor.

"Brian?! What were you doing trying to creep up on me?"
"You sure do have your ears to the ground."
"It's called self defence, ever heard of that?"
"Touché. You're cheeky... I like you."
"Well, I don't."
"I could change that...." He let his words trail provocatively and took a step towards her.
"I'd rather not."
"You'll love the process, believe me." A smirk  played its way on his lips at he took another step.
"You wouldn't want to do that." She spoke confidently. But the fearlessness vanished when she spotted the pistol with the sound suppressor muzzle attached peeping out of his slacks.

He laughed when he noticed her reaction.
"No one's going to hear the muzzle flash discharge if you don't cooperate. I've got this place secured so don't try to resist."
"You wouldn't d-

He forced himself on her even before the last word escaped her lips, forcibly suppressing her voice. After a few minutes of the struggle, the door barged open and Kaiden raced to her aid, pulling Brian off her with Nick close behind.

"Are you okay?" He asked with concern as he cupped her scared face into his palms.
Nick attempted to get a hold of Brian but he had already reached out for his pistol and had cocked it already, pointing in the direction of the other two.

Brian fired the gun and Jayla screamed.
"Kaiden!!!?"