Come Running [Season 1 Completed]

Chapter 29

The shadow of an elderly man, whom she recognized as Karl Torres, emerged from the dimly lit hallway. Her agitation heightened.
"M-Mister Torres... what are you doing here?" She stuttered. Brian rolled his eyes in unconcealed irritation. Though they just got there, he was counting the seconds.
"Straight to the point I see... may we come in?"
"Of course."
After they sat, Karl spoke first.
" I must apologize for calling at your home this late and unannounced but with the scandal at the library being the talk of the town, there was no better way. The press has its ears to the ground so sending you over was not an option.
But no worries, I will strive to ensure that your name and that of your family will not be tarnished because of my son's inappropriate act."

Son?.... singular. Did he already know everything? Kaiden must have explained the situation to him. But what if someone else told him? How many people know about it? Does it mean my parents already know? Oh goodness...
She was inwardly freaking out.

And almost as if he read her mind, he responded.
"My family will keep this to ourselves so don't worry. We made sure to keep you off the press radar. No one else knows this. The security personnel who witnessed the event have been sworn to secrecy. And yes, your family does know about it. We called your home in Austin and formally apologized to your family as well."

I am so dead. Jayla murmured to herself.

"And... Brian has something to say." Karl urged
Brian was a bit reluctant but Karl's death stare was enough to help him speak up.
"I'm sorry Jayla f-for trying to take advantage of you and thanks for not pressing charges." He let out with bottled rage and when he could no longer control his charging wrath, Brian left in a fit of pique.
Karl ignored the act and spoke again
"I apologise once again for bothering you at such a late hour. And thank you my dear for not pressing charges."

She sat in oblivion for a while, recounting that day's event and how much she despised Brian for trying to take advantage of her. Her blood boiled with rage and pain but she remembered who she was. She was no ordinary person... no, she is royalty- a child of The Most High God.

"Apology accepted." She said expressionlessly.
"Well... the Torres would like to show a small token of our appreciation." Karl disclosed and handed over the keys to a brand new Maserati.
"Ohh... I can't accept this Mr Torres."
"I insist."
"I'm so sorry Mr Torres but I can't accept this. Believe me, I'd never feel at ease if I received this." She declined again.
"Very well my dear.... but if there's anything, absolutely anything you'd like us to do for you, we're at your service."
"I'll keep that in mind." She remarked.

Karl's expression softened as he got up to leave.
"He's going to get what's coming," Karl said with so much certainty, Jayla couldn't help but shake with fright.

How could a family be so divided? A house divided against itself cannot stand, the Bible puts it. But she wasn't going to be a pawn in their chess game- she wanted nothing to do with it.

"Urgh.... finally some peace. Tomorrow's going to be hectic." she yawned as she sleepily marched to her warm bed.

*. *. *. *. *. *. *. *.
Back to Austin. The days have been pretty hectic since she got there- most activities were geared towards her upcoming 19th birthday and Afro Praise annual evangelism week.

She spent lots of time with Elijah and she loved his company. They worked on gathering donations in and around the US, especially the black communities to sponsor evangelical missions and orphanages in Africa, India and some parts of Asia and South America. It was in moments like these that she felt fulfilled.

She dreamt of embarking on those missions herself with her parents or probably Elijah. It was forsaking the pleasures and luxuries of her home in Austin to deprived communities in the remotest parts of the world.
That was something she planned to do for Jesus but right now, she had health supplies to sort out.