ℂ𝕃𝕆𝕊𝔼ℝ 𝕋ℍ𝔸ℕ 𝕐𝕆𝕌 𝕋ℍ𝕀ℕ𝕂

║ FIVE ║

    THE SNOW droplet wet Nicole's black curly hair as she trekked to a nearby grocery store to purchase some foodstuffs that will last her and her Mum throughout the month.
“Hey, Nicole!” Eunice, the sales girl greeted her with a wave as she walked into the grocery store.
“Eunice!” she squealed in excitement.
“Long time,” Eunice came around from behind the counter, engulfing her in a warm embrace. “We, the workers in Adonai's grocery store have missed your presence,” she said as she released her from the embrace.
“Aw, I missed you guys too… Bristol itself.”
“So what brings you here?” Eunice said as she went back to her desk behind the counter.
“You are looking good, Eunice,” Nicole said, admiring Eunice's blonde hair that was cut chin length.
“Thanks, you too, your chocolate skin keeps glowing too.” Eunice smiled.
“I am out of food supplies that's why I came and you know tomorrow is Christmas.”
“Yeah, that's right. Adonai's grocery store will be offering Christmas bonuses for any item bought.” Eunice stated.
“Hmm, interesting.” Nicole brought out her shopping list from her side pocket.
“Shop well,” Eunice said before focusing her attention on the computer in front of her.
    Nicole pushed the trolley she had taken from the trolley park. As she moved from shelves of food items to another she picked out the ones she needed, checking the expiring date on each item she took. When she was satisfied and done shopping she pushed her filled up the trolley to the checkout counter.
“Done?” Eunice looked over her computer at Nicole.
“Yes, I guess so.”
“What payment method do you prefer, cash or credit card?”
“Cash, I hardly carry my credit card along with me so I won't misplace it,” she said bringing out some amount of money from her purse.
“Here is your invoice,” Eunice said handing it to her after checking out the items she purchased.
“Alright. Wow! Things have gone expensive.” she said, looking at the prices of the goods she had picked.
“Yes, you can't compare the price of bread you bought for five pounds two years ago to be the same,” Eunice said as she collected the cash from Nicole. She counted it, making sure it was the correct amount.
“I'll take care of the payment, please.” Nicole hadn't noticed the man standing beside her until he spoke to Eunice.
“No… thank you.” Nicole declined his offer.
“Please, allow me to,” The man brought out his credit card from his breast pocket and gave it to Eunice. “Please?” The man collected her money from Eunice and gave it back to her.
Nicole reluctantly collected the money and muttered, “Thank you.” she waved goodbye to Eunice before pushing her trolley out of the store. She took out her groceries from the trolley and put back the trolley in the trolley park. She sighed as she waited in front of the grocery store for a taxi. She saw a car pull in front of her.
“You care for a ride?” It was the same man who had earlier paid for her groceries.
“No, thanks.” she shook her head.
“Why? I don't think you can trek home with all these, especially as it is snowing.”
“I am going to wait for a taxi, thanks,” she said politely.
“Just let me drive you home, less expense you know?” the man arched an eyebrow at her. “You don't remember me, do you?”
“I am sorry, I …I don't,” she squinted trying to recall where and when she had met him.“but, your face looks familiar.”
“Remember, the young man who fixed your car?”
“Oh!” she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Let me give you a ride.” she hesitated before picking off her grocery bag and walking to the passenger's side to open the door.
“I am so glad, we met again,” Nicole said after she had entered his car.
“It's a small world.” the man said as he ignited his car engine, and drove off.
“I am so, so sorry I forgot who you were. I don't know where I keep my mind this day.”
“It's no problem. I guess you must be new here.” he glanced at her before returning his focus to the road.
“No… I came to visit my Mother, this is where I grew up but, I don't stay here in Bristol. Please, can you remind me of your name?”
“Alfred Blaylock,” he smiled at her. “and yours is Nicole Harper.”
“You still remember?” she laughed.
“How could I forget a beautiful black lady's name?” he chuckled.
Nicole blushed looking away outside the window.
“Before I forget, Merry Christmas and Happy New year in advance.”
“Thank you. And you too. I think I'm okay here, this is my bus stop.” she said to him as they approached the next bus stop.
“Really? Why don't I stop in front of your house, you know it's snowing heavily now and it will also be a good thing to know where you stay?”
“As you wish.”
    When he stopped in front of her house, she picked up her groceries and got out. “I can't say how grateful I am.  People like you are rare to find. Thank you so much.” she said to him smiling.
“It's my pleasure and um,…” he checked his breast pocket for his business card “this is my business card,” he said giving it to her.
“Thank you,” Nicole said as she collected it.
“See you some other time,” he said and drove off.

   ☬            ☬           ☬ 

“Who was that?” Nicole's mum asked as Nicole entered the house shutting the door.
“Oh, him?” she chuckled before heading into the kitchen with her groceries.
“Don't keep me waiting… or is he your boyfriend?” her mother raised an eyebrow at her.
“No! He's just a friend. He was the man who helped me with my car when I got stuck on my way driving to see dad in the hospital.”
“Hmm” her mum grinned.
“He also paid for the groceries today.”
“Like seriously?!” her mother giggled like a child. “Did you collect his number? You know men like him are rare to find.”
“He gave me his number.”
“Good girl.” her mother winked at her giving her a thumbs up.
“Oh mom!” she pouted slapping her forehead with her palm.