THE ROAD TO YOUR HEART (Completed) ✔

24: An Unexpected Guest

An hour later, Chris arrived in Jacqueline's house. He was a bit tensed and stayed in the car for a bit.

"Ugh, I have no idea how she's going to react. I hope this wouldn't piss her off the more. I really just want to do things right for the first time in my life. Please God, help me." He prayed and then opened the car door and got out.

When he got to the door, he took a deep breath and knocked twice.

"Coming!"

The door opened and a middle aged woman was standing before him.

"Yes?" She asked.

"Good morning! You must be Jacqueline's mom. I'm Chris Hayes, I called you on the phone earlier today." He smiled.

"Oh yes... Nice to meet you, I'm Jasmine. Come on in." She opened the door and he went in.

"You have a beautiful place Mrs Jasmine." Chris smiled.

"Just call me Jasmine." She smiled. "Please have a seat. What would you like to drink?"

"Oh, nothing Ma'am. I'm fine for now."

"There's no way you'll come jnto the Bailey's residence and not take something. I have tea, coffee, soda, wine... Anything!"

"Well, if you insist, I'll have a cup of tea." He smiled.

"I'll be right back!" She went into the kitchen.

2 minutes later, she arrived with a cup of tea on a small tray and set it on the table in front of Chris.

"Thank you so much Mrs Jasmine. I feel so welcomed already."

"As you should be." She smiled. "My daughter is not yet back. She went to the salon since morning but I'm pretty sure she'll be back any moment from now."

"Aw, if it'll be inconvenient for you, I can wait in my car."

"No, it's fine. You can wait for her here." She smiled.

"Thank you!" He nodded.

He was about to sip his tea when there was the door opened. He felt his heart skip a beat and by the time he turned around, he saw that it was a young man who came in.

"Hi Nolan, how was school?" Jasmine asked.

"Was great Mom. How are you doing?" He asked as he gave his mom a peck on her cheek.

"So far so good. I'm sure you're wondering who this gentleman is." Jasmine asked.

"Yes, I was." He replied.

"His name is Chris Hayes. He is a friend of your sister and have come to see her." Jasmine smiled.

"Hey Chris! I'm Nolan, Jacqueline's brother." He extended his hand for a handshake.

"Very nice to meet you Nolan." Chris shook his hand.

"Please excuse me for a moment." Nolan said before going to his room.

"I hope you're comfortable Chris. Is there anything you'd like? Maybe more tea?"

"Oh I'm more than comfortable Mrs Jasmine. Thank you so much for your hospitality." Chris smiled.

"You're welcome." She replied. "Please excuse me while I go set the table for lunch." She smiled and made her way to the kitchen.

Nolan emerged from his room all changed into comfortable clothes and a pair of flip flops. He was holding some books but later set them on the shelf before settling down on the couch opposite Chris.

"I hope your comfortable. Can I get you anything?" He asked.

"No that's okay, Nolan. Your mom made me feel really comfortable. Thank you."

"You're welcome. So how do you know my sister?"

"Actually, we were passengers of the same train that crashed weeks ago."

"Oh wow. Congratulations for making it out alive."

"Thank you. As a matter of fact, I owe Jacqueline my life."

"Why?" Nolan asked.

"Jacqueline put her life on the line to save mine." Chris' eyes dropped to the floor.

"Alright boys, lunch is ready. I called Jacqueline and she said she'll soon be home so let's wait for a little while." Jasmine said as she sat down on the couch.

"Mom, Chris said Jacqueline saved his life."

"Oh dear. How did she do that?" Jasmine's eyes widened.

"I got caught and was going to be killed like the others if it hadn't been for Jacqueline's braveness." Chris shook his head.

"Aw... I knew my baby has always been a strong and selfless woman. Ever ready to put herself in harms way to save a soul. I'm so proud of her." Jasmine smiled as her eyes flickered from the rush of tears.

"I don't think I deserved it."

"Oh, but why do you say that?" Jasmine asked.

"You see, I have come a long way from the way I used to act and how my mind used to perceive things. This old behaviour of mine kinda caused a rift between Jacqueline and I during the times we spent in the woods and I guess I behaved that badly towards her because I never fathomed that one day, the possibility of me staying alive would be dependent on a human being. All that slowly changed as I got closer to Jacqueline and even though I've apologized to her, I still feel like I owe her more than just mere words."

"Those are really deep words." Nolan nodded.

"To cut the story short, your daughter has left a huge positive impact on my life. Because of her, I'm can confidently say I'm a better man. That's something I never experienced with anyone else. And it's not something I'm willing to let go off easily because I pretty much doubt I'll ever find something like that again. Please Mrs Jasmine and Nolan, I want you guys to put in a good word for me. I know Jacqueline may be a little mad that I showed up without her permission but a man has to do what a man has to do. I'd really appreciate it if you guys do that for me."

"I have heard all that you've said. The thing is, sometimes the environment we live in or the people we welcome into our lives can influence us a certain way and make us better or worse. I'm really glad that my daughter has changed you for the better and I promise to pit in a good word for you on your behalf.

"Me too." Nolan supported.

"Thank you so much." Chris smiled. "I'd have to take my leave now. It seems she's not coming back anytime soon and it's an hour long drive so I better get going." He stood up.

"So sorry you were not able to see her." Jasmine said.

"No, it's totally fine. Take care Mrs Jasmine. See ya Nolan!"

"Take care." Nolan replied.

As Chris opened the door to go out, he saw Jacqueline standing right there.

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