This was not happening. I was not standing two inches away from Estelle with the need to wring her pretty little neck. She stared innocently at me as I tried to call Leslie again for what seemed like the millionth time, but just like before it rang then went to her voicemail.

I stared daggers at her as she sat on my sofa staring back at me with a devil may care look upon her artistically made-up face. Her cocoa matte-covered lips had a mischievous lift to them.

I have known Estelle also known as Stella for most of our young adult life. Her father and mother were like parents to me. I spent my university years in their home before I went away to further my studies and work abroad. Myra and Kenton Rivers had been another blessing in my life when I needed it the most.

Over time, however, our relationship materialized into things less platonic but Stella was always in a need of new conquests and that part of our lives did not go anywhere so we remain friends.

I at times often wondered why I entertain her but know deep down inside she was like a sister to me who I cared for deeply. Stella might be spoilt and self-centred and believes she has a right to everything once she desires it, but she was loyal and was usually there for me when I need her.

I dial Leslie's number again but once again it rang and went to her voice mail. It was no use, she was obviously not going to relent and take my call.

I place my phone on the oval glass top of the coffee table and stare at Estelle. Her full dark eyes stare back at me clearly aware that I was very much upset.

"Hey, it's not like I set out to cause any trouble, besides you've been out of sight so long I didn't even know you even had a woman much less to be married," she flared getting up and glaring at me.

"Leslie is not some woman," I retort. "I tried calling you but I never got an answer and from the look of things you did not check your email either."

She gave a cheeky little giggle before she replied, "Well Bahamas and Barrington are to be blamed for that. We were there for his video shoot for his upcoming EP as well as other things."

I turn away and stare at my phone by no means interested in Estelle's love conquest. She was an aspiring recording artist who has made her mark in the modelling industry but despite her ability to use her attributes and talent to succeed she was not averse to mixing business with pleasure.

The screen remains blank and I will it to ring, but considering the time Leslie would no doubt be at work and would not be returning my calls even if she was not upset by what she had concluded from Estelle's remark in my background earlier.

I look back at her and realize she was looking rather strained. Her immaculately made-up face framed by her loose bleached locks and pristine attire of blue-black skinny jeans, hot pink tube top under a sheer black wide shoulder crop top with matching hot pink high heel lady Timberlands would have seemed alright to someone who was not truly accustomed to her.

I took her hand and lead her back to the sofa where I sat down with her. I need to make things right with Leslie but considering how things were at the moment I best focus on Estelle.

When she had barged into my livingroom on a cloud of Chanel perfume and bustling adrenaline as I had stood there placing a call to Leslie she was pretty much her wild devil may care self, but from her flinging over her shoulder, "I am so glad you're not at the office today. You and I have a date with Crabs Delight as soon as am through using the bathroom" to her returning some minutes later as I spoke to Leslie her voice ringing clear and loud "Dan baby....hey what's taking you so long? something was conflicting with her.

I sense the change in her and I ask, "Stella what is it?!"

I never knew of her crying unless she was truly hurt. She always had been the one to find a reason to make any and everything result in an outcome that left her appeased.

She sighs and grips my fingers staring down at the band that Leslie had slipped there in the quiet registrar chapel a few days ago. Her fingers neatly trimmed but artistically polished caressed it before she looks back up at me.

"Do you love her?"

The question took me by surprise and for a minute I just sat there staring at her, Estelle was not the one to give love so much as a passing glance. Where was this going?

I quietly answer knowing that I love Leslie with all my being. "Yes, Stella I do love Leslie."

"I know mum and dad are very happy for you. At least one of us can keep them truly happy and satisfied." Her smile was somewhat sad as she looks at me.

I tried to smile but I wanted much more to know why Estelle drove across town to come to Fair View Heights to say all this when we usually spent time in dialogue over the phone.

"Girl, what's the matter?" I ask knowing there was much more going on with her.

She sighs then laughs. "Just getting a bit mushy, seems like all the men I truly care about are leaving me."

"What?!" I said still curious but quickly offering her solace where I was a concern, "You're not losing me Stella you're as dear as a sister to me, a pain in di ass but nevertheless my genuine friend."

She laughs a bit, "A pain in the ass heh."

"Well....," I said as if contemplating and she hit me on the arm playfully.

"Come to think of it am a pain, sure mom and dad would agree with that."

Myra and Kenton Rivers were very much no-nonsense and centred their lives around strict principles that their wayward daughter strayed from on numerous occasions that they decided it was just best to let her be.

As an only child, they had spoilt her and so she had become self-centred and quiet armoured with having her way but she was also very caring and loving where her parents were concerned. She had her rebellious ways but she was a daughter they could be proud of nonetheless.

I pull her to me in a hug and said softly, "We are all proud of you and none of us ain't going nowhere Stella."

I was shocked once again when I heard a sob escape her and her body shook in my arms but the words she spoke shocked me more. "Dad's dying Dan, he has less than a month to live."

I felt all life drain from my body as the words she spoke seep into my consciousness. I wanted to speak but the sound of my phone filling the silence with its shrill sound had me turning to it instead. I reached for it and answered.

"Hey Dan my man, I was speaking with Leslie earlier about an appointment but somehow our call got cut off, could you tell her to come by at two?"

"Sure", I answered all movements automatic as I try to grasp the reality that I was once again losing a father.

I hug Estelle tighter as I grip the phone thinking how annoyed I had been when she had shown up on her whirlwind of heightened persona. I curse silently thinking how angry I was at her as she had invaded my time with Leslie and more so wanting to throttle her for the tension she created from her earlier comment had now placed on my relationship with Leslie.

Life sure as hell knows how to give it to me at times I thought as I sigh.

******************************************
Hello everyone... 🙂

Now after such a wonderful night here comes the turn of events that it seems is going to break the fragile bond that Daniel and Leslie have created.

What is going to happen now?😦

Leave your votes and comments 😊