Vanessa Collins

I entered the store and went to the clothing section. It was Saturday and I decided to go shopping for more work clothes and perhaps a bag. I started looking at the different types of skirts and the materials that they were made of seemed expensive so therefore they will last a long time.

I took up set that was in a clear bag and red the label. It was a royal blue suit consisted of a skirt, a white blouse and also a jacket. It cost thirty - five dollars but to me it was worth it. I took it along with two other skirts including a black one with a split at the back.

I went over to where the blouses were and immediately I saw one that I had to get. It was red but it had rose prints on it. I don't necessarily try on clothes I just look at the sizes and knew what would fit me and what wouldn't.

"Hey", I heard a voice say as Akilah showed up beside me. She was dressed casually as her shiny, black hair laid rest on her shoulders.

"Hey, haven't seen you in a while", I replied before taking up another blouse that I thought would go well with a working pants I had at the house.

"I know right? Things have just being really hectic lately. By the way have you found a new job as yet?".

"Yes I have. How about you?", I asked as we both started walking down the aisle looking here and there.

"I have but it's not something I want to do for a long time. I mean babysitting is fun but it can get to you especially when the kids won't listen".

We stopped at the undergarments section. I wasn't sure about buying any lace panties. Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with them and they fit the body well, it's just you give them a few washes and they start to detach and get all stringy. I rather my normal panties so I took up a few of them in different colours.

Her phone started ringing and she went one side to answer it. Maybe I should take her number ; it's been a long time since I talked to anyone on my phone.

"Hey, I'm going to cash and head home, my brother is in his feelings again and I don't want him to do anything that he'll regret".

"Ok, make sure he doesn't", I replied before giving her a hug. She walked away and I continued to look as I went down further to the back of the store.

I stopped in my tracks when surprisingly I saw Devin who was talking to a woman. I thought he left for business and he actually said he wouldn't be back for now. I was confused but then I thought that he came back sooner than expected. Or maybe he didn't leave at all.

I turned and walked away not wanting to disturb them. If he was back he would be at the house later and I will be seeing him. I paid for my items which needed two shopping bags before leaving the store. 

I had nothing left to buy for now so I might as well go home. But I decided against that because I do really need some time out. Tomorrow I'll be home all day and then work monday. Just the thought of going to work gave me mixed feelings. I couldn't stand Mordechai and his cocky behaviour.

I made my way to the park and sat on a bench under a huge blossoming tree. The kids were having the time of their lives as their parents watched with such admiration. I wonder if one day that will be me?.

"Well hello again beautiful".

I turned around immediately from being startled and saw Hans standing there trying to hold back his laughter. I groaned angrily before turning my attention away from him. I sometimes wonder if he was really Devin's brother; they were just so different.

Not that anything's wrong with being different. Everyone's unique the way they are.

"Vanessa, the beautiful woman who my brother won't try and get with", he said before planting himself on the bench leaving a couple of inches between us.

"Because your brother isn't like you", I replied but he just hummed.

" well that's true, maybe it's because I'm adopted. But still, you seem like a nice woman and he's not interested in you. It's pretty weird to me".

"I didn't know you were adopted ; and there's nothing weird in a man just wanting to be a good friend. Nowadays it's like woman can't have men as friends, they have to be sleeping together", I replied before reaching into my bag and taking out a chocolate bar I took from the house.

"Well, it seems as if things will never work between us so I'll stop trying. One day you'll meet someone who you won't be able to push away, and you know why? Because you'll feel a connection with that person. It may be me but I guess we can never know", he said at the end making me roll my eyes.

He only laughed before digging into his pocket for something. I continued eating enjoying the warmth of the sun rays and the calm breeze.

"Listen vanessa, I'll talk to you again some other time, I have to go", he said as I nod and he walked away. He wasn't actually as bad as I pictured him to be when we first met. His words kept replaying in my head.

'One day you'll meet someone who you won't be able to push away'.

I can't predict the future but what he said was a possibility. What if I actually met someone who took my breath away? Someone who treats me with such respect and appreciation? Someone who will always be there for me no matter what? Someone who loves me.

But there's also a possibility that I will be spending the rest of my life alone. My past and everything had made me build up a wall and it was so hard for me to put my uttermost trust in someone especially a guy. And what if they think I'm horrible because of my past and don't want me in their lives anymore?

Whatever the future holds, I had to be prepared for it. But for now, leaving New York was my main priority.

HONK!

I looked to my right and saw a white car that had stopped before the sound of the engine went dead. It couldn't be Zed could it? I grabbed my bags and was about to leave when the window went down and I saw Franco looking at me.

I released a breath I didn't know I was holding as I went back to relaxing. The door was opened by a guard and out he stepped in his expensive white suit. His hair was done to perfection just like the last time I saw him.

"Miss Collins, didn't think I would see you again this soon", was his first words when he reached where I was. His eyes scanned my body before they returned to my face. I was only wearing a pair of dark jeans and a red off the shoulder blouse.

"Well, we can never tell the future can we?" I replied as he smiled before taking a seat beside me.

"We can't but there are some things we know are bound to happen. It could be tomorrow, the day after or even right now".

I nod slowly as I met his eyes. This was the guy who I may or may not have to sleep with. It was clear he had something on his mind. Something more than just having dinner with me.

"I want to have that dinner with you next Saturday. By the way give me your number ; I want to be in contact with you", he said whilst taking out his phone.

"My phone isn't working well and it's not really up to date either", I replied before tapping my fingers on my lap.

"Hmm", he said before snapping his fingers as I saw a guard going inside the car. A few seconds later he came out with a box in his hands. As he came closer I recognized what it was.

An iPhone.

"Here", Franco said handing it to me but I scooted away from him.

"I can't and won't take it ; I don't need it", I say as he shook his head from disapproval.

"Vanessa, I will be very pleased if you take it. Besides I'm sure you really need it and you don't have to think to pay me back. Its yours".

I didn't want to take it. There could be something behind it ; he wanted something in return I know it. But I do really need a phone seeing how dull my life was and I could get Akilah number and we could chat when am bored. I swallowed my pride and took the box from his hands.

"Thank you".

He smiled as he handed me his phone and I placed my number in his contacts.

"Ok now that settles it. I have to go ; I'll message you later", he said as I nod and he walked away. I watched as the car drove away then I opened the box. I couldn't believe I was holding an iPhone. When I go home I'll set it up to work and then I guess I'll be texting Franco.

This day was full of surprises, and they weren't bad at all.

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