Vanessa:
I wondered where he was as I searched through the crowd; at the same time, I hoped I wouldn't see Scot yet … I picked up my phone from the small bag I held as soon as I heard the ringing tone; I'd just received a text from him.
I proceeded as I followed the description he gave me; I found myself in a dimly lit restroom.
I guess we get to meet at a restroom? Great! I bit my nails as I awaited his arrival.
After what seemed like ages, the doorknob turned. He looked the same, unchanged; some strands of his black curly hair fell across his face, and his mouth knotted into what looked like a smile but was more of a smirk.
Ahh, those full lips. Oh, I could feel my heart pounding way too fast; a hug? Yes, you hug someone you have not seen for a while.
"Daniel", I finally say as I extend my hands towards him for a hug.
He brushed my hands away. "I'm here for an explanation, Vanessa; what's going on? Out of the blue, you got married?"
"I can explain." My voice quivered. I reached out to him and touched his shoulders.
I looked into his eyes, hoping it would be some form of reassurance; he looked back at me... those blue ocean eyes.
"I still love you".
"No, you don't –" We both turned as we heard the squeaking of the door; the door opened.
Scot!
What was he doing here?
"Oh no! I'm so sorry. Let's just get you cleaned up. I rushed to open the tap, and I gathered water into my palm as fast as possible and poured it on Daniel's clothes, brushing off his left shoulder with my hands, with the consciousness that Scot would not notice not be interested if there was really a stain.
"Who is this, Vanessa?" They both said in unison.
My heart skipped, think Vanessa, think!
I looked across at both of them, as the countenance on their faces was evidence of confusion.
"Daniel, this is my husband, Scot… Scot, a good friend of mine, Daniel.
I was careful enough not to stutter, i was really nervous
"Aand you just happen to be with your good friend in a restroom?" Scot raised an eyebrow; he was calm. At the same time, I could tell he was suspicious.
"I spilt a drink on him in excitement; he came here to surprise me. I was terrified, I insisted on getting him cleaned up, you know, It's been ages since we last saw." I smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah, Vanessa here also surprised me…" The remark Daniel made was sarcastic. And only I understood what he really meant
"Alright then, can we leave now?"
Scot gestured towards the door, my cue to follow him
"Huh, we?" I mumbled
"Yes, you my wife, Vanessa Greyson, You should be by my side."
"I—"
Scot's phone beeped loudly, interrupting me.
"Hello, Clark, I'll be there in a minute. " He gestured with his hands, saying he had to leave urgently.
"Phew, that was close."
I went to the door to make sure he left the vicinity completely before returning to the restroom.
"What was that all about? I need answers. You're so lucky I'm so calm."
Daniel nostrils flared.
"Look, Scot, is my husband. I married him for Elvis's sake…"
He looked away, avoiding eye contact.
I lifted his chin and brushed my lips against his. I cupped his soft, full lips with my mouth; there was no response from him. Just as I was about to pull away, he took my lip into his and kissed me passionately.
I could swear I missed this part of us.
"I do not want to lose you, Vanessa. I don't care if you're married; I miss you and I… love you." He enquired, almost in a whisper.
"Why not leave Scot?, Once Elvis gets better, things will change for us, I promise. Let's keep seeing in secret". His pleading eyes searched mine.
"What?" I acted naive.
" Let's keep seeing each other. Once Elvis is completely healed, we'll leave the country together and start afresh." He repeated
"Uhhm I don't know, Daniel."
All of a sudden, it seemed like he was asking for too much.
" You owe me this much at least."
I kept mute, many thoughts ran through my head, all at the same time.
"Speak to me, Vanessa."
He shook me. I looked at him hoping he'd see the tears which had begun to form in my eyes.
I moved my lips to speak; no words came out. I thought as much; he turned to leave.
"Wait!. We'll be seeing each other in secret until everything's all settled."
"Thank you, Vanessa. I have to take my leave, and you have to be with your–husband"
I could tell he almost choked right before he said the word 'husband', he's hurting, I'm hurting…but we'll be fine eventually.
He left, I was left alone, i turned on the facet and washed my face.
I turned to leave when i heard a squirm
"Argh what where you're going"
"I'm sorry; I was in a hurry; I didn't even look." I heard him say I was right behind him; I didn't see who he was talking to.
"Yes, you should be sorry; you were the one who bumped into me."
"I know, hence the reason for my apology, don't prolong this"
"Whatever!"
I peeped through, it was Helena
I hurried through the other way, away from her— before she could sight me.
I was in no mood for a chit-chat.