From a humble background and a poor beginning, Louis Chandler was the rugrat born to Frazier and Samantha Chandler. His childhood was filled with clandestine activities he couldn't fathom yet still managed to be a part of. He was the kind of quiet nipper who was always present at a discord or a banter between his parents but would dare not chip in a sound. Rather, he would hide at the back of the sofas, his hazel eyes void of the aftermath of the situation he would end up being a part of. He never understood the decisions or the steps his parents took for him nor did he comprehend the dull sight of his mother when she arrived home looking like someone who saw something enigmatic. Her visage was contorted in repulsion and all she could do was fling herself into his father's arm sobbing.
"It's alright. It's for the best" he said and made her face him "Thank you"
Samantha did not respond but simply stormed into the bedroom.
He also didn't understand when his father dressed him up one day and drove him to meet a business mogul whose office was located at the top of a building as tall as a skyscraper. The building was tall and imposing, piercing the skyline with its sleek glass covered exterior which reflected the city's hustle and bustle below. They were made to pass a luxurious lobby with polished marble floors, ambient lighting and high ceilings. Then an elevator that took them straight to the door of the man in charge. It was Louis first time taking an elevator and his first time entering an office that made him rethink his dreams. It reflected professionalism, efficiency and a sense of personal style; from the mahogany oak desk and swivel chair to computer sets and the awards that graced the wall. He came face to face with the business mogul who was also his father's boss. Louis could sense an intense intimidation emanating strongly from Mr. Fitzgerald who stood like a tower over him. Mr. Fitzgerald took him into his bosom uttering "my son".
"I will take good care of him as long as you keep up the good work" Mr. Fitzgerald told Frazier.
Louis was made to meet Drey who was Mr. Fitzgerald first and only son. Growing up, they are made to see each other as brothers even though on many occasions Drey had tried to bully Louis although he was five years younger than him. Louis being a diffident and isolated rugrat would always withdraw on any of Drey's mischievous advances. Having no siblings of his own, he had learned to love Drey hoping he would be a better man.
Now bearing his newfound status as a young judge; a testament to the trials he overcame and the victories he earned. He stands as a symbol of perseverance and success shaped by years of study and courtroom battles. He had left behind Drey who distracted and beguiled by insignificant pleasures was left to Mr. Fitzgerald to clean up his own mess. After flunking several classes, he finally managed to enter the university even though his father had twisted some screws.
Amopha had just finished one of her classes and was heading back to her hostel when she sighted an elderly man beside a company bus. From the way he looked down and sideways, she could tell he was searching for something.
"Sir are you looking for something?" she asked concerned
"Oh yes I am. I think I just lost my car keys" the man said
Amopha looked around and immediately saw something under the car reflecting the sunlight on her eyes.
"Sir, have you tried checking under your car?" she said as the man stared at her
"No. No, I haven't" he said bending down to look under the car as he sighted the key "There you are" he said picking up the keys and rising
"Thank you, Miss…
"Amopha sir. You can call me Amopha"
"I am Mr. Frazier and I'm saying a very big thank you for helping me find my keys. I hope to return the favor someday "
"Oh no sir. It's actually nothing"
"Believe me Amopha, an act of kindness is not just nothing" he said entering the car. Slowly and steadily, he drove away from the parking spot.
The fact that Amopha didn't know this man from anywhere but still made him relieved made her feel fulfilled. She knew what it was like to search for something very important to oneself. In her case, she had searched for things that was never there. Her fruitless search for her parents as a truant child was often attributed to a demented mental breakdown her fellow classmates and teachers thought she had. She was not insane nor was she mentally deranged, she was only void of an identity she had lost since the day of the fire. Being at a very young age, losing her parents and striving to build up a personality or better still an identity of who she truly was. She was just five when she had lost her parents to Providence and yet even now couldn't tell what trait she exhibited from either of them. Maybe she was reserved and timid like her father or she was tenacious to an extent like her mother, she didn't know. By studying her reactions and approach to things, Uncle Chazz would say "You act just like your father" or "I can see your mother's audacity in your eyes" . Of all the traits and streaks that people saw in her personality, it was her vulnerability she feared the most. Her ability to rise to a tenacious peak then fall to an inferior point, she would think she's not good enough. Her uncle had tried to make her feel above her inferiority but this was something she knew she had to break free from.
It was a brand new morning. Another day to strive harder and take chances like never before. This was not that day for Amopha. She had woken up with a severe headache. It was so severe that even the voices of her roommates and the ray of sunlight offended her. Even as she took her bath and ate, the intensity of the ache reduced a bit but still didn't subside. The heat of the afternoon brought the headache back in full manifestation. It was as if a spirit had angrily placed a throbbing cloak over her head. It was then that she knew she had to visit the school clinic. While searching for a doctor, she sighted a someone familiar passing through the hallway.
"Mr. Frazier" She called as the man turned to the direction of the voice. Ok sighting her, he smiled. It was the kind of smile that portrayed assurance and chumminess. One someone would see once or twice in their life.
"My girl, how are you?" he asked
"I'm very fine sir"
"What brings you all the way here?"
"I just have a slight headache sir." Amopha said rubbing her forehead. "Being trying to find a doctor around here but it seems everyone is busy. Hope you are okay sir?"
"Oh me? I'm fine. At least that's what I've been trying to tell my son. He actually brought me here for a checkup, says he's worried I work too much" Frazier said
"And that's why you need a checkup dad" a voice chipped into the conversation
Amopha turned to the direction of the voice and saw that Louis was already standing beside Frazier.
"He's your father? You're his son?" she asked as they smiled bashfully. How could she miss their resemblance? The endearing hazel eyes, the reserved disposition, and most of all, the gait.
"Yes I am my father's loving son and I'm telling him he needs a medical checkup" Louis said
"And I'm telling you I'm fine. Isn't that right Miss Amopha?" Frazier protested
"Amopha, Amopha" Louis said savouring her name like it was a new food he had tasted. Amopha stared at him nervously, an eyebrow raised.
"Before I forget son, Amopha here was the kind hearted lady that helped me the other day to find my keys" Frazier said
" Oh my, thank you so much…Louis said taking her hands and placing his other palm on it "for your kind gesture."
"I assure you Mr. Louis, it was nothing" Amopha said trying to maintain eye contact with him. He on the other hand was so good with it as he never broke a stare from her. His hazel eyes were deep and unfathomable, distracting her from keeping a straight gaze. She didn't know if she could feel admiration or distaste. It was as if his eyes were cracking her open without her consent, forcefully bringing out the secrets she held.
"Oh please call me Louis" he said
"I appreciate the privilege but I'll stick with the formalities" Amopha said, courteously trying to slip out her hand
"Say, have we met?" he asked
"Nope we haven't" Amopha said taking her hand back quickly "It was nice meeting you Mr. Louis and have a great day, Mr. Frazier. Do well to take care of yourself" she said trotting off.
"That's odd, I swear I've seen her once" Louis said as Frazier sniggered
"Dad what is it?" Louis asked, an eyebrow raised
"I didn't say anything." Frazier said walking away from him.