Chapter 5 Mother and Son

Chapter 5 Mother and Son

FIVE YEARS LATER

DARBY’S APARTMENT, SAN FRANCISCO

"Easy there, Sinclair. I don't want you having a bruised face!" Darby called out at her four years old son.

His nanny, Isabella laughed softly. "He is such an hard worker, so full of life." She noted as the little boy settled to arrange his Legos after jumping off the couch.

Smiling to herself, Darby kept arranging the stuffs into the carton. She hates packing so much, but has no other choice but to do it. It has been a long time coming and she has to move on to make a better life for herself and Sinclair.

Five years ago, she had left Los Angeles with her few weeks pregnancy to save the life of her innocent child. She had been worried that her decision would flop at first, especially when she faced so much inconvenience during the first three months of her arrival in San Francisco. Darby doubted if she was capable of loving the child she carried. But her doubts were out of the window the first time she met her son, he was the most beautiful creature she has ever seen. And he still is, full of life and always putting a smile to her face.

Sinclair gave her a solid reason to live and keep working hard. Now she knows what it feels like to be loved and wanted. Leaving Los Angeles made her realize just how special she also is because Sinclair makes her feel very important.

"I think we are done with most major packing. We should be able to move tomorrow without any glitch." Isabella said pulling her out of her reverie.

Darby clapped her hands in excitement. “Thank you so much, Bella. I wouldn't have been able to do it all without you. I need to step out to see Zac real quick, please take care of Sinclair till I return."

"You know I definitely would." She assured.

Standing up, Darby checked herself to be sure she looked neat enough to step out in her attire. Grabbing her car keys, she kissed Sinclair hurriedly and left. Even though she could afford to have a personal driver, Darby preferred to drive herself around. It gave her a sense of independence, especially times when she needed to be alone.

The past five years haven't been totally green, leaving Los Angeles with about a thousand dollar in hand was her only saving grace. Arriving at an unknown city, it didn't take long for the money she relied on to disappear. Someone rubbed her on the street while she tried hard to find a place to work. Luckily for her, Zac, who has become a very important part of her life now was closing up his cloth store at the time when he saw the cold young lady next to his building shaking profusely from cold.

Darby, even though wary couldn't refuse the help since she was stranded. He took her in, helped her settle in San Francisco by giving her the small room behind the store to live in, while her pregnancy grew. Zac was quite popular around town for his exceptional means of creating the most amazing designs from plain clothes for women majorly. Most ladies adore him for his commitment and brilliance. Without batting an eyelash, he began to teach and train Darby in the world of fashion. Being a fast learner, he didn't have to strain himself to help her learn. Their relationship was smooth. Few months after Sinclair was birthed, Darby ruffled up from delivery had bumped into a homeless looking teenage girl. And just like Zac had done to her, she let her live in the little space she shared with her son. Like a new born child, Isabella grew on Darby especially because she loved Sinclair so much and it was glaring. To keep living with her, Isabella offered to be Sinclair's nanny and she couldn't refuse. She needed Isabella just as much as the latter needed her. Their life took a different turn three years ago when Darby had drawn up a major dress design for one of LA's socialite who had come around to San Francisco for a show and needed an emergency dinner dress. Zac had been a bit under the weather and he had solely trusted her to come up with something intriguing. Working hard to make him proud, Darby gave the design her best and everyone loved it. Just like that, she carved out a name for her jinxed self. It took her a while to realize that the people she called family were the ones who were incapable to love.

Taking a turn that led to Zac's fashion house, Darby parked her car three blocks away as there wouldn't be much space for her to park in. It's Zac's most busy time of the year when different fashion and social shows are held. Most models and celebrities want their fittings and dresses done by Zac. Not just because of his brilliance, Zac is also very good looking and most women want to catch a glimpse of him. Except Darby, who has zeroed her mind against wanting any man.

Despite Zac's open affection towards her, Darby can't seem to let herself get swayed by it. She has learnt earlier that the best kind of love was self love and no one can give you that. Which is why she doesn't mind sacrificing her entire self for her son to have a better life than she did.

Walking the rest of the way, she went through the back where the workshop is located. It was out of bounds for non staff, but there is always an exception for her.

"Someone looks really busy." She teased behind Zac.

Turning his head from the mannequin he was styling, a bright smile appeared on her face. "Hey you." He grinned, pulling her into a soft hug. "Are you ready?"

Darby nodded dipping both of her hands in her pocket. "I guess so. Isabella says we are done packing."

"Come, let's sit." He urged, guiding her towards a couch away from the other staffs. "How do you feel."

"Elated." She admitted sincerely.

Her unique design had put her on the spot. An LA socialite, Desire King diverted the attention of her friends to Darby. So she has found herself becoming more busy with orders and getting preoccupied. Always having several deliveries to make to LA. In no time her name became quite popular. And just like her predecessor, Zac, Darby creates amazing designs. Considering her popularity amongst the people of California, she and Zac partnered to create a fashion house in LA which would be headed by Darby. That way she can respond to her clients closely.

Things changed for the best when FORBES called to inform her that she would feature among their under 30 most influential fashion designer and business woman. It was an unbelievable feat.

Zac smiled brightly at her. "I'm so proud of how far you have come, Darby. I am most glad to be a part of this journey. I do hope you won't stop reaching out to me whenever you need help."

"Zac." She called out softly. "I know I might never get the chance to do this and it's why I came here today. Thank you so much for being so nice enough to take me in. Even when you found out about my pregnancy, you still didn't freak out. You gave me a reason to live and offered me a better life. Thank you so much. Sinclair and I would be forever grateful."

He nodded, "I will forever be glad for helping you. Thank you for working hard too. You make me really proud." He grinned stretching out his hands to hug her. "Be sure to remain happy, huh?"

Darby chuckled against his embrace. “Trust me. I will make use of my time really well." She assured.

Los Angeles will never remain the same with her return. That's a reassuring promise.

***************************

LEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELES

Adjusting his tie properly, Leo straightened his collar and suit. Satisfied with his look in the mirror, he grabbed his office bag and left the room. Stepping into the living room, he sniffed the air. "Wow! The house feels like a chicken restaurant. What are you both up to?" He inquired, looking towards his fiancee, Chloe and the chef.

"Hey, baby." Chloe cooed drying her wet hands on a napkin, before walking towards him. "I was hoping you would have breakfast before leaving." She muttered kissing him.

Rubbing at her back with his free hand, he smiled weakly. "I have something important to attend to at work. I will get something on my way out."

She looked a bit disappointed, but managed to hold up a smile. "Alright. How about I send you the food later on?"

He shook his head in disapproval. “That would be too much of a hassle. Just put it in the fridge or something. I would eat when I return."

"Okay. I will be going out with my godmother for the wedding dress shopping and some girl. time out. So, I might be a little late. You know how she can be." Chloe said while she smoothened Leo's hair.

"No problem. My regards to her and have as much fun as you want. Bye." He said, kissing her on the cheeks.

Leo could feel her eyes on him and almost felt guilty for acting so stiff. At the same time, there is a limit to which he can pretend to be fine. Getting into his car, he let out a long breath of relief. Sometimes he finds it really hard to spend too much time around Chloe. They have been engaged for three months and the wedding was coming up in two months. Despite assuring himself that he would get used to her with time, he only finds himself becoming more distant. Guilt kept eating deep at him every time he stands in front of Chloe and try to play her fiancé.

Pressing hard on his car horn at the car slowing down in front of him, Leo hissed in frustration. He shouldn't have listened to his mother and just remained single. They all misunderstood the friendship between himself and Chloe, since they grew up together as kids. Chloe went to a different high school and they only connected back at college. Even though the both of them had gotten down with each other few different times in college, he never considered to date her but things went haywire when Chloe clung onto him affectionately. It wasn't so bad at first, until now that there is a lifetime commitment. Their mothers had been friends for a long time and they thought it would be in everyone's best interest if their children got married, to maintain a longer friendship and partnership as regards their business. It didn't mean much to him either since he has no interest in involving himself with any lady and Chloe was clearly in love with him. He had no other choice but to give in, but it seem like a very wrong decision on his part. Nothing interests him around her anymore.

Turning off the car ignition when he got to the office parking lot, Leo got down from the car. His secretary already stood in wait for his arrival. Leo scoffed, trying to hold back his laughter. "How many times have I told you to stop waiting for me like a butler, Kingston?" He questioned.

Kingston bowed hurriedly. “I...I just thought it's the right thing to do. Let me have your bag sir." He said attempting to reach for the bag in Leo's hand.

Leo snatched it away from him and dipped his free hand in his pocket. "You really are something. You are my employee not a servant." He chortled heading towards the elevator.

Even though everyone had been against Leo picking Kingston as his secretary when he took over as CEO, because of how slow he appeared as an intern then but Leo had seen a part of him that everyone seem to ignore, which is Kingston's intense passion to learn and take correction. They have been working together for a year and they have signed off great deals without any hassle. What worries Leo about him, is his humility level. Sometimes it gets really annoying.

"What do I have on my schedule today?" He asked as they stepped out of the elevator.

Before responding, Kingston rushed to the office door to open the door for Leo to walk in. "There isn't much to do today. But you have a meeting with the engineering team in the next two hours."

"Not bad." Leo mumbled unbuttoning his suit. "Do I have any document to look over?"

"Definitely sir, there are major files that you need to review. I have sent it all to your mail."

"Thanks for your hard work, Kingston. You can leave." He said.

As Kingston headed to the door, it opened widely letting in Aaron. "Good morning, sir." He greeted.

"Hey there, my man!" Aaron bellowed, ruffling the young man's hair as he hurried out of the office.

Leo raised a disapproving brow. “Do you always have to act so personal with him? He doesn't always feel comfortable around you."

Aaron sneered, pulling out a chair to sit in. "You spoil him too much. When exactly did you become so softhearted?" He teased.

Ignoring him, Leo turned on the computer to go through the mails. "What are you doing here, Aaron?"

"Can't I come around to see my only friend?"

Leo his head to look at him. “The only thing you come here to do is make my life miserable. I hate that you have so much free time on your hands for an athlete."

"The best at that. You know it's always busy when matches are lined up. I only get to see you when the season is over. Why are you being so cold? I am not the one who made you dump basketball for a cozy office." Aaron taunted.

Leo sucked his teeth while shaking his head. "I have told you times without number to stop going at me with that. I made my decision with a clear head and I am not regretting it."

"Then why are you stuck up all of a sudden? What happened to the Leo who loved to party and flaunt girls around? To make matters worse you went ahead and got yourself engaged to be married, how did you even think to propose? You are such a party pooper." He whined.

Slapping his forehead in frustration, Leo glared at him. "If I wasn't so into you as a friend, I would have had you bounced out of this place. Can you stop bothering me please, I have got work to do."

Aaron sighed as he watched his friend quietly. It still bothered him that Leo changed all of a sudden and became disinterested in a lot of things. "It has been five years, Leo. You should forgive yourself."

"Of course, I have. This is me forgiving myself by becoming more responsible."

"You call getting married to someone you are not in love with responsible?"

"What else would you have me do? I possess everything a man would need to have a good life and getting married is the right thing to do."

"Do you know how you sound right now? Like a spoilt brake. You don't know if going forward or backward is the best move. So you keep swerving left and right. When do you think this would stop?"

"I made a lot of mistakes in my life, Aaron. Too many and I would rather just keep living this way. It's what I deserve. What you should help me become is a better husband to Chloe. She doesn't deserve a bum like me."

"She got what she deserved for letting her parents choose a future partner for her without thinking independently." Aaron hissed.

"You should direct your anger at me too since I agreed to it. I am the asshole who agreed despite knowing how I truly felt about her. Chloe's emotions are true towards me. Stop talking about my fiancée like she is the villain here." Leo mused in a pleading tone.

"Now you are making me feel guilty. Anyways, you owe me a timeout and today is Friday. Come out with me and hangout with the rest of the team."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes." He gritted making a face at him.

"You don't have to make such terrifying face. I will inform Chloe and we can head out, she is at mine. I will call you when I am done."

"Never, I am staying right here till you are done." Aaron grinned widely at him.

Leo sighed in resolve. He continued with his work. It's of no use trying to convince Aaron to do his will.