CATCHING FEELINGS.

Michael J.D.

I finally found where my parents have been all along. We discussed about the business and other ventures. With my mum occasionally asking indirect questions as to who I came with. Mum and her damn curiosity. I was grateful when our discussion was cut short by one of their friends. I excused myself and left much to the disinterested looks of my parents.

Once I left, I set off to find Aisha. I've left her there for so long. I'm sure she is bored till death. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring her along to meet my parents. That would have been a very bad idea.

Once I got to the lounge where I had left her, she was gone. Where had she wondered off to? Not too far, I hope. I told her to feel free. But I didn't know she would take to my words in the literal sense of it. I groaned rubbing my hand across my face. I really don't have time for this. I saw Nathan talking to someone who seemed familiar. Probably I met him during one of my meetings or seminars. I approached them and tapped him lightly on his back to draw his attention.

"Hey! Nate, have you seen Aisha? The lady I came with." I whispered to his ear.

"No sorry man. Last I saw her was at our introduction, sadly. Any problem?" he asked worriedly.

"Never mind. I'll just look for her. She must be around. I had to absent myself for some time to meet my parents. I'll go now." I said leaving.

I had moved about searching for her for like half an hour now and no sign still. I mean, this place is big but for us to miss ourselves like this... Where could she possibly be? I hope she's ok. It was really a bad idea leaving her all alone for that long. I should have left her with Nate. He is not the most trustworthy person but he is truthful and reliable. I could trust him with anything of mine. I came to a stop at a balcony with view on the gardens. Then an idea came to my mind. I had not checked in the gardens. I moved towards a guard posted by one of the doors.

"Mister, have you seen a girl in a long turquoise gown, brown skinned?" I asked.

"Sure sir, she left a while ago with a young man towards the gardens." he replied.

A young man? Who is that guy? I told her to feel free and she is already flirting around with some random guy. Isn't she aware of how ruthless some rich people are? You don't just move into anyone's trap and leave unsheathed.

I move around looking in different bends for them. It took about 15 minutes till I got close to a path where I heard the giggles of a girl. That was hers for sure. I came closer to see who she was with, and I came in view with the last person I had wish to see. I went rigid. My lips set in a thin line.

What the hell is she doing with him? And of all people she could choose, it had to be him? And she seems to enjoy whatever stupid banter he was sharing. I've got a real problem with this girl. She barely smiles with me but seems to ease herself with any other person. Either she's got some problem with me or she really hates me. Which is very unlikely because I've never met a woman who does not by the way.

I came closer but they seemed oblivious to my presence. So, I cleared my throat to make my presence known. When they acknowledged my presence, the mood seem to shift as recognition washed over his face and all the laughing gradually died down. I balled my fist at my side as we stared into each other’s eyes. Neither of us wanting to break from the others gaze.

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

Aisha

The air around us became frigid as Michael approached us gradually, as though counting his steps. His jaw was clenched and his lips set into a thin line. His metallic gaze still on Travis as they looked at each other.

The tension in the air was palpable as the air seem to electrify. The silence was so eerie that most of the words that formed in my head got lost at my pharynx but I just had to say something to ease the tension.

"Oh. Mr. Donovan. You're here." I said softly. pretty dumb. Truth is, I had actually forgotten his first name. A very bad habit of mine which I'm starting to regret.

"I've been looking all over for you for almost an hour now." he said in a cold tone, still not looking at me. "I told you not to wonder too far." he said, which sounded more like reprimanding me.

What is this about? I'm not some kid that just wondered off into some dark woods.

"Yes, but you did say I should feel free to discuss with anyone of my choice. And you left me alone in the midst of an unfamiliar crowd. So, I had to distract myself. And I'm fine as you can see. I'm in good company." I said in my defense.

"So, it's you she's with." Travis said slyly." It's such a shame to be a pretty boy with no manners." he pushed on "how could you leave such a beauty all on her on? It's rather unfortunate you came upon her first. I'm glad you were negligent enough to let me meet her." he said provocatively with a smirk.

"Whatever I do or don't and with whomever I do it or not is none of your concern Mr. Reed" he replied sternly.

"I take it you know each other." I said nervously.

"Unfortunately, we do my dear." He said to me. "You're very lucky you know? She's very loyal to you. Even with such mediocre behavior of yours." he push on. I don't know what his aim is, but if he pushes any further, I don't think I'll like what comes next.

"It's ok. I'm all good. We can go in now." I said tugging on Michael's sleeves. "It was a pleasure meeting you Travis. I really enjoyed your company." I replied curtly.

"The pleasure is mine. I'll be looking forward to seeing you again, milady." he said taking my hand and placed a tender kiss on my knuckles. "We've got a lot to talk about." he said and I smiled and nodded in response.

When we were far enough from Travis, the question that had been whirling in my head finally rolled off my tongue.

"What was that about?" I asked.

"What's what about?" he asked still sounding angry. I stopped and sighed.

"I'm sorry I caused you to worry. I did not mean to." I said with my head low.

He turned and looked at me sighing.

"It's okay. It's not about you. It's just . . ."

"It's Travis." I said. "I don't quite understand the terms of the relationship you both have. But I'm sorry if I made it worst." I apologized.

"No, there is nothing you should be sorry for. I'm to excuse myself for what happened. You got stocked in our sappy problems without your accord. About Travis and I..."

"No, it's ok, you don't need tell me. I'm fine with it if you don't want to talk about it." I replied.

And he stared at me intently as though trying to read through me. I hate that look of his. Especially when he looks at me for too long. I'm not comfortable with his long stares but his eyes are so compelling and I can't hold a gaze for that long with someone. But his eyes are just so absorbent. You could get lost in them. He had sharp piercing greyish blue eyes, they almost seemed hazel. They were just beautiful.

"Are you always this patient?" he asked all of a sudden.

"What?" I asked a little puzzled.

"Never mind. shall we go Miss Aliyu?" He asked.

"Sure, let's go Mr. Donovan." I replied as I hooked my hand in his and we went in.

This guy is confusing like hell...