"Dude come on, relax. Your pacing won't do anything for you, but make me anxious too." George scolded his friend on the fine Saturday morning. Aaron rushed to his home when he received a text from Elena, asking him to meet her. It has been almost two weeks since he last spoke to or saw his family. He had followed the advice to be patient from George, much to his chagrin and finally, he has heard from her. He was curious, and at the same time anxious about what she had to say. Thus, finding himself asking his friend to accompany him. "Can't I come with you? I really want to see my friend, please", Isabella pleaded. "I know you want to honey, but we need to get her forgiveness first." George coaxed. "You are just going to complicate matters for me", Aaron added. "What is that supposed to mean huh? Don't you know I can help you plead for her forgiveness? She's my best friend, you know. Besides, I'll tell her to forget your betrayal and focus on her daughter." Isabella defended. "See? You are just going to remind her about something I want her to forget." Aaron sneered. "Oh, come on Aaron, you can't make her forget all those years she had to be miserable without you. It's not that easy. You know what, I'll just tell her to stress you out till she gets tired." Isabella said and laughed. Aaron just left before things got out of hand. George bid his family farewell and followed his agitated friend. "Mom that was too far." Stephanie said. "Yes mom, Uncle Wilson almost burst with annoyance. Hahahaha." Chris added. "Don't mind that. You all know I like teasing. I do hope he gets his family back, even though he deserves their anger." Said Isabella. "What would you have done if it was dad that abandoned us?" Chris asked out of curiosity. "Ha-ha, I would have killed him", Isabella replied, and her kids fell with laughter at her seriousness.
At the other side of the city.
"Hi mum", "Helloo, honey. How are you? It's been a while", Sarah's happy voice sounded on the other end of the phone. "Not so good mum", Henry's gloomy voice came. "What? Why?", Sarah asked, anxious. "Uhm, I just miss you and Audrey, that's all." Henry replied, changing his sentence at the last minute. "Awwwww sweetie, we miss you too, but don't worry okay. You will be seeing us soon. How about we switch to video call, and see each other." Sarah comforted. They switched to face time, and their lovely faces filled with smiles came to view. Due to their busy schedules, they barely got to talk, and Sarah missed her baby boy a lot. She was extremely happy to see his call, after he had avoided her for some time. Henry had actually called to report the broken vase, but he couldn't, and said the next big thing on his heart instead. He did miss his mom and elder sister. "So, tell me, how have you been? I hear you're a real Casanova, and a perfect gentleman as well. Judging from how handsome you've grown, I might have been part of your biggest fans if I were a teenager", Sarah said with a laugh, to start the conversation. Henry laughed at his mother's words; "Where did you hear that? I'm no such thing. Maybe a gentleman, but not a ladies' man." "Oh yeah? How many girls have you been with so far? Don't think about lying to me because I see you all over social media on their pages." Sarah asked with a tease. Henry smirked and admitted defeat; "Fine I admit I've been with a lot. But what can I say, ladies love me". "I can't believe this. You really are Terry Yawson's son, hahaha. Haven't you met any special lady who catches your eye, and is different from the rest?" Sarah asked with excitement. A flick of emotion passed through Henry's eyes, and he smiled, deep in thought. "Oh my God. When did my baby boy grow up so fast to find love? You have met a girl like that huh?" Sarah said in awe. "Actually, I won't use the word love, but she is something else. She doesn't throw herself at me, or let me have my way with things. She's got her own mind, and is quite smart. Heck she is at my level in brilliance. The only junior to join the quiz team by default. She's very brave and outspoken… Why are you looking at me like that?" Henry started singing praises, but stopped when he realized how his mom was looking at him. "Wow. I'm already anxious to meet the girl that can make my son sing her praises like this. Honey, you might not "love" her, but you like her. Do you realize she's the only girl you have spoken about in such high esteem, aside Naa, and Clara? In fact, I think she might have surpassed them." Sarah said excitedly, and Henry laughed. His mom was right. He barely spoke highly of anyone, let alone a girl, aside from his bestie Clara, and his first love, Naa. What's more is that he only shares important, special, and personal information with his mom. "Hmm, I wonder if that's what grandma said to dad when he spoke about you." Henry teased. "Of course she did. She even wanted to meet me eagerly since I made her son stick to one woman." Sarah bragged and a frown passed Henry's face for a fleeting second. "So, tell me her name before I pass out due to curiosity." "She's… she's …her name is…" Henry intentionally built suspense. "HENRY!!!" Sarah screamed his name in agony. "Hahahaha, Eleanora Ama Wilson. That's her name, but we call her Ellen." Henry finally revealed the name with admiration in his voice. "Hmmm, I see. She sounds incredible. I am happy for you baby; I hope you aren't just toying with her." "Mom, didn't you just say I like her? Now you think I'm toying with her. Anyways, I have to go. Give my regards to Audrey…bye." Henry said and hung up before his mother said anything else. Sarah sighed and smiled at the other end. Henry just made her miss her husband; those two were father and son indeed.
Back in Elena's house, Aaron and George were sitting patiently waiting for the ladies to speak up, after they were offered water. Aaron was at his wits end trying to figure out what Elena was thinking. "RING", the sound of Aaron's phone ringing broke the curse of silence on them. Aaron frowned at the caller ID and hung up. The person on the other end didn't seem to get the signal, and kept calling. "Why don't you answer the call, Aaron? It might be important." Elena spoke for the first time. "Trust me, it's not." Aaron replied, switching off his phone. Ellen, who was at the corner, suddenly gripped her stomach and let out a painful cry, making the adults rush to her in alarm. "Ellen, what's wrong? What happened?" Elena asked in alarm. "I think she's having a problem with her stomach. Give us some space please. Ellen, sweetheart, you are going to be fine okay. Daddy's here." Aaron coaxed. Ellen upon hearing this, burst into tears. "I've called the ambulance, they're on their way." George said after stepping out to make a call. "Good. Elena, can I have some water please? … have this sweetie." Aaron gave Ellen some water to drink. Elena was at high alarmed rate, worried about her daughter. "Aaron what's wrong with our daughter? What can I do?" "You can stop worrying and calm down. She'll be fine, I'm here with her. Keep drinking the water, Ellen." Ellen on the other was in agonizing pain, as she kept turning, with her hand on her stomach. The ambulance finally arrived after much difficulty to get there. Aaron got on the ambulance with his daughter, to start work on her, while George drove himself and Elena. Ellen was rushed to emergency ward, and given a drip. Aaron was busy running tests on her, and had given her some pain killers. He finally came out of the ER after some time, to meet his desperate baby mama. "How is she? Can I go see her?" Elena asked with anticipation. "She's fine Elena. Her pain has gone down now, and she is stable now. Remember some weeks ago, we were told she has ulcer that was healing? Well, it came back. We need to keep an eye on her, and the food she eats. I know you don't want anything from me, but please let me take care of her. I can send you money for yours, and her upkeep, Elena. Honestly, I'm afraid next time, it might be you." Aaron said with a worried expression. Elena nodded, knowing he was right. She couldn't help, but think what would have happened, if he weren't around today. Thinking of that made her cry. Aaron wrapped the little figure in his powerful embrace, comforting her. George was beyond happy to see Elena not resisting. That was good progress even though the situation wasn't a pleasant one. Aaron led Elena to see their daughter, after she calmed down. Ellen was asleep after being given the pain killer. Elena smiled at the sleeping girl, and turned to Aaron behind her with George; "thank you". She said and smiled. "If I don't take care of my own daughter, what's the essence of me being a doctor? Don't thank me please, I should have been there to prevent this, from happening in the first place." Aaron said with grief. "It's alright buddy, good thing you are here now, and that's all that matters." George said, relieving the tension. "Alright, let's give the patient some space to rest. George, get your son to keep an eye on her. If anything happens, I'll hold him responsible. Elena, please come with me." Aaron barked orders like the doctor he is, and led Elena out, holding her hand. George smiled and swallowed his words as he watched them go. He had noticed since they went to Elena's house today, she had not been aloof or hostile, but welcoming and co-operative. This was a sign she was warming up to Aaron again, and that is a great news to discover. It is said that children are the bridge between parents, and Ellen's condition, though not good, might just be the bridge to join Aaron, and Elena together once again, as their child.