Ex-Boyfriend Begs For a Second Chance

Arriving home with the groceries and a bouquet of roses in her hands, Andrew, Nora's older brother looked at her. Andrew could notice the broad smile on his sister's face. "Who did this to you?" Andrew teased. Nora took a seat next to her brother as she showed him the things she got from the grocery store. "So, I am thinking of preparing pasta tonight. Have you had anything to eat while I was gone?" asked Nora. "Sitting in a wheelchair doesn't mean I can't do things with my hands." Nora smiled. She gave a big sigh as she looked at her brother. She wished she could turn back the hand of time and change so many things like stopping her brother and parents from coming to her school party. If only they had stayed back, her parents would still be alive and her brother won't be sitting in that wheelchair. If only I could go back in time. Andrew pulled his wheelchair closer to his sister. "I know that look." Nora faked a smile. "What look?" asked Nora as she kept a straight face. "That look that says you blame yourself for everything and if possible, you would like to go back in time and change things." Andrew knew his baby sister too well. When they were growing up, he was the only one who understood her. "But it's all my fault. If you guys hadn't left home to come to my school party, this wouldn't have happened." "Things happen for a reason." Andrew was going to start giving her pep talks but none of that helps. Nora shook her head in disagreement. "I don't see any reason for the things that happened. We lost our parents and now you're here in that chair, what sort of reason could there possibly be?" "Enough of that. Whose flower is that?" Andrew asked to change the subject. Nora looked at the flower. She grabbed them and put them in a vase. "Michael gave them to me." Nora looked at Andrew because she knows how much Andrew detests him. "I see." He rolled his chair back to the sitting room where he was enjoying his movie. Nora prepared everything she needed to make the pasta. "I still don't understand why you don't like him. He has done so much for me, for us. Why don't you like him?" Nora asked her brother who was changing the channels pretending not to hear her. After a moment of silence, he spoke up, turning the wheelchair to face his sister. "I just have this feeling he's going to hurt you, Nory. I know you love him and he's been kind to us but think about it, why would a celebrity choose a girl like you to be his girlfriend? You are not his type. I just feel like there's something more to his kindness." Andrew knew his sister would feel bad but he just wanted her to know that life isn't what we make of it. "I am just looking out for my baby sister." After a few minutes, the pasta was ready. Nora served the food and they both ate in silence. She didn't want her night to be ruined, she wanted to keep that moment of tonight with her boyfriend evergreen and she wasn't going to let her brother ruin it with his philosophy of what life is about and what it isn't. "I am going to be in my room if you need me." with that Nora took her food and excused herself. Andrew saw this coming so he didn't let it bother him too much. He continued with his meal and made sure he ate to his satisfaction. Nora got into her room, with her food in her hand she sat down on her bed placing the food gently on the bed. She went to her mirror and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her black eyeballs, her curly black hair packed up in a ponytail, her olive skin tone, her oblong face with few pimples here and there, her patched orange lips. She glanced at the clothes she was putting on, a baggy top with baggy trousers. If not for her two breasts and her round butt, she would have been mistaken for a guy because of the clothes she wears. But these are clothes that made her feel like herself, wearing skirts or gowns is something she does on special occasions. What's there not to like? she asked herself. "As long as Michael loves me like this and he ain't complaining about my looks, I ain't going to change," she reassured herself. She ate her food reminiscing about the kiss Michael gave her. "I wish my brother would see you are not as bad as he pictures you to be." She was still reminiscing about the kiss when her phone rang. She grabbed her phone and saw that the caller was Sara. "Right! I forgot to talk to her." She face-palmed herself as she cleared her throat before picking up the call. "You know what, I don't know if you saw me in your dreams chasing you with a gun or perhaps it's that time of the month when you get all cranky and stuff but saying all those words to me doesn't seem right and the fact you didn't bother calling to check if I was OK is a prove that you meant everything you said and you don't give two shits that you hurt my feelings but you know what, it's fine. And you are right, I will stop poking my nose in your affairs anymore. I would have said I would get a love life but the truth is I am not ready for the 19th heartbreak thanks for reminding me what a failure I am in this whole love aspect thing and congratulations on finding your Mr. Right. Goodnight!". Before Nora could say a word, Sara had already hung up. If I had to choose between Michael and my best friend Sara, who would I choose? Nora thought.

The day is too sunny. Michael thought as he grabbed a bottle of whisky pouring it into his tumbler. A young lady walked behind him, placing her hands on his chest and rubbing his chest playfully. "Sweetheart, why did you get off the bed? I was looking for you." Michael turned to face her, kissing her on her lips. "You need to get going." He told her bluntly before walking away. "What's all this? You call me up anytime you need me to warm your bed and when you are done with me, you push me away like I am some kind of trash." "Gina, do not start," Michael told her, glaring at her. "Go back to your boyfriend." "It's because of her, isn't it?" She asked him as she folded her arms across her chest. Michael moved closer to her pulling her by the neck. "What do you know?" Regina started coughing. "You are hurting me." She told him. Michael left her neck and waited for her to spill the beans. "I followed you last night and I saw you kissing her, you even got her a bouquet of roses. Is she your girlfriend?" "She's not. She is just like you. I use her for fun just like I use you. Don't go around spreading rumors and pray to the heavens I don't catch you stalking me." Michael turned back and left her. ~~~~~ Nora arrived at work and she was glad Sara was in the baking room. She dropped her bag and went to join her best friend in the room. Sara looked up at her but later ignored her existence. Nora went closer to her standing beside her like someone who was caught stealing candy and is awaiting punishment. "Don't give me that look. Start talking." Sara said as she stopped what she was doing. "Sara, I am sorry. I shouldn't have reacted that way." "But you did." "I know and I'm very sorry." Sara sighed. "What happened?" "It's a long story." She explained. "Well, I've got thirty minutes to listen to it." "I'll tell you after we're done baking," Nora said as they both chuckled knowing fully well they'd be in trouble if they chat instead of baking. "Just know I still haven't forgiven you yet," Sara said. Nora nodded. The two of them started working on the confectionaries. ~~~~~ "Kelvin Netherland, where do you think you are going?". A man in his mid-sixties asked. "Give me a break dad," replied Kelvin as he made his way to the door. Kelvin's father- Mr. Alfred Netherland owns a business firm that deals with the importation and exportation of quality clothes, shoes, and, other brands of items, and he has been convincing his only son to take over his position as the Director of the company but Kelvin has no interest in it. All Kelvin is after is getting all the ladies, sleeping with them, and of course, breaking their hearts before dumping them. "Why don't you just come with me one day and see how I run things at the company." Kelvin shook his head. "No can't do dad. Just hire someone to do it." "You want me to hire an imposter when I have a son?" Alfred asked. "Exactly! Now with that settled, I will see you when I get back." Without taking another glance at his dad, Kelvin opened the door and left the house. He brought out his phone and gave a call to his best friend. "Yo! What's up?" He asked. They both chatted for a while. "Where?" he asked. "Franklin Guesthouse?". "See you there." Kelvin ended the call and took a walk downtown where he spotted a nice place to grab something to eat 'Oak and Honey." He opened the door and went in. He took a seat as he gestured to someone to come attend to him. "Hey, good morning. Welcome to Oak and Honey." The girl greeted him with a smile plastered on her face. "Yeah. I saw the signboard outside on my way in so you don't need to tell me." The girl cleared her throat. "What would you like to have?" she asked him. "Some cakes that I can eat now and some I can take home with a glass of fruit juice." He stated his orders as the girl looked at him. "Well, what are you waiting for?" He asked wondering why the girl was still there staring at him. "Right away sir." The girl said as she left to get his orders. Entering the baking room the girl gave the list to Nora. "Table 13; Some cakes to eat and to take home." Nora reads as her eyes stumbled on some words she read. "And his lips to take home?" Nora looked at the girl who quickly snatched the paper from her and left. Sara burst into laughter as she arranged the orders. "He must be really cute for her to put that in a sheet" Nora shook her head as she collected the orders from Sara. She went out of the baking room and went to table 13 to give the person the orders. "Here's your cake and this is the takeaway." She handed the guy his orders. "What about the drink?" Kelvin asked, looking up at her. "Drink?" Nora couldn't believe this. Seriously! She muttered to herself while searching for Amanda, the girl that gave her the order. "Um, we are so sorry about that. What drink?" I just knew that girl wasn't taking my orders with the way she was staring at me. "Forget that. How much is everything?" He asked bringing out his wallet. "10 bucks," Nora told him. Kelvin gave her the ten bucks, he took his cakes, and left. Nora went to meet Amanda. "What did he order?" she asked her. "Some cakes to eat and some cakes to take home," Amanda answered. "Really?" Nora asked. "He didn't order a drink?" Amanda thought about it for a while. "Oh Yes! He ordered fruit juice." "Now check the orders you gave to me," Nora instructed. Amanda opened the paper and she saw she didn't write fruit juice. She looked up at Nora who was already giving her a warning look. "If you do not want to lose your job, I'd advise you to concentrate and stop focusing on their lips," Nora warned. "It's not my fault. I mean, did you see how hot he looks? I wish I could be that cake he was taking home." Amanda said. Nora looked at her with disbelief. She can't believe this was coming from a girl who had just finished high school. She ignored her and left her to daydream. Author's Notes Ever admire someone?? was it awkward or nice??

It was 8 pm in the evening Sara and Nora decided to go somewhere to talk. "What about the Franklin Guesthouse? I heard his guesthouse is quite lovable," said Sara with her arms around Nora's arms. Nora wasn't interested and Sara could tell from the way her face squeezed up in a frown. "Come on Nory, It's going to be fun besides I won't leave your side for a second. What do you say?" She asked. Nora was feeling very reluctant but with a friend like Sara, it won't be very easy to tell her no. "I don't know Sara. Can't we just go somewhere not fancy and just look for a quiet place to talk?". Nora whined, poking her best friend in the cheek. Nora was trying her best to make sure her best friend said yes to her request. "Not this time, Eleanora Bell. We are having things my way and that's final. We ain't debating on this issue at all." Sara said with all seriousness and Nora could tell she wasn't going to have her way this time. Anytime it involves going out and stuff, Nora always tells her no or she would come up with one excuse so she could avoid any shit things. "But don't you think it's late for a day out or a night out? Do you know how scary the world has become?" "None of that works on me, Nora. You are coming with me and that's final." "Fine! but if things get way out of hand, I'm leaving with or without you...deal?" "Yeah, sure! whatever!" "I'm very serious. I waited and waited and I didn't see you, trust me, Sara, I'm leaving." "Do whatever you want. All I know is that you're coming with me." They both walked to the guest house. ~~~~~ Kelvin sat down in front of the bartender asking him to pour him a glass of vodka. "You want it chilled or hot?" asked the bartender. "Any temperature will do right now," replied Kelvin. The bartender smiled as he mixed the drink for him and passed it over to him. Kelvin was drinking his vodka when someone came to him. "Yo Kev." He turned to look at who the person was and right there was Michael. "Mike, It's so good to see you." He greeted them as they hugged each other. Michael grabbed a seat next to Kelvin as he ordered the same drink. "So what's going on?" asked Michael, sipping his drink. "Nothing much. How about you? What about your girlfriend? the one you've failed to introduce me to all these years." asked Kelvin. Michael sipped his drink as he gave Kelvin a look. "I want to break up with her but I don't know how." Kelvin put his drink aside as he folded his arms looking at his friend. "What do you mean by you don't know how? Is there a special method to break up with someone? just walk up to her and tell her you ain't interested anymore, I mean how hard can that be?" "You don't understand man. This girl is different although she isn't all sexy and stuff she has a very beautiful heart and damns she's everything any guy would ever want." "So why do you want to break up with her?" Michael whispered to Kelvin. "She doesn't let me touch her...like we've kissed but anytime we romance she stops at the moment I am so horny that all I would want to do is have sweet sex with her and that would leave me feeling bad because then I would have to look for other ways to satisfy myself because my girlfriend is too scared to give it to me." "Have you talked about it with her?" Michael shook his head. "I don't know how to tell her and that's how sweet she is." Kelvin looked at his friend. "I've never really seen you so worried about hurting a girl's feelings and now you are confused?" teased Kelvin before bursting into laughter. "This is interesting." "This isn't funny," said Michael with a frown as he gulped down his glass of vodka. "Just take it easy. You are smart, I am sure you will think of something." "I hope so." "Just relax man," Kelvin said as he patted his friend's shoulder. "I'll be right back," said Kelvin as he left. ~~~~~ Nora and Sara entered the guesthouse. Nora looked around and she could tell the place looked very nice. "Let's grab some seats over there." Sara pointed to two vacant seats as she pulled Nora along. "Come on! you are going to love it here." "It's beautiful," admitted Nora with a smile on her face. "But I don't think I want to be in here for that long." "Of course scaredy-cat. Let me get something for us to chill with first. Make sure you don't go anywhere." Sara said as she stood up and left Nora alone. "'I won't leave you for a second my foot," said Nora thinking of Sara's words. Why did she believe her in the first place? she thought. Someone passed by offering her a glass of drink. She took it and gulped it all at once. The drink tasted so sweet that she requested more glasses. After few a drinks, she was feeling tipsy. She was drunk and she knew it. She got up, almost tripping things over. "Sara." She called drunkenly but there was no response from Sara. Good thing there were not many people where she and Sara chose to sit. She made her way upstairs to the room where she met a guy sitting on the bed with a lady on his lap. "What the hell!" The lady said as she slapped him. "You have someone else and you called out to me? Damn you!" The lady said as she left eyeing Nora from head to toe but Nora wasn't bothered. She looked at the guy and she could tell she had seen him before but where? The guy looked at her and he could also tell he had seen her before. She's the girl that attended to me in that shop. What's she doing here looking so drunk? Kelvin thought as he watched her coming to him on the bed. Nora walked up to the bed and lay down completely ignoring the guy's presence as she slept off. Kelvin couldn't believe his eyes like where does she think she is that she can just sleep anywhere especially here? He glanced at her and he could tell she was very beautiful even though she was wearing a blue shirt and black baggy trousers, she was still beautiful, a kind of natural beauty you would hardly see anywhere. He decided to stay a bit till she woke up to keep her safe. A few minutes later, Kelvin had the urge to use the bathroom so he went to the bathroom in the room. Immediately after he left he could hear some voices in the room. "Give a call to Michael. Tell him we've found his girl." He heard someone say as he stayed put in the bathroom. Which Michael are they talking about? And which girl? Kelvin asked himself as he waited patiently to see what was going to happen. Author's Notes What do you think is going to happen? and which Michael? and if it's the Michael he knows, how come they know about his girl and he doesn't?

Michael was still sitting at the bar waiting for Kelvin when a call came in. He dropped his glass of vodka on the table and picked up the call. "Yo! What's up??" "We've found her." The voice on the other side of the phone said. Michael didn't understand what the guy was saying so he stood up and went somewhere remote and quiet. "I didn't get you before. What did you say?" "We've found Nora Bell... Your girlfriend." "What?" asked Michael with his tone rising from low pitch to high pitch. "Where's she?" After he got to the room she was in, he ran to meet them, and to his greatest surprise, Nora was there sleeping soundly. Michael shut the door after him as he paced the room to and fro. "Check everywhere and make sure no one is here," Michael ordered as his friends went to carry out the order searching every nook and cranny of the room. Kelvin overheard their conversation and thought of how he was going to hide from them without them seeing him. He looked up at the ceiling and he was glad to see that there was a little space between the wall of the bathroom and the ceiling. He looked at the space and looked at his body. I think I can fit in here perfectly. He said to himself as he climbed and hid in that space playing dead although it was uncomfortable. The door of the restroom opened and a head poked in. Kelvin didn't move a muscle, he was as quiet as the dead even his breathing could not be heard but if you touch his heart right now, it was beating very fast, not that he was scared but he just didn't want to be caught hiding in the rest room for no reason. The door of the restroom closes as Kelvin breathes a sigh of relief. "No one here," White said. "Same here." A huge guy with big muscles said. "Did you check under the bed, Austin?" White asked the big muscle guy. "I searched everywhere. I couldn't even find a strand of hair," answered Austin. Austin turned to meet Michael. "So Mike, what's the plan?" He asked. Michael had no plan. "I wish Kelvin was here, he'd have thought of something." "What if we have sex with her? besides, you don't love her anymore." White suggested and immediately, Austin smacked the back of his head, making him move forward a little. Michael was glaring at him. "Despite the fact I don't want her, I don't like that idea of sharing what's mine." Michael looked furious. "I'm sorry." White quickly apologized. "I think I have a plan," Michael said as he whispered his plan to them. They all nodded and smiled. Michael moved closer to Nora, he touched her hair and moved down to her shirt. Good thing she's facing up that way it would be easier to get the job done. He gradually opened her button one after the other until he was done with each button and Nora's plain white bra could be seen. He gestured to them to start taking pictures and photos of her. He moved closer to her legs and he opened her legs wide open since she was wearing a skirt and gestured to them to take photos and pictures. After they were done, Michael felt fulfilled. "Let's go." He left as the others followed after him. "Make sure you post it online....especially on the Oak and Honey site," Michael said as he closed the door. Kelvin waited to hear them leave before he got down from his hiding spot. He opened the door gently to see if they were gone, and when he found out he was alone, he came out of the restroom and moved closer to Nora who was still sleeping. Kelvin, do not get involved. Just leave and pretend you didn't see anything. Kelvin said trying to convince himself to mind his business but he just couldn't. He looked at her for a while, studying her features; her olive-tone skin, her curly hair, her long natural eyelashes, her pointed nose and, her orange moist lips. How can he not help her besides no one would find out he did anything. He sat on the bed. He helped her to button up her shirt and he clasped her legs together. "Nora." He called her name unexpectedly and immediately, Nora's eyes opened. Kelvin was startled, he didn't even know when he stood up from the bed. She looked at him wondering why he was sitting next to her on the bed. "What are you doing?" She asked tiredly. As she tried to get up, Kelvin slapped her face making her fall back to sleep. He didn't need to be told twice, he quickly ran out of the room. When he got closer to where his friends were, he put up a fake smile as he walked to meet them. Michael was the first to see him. "Where have you been?? I've been looking everywhere for you." Really? Kelvin thought. "Well, you know me...I had some babes over and I was having a good time with them and damn when I say those girls were good, they were amazing; good is an understatement. They were perfect." Kelvin said as he sat down next to them while Michael poured him a drink. "And you didn't think of calling us so we can enjoy them with you? That's so not fair! What are friends for?" White said, wearing a frown on his face. "OK. I know I should have called but I just needed them for myself alone...no sharing. You know how stingy I can be with my property." Michael laughed as the other guys joined in. "What about you?" Kelvin asked, sipping his drink. "What have you been doing after I left?" Michael coughed before answering. Kelvin could notice the hesitation in his voice. "Well, just like you, I've been busy with my damsels." He lied. He's lying? But why would he lie to me? Because he knows I won't have agreed to what he did? Kelvin thought as he faked a laugh. "Why don't we just enjoy the night, uh? What do you say?" Austin said, raising his glass as everyone cheered.

Nora woke up feeling a slight headache. She looked around and was surprised to see herself in a room that didn't look familiar to her at all. She wondered how she got into the room when her phone rang. The sound from her phone made her head ache more as she quickly stood up to receive the call hoping it would reduce the pain. Without looking at the caller, she picked up the call and an angry baritone voice erupted from the phone. "Where are you?" The voice asked. Nora took the phone away from her ear glancing at the phone with her half-shot eyes, she found out that the caller was her brother. Shakily, she placed the phone back to her ear as she stuttered. "I.... am so.... sorry. I will come home immediately." Nora said. She noticed her brother was going to yell at her so she hung up the call, she was surprised to see she has so many missed calls and text messages. She didn't bother about them because her main concern was her brother and the lies she was going to tell him. She board a taxi which took her straight to the house. Arriving at the house, she saw her brother sitting in his wheelchair waiting outside for her with his arms crossed across her chest. Nora cleared her throat as she walked up to her brother. The look on her brother's face made her start confessing, all the lies she had spent time formulating all went to the drain when her eyes met her brother's angry one. "I went to...um...We..." Andrew looked at his sister, waiting for her to stutter and give him the answer he wants to hear. When Nora saw her brother wasn't going to back down easily, she frowned and continued. "Sara and I had an issue so we decided to talk it out. We went into a guesthouse but later..." She paused a bit. "Sara left me all alone. I woke up this morning and I...." "You what?" Andrew asked. "Andrew, I am sorry for coming home just now." Nora apologized. She knew Andrew would freak out if she tells him she found herself in a bedroom when she woke up, In fact, Andrew would stop her from going anywhere. "Do you know you are late for work?" Her brother asked. Nora checked her time and saw it was already 9:30 when she is to resume work by 9. Nora left Andrew's presence at full speed as she got ready for work. Within ten minutes, Nora was done preparing for work. She got everything she needed and left the house pecking her brother on his cheeks before leaving. "Thank you, Andy! You are the best." She said waving at her brother who couldn't help but shake his head as he watched his little sister. "Be careful Nora." He whispered to himself. Nora is the only family he has and he isn't ready to lose her. Although Nora is naïve and can't see the truth for what it is, he's scared she is going to be hurt. If he had his way, he would love to be with her every day, every time, and everywhere but he knew that's impossible because everyone is being given a chance to explore their world and his sister isn't any different. ~~~ At Oak and Honey, Mrs. Wade- the director of the company where Sara and Nora works was having a meeting with some executives of the company a matter was brought up concerning some videos and pictures that were sent to their site which has been concerning so many controversies, especially from the customers. The executives were debating on what actions should be taken concerning the incident. Mrs. Wade was fond of Nora because she is a sweet girl but this was something she couldn't handle all alone and it was too much for her to bear. All the pictures and videos were so real that she couldn't help but believe Nora was hiding her true self behind those sheep's clothing. "Who would ever have thought that a girl like Eleanora Bell would do such a thing?" One of the male executives said with disgust written all over his face. "If anyone had told me Nora would do such a thing, I would have probably beaten that person to a pulp." One of the female executives said shaking her head in disappointment. "Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Theresa, you both have spoken my mind but the evidence is visible here. What do we intend to do because our customers are awaiting our response." A man called Mr. Hanson said. "Some of our customers have withdrawn themselves from our service. What do you intend to do?" Mrs. Theresa asked Mrs. Wade. "We all know how fond you are of her," she added. Mrs. Wade placed her elbow on the desk as she placed her chin on her knuckles. She wasn't ready for a conversation like this but since it has come, she has to say something. "I want to hear things from the horse's mouth, I will get back to you." She told them as all the executives took their documents and left. Mrs. Wade was left all alone with her thoughts. Nora arrived at the office but the stares she met the moment she entered the company and when she came into the office weren't friendly. Those stares felt like the ones she got from her brother earlier today. Did I do anything to get anyone angry? She asked herself when she felt a hand hugging her by the shoulders. She turned and saw it was her friend Sara. "Where have you been?" Sara asked. "Didn't you see my missed calls?" Nora brought out her phone to check, and she saw twenty missed calls from Sara. She turned the phone off, turning to her friend, "I am sorry. I had a massive headache this morning. And how could you leave me all alone knowing how sacred I am to be at places like that and you just ditched me." Nora poured out her mind letting Sara know she was hurt because she couldn't keep her word. "I am sorry. I later checked up on you but I saw that you were gone." Sara said. "I wasn't. I was in...." She paused when a girl passed beside looking at her with bad eyes. Nora couldn't take it anymore, she needs to find out why all the hateful stares so she decided to ask Sara. "Girl.." she tapped Sara and when Sara looked at her, she asked, "Do you know why I am being stared at today? it's scaring me." Nora was expecting a quick response from Sara but the silence she received from the talkative Sara made her know something. She folded her arms and looked at Sara. "Is there something I should know?" Sara sighed. "Nora, I don't think it is something you should bother yourself with besides, I know you didn't do it." Didn't do it?? What's she talking about. Nora thought. "Didn't do what?" she asked trying to suppress the fear she was feeling within herself. What are they accusing her of that she didn't know about? Sara debated for a while whether or not to tell but when she noticed how scared Nora was feeling, she decided to let the cat out of the bag. "You...You were caught..." "Miss Bell." Mrs. Wade called walking towards the direction Sara and Nora were standing, and the two of them stopped their discussion. "Yes Mrs. Wade," Nora answered. Her voice sounded a little shaky because Mrs. Wade only calls a person by herself when the person has done something but she doesn't remember doing anything wrong. Why then would she come to call her? Nora thought staring at Mrs. Wade. "In my office, now!" Mrs. Wade left as Nora followed after her. Author's Notes Hello, I am not perfect but I do try my best. I do hope you like this story. Tell me what you think.

Nora followed Mrs. Wade to her office, every step she took was filled with fear and heaviness. She has never felt this way before. "Sit!" Mrs. Wade gestured pointing to the chair in front of her. After they had both settled, Mrs. Wade looked at Nora and she could feel her fear. "I am sure you know exactly why I called you here." She told her bringing her phone from her shelf and placing it on the table as she rest her chin on her knuckles. "I'd be lying if I say I do Mrs. Wade. Is everything okay?" She asked. Mrs. Wade opened her phone and played the video to watch. Watching the video, Nora's eyes widened in shock. "Do you now know why I called you here?" She asked again collecting the phone from her. Nora was too shocked to speak. That's a video of her in that bedroom but how come? was she drunk when it happened? Who would do such a thing to the point of posting it to her work site? She thought. Mrs. Wade hit her hand on the table trying to get Nora's attention when she noticed she was in deep thought. Nora regaining herself looked at her boss who was waiting for an explanation. "Mrs. wade..." She started. "I have no idea how that video..." She was interrupted by the slamming of the desk by Mrs. Wade. "You have no idea??" She asked standing up from her seat and walking towards Nora. "Tell me, Is that you or not?" Mrs. Wade asked. Nora nodded. "That's me but..." "But nothing." Mrs. Wade cuts in. "Your irresponsibility has made us lose a lot of customers. I have to give them feedback so I can secure the little that is left. I have to make a report soon to get back this company's name that you have soiled with your filthiness and I have decided that for me to get back this company's name, you have to leave." Nora went to her knees pleading and crying. "Please ma'am, I have nowhere else to go...Please don't throw me out." She continued begging but all fell on deaf ears. Mrs. Wade opened her drawer and brought out an envelope. "That's your pay for this month." She threw the envelope at her. "I don't ever want to see you in or near this premises. Have I gotten myself clear?" Nora didn't stop begging to the point that she held Mrs. Wade's leg. Annoyed by her filthy hands touching her, Mrs. Wade kicked her hands away. "leave my office or I call security." Nora continues to cry and beg. Mrs. Wade took her phone and called securities who came immediately. "Take her out of here and make sure she never smells this place." The security nodded. The two guards pulled and dragged Nora out of the office. Sara was having a conversation with Amanda when she saw Nora crying and being dragged by the securities. She rushed to meet them hailing the security agent to wait. "Just give me a few minutes with her please." She begged them. The securities refused but after much persuasion, they permitted two minutes of discussion. "Nora," Sara called wiping her friend's tears and consoling her. "I didn't do it...I am innocent." These were the words Nora continue saying. "You do believe me right?" She asked Sara. "of course I do," Sara said. "But what happened? why are the security agent dragging you?" she asked. "Please Sara, help me to beg Mrs. Wade to not take this job away from me. I am the breadwinner of my family. I have a sick brother to take care of and I can't do that without this job...Please." Nora begged to hold her friend's leg. "Nora." "Your time is up." The security agents came to drag Nora. "Let me get her things." Sara quickly rushed to get Nora's things which she handed over to her. "I will call you." She said as she watched the security drag her friends away. "Everybody, Mrs. Wade said I should inform you all that there will be a meeting in the next five minutes." The secretary informed as everyone got ready for the meeting, ~~~ Walking on the street with tears in her eyes, Nora couldn't go home looking like this. She didn't want her brother to be worried about her because that would hurt her more. She looked for a quiet and remote place to sit as she thought about the video. She couldn't stop the tears that rolled down her cheeks profusely. She brought out her phone and went to her work site to check out the videos again. She saw the hateful comments and the abuses that reigned on her, with annoyance she switched off her phone as she bent her head to cry. "Wait! that's the girl right?" Nora looked up at the two ladies that were pointing at her. "You are such a disgrace!" One of the ladies said. "Let's go." The other lady pulled the first lady as they walked away. Nora wiped her tears as she took her bag and her phone. Everywhere she went people could tell she was the one in the video. They called her a whore, a disgrace, a fool, a bitch, and all other bad words. Nora opened her bag. It was a good thing she brought her headphone with her. She connected her headphone with her phone and played music increasing the volume to the highest range that way all the things people are saying about her wouldn't get to her. Slowly, she walked home with her arms crossed and the tears rolling. The clouds decided to be mean to her by releasing the rain. Everyone was running helter-skelter but Nora walked as the rain washed her tears. She sobbed all the way home. She wiped her tears when she got home but she was surprised to see her brother waiting for her in the rain with his phone in his hand. The look he gave her made her know he had seen the video and that was why he was outside waiting for his sister. Nora stood there as the tears rolled down her cheeks, the tears she was trying to hide finally became visible. Andrew pulled his wheelchair towards his sister pulling her hand to his level as he hugged her. Just then, Nora's phone rang and when she looked at the caller it was her boyfriend Michael. Her heart skipped a beat as different thoughts came into her head. Author's Notes Tell me what you think guys. Do you think Mrs. Wade was fair to treat Nora like that? Why do you think Michael is calling her?

The call from Michael made Nora's heart beat faster. Could it be that he has found out about it? She thought as the call ended. She was about to put the phone in her pocket when it rang again and the caller was Michael. "Just pick his call already.," Andrew said pressing the answer button. Nora quickly placed the phone in her ear. "Where are you?" A husky voice asked. Nora has never heard him sound that angry before. It was her first of hearing him sound so angry. It's only evidence that he has seen the video and he wants to ask her about it. "I am um...at... the house." She answered with fear and trembling. Nora was expecting to hear more words but the call ended immediately which was something Nora wasn't expecting. She knew he was hurt but at the same time he was supposed to understand she was going through shits too and if there's anyone that deserves to be angry right now, it should be her not him. She was shocked to see him behave in that manner. "What did he say?" Andrew asked. Andrew already knew what Michael's answer would be but still, he wanted to hear it from Nora. Nora avoided her brother's eyes and shook her head. Andrew withheld himself from saying what he wanted because he knew it would hurt his sister but he just had to say it. "I told you dating him was a wrong idea but you didn't listen to me." "Can we not do this right now?" Nora asked placing her hand on her head. Her head was aching and she didn't need this pep talk her brother is about to give her. "You have proven your point but please not now." She begged. Andrew understood his sister was going through so much that he decided not to push further. She is going through a lot already and he didn't want to add to it. "Ca we go in now?" Nora asked helping her brother push his wheelchair to the house. They were almost in when a car drove by packing in front of their yard. Nora turned to see who it was and to her surprise, she saw it was her boyfriend. "I will be right back." She told her brother shutting the door behind her as she waited for her boyfriend to come to her. Michael came to meet her with an umbrella in one hand and the other hand inside his pocket. He stood in front of Nora staring at her like he was waiting for her to say something but Nora kept mute. He bit his lips and said, "Well, don't you have something to say to me?" He asked as Nora looked at him stunned. What kind of question is he asking me? Why is that even the first thing to say to someone you love whose pictures of her body have gone viral and everyone sees her as a bit*h. She asked herself. "What are you talking about?" Nora asked ignoring the questions that were screaming out loud to be spoken. "I was accused and you want me to tell you what exactly?" Nora couldn't believe it was her boyfriend asking her something like this, he didn't even ask her how she was doing or what was going on with her. She knew he was shocked to hear the news but still, this was the least she expected from him. She sighed. "I didn't do what they are accusing me of. You wanted an explanation, well..." She shrugged. "...there it is." she answered. Michael smiled. "And you expect me to believe that?" asked Michael with a smirk on his face. "...because I am how old? Twelve??" Mike added. He brought out his phone and showed her the videos and pictures. Nora closed her eyes to hide her hurt. "You didn't tell me you have a twin who sleeps around with men to the point she had her pictures taken." Michael put his phone back into his pocket and focus his attention on his girlfriend. "You should have told me this is the kind of person you are and I would have accepted you that way. You are not just a pretender but also a wh..." Nora got angry and didn't realize when her hand landed on his cheek. She was going to apologize for laying her hands on him but when she thought about it, she kept her apology to herself. If there is anyone who needs to apologize, it should be him because he was disrespecting her and everything she stands for, she wouldn't tolerate it from anyone, not even her boyfriend. "You are my boyfriend, the least you can do as one is to at least trust me..." Nora said with hurt in her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks. "But like everyone, you made assumptions and judged which is really not fair. Even if everyone calls me names, you are supposed to stand by me not join them to throw me into the mud. You were supposed to be different from them if you truly love me." Michael looked at her, he was about to tell her he was sorry and that he had made a mistake but he has always wanted to be a free bird but his relationship with Nora was holding him captive and he wasn't ready to go back to living in that cage. Now was the time to end it all and he wasn't going to throw it away. He looked at her and said, "I thought you were different...I thought you were special...I go around boasting about you to my friends telling them how unique my girlfriend is..." "Your friends?" Nora asked knowing fully well Michael has never introduced her to any of his friends and here you are telling me you told your friends about me. Who do you think you are kidding Michael?" "Listen, you are just like the rest of the whores out there." Nora lifted her hand and was about to slap him again but Michael was quick to hold her hand. "You are going to lay your hands on me?" Michael scoffed. "Do you know I have what it takes to prosecute you for that? You and your sick brother will rot in jail." Nora got angry that Michael called her brother "sick. She got angry and pushed him making him land on the ground. Michael got up and looked around trying to see if anyone found out what she had done but the street was less crowded and everyone was minding their business. Standing there he said to her, "I am breaking up with you." He dusted his trouser with his hand. "I can't date a whore....I can't date someone who is already in a scandal, especially a sexual one. You were never my type, to begin with, and I am glad this happened." And with that, Michael turned around and left her all alone. He entered his car, started the engine, and drove off without glancing at her. Nora stood outside in the cold trying to register everything in her head, Did he just break up with me? Nora asked herself not believing that her brother was right about Michael and she was stupid to just realize it now. Everything happened so fast, it was like a movie to her. Maybe she's having a nightmare which she needs to make up for, she thought but when she slap herself on the face, it was real. How could she allow this to happen to her? She has always been this careful person who tries her best not to make any mistakes but now she just made the worst mistake of her life. ~~~ Michael got to his house, entered his room, and lay on his bed as he thought about Nora. Was he too hard on her? He wished there was another way to break up with her but if he didn't say all that, Nora wouldn't have believed him. The image of her crying reflected in his mind although he didn't wish to hurt her, but he had no choice. He grabbed his phone and gave a call to one of the plenty girls he has. He called Gina since she was the only girl in his life that he was comfortable having sex. When Gina finally picked up his call, he asked "Wanna come around tonight?" A burst of sweet laughter erupted from the other side of the phone accompanied by a tiny voice. "I thought you said it was over." Gina mocked. "Don't make fun of me. just get your sexy ass over here." "Anything for my prince charming." the voice said. "I will send you some money, make sure you get over here immediately." he hung up, sent her some money and then he threw his phone on the chair nearby, "This should help me get rid of my thoughts". He closed his eyes as he took a rest. A knock was heard on the door making Michael open his eyes in shock. "Who is there?" He asked but there was no reply only constant knocking. He stood up and went to the door, he peeped and he saw that they were his friends, Austin and White. He opened the door for them almost hitting their heads for scaring the shit out of him but they were both quick to dodge. They entered and he shut the door after them. "Where is Kelvin?" He asked when he didn't see Kelvin with them. Ever since that party, Kelvin has been distant and Michael noticed that but he has so much going on that he didn't bother calling knowing that one day they would meet up somewhere. "Dude has been busy with some ladies he met at the club." White answered resting his body on the bed. "how is it going with your girlfriend?" Michael got a seat next to them as he frowned his face. "what happened?" Austin asked. "She didn't agree with the breakup?" he didn't wait for Michael to reply, he asked another question saying, "Or you couldn't bring yourself to do it?" He added. "I told you Mike isn't man enough. He is deeply in love with her and he just doesn't want to agree to it." White told Austin nudging his shoulder. "Shut up white! Do you know how many hearts he has smashed to the ground? He is a professional heartbreaker therefore breaking up with Nora will be very easy." The two of them were tired of guessing so they decided to ask him, "Well, don't keep us in suspense." Suddenly, Mike's face lit up with a smile. White understood the sudden change in the facial expression so he moved nearer to him. "Wait! did you?" he asked. Michael nodded with a smile. They all gave him a high-five and congratulated him for the freedom he has received from his now ex-girlfriend- Nora bell. "It wasn't easy breaking up with her...I mean this girl gave me a slap on my face. Every other girl would have cried and left but she slapped me to be very honest, I never expected it." Michael said reminiscing about the slap. "Well, there is this saying about kind-hearted people...' they are sweet, loving but when you break their trust, they treat you like nothing," Austin said "I think that's the case with Nora." "I must admit the girl looks beautiful just that her dressing code is nothing to write home about." Michael glared at White for making a such comment about someone he dated. "What?" White asked. "Wait! Since you have broken up with her does that mean I can.." Michael didn't let him finish his sentence, he grabbed a pillow and threw it on White's face. "Go get yourself another girl who hasn't been won by anybody, stop taking leftovers," Michael advised as his friends chuckled. "Ouch!" Austin exclaims pretending to feel pain. "That was wicked Mike." White nodded and agreed to the fact that Michael won in teasing him. "I am going to get you for this Michael." They all chatted for a while before Austin and White took their leave. A few minutes later, Gina came in wearing a spaghetti top with a short jean skirt that was revealing her thighs. She and Michael spent time together kissing and smooching. Author's Note: Do you think Nora should have slapped Michael?