“Grandpa Mille.” Argen shouted desperately as she came through the door. The hospital had called her not long ago saying that Millevern Greane had been admitted and would like for her to come over. Without asking for specifics, she had dropped whatever it was she was busy with, picked her keys and rushed to the hospital, as fast as she could.

Please. Please God. Let nothing happen to him. Let him be safe. She prayed quietly, as tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes, all the way.

Before her, Millevern lay on the bed. His wife, Doore, sat beside him. He was completely unharmed. In fact, he was fine. Relief washed through her causing to nearly collapse at the door. She recovered quickly, but now she was a little annoyed.

“Grandpa, what happened to you?” she said with a dramatic sarcasm as she threw herself upon him sending the air out of him with a loud “oof”. Doore laughed quietly.

“Child, please, be gentle with this old man. The doctors said it was nothing but they looked quite grim. I fear that they may have bad news.”

“It is fine, grandpa. It is very fine if you die. Please do leave me a lump sum of money for my needs. I promise I shall arrange for you a worthy burial.”

“What?!” Millevern was shocked. “You would be happy with news of my death?” he threw aside the covers and sat up, feigning offense. “Is that it? Do you wish for my death , Argen?”

“Oh no! Dear me no!” she spoke exaggeratedly now. “However, what am I to think, if you, a healthy, handsome and young man such as yourself admitted yourself into the hospital without reason. It could be that you are expecting your death.” She sat herself on the bed beside him. “Don’t you think so too, grandma?”

“Perhaps he simply wanted your attention.” Doore replied, laughing.

“Just a call. I am simply a call away. I was really frightened you know. I was scared. If something had really happened...” she let out a little sigh. Argen was a little sad now. It lasted for just a brief moment. “Anyway, please spare me the scare next time. However, I am indeed serious about ou leaving me a lump sum, because you know I do need the money right?”

“Doore, can you see this? She is praying for me to die so she can have my money. Is this not unfair. I even took great care of her and this is all I get. It is an injustice. A great injustice” Millevern faked a cry planting his face in his palms.

“It is tragic. Tragic indeed, that such a thing has happened, no?” Doore replied with great amusement.

“Tragic or not. It is necessary to have money.” Argen said.

“Argen where have I gone wrong, you were never a woman who cared about money so-”

“Of course she is such a woman grandfather” a spiteful voice interrupted Millevern’s dramatic lament. “She has always been such a woman. Only that you fail to see it.” This voice belonged to their only acknowledged grandchild.

“Casper, at least out of respect to both your grandfather and I, do not speak in such a manner about Argen.” Doore said. All traces of humour gone from her face.

Argen stood up, preparing to leave. Leaning on the doorframe with his arms crossed in front of his chest was Casper. He was still tall and still beautiful. The man she could have done whatever it was he asked, no matter how unreasonable. The man she loved so much, it almost drove her insane. But now she hated him and it drove her equally insane.

“What’s the problem with stating obvious facts?” Casper replied as he unfolded his arms and walked into the room.

“Casper! The only problem here-” Millevern started but was cut short by Argen.

“I guess since there was no issue I will return to the bar.”

“Why are you in a hurry? Why don’t you stay behind and see how much you can squeeze out of my grandparents? Or could it be that there’s a man waiting for you to-”

“Casper!!!” this time, Doore stood angrily. Both she and Millevern were fuming now. “Dispense with your childishness immediately!”

Casper went quiet and Argen felt without giving him as much as a glance. There was no need to reply him. She was used to it.

Argen sat in her car, fighting back tears. Her throat burned and her eyes hurt. “It’s okay. It’s fine. It doesn’t hurt me at all. I’m used to it.” She comforted herself. But it did hurt. It hurt a lot and it hurt deeply. And she definitely wasn’t used to it.

She started her car and the radio came on.

Baby, you can hurt me...

You can rip out my heart and tear it into. pieces...

But just you know this pathetic girl will. always love you...

“God... I really hate this song” she said as she turned off the radio and drove back to her bar.

She cut her hair. It suits her quite well. There is no doubt about that. Casper thought to himself as he sat in his car. After Argen had gone, he had sat through an intense session of scolding from his grandparents.

Aren’t they being a little too unfair? I’m the one that was hurt, why do they keep supporting her? He wondered with his head on the steering wheel. A sober tune flowed from the radio and filled the car. He closed his eyes as he recalled their earlier conversation.

“Why do you keep acting this way?” Doore started immediately Argen had taken her leave. She sat down and calmed herself. “You have not seen her in four years and the first thing you do is insult her?” she had lowered her voice as she questioned him.

“Grandma, I-” she lifted her hand, an indication to shut up.

“Whatever the reason, you shouldn’t have spoken in that manner. Especially, in our presence and even more so because I had asked of you to stop. It was uncharacteristically childish of you and downright unreasonable. You dampened the mood and right now, we are quite disappointed.”

“Doore. Don’t be too harsh on the boy.” Millevern who had been quiet all the while spoke now. “The problem is between the children. We shouldn’t get too involved.” Turning his attention to Casper, he continued “you know we do not really consider you a disappointment.” Looking around the room he let out a sigh. “This really is not the reunion I was hoping for. You must be tired from your trip. Go get yourself rested. Secretary Dawson will contact you tomorrow as there are some issues to be discussed.”

Though she was harsh, grandma was right. That was far too childish of me. Too unreasonable. I really shouldn’t have spoken that way. He let out a long sigh. “I can’t help it though. I’m very hurt and frustrated. I’m disappointed too.” He revved the engine as he spoke out loud. The tune continued accompanied by the rap verse of a man who sounded like he was in pain:

Searching for peace at the end of a bottle. It’s pure torture, everywhere I look, I swear all I can see you. All the words you said to me are the thoughts now haunting me. Visions of you burned into the eyes of my mind are the reason I need to get drunk to sleep at night...

“Maybe, I should get a drink.” He said in agreement with the rap as he made his way back to the hotel he had been staying since he returned to town 5 days ago.

*

True to word grandfather’s secretary did send word the next day.

“Please be at Atty June’s office by 8:30 today.” The message said. It had been a restless night. He was awake when the message had come in. It was 6:30 the next day. Casper was beyond exhausted. He had been drinking all night but he couldn’t fall asleep. Fighting the nausea and fatigue caused by his hangover, he reluctantly dragged himself out of bed and into the bathroom. It took him a little over an hour to be ready. He checked himself in the mirror. After great effort all physical signs of fatigue had been erased. He looked clean and well groomed. In no mood to eat he reached for his car keys, feeling dizzy he stopped himself.

It would be too irresponsible in drive in this condition. I should get a driver... he exhaled loudly. And maybe some mint. He thought as he caught the smell of alcohol on his breath. He took a long look at the empty bottles that lay on the floor and the room was an utter mess. Since he got back, drinking himself to stupor every night had become a habit as a result, he had acquired quite a collection of bottles. This isn’t healthy. He turned around and walked out of the door.

*

Casper arrived at the office building just in time. It was 8:20 now. It took a while to find himself a driver, but thankfully the roads were free today. It wouldn’t do to look even more irresponsible than I already do right now he thought as he waited for the lift to take him up to the 10th floor of the 15 floor building.

“You made it just in time. How fortunate.” He was greeted by Secretary Dawson in the lobby. Nodding in agreement, they entered the office where Attorney June and his grandparents were waiting for him.

“Since we are all here, shall we begin?” June started as soon as he sat himself down. Atty June was the legal representative of his grandparents for as long as he could remember.

She has short hair too, just like... his thoughts came to a halt as his eyes settled on the sixth person in the room.

How interesting. I seem to be hallucinating now. He laughed at himself. Seated before him was Argen. He hadn’t noticed her initially, but she was right there in front of him.

“Casper.” Atty June’s firm voice pulled him back. “Did you hear what I said?”

“I’m sorry. What?”

With her stern gaze fixed on him she repeated “Your uncle, I am of the opinion that you are indeed familiar with him, will be here in two weeks. I am told you spent some time with him during the four years you were away, yes?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Good as that would make this easier.” Turning her attention to his grandparents, she continued “The audit and turnover would take about 2 years. Normally, it would not take such a long time, but given the extent and size of all your investments and business and all that, investigative analysis would have to be carried out for cases like fraud and embezzlement and all that...” she continued her explanations.

It seems they were quite serious about withdrawing from society. I understand why Kain would be involved but why is she here?

“I also understand that you would like to hand over some of your shares to Miss Iyeaner over here, yes?” An answer to his question came not long after.

“Yes. It is.”

What? Is that so? Why am I not surprised?

“Given the relationship with your son at the moment, it might cause a little trouble for the young miss if word were to get out about your intentions and Know you do not wish for that to happen.” Both Doore and Millevern nodded quietly in agreement.

“I am aware of the romantic involvement between both she and your grandson, Casper, if I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion?” She had his full attention now.

Where exactly does she intend to go with this?

“Perhaps, they should get married. Then you would transfer ownership to Casper which would automatically be split between the two. The process would be much easier that way.” The room went silent for a moment.

“We are not romantically involved.” Argen spoke bringing the uncomfortable silence to an end.

“Exactly, there is no way I could be involved with such an unpleasant woman.” He found himself speaking before he could stop himself. The room fell quiet again.

Visible hurt, Argen picked up her purse, “Thank you very much. I understand your goodwill towards me and I am very grateful, but like I said before, this is not necessary. Let us have dinner sometime.” She offered a weak smile and left.

“What if she marries Kain?” Doore spoke; sure Argen was out of earshot. Casper was a little taken aback.

“Doore, we’ve spoken about this. You can’t make her marry your nephew and she had a serious relationship with your grandson. It wouldn’t bode well.”

“I believe she is better suited for him though.” She eyed Casper with annoyance.

“Miss June, is there another way to solve this?” Millevern asked.

“I will look into it and inform you as soon as I come up with a solution.”

“Please, take your time.” Accompanied by his wife and secretary, he stood to leave. Before walking out the door, he looked at Casper who had been quiet for a while “Make sure you give her a call and apologise. Also, discuss this issue between yourselves.” With that instruction they left.

He looked at the clock; it was 8:45 p.m. now. That was almost 10 hours ago. He had absolutely no idea how he left the office building or how he got back to his room. He sat staring at his phone for hours. He still had her number; he was never able to delete it. Finally, he made up his mind. He dialled it.

I wonder if this would actually go through he thought as he held the phone to his ear.

It rang. He was about to end the call on the fifth ring when the call was connected. His breath stopped as a soft barely audible voice came through.

“Hello?”

Silver, her bar, usually opens at 6:00 p.m. and by 9:00 p.m. business was in full swing. It was an intimate place. Not too big, with regular and loyal clientele. Workers from the office complexes around, some doctors from the hospital looking for a place to rest before their next shift, some college students and those who simply came for the ambience. It closed at 03:30 a.m., by then all the patrons would have left the bar. With her two chefs, three permanent waiting staff and her one part-timer, managing the bar was not a problem. With her bartending licence and her degree in business administration & management, it was mostly smooth sailing for her. Working such irregular hours did not bother her much, after all, this bar was her dream.

Argen stood behind the counter mixing a mock tail for her business partner and best friend of 17 years, listening to her chatter on about her day.

“...he really gave me a key to a hotel room and said to meet him there.”

“Really?” Argen replied, absent minded.

“Yes, so I picked up my purse and wham, right across his face.” She said with a childish and proud grin on her face. Argen offered her the mock tail.

“Raine, did you just say that you smacked your immediate supervisor with your purse.”

“Yes.” She nodded as she sipped on her drink. “Not just that, as he began to protest, I punched him. I mean I may lose my job but it was definitely worth it.”

Raine had always been impulsive.

“Look Raine, you are a doctor, it doesn’t really help your reputation if you act without the consequences.”

“Well, Gen, this and that are totally different things you know, he asked me to sleep with him so I could get a good review in the coming evaluation. I know I don’t suck at my job like he does but thanks but no thanks.”

“There are other ways to have handled this you know-” she stopped short as her phone screen lit up. It showed a number she knew by heart, like she knew her name. Curious about what would stop her friend from giving her an hour lecture, Raine leaned over the counter to take a look at the phone then her friend’s expressionless face.

“Oh. I heard he was back. Why didn’t you block him?”

Argen didn’t offer a reply.

“You should totally cut the call or ignore him.” She said as she sat back on her chair.

Argen looked at her and with a small smile she picked up her phone and connected the call. Walking into the back room as she held the device to her ear.

“Hello?”

Silence. Neither spoke for a while.

“I have to talk to you.” Casper’s husky voice came through. “Are you busy at the moment, I will come to you right now.”

“I’m busy.”

“Then, when would you be available. I could-”

“Anytime tomorrow morning.” She interrupted. “I’ll send an address.” With that she ended the call. She had tried her best to keep recent events out of her mind. Caper’s arrival almost had her spiralling into an abyss of misery. Everything about him. His voice. The sight of him. His smell... she felt as if she was strolling along the path of insanity.

“Should I leave this city? I really can’t handle this.” She walked back to the counter where Raine was waiting for her with sharp inquisitive eyes,

“I guess things have been difficult for both of us lately.” She said as she placed her chin on the counter .

Raine always understood. Without any words, she could tell what was on my mind. Always. With the feeling of gratitude welling within her, she patted her friend’s head gently.

“Shall, we go on a trip? Perhaps to a place where no one knows us?”

“That would be nice. Especially, since I would be out of a job soon.”

“We both need a break.”

It was a little past 9 now, the bar had become lively and Raine had to go to the hospital. Lately she had been placed on night shift, probably as a result of offending someone. She pushed aside her troubles and wholeheartedly invested herself in her bar till morning came.

Being unable to sleep she had decided to go for a run, just enough to exhaust herself. She had gone round the block twice and decided to return. Right in front of her store stood Casper looking up at the sign. She stooped in her tracks.

He noticed her and turned to face her.

“I got your address from Secretary Dawson.” He began to explain. “You never messaged me so I came to find you.” He looked really haggard.