No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

This time, I didn't shed a tear. It felt like I had no tears left to cry, or maybe it was just my heart growing numb.

I'd come to terms with the idea of going our separate ways from Ernest.

On the drive back, the rain poured relentlessly, as if we'd hit the peak of the rainy season.

Maybe it was because I was distracted, or maybe the slick roads were to blame, but I failed to brake in time and hit the car in front of me.

The rain was so heavy that neither of us wanted to step out to check the damage, so we both ended up calling the cops from inside our cars. By the time the police and insurance agent arrived, the rain had eased up a bit. We both got out of our cars, and to my surprise, the other driver was Shirley Travis.

"If I'd known it was you, we could've skipped calling the cops in this downpour," Shirley said, causing the young officer to smirk.

"Do you two know each other? Are you going to settle this privately or through insurance?" the police and insurance agent asked. "Through insurance."

"Privately."

Shirley and I spoke at the same time.

The officer gave us a look. "Sort it out, or I'll have to write up a report."

"Let's go through insurance. We have coverage," I insisted.

"Going through insurance means they'll tow our cars. It's really inconvenient, especially with all this rain. And for such a minor thing, it's hardly worth it," Shirley reasoned.

But being without a car is a hassle, especially now. Though, it's not like Shirley would be left without a ride. Her reluctance probably came from not wanting the hassle.

Still, I insisted on going through insurance, and we let the police and insurance agent assess the scene so we could get our cars fixed.

"Miss, miss," Shirley softened as I was about to leave, and a sweet voice called to me.

Seeing Nancy's adorable little face, I smiled and approached her. "Long time no see, Nancy."

"Miss, will you stay with Nancy? Today's my birthday," her sudden invitation caught me off guard, making it hard to refuse.

Shirley chimed in, "You hitting my car today was like a gift delivered to my doorstep."

Was she pinning this on me?!

But with the child speaking up, whether stayed for her birthday or not, I felt obliged to give her a gift. "Nancy, I'll take you to pick out a present."

"Nancy doesn't want a gift. Nancy has everything. I just want this lady to play with me," her words reminded me of the first time I met her.

She is Lord's daughter, lacking nothing material. What she lacks is love, companionship.

"Miss, please?" Nancy's eyes were clear, filled with longing.

My heart softened inexplicably. "Okay."

"Then let's go. Everything's ready at home," Shirley said with a smile.

I hadn't seen Shirley many times, but each encounter left a different

impression. She was like a

chameleon-seductive at first, then a regular jealous woman, and later,

seemingly vulnerable. This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .

"I'm not sure it's appropriate for me to come over," I said, not as an excuse but truthfully.

With Nancy's birthday, Lord, her father, would surely attend. And it was possible Allen Clark would be ther too. I had no desire to cross paths with them again.

"Lord's been under the weather lately; he won't be there," Shirley guessed my concern.

Then looking at Nancy, she added, "Besides you, there's no one else."

Shirley put it in such a way, and coupled with Nancy's hopeful gaze, what more could I say?

The police and insurance had just finished assessing the blame when Shirley's ride arrived. "Let them tow our cars for repairs. We'll take this one." Nancy had already latched onto my finger, then reached out for a hug.