Chapter 28
"Having children just puts the whole world into perspective. Everything else just disappears." — Kate Winslet
Footfalls bounced against the walls and Dora looked up.
"Hello, how did it go?" Ellie sashayed into the room in a yellow summer dress that flowed onto the floor. Her baby bump tucked nicely beneath it.
"It went well. Mide is just rounding up some things." Dora sent her a cheerful smile.
Ellie smiled and plopped down on the sofa parallel to the armchair Dora sat on. "It's been quite a while since we sat down to chat."
Dora couldn't decipher if it was hurt that shone in Ellie's eyes. Nevertheless, she sent her an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that; I have had some pressing matters to attend to."
"Oh please, no need to apologize," Ellie rushed out. "I understand."
Dora smiled and leaned closer, determined to make it up to her. "So tell me, how is upcoming motherhood treating you?"
Ellie's face immediately lightened up and she beamed. "I am getting more excited as my due date is drawing closer." Her eyes told of her anticipation.
"Oh yes, I know the feeling. As the time comes closer, you will be eager to hold your baby in your arms." Dora's eyes sparkled as her mind traveled to the day she held Tara for the first time.
Ellie produced an elated grin. "Yes, that's how I feel. I and my baby have bonded so much over the months, I just can't for the day to come." Her cheeks stretched as she grinned wider.
Dora beamed at her and found herself transported to the time when she was young and pregnant with Tara.
Tara was her only true friend and companion even though she was still in the womb. She recounted the conversations and stories she told Tara, not caring that she didn't understand whatever she said.
Dora shook her head to dismiss the bittersweet memories. She turned back to Ellie who was still grinning and running a hand down her tummy.
Dora opened her mouth to speak when Mide chimed in.
"Ms. Dora, I am done." Mide waved the book in the air.
Dora smiled, collected the book, and scanned it. "You got all the words correct! Good job!" She gave her a thumbs up and grinned.
"That's my girl!" Ellie exclaimed and pulled Mide into her arms. "I am proud of you."
Dora watched the joy radiate all over Ellie and she smiled. It was a joy she was honored to have experienced. There was nothing more joyous for a mother when her child makes her proud.
Dora drew Mide's attention and returned the book to her. "That's your assignment. You have to learn those words before our next session." Dora sent her an encouraging smile.
"But they are big words!" Mide exclaimed with wide eyes.
Dora grinned. "That's because you are a big girl. And big girls know big words, right?"
"Yesss!" Mide squealed. "I will learn the words because I want to teach my younger one the big words." She bounced on her feet and gave a toothed grin.
Dora and Ellie shared a laugh.
Mide shuffled on her feet. "May I go? I have a TV program I want to watch." Mide gazed at Dora with hope.
Dora laughed. "You are free to go."
"Okay, bye!" She said and raced off.
The women remained smiling until her footsteps faded away.
"She's such a darling!" Dora gushed and sent Ellie a delighted grin. "You did a good job with her."
Ellie's giggle rang out. "It's not only me. Your positive influence makes the difference." She stared at her with delight. "That's why I would like to say thank you on behalf of me and my husband."
"Thank you? For what?" Dora arched a brow.
"Well, thank you for the great job you are doing with Mide." Appreciation shimmered in her eyes. "We have been seeing the improvement in her reading and writing. And also in her general behavior."
Dora laughed and shook her head. "Please don't mention it. I am only fulfilling my duty."
One dimple popped up on Ellie's cheek as she smiled. "Well, with what I know now, asking you to tutor her put you in a tight spot." Remorse filled her eyes. "So you deserve all our thanks."
Dora shook her head. "Don't say that. I was a teacher before other things. So I won't abandon my duty because of my other commitments."
"That's glad to know. Maybe someday I would have the courage to ask you to take another risk." An indecipherable expression flashed through her eyes.
Dora's stomach clenched and her eyes darted away. Ellie gazed at her like she knew something about her relationship with Gerald. However, her anxiety stopped her from raising any questions.
"I should be going!" Dora shot up from the chair like it scalded her.
She watched as Ellie opened her mouth to say something but decided against it and shut her mouth. However, her eyes shone with words unspoken.
"Thank you for coming! I look forward to our next meeting." Warmth filled her eyes.
"Sure! Bye." Dora sent her a quick smile and rushed out.
Her shoes clicked softly on the floor as she walked down the corridor leading to the exit.
What had happened? She wondered.
She was certain Ellie wanted to tell her something. Her stomach squeezed in unease as her suspicion rose.
Oh Lord, please whatever it is, don't let it ruin things.
So lost in thought, she didn't notice a figure head towards her.
"Adaora! Adaora!" A familiar voice rang in her ears.
"Huh!" Her body jolted as she came back to reality. She turned to the owner of the voice and found Gerald standing a hairsbreadth away from her.
"Are you okay? You seem quite worried." His eyes clouded with concern.
"Yeah, I am okay!" She produced a tight-lipped smile.
He nodded his head in acknowledgment. A vein in his jaw ticked as he gazed at her.
Dora's eyes skirted around as her nerves twitched. She rubbed her arm to retain some control.
He cleared his throat and Dora looked
at him. "I guess I shouldn't keep you." He stepped to the side. An unreadable expression danced in his eyes.
Dora spared him one more glance and walked past. Their arms brushed and Dora felt a tingle on the spot.
She had taken only a few steps when his voice stopped her. His voice just a notch over a whisper.
"Adaora."
Dora swallowed a lump and slowly turned to face him. "Yes?" She stared at him with bleak eyes.
"I just want to say thank you for being a mother and friend to Ellie. She really needed it." Sincerity and appreciation shimmered in his eyes.
★★★★★
Ahh, we got to meet Ellie and Mide once again. I must say that they are quite adorable. Do you agree? 😁
And what about Gerald should we add him to the adorable group? 😂
Anyway, while we decide which group we should put him in, Our Question Of The Chapter is: If you have a sudden three-day holiday from work or school, what would you use the free time to do? 😂
I know it is a weird question but I am curious to know your answers. XD
Anyway, my answer is simple. I will definitely try to accomplish everything I need to get done. But I will definitely sleep a lot and generally relax and enjoy the break. XD
Anyway, don't forget to 👇
Until next time, remain snazzy ❤
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