Fire And Flame

A small smile appeared on his face which vanished soon when he realised it wasn't the right time to smile. But the smile didn't go unnoticed by Laura, who happened to steal a glance right when he smiled.

'Was this meeting a comedy show? Or was she being funny?' she thought to herself. Brushing of the thoughts, she resumed explaining the whole plan. It took 45 minutes to complete the meeting. After discussing everything and learning all possible doubts which the staff had, Brandon called off the meeting.

"Let me drop you home." He said which sounded more of an order.

"Thank you." Laura was planning to call Lily to come over but she realised that her best friend must have worked too much today. After all, she had three meetings to attend today and handle the company in her absence.

"I am grateful. Thank you, Ms. Williams." Brandon bowed his head slightly and offered her heartfelt thanks. He didn't mind being dependent on Laura. He liked it. Likewise, Laura didn't mind helping him. She too liked it.

Soon, they both drove off to Laura's home.

"Good night, Mr. Reynolds. And yes, thank you for the ride." Laura flashed her smile, showing off her perfect set of white teeth.

"Good night, Ms. Williams. See you on Thursday. I will pick you up from your home." Brandon offered to which Laura nodded. As the guard opened the gate, she turned around to wave her hand, saying goodbye. This made Brandon smile. He waved his hand too and turned on his engine to drive back to his home. Unlike Laura's, his home was an empty house. His butler lived on the ground floor whereas he lived on the first floor.

Upon reaching, he went straight to open the main door by scanning his fingerprint. As he was about to step in, he stooped. He returned to his car and drove off to his office. Placing his fingerprint on the touch screen of the elevator, he reached his floor.

He opened the white opaque wooden door next to his office cabin. This was his office bedroom. After taking a shower, he slipped into a pair of clean clothes and went to sleep.

…

Lily waited for Laura. Eli had asked her about her best friend many times to which Lily said that Laura was still busy completing a few paper works. Eli scolded Laura for being so selfish that she had left her best friend in the office all alone and now, watching TV and eating popcorn. She even called her 'elephant' to which Laura gave a deadly stare to her mother and resumed eating the big packet of popcorn.

Who cares? Food is important for survival.

Soon after, Laura reached home and heard the mother-daughter duo fighting over her. She went to hug Eli from behind.

"I am here, Aunty Eli. Don't worry."

"Next time, tie Lily to her chair. That way you both leave office together when you're done with work. Do not stress yourself too much, Laura..." Eli turned around to hug Laura.

Laura then glared at Lily for lying to her mother. Why did she lie? Ridiculous.

"I will keep that in mind."

"Alright, you go get fresh. I will set the table for dinner." Eli left to cook dinner.

"What did you tell her?" Laura said as soon as she saw ELi leave the room.

"You want me to be, a matrimonial agent? If I told her about your meeting with THE Mr.Brandon Reynolds, what do you think would have happened to me? She would pester me to spill out everything thing until I go bald. That woman is a very dangerous when it comes to you and me meeting a guy. You think it's easy to handle but it's NOT. She wants us to get married. So, I lied to her that you were busy completing some paperwork and will be back soon. You should be thankful to me as I saved you from this. But you are so ungrateful! Hmph!" Lily ranted and then took a deep breath and resumed eating popcorn, stuffing her mouth full.

"Awwwww, thank you, Lily." Laura went to hug her adorable best friend. She had truly saved her from Eli.

Lily was watching a horror movie. Laura looked at the creepy ghost walking and squealed and buried her face in the pillow.

"Don't worry, I will sleep with you tonight, coward." Lily laughed looking at Laura who didn't even dare to look up.

"What is so scary about the ghost? She is just a human dressed up in that scary costume and make up to scare us. Grow up!" She pulled the pillow away from Laura so that she could see. But this woman won't budge.

Soon, the dinner was ready and they had to leave the hall. Laura was finally at peace. Phew.

Eli had cooked rice, lentil soup and baked chicken. The aroma was so good that Laura and Lily inhaled deeply to get the smell of the food deep into their lungs.

"Laura, is he coming tomorrow?" Eli asked.

"Yes, he called me earlier this morning. He will reach tomorrow at noon." Laura understood whom Eli was referring to.

"I am so happy!!" Lily squealed.

"We all are..." Laura took a spoonful of rice and smiled.

She waited for a long time to finally see him after seven years.

Lily and Laura had taken a day off tomorrow to receive him from the airport. She was excited as her heart started to race fast. Seven years...

She will treasure him for the rest of her life and not let anyone harm him.