Between 2 Hearts – Episode 78

Mr. Adams entered the bedroom to see his wife seated on the bed, operating her phone with a stern look on her face.

“Can you stop what you’re doing and support your son for once?” he asked and Mrs. Adams ignored him, her gaze fixed on her phone.

“Nathan has made his choice, and he’s happy with her,” Mr. Adams continued. “Why can’t you understand that?”

“That girl beneath me will never be accepted in this house,” Mrs. Adams said, her voice cold.

“You mean my house,” Mr. Adams replied, his tone turning slightly stern. “You should let go of your hatred towards her, or you might end up hating yourself instead. That young lady did no wrong to you. She’s just the same version of you – very stubborn and determined.”

“Excuse you! What is that supposed to mean?”.

“Exactly what you heard,” Mr. Adams said, his voice firm. “Let them be.” He turned and walked away, leaving Mrs. Adams sighing angrily.

Later that night, Nathan drove Mia back home, and they parked outside her house.

“I thought you were spending the night,” Nathan said, looking at her with a hint of disappointment.

“Nah, I just wanted to make things right in front of everyone,” she replied. “Hope I didn’t make a mess.”

“No, I’m glad you did the right thing,” Nathan said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “I love you more, Mia. I would die if you ever thought of leaving me.”

“I’ll be here, and I’ll never leave,” she said, smiling back at him.

They leaned in closer, about to kiss, when a knock on the glass interrupted them. They pulled away, and Nathan rolled down the window to see Naomi’s smirking face.

“Um, hey, sis,” Mia said, blushing.

“Did I interrupt something?” Naomi asked, her smirk growing wider.

“Um, good night,” Mia said quickly, turning to Nathan and hurrying down from the car.

“Good night, Nathan,” Naomi said, waving at him before following Mia into the house.

Nathan smiled after them and drove off into the night.

    

Immediately they entered the room, Mia turned to Naomi, feigning annoyance.

 “Do you really have to knock? I was about to get a goodnight kiss,” she said, pouting playfully.

Naomi giggled. “I was worried, okay? You going to his house to confront his mother was a bit risky.”

“But I’m fine, Nathan was with me,”

 They sat down on the couch.

“How did it go?”

“She didn’t comply,” Mia replied. “I know it’s going to be hard.”

“Which means we just have to be careful,” Naomi said, nodding in understanding.

“Yeah,” Mia agreed, and they both sighed. “So, Alex’s birthday is in two days. Have you gotten the gift to give him?” She asked, changing the subject.

“Hmm, yeah, the portrait will do,”

 “I guess I’ll be giving it to Nathan as well.”

“Is it his birthday?” 

“No, I just can’t wait any longer,” Mia said, her face softening into a smile. They both smiled at each other.

_____________

Everywhere in the house was decorated for Alex’s birthday party. He had wanted it small, but his family had refused. Alex was still deep in sleep in his room when suddenly he jerked up, reeling from a nightmare. He checked the time on his phone and saw that it was nine. He also saw multiple missed calls from Naomi and a voice note from her, as well as from Nathan and Mia.

He played Naomi’s voice note first. She was wishing him a happy birthday and also worried that he hadn’t picked up his call. He smiled, feeling touched by her concern. He then played Nathan’s and Mia’s voice notes.

After listening to the messages, Alex dialed Naomi’s number, and they talked, catching up and discussing the birthday party preparations.

   

Alex came down to the living room, where his family was having dinner. They turned to him, smiling.

“Guess who just clocked twenty-eight,” King Luke said, grinning.

“Good morning, everyone,” Alex said, smiling back as he joined them.

“Happy birthday, son,” Queen Lala said, her voice warm.

“Thanks,” Alex replied. 

“Wish you all the good things in life,” Diva added, her smile polite. Alex smiled in response.

 “Is everything okay, son? You don’t look cheerful,” King Luke asked.

“I’m fine,” 

“Are you sure?” Queen Lala pressed, her eyes searching his face.

Alex nodded, and they continued eating. Moments later, the doorbell rang. The guard at the door opened it, and Naomi entered, holding a wrapped portrait. Everyone turned to her.

“Naomi,” Alex exclaimed, surprised, as he rushed to pull her into a warm hug.

The king smiled at them, while the queen and Diva kept calm faces. Soon, they pulled away from each other, and Alex stared emotionally into her eyes, caressing her face. Naomi could see the sad look beneath his smile.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” Alex said, his voice filled with emotion.

“Happy birthday,” Naomi replied, smiling. “I want to be the first person to give you a present.”

The king interrupted them with a clearing of his throat. “We’re still sitting here,” he said jokingly.

“Good morning, Your Majesty, Good morning, Her Majesty,” Naomi greeted, her voice respectful.

The king and queen smiled at her in response. 

“How are you doing, child?” King Luke asked.

“I’m fine, Your Majesty,” Naomi replied.

“And your dad?” King Luke asked further.

“He’s fine,” 

“That’s good to know,” King Luke said. “Do join us,” he offered.

“Thank you, but I’m okay”.

“Are you sure? We don’t mind if you join us,” Queen Lala said, her voice friendly, surprising Naomi.

“Um, I’m fine,” Naomi said, turning to Alex.

“This is for you, happy birthday,” she said, handing him the wrapped portrait.

Alex smiled, pretending he didn’t know what was behind it. He pulled her into a warm hug.

 “Thank you,” he said.

As they pulled away from each other, Alex intertwined his hand with hers and turned to his family.

“We’d like to be excused,” he said.

His father nodded in approval as they walked away together.

  

As they entered the room, Alex placed the gift on the couch and pulled Naomi into another hug.

“Alex,” she called out, pulling away from him slowly and locking eyes with him as she cupped his face.

“You want to tell me what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice soft and concerned.

 “I’m restless,”He sighed.

“About what? Did something happen?” Naomi asked, her eyes searching his face.

“Yes, I had a disturbing dream, and I’m scared it might happen,” He replied, his voice filled with unease.

“What was it about?” Naomi asked, her voice gentle.

Alex sniffed, his eyes welling up with tears.

 “It was a terrible accident. I don’t know who was involved, but it worries me that it’s someone close and…” He trailed off, sighing.

Naomi rested her head on his, her arms wrapped around him. 

“It’s okay, it’s just your imagination,” she said soothingly.

They stood there for a moment, their heads resting on each other.

 “Naomi,” Alex called out softly.

“Mm,” she responded, her voice muffled.

“Why are you cold?” Alex asked, noticing her body temperature.

They raised their heads, locking eyes, and Alex felt her body cold to the touch.

 “I guess it’s the air-conditioned,” Naomi said, tears falling from her eyes as she caressed his face. “I love you, Alex. Always know that,” she said, her voice filled with emotion, like she was saying a final goodbye.

“I love you too,” Alex replied,”But why are you crying?”

Naomi hugged him warmly, her body shaking slightly as she continued to sniffle.

“Naomi, you’re getting too cold,” He said, concern growing in his voice. “Should I turn off the air-condition?”

Naomi rolled her eyes, still sniffling, but didn’t respond.

TBC