Between 2 Hearts – Episode 42

The next morning, Naomi and Mia were setting up the dinner table while stealing glances at the two men still sleeping soundly on the couch. Mr. Daniels observed the ladies from behind and smiled.

“When are they going to wake up? It’s already 8 am,” Mia said, her patience wearing thin.

“I don’t know, it seems they’re enjoying their sleep and refusing to wake up,” Naomi replied, her eyes drifting back to the men.

“Should we maybe wake them?” Mia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“No,” Mr. Daniels said from behind, his voice firm but gentle. He moved towards them. “They’ll be up soon. Just hurry up with breakfast.”

“Okay, Dad,” Mia said, and the ladies continued setting up the table.

Soon after, Alex and Nathan opened their eyes weakly. They sat up, trying to process what had happened.

“You both are finally awake,” Mr. Daniels said, smiling. 

Alex and Nathan raised their heads to meet his gaze, as well as the ladies’. They looked a bit confused.

When they realized what had happened, they stood up quickly and bowed to Mr. Daniels. 

“Um, we’re sorry for what might have happened last night,” Nathan said.

Mr. Daniels moved to them and patted their shoulders.

 “It’s okay. I don’t deserve the thanks. It was my two daughters who took care of you two last night. It seems you two had a lot to drink.” He said. “Anyways, they’ve prepared breakfast for you. Come, let’s eat before it gets cold,” He lead them to the dining table.

Naomi and Mia avoided eye contact with them as they stepped aside to let them sit. The men sat down and noticed the ladies weren’t joining them.

“Dad, we’ll be on our way now,” Naomi said, and the guys looked up at them.

“Okay, be careful,” Mr. Daniels said, and the ladies nodded.

“Are you guys leaving because we’re here?” Alex asked, stopping the ladies from leaving.

“Are you guys uncomfortable with our presence here?” Nathan asked.

Mr. Daniels looked confused by the exchange.

 “Um, no, not at all. Mia and I have somewhere to go,” Naomi said, avoiding eye contact with Alex.

“She’s right, they have somewhere to go,” Mr. Daniels said.

   The guys turned their faces back to the table, looking sad. The ladies sighed and waved to their father before leaving.

“Did we make a mess last night?” Alex asked.

“Not really, but you two were completely wasted. What made you two get drunk like that?” Mr. Daniels asked.

“We just have a lot on our minds,” Nathan said, his voice low.

“Well, whatever it is, try to solve it calmly. You two should hurry up and go home. I know your family will be worried about you,” Mr. Daniels said.

“Can we stay here for today?” Alex asked, his eyes pleading. 

Mr. Daniels looked confused, seeing the look on their faces.

Meanwhile, the royal family was in deep worry over Alex’s sudden disappearance. His cell phone wasn’t connecting, and no one knew his whereabouts. The same fate affected Nathan’s family, who were busy trying to find their son. The families came together in search of their sons. 

“I think we should inform the police about this. What if they’ve been kidnapped?” Elora said sadly, Diva sitting next to her, consoling her.

“We can’t involve the police when we don’t know if they’ve been kidnapped or not. Even if they were kidnapped, the kidnappers would have called us for a ransom,” Anna said.

“This is what I always tell Alex: never go out alone without a guard. But he always chooses to walk alone,” Queen Lala said, her voice laced with worry.

“We just have to calm down. I’m sure they’re safe somewhere,” King Luke said, trying to reassure everyone.

“I’ve asked my bodyguards to search for them around the city. I’m sure they’ll bring good news,” Mr. Adams said.

“Please God, keep my children alive,” Mrs. Adams prayed.

“We should wait for some hours for them to return,” Josh said, his voice hopeful.

“I’m sure they’ll come home,” Diva said, trying to sound optimistic.

Everyone sighed, and Mrs. Ruth excused herself to phone her children, but unfortunately, their phones weren’t connecting. She kept trying, her worry growing with each passing minute.

   Meanwhile, Naomi and Mia arrived at the place they were called to come for an interview. Just a few days ago, they had received a phone call from someone for a job interview at a shopping mall.

As they stepped out of the cab, they opened their mouths wide in surprise, taking in the grandeur of the mall.

 “Wow, is this the place we’re coming to?” Mia asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

“I guess so, let’s see,” Naomi said, and they went inside, marveling at the amazing structures of the mall. The mall was bustling with people moving to and fro, getting things for themselves.

They made their way to the reception desk, and the receptionist led them to the manager’s office. When they got there, they were asked to sit down, which they did. Not too long after, the manager came to address them.

 “Sorry for keeping you ladies waiting,” he said firmly.

“Not a problem, sir,” they replied in unison.

“Well, it’s a good thing you two are here today, and it’s your lucky day. The owner’s wife is here today, and I’ve told her you two will be coming here for an interview. She’ll be the one to talk to you two,” he said, and they nodded. “Alright then, she’ll be here shortly. Just stay put,” he said, standing up and leaving.

“This place is amazing. I’ve only seen it once on TV. It’s really amazing, just as they say,” Mia said.

“You’re right. I just pray the owner’s wife is nice enough to give us the vacancy available here”.

Just then, the door swung open, and a bodyguard paved the way for the owner’s wife to enter. Naomi and Mia composed themselves as they noticed the door was open.

An elegant black-skinned lady entered, looking very attractive. Mia raised her face to her and was taken aback by the little similarity between her and Naomi.

“Sis,” Mia tapped her, and she raised her face to the woman. Their eyes met, and Naomi was shocked, while the woman smiled at her warmly.

“Mom?” Naomi called out in surprise, and Mia stared at her, equally surprised.

“Mom?” Mia asked, shocked.

“My baby,” the lady called out, tears building up in her eyes.

   Naomi quickly grabbed Mia’s hand as she stood up to leave, but they were stopped.

“Naomi,” her mother called out, and Naomi turned to her angrily.

“Don’t you dare call my name. You have no right anymore to call my name,” Naomi said, her voice trembling with anger.

“Listen, dear, I know you’re angry with me. We can sort things out,” her mother said politely.

“There is nothing to sort. I don’t want to ever see you again,” Naomi replied angrily.

“I know you’re upset, but you can start working here. I’ve already hired you as assistant manager. Please, child, take this job so we can settle our differences,” her mother said.

“Never! I’ll rather beg on the street than work for you… How did you even know I was here for an interview? Were you stalking me?” She asked, her voice rising.

“No, your father called me to explain everything to me,” her mother replied, and they were surprised.

“Father?” Naomi asked, surprised, and her mother nodded.

“Please, child, let me help,” her mother said, but Naomi walked out of the room angrily, dragging Mia along with her.

Her mother tried calling out to her, but she ignored her, her anger and hurt evident on her face.

  ★Daniels house★

     Alex and Nathan were preparing to leave after having a good time with Mr. Daniels. They stood up and thanked him for having them in and the warm welcome.

“You’re always welcome to come at any time,” Mr. Daniels smiled at them.

They turned to leave when suddenly Naomi entered, looking angry, with Mia behind her. Alex and Nathan were surprised to see the angry look on her face.

“Dad, I need to talk to you,” Naomi said as she walked away, and her father followed her, already knowing what the problem might be.

“Is everything okay?” Nathan asked Mia, 

“Not really,” she replied, and they sighed, sensing that something was wrong.

  

TBC