Complete the story

"Hushhh! You don't have to say or explain anything, misunderstanding occurs between any husband and wife and what happened between us proved to me that I can't carry on lying to myself. I'm perfectly aware that what has been broken can't be fixed again, you broke my heart Sandra and your charitable deeds won't soothe the ache that's inside" Mr. Joe pointed to his heart and carried on talking in a husky voice "I want to tell you… I " . He suddenly recalled the day he heard Mrs. Mean talking to her sister on the phone, telling her that she will get rid of him as soon as possible because she can't bear to live with a dummy. For six years Mr. Joe accepted his wife's manners. "Though nagging and henpecked Sandra is, I can't bear to be away from her" He used to tell this to his sister at each quarrel with his wife. "Listen Sandra" said Mr. Joe abruptly, but Mrs. Mean didn't let him finish his talk. She walked towards him, put her hand over her slightly swelling tummy and said softly" Your child needs his father, a doting father who gives him affection because his wretched mother is incapable to do that. Joe are you going to leave him too?", "Forgive me, Please I'm …" Mrs. Mean Knelt down and started weeping hysterically.
Mr. Joe couldn't believe what he heard, tears filled his eyes and he felt as if someone has slapped him awake from his despairing anguish. It is incumbent on him to take care of his baby; he is innocent after all! . He found it intricate to forgive her easily, but a baby! "A baby" said Mr. Joe surprised. He fell into silence after the evanescent happiness he felt "Maybe she is just fooling me; maybe it's just one of her witty tricks" Mr. Joe was thinking " Why she tries to do that?"
Mrs. Hope and Marry suddenly entered the waiting room. "Oh dear Joe you're here, have you seen Faith? She left to…" "Goodness! What's the matter?" Marry started crying when she saw Mrs. Mean looking faint. "Get up to your feet Sandra!" said Mr. Joe, he turned to Mrs. Hope and asked her to leave them alone. "I can't go Joe, sorry! Don't you dare hurt her! Adrian told me that she's pregnant. Take her home immediately she needs to rest". Mr. Joe with a disguised frown on his brow said "Your baby saved you! Come on let's go home!" But the kind-hearted husband couldn't hide his happiness, he escorted his wife out of the room and said " I'll be a father, oh God I'll be a father Sandra!"

"Now where's that naughty Faith, this girl is driving me nuts!" Mrs. Hope was furious. "Maybe she is with daddy mama; let's go there" said little Marry…

P.S I'm terribly sorry for dominating the story Hush, and for my clumsy plain style

Mrs Hope, hand in hand with her little daughter, headed to her husband’s room. Neither of Mrs nor Faith was aware of the fact that Mr Badmash had taken sleeping pills. Those medicaments helped in speeding the process of his recovery. The drugs; however, caused him a side effect; his visibility weakened and he could barely see as he first woke up. It was another reason why Mr Badmash couldn’t realize that Faith who was sitting beside him and not his wife.
The two persuaded their walk towards the room hoping that Faith would be there. As they reached the room’s door, they saw Faith setting on a comfortable chair by her father’s right side. Her head was leaning on her chest and tears were running down her face. Mr Badmash’s eyes were constantly fixed on hers. He could barely move; one could see that he struggled every time he moved his lips. The room was lightened up, the window was opened; it was a kind of a hole by which a puff of air went in to make the room cooler. Mr Badmash’s story was disturbed by the sound of a door being opened. He looked towards the source of the sound only to see his wife and Marry stepping in. The confused father was shoked and couldn't say much: "H… H…Hope?" By that time, the influence of the drug went off and therefore he restored his strong visibility ones again. He was able to see the resemblance of the two ladies, Faith and her mother, after few moves from his wife’s face to his daughter’s and back to his wife’s again. The same hair, the same face, the same eyes; the only deference is the height, he thought. As for Marry, He didn’t recognize her. How could he if she was only five years old; the same period he had been away from home.
Mr Badmash's confusion didn't last for long since Faith stepped up and explained the whole story. He felt so stupid not to recognize his own daughter. Guilt found its way through the poor man's heart as he missed five whole years apart from his family. On the other hand, He was extremely happy to see Marry grown up; the last time he saw her ,she ten days old. Marry was reliaved to finaly have a father of her own. Deep inside, Mr Badmash never forgave him self; the meeting had opened a wound and made him realize the mistake he did. Alcohol was his major problem; in fact it was the reason which set them apart. Yet, things are deferent now; he had been sober for three years. Even though still in pain, he managed to pass that information to his wife. I’ll never leave my family ever again, Mr Badmash silently swore.
Mrs Hope forgave her husband and suggested a fresh start. Mr Badmash was very happy to hear those words "A fresh start…" They were all what he had been thinking about for a long period of time. As the happy family was catching up, Adrian entered the room with a piece of paper in his hands…

Thank you very much Hush and W_ch ... Great! I love this story.

"Listen boy" said Mr. Dry. Hope looked into her father's eyes expecting him to scorn Badmash like he did previously. Mr. Dry continued talking in a shrill voice "Hope and Joe are the only kids I have. I love them more than anything in this world and to take Hope away is something I can never tolerate", "unless you stay here in this town with my daughter or I'm sorry your request is denied!."
Badmash glanced at Hope but she was sitting afar on the cushion sobbing faintly. She felt daggers piercing her heart when Badmush looked at her so she closed her eyes and remained still. Tears were running down her cheeks leaving them burnt. She did not dare reject her father's decision or tell him that she can not live without Badmash.
Mr. Badmash looked amazed at Mr. Dry's demand. But he had already took his decision to marry Hope. He spent three days in the freezing weather waiting for Dry to change his tough mind and he didn't want to be discouraged. Badmash knew that Mr. Dry wanted to set them so far apart, but he wouldn't let anything to separate him from the lady of his heart. The few days they spent together during his visit to town set them even more closer. Day after day Hope's impression and admiration grew bigger towards Badmash. She loved his writings and insisted on him to write more being widely recognized. She told him commenting on his last novel that his writings bring the sensitive soul to tears, touch at the deep heart's core, and that his talented feat made her rediscover beauty around her. Her scientific education prevented her from appreciating the value of art, being involved only in matters and numbers.

Mr. Badmash grabbed his strength at last and said "Sir, I accept your condition, and it is a great honour for me to marry your daughter, I promise you to take care of her". Mr. Dry smiled happily and walked towards Hope. He took her face in his palms and wiped away her tears." I'm happy only when I see my child happy…don't cry dear". "Go and bring something for your husband to drink…quick!"

Mr. Badmash fought hard to marry Hope. Soon after their marriage, Mr. Dry died because of a serious brain haemorrhrage. Mrs. Hope was five months pregnant and in a bad health. Mr. Badmash strived to soothe his wife's agony because of the unexpected death of her father. She gave up everything and fell into depression, but the new coming baby opened for them doors of hope and faith.
The young couple had no idea what the baby was, Mr. Badmash said he didn't care but deep inside he wanted a boy. He impatiently waited for the moment to hold his baby in his arms and kiss it, nine months seemed so long for him and he insisted to tease her making fun of her swelling tummy.
Mrs. Hope gave birth to a baby girl and they decided to name her Faith. Faith was so beautiful. "But she is small Hope, too small!. Are you sure she's fine?" said Mr. Badmash. Mrs. Hope laughed and asked him to hold her. When he did bliss overcame his spirit and tears filled his eyes.

" Memories never die…" sighed Mr. Badmash, "the wrong I did to you keeps haunting me. I'm sorry for everything, for my deceit and betrayal". Mrs. Hope sent the children away with Adrian who came to check her husband's health to talk more freely. Mr. Badmash insisted to talk to his wife, although Adrian prevented him from doing so. " Let's not talk about the past, for there's no need to revive the memories I consider as dead. I've learnt from you tolerance, and forgiveness and a fresh start is what we need. Forget what happened for the sake of our children. We love you".
"I love you more" said Mr. Badmash smiling.
Adrian said that Mr. Badmash still needs few weeks to recover completely before going home. He had to attend some sessions which give his muscles flexibility and help him walk again naturally.
...

Oh! You think that's nice, that's just a weird mixture of thoughts ( if I can say). I really liked what you wrote, that's true writing. I think the story is more than great because many are writing it, what's more beautiful is that you can't expect what'll happen next. Everything is expected and accepted. Let's carry on..

P.S. Don't be sorry, I think it's good to make comments after each post. I hope you and W_ch will agree.

I've got to admit...Hush's post gave the story a sweet taste;I hope it's not the last. I do agree with you Ezinma, I think it's a good idea. You (Hush and Ezinma) have a good chance to be well-known writers;you can compete with native writers. Carry on posting...It's got intresting. Peace

The two weeks Mr Badmash spent in the Sacard place were the happiest. Adrian gave his family the adventage of visiting thier father every day; It was against the hospital's policy but Adrian could arrange that since he had a good acquaintance with the director. A large smile could be seen on Mr Badmash's face everytime his family opened the room's door. His wife used to bring him defferent kinds of fruits; Adrian said that they were good for his health. When Mr Badmash wasn't doing walking-exercices, he used to sit with his family and share thier stories which happened in the last five years. Mrs hope informed him with the good news of that Mr joe and his wife were waiting for a child. She also said that thier help was vitale since Mrs mean donated her blood and her hasbund stood by him when he needed him the most.

After hearing all that, Mr badmash felt like he was away for ages. He missed marry's first steps. He also missed the first word she uttered and which irronically was "pa.."Now;however, He was relieved to be forgiven and to the way things went.

Back to the countryside, Mr Joe was still in a state of surprise yet so happy. After many years of waiting, his ultimate and only dream was fullfiled. He almost lost trust in Mean,the fact is he was about to send her the paper of divource. A news like that changed his whole plan. Therefore, he decided to give Mrs mean a second chance. Deep inside,Mrs Mean knew that the only reason why Mr joe gave her a second chance was the baby inside her tummy. Although very hurt to realize such a fact, Sandra decided to carry on hoping that Joe would change his mind. She was sure that he will, because she was not the woman she used to be...

Thanks w_ch, I liked what you wrote. I'll add something and I hope you and Hush will like it.

"What do you want to eat tonight Joe?" said Sandra. She wanted to do the cooking herself that night, she had already dismissed the cook who used to prepare all her husband's meals and decided to take care of him herself, careful to all the details.
For full seven years, Mrs. Mean was like a stranger in the house. The housekeeper was taking charge of everything even Mr. Joe's personal needs. She knew the slightest details of his life, what he likes what he dislikes, his favourite food, and even the time he returns home at night. If one doesn't know Sandra one will mistaken her to be his wife. Mr. Joe's life was perfect inspite of his unsuccessful marriage. A large impressive mansion, a very successful career, and a beautiful wife, nevertheless behind this perfection a deep sorrow dwelt Joe's soul. Many people envied him for his perfect life, yet if one unveiled the showy cover of appearances, one would sense a terrible loneliness. Only few people knew that genuine happiness resides not in extravagant and ostentatious lives and they pitied Joe.
Mr. Joe owned a big plastic factory in the city and used to spend most of his time there, away, this explained why he chose to buy his house in the countryside; to be away from his wife. He was living an empty monotonous life, only breathing; signing papers, talking to his manager, but everything inside was hurting. He never cursed his fate, and he wasn't angry neither hopeless but always willing to forgive her and start anew. And the baby came at the right time to completely change their lives, to the better!

"Scrambled eggs" he teased her. Sandra looked angry "you eat this in the city Joe, here there's only home-made healthy food". "Oh dear, I really don't want to make you tired, remember the doctor said no walking. I can cook myself". Mrs. Mean refused and insisted that she was in a good health. "Hopefully, the cook left her recipes here!" she said to herself while opening an old torn cookbook She pored over the book for a long moment and then decided to prepare some soup. But it was already nine p.m. and she knew that it was late so she changed her mind and instead she fried eggs and made salad. "Like you wished Joe, I cooked scrambled eggs. I'm terribly sorry but I promise tomorrow I'll make you spaghetti". "No, it's good. You're lucky no complaints for today but we'll see tomorrow" said Mr. Joe smiling.
After dinner, he helped his wife doing the washing-up. For the first time after seven years, her felt cheerful and wondered how he missed a comfortable and warm family life. That night was the happiest; like a sweet dream you don't want to wake up from.
He couldn't believe that Sandra was talking care of everything, they chatted for a while and he could sense the changes in her manners. The two remained quite for a while and then Joe said" Sandra, I wanted to tell you about something but I wasn't sure you…" "What it is Joe you can tell me"." well, I was thinking that maybe we can invite my sister Hope and her husband to stay here few days. You know that Badmash is still ill and I thought that his stay here will help him recover. He needs some fresh air". Mrs. Mean remained silent for a little while and then said "I wanted to ask you the same thing, but I'm afraid that Hope will not like it. You know that we are not really friends". "Don't worry Sandra, I'll phone her tomorrow and convince them to come"
…

"I didn't even have the chance to tell him how much I missed him; he's dead Joe, dead. I won't see him again" she cried hysterically. Joe held Hope tight and kissed her forehead. She looked haggard and deadly pale. His image didn't leave her eyes for a moment, she couldn't forgive herself. She felt as if she was the reason, she was so cold and indifferent to him when he tried painfully to open up and talk to her to explain why he left. For five years she waited for him to come back; and spent sleepless long nights roaming aimlessly in their deserted room holding his poems which she treasured in her hands. She could feel her eyes fill with tears as she read and re-read them, she could feel her heart aching and her body numb with pain. She missed him when he left, missed his kind smile, his brilliant beautiful mind, his company. And she felt in his absence emptiness and sorrow which she strived to conceal from her little daughters. Her grief for his absence doubled now he had gone without return.

"He's gone Joe, forever!" she whispered huskily.
Little Marry so confused and shocked left the room and started wandering in the hospital, she couldn't understand what had happened. They were all crying and they frightened her...

Hello mates.You're welcome Ezinma,I loved the last posts of yours.I'm Happy to see more of Mr Hush's brilliant posts;we're surely waiting for more.I'm also glad to finally see his "dark side" since he killed the poor guy...just kidding, I enjoyed reading it.

PS: I'm sorry for interrupting the story like that.Keep on posting mates...

Hello, ( Ya Hush khlass 3lik wash-dir ), just joking it's really great what you wrote.

Adrian came in and said" Mrs. Hope excuse me I need you for a word".
He was sad for what happened to Mr. Badmash, he and his colleagues worked earnestly to save his life, but ultimately they failed. "I'm so sorry" Adrian talked in a low voice and tried to explain what happened "I swear we did our best. We injected him with a dose of antibiotics to treat the serious infection, but the pus had already disseminated all over his leg, even having it cut off was a remote choice for us because your husband was diabetic". "I'm sorry Hope, forgive me because I failed to save his life."
Hope was listening absent-mindedly to Adrian, when he finished she turned to him and asked him permission to take the corpse to burry it. He agreed and took her to the Director of the hospital to sign some papers before they could leave. They did not find him, and upon Adrian's enquiry, they learned that perhaps he would be back in an hour time. All the staff and the doctors knew that Dr. Yuck was non-proficient and corrupt. It is due to him the Sacred Hospital underwent a bad reputation and became the destination of the poor and the miserable. In fact they were happy with the low costs, and the free local medicament given to them. The filthy sheets—though most of them had disappeared, and the smelly toilets became the symbol of the hospital's sacredness. And nobody cared to improve its conditions!

Dr. Yuck had no time to waste on such silly matters. Everything was perfect in his sight and he assumed the hospital's budget cannot afford much spending, even to buy insecticides and chemicals to eradicate the disturbing insects!

Mrs. Hope jumped from her seat outside the director's office and shouted "Marry!!!... Oh where is Marry".

"Oh goodness! A horrible nightmare Sandra, a horrible nightmare! , you cannot imagine, thank God!"
Mr. Joe glanced at his watch; it was 9 am. He got out from his bed and rushed towards the telephone to call his sister. Before he dialed the number, the thought of Mr. Badmash dead entered his head. Suddenly the telephone started ringing, it rang several times before he could pick it up. "It's Faith" he said to his wife, "Yes Faith how is your father? How is Marry? I had been so worried "."Hello Uncle Joe, everybody is good and Marry is good too!" She was surprised why he is asking about her little sister." Is your father doing well? Your tante Sandra told me he is leaving the hospital today "Yes uncle, Adrian has allowed him to leave this afternoon, and mum asks if you can just come and drive us home", "Of course darling, tell your mama I'll be there.".
Mr. Joe had not yet told Hope to come to his house instead of going to their apartment. He was not sure she would accept it, but his wife convinced him to insist on her until she would agree. He had not known that it was his sister's wish too to stay few days in his house because her husband cannot climb the stairs, but she was embarrassed and she thought that his wife would not accept them to come. Yet, she could not help but feeling the want of asking her brother because his help would save her husband a great trouble. "I will tell him" She told herself, but then she changed her mind and resigned to a lethean silence…

Mr Joe arrived to the hospital,willing to drive Faith's family to the countryside.He knew how much Mrs Hope Adored the fresh air,the growing grass,the beautifu,wooden hut that Mr Joe possessed ,The lack where her little Faith lived a lot of happy memories;that would never be found in the city.Therefore,Mr joe saw an opportunity and decided to seize it to convince his sister .Of course,there would be one problem to solve and which is the issue between Hope and Mean. But he had his hopes raised especially after the accident of Mr Badmash.Besides,It was his wife who insisted of bringing his sister home.

Mr Joe persuaded his way through the main gate where the sign of "The Sacred Place" was haniging over.He saw the whole family sitting in the hall;apperantly they were waiting for him.Mr Joe was relieved to see Mr Badmash alive;after the nightmare he had,he could swear that it was a reality.Mr hope stepped forward to have a chat with her brother.Before she could say anything,Mr Joe surprised her with this statement:"I'd be very pleased to have you along with your family in our humble home,and I won't take "No" for an answear"...

For a moment Hope was uncertain whether to accept her brother's offer or apologise and go home with her husband and her little daughters. Mr. Badmash can make some extra efforts after all and climb the stairs to his house. Besides, there is Joe and Hope to help him. But an honest request like that made Hope to reconsider her objection and accept it whole-heartedly.
"Are you sure your wife won't mind Joe? We are four, the girls are young and you're not used to our presence"." Come on sister, I told you Sandra wants you there too, she is changed Hope believe me" Mr. Joe seemed suddenly to remember that he forgot to call his wife. The road from the countryside to the hospital took him two hours and he promised to call her as soon as he arrives safely. "Now she cares! Oh women, you are…" said Hope teasingly. "Faith wake your sister and let's go! Oh God! She is asleep too". Badmash was laughing at his wife; he knows very well that she is bad-tempered at times but also a loving mother. Who can deny what she did for her daughters all alone, when their father was God knows where?! For five years! She herself was unsure that she would resist, but the fact that he is somewhere, even if away kept her strong. The tragic death of their eldest daughter coupled with a lonesome scattered life, all gave her a miraculous strength to wait and pray for his return. Had her hopes been in vain? No, Badmash returned and the whole family was closer and happy than they had ever been before.

"Ready to go?" shouted Joe. They were all ready except little Mary who was scrubbing her eyes dazedly. In Joe's car the family rode on first to Mrs. Hope's house to pick up their luggage—even Mary's pinky scooter, before heading towards the countryside…

While they were driving ,Faith remebered her last glance to the place where her dear father was given another chance to live;the last glance to Adrian who was standing at the door step,putting his hands into his white apron;the way she waved at him with a sense of gratitude and walked away. At that moment only,Adrian realized why his parents insisted that he go to the med school. He really felt how was it to be like a helper, or even a lifesaver as to speak.

In a journey that took a couple of hours,Faith couldn't miss the extraordenary side scenes. Yellow farmlands could be seen everywhere. they captured a large area;It was season of harvest. Glistening rivers running here and there. They even passed over a high bridge,but Faith didn't have the courage to look to the beautiful and pure river beneath ,since she had a fear of highs. Two raws of green and nicely designed trees on both sides of the road. The trees were so huge that they made the road look gloomy. They were so big that they blocked down the burning surays in summer time;One could take a nap there without even noticing that it's 35 degrees. As they reached the town, A puff of air found its way through the opened windows of the car as a welcoming gift to the newly arrived family.A large smile was painted on everyone's face in the car. Mr Badmash was just grateful for reunion of his family as well as for his first visit to the countryside in more than five years.

There at the front yard of Mr joe's palace was his wife waiting for them. It was an ancient palace with a beautiful,outer disgne. There were three steps to reach the door and Mrs mean was standing on the last one.She was wearing casual clothes;that surprised Faith a little bit because Mrs Mean that faith knew is anything but casual. Mrs Mean was very known of her fashionable clothes that ,of course,Mr Joe used to buy for her. Yet, things were different now;Mrs Mean was different. She looked normal; she looked like a real housewife...

Mean stood smiling and behind her the door was wide open. "Welcome home!" she said cheerfully. Mr. Joe helped Badmash to descend the car and together with Hope and the girls walked slowly to the house. The house was impressive, and Faith couldn't help shift her eyes from the furniture around her. It was undoubtedly the most beautiful house she ever saw in her life. She hadn't seen the house since she was an infant and only a shady picture remained in her memory. The family first was introduced into a large living room in the first floor to rest before going upstairs. It was painted in a silky beige colour and the curtains elegantly white were fluttering with the rhythm of the soft wind. In the centre of the room was placed a large antique wooden table and on it was set a silver vessel filled with a beautiful bouquet of red roses cut from the garden. The room was furnished luxuriously: large fauteuils, expensive carpets, magnificent paintings on the walls. All this was done for Mrs. Mean.
How was your trip? I hope you're not so much tired Mr. Badmash", Mrs. Mean asked." Well, I'm fine. In fact I'm so happy to visit this place again; it's been a long time!. Oh! I've almost forgotten to thank you for your generous act, you saved my life". "Yes Sandra, I don't know how I can thank you" said Hope" No my dear, I didn't do anything. That's my duty" Sandra smiled bashfully. Badmash was taken by surprise by her sudden change of behaviour, and such changes defy understanding sometimes. This is not Mrs. Mean he knew, she looks totally different!
It was almost dark outside, and the fading daylight made the room look more beautiful and romantic. In fact everything looked fabulous and tidy, but Mr. Joe longed to see his kids playing around.

The family then had dinner in the dinning room which was less lavish. Mrs. Mean served them vegetable soup and then roasted chicken with baked potatoes as the main course. The dessert was chocolate ice cream with a gooey chocolate fondue served with fresh strawberries…
After dinner; they sat together talking for two hours. They were all happy, even Mr. Joe who was cynic living in a mansion filled with anger and grief. No wonder that genuine happiness is not a commodity one can purchase!
Mary was sleeping on her mother's lap when they decided to go to bed. The day was long and they were very exhausted. Mrs. Hope kissed her daughters good night and went with Mrs. Mean to show her her room. "Good night" said Mary as she turned to walk with Faith to their room.

Faith was awakened by the loud sound of the door bell.She opened one eye and barely opened the other as the sunrays were pointed directly towards her face. She got up, dressed up,washed her face and headed to the kitchen to drink some cafe. Meanwhile,her little sister was sleeping and snoring heavely. As faith walked down the tremendous stairs,she saw her aunt talking to a man by the door.Looking to his clothes,he seemed like a delivery boy.He held Mrs mean some papers and said:"have a good one,Madame" and walked away.

Faith, still suffering from geting up so early, said:"Good morning aunt"Mrs Mean was reading what was written on that paper and for some reason,that made her look absent-minded.Her face expresions were constantly changing and finnaly settled down to be in a state of extreme astonishment. Mrs Mean tried to hide her thoughts and feelings but failed since Faith knew for fact that something was wrong.She hesitated for a minute and said:"Good morning dear.I like those who get up so early as yourself;let me grab you some cafe".They went to the kitchen and to faith's surprise she found out that everything was set on the table and ready to be eaten.

One by one,The rest of the happy family joined Faith and Sandra to the kitchen. The huge house was vivid one more time; small talks,laughters were to be heard from outside.Everything seemed wonderful,but that wouldn't keep Faith's mind off that newly recieved paper:"is it that bad?What could possiblly be on that paper that made my aunt behave look that way..."Faith thought.

What should be done when everything come to an end, and one perfectly perceives that
the overburdened soul cannot bear another hardship?. When mistakes that had long been buried in the past, and time had successfully washed away, found its way back to intrude upon the already tired mind.
To her disappointment, Mrs. Mean couldn't hide what was bothering her. She couldn't help but feeling unusual and afraid especially that Faith's constant glances scrutinized her face in search for an answer. That was like an intimidating eye witness having the truth and threatening to reveal it. Faith saw her aunt that morning holding the newspaper, and immediately knew that behind the puzzled look that came over Mrs. Mean's face, something mystifying was hidden.
What have you done? A powerful voice bitterly tortured Mrs. Mean's head. Sooner or later, they will know the truth, it is the end and your baby cannot save you this time. Everyone knows about my shy-making deeds but they thought it is over, yet the news will reach Joe and then… a calamity!

It was a few years ago, some three or four years, when Mrs. Mean met Mr. Gary. A young impressive man of thirty, so beautifully dressed and loftily smiling in confidence, came to Mr. Joe's office for an appointment. He was certain the boss of the plastic factory would grant him the position of a manager—or at least a high position, not because of his MS degree in Finance and Marketing, but due to his father's reputation, the renowned oil baron.
Meanwas a young pretty woman too, and though she was in her mid-thirties and was married to Mr. Joe, people still found her impressive and beautiful. Even Mr. Gary, the well-intentioned friend and her husband's right hand partner. A fond relationship grew between the two; they were much closer than any other devoted friends. They shared the same aspirations, beliefs, even the same obsession with money!
The situation at the factory was appalling. The work was thriving, and heavy demands were made on Mr. Joe's plastic products, yet no potential success and too little profit was gained. Mr. Joe seeing things going bad and to make it worse, his marriage failing stood helpless. Even his home, the sole place that granted him peace of mind from the work's tensions; became an inferno filled with grief.

In fact what was happening in the factory was far more dangerous than what Joe thought. It was not a matter of a few weeks; someone was stealing Joe's money, fooling his boss and planning to seize the factory and then take the owner's wife for himself. Mrs. Mean knew all about Mr. Gary's plans and she helped him getting rid of her husband whom she considers a fool.

"He is released from prison" Mean told herself "and everything will be revealed!"

and the one who opened the door was... not Mrs. Mean, but instead a woman fully
dressed in white. She seemed more relieved to see Joe and Faith coming to the house, at least Badmash won't be alone when she leaves. For a moment Mr. Joe thought he was mistaken in his house, but what a silly thought it seemed to him later, when the woman said "Hello Mr. Joe, thank God you are here!…I'm sorry for what happened, couldn't do more!" "Who is she? And why she opened the door instead of my aunt! Thought Faith. Joe pushed the woman from the door without concentrating on what she said, and rushed to the kitchen first. Nobody was there! He then quickly climbed the stairs to his own room, thrust the door wide open and stood staring; breathless!

"Where is she, that…" She was not there either, nor in the bathroom. But soon she may appear and as it is their habit, they would fight and showers of complaints would be heard from afar. "Don't lie to me!" said Faith to her father asking about the strange woman she saw. Joe was near Badmash's room as he heard Faith talking in a firm voice, and quickly remembered the day Joe asked Mean about Gary. "Don't lie to me" said Joe gripping Mean's hand tightly. Fearlessly she replied "what is it that can be between us, my dear!", "truly you have a suspicious mind" She smiled to herself ignoring to look in his eyes. "Though I can't deny, Gary's one of…well, everything about him is mesmerizing "" But…the man really admires me".
Joe stood silent, and then approached the window. Softly he drew the white curtain watching the gardener. The scene was pretty, and the gardener—already taken by happiness, couldn't notice the jealous watcher. There was something powerful about it, it had a soothing effect on his soul to see the man watering and planting roses. That man can teach him how to live peacefully, how to through aside all the complexes life carries. It started raining outside, yet the gardener didn't seem bothered by it. He could sit there longer to smell the strong scent of the wet soil, humming popular lyrics.

"Please dad! Where is everybody and why this woman opened the door not my aunt or mum?". It was first tough on Badmash to tell his little daughter what had happened. He didn't have enough strength to reveal the truth. But eventually they would know. The woman turned out to be a midwife, Hope fetched to help deliver Mean's baby. The childbirth was certainly unexpected, but Mean felt an intolerable pain in her back. They all thought it the wrong call; though the pain persisted and didn't appear it would halt. "And when you and you uncle had been off to the market for supplies, only your mum brought this woman! But she couldn't do much. The baby I guess…" Mrs. Mean was in grave conditions, she had totally forgotten that her doctor warned her against stress. All her body was aching, and her mind full of thoughts about Joe and their life unraveled her remaining strength. All she was thinking about was how stupidly she destroyed her life, lost her man and now her baby. Her hand reached out to Hope while she murmured softly "Tell him sorry; please ask him to forgive me… I'm really stupid". Tears filled her eyes as she said "I love him Hope, I swear I do…"
The ambulance caught Mrs. Mean at her last breath; they drove to the nearest hospital with Hope sitting besides her praying for her safety.

Mr. Joe was standing motionless outside the room listening to Badmash. The news he received about his baby ripped his soul. He sensed that something was broken, strange, frightening…intolerable pain.