ENDLESS NIGHTS
Chapter 4
David Maynard
"David, you cannot address me in such a manner. I am your mother," my mother articulated, her anger palpable.
"While I acknowledge that, it does not give you the right to dictate my decisions. I intend to marry the woman of my choice, not the one you prefer," I replied before she turned to Ariel and inquired about the situation.
"Dad, what is occurring? Why are you raising your voice?" I have always detested elevating my tone in the presence of my daughter. I turned to my mother and softly stated,
"Let this be the inaugural and concluding discussion on this matter," I conveyed. The young woman accompanying my mother stepped closer, placing her hand upon my chest.
"I love you, David! I assure you that you will never find another like me. You are handsome, and I am beautiful; we are an ideal pairing, do you not recognize that? Furthermore, I am capable of being a loving and nurturing mother to Ariel; trust me," I gently took her hand and placed it aside.
"I sincerely appreciate your affection; however, I am already involved with someone else. If you wish to be integrated into the Maynard family, your proposition should be directed towards my mother, as she is the sole person here expressing interest," I asserted.
"David! Mind your language!" my mother retorted. I grasped my daughter's hand and swiftly exited my mother's room, making our way to my daughter's quarters. Once inside, I closed the door, knowing it was time to settle my little angel into bed.
"I apologize, my dear princess, for raising my voice today in your presence. It was inappropriate," I explained.
"It is alright, Dad, but who was that young woman I just saw in Grandma's room?" she inquired. I contemplated for a moment before responding,
"I believe she is a friend of hers, alright? Now, would you like some ice cream? Chocolate or...? I will allow you to have some, and then I will quickly shower,"
"Um, I want a mom. Dad, when are you going to remarry? I desire someone I can refer to as a mother?" Ariel consistently brings up this topic in conversation. I playfully pinched her pink cheeks and replied,
"I understand; I think I have begun to develop feelings for someone. Once she consents, I shall bring her home and marry her," I stated. I observed my daughter's countenance transforming into a bright smile, which delighted me. Her happiness is always a source of joy for me. I rose and went to the kitchen to retrieve vanilla-flavored ice cream, her preferred choice. After giving it to her, I turned on the television in her room and selected her favorite animated program. I kissed her forehead as I prepared to depart, intending to shower before heading to the bar, seeking solace in an alcoholic drink to help me forget the turmoil instigated by my mother.
**Introduction**
David Maynard, I had one brother and one sister, though our connections were complex. Ethan and I shared the same father, which meant we had the same surname and ancestral totem, but he was raised by a different mother. My sister, older than me, was the child of a different father, making our dynamic even more intricate. When Mrs. Katie married my father, she brought along her daughter, Nomsa, who quickly felt like a sister to me. Nomsa was a hidden part of our family, as the world believed Mrs. Katie had only one child—me. Although Nomsa lived and worked in India and was unmarried at 39, we maintained a strong bond.
Nomsa and I enjoyed a good relationship; we frequently spoke on the phone, and she connected effortlessly with my daughter as if they were best friends. Beneath her tough demeanor, Nomsa was genuinely kind. Then there was Ethan, who revealed a painful truth: Ethan and his mother had never been accepted into the Maynard family. I still struggle to comprehend my father's stance, considering he was the one who had a relationship with Ethan's mother, a maid who had fallen for him. I was the elder sibling, and although Ethan was born after me, our mother forced his family away at that time. Growing up, my father focused on me, unintentionally making Ethan resentful. Eventually, Ethan struck a deal with Princess Sienna, marrying her and receiving financial support to start his business. Had it not been for Sienna, he and his mother, Tanya, would likely have returned to their village. Whenever I tried to discuss Ethan with my father, he would change his demeanor, hinting that there were undisclosed matters from their past. Dad often immersed himself in work, leaving my mother, my daughter, the staff, and me to manage the mansion. We once had Ariel's nanny living with us, but I dismissed her for crossing boundaries and neglecting her duties.
**Returning to the Story**
I stepped into the shower and began washing up. While I was busy, I heard footsteps approaching—most likely Ariel, since no one else was in my room, not even my mother. I turned off the water and called out, "Ariel, princess, I'm showering, just wait a moment; I'll be right out," but the footsteps persisted, heading toward the bathroom. Wrapped in a towel, I left the shower and entered my bedroom, only to be taken aback by the sight of Pinky, completely naked.
"Pinky, what are you doing in my room?" I asked, puzzled by her presence. Standing there without clothes felt inappropriate. She offered me a small smile as she approached, engaging in provocative behavior.
"Don't you want this? Huh, handsome? How about this?" she whispered, pressing her breasts together, then added with a lick of her finger, "and this." I closed my eyes, unwilling to delve further into the situation or get caught up in her manipulative tactics. However, she quickly placed her hand on my chest and leaned in close enough to whisper,
"Don't shut your eyes! Open them and take in the beauty before you. David, I'm yours. I love you. Please, let's explore this together."
Alessia
At the hospital
"Hey Doc, how's she doing now?"
"I hate to break this to you, Ms. Alessia, but your aunt has cancer, and it's already spread to her heart. Look, we're short on time. We have about a week to treat her, or else…" the doctor replied. I turned to Mandy and was shocked to see her collapsed on the floor! Oh no! Did she just faint? "Mandy? Come on, wake up!"
"What's wrong with Mandy?" I asked the doctor in a panic.
"Hey, we need some help over here! She fainted. Ms. Alessia, try to stay calm; it'll be okay."
"What about Aunt Gini?" I pressed.
"Heart attack? What triggered it?" Memories started flooding back of our chat about the wedding—me mentioning that Ethan was already married. But was that really what caused all this? Then the doctors rushed in and lifted Mandy onto a bed too.
As I stood frozen in the hospital entrance, the familiar hospital smell hit me, filling me with anxiety and dread. Those long nights blurred into one another, each one replaying in my mind like a bad dream, thoughts of my aunt and her daughter looming large. My aunt's frail figure and Mandy's innocent face, both reflecting pain, left me gasping. I couldn't help but think about where to get money—who could I turn to for support? I pressed my hands to my head and let out a scream that bounced off the hospital walls. I noticed security rushing toward me, grabbing me and escorting me outside, saying,
"What's going on, Ms.? Why the screaming? You're bothering the patients." I stayed quiet; I was trapped in my own bubble of sorrow. I barely registered what they were saying. Just then, the doctor tending to Aunt Gini chimed in,
"Your cousin is awake; both of you need to head home. Mrs. Gini is in bad shape. You need to find the money for her treatment."
"How much are we talking?"
"We need twenty million dollars within the next week, or she won't make it."
"Twenty million? Are you serious?" Mandy exclaimed. I quickly moved closer and embraced her, trying to reassure her. The doctor had already headed off, and one of the security guards was asked to give us a ride home.
"Alessia, how are we going to come up with that kind of cash?"
To be continued.