C7 EPISODE 7. TRYING TO STAY HAPPY.😪

🎁🎁JASAMINA🎁🎁

I'm giving Jaimie his evening bath smiling, the way he's growing is really surprising. He was giggling and playing with the soap.

He stared at me and flashed gums without teeth in them. "Yaiii!"

"Yaii!" I shot right back as I ran my hand all over his little body. I splashed little water on him and he laughed out loud.

"You love playing with water, don't you?" I said splashing more water on him.

I've never seen a child who loves water morw like him. Not that I've seen many children of course. I'm the only child of my parents and I'm just twenty years old.

I brought my mind back to the present and stared at my child good naturedly. "Will you want me to put you back at the tub if I bring you out again?"

"Yaii!" He beat his hand in the water, splashing it.

I laughed a little and carried him out of the water. The smile cleared from his face, he cooed sounds as if in complaint.

"You'll be in the water again soon enough, young man." I promised him as we entered the smile bedroom that was starting to feel like home.

In our two months of being here I found out that this house previously belonged to a woman...or two women. When I was cleaning, I came across two photographs.

Beautiful young women, one older than the other. Sisters. The photograph made me wonder what happened to them and how it all connects to the drunkard.

Jaimie babbled bringing my attention back to him. "You can't eat your socks, young man." I said to him." Taking the little socks away from his grasp.

We've settled into a routine this days, always going to work in the mornings, stacking up files and rearranging books. Then, taking breaks to breastfeed Jaimie and play with him.

I'm getting used to being called Mina. It sounds normal to me now. I can't believe I'll ever get a chance to live freely like this. I started making friends just to fit into the society and not draw attention to myself.

I don't get too close to them to avoid being asked personal questions cause I know that the same people who put on friendly facades will be the ones that'll sell my identity for money if they ever find out who I am. Who's wife I am.

The next day, I prepared Jaimie and myself for work, then took time studying myself in the mirror. I noticed I've gained a little weight and my skin's colour is getting better.

The bruises on my body has faded too, only a few scars and dull marks remained. At least they were all hidden.

Dale takes great care not to beat me anywhere it'll show because he doesn't want the world to know the man he really is behind that gentleman and caring facade of his.

I stared at my hair through the mirror. The dye I put on my hair is fading off, I'll have to redo it when I get back in the evening.

I carried my baby and headed to work, happy and coping. I wish I can remain this way with my past behind me, but I know it's not possible Dale and my parents would never give up on the search.

They'll keep adding money to attract more people so they could look for me. I sighed, pushing the memories aside. Thinking about them alone has turned is enough to turn my mood sour and I don't want that.

No one can spoil this day for me. Not even them.

🎁🎁DOREEN RUTHERFORD🎁🎁

My mood is sour. These days, I can't seem to be as happy as I used to be. Am on edge.

Why won't I be when my daughter ran away from her husband's house? Didn't she know that marriage is for better or for worse!?

The worst part of it all is that she refuses to come home! She's just out there....might even be in a man's house!

"That useless girl!" I fumed, "I don't know when that girl will grow up!"

The two investigators in front of me stared at me warily, as if they thought I'll release my anger on them.

"Any updates on her?" I finally directed at them.

"No, ma'am, no one has seen her yet. We've only gotten prank calls and fake leads."

"Bastards." I fumed, enraged. What happens if Dale stops being patient and decides to cut off our allowance?

I need to buy the new clothes I saw on sales and visit the salon too. What if he refuses to send me money for it all because of Jasamina's childish tantrums!?

I'll never forgive that girl for this!

"Someone must have given her refuge." The bulky investigator suggested.

Or maybe she's in a boyfriend's place. "Good for nothing people, add another million dollars and make it known to the people" I ordered.

What kind of man would have hidden her and hasn't been tempted by the bounty on her head?

Wait! Or maybe that's what I need. A bounty hunter.

A smile tugged at my lips at that thought. Oh yes....that's just it. Bounty hunters are more savage than investigators...although they are rare. They are always able to do their job.

I faced the two useless investigators. "Get out of my sight, you can't even do a simple job "

They turned to leave....

""Oh, and make sure you top the money. We need to find that girl!"

"Yes, ma'am." One of them said as they turned and left.

They should keep on working until I discuss with Dale, my son. I'll suggest a bounty hunter to him.

🎁🎁JASAMINA🎁🎁

The library turned out to be really crowded today. Heard there's a bestseller in town. Must be why all of them are coming to get her books.

I've been busy since morning. By afternoon, the number reduced and I was able to have a little breathing space. I sat down in my sit ready to take a 'Me' time.

"Ma'am can you please get me this book?" A blonde lady sat as she walked closer to me.

I sighed " sure". I looked at Jaimie where he was playing. He should be hungry by now but I'm really busy. I've fed him in between working, and although he's a happy child now, I need to fed him again.

I walked to the shelf, looked at the title she gave me, it took time but I finally found it.

When I gave the lady the books, another person came again asking for another book... It continued for a long time until I could no longer take it, Jaimie is crying already.

I took a break, when to the inner room so I could breastfeed him. After breastfeeding, I played with him for a bit before going back inside.

A lady walked in, I turned and saw it was Vivian. She's been coming here for some time now and is friendly towards me and Jaimie.

"Hi, Mina." She called with a smile.

"Hello Linda, how are you today?"

"I'm gud. Where's my little pumpkin, Mia?"

"Oh she's with Ellie." Ellie is a four year old girl who likes playing with Jaime whenever her mother comes to the library with her.

"There," I pointed at the giggling Jaimie. "Look at her."

Vivian smiled good-naturedly. "Such a beautiful girl."

I nodded, because no one knows that Jaimie is a boy. "What can I get for you today?" I asked changing the topic

"Oh no nothing, I was passing by and decided to stop by and see our princess."

"That's sweet of you" I smiled at her. Just then, Ellie came running out shouting to me. "I think your baby poo-ed."

Ohh no...This is bad. I'll have to go inside and change his diapers.

I turned to Linda and saw her studying me. I smiled. "I'll be right back"

"Don't worry about me." She reassured me, "I'll just check for more books."

I picked up Jaimie's diaper bag and made my way to the inner room.

"Jaimie, you really ate too much." I said with a smile as I changed his diapers, he cooed and smiled like a happy child.

🎁🎁🎁VIVIAN🎁🎁🎁

I've been coming to the library for the past few weeks because of Mia. Something about her doesn't feel right.

She claims she's twenty four but....I don't know...sometimes she looks younger. Although her hair is blonde, it doesn't seem like a natural blond today.

I remember her face when the Ellie told her that her little girl's diaper needs changing.

Curious, I followed her to the inner room. I leaned on the door and was shocked when she said Jaimie. She called the child Jaimie not Mia.

I peeked through a small peephole and my eyes widened....!

A boy! The baby is a boy!

Now, I remember why the name Jaimie is familiar. The congressman's child...!

The piece started falling into place. Oh...hell!

It's the congressman's wife and child!

I rushed out of the library and straight outside. I withdrew my phone and dialed the police...