IF ONLY SHE KNEW
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CHAPTER 19
"Chloe!" called out Shania. "Your dad is here and Calvin."
It had been a week since Chloe was discharged from hospital. She had been staying with Shania
all along. She walked down the stairs with a sad look on her face folding her arms.
"Auntie Shania. I don't want to go with dad. It's so boring living with both of them. Can't I stay here
with you," she held her hand. "Please. Daddy?"
"I also don't want you to go my princess. Can she stay another week Andrew? Seriously I will be
bored if she leaves.."
Andrew looked at Calvin and he nodded.
"Okay. You will stay here with Auntie Shania," said Andrew.
"Thank you daddy," she hugged him.
"Well, we better get going Calvin. It seems Miss Chloe is not coming with us."
"Actually, my dad is coming over for dinner. I was hoping you two will join us. I hope you don't
mind," said Shania.
"Thank goodness! What a relief. I didn't want to leave this place. If dad is not staying he can leave.
As for me I would really love to join you for dinner," spoke Calvin.
"Ohh Calvin. You really know how to make my day. You very funny. The Kelvin Hart type,"
laughed Shania.
"We will join you," responded Andrew
They sat in the loudge watching television. It was around 6pm when Shania started preparing for
dinner. She was alone in the kitchen when Andrew walked in.
"I thought I could come in and give you a hand," he said
"Ohh it's you. You scared me up. My mind is in the pot," she said smilingly. "You can wash your
hands, peel the potatoes and make the salad. Is that okay?"
"Yes!"
Andrew washed his hands and started peeling the tomatoes.
"Andrew!"
"Huh!"
"You never talk about your wife," she said her eyes on the pot.
"She left me for another man. We got divorced."
"I am sorry."
"No, it's okay. Should I cut the potatoes into pieces?"
"Yes, but not too big. I still need to roast this chicken."
"I can roast it for you," said Andrew.
"You know how to?"
"Yes," he smiled. "I am a man of so many talents. After boiling the chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes. He dried it and dipped in a beaten egg. He coast
chicken pieces well with Robertson Gold 'n' Crispy coating. He fried until it was a golden brown.
"Wow!" exclaimed Shania. "It taste delicious. You did it better than I. Actually this is good. How did
you learn all of this?"
"Googling!"
"You so funny!"
They stared for a while.
"Aaaah," he cleared his throat. "Grandpa is here," said Calvin
"Okay, coming," replied Shania
They walked to the lounge and greeted her father. Later on she set the dinner table with the help
of Chloe and her step mother. They sat on the table and said grace.
"Divine! Shania didn't cook this," said her father. "This is delicious."
"Dad. Thanks to Andrew."
"Even I would never roast a chicken like this. This is good," said her step mother.
They finished eating and sat in the loudge. Chloe and Calvin made them all laugh with their jokes.
We often wonder, where happiness starts. The journey usually begins, in our individual hearts.
Each one of us possesses happiness ownview. We must stick to our values. In the mirror we must
be true. Spending time with others, who we love and deeply care. It's these simple moments in
time, everyday we would love to share. All the fortunes in this world, shall not make our spirits
sing. It's amazing how much joy, a baby's laughter seems to bring.
Andrew wiped a tear seeing how happy Chloe was with Shania. He watched them as they washed
dishes in the kitchen. Shania's father had already left with his wife. He never thought he was going
to spend another day with his daughter. But there she was having the time of her life.
"Happiness comes now and then, we cannot be sure just when, but when it's there, enjoy each
hour," he went on. "Because happiness has such power, joy to you it will bring. Even mak.."
"Make someone else sing. What peace of mind happiness can show, he cut him short and
continued. "Making you and others glow, nurture it makes it last. Forget the troubles of the past.
Never fear that it will go for it could always grow and then tomorrow you will be happy," he paused.
"I wouldn't mind if she becomes my mother. She is a good woman dad," said Calvin.
"Did you really had to cut me short?"
"I thought you needed some help to finish the sentence. See you were disturbing me. I am
watching my movie and you busy watching Auntie Shania and Chloe, while talking to yourself at
the same time."
"Its called meditating, sonny."
"Oh please, dad," said Calvin with a laugh.
"What are you two talking about?" asked Shania as she walked in with dessert. "I have got dessert
with me here. Ice cream, strawberry and chocolate flavours."
"I am eating with Auntie Shania," said Chloe.
"Me too," said Calvin. "Dad you on your own."
"Me three. Guess will have to eat together as a f..," stopped Andrew.
"As a family," said Shania smilingly. "Come sit next to me, my princess. "But Auntie Come on. You should be feeding me," said Calvin.
They all laughed at him.