Her father’s daughter
She looked from the window to see him coming out of those cars which she always envied from television shows and fashion magazines. Mia hadn’t told her Mr. Antonio was from a rich family. It was not until yesterday she realized it.
Was he alone ? She thought.
Maybe Mia was inside with him, but when he moved towards her front door to knock, she knew Mia wasn’t there with him. The doorbell rang and she proceeded to open the door for him since she was very sure he was the One.
” Hello ma’am.” He greeted, immediately he saw her.
” Emma, ” she offered, feeling embarrassed as her cheek flushed red. ” My name is Emma. Sorry we couldn’t introduce ourselves the previous day.”
” It’s fine, I’ve come for something.” He started.
” Mia isn’t at home but I can let you wait. I’m sure she won’t take long.”
He sighed at her ignorance.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“How about Ariel? How is she?” He asked peeping to see if he could find her in her usual play area.
“She hasn’t stopped crying since you left and she won’t talk to her mum.” Emma answered.
“That’s really bad. Can I talk to her?”
” Sure. You talk to Ariel while I phone Mia.”
He said nothing as went to Ariel’s room, he knocked politely but got no answer so he decided to speak.
“Ariel, please Open up, it’s Antonio.” He called out to her.
The door opened almost immediately and the little one rushed to hug him but she could only hug his legs. He was a tall man and she was just 5 years old and grew normally despite her illness.
“Don’t leave, Mr. Antiono.” She cried.
“I won’t,” He assured her as he felt the fatherly feeling he has always wanted, it was strange but he liked it.”I won’t if only your mum allows that.”
What was he even saying now? Trying to blame Mia again? Even when her life was in danger. No! He couldn’t do that. It was this same mistake of his that got Mia kidnapped. Now he wasn’t going to make any more mistakes.
“I won’t stay away from you, I promise.”
He got a call from Aaron and had to take it, he gestured to Ariel that he wanted to take a call and she freed her tiny hands from his leg.
” What’s the update?” He asked in a hush.
” Your suspicions are right. He’s the one responsible.”
“Just like I presumed, check for their hideous while I inform Emma about it.”
“Consider it done.”
He went Inside the room to see Ariel playing with lucky. He had totally forgotten the dog.
“How is Lucky doing?”
” Not pretty well. She’s sad because I’m upset.”
He looked at the park puppy she was holding and knew she was right, the little door didn’t appear playful like when she had seen her the previous night. Seeing Lucky made him think if dogs actually could understand Humans.
The door opened and Emma entered.
“Antiono?” She called who in turn looked at her eagerly. ” I’ve tried Mai’s phone but she’s not taking my calls”
It was time, he thought.
“Emma, can I talk to you about something? It’s about Mia… and I.” He had added the last part in order not to look suspicious. He didn’t want Ariel to get worried.
” Okay. Ariel please come for breakfast and I’m sure Lucky is hungry.”
” I always have breakfast with Mummy. I will wait for her. Please send her a text.”
“Of course I will.”
Antonio tried to protest against it but Emma stopped him .
” It won’t work.” She said to him.
Together they walked to the kitchen and Emma asked,
” What do you want to know about Mia? You don’t believe what Wilson say about her us true.”
He didn’t give am answer to she continued.
” I know it’s not in my place to tell you this but I just have to. Mia is my friend and I don’t like her being worried.”
Slowly, shs began to narrate everything that had happened , right from how Mia caught Wilson cheating and how she met Antiono.
” Think about why Wilson hadn’t showed up untill yesterday.”
” To kidnap her.” He broke the heartbreaking news to get.
” What do you mean by that?”
” Mia was kidnapped in front of the office this morning.”
“What!” She tried to scream but Antiono held her in place.
“You must be joking” with atear on her eyes trying to stop herself from crying or shedding more tears
“Take it easy Emma be calm I don’t want Ariel hearing about this.”
She lessen the sobbing as she heard Ariel’s name.
” How did it happen?” She asked.
“I couldn’t see their face but I suspect Wilson.”
” That son of a bitch. I know he’s capable of doing something like this.”
“We are looking for how to track her.”
“We have a tracker. I called her phone and it wasn’t off so that means we can still trace her to where she is.”
“Very smart Emma. Send me the code for the tracker.”
“Can I come with you?” She asked.
“No…I don’t want Ariel to know about this.”
” Know about what.” Both of them froze instantly as they heard her tiny voice.
Emma’s heart jumped in fear, as her heart began to race quickly. She was scared as so many questions filled her mind, what was she going to tell Ariel, and Ariel’s health would worsen once she hears her mother has been kidnapped.
“Ariel…I was talking about a surprise I planned for you. ” Antiono offered
“Oops! Did I spoil it?”
“Yes and No. I will think of a new surprise.”
“I’m sorry Mr. Antiono.”
” It’s fine. Emma please take care of her and get me the codes.”
“Are you angry with me?”
“No…Ariel. He just wants to get you something then go to the office.” Emma offered.
” Will you come for dinner? Mummy would love it.”
“Anything my princess wants.” He smiled at her and squeezed her cheeks gently.