CHAPTER 35: CONFLICTING HEARTS
As Emma drove through Graig school route, she tried not to think about the scenario her mind had been haunting her with since last night. She was taking Ryan to his creche class. Last night, she placed a call to the driver to help her get few things she described after handing him the key to her bedroom. He brought her Ryans school uniform, a bag of Ryan’s clothes and some stuffs she needed. The shock she got last night was unbearable and she was sure she could pass for a traumatized victim. She wouldn’t pick Gideon’s calls neither did she reply his text messages. She now hated him for all she knew. Gideon had created a vacuum in her heart last night and the ache resulted to the tears that never stopped flowing from her cheeks. She wept and vowed never to step foot in that mansion again.
When she woke up that morning and decided to drive Ryan to school, her mother was shocked because she had expected Emma to be secluded and probably hopeless. However, she knew how determined her child is so she wasn’t really bothered when she saw her daughter fully dressed and set to take Ryan to school.
Emma parked the car in the open arena where cars were normally parked in the school area and heaved a deep sigh; not of relief but severe agony. She looked at cheerful Ryan protectively strapped to his chair in the car and graced his face stroking his cheeks. He giggled and said “mama. ” she smiled at him and vowed in her heart and felt a sudden wave of re_invigoration enveloping her. She would give Ryan the world. At least, her baby boy is something to live and die for if his father isn’t, not anymore. She thought.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
She carried Ryan on her shoulder with his bag pack in her left hand. Someone held her arm pulling her as she was about to take a step into the school. It was Gideon. “What are you doing here? ” she thundered.
“Let go of me. ” she screamed at him pulling his hand violently from her arm. “I’ve been calling you and… ” began Gideon with his eyes welling up with tears. He went closer to Emma who immediately drifted away.
“What’s happening? ” he asked.
“Don’t you dare touch me. “she warned him placing Ryans bag pack on top of the car.
“You son of a bitch. ” yelled Emma Her face was stiff and her red eyes scared Gideon. “Listen to me. ” Gideon said. “No. ” she yelled at him throwing spit on his face. “Henceforth, don’t you dare come close to me. You can’t cheat on me and expect me to welcome you with arms open. ” she said. Gideon stood there dumbfounded. The parents taking there children to school were beginning to stare. “Listen Emma you’ll create a scene. Why don’t we get into the car and sort things out. I didn’t cheat. I promise I.. ” he was saying trying to touch her but she turned away.
“Please don’t avoid me. ” beckoned Gideon. “I came here because I knew you’ll be dropping our son in school. ” Gideon told her. Emma quickly went into the group of parents taking their children to class while Gideon raced towards her catching up to her. “Emma listen to me. I swear to God I am innocent. I don’t know how it happened.. ” Gideon was saying while a laughter broke out from Emma He immediately recognized that laughter. She laughs that way when she is bitter, full of rage and unwilling to give in. Gideon decided not to say anything. He knew she wouldn’t listen to him. They’ll sort it out. They always do. He thought. Later, he will convince her and they will be one happy family again. He assured himself.
Emma noticed Gideon’s withdrawal so she let the cat out of the bag. “I’m leaving town. ” she announced. She had thought about that last night and is willing to go away from Gideon. “I’m moving with Ryan. ” she revealed to make Gideon realize that she wasn’t just bluffing. “You can’t do this to me Emma. You can’t take my child away from me. ” he lamented. “Mama. I want Dada.” Ryan blurted to the amazement of both parents. The boy turned around and stretched his hands towards his father beckoning to be received. Gideon immediately grabbed the boy and hugged him emotionally. He was beginning to sob. “My son. ” he said patting the boys back. “I love you Dada. ” Ryan said. “I love you more. ” Gideon replied.
Emma knew it was impossible to break a father’s bond with that of his child. However, she was determined to carry out her plan. She had promised herself last night that she won’t let Gideon manipulate her. She will go far away from him taking her son with her. She could actually flee with the boy without his notice but she felt it was better to let him know. At least the pain will be more severe. Knowing that she left him together with their son and he could do nothing about it despite being told. “Please Emma. ” Gideon said. “For the sake of our baby. Listen to me. Give me one chance to explain. ” he said. “Okay. ” she replied. Even though Gideon was hoping to be forgiven and given a chance to explain, he was surprised when Emma said ‘Okay. ‘ especially after that laughter.
“Can I come and pick Ryan from school later? ” asked Gideon. “Please. I want to spend the afternoon with my boy. I know we’ve been apart for just a day but I miss my boy so much. ” he added. Emma nodded. Gideon heaved a sigh and said “Thank You. ” He will pick Ryan up from school then go to Emma parents place to bring his wife home no matter what. He thought. Deep down, Emma knew she wasn’t going to follow through her words. She will send him the divorce papers later. Gideon can spend the day with the boy. She will be taking him away for good after all.