Mrs. Wilson invited Harold to her office to speak with her. He entered the small office and stood in front of the lady of the house, with his hands behind his back.
"You called for me?"
"Yes, I did. Please, do have a seat." Harold sits on the chair in front of Mrs. Wilson.
"I called you here because I have to talk to you about something. My daughter told me she was almost kidnapped over the weekend."
"Well, yes ma'am. I took care of those men and brought your daughter back safe and sound."
"Yes, I know that and I am really thankful for that. That is why I decided to make you her bodyguard. I already told Denise about it and she was very happy about it."
"You want to make me her personal bodyguard? I-I don't know what to say, ma'am," Harold's eyes were wide with shock. He had not expected to hear this kind of news.
"Yes, Harold. I want you to be her driver and bodyguard and I promise I will double your salary from this month onwards. What do you say?"
"I will be happy to take the offer, ma'am. Thank you."
"But before that, I need you to promise me one thing."
"Sure. Whatever you may need, ma'am."
"Please promise me you will protect her no matter what happens."
"Ma'am, I promise to protect her with even my life. I will not let anything happen to her."
Mrs. Wilson smiled. She looked into Harold's eyes and found truth and honesty. She nodded and gave permission to Harold to leave. Harold was very happy that Mrs. Wilson trusted him so much to entrust the life of her daughter in his care. That is why he promised to protect her and watch over her.
Harold was on his way out, when Denise came out of her room, in decent clothes. She looked very fresh and beautiful. She stood at the top of the stairs and called out to Harold. When he stopped and turned to face her, she rushed downstairs and got closer to him.
"I came looking for you, but you were not in your room," she said.
"Yes, your mother called me. So, I was in her office to see her. Is there anything you want me to do for you?"
"Yes. I wanted you to drive me to the supermarket to get some provisions for the house. We will be leaving in an hour."
"Then, I guess I should start getting ready," he said and turned to leave.
"And Harry, please don't wear your uniform. Just put on some casual clothes," she smirked.
Harold nodded and excused himself. Denise watched him till he was out of the building before she went back upstairs to change. Harold wondered why Denise was the one shopping for the house when it has always been Tina, the housekeeper who has been paid to be doing those errands. Harold did not ask her anything, because he did not have to. His job demanded that he does not ask questions but just do as he was told.
He got dressed quickly and got the car ready for Denise. He sat in the car, with the door opened, and waited for Denise to come downstairs. Later, Denise walked downstairs in just a plain shirt and blue-black jeans and a purse in her hands. She sat in the car and they both drove off. They got to the supermarket in about an hour later, due to the small traffic on the busy road.
They walked into the supermarket and Denise bought everything she needed while Harold just followed her, watching her closely. Denise smiled to herself when she felt Harold near her. She did not want to ever lose this feeling of protectiveness and was willing to do anything to keep it. They finally got everything they needed and paid for them. Then they stepped out of the shop. Harold held the two shopping bags in his hands while Denise walked ahead of him with her purse in hand.
Denise then opened the door for Harold to put the bags into the car. Then, she moved to the other side and sat down. Harold was about to open the door to the driver's side when he heard a familiar voice call his name. He stiffened for a while, then slowly turned to meet the person behind the voice.
"Harold, my son. How are you doing?" the woman said when she was certain it was Harold she was seeing in front of her.
"Mother?" Harold asked, eyeing the woman up and down.
"Yes, son. It is me. Harold, where have you been? I have been searching for you everywhere. Please son, let me hug you," the woman moved forward to hug him.
"No! Don't come near me. Don't," Harold stopped her.
"Harold... "
"Just don't."
"Harry, what's going on?" Denise asked when she got down from the car. She moved towards the woman and stood beside her. She greeted her and asked the same question she asked earlier.
"Harold, please. I can explain," the woman tried again.
"Explain what? What do you want to explain to me? Is it the fact that you left me alone with an abusive father? huh? What do you want to explain?" Harold was getting angry.
"Harold. Please, calm down. Madam, I am sorry but who are you?" Denise asked calmly.
"I am his mother," the woman slowly said.
Denise was mute. She never knew about Harold's family because he never liked talking about them. And now that she was meeting his mother for the first time, he did not know how to feel about it. Harold's mother continued to plead with Harold to listen to her but he was not ready to. He turned to go sit in the car when Denise quickly got in his way.
"Harold, Please calm down. Let's talk about this."
"I have nothing to say to this woman. Please, Denise, don't. Don't do this to me," Harold whispered. His voice was going down now like he did not want anyone to hear him. Seeing his mother again brought back painful memories. Memories he would rather forget.
"I am sorry. I don't want to talk about this anymore." He walked beside Denise and sat in the car.
Harold's mother was crying bitterly. She really wanted to explain things to her son, but he was not ready to listen. It hurt her so much. Denise felt sad for her. She approached her and gave her her card. She promised to call her once Harold had calmed down. Harold's mother had a small smile on her face. She nodded at Denise. Denise sat back in the car, and Harold drove them away, filled with so much anger.