Catherine Smith, a divorcee and mother of two; J.B Smith and Juliet Smith, had decided an unannounced visit is just the way to get her son's attention after series of calls had been placed to him. All of which went unanswered.
"You think coming to my office unannounced is the right approach"? Smith asked narrowing his eyes at his mother.
"What did you expect me to do, uhn! When you've been ignoring my calls since last night, and you know how much it affects me when you shun me out", she said, making a face.
She knows how much effect she has on her son and she doesn't hesitate to wield that weapon whenever J.B is in a foul mood with her. Not that she could blame him though. She knew this would happen but she was only looking out for him.
Are you sure it wasn't for your own personal gain? A voice argued within her.
She squared her shoulder stubbornly. Determined to ward off that voice. It's nobody's business how she runs her family. She would stop at nothing to give her best for it's greater cause.
Smith looked at her, his irritation slowly fading off. The last thing he wanted is being blackmailed with her incessant flow of tears. He knows she wouldn't stop once it begins to flow, until he succumb to her.
"Okay mother, I think I have some time to spare before my next engagement," he lied
He can't have her know that he's free for the day, otherwise, he would have no escape plan from this doom that is about to befall him.
"Why don't you have your seat, so we could get right to it", he urged her.
Catherine was deeply pleased with herself but she wouldn't let J.B see that. She only allowed a faint smile on her lips as she took a seat opposite her son's desk. Smith did the same. His hands stretched out on the desk, his fingers intertwined. He wore a weary look.
Catherine held her son's hands in hers, her eyes pleading.
"I'm sorry I got you upset last night after inviting you over. It was really meant to be a family dinner. I received a call from Tessy at the last minute informing me of her arrival to town. I didn't really give it much thought before inviting her to have dinner with us". She explained apologetically
Smith made to withdraw his hands from his mother's grip. This is one of the lots when his mother is wrong but still tries to justify her actions. He couldn't recall her ever having a contrite spirit.
Catherine quickly tightened her hands around Smith's to hold him still.
"It's the truth, J.B. I'm sorry you had to walk in on her like that"
"You still don't get it, do you? After all I went through at the hands of Tessy. I felt betrayed seeing you so comfortable around her. Inviting her to your home. Let's not forget that I know you well, mother. So don't expect me to buy your little story. I suspect you've been in contact with her for a while and if I found out my suspicion is right, I would be so disappointed at you".
Catherine looked puzzled. This is more than she thought it is. She needs to have a serious conversation with Tessy to know the gravity of her crime towards J.B.
Though J.B knows he had withheld some vital information about Tessy and the details of her crime from his mother. However, he expected that the little he allowed himself divulge to her, should be enough for any mother not to accept Tessy with open arms. Except that Catherine has a mind of her own. She always want to shine her light on every dark tunnel, attain the unattainable, turn a dead end to an exploit. Something must have given her insight to the possibility that she could orchestrate the lost love between J B and Tessy.
"I promise I won't do anything that will hurt you or your reputation baby", Catherine said assuringly to her son.
She kissed his hands and smiled fondly at him.
"You know I love you son", she said patting his cheeks.
"That is the problem mum! You think your love for me justifies your actions even when it's against my wish".
He rubbed his forehead. His throat constricted as he fought hard to surpress his emotions. The pain of the last two years beginning to resurface. Not that he had been able to move past his hurt, because he still suffers from constant nightmare, but he had done well to keep it locked away from his daily activities.
"Mum, I mean it. I don't want to see her around you. Nothing good will ever come out of it. I assure you"
Catherine nodded with all seriousness.
"You won't have to son", Catherine said, with all the seriousness she could muster.
"Now that we have sorted our differences", Catherine said beaming with all smiles. "I would like to invite you to my annual charity gala. This one is going to be a different kind, I promise you".
J.B nodded, unable to keep a straight face with her for so long. His lips twitched as he raised his left brow in question.
"What do you mean different? I hope you're not planning something silly, mother".
"No, no, not at all", Catherine rushed to defend herself.
"I promise you would love it". She paused, carefully considering her next words.
"Uhm, baby?"
J.B knows that tone too well. When she's about to say something he disapprove of.
"What is it mum?" He asked in his calmest tone
"I'm just going to say this. I know you won't like it but please don't come with any of your numerous one-nighter".
"Ouch! How can you refer to my special friends like that. You hurt my ego", he said, feigning annoyance.
"Not to worry, I'll keep my friends away from your event but it's totally on you if I have to come alone looking like some hermit at your gala", he said, laughing hard.
"That can be arranged", his mother promised