Raymond stood rooted to his ground, unable to move, unable to take his eyes off the surprise in front of him. Vanessa, stood still, equally taken by surprise. She knew they were going to meet sooner or later, however, she didn't anticipate it was going to be that early. Vanessa was the first person to break from the trance.
"Hi Raymond! It's been a while" Vanessa greeted with a smile.
"Is this real?" Raymond asked almost in a whisper, trying to convince himself.
"You ain't dreaming. Unless we're having the same dream" Vanessa replied.
"Vanessa, you're back" Raymond said as he forced a smile and tried to recollect himself. He felt a sharp pain in his heart but pretended he wasn't overly affected by her presence since Vanessa looked the least affected by his presence.
"I am. I have a meeting here. But I don't think my partner has arrived" Vanessa said as she locked her car. "Why are you here?"
"I'm here with Aida. She seems down. I brought her here to lighten her mood." Raymond replied.
"Oh, I see" Vanessa replied passively which hurt Raymond. "Are you coming?" Vanessa asked as she pointed at the entrance of the cafeteria.
"Yeah, I am. I have to lock my car first. You can go on ahead" Raymond replied.
"Sure" Vanessa replied and went on ahead. She texted Arnold about the new development and they both agreed to postpone their meeting.
Vanessa walked into the cafeteria and spotted Aida who was already seated and was going through the menu. Aida felt like she was been watched and raised her eyes only for it to meet that of Vanessa's. Vanessa smiled and walked towards her. Aida felt her palm beginning to sweat. Was she dreaming? When Vanessa go to her table, Aida panicked and rose from her chair to greet her but dared not to extend her hand, she only bowed. Vanessa smiled and asked;
"Can I join you till my partner arrives?"
"Yes, please. You can..., ma...Dr Wilson" Aida replied politely struggling to find a proper way to address her.
Vanessa's passiveness was not lost on her. 'Wasn't she affected by my presence even a little bit? Does she hate me that much? What really happened? Why is she here? Where is dad?' Aida thought and subconsciously tried to find her father among the people entering the cafeteria.
"Looking for Raymond? He should be done by now. He would be here any moment soon " Vanessa said when she saw how the girl scanned the entrance of the cafeteria.
"oh, ok" Aida replied uncomfortably.
"Aida, you don't look well. Am I making you uncomfortable?" Vanessa pried.
"I'm ok, I am just surprised you are here" Aida replied honestly.
"Oh, I see. Then I guess you know who I am" Vanessa with what seemed more a smirk more than a smile.
Aida didn't know if she was asking if she knew she was her mother or was asking if she knew her by her profession and fame. She decided to play it cool by pretending she didn't know Vanessa is her mother.
"You're Dr Vanessa Wilson Brown. You were at my school today" Aida replied.
"That's all?" Vanessa asked fixing her eyes on the face of the young lady in front of her.
Aida felt scared. Was she here to warn her not to let anyone know about her relationship with her? Aida was short of words and before she could say anything she heard;
"She's your mother, Aida"