From Grass to Grace

CHAPTER 4

"It's me, don't make me get scared as well," a feminine voice said amidst the darkness when she realized Jake had jerked because she tapped him. 

It was Samara. As his eyes got used to the darkness he could make out her figure. She was wearing a simple brown silk gown and her brown hair was let loose to lie all over her shoulders. But Why did she look different? Is it because he was used to seeing her in household attire with her hair tightly packed in a bun?

"What are you doing here? " he asked her, shocked she was outside too. 

"Hello, I just got sacked and I'm on my way home. Is there another explanation for being outside Randall's mansion this beautiful evening? "

Jake could hear the sadness in her voice and it hurt him so much but he tried to conceal it.

"I'm sorry Samara. Maybe you shouldn't have been good to me, then you would not be accused of what you are innocent of". His head was down as he apologized. 

"If that's a thank you, then you are welcome but now is not a time to wallow in self-pity Mr. Jake. What's your next bus stop? " 

That was when reality struck Jake again that he had nowhere to go. No friends, no family, no nothing.

"Your silence means that there's none. Do you mind joining me? A cab man is on his way" she offered. 

"Do you mean that? I have very little money that won't take me for a month and I wouldn't want to be a burden to you" Jake said, quite embarrassed that this was even an option to him. 

"It's okay Mister. Our cab is here" she said as the taxi pulled up in front of them and she helped him inside the taxi as they left for her house.

***

(A month later…)

"Thank you doctor for all the help you gave when I was still in the wheelchair" Jake thanked Dr Martens and he smiled.

"It's my pleasure, Jack. I'm happy you are better. I have something for you, "he said. And Jake's eyes piqued with surprise.

"The man who hit you came by some days ago and dropped his business card whenever you visited."

"Oh thank you, Doctor." he got the card and left the premises on his crutches. 

"Hey, wait" someone called Jake and he paused for a moment and turned in the direction of the voice. 

He recognized the car, it was the man who had hit him that day. The stranger was dressed in a blue suit with dark sunglasses. 

"Hello, Mr Jake Martins, I'm Seff Newton, CEO of The Doves. I'm sure you know who I am, so sorry about your leg". He spoke in a domineering voice. 

"Thank you sir for all your help. The Doves? Is it the popular Doves? Jake asked in surprise and he nodded smiling.

" I'm grateful, I just got your card meaning to call you later," Jake said bowing to him. 

"That's fine. What do you do? " he asked. 

"Nothing at the moment. I hope to start a business sometime and be rich like you" Jake said which got him smiling.

"I love your confidence, let me drop a little compensation for the business, you can still keep in contact for future business plans," he said smiling and pulling out his phone. 

"Thank you, sir, Thank you" Jake kept bowing and bowing in appreciation as Seff made a phone call and waved bye to him.

Jake got an alert. 

10 billion won had been deposited in his account. He was overjoyed as he ran back to his newfound home which was with Samara to break the news.

For two months, Samara had taken care of him selflessly. She had invited the doctor to her little home to treat him while she paid the bills. It was after these two months, he was able to walk on his own. She had gotten a new job in a cafe and came home after shifts every night to take care of him with the little she earned.

"No way! " She screamed when he told her about it and showed her the alert on his phone.

"Let's go out for a celebratory meal" He announced and he ran out with the only person that seemed to care about him in the world.

***

"Michael!" Samara called a stranger whom Jake noticed was hiding away from her in the car park of the restaurant they were to eat in.

"Michael!, I've seen you so there's no need hiding okay?" She said somewhat frustrated like this was not the first time it was happening.

"Okay! Okay! I know you've caught me. I'm sorry, I didn't want you to know I was back. You know we didn't exactly leave on good terms. Who is this?" He asked, finally noticing Jake.

"Jake, meet my younger brother Michael. Michael met Jake, he's been staying with me for a while due to his health issues". Samara introduced and Jake shook hands with Micheal like they had known each other before.

"Nice meeting you, Jake" he was all smiles but nervous.

"You too, Michael. We were about to have breakfast. Do you care to join?" Jake asked politely and Michael refused immediately.

"I'm sorry, I would've loved to but I'm on my way to an interview, I wouldn't want to be late. But, I'll keep in touch. Bye," he said and hurried away.

Jake just shrugged but Samara looked worried.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Jake asked Samara as they sat and ordered breakfast.

"It's Michael. He avoided saying anything to me.

I'm sure he is still angry" she explained solemnly.

"About what? What happened?" Jake asked, quite worried.

"Our parents. They never wanted kids but unfortunately, they had two and so refused to take care of us the way parents should. I ran away and left my little brother. He never got over the fact that I didn't take him with me but rather left him to suffer with my parents".

"Oh, I'm so sorry about that. He's all grown now and should understand" Jake said when their food arrived and they began eating.

"I hope so too" She sounded genuinely concerned and Jake was touched. He had never seen such a kind-hearted young lady and he vowed to take care of her.

"You have the heart of a mother, get married soon so this love won't be wasted" Jake whined to her and she smiled before laughing.

"What's your problem, Jake? Why don't you just marry me?" She asked laughing and was surprised when Jake took her hands in his in a solemn mood.

"God, I'd so love to but I'm still married to a bitch without a divorce and I know I'd care for you and cherish you but it'll be more out of respect for all you've done for me and not love," Jake said in a lovely manner staring into her eyes while she smiled.

"I won't even say yes to you, Mr Jake Martins, and I'm sure you know that so snap out of this solemn moment before I smack your ass in public" she mocked him and it was Jake's turn to laugh.

"Yes ma'am, I know that but then trust me when I say I would've hunted you for a bit. You are such a kind-hearted one, very rare to find and I'll make sure you have the best out of a thousand good men as a husband. Trust me on that. No undeserving one would come near you" Jake whispered to her which got Samara laughing hard again.

"Can we just eat? I feel like I got myself a father figure" she said and they both laughed while they began eating.

"I sincerely thank you for everything you've done for me so far, Samara. Without you, I don't know how my life would've turned out. You gave me hope when I lost all of it and I'll forever be indebted to you" Jake confessed to Samara and she smiled.

"Thank you, Jake. You were a hardworking young man and I knew you'd do better if given the opportunity so I gave a little push and I'm convinced that's all it'll take from another person other than yourself to get to that height you are dreaming of".

"Trust me, I'd never let you lack anything as long as I am alive".

"I know Jake, And I'm grateful for that. Now tell me, what business are you venturing into? What are your plans?" Samara asked.

"I planned on venturing into Refining and Distribution of Diamonds like my mentor SeffHobson of The Doves but I don't want to be a competitor with the man who changed my life, so instead I'll go with shipping and delivering of goods," Jake said, and smirked as Samara began laughing.

"I see what you are doing there, Jake. Instead of being a rival to your mentor, you'd turn the rivalry to your in-laws". Sara was laughing so hard now.

"It's just the beginning. I have a lot of plans in store for them. I'll be their most wanted competitor and bring them down". Jake said as he smiled.

"I trust you. Just be careful, okay" Samara said and Jake nodded sheepishly but with a dangerous smirk on his face. He was out for the Mayor's Shipping Enterprise and the funny thing was that they would not see him coming.