From the Streets to the Suites

Chapter Seven

(Our love, once lost, found its way back to weave a story, proving that even the stars align to bring together hearts meant to discover each other’s embrace.)

Alex was disoriented and bewildered, “How can you not look for me all these years?” he asked as he pulled away from her embrace.

Ava by his side, her eyes moist with tears, embraced him tightly again, “Come with me.” she said.

“I’ll explain everything.”

Of course Alex was intrigued and anxious to hear what explanation she had to give, “Ok, but where are we going?”

“Home!” she said excitedly as she tried to wipe away her tears

“Home?” Alex looked confused.

“Yes, my home. Please, agree son.” she pleaded.

“Uhmm… o… ok, ma’am.” he said carefully.

Calling her mother still made him feel uncomfortable.

Together, Ava and Alex left the sterile confines of the hospital.

As they stepped outside, another surprising sight awaited him.

Alex could see a chauffeur in a crisp uniform hold the door of a Rolls Royce.

“C’mon, enter in.” the lady gestured.

“Miss. Jackson, does this belong to you?” Alex asked politely.

“Yes, it does.”

Alex nodded his head.

He had never entered a Rolls Royce before.

Ava saw his reaction and smiled to herself, “He is like a big baby now!” she whispered.

“How much does this car cost?” he asked, still bewildered.

“Around 7 million dollars, sir. It’s a special edition for the Jackson family” the butler explained. 

Alex could not close his mouth as he stared at the plush interior.

“This car is gorgeous!” he whispered.

Ava smiled at him.

She was happy.

As the car glided through the city, Miss. Jackson began to unravel the mystery, “Alex, like I said before, I am Ava Jackson. Our family controls most industries in Zenith City. Even the company you work for belongs to us.”

Alex widened his eyes in shock, “How did you know the company I work for? I don’t remember sharing that information with you.”

Then he paused for a moment and continued, “Have you been stalking me!?” his voice was quite loud.

Ava chuckled, “No, son. But I asked my assistant to run a background check on you and from the portfolio he sent, I deduced that information.”

“Oh…” he nodded his head.

“But, why did you abandon me on the streets? The nuns that took care of me told me I was left on the streets.” his voice was heavy.

“No! That’s not true! I didn’t leave you, son. You were taken away from me.” she said as a tear dropped on her pretty face.

Ava was too pretty for her age. With brown hazel eyes, full long hair, round small face and luscious lips.

No wonder Alex was this pretty. He took after his mother.

“When you were a baby, our family was attacked. We managed to fend off the assailants, but you were missing. I’ve spent over 20 years searching for you, and now, finally, I’ve found you.” she could not control the tears now.

Alex was moved by the revelation.

He sat back and stared out of the car window.

This story was different from what he had believed all his life.

He had believed he had no family and that his mother never loved him.

Growing up, he would see kids with a complete family and envied them. He had even blamed God for giving him to a parent that didn’t want him.

But all of a sudden, this woman claims to be his mother.

He felt like, suddenly, the pieces of his life’s puzzle were falling into place.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, mom.” He whispered.

The car eventually came to a stop, and as they stepped out, Alex was met with the breathtaking sight of a majestic building.

“Is this the Jackson family’s house?” he asked in surprise.

Ava chuckled softly.

“No, Alex. This is just a security room of Jackson’s manor.”

“What!? How could this be just a security manor!?” he thought to himself but decided not to say anything.

“Alex! You shouldn’t act so poor, you know.” he said to himself.

“What was that?” Ava asked.

“Absolutely nothing.” he said almost immediately.

As they entered the building, Alex’s eyes widened at the high-tech security measures in place.

“This is too much. Why all this security?” he had to ask. He couldn’t keep it in anymore.

“Our family has faced numerous threats, Alex. We need to ensure our safety. It was a threat that you took you away from us all these years.” she said seriously.

“But, let’s not dwell on that now. I’m happy you are here with me, finally. Welcome home, Alex.” she said warmly.

Alex didn’t know if he should say thank you or not so, he just nodded his head.

The butler guided them through the labyrinth of corridors until they reached a very spacious room. Ava Jackson asked Alex sit.

“I still have some explanations to say.” She said in a low tone.

“Please, go ahead. I want to hear everything.” Alex said seriously.

“25 years ago, our family had a feud with the Malcolm Daniels family. The feud went on for years and it became bloody. When I was met your father and got pregnant with you, we were very happy and we thought of leaving Zenith City, to stay away from all the trouble but father didn’t allow us.

“Your father?” Alex asked.

“Yes, my father. Your grandpa. He is quite controlling.” she said with a bitter smile.

“When I gave birth to you, I was the happiest woman on earth. You filled my life and that of your father’s with so much peace and joy but that didn’t last long. When you were just five months old, the Malcolm Daniels family attacked us, took you from us and dumped you on the street. It was during this attack your father died as well.” she was grappling with her emotions.

“I never imagined my life would take such a turn.” Alex said.

“Life has a way of surprising us, son. Now that you are here, you are part of the Jackson family and ‘ll ensure you have the life you deserve.”

Alex looked at the large room and thought to himself again, “This is a dream!”

“do you have a picture of my father?”

“Yes, I do! Would you like to see?” Ava was excited.

“Yes, please.” Alex said indifferently.

Then, Ava brought out a stack of pictures filled with Lucas Hamilton.

‘So this was what he looked like?” Alex suddenly asked as they go through the pictures.

“Yes.”

“I look nothing like him. Unlike you.” he said as he raised his head up to look at her face.

Ava laughed softly, “Ha! I beat your father to that.”

“I totally agree.” Alex said as they looked at each other’s faces again.