BEAUTIFULLY UNFINISHED novel Chapter 11

TEN

M I R A N D A

"Miranda Rose!"

I quickly turned my head around and found Chris running towards me. I smiled at him, "Hey Chris." I greeted.

"Is it true?"

My brows creasing. "What's true?"

"You're really leaving? You're resigning?"

I paused and nodded. "Well if you've forgotten, I was one of the laid off nurses and my contract ended." I say.

He sighs. "I can talk to Nurse Matilda to help you. To back you up."

I shake my head. "No need Chris."

He looks at me like he doesn't want me to leave him alone.

"This hospital sucks at salary and they're only in favor to nurses who gives their body just to get higher position. That's not me." I added.

"I'll miss you."

I smile at him, "Well since it's my last day here as a nurse. How about you'll treat me and Ben out for dinner?"

He smiles. "I would love to. Pick you up tonight at seven?"

"I was joking." I chuckle. "But since you insist, okay then."

•••••

"How do I look mom?" Ben asked me as he push his curly hair off his face.

"You look handsome honey." I smiled.

"Mom?"

"Yes dear?" I squat down in front of him and fixed his collar.

"Are you and uncle Chris dating?"

I paused.

"I think he likes you." He adds.

I smile at him, "Ben you're still too young for that stuff. You know that Uncle Chris is a good friend to me. And the three of us are only having dinner."

He smiles. "I like him for you mom."

"He's nice. He buys me toys and chocolates. He plays with me like uncle Arthur." He adds.

I kiss his cheek, "Fix your shoelace baby, I think uncle Chris is on his way here."

I stand and walked to the mirror. I stare at myself as I put on my earrings. I think of what Ben told me, he likes Chris. He likes Chris for me. Ben might still be a kid but he's a very ken observer. He's a genius. He knows what's happening even if I don't tell him. And I know how much Chris loves Ben like a dear son but I just see him as a friend and as a brother. I don't see myself being with him more than that.

Suddenly my phone started ringing, "Hey Chris. We're almost done."

"Miranda, I can't come tonight. I'm terribly sorry. My grandfather was sent to emergency. Im terribly sorry."

"Oh my god. What happened?"

"Heart attack. I really can't go. I'm so sorry. I've made reservations though, you can go without me. I'm sorry."

I bite my lower lip. "It's fine. I hope nothing serious will happen to your grandfather Chris."

"I hope. But Im sorry again. Tell Ben how sorry I was."

I hang up.

Ben looks up to me, "Are we going now?"

I smiled. "Uncle Chris can't join us tonight. Something happened in their family. I guess it's just you and me?"

Ben smiles, "Don't worry mom. I'll be your date tonight."

I chuckle. "Let's go dear."

Both of us headed out of the house and got into my car. I just wish this junk wont die on me tonight. I just got her from the car shop and I think I paid more than I should. I drove to that fancy restaurant where Chris had made reservations for us. And even though I'm sad that he's not coming tonight, at least I have my son with me to join me.

Sometimes I think I'm really born to be alone. I had so many suitors when I applied for that hospital, but I turned them down and all of them are already married now but look at me I still don't have anyone here for me and I'm still a single mom. Others would end up backing out once they see that I already have a son, they're scared of such responsibility so I guess I got tired of men asking me out. I won't accept a man who won't accept Ben.

When we got to the restaurant got to our table that was suppose to be reserved for the three of us. Ben ordered his favorite meals and desserts. The waitress found him adorable when he was acting like a complete gentleman to his mom. When the foods were served, Ben started feeding himself and he said he doesn't want me to spoon feed him since we're in the public. My baby boy is really growing up now. I just wish Harry could see it.

"Sweetheart?" I called out Ben's attention.

"Yes mom?"

"How does England sound to you?"

"Is it far?"

I paused. "A little bit."

He paused and looked at me. "Is England the place where they have that largest Ferris wheel in the world?"

I nod, "Yes baby."

"Are we going there?"

"Do you want to go?"

He paused and pressed his lips together while he was thinking. "No."

Ben begins to eat again.

Harry: Why? If you're worried about the expenses on coming here, it's all on me.

Beat beat beat beat...

My heart, why do you always want my heart to beat uneasy Mr. Styles?

Me: I don't know how to thank you for that but my son has made his decision and I respect it. I know this will be a loss for me. But I love my son.

Harry: How are you going to support your son if you don't have any job? I'm sorry if it came out that way but I didn't mean it.

I take a deep breath in.

Me: Why do you want to help me so badly Harry? You don't even know me and Ben yet you're so giving.

Do I really look that helpless?

Harry: Because I want to help you.

Beatbeatbeatbeatbeat....

Breathe Miranda. Don't take it to heart. Harry is just being nice to you cos you helped his mother. But to think about it, it was really nothing. It wasn't a huge task to stay up late to guard his mom. I've done worst case scenarios at the hospital.

My phone beeps again.

Harry: I just remembered. I know a friend who's always around New York these days. Maybe he can help you.

He texted me again.

Me: Really? OMG! That's amazing! What kind of work can he offer me? I'd be okay with anything.

Harry: He has massive contacts. I'll give him your number, he doesn't really give out his.

My heavy heart just glowed. I can't thank Harry enough for helping me look for a job here in New York even if I'm not asking him to do me a favor. It's the sweetest thing he could do, aside from the Starbucks coffee, after seven years. At least, in this little way, he's unknowingly helping Ben too.

Harry: He just texted me back. He said he's around New York. Perfect. He'll meet you at Alfonso's. 5PM.

But that's after Ben's class. I guess I could bring Ben with me.

Me: OMG! I'm so happy! Thank you thank you thank you! Who's that friend of yours by the way?

Harry: Niall.

My eyes jumped out from its sockets.

Me: Niall? Niall Horan?!

Harry: Haha, I knew I'd get that reaction from you. Yes, Niall Horan.

Me: Are you kidding?!

Harry: No. He'll see you soon.

Holy shit! Harry really is being serious!