In The Hollow Of His Hand

In The Hollow Of His Hand

Episode 7

Click here to read Episode 6

She is Called Bella

At half past seven in the morning, my alarm woke me up. I didn’t bother to go downstairs to check if Pop was still at home because he was always gone by the time I wake up in the mornings. I hastily freshened up and had breakfast after which I assumed my favorite position, awaiting her exit from her home which was two houses after the house opposite ours. I was extremely excited the day I found out that I could see her house from my favourite spot.

After about fifteen minutes, her entrance door opened and she stepped out. I could see her calling out to someone in the house.

“Perfect” I said to myself as I raced down the stairs hoping that it wasn’t a man she was conversing with. I had already rehearsed my line of the script in my head. When I got to the front porch, I hurriedly and steadily walked in her direction.

“Hello ma’am.” I greeted.

“Hello dear, how are you doing?” She replied.

“I am fine and you?” I asked.

“I am okay. You look familiar…” she stated.

“Yes, the one that tried to cross the street yesterday, that…”

“Oh yes, I remember.” She interjected.

In the Hollow of His Hand

“Thanks for yesterday.” I continued.

“That’s nothing.” She said.

“I am Charis. You are…?” I asked.

“Oh I am Isabella Sean, but you can call me Bella. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Two children, I assumed to be of about three and five years old came out of the house, dressed in their School Uniforms and holding their lunch boxes. Obviously she was taking them to school. Oh! She’s got kids too!

“The pleasure is mine. I guess you just moved into the neighborhood recently, right? I asked.

“Oh yes. We just relocated here. The kids needed a breath of fresh air. It’s been a trying year for them.”

“Sorry about that. How’s their father doing?” I asked.

After seeing her initial reaction, I wish I could take those words back.

“He’s fine, God rest his soul” she concluded.

“I am sorry to hear that ma’am.” I replied.

“It’s okay.” She said.

In the Hollow of His Hand

I noted that it was time to conclude the conversation as I had gotten enough information plus I didn’t want the kids to be late to school.

“Everything will be fine” I assured her and continued “It was nice meeting you ma’am and I look forward to seeing you again.”

“I know it would. Please don’t call me ma’am; it makes me feel old. Just call me Bella. See you some other time. Bye.” She said as entered the car and drove off.

~~~

I was excited about the turn the conversation took. I had enough information to begin my research. All that was left for me to do was to become her friend.

Google saved me a lot of stress since I already knew her full name coupled with my research findings. I saw the news of an accident that occurred the previous year. After taking a deep breath, I clicked on the image which redirected me to a website.

According to the site, a family of four was involved in a fatal car accident while returning from a family function. The driver (whom I presumed to be her husband) died on the spot. According to the site, the accident occurred due to brake failure. The children at the back seats had minor bruises; thanks to the seat belts. The female passenger in the front seat (Bella) was in a coma for some days.

When I felt like I had had enough, I closed the tabs and stared into space for some time. The more I tried not to imagine what they went through, the more I thought about it. It must have been a horrible experience.

In the Hollow of His Hand continues…

Click here to read Episode 8