FIVE YEARS LATER

“SCREEEEEEECCCCCCCCCCCCHHHH!

A plane landed at the airport, it sounded mighty. The sound gradually decreased as the plane came to rest. The plane door flung open, revealing a beautiful, tall, fair smooth skin, sexy blue eyes, pointed nose, attractive and endowed young lady accompanied by her two endearing and adorable kids.

Her rich dark brown hair cascades down her back loosely. She wore a fitted trouser and an elegant, heavy designer jacket. A long scarf was loosely tied around her neck. Her attractive appearance is enhanced by the rugged charm of her hiking boots on her feets.

Amy stepped down the plane with confidence and elegance, and her kids followed her behind, their hair swayed in the breeze. She dragged them with her as she rolled their suitcase alongside with her.

The airport was bustling, the noises like announcements, baggage carts moving and people talking. The airport was filled with people of different calibers as they were welcomed by family and loved ones.

“Liam, please be a good boy and stay close to me so you won't get lost.” Amy said, trying to keep her voice calm and steady as she grabbed his hands.

“Mummy I am a big boy now you have nothing to be scared of.” Liam said in a confident tone.

“I know you are a big boy, but the airport is filled with people. I don't want you to wander off.” She ruffled his curly hair as she spoke.

Amy gave him a smile and giggled.

“Liam, you need to listen to mom, we are in a new city and you don't know your way around. So you should be careful.” Ella spoke, her tone eloquent and compassionate.

"All right, mom, I will stick by your side." Liam stated, although he was disappointed that he was unable to get a closer look at the location.

“That's my boy.” Amy remarked while giving him a nose pinch.

“Mummy, here is nothing compared to England.” Ella remarked,as she glanced around the airport with rolling eyes.

“Exactly what I was about to say but, mum came here for business….” Liam voiced before his mother could say anything.

"Nevertheless, it is a large city." Ella reported that she continued to look around the airport as if she were looking for something.

"Yes, it is alright." Liam said, grinning.

In the meantime, her children were engaged in this dialogue. Given how loud the airport was, Amy was preoccupied with listening to them so she would not miss a word they said.

Her children possessed a strong sense of determination and intelligence.

They were her hope all these years after she got betrayed by those she called a family.

As she remembered that night, she felt her body trembling and her heart sank.

Not wanting her children to know that she was not happy, she swiftly dismissed the idea and wiped the tears that had fallen freely down her cheeks.

"Your aunt Elena will arrive shortly." Amy told her children, putting on a sly smile.

The twins' eyes brightened when they heard their aunt's name.

They had seen her twice via video call, and their mom had told them nothing but good things about her.They were ecstatic that she would bring them toys and they loved her very much.

"Ammyy!" A voice shouted excitedly as she walked towards us, her face overjoyed, with a wrapped gift in each of her two hands.

“Elena” She voiced out as she hugged her.

It had been a long time since they saw each other.

The twin's ran to her, as they could remember her face from the video call they had done with her as they hugged her legs tightly.

Elena crouched down to their height and plaster a kiss on their foreheads as her eyes welled up in tears. She hugged them with love as if they were her kids.

“I am happy to see you my cutie, I got this for you both, open it and see! As she gave both of them the wrapped gift each.

“What is this! They asked in one voice, their eyes opened in wide shock as they accepted the wrapped gift from her hands.

“Wow! It's a toy car.” He exclaimed as his eyes grew wider and his eyebrows furrowed. “It's Amazing!”

“So sweet!” Ella said almost screamed out loud. It was a cute teddy bear. Her smile grew wider.

“They are Amazing kids!” Elena said and pulled her to another tight affectionate hug.

“Yes they are Amazing.” Amy said as she hugged her so tight.

“Thank you So much Aunt, we love you.” They said as they giggled in excitement.

“You are welcome, cuties.” She smiled at them overjoyed.

“Can I see your teddy bear?” Liam asked Elena as he tried to hold it.

“Don't touch It, It is a new gift.” Ella said as she pulled his hands and ran out from where her mother and Elena stood discussing. Liam chased her to where she was going.

“Come back here so I won't look for you!” Amy snapped, but they had run far away.

“Elena, please help me look at this suitcase, let me get the kids.” She said anxiously as she hurriedly ran out.

“Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Amy collided with a tall, huge strong man, with a muscular body. His broad shoulders and chest show off his powerful muscles. His biceps are big and toned, and his abs are tight and defined.

He wears expensive clothes and carries himself with elegance and poise. His wealth and success are evident in his luxurious watch and necklace hung in his neck.

“Aren't you looking at where you are going?” The man roared at her, anger and frustration cleared in his voice. As he had held her as she was about to fall when she collided with him. His dark green cold eyes pierced her blue eyes.

“I am so sorry sir it was an accident.” She said not too loud as his eyes made shock run down her spine.

Before she could get up to her feet, the man had already pushed her in anger. She staggered and fell down to the floor. She felt something when he held her in his arms, their mouths were a few meters close. She felt she knew this man as his wooden cologne scent was familiar.

However, the man felt something he felt five years ago when he had a one night stand with a strange woman. He felt something for her, something he had not felt for any other woman.

“Mummy what happened, why did this man push you just like that?” They inquired from her as they tried to let her stand to her feet. They have seen him push her when running back.

“Please you have to apply decorum in a public situation, you don't have to push my mom or any other person the way you did for it's unfair and unreasonable of you.” Liam snapped at him as he looked at him straight to his eyes not minding the so-called huge guards carrying his suitcase as they were leaving the airport .

“With all due respect sir! Please don't go around humiliating people, that was inappropriate.” Ella sneered at him trying to sound calm and respectful, but anger could be seen in her damn face.

Meanwhile, The man stood there as he was shocked as the kids stood up for their mother, and they didn't mind the fact that he had two hefty guards with him.

On a normal day he would have not watched them as they speak to him in that manner. But he found himself smiling at their audacity, forgetting the fact that he had missed his flight.

That was the reason he was in this intense rage. He was just looking at Liam as he could see they have the exact same facial expressions.

“Please I am sorry sir, but try to be nice to people.” Amy said to him as she tried to pick up her purse that had fallen on the ground when he pushed her, not wanting to meet his cold gaze that made her heart pounded so fast.

“Let's go to your aunt, she is waiting for us, she would be worried by now.” Amy said as she took them to where Aunty Elena was. Her steps were fast as she was sure the man was still staring at their backs.

*****

“Damn! This boy looked so much like me, this woman also made me remember that night. “Is she the woman!” he became suspicious as he took his phone to make a call.

WHO WAS THAT MAN!

Amy strolled out of the airport with her kids and Elena, as they stopped a cab. They gave him the direction of where they were going as he zoomed off.

Amy's mind still raced as she kept on recalling what had just happened at the airport. Her thoughts were so deep and immersed.

That man had made her feel what she couldn't explain, she also noticed he had Same facial expressions as her son. Her heart sank.

She wanted to wave this thought of her mind, but she remembered his cold green eyes that pierced her's.

His touch, when he had her made her have butterflies in her belly. As she remembered this she noticed that she was smiling at herself but when she recalled how he pushed her she heaved a sign her mouth twisted irregularly her eyes in total disappointment.

“Amy, are you okay?” Elena chipped trying to study her face.

“ I am fine just because the city brings back so many bad memories,” Amy scoffed as she tried to hide the sadness in her face with a fake smile.

“You just sign out so loud, and your face is moody!” Elena squitted as she tried to scrutinize her.

“Mom! We are sorry for leaving your side. How I wished we stayed at your side so that man wouldn't have pushed you the way he did.” Liam said his voice was calm and pitiful.

“We are sorry mom I hope you didn't sustain any injury?

What mannn!? Elena said her eyes rolled from Amy to her kids, her eyes demanding for explanation.

“I bumped into… Amy was about talking when a voice disrupted her

Elena had anticipated an answer as she was not aware of what had happened earlier at the airport.

“We are here ma'am.” The cabman announced as the car stood motionlessly on the road.

They came down and walked into a beautiful estate as they walked into Elena's main building. It was quite a very big and beautiful house though.

Amy had told Elena to book a hotel for her until she found a comfortable House for her and her kids. But Elena has insisted for them to come stay with her as her house was large enough to contain them both and she also wanted to spend time with her and her kids. Amy had accepted because Elena was her very close friend in second school.

The kids walked into the building with their mom and aunt. It was a very big comfortable building with quality furniture. One could tell that Aunty Elena is an average rich lady.

The house was neat, well arranged, cozy and of course attractive with no trace of a dust having a sweet saint. Their eyes rolled round the house as they jumped on top of the couch before she could welcome them.

“You are welcomed to my small apartment.” She said as she turned around and was spreading around as though she was pointing at anything in particular.

“Thanks Aunty, your apartment is so beautiful.” Liam exclaimed, his eyes still rolling around.

“Thanks Aunty and of course it is not a small building .” She said her eyebrows furrowed as she voiced

“Hahahahahhh, they all burst out laughing.

“It's indeed not small, this is exactly like the apartment we stayed in when in London.

Amy just stood by all this while as she was lost in thought still thinking about the man and who he was .

“Amy!” Elena tapped her and she flinched as she calmed back to reality.

“Is everything alright?”She asked sounding worried

“Yh everything is fine she said as she tried not stammering her word. Ohhh thanks for the accommodation. You are indeed a friend.

“Don't mention.” Elena said as she gave her a contagious smile.

“Okay.” Amy could find herself saying.

“Can we go in? Elena said as she pulled the suitcase with her.

Yh we can Elena followed her behind

Come upstairs kids so you can freshen up and come down for dinner. Elena's voice could be heard as she climbed the stairs carefully with the suitcases.

Okay Aunt the kids who were already engrossed in the cartoon they were watching hurriedly went upstairs.

*******

Elena could be seen in the kitchen. It has gleaming marble countertops, sparkling chandeliers, and sleek appliances adorn this opulent kitchen, where every surface shines and every utensil has its precise place, exuding elegance and refinement.

She was preparing meat in ball pasta as she was still contemplating and asking herself questions of the man the kids had talked about in the car. She couldn't wait for them to finish dinner as Amy owes her an explanation.

She was done, as she set the dining room and went to invite them for dinner. The kids were hungry because they had a long day already.

“Please, you guys should come down for dinner.” Elena stood at the staircase and screamed so loud so can hear her

They hurriedly came down, they were already famished and needed to rest.They settled around the table to have their meal.

“Father bless this food in Jesus name.” Ella said after her mother had given her a sign short prayer.

“Amen!” They all answered.

“This food is so delicious.” Liam said after taking two mouthfuls of the food, swinging his tongue around his mouth.

“She cooks so much like mummy!” Ella retorted as she continued eating.

“Thanks my cuties.,” Elena said as they complimented the food.

“You guys should hurry up with your food so you can go to bed you are going to a register at a new school tomorrow

Wow! That is so nice I can't wait Ella screamed out excitement all over her face and could be heard in her voice.

“Mom, are we not going to continue our modeling as we did in England? I want to be seen on television. Liam said, his face looking sad as he dropped the spoon.

“Yes that is true.”Ella scoffed

Amy noticed this and she was not happy at the way their faces were now cold. “ I will get a company for you guys to continue modeling per time

“You don't need to be sad. I will give your mom a form so you guys can apply to a big company in town. Elena chipped in and she was happy that the children were helpful to their mother.

Though they did it because they just love it, it brings Amy's money. The children were really adorable and smart with a good accent.

“Thanks Aunty," they said as they picked up their spoon and started eating once more.

“ But we are going to a new school tomorrow first, later we can fix in your modeling

“Okay mum, they reply happily.

Elena just sat down smiling all the while as she thought that her friend is lucky to have them .

Amy took the children to the room and read their bedtime story.

“ After gaining the power they need, Cinderella and her prince live happily in the castle ever after.” Amy said this as she closed the book she had used to read the bedtime story. By then the kids had slept off so she went downstairs to discuss with Elena.

****************

At the sitting room Elena and Amy could be seen discussing. “ Are they asleep? Elena asked Amy as she came into the sitting room.

“Yh, they have slept .” She said

Amy sat down on the couch opposite Elena. “ Who was the man that pushed you? Elena said, her eyes demanding an answer .

Amy explained everything that happened at the airport.

“You really mean he pushed you? Elena sneered. Amy nodded slightly. “Is that why you have been moody? She said, still looking at her in confusion.

“I think I have met him before but I don't know where, his voice sounded familiar, and his scent. He also has the same facial expressions as Liam and his presence made me feel…l.

“Amy, you have to stop this! I know where you are driving out. It's been five years now and you have to forget that stranger you had a one night stand with and move on.

Amy was not listening to her, she was lost in thought, the thought of the stranger made her feel cold.

Some people look alike, sometimes it's nature.

She said as she stood up and went to her in a tight embrace. Amy was happy that her friend was always there for her so she wiped off the tears that had streamed down her face and embraced her tighter.

“You have to go to bed now, " Elena said to Amy, withdrawing from the hug.They said goodnight to each other and retired to their various rooms.

Amy went to her room, her children were already asleep and she gave them an affectionate kiss on their foreheads. She took her laptop on the table beside her room and sat on the bed to search for a good school for her kids. She succeeded in finding a good one.

She was happy the payment was online, just that she had to carry the kids to the school to give them the invoice and also take some of their material.

She was happy that she found a good school with ease as she dropped the laptop and retired to bed.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!”

Amy screamed as she was having a nightmare. Her body was sweaty as she fled up from the bed.

This man again!?

She woke up with a start, her heart racing. The nightmare lingered, its darkness seeping into her room. She gasped for air, her eyes scanning the shadows. Something was watching her.

She felt it. And then, she saw it. A figure standing in the corner, waiting. Its eyes gleamed in the dark… “You have to be strong for your kids.

THE UNEXPLAINED DISAPPEARANCE OF THE TWINS

It was 5:00 am on Monday morning, the atmosphere was cloudy as though it rained at midnight.

Amy screamed as she jumped off the bed, her heart beating so fast, that it was as if her breath had seized.

Her blue eyes indicate the sign of fear, she had a nightmare. She saw a man threatening to take her kids away from her.

“It was the man at the airport! She was talking to herself not knowing her daughter was already awake, because her scream was so loud.

“Good Morning mum, what man please?” Ella said sounding drowsy, the way her mother shouted disrupted her sleep as she tried to blink off the sleep in her eyes.

Amy flinched as she shifted her gaze behind her back where her daughter was. “Good morning my love, I am sorry to have disturbed your sleep.

It is Still early to go to bed , her eyes focusing on the clock hung on the wall at the left hand side of the room. Trying to avoid the question her daughter had asked.

“Okay mum. Ella said as she laid down, she knew her mother was avoiding her question.

When Amy saw that her daughter had slept, though she wasn't sure, she stood up and hurried to get things ready for the day's activities.

She hurried up to the kitchen to prepare breakfast without going to disturb Elena sleep.

Her heart was pounding so fast as she prepared the food she couldn't stop remembering the dream she had.

Amy was done preparing breakfast, so she hurriedly went up to Elena's room to tell her the nightmare, but she was sure Elena would call it a mere dream.

Though it looked real to her. She walked up to Elena's room, she knocked on the door waiting for a response .

“ Come in a voice she heard from inside the room” It was Elena.

Good morning Elena, I hope you slept well, she said, trying to sound normal. She was sure Elena would ask her what was wrong.

Yes I slept well, how are the kids up already? Elena asked her was climbing down the bed

“I will go get them, I came to tell you that breakfast is ready.

Okay I was about to come down to get it ready, thanks.

Amy left the room still trying to get the nightmare of her head as she went to prepare the children.

“**************

Amy walked out of the estate with her kids, they all dressed stunning and looked good. They were going to the kids' new school. She stopped a cab and gave the old man the direction they were going.

When they arrived at the school, It was a tal big magnificent building. The paintings were colorful and gave the school an impeccable look.

When they entered the gate of the school, the school had a beautiful garden, a field in which the grass was well cut and leveled. The school also has a basketball field, it was a very quiet and neat school.

“Wowwwww! This school is so big and beautiful Ella exclaimed her eyes widened as she used her eyes to admire the stunned look.

It's more than amazing! I love it. It is as beautiful as our school in England.

Liam said as he peered around

I am happy you love your new school, now let's hurry and get some things done at the principal's office so you can resume tomorrow.” She said to hold their little hard in her's and hasten her step.

**********

When they arrived at the principal's office he welcomed them as he praised the appearance of the kids.

“This is a wonderful school, the principal said with a level of pride in his deep voice. It's one of the best schools in the city, I can assure you, that you made a good choice.”

“Hello kid”

You are welcome to my school, I hope you are good children? He asked as he peered at their beautiful faces.

“We are more than good children, though we are pleased with the School surrounding us.” Ella said, the boldness in tone is clear and straight.

“The classrooms are neat and organized, I am so happy to be here. My mom has always said cleanliness is next to godliness.

The principal was surprised as the five years old kids spoke English fluently, their tone Confident and steady.

“I am so happy you love your new school.” The principal said as he was captivated by their look, appearance, boldness and aura.

He took out a lollipop from his drawer and handed it over to them. Amy was pleased with his hospitality.

The principal was an older man, with wrinkles on his face. The signs of his age were evidence though he was looking handsome.

The man's suit was outstanding, the fabric he wore was neat and well ironed. He wore a Rolex watch on his left wrist and, his diamond glittering ring he wore on one of his fingers an evidence of his wealth.

The school hospital, perfect library, neatness of the school, good educational facilities and prestigious students told me that I made the right choice for my kids.

Considering the fact that everyone has been nice to us since we entered, and the principal has told me that the school has strict rules and has assured me that strict rules against bullying, and that any incident would be taken seriously.

Amy was assured that the kids were safe. She brought the kids to make sure their first day went smoothly and fine. And to also introduce them to their teacher and classmate, so It would be easier for adaptation.

So they can settle in and see what their school looks like.

There were also some things she had to do, to make sure her kids are officially pupils of Harvard's Academy. She had thought she was done with the procedures but unfortunately she was not.

Putting on a contagious smile, Amy turned to the kids seeing that the lollipop had been unwrapped by them.

What are you supposed to say after receiving a gift? She scolded them trying to look stern, but she could feel a smile escaping her lips.

“Thank you sir, we really appreciate your kindness.” They mumbled as they were engrossed and have forgotten to thank him.

The principal smiled at them as he pinched her pointy nose gently. “Continue being good children and you will receive a gift from me.” He said to them and their cheeks turned pink, their dark eyes piercing his.

“How is that possible!” The kids were curious to know, their faces feigned surprise

Mr. Bethy eyes glistened,as he smiled at them infectiously. “Obey the school rules and regulations and you both will be getting more lollipops from me.”

“We are good kids and we remain good kids, we promise.” They said and ran out to the school playing ground with the lollipop in their mouth.

“Please sign the documents.”

Amy was busy watching her kids as they ran outside playing with themselves. It took her a second to realize the principal was talking to her and was already stretching his hands handing her a document and a biro to sign.

“Please sign on both papers.” Mr. Bethel said, trying to arrange her children's files.

Amy signed and handed it over to him. He took it and adjusted his glasses trying to scrutinize if she had signed it in the right place.

“Thank you so much Mrs. Amber I must confess your kids are really smart.”

Amy cheeks flushed pink as they principal made the statement, she was happy that she had them and she didn't regret it.

“Thank you Mr. Bethel. She said the smile on her face made her look so beautiful, revealing the gap between her teeth at the upper part of her mouth.

“I will communicate to you If I need any other information about them,” he said.

“Okay sir.” she stood up from the seat offering him a hand shake the smile in her face still radiating

As she exited the principal's office, she strolled to the playground, expecting to see her kids' bright smiles. But the playground was empty, and was quiet.

Her heart raced as she scanned the quiet playground, her children nowhere to be found. “Where are they?” she whispered, her heart pounding so hard in her chest, panic creeping in.”