In N.Y, Andre Torello went to the country's department of sports and tourism and he'd never felt thrilled by what he saw at that moment. There are different centres for different sports and games. On the far end was a large court for basketball.
On the extreme end was a stadium and a large football field for soccer. Oh goodness God, he'd never been there before. He only practised basketball once in a while in the past but after Jasmine left him, he spent his time on playing harder to wave off the pain of betrayal.
He didn't know he was this good in the game. He sighed softly as he went towards the office he was heading to. As he got there, he spoke with the receptionist and her eyes lightened up.
“You're welcome sir. We've been waiting for you?” She chimed and walked ahead of Andre in a direction that he felt might be leading to a conference room.
We? What does she mean by that? Who are the ‘we’?
“Forgive my manners, my name is Jasleeen” the woman said and Andre smiled.
“My name is…” Andre was saying when he was interrupted by Jasleeen “Andre Torello” she completed and glanced back at him with a smile.
He nodded in affirmation.
Andre avoided meeting her gaze. Women are subtle in nature and he was never going to allow himself to be swerved off his feet by her smiles. Behind a cunning smile is a cruel strike.
An auditorium was pushed open by the secretary and she walked in. As soon as Andre got in, he understood what it meant by the “we” that she mentioned earlier. Sport officials were seated around a rectangular table.
All were dressed in jerseys and shorts. There was a microphone in front of them and Andre paused in his steps. Why does he feel he was being examined under strict supervision by the officials?
“Welcome Andre Torello” an official said as he walked closer to the rectangular table. At this time, Jasleeen has walked over and took a seat. Only then did he know she was a part of them only stepped out to bring him in.
Against the wall was a large screen showing the coming and going out of everyone stepping into the department. At that moment, Andre understood better, they saw him when he arrived, no wonder Jasleeen said they've been waiting for him.
“Thank you sir” he replied and took a seat. He was surprised how such great legends in various arms of sports were all seated to talk to him. It was because of the little basketball game that he was playing that brought him before them.
“We've been gathering talents in various areas of sports in preparation for an international tournament. We have found you in the area of basketball and that's why we came to find you. The council is ready to train you more and groom you more towards the tournament coming up in a few months time.
We don't know if this sounds interesting to you, but this is an opportunity for you to come to limelight and be recognised worldwide. You have the height and physique that is perfect for a basketballer…”
On his way home, Andre could not believe his ears. He'd been selected for the sports tournament? Anyways it's a good offer and he would be notified when other players have been notified and they are to get oriented before they begin to practice.
When he got home, he was surprised to see how happy his mother was. She said “your friend came. She said she's your colleague at work and misses you a lot…” Alice chimed, feeling excited. Finally her son now has a female friend.
“My friend? A lady?” Andre asked. He can't remember having a female friend and a colleague at that. He knows a few of them wouldn't mind being his friend but he doesn't have any of them as friends yet. He stared at his mother, is she serious?
“Yes, her name is Ella,” Alice replied. Such a calm and respected woman. She stopped by to say hello to her and even brought her some groceries. She said she was unhappy that he resigned from the company.
“That's not true mom. I don't have a female friend let alone one with the name Ella. I can't even remember someone by that name in the Woods electroworld. It's not true” Andre waved it aside.
“Why would I give you information that is not true,son? Take a look at the few things she brought for us” Alice informed and showed him a large bag of groceries, frozen chickens, different assorted things that their refrigerator would have a hard time collecting.
Andre Squinted. There is a misunderstanding somewhere. The person had come to the wrong address. There's no way someone would come to visit him and bring such a bank rending expenses upon herself. This is not theirs.
“No mom, this is not ours. The woman in question must have gotten a wrong address. I don't have a female friend and none of my friends can spend so much for me. So please mom, you can't take them. They are to be returned” Andre rebuffed.
They don't have everything they ever needed but they are not covetous either. He is never going to allow his mom to take those things. They must return them.
“To be returned where? How can you say the person made a mistake and it's not our address. Yet she told me at length of how everyone misses you at work. How the boss regrets ever crossing boundaries with you.
I didn't know, but she told me how Benson Wood's daughter apologised to everyone for making them think wrongly. How she extends that apology to you through her. And you still think she missed the address? No way, Andre. You are mistaken” Alice snapped at him.
Andre sighed helplessly. He is aware that they are unhappy that he left. Camella and his dad also called him and apologised. But how can it be, that someone would be sent to apologise to him on their behalf as well and she goes by the name Ella?
“Do you have her contact?” Andre asked. At least he would be able to talk to her and ask her some questions. But he saw his mom shake her head “No, I didn't ask for it. What do I need it for? I can't act gluttonous simply because she brought groceries for us”
Andre glanced at the groceries bag and walked away. As he stood before the mirror in his bedroom, he unbuttoned his shirt. He hadn't been able to talk to his mom about his outing that morning. She met him with the excited news of one Ella….
Andre paused. Ella? Isn't that the short form of the name Camella? She's rich and wealthy enough to buy those things without her bank account knowing a thing but then, no, she can't.
That woman is too arrogant to do that. She wouldn't want to condescend so low to bring things to his mom,and even tell her how she regretted her actions and apologise publicly. No, not in her wildest imagination will she do that.
“Andre, I'll prepare your favourite for lunch…” Alice's voice pierced through the door to him and he chuckled.