TST, 2020
Smile surmounted Leo’s face. “I’m going right now.”
“Find a man called Kamal. He’ll help you.”
“Thank you!”
Leo smiled as he changed his clothes. He looked under the table, there was a gift box. He took it, cleared the dust, and walked out.
He went direct to Isla’s room. He wanted to knock but his hand stopped few inches from the door. He walked away. After making five steps, he stopped and returned. He breathed in and out, and then he hit the door. After knocking for several seconds, the door opened.
“What do you want?” Isla said.
Leo sighed. “Can I come in?”
“There is no room for aliens.”
“I just wa—”
“Leave my room.”
“Isla, please—”
“Leo, you are just like every other man. You want to play with and ruin my life.”
“Isla, there are a lot of things I want to do in this world.” Leo said, “Trust me, playing with and ruining your life is never a part of them.”
Isla ogled at the sky.
“If you can’t accept me, then at least accept this.” Leo handed the box to Isla.
Isla stared at Leo. Leo insisted on giving her the gift box.
Isla opened the box. “You thought you would seduce me with this old necklace?”
Leo shrugged, watching Isla swinging the necklace in the air. Her foot was tapping.
“Take your necklace and go.” Isla extended her hand to Leo.
Leo exhaled. “Some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.
“Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, ‘This is for you, Daddy’.
“The man became embarrassed by his overreaction earlier, but his rage continued when he saw that the box was empty. He yelled at her. ‘Don’t you know when you give someone a present, there is supposed to be something inside?’
“The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried. ‘Oh, Daddy, it’s not empty at all. I blew kisses into the box. They’re all for you, Daddy.’
“The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.
“Only a short time later, an accident took the life of the child.
“Her father kept the gold box by his bed for many years and, whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.”
A moment of silence followed. Isla returned the necklace to the box.
Leo sighed. “I knew coming here would bother you. I knew you didn’t want to see me. Still, I don’t even know why and how I ended up here. It looks like my feet were just following my heartbeats and I found myself here.”
Isla remained silent. Her foot stopped tapping.
“My intention wasn’t the old necklace. It was a blow of kisses. If you won’t accept the necklace, then at least keep the box. I’m sorry if I ruined your day. I’ll leave now.”
Leo wept the tears with the back of his palm. He turned around and started walking away.
“Hey…” Isla mumbled.
Leo turned around. His lamenting eyes met hers.
Isla ran and hugged him tightly.
“I’m sorry.” Leo said.
Isla held Leo snugly. “Let’s go inside.”
Leo pulled Isla forward, they were face to face. “I have a better idea.”
“What?”
“Follow me.”
Leo held Isla’s hand and they disappeared into the darkness.
Leo’s watch read 2103hrs when they reached Ohio Street. The two gawked at the bright lights coming from the 13-floor IT plaza.
“What are we doing here?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Isla smiled as she followed Leo. They entered into Tanzania princess casino. Men and women were dreadfully hectic playing casino games.
A young beautiful woman of about 22 years old, in a shiny miniskirt followed the two. “How can I help you?”
Leo smiled, staring at the girl’s legs. “Looking for a man called Kamal.”
The girl grinned. “Wait here.”
Leo and Isla sat. Leo’s eyes explored the area. The place was full of beautiful girls. It reminded him of the old days. He saw people playing slots, roulette, and blackjacks.
“What are we doing here?” Isla said.
“Have you ever seen me playing pool table?”
“I hate these places.”
“It won’t take that long. I promise.”
After a minute, the young girl returned with a man of about thirty-something. His curvy trimmed beard and hair proved his Arabic nature.
“You Leo Felix..?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I’m kamal”
The two shook hands. Isla was puzzled.
“Mr. Patrick went silent four years ago and now he suddenly appears and recommends you…” Kamal smiled. “Looks like you’ve got something special.”
Leo smiled. He looked at Isla and winked.
“Follow me.”
The two followed Kamal to a high-class pool table. On the other side of the pool table, an Indian man stood.
“You brought a kid?” The Indian man said. The casino girls laughed loudly.
Kamal turned to Leo. “He’s been here for two months. No one has ever defeated him since. You sure you want to try your luck?”
Leo smiled. “It’ll be funny.”
“I put one million at stake.” The Indian man said. Girls around him shouted with ovations.
Leo remained silent, rubbing his chin.
“How much did your mama give you kid?” The Indian man said.
Leo smiled. “I put the girl.” He pointed at Isla.