”Hello, and good afternoon,” Zachary replied, standing up. He couldn’t stop his heartbeat from quickening as it was only his second meeting with Céleste Kouame, the lady who was his biological mother. “Welcome!” He extended his hand across the table for a handshake.

The woman seemed disappointed by Zachary’s formality. But she still took his hand for a firm handshake. “It’s really nice to see you, my dear Zachary. I’ve been looking forward to this day, like forever.”

”Oh!” Zachary said, smiling awkwardly. He was at a loss for words, and his eyes naturally floated towards another younger lady standing a step behind the older woman. The girl was quite tall and good-looking, with chic short black hair and large brown eyes that made her seem like the most amiable of persons.

Céleste’s gaze lit up when she noticed Zachary’s gaze. She pulled the younger girl forward by the arm and said, “This young girl is Natasha Kone, my second daughter. She insisted on coming with me when I mentioned that I was heading out to meet you. Natasha! Say hi to Zachary.”

”Hi,” the younger girl said, smiling awkwardly. She seemed a bit nervous as she extended her hand from across the table.

”Hi,” Zachary replied, smiling and taking her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Natasha.”

The younger girl’s face lit up, her brown eyes glittering. But she didn’t say anything else. Instead, she stepped back and stood a step behind her mother like her shadow.

An awkward silence descended on the table for a few seconds until Céleste suggested, “Let’s sit down before we continue.”

”Oh! Indeed let’s sit down and talk,” Zachary agreed.

With that said, their group took up their seats at each side of the table. Then, they ordered lunch and drinks before continuing their awkward excuse of a discussion.

Zachary felt like the time was moving at a snail’s pace. His emotions were complicated as he didn’t feel much of a connection with the people at his table. But he remained patient and listened to the stories narrated by his biological mother.

He soon confirmed that she had initially been a native of the Ivory Coast, the African country also known as Côte d’Ivoire. But ten years ago, she landed a job in Brussels, Belgium, and moved there with her two daughters. What surprised Zachary the most was that she was a doctor by profession. He couldn’t help but wonder how she got together in the first place with his dad, who was a budding musician before his passing.

The minutes trickled by, and then their orders arrived while they were still in the middle of their discussion. Waiters soon placed plates and bowls of African food, including matoke, steamed potatoes, goat stew, and vegetables. They naturally slowed their conversation as they diverted some attention to the food.

From there on, the minutes seemed to move forward quickly as they ate almost in silence. Only occasionally would Céleste ask a question. But Zachary would respond with a simple yes or no, or a precise and short answer before returning his attention to his plate. On the other hand, the younger girl, Natasha, remained silent the entire time — without attempting to butt into the conversation. Awkwardness reigned supreme, and just like that, they finally wolfed down their dessert and ended their meal.

”It was a pleasure meeting you,” Zachary said after emptying his plate. “But now, I really have to go. I have got to catch a flight to Europe as soon as possible.”

”Oh!” Céleste’s eyes widened. “Don’t you wish to talk some more?”

”I would have liked that,” Zachary said. “But duty calls as my club is still in the middle of the season. So, I need to be in Europe as soon as possible.”

”I see,” Céleste said, sighing. “Okay, then. We wish you a safe journey. But when can we meet again?”

”You now have my contact details,” Zachary said, standing up and shoving his phone into his pocket. “You can contact me every once in a while. As long as I’m not busy, we can always decide when to link up through texts.”

”Okay.” Céleste sighed again and glanced up at Zachary. “I have a favor to ask.”

”Oh!” Zachary raised a brow. “Go on. I’m listening.”

”Can I hug you? Just for a few seconds?” She asked, her eyes filled with expectation.

”That…” Zachary was taken aback. He had feared that she was about to ask for something else. “Well. That’s okay.” He replied after collecting himself.

Céleste’s countenance lit up like a bulb as she quickly stood up. She slowly leaned forward with wide open arms.

Zachary didn’t mirror her exact movements, though. He instead leaned in with the side and gave her what he could best describe as a half hug. But even then, he felt like the world had stopped on its axis while in her embrace. It was as if there was no concept of time as the background noises within the restaurant faded into nihility.

Zachary’s mind was at peace. He felt like there was something so warm, something that felt right, enveloping his soul in a warm light. He let his body sag, his muscles slowly becoming loose as he leaned in for a deeper hug.

But just then, a tremor went through his entire being, and he caught himself. His heart went on a wild caper within his chest, and he immediately stepped back from the woman’s embrace. It was as if he had just sensed danger.

”I’m sorry,” he quickly said to Céleste, who had almost lost her balance.

”That’s okay,” she replied, smiling. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. I enjoyed the hug.”

Zachary nodded and stepped back. “It’s time for us to part as I have to catch my flight soon. I’ll pay the bill while moving out. So, don’t pay the second time.”

”We could settle the bill if you are in a hurry,” Céleste suggested.

Zachary shook his head. “I insist on paying the bill as I’m the host today. You can pay when we next meet.”

Céleste smiled. “Then, I’ll pay next time. Thanks for hosting us. Have a safe trip back to Europe.”

”Thanks,” Zachary replied, turning towards the quiet younger girl by Céleste’s side. “Goodbye, Natasha. It was nice meeting you.”

”Goodbye,” she replied.

Zachary nodded to both of them and smiled. Without saying anything else, he stepped away from the table.

He was on his way to the counter to pay the bill. After that, he intended to head back to his room to prepare for his journey back to Europe. He had moved his plans forward and wanted to set off for London that evening.