Barbed Lives ☑️

55. Leap Of Faith

"You have few seconds to choose your words."
I said as I dialled his Valazire's number and it started ringing almost instantly.
Neil realised what I did and ran towards me. Luckily, he was late.

The call had been picked up and a ruffled heavy voice came-
"Hello?"

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

Neil licked his dry lips. Fear was dripping from his eyes. He looked at me hoping this was just a dream.
"Hello??"
The voice came again. This time more annoyed.

Neil gulped and spoke hurriedly.
"Val.. valaz..."
He didn't have the strength to complete that word.

"Neil?"
The voice came and Neil's eyes were brimming.

"I.. Yes.. Valazire.. I.."

There was silence for a few moments.
Then the call was cut.
I cross checked, called out many times. But the old man had decided to not hear a single more word from him.

If that's not the biggest stone heart ever!

"He.."
"He cut the call."
Neil said wiping his moist eyes.

"I heard his voice after more than ten years. It was impossible for me to stand on my feet in that moment. And he... he didn't want that moment to last any longer. He hates me, James! Didn't I tell you?"

Suddenly he was full blown angry at me.
"I told you to stay away! Told you to not to take me back to him! He hates me even more now! What have you done! Why did you even bother to -"
Just then his phone started ringing again.
It was Ansel's call.

Fucking hell, old man called him back!

Neil warned me not to do anything stupid, but when have I ever listened to him.
I pointed at him and then at the phone, warning him to do the talking now.

Without giving him time, I picked up the call and put it on speaker.
"I didn't know you'll wait for eleven years and three months before giving up."
He said.

"I.. Valazire.."
"I know what you call me. Heard that for twelve years straight. Why did you call me today?"
This man is straight business and no shit.
No wonder Neil is the same.

"I.. I wanted to come.."
"Do I need to remind you a few things?"
His warning tone had me nearly pissing in my pants. How did Neil stand this man for twelve fucking years?

"I.. wanted to know.. if you want to see me again... If.. If the king allows..."
"You have the guts to ask King to cross His Highness! Really?"

He sucked in a breath and forgot to breathe.
"Say it, Neil!"
I whispered loudly to get him out of his fear bubble.

"Do you? If he allows?"
He repeated just the important words with that dry mouth.

"If the king permits, you're allowed to walk in here as the Valazire of his future kids."
He said calmly now.
Neil smiled a wild one.

"Can't be as good as you, Valazire."
"Bring this boy too, if you're coming. I want to see who encouraged you to show up after a decade."

Fuck!
He was talking about me!

"Hi! Umm.. My name is James...."
I started before Neil cuts the call but my mouth was muted by his hand.

"He.. he is just a friend.."
Nick spoke on my behalf.

"Let him talk."
Ansel ordered harshly and immediately Neil's hand was out of my way. But his eyes had a murderous warning.

"Thanks, umm sir.."
"Call me Ansel."
His tone was still polite with me.