Chapter 3 A GLANCE THAT LINGERS.
Hayden's voice was smooth , nice and slowly as he told the teens how music had changed and transformed his life. He spoke with warmth, using laughter to connect and beauty to impress. Hayden is one of the beneficiaries of the scholarship offered by the foundation. He is very humble, easy to learn,teachable and not provocative.He has the characters that are admiring and charming. He accepts his mistakes whenever he is wrong.
Music is actually his talent, he has a serious passion for music. He is from an average background. Ruth stood nearby , listening unseen for a few seconds longer than necessary. He noticed her when the teen dispersed. Her smile didn't falter, but his eyes sharpened.
"You're Ruth Kelvin", he said simply.
"She nodded in affirmation", and you're Hayden Cole. He chuckled." Guess it was easy to get to know each other".
Her laugh was light, surprised,
"You're not like others". She said,
"Neither are you", he replied.
There was a paused moment suspended in the environment of Gala. This is the first time Ruth was confidently talking with a young man.
They were both free and comfortable discussing with each other. It looked like a marriage reunion between the husband and wife.
Ruth said" I saw you talking to the kids", they adore you.
He replied" they listen to me because I don't pretend to be perfect,most of them have never seen someone screw them and still survive".
She tilted her head. "That's rare".
Most of the men I have met only talk about winning. Ruth was beginning to love Hayden because he his different. Hayden grew up being tutored by his parents. He haa a good upbringing and he never deviated from it.
Ruth said, " you're different from others, most of them are very proud and rude".
" I am not most people,"Hayden replied.
For a few minutes, they talked-about the youth program, the music sessions, the scholarship funded by her family. But unlike every other conversation she had tonight this one was real and soul captivating. Certainly the Gala night was not in vain, something that looked like a treasure has been found. Ruth felt something unique In her during the conversation with Hayden. Will this conversation turn to a loving and romantic relationship?.Time will tell
But something genuine has been registered in the life of Ruth. Will Hayden marry Ruth? Time will tell. Ruth saw Hayden as a man full of good characters and the connection between them was building up
As the discussion continued, Bill Langston suddenly appeared, interrupting them with a forced laugh and champagne glass.
Ruth darling , there you are! The Governor wants a word with you- should I escort you?
She glanced at Hayden, he gave a polite nod already stepping away.
Ruth was lost in her conversation with Hayden but she needed to answer this urgent call from the Governor.
"Ruth said to him, "we will talk later".
"Ruth said to the Governor, " Good day sir".
The Governor replied" it is a pleasure meeting you, you are so intelligent and gorgeous.
Ruth relied" thanks sir for the compliment", " I also appreciate your coming and kind support".
The Governor said" I am awe at the great work you are doing in this foundation, I am highly impressed."
Ruth said to him," thanks once again for the compliment and observations".
The Governor said" I will take my leave, we will see someday".
Ruth replied to him", thanks for stopping by".
Ruth was filled with Joy but she couldn't lay hands on anything that brought joy. She has never felt this way for a very long time.
After that night, long after the Gala has ended. Ruth sat at her vanity brushing her hair and staring into the mirror. Maybe, she whispered" he's not like the rest".
Ruth has discovered that there is something great and outstanding about Hayden, he has great virtues.
She whispered," he is of good report, he is real and practical. She has seen a young man that is so dynamic and full of leadership skills. If Ruth considered money, fame, influence, she would have married a long time ago. The things she considers are far above, wealth, fame. She sees potential, virtues, character and vision in a man.
Ruth's father gently walked into her daughter's presence. She chuckled when she saw her Dad standing close to her.
"How are you daughter," her father said.
She replied," am a good Dad".
Her Dad asked her," you don't look nice in your facial expression", " you look disturbed".
" Not really Dad", she quickly answered.
" What did you discuss with the Governor during the Gala night?" the father asked.
Ruth replied, " he appreciated the good achievement in the foundation, he said he was happy with the students that benefited from the scholarship. He promised to keep supporting the foundation to ensure that the good work continues.
The father was delighted to hear what his daughter said, he believes and trust in his daughter
He said," Good night daughter",
She replied, " Good night Dad".
All night long, even as she smiled, and posed. Her mind kept drifting back to the man in the rolled up sleeves who talked to the kids like they mattered. Sleep didn't come easily as she tossed on her bed with thoughts circling the memory of Hayden's calm presence, his grounded words. She did meet countless men who are ambitious, polished, pedigreed- but none had left her curious like this. She reached for her phone and opened the charity's website. Hayden's name was there under a mentorship program. There was a photo- him sitting on the edge of a stage , guitar in his hand, surrounded by teens laughing.
She smiled.
Just then a text came from Bill," the Governor asked about you".
She didn't reply
Insted, she scrolled back to Hayden's photo. For once, she felt like she had seen the curtain of expectations and titles- and caught a glimpse of something she knew she was craving for: Real and Genuine humanity.
She closed her eyes and whispered into the silence of her room, " I hope to see you again".