The Return of The Gangster Lord; Mark Smith

chapter 2

Mark's point of view 

Flashback 

The plane from Sweden to New York was quite hectic as I could only afford the economy budget.

I sat in my seat as I waited for the other person on my left to come in. I could not help but think of how hard it is back home with my parents.

As a grown man, I have been stripped of my right to make choices and they still expect me to stay back and listen to their rules and regulations.

Definitely No

“This must be yours!” A calm Italian accent voice said and I looked towards the direction to collect my notepad.

“Yes, thanks!” I said but she smiled. Picked it up and sat down, leaving the notepad on her lap. I was confused, wasnt she going to give me my notepad?

Am I meant to pick it up?

She was still settling in at the time, I tried not to stare at her but each glance, I noticed different features about her.

At first, her hand, quite pinkish, long and beautiful, her nails were natural and peach in color, so perfectly trimmed and designed.

Then her pants and jacket, she must be a fashion freak because she seems to be dedicated to natural colors. I couldn't help but glance at her face.

Her hair was in the way before my next glance, she moved and it turned out, she packed the silky black shoulder length hair up in a bun and used her neck pillow before relaxing and picking my notepad up.

“You are an artist!” She said as she kept scrutinizing my notepad exteriors. I was surprised and my mind struck on the fact that maybe my parents have decided to set me up with her.

Because how else will she know I am an artist? My aura and calm expression changed towards her as I stared at her. 

“Who put you up to this? Who are you? Did my parents do this because I swear I won't let you go and I won't return to that shitty hole”

 I blurred out, trying not to make a noise but also to threaten her. She looked up to me calmly and her facial expression surprisingly struck my heart.

She has a small lip that is looking glassy with her peach lip gloss. Her nose was also carefully crafted by God in a beautiful way that matches her cat eye and her blue eye.

“Excuse me!” She said softly and it was like the words rolled out of her mouth and got on my body. I felt chills down my spine.

“I'm a lecturer and a lover of art. Your notepad exteriors are so beautiful and I could tell you are either an artist or a writer. Only those two care greatly about beautifying their notepad.”

She gave a very convincing response and I felt guilty for blaming her instantly. “I'm so sorry!” I said as I looked down, returning my gaze to my feet with guilt.

“It's fine, I know I was too forward for a stranger. I'm Jocelyn!” She said and stretched her hand for a handshake.

I instantly shook her hand, “I'm Mark!” I responded and she stretched the notepad back to me. “Can I go through it?” She asked and I smiled embarrassingly.

“Yes, please do!” I said and she smiled as she began to explore the notepad. I could see pure joy and fascination in her eyes. Her face was really easy to read.

She looks as innocent as a new born child and I wonder what keeps her this active, motivated and happy.

Those three don't appear together in my life. I took note of all her expressions as it was the first time seeing someone appreciate my art apart from my mother.

It's a pleasure I can't express. “This is beautiful!” She finally exclaimed at a point and looked at me. It was too late to look away and she caught me staring at her.

I was again embarrassed because I could only smile weirdly. “You are so talented! Tell me do you have a gallery or you are a freelancer or hooked up with a company or something?” 

She asked and I was overwhelmed. She is really too active, like a little puppy on a happy pill. “Ehem, really,  I have really paid much attention to this talent. It has just been a side hustle.

But since I am on a change of location and work plan, I think I will do justice to this talent of mine!” I replied politely.

“Ohh, that's great! It takes a lot of energy to go on such a plan. I guess you are choosing New York as your new home!” 

She said and I nodded with a smile.

“This is great and I think I'm fortunate to meet with you.

Well, I have few friends who have galleries and I think one or two of them will love to work with you at least to get your footing in New York.

As you might have found out, New York is a little hard for business starters.” She replied, going over the notepad again and again.

“Well, I guess it's fate meeting you, Jocelyn.” I replied. “Here!” She handed over a card to me and I was surprised. She is indeed a lecturer in one of the prestigious Universities in New York.

“Contact me, I might be a little busy once this flight lands but I  will love if you can drop a message or a call even if you might not be interested in my offer” 

She responded as I believed she sensed my uneasiness with how fast this is and how jovial and extra positive she is.

Is everyone outside Sweden like this?

Bubbling and helping with no hidden intentions?? I doubt so! She is attractive and her words are too smooth and convincing. She must definitely have a hidden agenda.

“Okay, I will!” I replied. 

PRESENT 

“We are here, Mister!” A voice said and tapped me back to reality. “Let's go inside!” the attending nurse said as I also assisted you being the stretcher carrying Jocelyn down.

My heart began to race as I watched her once glowing skin looking so pale. She lost a lot of blood but I believe miracles do happen.

“You can't go inside!”