The Devil's Sweetheart

Loving someone who doesn't love you back is like hugging a cactus. It was the exact thought that transpired in Francis's brain. At least he was happy that Heather didnot love that scum. But swiftly, rather similar, a line of thought shaped in his mind. If Heather hadn't loved Max, it doesn't mean she had someone else in her heart. Did she? Should I ask her or leave the matter aside? But in the end, Francis listened to his inner demon. ''Have you liked anyone in the past, Heather?''

Heather stood there as if she was caught on the hoop, hearing Francis's sudden question. She wanted to scream 'yes, it's you' at the top of her lungs but controlled her mouth. ''W_hat's wrong with you, Francis. We are not teenagers to discuss this kind of topics.'' She rebuked Francis and fled away in the direction of the house door to curb her wavering heart.

"Why is she so hyped about it? Everything I ask, and everything I do is wrong in her eyes.'' Francis mumbled; adrenaline rushed through his body as he grappled his thumbs over the fingers. '"Weird woman.''

He pulled his mobile from the pocket and sent a text to Leena. [Baby Leena: I am coming to the hospital] 

Francis has no mood to attend the meeting. He texted Ashton to take care of it. Obviously, Francis is flying high above the clouds today. A part of him was relieved Heather didnot love Max, and another part of him was scared that she might have had someone in her heart, but his rapt thoughts conjured over his frit. With a joyous mood, Francis stepped into the car and sped to Venus hospital.

....

Leena ducked her head and giggled all the way up, looking at the pictures her Memaw sent. ''Not bad! Their relationship is progressing well.''

''Whose relationship?'' Devin asked as he peeped into Leena's mobile. ''It's the star-crossed lovers?''

''Yeap,'' Leena smiled, nodding her head in agreement. Meanwhile, curiosity killed the cat, and Leena snapped at Devin forthwith. ''Devin!'' Gravely, Leena called him.

''Yes, madam?''

''What if I get a little brother or little sister?'' Leena's logical part of her brain jerked her back. 

''Well, you are overthinking, Sweetheart. It's never going to happen.'' Devin wondered if Leena's brain keeps spirling and talking to herself to get such weird thoughts.

''What if?'' SHe questioned again.

''Perhaps our children will get a little uncle or little aunt of the same age.'' Devin chuckled as he thought about it. Anyways, he knows it is not going to happen.

''I don't want that to happen.'' Leena shook her head. It seems to be a complicated relationship. If that happens, it will mess up the whole family hierarchy for future generations to come.

''Stop thinking, Leena. Why would they think of another one when they already have a sweet daughter like you?'' Devin rubbed her nose and smiled lovingly upon her face.

''Indeed, I am God's child.'' Leena agreed on the part. Both stopped talking and turned to the door when they heard the door was pushed open '''Francy!'' Leena waved her hand and looked up at Francis with a broad smile.

''You don't have the courtesy to reply when I text you?'' Francis lambasted Leena before glancing at Devin furiously. Instantly, he was irked by Devin's haughty smile that was challenging him.

Leena immediately looked into the mobile inbox and noticed a message she blindly ignored while checking the pictures her meemaw sent. ''Sorry, Francy, I probably missed it.''

''How can you say it so casually? You never ignored me until he came into your life.'' Francis shot his pointing eyes at Devin.

''No, Francy, It's not his fault. I forgot_''

''Don't apologize to him, Sweetheart. It's alright not to reply. He might be texting you to exercise his fingers.'' Devin further added salt to the wound as he looked at Furious Francis with an enigmatic smile.

''Is this how you talk with your...''

Before the two mighty elephants start their childish fights, Leena dashed towards Francis and pulled him out of the room.

''What the! Did she ignore me? I will take care of you when you come back.'' Devin muttered under his breath.

...

Francis and Leena seated on a hospital lawn bench, looking over the patients, caretakers, family relatives basking in the sun. Two weeks back, she was a crying mess, grieving in sadness in the same hospital, but look at her happy face. Things can change in the blink of an eye.

''Your mom didnot love, Max.'' Francis started. Although it has come as a surprise, Francis is still in a state of processing it.

''Took him two decades to know the truth?'' Leena mumbled with a blank expression.

''What did you say, Leena?'' Francis expected Leena to get surprised, but she didnot. A surprise is no surprise when there is no surprise in it because Leena experienced the surprise already.

Composing herself, Leena turned to Francis with a smile. ''That's one hell surprise, Francy. Are you happy? Wait..I can see it in your eyes.''

''I am,'' The happiness of his mind beamed forth in Francis's countenance. ''Don't you feel sad, Leena. After all, Max is your father.''

''He is a shitty human being.'' Sometimes, she would feel a little hesitant to use second-rate words on him, but her tongue has no control after learning Max is not her actual father. Leena held Francis's arm and spoke up, a sweet smile lingered on her lips. ''You may not be my biological father, but you are the one I am proud to call dad. Thanks for being the best dad in the world. Love you, Francy.''

Francis was not sure what he did to deserve Leena. Every moment he spent with little Leena is precious. ''You will always be my little angel, child.'' Fondly, Francis patted Leena's head.

''Now that you know mom had not loved him, will you consider my offer?'' Leena asked, eagerly waited for Francis's answer.

''Please, Francy.'' Leena pleaded again when Francis didnot speak a word. ''I wish to have a family picture of three together.'' She whispered, hitting Francis's emotional spot.

Francis rose from the seat to walk away before saying. ''Go inside. I_I will think about it.'' Leena's words encouraged him to take a further step, but he has to prepare his mind before that.

''Yes! Soon, I will make you say yes from your mouth.'' Her heart was brimming over with happiness. Leena stood up, turned around, and just when she took a step forward, she received a call from an unknown number. She doesn't ignore unknown numbers unless she feels it's a fraud.

 ''Hello.'' She lifted the call.

''You seem happy today?'' A voice entered into her ears.

''Excuse me?'' Leena looked to her sides, and she found none looking in her direction in the range her eyes moved.

''Turn back.''

In a double-quick time, Leena turned back and found a person waving a hand at her with a smile. How did he get my mobile number, but that's not the question, Leena wondered. Oh no! Suddenly the memory of leaving him alone on that day surfaced.. Guilt tripped when Leena thought back to the day she left him in the hospital cafeteria.