Third person’s point of view.
*THE ALFONSO ESTATE**
Laughter echoed from the dinner table as the elders (Mr. Alfonso, Mrs. Alfonso, Mr. Simon and Mrs. Simon) reminisces a funny childhood of Ferguson and Claudia.
“I can’t believe how fast these kids grow, honestly” Mrs. Samantha (Mrs. Simon) said, and wiped off a single tear running down her cheek from laughing so hard.
“Yes” Mrs. Alfonso chipped in, she looked towards Claudia and smiled widely. “Look at her, all grown up now. She wouldn’t believe us if we told her she used to cry so much every time she begs Ferguson to marry her, and he refuses”
Claudia’s cheeks turned red, she remembered clearly and couldn’t help blushing hard. She raised her head slowly, and took a shy peek at Ferguson, who was focused on his phone -anyone could tell he clearly didn’t want to be there.
“Yeah, but no one can predict the future, right?” George asked rhetorically. “We’re all sitting around this table to discuss their engagement at last”
“What can we say? Life is one big rollercoaster” SNR Alfonso threw in a light joke, which everyone laughed at briefly again -everyone, except Ferguson.
George’s smile faltered a bit when he noticed how lovingly, yet desperately his daughter was staring at Ferguson, and trying to get his attention, everyone at the table could easily tell she’s in love with the man sitting next to her -but sadly, the man doesn’t seem to give an f**k about her.
He (George) exchanged a quick but knowing look with his wife, which didn’t escape SNR and Mrs. Alfonso’s eyes.
SNR Alfonso threw a harsh glare towards Ferguson, but he didn’t even realize this because his head was bowed, and his attention was wholly on what he was doing on his phone.
He reluctantly raised his head when he heard a bang on the table, he raised his brows as he looked questioningly at his father.
“We’re here for a family dinner, Ferguson, show some respect!” SNR Alfonso growled, he’s trying his best to contain his anger.
An awkward silence swallowed everyone sitting round the table, there’s a thick tension floating in the air, that could cut through the skin if it were a knife.
“Family dinner” Ferguson chuckled. “Well, I have business to attend to too, and…”
He swallowed his words immediately he locked eyes with his mother. He shut his eyes and inhaled deeply, then turned off his phone, shoved it in his pocket and raised his hands.
Claudia smiled, then reached forward to put some food on his plate, but he held her hand and stopped her.
“Thank you” he said, then served himself. “Since we’re all here for a family dinner” he emphasized the words ‘family dinner’ and let out a short mockery laugh. “Let’s talk while we eat, or the food will get cold while we reminisce the past”
“Yes, yes, Ferguson is right” Samantha agreed.
Everyone nodded in agreement and began serving some food on their plates. Except SNR Alfonso, he was still displeased with his son’s behavior and was still glaring at him, until Ferguson said.
“Aren’t you going to eat now, Mr. Alfonso?”
“Shut up!”
Mrs. Alfonso gave her husband a warning glare, then served some rice and broccoli on his plate.
“Eat you old man” she gritted out, making George and Samantha laugh.
There was a moment of silence, everyone was focused on their food and only the sounds of spoon gently hitting plates were heard.
Until…
“So… let’s pick a date for the engagement party” George broke the silence. “What do you all think?”
“With the Ernest charity gala coming up next week, I’d suggest we pick any day on this week” SNR Alfonso suggested.
But as though their wives have come to an agreement, they both (their wives) shook their heads in disagreement with that suggestion.
“We shouldn’t do it before the gala” Mrs. Alfonso said.
Claudia’s brows furrowed instantly, fear gripped her, and she looked at Rita with panic clearly written all over her face. But Rita gestured her to calm and continue listening.
“Diana is right” Samantha agreed. “I know the press are already speculating both of them are going to end up together, but we can’t just confirm their speculations”
Samantha looked at Diana for support, and she got it as Mrs. Alfonso nodded encouragingly.
“Let’s keep them guessing until after the gala, what do you say, Diana?”
Mrs. Alfonso gave her a thumbs up.
“Yes, that’s a perfect idea”
Claudia’s frown turned into a smile at this moment, but her expression turned sour when she mistakenly glanced Ferguson’s way. He wasn’t showing any form of expression, in fact, it didn’t seem like he’s listening to their debate -he was so focused on devouring the meat on his plate.
“Oh, right, Ferguson” Mrs. Alfonso called, Ferguson didn’t stop eating, but he gave an approving nod. “The gala is in three days, and your dad and I would like you to go on our behalf”
He nodded. “No problem, mom” he mumbled out.
Mrs. Alfonso reached for Claudia’s hands, they’re sitting next to each other, and held them tenderly in hers.
“Claudia will be your date”
“What?” he exclaimed in disapproval, then began coughing when he choked on his food.
He snatched the glass of water nearest to him, not caring whom it belongs to. He finished the water in one gulp, slammed the glass on the table, and slowly raised his head.
Furthermore, he looked around the table, everyone’s eyes were on him, nobody tried to hide the fact that they’re waiting for his response…more like approval.
He clearly didn’t like this idea at all, he doesn’t like Claudia, but his mom’s giving him a warning glare, and he dared not go against her.
He let out a dry laugh. “Of course”
Everyone cheered at his response, Claudia smiled widely and hugged Mrs. Alfonso.
Ferguson pushed his chair back, and got up.
“I’m done here” he said.
He didn’t wait for their response, he simply snatched his jacket hanging at the back of his chair, and approached the main door, leaving them to celebrate.
••••
“That’s one quick dinner, sir” Rob said, immediately he saw Ferguson walk out of the house.
“There’s nothing much to say”
Rob rushed to the back seat, and held the door open.
“What time is it now?” Ferguson asked as he slid in.
Rob quickly checked his wristwatch. “It’s 08:40pm, sir”
Ferguson simply hummed in response, he tossed his jacket on the next seat, loosened his necktie and threw his head back, then let out a long sigh, as though he’s been suffocating inside and managed to escape.
Rob rounded the car and got into the driver’s seat, then tilted his head slightly.
“Where are we heading, sir?”
Ferguson massaged his head softly, then let out another sigh and looked out the window.
“Sin, I need a beer and some ladies”
Rob frowned, he watched his boss through the rearview mirror.
“Uh… Sir, I don’t think we can get any girl who’d match your energy tonight…” he cleared his throat. “… should I maybe contact Miss McCartney?”
He quickly bowed his head when he saw Ferguson’s sharp glare, and clenched jaw. He immediately started the car, and began driving towards the gate.
“Don’t ever mention her name before me!” he growled. “She can’t be the only woman in this world who can match my energy”
“Yes, sir”