“Yes, I am. I decided to call since you can’t call your father.”
“Here he goes again. Guilt tripping me.” Shawn said, palming his face.
“I am not. How is Tiffany?”
“She is fine. She just went upstairs to her room.”
“And where are you?”
“In the sitting room.”
“You are so unromantic, boy.”
“What do you mean, Dad?”
” You are supposed to be bonding and not being apart.”
“Did you check the time, Mr Gold? It’s past 8 o, clock.”
“And then? This is the time couple’s bond the most. You know, staying up to see romantic movies. Oh, Shawn! The only thing you know how to do is work, work and work.”
“Dad, may I remind you that she is still in high school and Will be going to school tomorrow. And myself, I have work tomorrow.”
“You have a point. But, during the weekend make sure you guys see a movie together.”
“Yes, Dad. I hope you know that you can’t keep dictating what happens in my home?”
“I will. If you don’t know how to run it.”
“Thank you for calling, Dad. And by the way, mum asked me to say hi to you.”
There was a momentary pause from his father before he spoke. “Your mum?”
“Yes, she called me this afternoon.”
“Is she fine? Did she say when she was coming back?”
“You have her number, right? You both should stop using me as a middle man. And yes, she is fine.”
“Okay, then.”
“You won’t call her?”
“You know the answer. Now before going to bed, make sure you check up on Tiffany. You know, cover her up with the duvet and Pat her cheeks.”
“Hello? He.. llo, the line is breaking, Dad.” And then he ended the call.
Shawn heaved a sigh of relief and Made the cross sign. Cover her with a duvet and give her a pat on the cheeks? Heaven would freeze over before he could do that.
Exhausted, he turned off the television and made his way upstairs. As he got to his door, he glanced at Tiffany’s door.
Was she asleep yet? Is she still up? Involuntarily, he dragged his feet to her door and rapped his knuckles on it.
“Come in.” She answered.
He walked inside the room, and she was seated on the bed staring at him.
“I wanted to check up on you.”
“That was quite thoughtful of you considering how grumpy you were at the dinning.” She said, staring at him and daring him to counter her
“I was not grumpy. Talking while eating is not advisable. You should know that, princess.” He said, stressing the princess.
“Please, don’t call me that”
“Why? It’s a nice name.”
“I know. But coming from you, it sounds like a mockery.”
“I see. Well, my reason for being here has been done. You are awake and still sharp mouthed. Go to bed. You shouldn’t stay up this late for someone who is still in highschool.”
“I never asked that you check up on me. And I will sleep when I feel like it. Can you leave now? I was doing something before you interrupted.” Tiffany said, pointing at the door.
“Noted.” Shawn raised his hand in Mock surrender before letting himself out of the room.
TIFFANY’S POV
She tried not to get angry, but she was doing a bad job at it. Can’t he be sensitive and nice for once? It would have been better if he stayed back in his room and not come to hers to taunt her all in the name of checking up.
She was very sure he came to check up on her out of necessity and not because he actually cared. And to be honest, the realization of that got her all riled up. He had no compassion for her or anybody else. Maybe, his family.
Tired and wanting to rest from all the dramas the day brought her way, she put on her night mask and turned off the bedside lamp.
Lights out, Tiffany.
SHAWN’S POV
He knew following his father’s advice and going to her room was a bad idea, but he couldn’t explain why he did it, anyway.
He was never going to try something like that again. Heaven would have to freeze over before the thought would cross his mind. Sighing in frustration and tiredness, he decided to call it a night.
TIFFANY’S POV
The alarm she set woke her up and she jerked out of bed, realizing it was morning and time to prepare for school.
She arranged her school uniform and undies on the bed and hurried into the bathroom. She murmured a few words of prayer as the water cascaded down her body. She was in a hurry to run a bath.
Down with bathing, she brushed her teeth and hurried back into the room.
A few minutes later, she was prepared and she hurried downstairs.
Shawn was already at the dining table having toasted bread and coffee.
“Good morning.” She greeted and he looked up, gave her a curt nod before returning his attention to his food.
“If you are hungry, that’s your breakfast on the plate” He motioned to the covered plate on the table.
She mouthed a “thank you” and settled down to eat.
“So how do you get to school?” He suddenly asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Your means of transportation to school of course.”
She mouthed an “oh.” The thought of how she would get to school never crossed her mind, and she did not move in with her car.
“Honestly, it never crossed my mind. You can give me a lift. I will call my father to send my car later.”
“Give you a lift? That’s not possible, and you know that.” Shawn said, scoffing.
“Why is it not possible? Am I supposed to walk to school?” Tiffany asked, getting upset.
“You can’t ride with me in my car. I will let you use one of the cars in the garage.” He said with a note of finality.
“Better.” She murmured, focusing on her food.
A few minutes later, they finish their food and head aside. Shawn led her to a garage that had fleets of cars in it, and her mouth fell open in surprise. The garage was filled with different models of exotic cars, the ones she knows and the ones she doesn’t.
The cars ranged from Rolls Royce boat tail, to Bugatti la Voiture Noire, to Maybach exelero, to Bugatti Divo, to Porsche, to Ferrari, to MCLaren… the list went on.
“Choose anyone except the Rolls Royce.” He said.
“I will go with the Ferrari.” Tiffany said, unable to hide her excitement.
He walked to a small safe built at the back of the garage, and typed in a code and it opened, revealing different car keys. From experience, Shawn took out the right car remote key fobs, pressed the remote and the car made a beeping sound.
Walking back to Tiffany, he threw the key fob at her.
“Drive safely and don’t bash my car. It cost a fortune.” He said walking to the Rolls Royce.
Tiffany was too excited to pay heed to his arrogant tone. She was riding that baby to school, and that was all that mattered.
She squeaked like a mouse in excitement, as she got into the car and turned on the ignition and the car came to life.
“Bye, Fiance. See you later!” She screamed, driving out of the garage. She got to the gate, and as soon as the sensor of the barrier gate detected the car, it went open and she drove out of the compound.
Way to go, Tiff!