Chapter 36
Tessy’s POV
“Oh Tessy, I didn’t know you were coming,” Mom said, her cheeks flushing pink.
I grinned mischievously. “Mom, you’re not doing anything wrong, so no need to be shy, okay?”
I winked at Dad, who wore a matching sheepish grin.
“I will leave you lovebirds to it. I’ll be in my supposed room,” I teased, giving Dad a secret thumbs-up.
“You can do this,” I whispered.
Dad’s eyes sparkled, and he whispered back, “Okay.”
I blew Mom a kiss and sashayed to my room, locking the door behind me and jumped on the bed. I looked at my phone and there was no call from Anthony, what exactly is going on with him? Won’t he call me? This is getting out of hand, I feel I haven’t seen him for years, my body craves his touch, and my engagement date is fast approaching. Should I really let go of someone I can’t live without? I need Anthony, I miss him so much, I am the world’s biggest fool, I must admit.
I closed my eyes and dialed Anthony’s number, a foolish decision but I so much miss him, I am dying for his touch. His number rang but that was it, he didn’t pick up the call, this got me really angry, what the hell is wrong with me? I should be the angry bird and not him, why is he treating me this way? Is it because I am so in love with him? He took my virginity and made me feel I was safe, what is all this going on?
My thoughts got interrupted when I heard a knock on my door, I opened it and it was Mom, she appeared guilty and I let her in.
“I am glad you came to see your dad.” She said to me and I let out a smile, “Well, I kinda hurt Dad so I made peace.” I replied with a smile.
“Come here, sweetie.” She opened her hands for a hug and caressed my hair, “I am so sorry my little pumpkin, I really am.” She said but I really don’t know why she kept saying that.
A few moments later, I asked her the question finally, “So when will you and Dad make it official”
“Make what official??” She acted like she had no idea what I was talking about.
“Really Mom? Okay, I will be blunt now, are you getting back with Dad?”
“Oh, I…” She stuttered.
“Come on Mom, I know so well you are so in love with Dad but you always refuse to admit it.” I paused and took my mother’s hands saying, “Mom, I will be the happiest lady on earth, I really need you two.”
“I am sorry child, I am so sorry but don’t worry soon you will be a Mrs..” she just ruined my mood immediately when she talked about me getting married to Eddy, like why can’t they have a heart-to-heart conversation with me without bringing up the marriage.
*
I sat with Dad, playing chess. The soft lamp glow made the room cozy. “Your turn,” Dad said with a smile. I studied the board, planning my next move. “Hurry up, Tessy,” Dad teased. I moved my pawn. “You just want to win.” Dad chuckled. “Guilty.”
Then his face turned serious. “Tessy, we’re hosting Eddy’s family for dinner before the engagement.” “What? Why?” I asked, surprised. “It’s a goodwill gesture,” Dad explained. “It’ll strengthen our families’ bond.” I hesitated but then thought of Anthony. If Eddy’s family came, Anthony would too. What am I thinking? Why do I even want to see him??
“Tessy, are you okay?” My dad questioned and I gave a weird look.
“You didn’t move your pawn, you just kept looking at the board, talk to me, is something else bothering you?”
“Not at all, dad.” I lied. I just want to see Anthony and find out if what we shared doesn’t mean a thing to him at all.
“If you are not comfortable about us hosting Eddy’s family, we can…” I didn’t let him finish when I interrupted his conversation.
“No Dad, it’s fine, let’s do it.” I agreed. Dad let out an easy smile.
“Thanks, sweetie.” We kept playing. Dad won again. “Checkmate!” he exclaimed. I laughed. “You won again!” Dad gathered the pieces. “I’ve got to stay sharp for you.” We laughed together. For a moment, everything felt right.
“You’re still the chess champ, Dad,” I said. Dad’s eyes sparkled. “You’re still my toughest opponent.” As we set up another game, I brought up Mom’s topic.
“Dad, what’s really happening between you and mom? I know you two love each other so what’s the problem?” Immediately I asked, Dad used his phone as an excuse to leave the game, I knew it, those two were up to something.
Mom and I hit the stores, shopping for the dinner party we were hosting for Eddy’s family. She chatted nonstop about how I should be respectful to Eddy, how he’s a great catch, and how our families would benefit from this union.
“Mom, I don’t love him,” I blurted out, frustration creeping in.
She patted my hand reassuringly. “With time, you’ll realize how lovable he is, sweetie.”
I gave up the argument, there was no point debating with Mom.
We returned home, arms loaded with bags. Dad greeted us, checking his watch. “They’ll be here by 6 pm.”
Mom’s eyes sparkled. “Let’s start cooking!”
We moved into the kitchen, a flurry of activity. I chopped veggies while Mom expertly seasoned the meat. The aroma of roasted chicken filled the air.
As we cooked, our banter flowed easily. “Tessy, add more thyme,” Mom instructed.
“Got it!” I replied, sprinkling the herbs.
Dad popped in, sampling the appetizers. “Mmm, delicious!”
Mom beamed. “Thanks, dear.”
By 5:30 pm, everything was ready. The table was set, the living room tidy, and the food steaming hot.
I took a deep breath, mentally preparing for the evening ahead. Eddy’s family would soon arrive. I am certain Anthony will tag along, I need to look my best so he knows I am doing well even if I am dying for his touch.
I looked in the mirror, and I smiled, well the gorgeous outfit hugged my curves, and subtle makeup accentuated my features. I felt confident and ready to face the evening.
Just as I was about to make my entrance, I overheard raised voices. My heart skipped a beat. What’s going on?
I peeked out, and my eyes widened. Dad and Anthony stood in the foyer, their faces tense. I’d never seen Dad that angry.
Anthony’s jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with defiance. Dad’s face reddened, his voice low and menacing.
I strained to listen, but their words were indistinguishable.
Suddenly, Anthony spun around and strode out the door. The sound of the front door slamming shut echoed through the hallway.
Dad’s chest heaved, his eyes blazing with fury. I’d never seen him so upset.
TBC..