Cole had informed all that was concerned. It was like a preparation for a king’s visit. The mansion bubbled with activities. The compound was well decorated.
Mrs Clinton Ann wasn’t left out. She had refused to talk to her daughter not because she hated her but because she missed her. She understood her daughter better than she thought. During the early days of her marriage, she nursed the idea of running off on several occasions. She felt trapped and useless despite having all she wanted.
The Clintons’ mansion was as beautiful as ever. The view became clearer as Jane drove closer. She could not believe she left almost ten years ago, it was like yesterday.
As she drove closer, two guards standing at the gates came into view. She supposed they were meant to open the gates but as against her thought, one of them moved closer, he bowed and told her to get off politely.
“Just open the gates and let me drive in,” Jane said. “Sorry ma’am, the grand master has given instructions, you don’t want us losing our jobs,” the guards said and bowed slightly.
Jane sighed and got out of the car. The guy took over and drove in while the other guard opened the gates lavishly for her.
She almost ran back at the array of maids aligned to welcome her. They lined on either side of a red rug with tiny baskets of flowers held in their hands.
She looked at the end point of the red carpet and was elated. All her caution dissipated. Her parents sat regally at the vintage waiting for their princess.
All caution and hesitation gone, Jane walked gracefully like a queen. Petals decorated her path as she walked on the red ground. She approached her parents and both stood up to envelope her in a warm embrace.
Her mother wept happily, It was tears of joy. Mrs Clinton hugged her daughter tightly and refused to let go. It’s been almost a decade.
After the grand welcome, it was a blast. A welcome party was thrown for her. Cole’s business associates and Mrs Ann’s friend graced the occasion.
Jane was flabbergasted. She never saw this coming. She had forgotten all her family norms.
*********
“Your husband is lucky, the major burns are on his face, other burns are not as deep as those. He would need facial surgeries but he would be fine,” The doctor assured Lisa.
“When will he regain consciousness?” Lisa asked.
“We are all waiting to have him back. We’ve done all we can from our end,” the doctor responded. Lisa thanked the doctor and returned to her husband’s bedside.
*****
Merriments continued at the Clinton’s residence. At the peak of the moment, Cole went upstage to address the guests; “The celebration continues tomorrow, it is just a welcome party for my princess today. I want you all to grace the special event here tomorrow. It’s still all about my princess… I am like a man whose lost son returned home,” Mr Clinton announced to his guests and they all roared in an applause.
“What is father thinking? Which event will happen again tomorrow? I don’t have time for this. I am here to see investigator Patrick. I can’t leave Lisa on her own for long,” Jane thought but shrugged off her worries. It’s good to be reminded that Clinton’s blood runs through her veins. Moreover, she is the only daughter and child of the Clinton family.
Jane retired to her room after the party. It was indeed a long day. Being home made her remember her younger days when she was a spoilt and pampered brat. The party and show-off made it obvious that her parents still regarded her as the little girl they had pampered. The truth be told, one side of her missed those days.
Knock, knock, knock, there was a knock at the door. It was her mother. Jane knew the day’s party wasn’t complete without her mother’s personal visit. She signaled to her foot maid to open the door.
Mrs Ann walked in lavishly with a wide smile plastered on her face. She had a comb in one hand and a tin of hair cream in the other hand.
“Come over here.” Mrs Clinton said to Jane as she ventured in. She dropped the items and hugged Jane tightly. “You have become a big girl darling, I missed seeing you grow.”
Jane remained silent and hugged her mother passionately. She did not realize she had also missed her so much. She sniffled loudly as tears coursed down her face. “I miss you mother,” she said in a whisper.
Mrs Clinton signaled to the maids who responded and walked out one after the other.
“Apply the cream into my hairs and comb them out. I do this every night before sleeping,” Mrs Clinton said to Jane who was still hugging her tightly.
Jane loosened her hold on her mother and went gingerly for the comb and hair cream. She silently combed through her hairs and noticed the grayness in them.
“I am happy to have you around… I was never angry with you. I refused to talk to you because I missed you,” Mrs Clinton broke the silence.
“I am sorry mum, I couldn’t help it. I had to do what I had to do.”
“Well… You reminded me of my younger self… You must have taken after me…” Mrs Ann said and smiled faintly. “I am happy to have you do this for me… The maids usually do this for me.. they fix my hair every night,” Mrs Ann said and Jane remained silent.
“Jane?” “Yes mum.” “The party tomorrow is all about you. I am long gone in years as well as your father. We need to have grandchildren already,” Mrs Clinton hesitated while Jane also remained silent.
“Tomorrow, you will be introduced to the one your father chose for you.”
“What?! Mum! What are you talking about?! I am just hearing this and you are throwing a betrothal party? I won’t take this! You should have informed me beforehand! I have a lover already, I wanted to introduce him when things get more serious. I am going to see father!” Jane yelled and dropped the comb.
“Do not bother, he is asleep. He knows you will be like this, that’s why he sent me to speak to you… It is to fulfill a friend’s wish. You know your father, he will never enforce anything on you, the party is just a matter of necessity. After seeing your supposed groom to be, you can make the decision to stick with him or not… A maid will come to take your measurements. Your dress and some other girly stuff will be supplied tomorrow morning. Make yourself comfortable. Good night my dear,” Mrs Ann said and took her leave.
“What the heck! Did I just walk into a trap? I hate it here!” Jane whined and threw herself on the bed.
Knock, knock, knock, there was a knock immediately her mother left. “Just enter or fuck off!” Jane yelled at the maid who just made an entry.
“Ma’am, I am here for your measurements.”
“Get it fixed or fuck off!… and call me Jane! It’s Jane! Not ma’am!” Jane yelled.
The maid hurriedly took the measurements and dashed out. Jane was sour. She never imagined her parents would make such a request.