I barely slept off and it was morning already. I rushed out of the bed straight to my window to catch a glimpse of Leo, this as a matter of fact is becoming my morning routine and I can't help it. Just then I remembered that it's today that my future will be decided by my parents. I can't help but wonder if this decision was a collective decision or my mother orchestrated it because the last I could remember was my Father fighting against such arrangement but him agreeing at the last minutes,makes me wonder, perhaps my Mother convinced him to agree to the decision.
I immediately went inside the bathroom,had my morning bath,brushed out my hair and I decided to dress up in my most not so favorite gowns because honestly today was not really one of my favorite,although lately it's been rollercoaster of drama in my household. I decided to head downstairs in readiness of what today holds.
As I was heading downstairs I heard voices and looked down to see that the Dinning table has already been set and everyone was on their toes and busy. I quietly entered inside the kitchen to grab myself some bread from the oven.
" If you are hungry ,just wait a little bit,the visitors will soon arrive and you will have a proper meal" retorted my mother,the roughness of her voice making me to shudder.
" Sorry ,I just decided to grab some"
I replied.
" Go in and get yourself busy"
I backed away on unsteady legs and fuming with anger because why will she talk to me like that and in front of everyone.
I returned to the dinning room and decided to just sit down and not lift a finger.
I'd been so busy with my thoughts that I didn't pay attention when Leo came in, carrying a basket filled with fruit, I can swear I saw something like pity in his eyes but that was the last thing I want from anyone at this moment.
I took the fruit from his hands and while doing so my thumb grazed his pinky finger and I felt a shock like a current pass through my veins, I immediately dropped the basket." I'm so sorry,I didn't mean for that to happen I was just trying to help" I said in a loud whisper.
He didn't respond but just stood frozen and surprised, I wished I had just kept to myself instead of trying to help.
" I'm sorry"
No response.
"What is happening there and why is the fruits scattered on the floor and none of you is making an attempt to pick it up" yelled my mother from the kitchen door.
"I'm sorry ma'am it mistaken fell from my grip," he replied whilst bending down to pick the mess I caused.
A few minutes later, our guest arrived and we all sat down to eat.
I tried as much as possible to keep a straight unreadable face, I didn't want to give off any form of emotion and then be the center of attention.
If only there is a way I can avoid the conversation that later ensued just the way I successfully became invisible during the meal.
"Thank you so much for having us and for the wonderful meal" ensued Sir Winston, " without beating around the bush,I'm here also to declare my son's interest in your daughter,I know it might come as a surprise but we are not in a rush and just as we had discussed earlier,we will be patient enough to wait till after your next birthday to come and perform the necessary marriage rites."
I looked on without uttering a word and I can sense that my mother noticed my countenance eand so I heard her saying I should take Chris outside and show him around the castle.
" Okay, come on Chris," I replied using my most pleasant voice so as not to sound uninterested but in all honesty I don't have any atom of feeling for him but what to do.
" Its been long I heard from you even last Sunday I was making my way towards you but you disappeared immediately"
" Oh...." I was searching for a reply but I couldn't come up with any compelling excuse.
" Please give my proposal some chance to flourish into something beautiful,I know you might feel taken unawares but as you know I have always been into you, just that you have never given me the chance to have proper conversation with you,just know that I will do everything possible to make you love and see me the way I see you". He rambled on and on.
" Why me" oh God what did I just say,this wasn't the plan,I just wanted everything to end quickly and everyone will head back to their normal business.
" Because ever since I have known you Sally, you intrigue me with your innocence,you are so different from all other folks around here and you don't mingle with just anybody, I want to be with you ,I want you to see the world through my eyes and not just living in your castle,I want to take you out of here and I know it's something you've always wanted" he answered.
What does he mean by that,like I'm some princess in distress ,remind me again why the other girls are falling over this dude." I have never asked you for help and I don't intend to do so, please can you do me a favor and tell your father that I have never agreed to your advances or love interest and save us from wasting everybody's time"
" But you were informed of our intention to pay this visit,why didn't you object ?"he asked with a grin,that I really would give anything to knock off his silly face.
" I am telling you now" I replied
whilst making my way back inside and he trailed behind me.
" Oh you are back already" said my Mother.
" Yes and I have an announcement to make....
" We are going to see tomorrow at the church garden,isn't that what you wanted to say? He retorted from behind me before I could finish up my words .
" Yes.." I replied trying so hard not to kill him with my stares
Maybe it's best I don't fight this and allow him to wallow alone.
" Okay then , thank you all for having us,we will now take our leave, Son let's go" Sir Winston said while heading out and Chris followed suit without looking back.