Christian moves the chair back so I sit first, and proceeds to sit next to me while everyone else settles down.
My mother is pretty tense, not to mention quiet at the table. The only sound now is from Gabe, who giggles as Noni helps him sit comfortably in his high chair.
My father gives a short prayer and we start serving.
"Christian,"
"Yes, Mr Yané," his response is quite professional but its good all the same.
"I hope you find this meal to your liking. I'm sure you're fine with fried rice and chicken," he smiles at Christian.
"It's quite alright," he returns the gesture as I place his plate infront of him, smiling smugly over my shoulder and he does the same.
His courtesy out here is damn attractive I'll tell you that.
"So tell me, what is it you do for a living?" my dad begins to mix a portion of his food. I glance at my mother who is still silent, picking at her food.
"I'm a construction project manager, I'm also a part time plumber-,"
I make a low snort at the thought of it, and Christian softly nudges me from under the table.
"Sorry," I whisper.
I honestly can't help it- I mean his plumbing is how we met and bonded- on two counts! Make it three plus the faucet situation in my bathroom. Anyway...
"Oh, that's interesting," my dad is really invested in this.
The conversation goes on and even Noni joins in. I watch how my dad gives a side eye here and there at his wife, who til now is mute.
-
"Oh so you're from Essex?" my father beams as Christian talks more about himself.
My mother suddenly rises from the table, taking her plate and the casserole dish from the table.
"Noni, help clear the table," she instructs quietly.
I watch them pack up and I do the same, looking to Christian, his countenance has changed.
Following them to the kitchen, I could tell she's probably pissed, if anything fuming on the inside. Noni offers to help clear the sink but is curtly dismissed.
Not gonna lie, my mother and I behave the same. I hate the fact that I try to be a different human being yet I still possess certain qualities of hers one way or another. It's sad watching her do this, even Noni looks at me with worry.
"Mum," I call out from the kitchen island.
"Are you okay?" Noni follows.
"Your sister," she begins to laugh, "haaaa, I've been insulted today."
"Ma it was simply dinner," Noni remarks, my mother only laughs the more.
"She's a disgrace," she carelessly throws a lathered plate in the sink and is now arm's akimbo,turning her head in my direction.
"Never have I been embarrassed the way you've embarrassed me, you good for nothing-"
"Mama!" Noni stops her.
"No, Iet her speak," I cut in, "Good for nothing- carry on,"
"You decide to let that white thing walk in here to spite this family? Bringing gifts to insult us,surely Imani? Not in my house," a guttural laugh escapes her mouth.
"Mama,please," Noni tries to reason.
"Ma Yané," my dad walks in, "Please bring some drinks for us. We'll be in the living room."
"I'll get it," Noni offers.
"Ok," he smiles and walks off.
From the looks of things, my dad is having a great time with Christian. He hasn't talked this much since I arrived. You know there's even a glow on his face...
YOU ARE READING
Honeyblonde Curls
Romance"Well, I can understand why they'd be like that," he begins, "Parents are like that; the whole idea of having their child's life planned out so they aren't embarrassed . But if they want to see you then sure, hear them out. I know you would want to...
