Honeyblonde Curls

||30||

It's the next day, meaning I get to meet Christian. I think I should give him a city tour before we leave.

Before we plan to leave.

Last night I couldn't break it to my folks about it because my dad had to sit my mother down in the living room when she got back from her 'ladies meeting at church'. I'd like to believe it didn't go well because there was an argument that suddenly erupted. Their muffled voices could be heard from my room- they were that loud.

Today's mood is different , a quiet house with small talk. My father made himself breakfast for the first time in Lord knows how long, and my mother did not leave their room since.
On the other hand, Gabe is livelier as ever, all smiles and giggles with his dad as they have breakfast. Noni is trying to match their energy, I know she heard our parents argue, Gareth probably did too.

As I watch all this activity from the dining room over my cup of tea , I can't help but wonder whose fault this is...mine? Haha, maybe. I don't mean to point fingers but this all wouldn't have happened if- y'know.

At the same time I'm cool with it. Inasmuch as this counts as me defying my parents and the life they want me to live, I see it as a learning curve for us all. Sure, they wouldn't want to be a bowl for village spit, but for how long will tradition do more harm than good in bringing individuals together in matrimony against their will?

I just stated mad facts there. Anything to seize this arrangement between James and I.

All this comes back to Christian and I, surprisingly I'm thinking about all this as though we're definitely going to get married, lol. What if we don't work out the way we're so sure that we will.

I shake my head to erase the thought,we'll work out. I can't be negative about something this deep.

My father walks past, a tray in hand with his cup and saucer from breakfast.

"Hey, let me help," I hurry to grab the items when he stops me.
"It's alright," following him into the kitchen where he places them in the sink.
"How are you today?" he sighs at the question.
"I'm okay?" He fold his arms, staring blankly out the window , "I'd like to believe I am. I know it doesn't look like it but- follow me," he beckons, heading out the door to the backyard.

We stand in the centre of the garden, lush green grass and stone path on our left hand side leading to the gazebo. We're surrounded by different plants and flowers that my mother cares for with her life.

"You see how it looks out here? The sky, the birds...it's peaceful," I look up as he spoke, taking in our surroundings.
"I want peace," he continues, "You might've heard the argument last night. There was no peace when we went to bed nor when we woke up. Your mother and I are having one of those arguments where she doesn't have her way and caves in,shutting everyone out,"

There is a long pause. Birds continue to chirp with the tall trees brushing against each other, a harmonious blend.

"You are free to leave. I'm sure we've kept you long enough," he clears his throat, "I know what we had planned did not go accordingly, but from my end, the short conversations we had were worth while."
"What about yesterday? You haven't given feedback," I fidget with my hands, anxious to hear his response.

He looks at me but deep in thought, I can't put my finger on his expression.

"It was good," is all he says.

——
"Good Morning ma'am, and welcome back," Wendy places a small box of Lindt chocolates in front of me.
"Why thank you," I smile at the gesture, opening the box and popping one in my mouth.
"Love the new look too," she compliments, I couldn't agree less.