Shohrd's question brought me back to reality. I got a message from my father last night. It was clear as always.

I had told Shohrd about it but not Winnie and if I knew her right my situation right now is not very good.

"How come you didn't tell me something so serious and important? And don't give me your disgusted look".

Her frequency wasn't something I wished upon on anyone at anytime of the day. Not even an enemy. I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth.

"Well I just told you ALL of it. In detail."

"But you told Shohrd first!! How come you told him and DID NOT tell me". I was mentally switching to and from throwing the brush in my hand at her or going for the vase.

I turned from my vanity with an exasperated look. "Is that the most important thing right now?"

"Otherwise! That clearly needs to be sorted. I mean I know you guys are all lovey dovey and.."

I didn't let her finish. It's like listening to  a rusted grama phone.

"Because he called me last night!! Right after I got the message!! After the call I collapsed. I was so tired I couldn't even clean up dinner".

"Well don't I know that! I just cleaned it up for you, your Highness".

I ignored her scowling and focused on brushing my hair. Curiosity got ahead of her and she took a seat on my bed facing my vanity.

"So what are you going to do about it". Her voice was much calmer. Graver.

It's a question I didn't want to answer. But she was waiting for an answer. Her eyes looking all concerned. I hated it. I mean, I know she means well and it's nice to have at least one person in the world to care for you. But I still hated it. I hate being weak. I hate being vulnerable. I hate being anything that was related to those words.

Period.

And that was exactly what this situation was making me. Undecided, impulsive and prone to do what I shouldn't

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Winifred left after lunch and I was looking for my phone. I forgot where I put my phone. I ALWAYS forget it. Just when I was about to leave the kitchen I heard its vibration as Ed Sheeran professed his undeniable love for me.

I peeped to find it hidden behind the cookie jar. It was an unknown number.

Strange.

My life is always very planned and calculated and I don't have a lot of  surprises. If I do, it isn't at all pleasant.

Which brings us only into one conclusion. The caller isn't a stranger and I wasn't going to be particularly pleased with the conversation.

"Hello".

"Madam this is Andrea here". Andrea is my father's secretary. She has been so for a few years now and it wasn't the first time she spoke to me.

"Good morning Andrea. Go on". I walked with my phone to my bedroom

"Madam I am to inform that the chauffer will pick you up at 7 sharp and...."

She never got to finish. A flare of irritation swirled up inside me. Trust me when I say, I am not the best person to talk to when I'm irritated.

"Did my father send me this message", my tone was impatient. And it elevated when I was given a dead pause on the other end instead of a straightforward answer.

"Errrr....yes madam", Andrea stammered.

"Well you can go tell your boss that I still haven't confirmed whether I'm accepting his gracious invitation or not. And tell him that if I don't call him by lunch today I ain't coming at all!"

I hung up and threw the phone on the bed. It was exasperating.

I wanted to squeeze something.

Ughh!!!!

I balled my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

I have reasonable reasons to feel agitated. My father is a selfish arse of a man who thought of no one but himself. And he knows exactly which nerve to hit when he wanted something done by someone ; myself included. He also knows that despite whatever fuss I make, I'd eventually give it up to him. And that is what angered me the the most.

I want to see him and I also don't want to see him. I hate him but still I do have feelings that borders affection on him and it was making me sad and mad that he selfishly used them to his advantage.

This is it! I decided with finality. I can't keep giving up everyday. This time I'll actually make a difference.

So sharp at eight when I heard a car pull over outside my gate, I was on my couch, in my tank top and boy shorts watching the Big Bang Theory on my flatscreen. My feet were up on the coffee table and I stuffed my face with popcorn.

I heard the repeated honking of the Bentley. Like I care! The sweet feeling of not giving up was high up in the air. I kept watching Sheldon tap the door away.

Fifteen minutes later the door bell rang and rang it did periodically for a good fifteen minutes. And then it switched back to the honking and I tuned it out of earshot.

Within half an hour my neighbourhood was back to its normal calm and tranquil space. I had put my phone on silent mode and  stashed it in the microwave, where I wouldn't be tempted to check it.

That night I felt good. Weird I know. But I felt like I was getting better at not being vulnerable and being taken advantage of. I still felt exhausted enough to sleep without changing.

Morning arrived and I woke up well rested and a lot less tired. Since I didn't wake up to Winnie's graciousness I took my own sweet time making myself coffee. I got myself an oatmeal with strawberries for breakfast and sat at the table. Halfway though that I remembered my phone, still locked away in the microwave. I got it to find 36 missed calls. Four from Shohrd, six from Winifred and six from Andrea. The remaining 20 calls were from my father's personal number.

Awsome!!!

I was going to have to call back. I have a dinner to reschedule. I finished my breakfast cheerfully while mentally planning the conversation.

Hey people,
The chapter came out late than I expected. I apologise for that. But this is the case. In order for me to write I have to get a lot emotionally invested which is sometimes hard. And this chapter was kinda hard to assemble because there is a lot different feelings in here. So do tell me how it was. I'm looking forward to your feedback. Don't forget to vote and comment.

Lots of love,
Sanfara😍😘