CHAPTER 7- MEETING HIS FAMILY

 A lot was going on my mind the moment he stepped out. I simply sat on the chair, my whole mind going to and fro. Everything seemed so sudden. The engagement, the kiss….

 I felt my face flushed at the thought of the kiss. It felt good. I shook my head, discarding the thought. I still found Ryan unreadable, and he was constantly changing like a chameleon. From being sweet to cold. If not that we had only met for today, I would have considered him to be having alter personalities, but I reserved my thought until further notice.

 My eyes wandered to the shopping bags in front of me, as I decided to open it. My mouth slightly open at the sight of what I saw. I kept checking without picking anything in particular. A small makeup kit, comb, pair of shoe, clothes, just to mention a few. It was no doubt everything I would be needing for that evening.

The first thing I craved for was food, as I gently opened the last bag containing a plastic container which has in it Bacon and eggs. I scoffed at the choice of food, as I termed it as breakfast food. Within a short time, I ate.

 I took a bath and decided to dress up. It was 5 pm already, and I wouldn't like to keep grumpy Ryan waiting.

 I picked one of the bags, as I pulled out the clothes. It was a simple peach silk dress. It had long sleeves and was a knee-length dress, with a bit of glitter around the waist.

 Furthermore, it fitted me perfectly. Most importantly, it was simple, and I liked it. It wasn't flashy, and looked decent enough. I brought out the pair of black open toed wedge shoe. I put it on, and it was my perfect size. Likewise, I packed my hair into a bun, as I applied a simple makeup on my face.

 I breathe in a sigh of relief as I looked at myself in the mirror. 'Ryan will definitely fall for me' I giggled at my thought, as I continued with my reading. It was almost time.

 My new phone flashed, indicating a message as I checked it. It was from Ryan. I unlocked the phone as I read out his message. “Kindly meet me outside the building.”

 I picked up my handbag stucking the phone inside. It was a few minutes passed 6 pm. I walked out of the office hastingly, before stumbling on the secretary. She looked icily at me, as we both entered the elevator. I simply breathe in and out, hoping I get out of here soon.

 “You seemed to piqued up my boss interest. But mind you that you are nothing but a pawn, that will be used and discarded." She gave out a chuckle after her words, staring at me.

 My hands formed into a fist, as we began our staring competition. A wicked grin crept to my lips, as I raised my left hand, hoping to show off the ring in my hand.

 “Oh! Really? Then explain the ring in my finger.” I mocked, showing it to her face.

 She looked shocked, and so far so good, I loved the look on her face. It was priceless under the elevator light.

 “We will be getting married soon. I will remember to invite you. Meanwhile, you should get a grip on your feelings toward my Ryan boo.” The elevator dings open, as I walked out victoriously, leaving her behind.

 It felt so good to put her in her place. It was her sheer audacity for me. I walked out, the cold air hitting my body slightly. The long sleeved dress did help in reducing the coldness.

 I stopped, as my eyes met with that of Ryan posture. My eyes scanned him under the dark night, thanks to the streetlight. He was putting on a checkered blue shirt and jeans, with a pair of blue shoes. His look complimented his blue eyes. 

 “You would rather not keep me waiting, right?” Ryan's voice broke me out of my trance. We were a few feet away as I reflexively moved closer to me. He opened the car door for me, as I sat.

 He was in the car in no time, as he put on the light in his car. He reached closer to me, as I felt my breath hitch. I closed my eyes, thinking he wanted to kiss me, but only felt his hand on my hair. He loosened the rubber band, as my hair fell freely.

 I peeked at him, my gaze shifting downward. I really needed a grip on my thought.

 “You look more beautiful when your hair falls.” He complimented, making me blush.

 “Thank you. I appreciate what you brought for me today.”

 He smiled, starting the car, without a response. The car was silent- a comfortable silence with each of us lost in thoughts, that I thought.

 I didn't like the silence a bit. I began counting numbers to calm myself. That was the fastest way to get rid of my anxiousness.

 “You are feeling nervous. My family do not bite.” He reassured, his face fixed on the road.

 “Yeah. I am a nervous freak.” That earned a chuckle from him, which sounded like short music to my ears.

 “What if your family ask about us. Shouldn't we rehearse or something.”

 His eyes darted towards my side, before looking at the road again.

 “Don't worry too much about the questions. I will answer the one pertaining to both of us. You should answer the one pertaining to you.” He simply stated.

 I heaved a sigh, before staring outside through the car window. In no time, we got to his family house.

 “Look who we have here.My dearest son and beautiful daughter-in-law.”

 No doubt the voice of Mrs. Selina. She hugged us, before proceeding to the dining.

 I met with each one of the family, their nature quite welcoming. Ryan is the eldest followed by a younger brother, Aidan who is three years older than me. Her sister, Kathleen who is a year older than me and the last daughter of the Ackers, Eva whom was two years younger than I was.

 I greeted Ryan father, who stared at me for a while, before giving me a smile and a curt nod. Ryan is a splitting image of his father, Sir Bryan. They looked alike, except for the age difference and the little gray hair on his father's head.

   The dining table was already filled with sumptuous meal, as we began eating in no time.

 “You finally brought home a fiancée.” Ryan's dad asked, as Ryan simply nodded.

 I could not help but feel the indifference between them. I simply ignored, my eyes meeting with that of Kathleen, who wore a frown looking at me.' She doesn't seem to like me,' I thought, before taking in a bite of the streaked meat.

 “Wow. I never knew my elder brother had a taste when it comes to beautiful lady and the ring- It looks beautiful.Who possessed my brother.” We all burst into laughter at Eva's comment.

 Ryan looked up, with a smile on his lips.

 “I guess I have been taking my lessons seriously then. You deserve a raise.” Ryan said.

 Eva giggled, winking at me.

 “You should stop spoiling Eva. She is 23 and can work.” Mrs Selina commented, making Eva whine.

 “Mum, seriously? Ryan, please don't mind her. I'm your baby sister and I deserve it.” Eva counter her mom words, making everyone look at Ryan for his next course of action.

 He took a napkin, gently cleaning his lips.

 “I know what to do. Mother and daughter deserve a raise from me then.”

 Everyone was elated at Ryan's words. There was no doubt he loved Eva and his mum so much. We continued discussing through the night. It was heartwarming and there were no personal questions, which surprised me.

 I still needed to thank Mrs. Selina for saving my life and counting me worthy to be his son better half. I hope to work my way into the heart of Ryan. A Herculean task ahead me.

 I stared at the ring for a while. It doesn't look flashy, but one look at it, was enough to drown one into how beautiful it looked. It was a dainty, natural white marquise diamond center stone with tiny cut diamond accents with a yellow gold band. It looked beautiful.

 It was almost 10 pm when Ryan decided to say goodbye.

 “Will it be okay if your fiancée stay with us here?” Ryan's mother requested.

 Ryan looked at me, our eyes gazing at each other intently. It was as if he was asking for my approval on it. 

 “Ahem. I want to fall in love too.” Eva's whining tone broke us out of our staring competition.

 I turned to face them, my face turning red instantly.

"I will stay here if it is okay with my boo.''I stated, referring to Ryan as my boo. I really needed to work on my pet name.

  "You need to work on your pet name. I will help you out on that."Eva commented, earning a small slap on her head from Aidan.

   I nodded, as I felt glued to my position.

  "She can stay here then. But we still need to say our goodbyes."He said,out of the blues, startling me and making me turn red when I thought of what he meant by goodbyes. 

Was he going to kiss me?

  He turned me to face him, as he leaned closer, engulfing me in his embrace.

  "Goodnight Ariel."His gentle voice suddenly made my body tingle.

  Everyone was watching and that made me flustered. 

I went to bed that very night with Ryan's moment with me clouding my mind. I think I am beginning to like him.