Chapter 7:

★★BELLA★★

  After helping 'Mr i don't know who,' Lisa pushed me out of the house the moment I followed Kelly, she said she asked Kelly to search for me just to get the sheets which they forgot to bring in while I was away. And since I didn't have it with me, there was no need going in, and plus I had to pay for loosing them as my story wasn't believable, they both think I'm a liar.

 When Kelly finally opened the door, I run in, as fast as I can. My whole body was shivering, I was wet from the dew.

 I still had to go to work even though I was shivering. I have been giving Lot of Excuses lately, I don't to worry madam Serena with my family problem.

     I did all my work. Went to the bathroom to have my bath and prepared for work. I turned to Kelly, She was talking to dad. Demanding money from him. I can't remember the last time i asked my father for anything and youhe gave me. I quit asking him for anything since a long time.

"Good morning madam" i greeted while drawing my ears with a pitiful face, I'm late and I know it. I lowered my head to the ground, I feel guilty for the excuses I always give.

  Luckily, Bruno isn't in the shop now. I don't have to worry, I feel like his fondness for me could cause something more, His closeness feels like a load on me.

 Bruno always disturbs me. Telling me how much he loves me, and how i can be of great help to his kids as their mother. I never wished to marry an older man with such age differences in my life. I rather stay single.

I was given today's order to deliver. Hearing the address. My heart skipped a beat. I remembered how I embarrassed myself the last time I went there, and now? Plus that guy looks crazy. He isn't afraid of looking Directly into someone's eyes.

  I took a deep breath as I knocked on the door lightly, No answer. I knocked again. Still no answer. I made up my mind to leave when he came out. He opened the door, still staring at me like a pervert. Unluckily for me, this pervert is my neighbor. His dangerous looking blue eyes kept on daggering me

    "Here's your food" I muttered, with hopes to leave soon, but He doesn't take it. His eyes are fixed on me. I tried avoiding them as he was making me uncomfortable.

His hand touch mine, sending shiver down my spine. I quickly remove my hand and turn to leave.

 "wait." I paused at his words, He took some steps closer and fixed the money in my pocket, "A tip for a job well done." With a cocky smile from him.

I brought out the money from my pocket, squeezing it tightly, how rude! He's crazy.

 I rode my scooter back to the shop. Madam Serena was cleaning the tables.

Picking a rag, I Assisted her with the cleaning. Ariana hugged me from behind. "Bella, you're here?" I held her hands "you startled me... Where's Lorenzo?" 

   He's with Daddy at the back" she had excitement all over her.

   Ariana is Bruno's daughter, she is The sweetest little girl i know and She's six years old, Her elder brother is Lorenzo, he's ten years old, a smaller version of Bruno.

More guilt wash over me, Bruno promised the both of them a mother, and they are of full spirit, the children doesn't know Bruno plan to get married to me, his dreams which can never come true. I don't like Bruno... I mean that way!

       I smiled at her... "Bella, she looks so happy. I just wish bruno could be this happy. Every day, my son drinks till he gets drunk. To wash away all the pains." She sighed. "Can't you give him a chance? Just need."

Since Bruno's proposal which I suspect she already knew, She never talks to me about her son. Am I the bad one here? Maybe she felt the need to say something today.

 I look into Ariana's crystal-like eyes, which was glittering as always,

 "OK." I said, it was almost like I am been brainwashed, with my lips unable to spell out the word 'No' "Ok, I'll give him a chance."

    She smiled at me, stroking my hair lightly, she said, "Bella, Bruno will be so happy." I returned with a small nod, forcing a smile unto my face which felt like cramp.

    Yeah, this is me. Bella. The dumbest girl in town, I wonder why I can't reject? It's my bad habit of accepting everything... I shook my head lightly.

   "Bella, I'll call Bruno now." she said. She made me sit on the chair and she went outside to call Bruno. On seeing me, he smiled. "When did you come back Bella?"

  "Just now!" The word came out in a wrong tone, felt like my voice was too loud, seeing Bruno in front of me made me anxious, with my mind continuously repeating no, no no, I think its a bit too early, This is the most embarrassing moments, he makes me feel awkward with that smile of his.

I Squeezed my hand lightly, trying to loosen up seems impossible as he approached me with a wide smile visible on his face, drawing a seat and sitting down close to me, he looked like a school girl whlith the way he acted shy, 'I was better than this' I thought Now who's going to start a conversation?

       Madam Serena picked Ariana in her arms,"OK baby, let grandma get something for you to eat ok?" she slapped Bruno's back lightly before leaving with her grand daughter.

   I watched her disappear into the kitchen, closing the small window.

        "Bella..." He called, wetting his lips with his tongue, "Bella, thank you, I never expected you to say yes, you don't know how happy you've made me." The next thing I heard was a fart. Bruno farted. Was this the man I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with? What will become of the kids of two weirdos?

   I don't want to embarrass him but I cover my nose slightly. Should I pay for his mess?

    I am the Clumsiest and worse, Bruno- Bruno is a special kind of person, I don't know how else to describe him.

  I got a call. I stood up to answer, raising my phone to him... "I'll have to answer my sister.." I moved farther away from where he was "Hello Kel?"

 Her voice was shaky... "Bel... Bella, Dad fell down, he's dead... Dad is dead... Come now ...!"

   "Huh...!" My brain tried processing the words she said, "What happened to my father?" I asked her again.

"He's dead."