Home / Romance / My Sweet Poor Joel / Chapter 5 - Birthday Plans

Share

Chapter 5 - Birthday Plans

Author: Lucia Love
last update Last Updated: 2021-01-02 05:56:57

"Water?" Joel asked with concern, his head spinning with so many thoughts he couldn't voice out.  He tried his best to look neutral but internally, he wasn't satisfied with Estelle's behavior and the answers she gave him but he trusted her so much and wished and couldn't suspect anything. He felt she just needed time like be needed to tell her about himself too. She wasn't the only one with secrets after all.

Estelle's nods in the affirmative, as she felt fire in her nose. She coughed involuntarily, making the food divert it's way from her esophagus to her conchae. It was a short burning pain, slowly eased by the warm water Joel held to her mouth which she gulped down impatiently, easing her discomfort.

"Thank you" she whispers with glassy eyes. Joel waited till she finished eating, not wanting to say anything to make her choke as before.

"Babe, you are getting me worried. Ever since the interview, you've been acting all weird. Am not complaining. Just honestly concerned."

" Am sorry, I appear to be this way. Everything is so overwhelming right now," she apologized.

"I should be more sensitive. Please forgive me. I just thought that instead of wasting money hiring a hotel, we could use your house instead because it's equally beautiful, even more than a five-star hotel," He said apologetically.

"You don't have to explain. You know above everything and everyone that when it comes to you, nothing is too much. Don't feel bad that you are spending so much. If it makes you feel good, you can take it as a loan and pay it back in ten years." She joked. She knew she can never accept repayment from him but it made her happy to see him smile with relief.

It indeed made Joel feel better because, he knew in ten years, billions of dollars will be nothing to him. Estelle was happy to have succeeded in making him take his mind off having the party in her house. She didn't know how to explain it without telling lies or giving a hint on the kind of person her dad is. It already hurt her so much that she had to lie every time they had a conversation about her parents.

She knows her dad has spies around her since to refused him to give her bodyguards. 

"Thanks, babe, I owe you a lot." He said giving her a peck on the cheek.

" You owe me nothing," she smiles, getting up leave. "You know I hate to drive when it's dark. I'll be on my way home."

"I'll walk you to the car and go meet Pete. We have a few things to discuss concerning our final match with Angels College. Am surprised you cheerleaders are not meeting to put in any new moves," he chuckles.

"Who said we aren't? Just wait till you see what's going to happen." She drives off, waving Joel a hearty goodbye. Joel goes back to meet his team for a meeting before going home.

After their discussion, he calls Pete to help him with his birthday party.

"Hey Dude, have you talked about it to your girlfriend? She might be planning a surprise for you," he says, reminding him of his birthday surprise organized by Estelle last year.

"I know, and I already told her not to." 

"And she agreed? That girl loves you like crazy. Am glad you're going to get married after graduation. If you waste too much time, you might lose her. You should hear the things the guys say about her. They seem to marry her in their heart," he laughed out loud but stops when he sees the frown on Joel's face. He wasn't in any way amused with Pete's words. He couldn't stand a competition when it comes to Estelle.

"They should be prepared to have their hearts broken then because she is mine," he said with pride.

"That's what I told them. But some of them think that Brittany stands a chance with you so they've got eyes on Estelle."

Joel felt his blood boil with anger and his jaws clench with fury. 

"Give me names," he said with an emotionless expression.

"It hasn't gotten to that dude, she's still yours for a fact," he chuckles as they drive to various hotels making inquiries.

Joel was captivated by one of the hotels they visited. It was the most expensive but judging from their offered services, he was determined. They got the quote and for a moment, he thought he needed to get his eyes checked.

"That's outrageous," he lamented. Even Pete agreed it was way too much for a campus party but it meant so much for Joel so he sends the quote to Estelle through WhatsApp. He felt uncomfortable telling her over the phone.

"Don't you think this is too much? We can get quotes from other hotels. I won't advise you to go with it," Pete discouraged.

"A part of me agrees with you but a part of me can't help but do something special for myself, once in a lifetime. After college, there are lots of people I won't get to see anymore. Even most of our closest friends. I just want to keep this memory of college with me," Joel said dreamily. 

"You can still do that in the future after you've worked hard enough," Pete encourages.

"That's true but by then, I won't have everybody here. Most precisely, it will be you, Estelle, work colleagues, and a few others. Don't forget that most students are only schooling here from other states and countries. They will leave immediately after graduation."

"You have a point there. Let's see how we can raise the money," Pete said. Pete genuinely wishes he could help his friend but he knew his parents will never give him such an amount of money and within a short space of time, even if he wants to take up a part-time job to help his friend, it will be practically impossible. 

This party meant so much to Joel because he never had such since he was a child. His parents gave birth to him at an old age and retired from active work when he was just ten. Coupled with sicknesses and all, he couldn't grow up like a normal kid and usually did a few menial jobs. Even before they retired, the best they could completely afford was his educational needs and daily upkeep. There was no room for excess to be wasted on parties.

He saw a text message on his phone and his jaw dropped. He instantly felt dazed. It's not possible. He ignores the text message and checks his banking app and there it is. It's real. He felt relief wash over him but also anxiety. His heart raced, beating as if he had just completed the biggest tournament of his life. She did it like she said she would. Well, she always kept her word but with this, he had mixed feelings. He wanted to call her instantly but with Pete standing there with him, he couldn't let him know that his bills were being footed by his girlfriend.

"Pete, can you give me a second?" He excused himself and secretly went to the manager to make the payment. He transferred the amount into the account number given to him by the manager and got his receipt. All he had to do now, was relax and enjoy the moment but he couldn't do so without speaking to Estelle and properly thanking her. He dialed her number when he got out of the manager's office but no answer. He dialed again but no answer. Maybe she's in the shower or fell asleep. 

But the time if the transfer was just five minutes ago. She can't be sleeping. Most probably, she's in the shower, was the thought most dominant in his mind.

He gets back to see Pete pacing back and forth. His eyes widen when he sees him.

"Dude, where have you been? I've looked everywhere for you?"

"Don't be silly, am not a kid. I was just talking with the manager and he said he could do something about the bill". He said the first black lie that popped into his mind.

"You mean he's going to reduce it?" He asked with excitement.

"Not exactly. Something like an installment plan so I transferred almost everything in my account as a down payment. I think we're good," He said, slapping him on his back. Pete was confused but didn't show it. 

"Great. We should get going then. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow," He smiled. 0

Joel called Estelle again but still no answer. He left her messages but no reply. His first thought was going over to her house but it was already midnight and his sick parents will be worried.

Just as he decided to drive there, a text message blinked on his phone. 'Sorry, I was on the phone with my mum. You must be sleeping now so let's talk tomorrow. I might have to go home immediately but I will wait till after the party. Love you.'

Joel felt something wasn't right but couldn't bring himself to know or understand. There must be something Estelle isn't telling him if she has to stay this long on the phone with her mum.

Related chapters

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 6 - Thank you for everything

    The next day, they didn't have much time to speak as they intended. Both of them were caught up in their preparation for the final match at noon. It was a competition between the two best universities in the world and other college students had begun making their way to their school. The cheerleaders were having a hard time choosing from the four new uniforms they ordered. They felt them all gorgeous but decided to vote and agreed on a blue and black turtle neck shell tank top with a mid-high pleated skirt won over spankies with matching white shoes. Black and blue were the school's official colors so it seemed like the best option from the rest.The football team waited in the lounges while their coach gave his final direction. It was a very competitive match with each team wanting to graduate as the winner, wanting to give the school it's glory. It was about five minutes to the end of the game before a ball entered the net in favor of Queens College. The roar from the crowd

    Last Updated : 2021-01-03
  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 7 - The birthday party

    "Nina, I don't like this. It's too short," Estelle whined, looking at herself in the mirror."But it's perfect. You will be the hottest at the party", she winks. Estelle moves to sit in her bed, turning to face Nina who has been grinning since she tried on that dress."I know, but I don't want to make him lose control. He has promised to wait till marriage and I don't want to tempt him to go against his words," she explains, moving her gaze from Nina, to Amanda. She hoped Amanda will defend her. She needed their help because she wanted to look her best, and at the same time not looking seductive."Well if he has waited this long, he can still wait a few months. This dress is not coming off your body, whether you like it or not." Nina insisted, In a firm but friendly tone.Estelle shifts her gaze through her vast closet, landing her eyes on a black, shiny, knee-length dress. "Okay, that is is fine"."No. I mean it looks good but not as good as what you a

    Last Updated : 2021-01-04
  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 8 - Ferrari in flames

    Estelle sends a cold gaze towards Joel's direction when she beholds the brand new yellow Ferrari in front of her. Joel was just numb and she couldn't figure out if he was angry, excited, or sad. It seems to her that Britanny has succeeded in ruining their perfect party.Joel turned and with his hand still wrapped around her waist, begins to walk back to the party, throwing the gift box containing the keys on the floor in front of Britanny. Britanny looks on as her face drops in disappointment, as she quickly picks up the car key, leaving the box on the floor.This is the first time anyone has rejected an expensive gift like this from her. She was even more determined to make him accept the gift and kept running after him like a fool."Joel!" Britanny howled behind them, making them turn involuntarily to face her. "Look, it's your birthday and you are accepting gifts from everyone so why do you have to reject mine?" She asked with an innocent expression on her face.

    Last Updated : 2021-01-05
  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 9 - I'll be watching you

    Joel threw an angry look at Britanny, before following the direction Estelle exited but before he exited the door, he took another look at Britanny."What did I ever do to you? Just one memorable event of my life and you still had the brasses to ruin it. Are you even human?" He asked rhetorically, shaking his head in disappointment before following the and exit.From where Estelle had his new car parked, it took some time to get it out of the car park because she didn't want anyone to see it. As soon as he was out of the car park, he made his way to the police station and since it was about an hour to midnight, there was no traffic.Upon arrival at the police station, he realized he saw Estelle coming out, just as he was about to enter."Babe, did they hurt you?" He asked with concern, anger, and regret."No, they let me go," Estelle responds passively."Seriously? Just like that?""Hmmm," Estelle hummed, raising her brows.Whe

    Last Updated : 2021-01-06
  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 10 - One Last Favor

    The week moved on fast and there were no major activities as everyone was preparing for the exams. Estelle and her friends spent most of their time in the library, but she did make time for Joel. Their discussions were short and brief. They were straight-A students and wanted to keep it that way. Soon it was time for Estelle to leave for Paris and Joel chaperoned her to the airport. Even though she promised to return in two days, Joel doubted it but didn't tell her, and kisses her goodbye.Before he drives out of the Airport, someone taps on his window and he winds down his window glass, thinking it might be security or something important. To his amazement, Brittany was standing there smiling innocently."Are you stalking me?" he asks furiously."Yes, to be honest," She says, directing her gaze to the floor. Joel was still angry with her for making the police arrest Estelle but gave her a listening ear regardless."May I know why?" He asks impatiently.

    Last Updated : 2021-01-07
  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 11 - It can't be here right? anytime

    Just as Brittany promised, a driver was there to pick Joel from his house at exactly 4 am. They drove to the private jet where Britanny was waiting. Just as he got in, they were on their way to Paris. Few minutes to the arrival, Britanny handed over to him, a black, designer tuxedo with matching pairs of shoes. They sat in separate seats, even though Britanny was against it but it was Joel's way of keeping everything professional.She also went to change into an ocean blue backless gown, and styled her hair, applying the right make-up to compliment her appearance. As soon as Joel saw her, he couldn't hide his compliment. He knew she was very beautiful but her virtue was just the opposite so he wasn't in any way attracted to her. In her high heels, she was almost the same height as Joel."I must say, that the gown fits you perfectly," he complimented.Brittany blushed. "Thank you, We should be arriving in a few minutes."They arrived in Paris and there was a c

    Last Updated : 2021-01-07
  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 12 - I should be asking you

    Joel kept staring as if he has seen a ghost. There was something about the woman he just saw. Sure she didn't have the same hair color as Estelle and her eye-lashes were longer and she was also dressed too extravagant but what he couldn't understand was the attraction he felt towards her. It was the same thing he felt for Estelle and he couldn't understand. She looked like her in a way and yet, so different.Also, he couldn't believe Pierro Montanna and his wife, Adelaide Montanna was here. He has always wanted to meet Pierro. He was more of a role model to him and since the girl standing in front of him was his daughter as he said, it means it's not his Estelle. But wait, did he know her parents? What if?"Joel!" Brittany yells, bringing him back to himself, but too loud, in that, it draws the attention of others, including Estelle and her parents, who looked in their direction."I've called you for the 7th time, she says with disappointment. He was supposed

    Last Updated : 2021-01-08
  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 13 - It's him, isn't he?

    Estelle felt her heart fall out of her chest, the moment she saw Joel walk out, hand in hand with Brittanny. She trusts him with her life but this? The shattering sound of glass fetched her back to reality, as the glass of wine she was holding had fallen out of her hand, making the shattering sound. She bent to pick it but was stopped by Anthony before two waiters came to clean up the mess."Are you alright?" She heard Anthony's concerned voice but she felt irritated instead.Nonchalantly, she responded, "Yes, am fine, thank you.""Should I get you another glass of wine? Anthony asked."No, I think I had enough wine.""That was the first glass of wine you had this evening. It's about the guy who just left, isn't it? His voice was laced with jealousy."What makes you think it's because of him?" She asked defensively."You never focussed on our conversation and kept stealing glances at him. Who is he to you?""I am very sorry

    Last Updated : 2021-01-12

Latest chapter

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 40 - Unity in the end

    It’s been a little above twenty-five years since Estelle and Joel left her parent's house. Since their return, they have tried to locate them to no avail.Eventually, news about their new counseling passion has traveled far and near, capturing the attention of Estelle’s parents. They too, for some years now, have been trying to reunite with them. They made their way to the office in Estelle’s absence but were fortunate to get her home address.Unfortunately, Joel’s mother had just died two weeks ago and her father followed a week after. Those two seem to be inseparable, even in death. Estelle’s parents were now old and sought to reconcile with their daughter. Not only that, but they also had a plan.Estelle was surprised by the description the housekeeper gave about a pair looking for them. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw the two aged people and found herself locked in their embrace. Joel was upstairs and didn’t know about the visitors downstairs. Estelle’s fat

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 39 - someone special from the past

    Nina's eyes were glassy when she took in Gerald's appearance. She could tell it wasn't easy for him also. His eyes were red and his face sullen as if sleep itself had eluded him. He moved closer and sat beside her."You think that I cheated on you but the fact is, I didn't. Even if I did, it wasn't in my right mind. When you threw me out last night, I went back to Bridget to seek clarification." Nina's heart sunk when she heard the name, Bridget. 'So he went back to his lover. I shouldn't have thrown him out of the house but I was too angry to think straight. But even if it's my fault, why did he go back to her house? Was it to continue with their stupid affair?'"So, you went back to the same woman. Tell me, where is your shame?" Gerald could tell that Nina was upset."Trust me, nothing happened. She indeed drugged me but she confessed I slept off before anything serious could happen. Those pictures meant nothing. If you don't believe me, I can call

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 38 - Tell me what I am thinking

    Estelle couldn't sleep well through the night as she kept thinking of how to discourage Nina from getting a divorce. After making sure the house was in order, she went to see Nina, first thing in the morning. The smell of alcohol lurked in the room as Nina sat half asleep on the couch with an empty bottle of whisky. Estelle was repulsed by her behavior because she wasn't one who likes to get drunk in the first place. She shook Nina awake."What is this, Nina, pull yourself together." Nina stares at her indifferently. 'After all, Estelle hasn't been through what I am going through so it's easy for her to tell me to shake it off. What she didn't know was that Estelle has been through the worst and yet, did not result to alcohol. What is worse than being drugged, raped, and having a bastard child? No matter how you try, that child will be a constant reminder."My life is already over Estelle, I have nothing to lose. I already lost everything," Nina said.Estelle pu

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 37 - Divorce?

    The cool air of rejection blew over Joel's mind as soon as his feet lands in Paris. Everything begins to playback. 'This is where it all started. The jealousy, betrayal, rejection.' His only hope is that things will be better this time. He has no intention of retaliating if Mr. Montana shows him any disrespect.The journey to the Montana mansion has been a very solemn one as neither Estelle nor Joel knows what to expect. Jolene and JJ have been busy with their phones, leaving them no time to care about the coldness that lurks in the limousine they are riding to the mansion.The limousine parks in front of the huge gate of the mansion and are greeted by a talk bulky man, who appears to be the security in charge of the mansion. He casually greeted and Joel wind down his window."We are here to visit Mr. and Mrs. Montana. You should remember her daughter Estelle," Joel says rather casually. The security man frowns. "Mr. and Mrs. Montana have been away for a few months

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 36 - Returning to New York

    The worst stupidity in life is thinking yourself a lion when you are merely an ant. That is the state in which JJ found himself. He cowardly recoils into an ant upon the sudden revelation. The man who loves him unconditionally is the one he betrays and falls for the scam.His envisionment becomes a bitter pill as he thinks of himself as f unworthy of the love he enjoyed over these years. How can he make amends? Joel will never forgive him and right now, he feels poisoned by the blood that runs through his veins. That stupid thing called DNA has caused so much havoc.This time, his anger is directed towards his father. "You, you lied to me. How dare you do this to me?" He yells.Indeed, Anthony is remorseful. "I am sorry son, I never meant to. I didn't know. The original documents were in his name. I have copies. I never knew he changed it. I was only fighting for your interest." His voice envisions genuine regret but JJ remains unmoved."Just stay away from m

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 35 - Ignorance like a disease

    Joel who had remained quiet suddenly erupted like a volcano. "You spent the days with Anthony, not caring about how worried we were. Since you discovered he is your father and believed everything he told you, why did you come back? Why come here? Did you suddenly grow tired of him or you came to revenge on us?"JJ was quiet. He has messed up. Now his plan has backfired. He feared Joel might hurt his father. Estelle is outraged to hear that Anthony is behind it all."Honey, what are you saying?""Why don't you ask your son?" Joel said, not hiding the irritation in his voice.Jolene is awestruck, just gawking as revelations are being made. "Mum, Dad, what are you talking about? JJ isn't my brother?""He is your brother," Joel said. "I have never made a distinction between both of you even though he is not from my loins. I have always loved him as my own.""Liar. You never loved me. You are only doing it to please mum. You are living on my father's m

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 34 - JJ's sudden change in attitude.

    On a fateful evening, JJ returned home to his family. To avoid too many questions, he went in the evening but Jolene who has had sleepless nights because of his disappearance was wide awake and heard the door to his room open.She went hurriedly out of her room, following the sound to JJ's room. She screamed in surprise, waking Estelle and Joel who couldn't sleep deeply. He sneaked into the house without security noticing. His car was parked a few meters away. Maybe he wanted to sneak in and take the documents, and then return as if nothing had happened.Jolene's appearance at the door startled him. He was shocked to see Jolene's face swollen and red from tears. It struck a glint of guilt in him which was quickly replaced with indifference.Jolene ignored his indifference. She was excited. "JJ, where have you been? We've been searching everywhere for you."His voice was cold. "I've been around. Let me sleep."Jolene was never used to this part of him. B

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 33 - Anthony's Revenge

    A few blocks to Joel's House, JJ was in a state of rage. He abused and cursed his parents verbally. He had no intention of going home anytime soon but the man who was Joel's age cajoled him to go back to retrieve certain documents.JJ did not have it in him to pretend that everything is alright if he goes back to that house. He felt betrayed by the people he called his parents.Two weeks ago, JJ dropped Jolene home and headed in the direction of his school. He was stopped a few yards away by a man. The man was not violent. He wanted a little of his time to speak with him. He has been watching him for a long time and even though JJ had Estelle's features, He had this man's brown eyes. Character-wise, he exuded more of Joel so the softness in him gave way to the subjection of true wisdom.He followed the strange man willingly to a two-bedroom luxurious house. There was a maid and a few guards. His car was parked in the man's garage.After settling down, t

  • My Sweet Poor Joel   Chapter 32 - Facing loss

    Joel and Estelle left for their vacation as planned. Before leaving, they left a tall list of dos and don'ts. It was depressing for JJ to even look at it, judging from the length. So instead, he ignored it and went by his own rules.Naturally, he was responsible and caring so he didn't have any negative agenda up his sleeves. He is just relieved of his parent's presence. Together with his sister, they go through their normal activities from school to rehearsals and home. The only difference is, Joel doesn't allow Jolene to drive. He prefers driving her to and from school. Sometimes, he will drop her home before going back to college for practice.At school, Joel made sure to keep guys away from Jolene even though she was one grade ahead of him. He will find ways to threaten guys who got close to her. It wasn't difficult since he looked taller and stronger than most of the senior guys, thanks to constant practice.Everything was smooth as the days went by till JJ wa

DMCA.com Protection Status