ENDEARMENT CALLED LOVE.

Chapter 2.

Melissa

I wondered exactly what they are talking about me. I remained behind the opened kitchen door, still hiding just to listen to everything before giving them a punishment for not focusing on their job

"...and you know, the man seem utterly wealthy and influential, that could be why Mr Jones accepted to sell his daughter off without thinking twice." Amber chuckled as their laughter subsidized, and my eyes widened. 

"Yeah... Rumor has it that Mr Jones was like a mere pauper before meeting the loaded fellow." Riley chipped in quickly, swallowing a giggle, and Amber burst into laughter again.

"Wow!! I can imagine Mrs Jones in a creased blouse, rough, dirty-looking nails and..." I peeped through the kitchen door, and I could see her gesturing jeeringly. "... Short reeking red hairs and..."

"You Are Very Stupid For That Statement AMBER!!" I yelled, coming out of my hiding and marching into the kitchen.

The short 47 years old woman, with short bob hair, shivered on seeing me, and Riley ran to hide behind her, as she wanted to die on the spot.

"YOU STINKING, SLUTTY, PETTY, LOWLIFES!!" I cussed, advancing towards them. "Who the hell do you both think you are??" I clenched my jaw, as my pulse slammed in my neck. 

"Who do you think you are to talk about my parents like that??!!" I yelled at them again and they both quivered with shame engulfing them.

"Are you deaf??!!" I asked again, glaring at them.

"we're... We are sorry ma'am." They stuttered simultaneously.

"Sorry about what EXACTLY??!" I flailed my arms, "That you are both standing idle  early in the morning and spread lies about your masters??" They both exchanged glances. "Haven't you both got meaningful things to do with your life??!"

They dropped their heads down and Amber apologized again, "I'm really sorry ma'am."

"Now, come outside!" I called referring to Riley and she obeyed. "Now tell me in full details, I want to hear everything you've been saying without missing a word!!" I asked, recalling everything they said, and trying to understand what they meant.

They exchanged glances again. Amber opened her mouth to talk but Riley shut her up so fast, with a side pinch and I saw it.

"What is that Riley? Have you gone crazy?? Do not test my patience this morning!!" I pointed at her, warningly.

"Erm... Actually, ma'am...."

"No, shut it!!" I cut her off sharply. "I want to hear Amber speak!"

"Yes, I'm listening." I gestured, referring to Riley.

"You see ma'am, it was actually Riley who came to me while I was cooking and told me about everything." She replied, pointing at Riley accusingly.

"Did you listen to what you just said Amber?? Are you a child?!" I asked, and I contracted my eyes. "Riley came to tell you about it and you believed, and started gossiping with her. Do even know you are old enough to mother Riley??!" I barked, glowering at her in disappointment.

"I'm deeply sorry ma'am." Amber apologized again. "I truly shouldn't have listened to her." 

Realizing it was just a baseless rumor, and cheap talks, I decided to dismiss them.

"Now listen you two!" I began, and they both looked up, "let this be the last time I'll ever see you both blabbing idly together again. If this ever repeats itself again, I assure you, I'll make sure you are both relieved of your jobs." 

"And you," directing to Riley, "Return to your quarters immediately, and I don't want to see you in the main building ever again!!" I added and she nodded sheepishly, before running outside.

I gazed at her in disdain until she vanished, before returning back to Amber, who was still facing downward. I stared at her for a while and hissed.

"Where is Dad?" 

"He has left for work." She replied still facing the ground.

"And mum??" 

"At the upper lounge."

I sighed. "My bags are at the lobby, call one of the maids to drop them in my room." I uttered leaving the kitchen.

Since I didn't have much to do, I decided to use the stairs to the upper floor instead of the elevator. After all, it won't take anything from me.

I felt my phone vibrate in jean as I got to the last step and I stopped to bring it out. I saw two text messages notification on my screen, and I unlocked the phone. One was from Jason and another was from an unknown number.

I opened the one from Jason first, and it read "Hey! I've gotten to work safely. Do have a nice day! Muah!!" I rolled my eyes after reading, and I opened the second one. 

Then, I realized it was from a potential client I was supposed to meet that morning, But thanks to Jason and the two jobless gossips. I missed the online meeting that was supposed to hold 30 minutes ago.

I decided to email an apology text to him quickly, since it's isn't nice to turn away from a potential client.

"Dear Mr Kirk,

I apologize for keeping you waiting. My team and I shall get back to you, to reschedule the meeting tomorrow."

I didn't bother to reply Jason, as I strolled into the lounge, I saw my mum seated with her back rested, and her legs stretched out on the chaise lounge.

She was wearing a long, white A-line gown, with a chambray pattern. Her straight red hair, packed in a beautiful bun. 

Trust me when I say I am my mum's complete replica.

"Hey mum!" I hollered, and she raised her head from the magazine she had been reading.

"How are you baby?" She said smiling, in her usual soft tone.

I rushed to her for a hug, before she put her legs down and adjusted for me sit beside her.

"I wasn't expecting you today." She said, but it came out more like a question.

" Well," I removed the bond in my packed hair, and dropped my head on her laps, stretching my legs on the chaise lounge. "Jason and I had issues as usual..." I murmured, and I heard her chuckle.

"I just wonder how you guys met in the first place, cuz you both are not compatible at all." She added still chuckling, as she began stroking my hair.

"That Son Of A...." 

She shut me up really swift, "I've warned you to stop cussing Melissa!!" 

"Sorry." I murmured again. "I need a head massage mum." I said pouting.

She nodded, and called a maid to get the massage oil from her room.

The maid arrive minutes later, and her hands began to do wonders on my head.

Another fun fact about my mum, she was once a masseur.

Slowly, slowly, slowly, I drifted to the the dream Land.

HOWARD

A smile curled my lips as I stared at the beautiful picture of her in my hands, my joy knew no bound as father broke the exciting news to me.

"You mean the betroth you've always been talking about is the young lady in this picture?" I asked with gleeful eyes, as he plainly nodded, and joy warmed me from within.

Growing up as a child, my dad has always been concerned about the time ahead; my ambitions in life, and impacts on the society, particularly as a man. He had my whole life designed, and the plans were quite simple.

Graduate from school at 19, become a CEO before 25, get married to a vibrant and beautiful woman he has specially chosen for me, and of course, be his special aide when he becomes the chief executive officer of the state.

With that, you can imagine how very excited I am to hear, the mysterious betroth is no other person but Melissa Jones, my high school best friend.

Unknown to father, I broke few of the rules he laid down for me while I was in school, which was getting involved with female friends, and Melissa Jones, with her then bestie were one of them.

Melissa and I were really good friends, even when I was 4 years older than her, but in few days time she'll be 22, and our age interval would no longer be four, but three.

Wondering how I know? After I was transferred to Austin, we both lost contact. But few years after, I was able to find her again on the the famous app called palmchat, and I began stalking her.

You read that right. I've been stalking Melissa Jones for over four years now, and for reasons I do not know, I've never been able to summon the courage to message her on I*******m, which is now the happening spot.

What ever the case may be, I'm grateful to almighty, for making my father cross paths with Melissa, and being thoughtful enough to choose her for me. 

Finally, I can reunite with my highschool sweetheart again, and hopefully together, we can work our ways to find the great endearment they call LOVE.