SOMETHING FISHY.

Chapter 4

Melissa

"For the person we've been waiting for," The high pitched voice of the host pulled me back to reality. "An outstanding beauty, gorgeous completely, sophisticated, noble, and incredibly elegant... "

"I  call on our charming celebrant...... Miss melissa jones!!" 

The guests all stood on their feet and they began clapping as i catwalked to the stage, with my shoes echoing on the marble tiles.

Man! I'm about to address the big cheeses of the whole Texas.

It's indeed a special day. I've never felt so good in my entire life, and I couldn't have asked for more.

"Thank you... Thank you everyone ...." I gushed in my sleek american accent, waving and blowing kisses at them, until i was able to restore the decorum. 

"Thanks so much." I resumed, "I appreciate every single person in this hall today, thank y'all for gracing this ceremony. " 

Admiring the congregation, and the beautiful displays around. Everything just seem perfect!

My eyes got to the last corner and i saw  dad, still talking to the strangers, i shook my head lightly in disdain and continued. 

I decided to comport myself, since i'll still have to acknowledge him anyways.

"A special appreciation also goes to my father, the famous business mogul and the CEO of "The Jones' Empire", Mr Jones Edward!" 

The claps resumed again and all eyes drifted to his direction. He was obviously uncomfortable, as he faced them, and waved at them awkwardly.

I scoffed inwardly, and added, "he is the best father any daughter can ever have and this gathering wouldn't have been possible without him. I appreciate you dear father, and I love you so much." I blew a kiss at him.

Hmm! If only minds can be seen.

The guests gave a standing ovation again and the claps became louder. "I love you too daughter!!"  He half-yelled from afar. 

All this while the mysterious guests were still behind him and there were no smile on their faces at all. Only God knows what they are up to.

"I also want to use this medium to appreciate two special people in my life, and I would like them joining me here on the stage now." I paused for a moment, and continued again, "My sweet Mom, Mrs Kimberly Jones, and Jasonn.... My boyfriend." I added quickly, and the crowd chuckled. 

My mom walked elegantly to the stage, and gave me a peck on my cheek before giving me a slight hug. 

My eyes wandered among the crowd, searching for Jason, but they didn't find him. I kept looking until they eyes found dad and his 'friends' again, there was a common unreadable expression on their faces, but i didn't understand what it was about, not like I ever cared tho. 

I kept staring and wondering why Jason was not in the hall, and the silence was becoming deafening and really awkward, as the guests started murmuring.

 I became puzzled and didn't know what to do until mom took the microphone from me politely. 

She addressed them briefly and concluded her speech. The guests applauded her, and she held my hand as we both left the stage. 

Whoop! I'd say she was a life saver.

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*

The party ended awkwardly, without a sight of Jason and eventually, i got to know the Tesla was a birthday gift from father. 

I could tell, there was more to the party than I thought.

 I strided out of the hall and walked tiredly to the car park. I looked from afar, and I saw Jason standing beside my new Tesla all alone with his jacket hung across his shoulder. He had his elbows on the car's hood, and his jaw on his wide opened palm.

 A chill went through me as i saw how very furious he was looking from afar. That was creepy.

The last time I saw him that way was more than two years ago, the day he lost Judy --- his then best friend ---- she was allegedly murdered by some strange city goons who never got apprehended, and this happened just three months after we started dating.

He was broken and completely devastated the day the news got to him and his anger? Just like the fury of a hell. Jason has always been the quiet type and he had no friends at all when we met, Judy was the only friend he had and they bonded so well before she was murdered. 

He fought tooth and nail to get justice for her, by apprehending her killers, but unfortunately, the cops couldn't trace any of the evidences to anyone. 

I walked slowly to him, holding the end of my lengthy gown for easy movement. I got close and touched him, being very careful not to flare his annoyance and he shook lightly. He was obviously lost in thought.

 "What happened Jason? I didn't see you in the hall at all?" I asked, wondering what happened as he removed his hands from the hood, to maintain my eye level. 

He narrowed his eyes and stared at me for a while before looking away hesitantly.

"Is anything the problem? You know you can talk to me!" I inquired softly.

" Your dad......" He broke.

"What about him?"

He stared at me again, opened his mouth to talk and closed it.

"Talk to me baby, you are scaring me!" I asked impatiently.

"I wasn't allowed in." he blurted.

"You weren't allowed in??" I asked, raising my brows.

He gulped hard, and began, "Your dad..... said some things to me, he called me manipulative, and said I am an opportunist.... He said, you are not in my league, and I am really beneath you."  He mumbled, looking downward.

  " He said said so many things I do not understand but he made one thing clear, that you and I can never be TOGETHER." He explained further and i gapped with widened eyes.

It's true father has never approved of my relationship with him, through out the three years we've been together, but he has never for once confronted him, not once. 

He only grumbles about how irresponsible and carefree he gets most times. There was also a time he and mom persuaded me to jilt him, but he has never gone this far. 

I wondered what the sudden change is about, and why he said all that to him.

"I am really sorry about that babe, I am very certain he was not in the right mindset." I started convincingly, and he just stared with no emotions.

"He sure didn't mean all what he said and I promise to talk to him once I get home."  I tried assuring him, as he wore his jacket, and nodded lightly.

"It's fine, I'll see you tomorrow. I've got to go." He murmured, but i noticed he was still angry.

He made to leave, and i pulled him back.

 "Still angry, huh?"

"I'm not. My mood just got ruined." He dipped his hand into his jacket pocket, and brought out his car keys.

I closed the distant between us, and put my hands around his neck. "I am sorry okay, I take responsibility for everything and I promise I'll make it up to you."

He faked a smirk as he cheered up a bit, " ok!. It's fine."  He drew my face closer and planted a kiss on my lips. "Good night darling, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!"

I smiled as i realized he was wishing me for the first time. The entire drama didn't actually give us much time together. "Thank you boo-boo." I managed to say, wagging my head, and mimicking the usual way he calls me.

He chuckled, "I'll send my wishes and gifts by morning. It's time to go!"  He kissed my cheek again, and withdrew slowly from me. 

With that, he got into his car and drove off.

I sighed in relief and signaled at the driver to take me home, i've gotten enough for the day, and it was already getting dark outside.