At home

At Home

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Elena's pov

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It felt surreal that I had a date with Anthony the next day. As I drove home I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, it would be my first after almost two years. 

The last date with Mike, the son of my father's childhood friend, left a sour taste in my mouth. He reeked of arrogance and wouldn't stop paying me compliments for my looks, though I didn't mind the compliment I was baffled at how he smiled and flirted with females we came in contact with.

"I'm just trying to be nice." He said over and over again. Trying to make light of his behavior, I endured the night for the sake of my father and to avoid my mother's nagging.

Though father understood why I wouldn't date Mike when I told him, mother threw tantrums. She pleaded and tried to make excuses for Mike but I knew she didn't choose him because he was going to be a good husband to me but because he was from a wealthy and affluent family like ours. When her nagging became too much father stepped in and cautioned her to put my happiness before hers. 

She had cried and accused Father of accusing her falsely "You know I love Elena more than myself." She wailed and wouldn't stop till dad apologized and got her another set of expensive jewelry which would be discarded like the others once she had shown it off to her friends.

As I thought about my last date and mother, I made up my mind never to tell her about Anthony and our planned date. I didn't want it ruined, I would keep it a secret till it becomes necessary. After all, I wasn't even sure if it would work between us, the spark I feel around him might be my body reacting to sexual sparks.

When I got home later in the day, I was greeted with a loud shout of "surprise" from my parents and some guests. The downstairs sitting room was decorated with balloons and a sign with "Congratulations on your graduation" written on it. I should have known my mother would insist on throwing a party, she never misses an opportunity to throw a party no matter how irrelevant the reason for the party was, she always ensured it was glamorous and lavish.

"You are late." Mother chided me when we were alone. "Where have you been, you had your guests waiting for you. I've never been so embarrassed in my entire life."

"Sorry mum," I replied I knew defending myself would only make things worse.

"Saying sorry isn't enough, you were meant to be home two hours ago."

"I was stuck in traffic, I told you when you called."

She stared hard at me and I wondered if she knew that I was lying. Further throbbing from her and I would spill, I had never been able to tell a lie. Father must have noticed my discomfort and came calling.

"Elena, the guests are here to see you. Move around and greet them, you and your mother can continue with your discussion later on. 

" Okay father," I said and from the mischievous look in his eyes, I knew he had come to rescue me. "Thank you." I smiled and walked away.

The next hour was spent talking to the guests, most of them were strangers to me. I was exhausted by the time the party was over, my legs were sore from standing for so long and I craved for my bed.

"Did you enjoy your party?" Father asked me. He sat beside me on the three-seater white leather chair in the sitting room.

"Yes, I did," I replied and took another bite into the shawarma that I was eating. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

"So what are your plans now that you are home?" 

"Can we talk about that tomorrow Dad? I'm exhausted already."

"The party was a huge success just as I hoped it would be. Thank God the guests were patient enough considering how late you came to your party." Mother said.

She was still angry that I was late, I had already forgotten about my date tomorrow, I blushed as I remembered about Anthony. 

"I'm sorry for coming home late." I said again but didn't wait for my mother to reply "I have to go to bed now, I'm exhausted." I stood up and kissed them both on the cheeks before heading to my room. I could see the disappointment in my mother's eyes but I was too tired and crampy.

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I was so tired that I slumped on my bed and slept off almost immediately.

"You are here," I whispered to him, surprised to see him lying next to me on the bed.

"How did you get here, I can't remember giving you my address. Though I don't mind having you here with me." I said smiling down at him. His eyes sparkled as he held my face in his hands, he still didn't speak but his eyes, those eyes spoke words only my heart could comprehend. 

His lips looked so soft that I wanted nothing but to kiss him, my lips parted on their own. He drew his head closer to mine, and I closed my eyes waiting, breathing heavily. 

The loud knock on the door jolted me and I woke up. Feeling disoriented I searched for him, but he wasn't there. It had only been a dream,  a sweet dream I would like to relive.

The knock on the door came again. I knew it would be one of the house servants, so I called for the person to enter the room.

"Good morning ma'am Elena. Madam said you should come down for breakfast." The young female servant said.

I was not hungry but I knew mother wouldn't take no for an answer. "Okay, let me freshen up," I said dismissing her. 

 I quickly showered and wore a t-shirt and shorts with a pair of slippers. When I got to the dining table, dad was almost through with his breakfast of fried eggs and toast. 

"Good morning dad, mum," I said and sat at the chair facing mum. She glanced over me and I knew she wasn't pleased with my choice of clothing. She liked us to be fully dressed before coming to the table. According to her, a guest could walk in on us and we had to look presentable.

I had to give it to her as she was regally dressed as always, she wore a sparkly green dress with a tiny chain around her neck. Her hair was packed in a bun and her face had full makeup. She looked as though she was attending a business meeting rather than a simple breakfast.

"What are your plans for today," Mother asked me, as she scooped a spoonful of omelet into her mouth. She chewed her food slowly as if trying to imprint the taste into her mind. I have always been in awe of my mother, she was perfect in my eyes.

"Nothing much," I replied. I couldn't tell her about my date.

"I want you to follow me to the saloon later in the day, your hair looks tattered and your nails need new paint." Mother replied smiling at me

I smiled back thinking of how to say no to her suggestion.

"Tomorrow mum, I want to stay home today."

"Are you unwell, I could call the doctor."

"No," I replied too quickly and loudly, gaining myself a sharp look from both parents. "I just want to rest, I was really tired yesterday.

" Tomorrow then." Mother replied and continued eating. I took a plate and added a toast and one boiled egg with a cup of black coffee. My mind was in a daze and my stomach churned in anticipation of my date with Anthony. As I ate I couldn't help but imagine what he was doing at that moment, a sigh escaped my mouth followed by a grin.