SWEET RELIEF

~( Chapter twenty) ~

Steph

Fuck my life.

This dinner is already a disaster before it has even  began.

Mom and dad were a nightmare for the whole day. Screaming and yelling around the house.  Apparently Stella and Karan are on bad terms already. Karan was trying to talk to her but you know stubborn Stella. My infamous ex is invited to the dinner of course. So you can imagine how weird it is that all of us are at the same table each sitting next to the other.

My lord I'm exhausted by people.

Stella looked extremely uncomfortable and fidgeting next to Karan. It made me sad but I wouldn't be much help, I'd most likely make the situation worse. Mom had been avoiding dad, by preparing too much food. She was going to regret that later.  Nick is busy on his phone as if I don't exist.

"Hi," I whisper.

"Hi," he does not even bother to lift his head. I'm done. I hate him.

Nick's parents are on their way here cause they had an earlier engagement. Helping mom set the table, I heard the front door bell. Stella excuses herself and went to open the door. Karan is left looking at her like a lost puppy. I'm sure she was relieved for a while before she had to sit next to him, all dinner.

"Aaah there's my sweet girl, Stella," I'm sure that was their mom, she always got excited when Stella's involved. She's never been that excited to see me. I wonder why, can't say I'm really surprised. I'd definitely get eaten alive saying this, but my sister is a people pleaser. That brings her more bad than good.

"Welcome, please let me take your coats."

"My lord if Karan doesn't keep you, I'll take you for myself." Weird. I hope twin telepathy worked cause I'm dying to see the face she made.

"Hey boys, fancy seeing you here." Their mom, Fiona greeted them, then moved to the kitchen. Nope, you are kinda invited here as a family, duuh.

"Karan, Nick." Their dad was sketchy and strict. I noticed how they both fixed their postures and Nick even stopped using his phone. I'm sure he's talked to me about his dad. Always expecting perfection and nothing less.

Mom and Nick's mom emerged from the kitchen each carrying a bowl. I went to assist them but mom stopped me. "Let Stella help, you go talk with your boyfriend." If only she knew.

After the food was brought, we all settled down.

"I want to thank all of you for coming and honouring the invite. I have prepared this dinner to celebrate our children and our friendship. Cheers to that," mom is acting weird for real now.

"Please help yourself to whatever you like. I'm sure this will be enough."

"To feed the whole planet," I muttered under my breathe.

We said the grace and everyone started serving themselves.

"Stella, honey you should add the chilli. Karan tells me you like it, I shared the recipe with your mother."

"Thanks." Aww baby sister was shy. Karan kept looking at her but I'm sure she was trying not to look at him. Sad, if you ask me, I wonder what happend this time. These two make the cutest couple in all history, sadly they suck at communication. 

"Stop staring at them, it's impolite."

"Ooh, now you can talk. What happened to ignoring me till the end of days," I knew it is shitty but I can't help it. I'm sure Nick has a thing for Stella but I can't tell for sure. I always get the vibes from him but I'm willing to overlook that if we got back together. I don't even understand why we took that stupid break.