An Unexpected Gift

Chapter 16- 'WTH!'

"Now Nastacijah, this is not a debate! I am still your mother who carried your stubborn behind in me for eight and a half months! You will do as I say, young lady, you may be grown but I can send you back where you're coming from!" she threatened "So you keep reminding me!" I responded "Don't you dear take that tone with me!" he threatened again. "Yes Mother............ besides I will be busy, I have a charity benefit at 8 pm, I have to go!"

I pulled up to The House Of Harmony feeling as beautiful and fragile as ever, I waited as my parking valet opened my door and motioned for my hand with such courtesy, I never knew what to expect but all I know was I felt a ton over-beautified. I stepped onto the red carpet where I was greeted by paparazzi and a ton of flashing lights, I felt more necessary than I needed to. As I walked towards this big beautiful building I had to remind myself to breathe.

I stepped into the foyer with a stunned look on my face, it was divine! There were paintings everywhere, some of them were breathtaking. I stood in awe gazing at one specific one that drew my eye and contemplated how much work must have gone into it, I
was lost in the spectacle "You are a true beauty" I said as I involuntarily ran my hand across its surface but my daze did not last for long when I was pulled back by a smooth voice that added, "So are you!" I immediately went back to my original stance but he continued "I adore how the dress compliments your shape" I was now wondering if he knew something about it but refrained from asking "Can I get you something to drink?" he asked, "Sure!" I answered eyeing him. Who was this? I chalked it up to just a guy who saw me standing alone and wanted to be nice.

We walked to the main meeting room where sculptures and more spectacular paintings were hung "Are you enjoying yourself so far?" he asked with a devilish smile. I was now fishing for info so I took the window of opportunity and began, "As a matter of fact I am! One must be well off to be able to put something like this together, oh sorry forgive me, I'm Nas and you are?" With an out stretched hand, I eyes his expression suspiciously then he replied "Keith". He looked tall, well-bred, and sharp, a businessman I gather, with a body to die for, clad in his navy blue custom-fitted suit, somehow his name sounded familiar but I could not place from where. "Nice to meet you!" I returned "So I am surprised that you have decided to grace us with your presence" he stated "You know about my invite?" I asked quickly, "Yes everyone here has been invited, some specially!", "But......." I was cut off by a small blonde haired stunning lady who looked no older than 20 years, I watched as he leaned so that she could whisper to him then she swiftly walked away. "I'm sorry Ms. Foster but an urgent matter has risen, I have to go!" then he left in a jiffy, I continued sipping on my glass of Merlot in silent contemplation when it occurred to me, I never told him my full name!

"Ms. Foster?" I was startled "Oh my fuck!" she continued with a smile. "If you would be so kind as to accompany me?", "Amm sure, ok" I agreed "Great! This way!".

We started making our way through the large crowded gathering, I couldn't help but make eye with some of the guests, I saw a lot of politicians, policemen, and many important people all dressed to the tee in their Jackets with either their wives or girlfriends on their arms, some of em actually looked in love. I continued to follow suit when we came to a black door, she opened it for me. "Ms. Foster please have a seat, someone will be with you shortly!" With a dazzling smile, she whirled and left, I still think she was too pretty.

I was mesmerized by the room it seemed to be in a different world. I walked over to the fish tank where I saw fishes I couldn't even describe, as curiosity took the better of me I stretched my hand to put it in when I heard someone clearing their throat, I was so startled I jumped and placed my hand at my side. "I didn't!" I confessed, "Hello Ms. Foster?" the male responded, "Hi do I know you?" I asked "No, you don't but we are being paid heavily to ensure you are well-taken care of" My brows knit in curiosity "I'm sorry?" I couldn't help but smirk "Being heavily paid to protect me? Who are you again?" I asked sarcastically, "I am Pablo, Your head of security". I knew he saw the what the fuck look that instantly painted my face, "Sweetie! I don't need a bunch of toy soldiers to help me sort papers or straighten my hair! I'm fine! Now excuse me" I said as I motioned for him to step aside and headed for the door. It still was a bit funny to me. I stepped into the hall again and saw two other guys standing at attention at either side of the door, "Excuse me" I said as I made my way to the one place everything made sense..... Home! I pushed the button to the elevator and stood waiting...... "Ms. Foster" I recognized the voice and spun, it was the same guy that spoke to me earlier Keith! creepy much, I ignored him and desperately listened for the ping of the doors, was he responsible for these guys? "Leaving is not an option and if you do your guards will be there" I couldn't help my tone, "What the fuck do I need guards for? To mow my lawn or paint my fucking nails, I am leaving!" he wore a smile.

"what the fuck is going on?" He stretched his hand and I heard and saw a key dangling. "What is that for?" I spat "In my line of work I learn to ask less questions Ms. Foster and you're not making my job as easy as it should be" finally I got the ping, getting irritated I shouted "My name is Nastacijah for fuck sake, will taking the keys make you shut up! Then fine, call off your hounds", "And next time don't be late for your appointments" I grabbed the keys and ran into the elevator, I watched as he slowly walked in front of the open doors and stared at me with such intensity, it felt as if he was burning a hole through my soul I was saved once more by that heavenly ping of the closing doors as it took me down.

"No! I have it under control, Yes sir, she's in the hotel... Yes sir! I stepped out of the elevator to find Mr. Creepy in the foyer on his cell phone. "How'd you..... You know what" I stormed off with my hands in the air as he stood watching with my 'I don't give a fuck cause you creep me out look'. What the hell was going on with these people it's like I'm in league for some special initiation or award, why the hell would I need guards? I made my way through what remained of the guest in the lobby because most of them had already started to clear; I fiddle with the keys in my hand as I contemplated why I got them in the first place. As I walked towards the door, it was opened by the doorman who had a more than warming smile on his face, I couldn't help but return it. "Goodnight ma'am, you were the most beautiful one in here tonight!" he commented, "Thank you!" I replied and hid continued "Enjoy the rest of your night now!". He was stucky, middle age, medium built of eastern Indian descent. I continued making my way out toward the valet area when I saw a 2022 Royal blue BMW Convertable pulled up and the valet jumped out I stood staring in awe at the beauty that stopped at my feet. I looked around to see who the owner was but I was standing alone. The valet came around with an outstretched arm, "Here is your second set of keys ma'am, sweet ride by the way!" as he started to walk away I shouted "Wait! This isn't mine!" I sounded more stunned than needed "Sure it is!" he answered "This must be a misunderstanding...." I couldn't help my chuckle, "Sure it is! My orders were to take your old car to the garage, so I did and it was replaced with this one!" he said with such conviction. "What the fuck!!" I shouted startling him then I stormed off down the driveway. "Ms. Foster you can't do that!" I threw the keys into the water fountain, took my heels off, and continued with the intention of getting home on foot.