BETWEEN THE PANES

Chapter 6

                 🍒TIMI🍒

" He didn't even tell me that he had a girlfriend. He usually tells me stuff like this," Mrs. Austin remarked, her tone tinged with disappointment, as we rode in the car towards the airport.

The atmosphere inside the car was tense, with Mrs. Austin clearly upset about something. Her frustration was evident as she spoke, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settling over me.

The seating arrangements in the car were a bit chaotic due to Dera's unexpected presence. Atlas had to ride in another car with her, leaving Mrs. Austin and me alone in ours. The tension between them was palpable, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

" I don't even like her," Mrs. Austin scoffed, her voice filled with disdain. Her words hung in the air, adding to the already tense atmosphere in the car.

" She's not even as beautiful as you are," she added, comparing Dera to me in a way that made me uneasy. It was clear that Mrs. Austin had strong feelings about Dera, and I couldn't help but wonder what had caused her to react so negatively towards her.

" He didn't even tell me that he was bringing her, so now they both have to share one room. God, I wish it could be you and Atlas instead of that girl," Mrs. Austin muttered under her breath, her words dripping with venom.

Her comments left me speechless, unsure of how to respond. I didn't want to get involved in whatever was going on between Atlas and Dera, but it seemed like Mrs. Austin had already made up her mind about the situation.

Upon our arrival in Lagos, we made our way to Mrs. Austin's beach house. As we entered the cozy abode, Tiwa couldn't contain her excitement, immediately flopping down onto one of the inviting beds.

"It's so beautiful," Tiwa remarked, her eyes sparkling with admiration for their surroundings.

"I can't wait for mommy and daddy to come," she added with a bright smile, but her expression shifted when she noticed how down I was..

"Don't tell me you're thinking about Dera and Atlas," Tiwa said, her tone light but perceptive as she gauged my mood.

"Me? No, why should I? I'd rather be on TikTok and you know I don't like Tiktok than worry about them," I replied, attempting to brush off the topic with a casual remark.

Tiwa chuckled knowingly. "Hmm, well, I know you'll never admit it, but just know that you're more beautiful than her, and you don't chase after boys like she does. You're not a pretender like her either," she said, her words filled with sisterly affection and understanding.

"I know all that already," I responded with a soft smile, grateful for Tiwa's reassurance and support.

"And you have more pride than her," Tiwa added with a laugh, highlighting one of my defining qualities as we settled into the beach house for the weekend.

As the evening settled, a peaceful atmosphere filled the air, accompanied only by the gentle melody of distant music. I tried my best to avoid Atlas and Dera, who always seemed to be kissing whenever I turned around.

"Time for dinner," Mrs. Austin's voice called out, prompting me to get up from the bed.

We all gathered at the dining table, except for Atlas and Dera.

"Could you please go get them, Atlas?" Mrs. Austin asked me. Why me?

"Okay," I replied reluctantly, knowing I had to do it. I headed towards their room, debating whether or not to knock, but I decided against it.

  I walked into the room and was met with an unexpected scene: Dera straddling Atlas, their movements suggesting an intimacy I wasn't prepared for. It was a sight that made me feel uncomfortable.