Binded Strings

Chapter 9

I stepped into the parlor when I was sure enough that the family party had begun, dad and everyone had taken their seats already in the dinning while mom served.
     “Mom, do you need some help?”.I walked over to her.
      “No, just take a seat”.She said and I nodded slowly taking a seat beside dad.
Mom bustled around the kitchen, the smell of spices and freshly cooked food filling the air. She set the table with her best china, polishing the silverware until it gleamed. A large platter of food was placed in the center of the table, filled with aromatic dishes. There was tender lamb stew, creamy mashed potatoes, crisp vegetables, and warm bread.
     Mom brought out a bowl of steaming rice, fluffy and fragrant with spices. Dad took a bite of the succulent lamb, closing his eyes to savor the rich flavor. I dug into the mashed potatoes, enjoying the creamy texture. On the side, there was a crisp green salad, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. And for dessert, there were fresh fruits, glistening with a sprinkle of sugar. We all ate in silence.
After dinner the men decided to play table tennis while eating their dessert, Hilly danced to a song that was really lovely and it really sounded familiar but I just can't remember where I heard the song.
The table tennis table was positioned in the corner of the room, surrounded by a border of green felt. The net hung low, stretching tautly from one end to the other. The paddles were brightly colored and well-worn, and the balls were white and fuzzy, bouncing across the table at a dizzying speed. The men moved around the table, eyes fixed on the ball, determined to win the game. As the game progressed, it became more intense. They were focused and determined, but they couldn't help but laugh at the occasional silly mistake. They were all equally matched, their skill levels keeping the game close but I bet they couldn't beat dad, dad had always played this game all his life and when Peter was young he taught him alot about the game. The ball ricocheted off the table, Peter twisted and turned to return it. The sound of the paddle striking the ball echoed off the walls, adding to the intensity of the
game. At last, dad scored the winning point, and the game was over. They shook hands, dad and laughed loudly, ready for a rematch when Hilly interrupted them.                                    
       “Time to say something fun!!”.She announced.
We all drew closer to her, when she rushed into the kitchen and was back with a bottle of wine and glasses.
        “Woah Hilly, I don't know what this means but I have a good feeling about it”.Peter says.
        “You got it right babes”.Hilly beams widely.
        “So what is this all about?”. Jacob gestures.
Hilly stares at Peter intensely, “It's been years since we've met and married but I still have this love for you”.The both beamed at one another, “I remember when we were still in Highschool, I thought we would never work out for real because we both disagree on everything, you had your ways to get things done and I had mine and mostly because”.She looks at me. “Kathy and I never liked one another, I know I was always selfish and I made you and your brother have an unstable relationship but right after High school and we had each other's back and then I told myself we would work and we would make a great couple”.She stopped for a breath and then continued, “The most exciting part
was when you asked me to marry you, I just couldn't believe it all but here we are and we spent time talking about raising our families and having our cute children right beside us”.
        Peter looked really confused, “Hilly, is there anything you are driving to?”.
        “Yes, the fact that you would be a father to the baby in my womb" .She grinned at him and everyone seemed to pause for a while and then I heard screams, Peter held Hilly up and spun her around and they both shared a kiss.
        “Am going to be a Grandmother”.Mom smiles.
        “Not such a bad Uncle”. Jacob flexes his muscles in a dramatic way.
         “Let's make a toast for this”.Dad poured another wine into his glass, “To Hilly and to being a grandfather”.
         “Thank you Hilly for making this day a special day for me and most especially for making this vacation the best”.Peter held Hilly close to him.
          “Always”.
Jacob poured himself another wine and stared at me, “I need the attention of everyone please”.
        “You've got it now”.Hilly grinned at her brother.
        “I have something special to announce tonight, something special so I think that makes it a double celebration”.
         “I am so excited”.Mom murmured.
  Jacob walked towards me, “I know I haven't been a good person to you but I know that you are a perfect person, you are kind hearted and I know how much a jerk I was but you managed to forgive me and I realized I needed you in my life”, He stepped closer, “Hilly would you be my girlfriend?”.
I could see everyone standing like a statue, no one expected this from Jacob and then him asking me to be his girlfriend, I could feel the tears coming down my eyes, not because I love him but because I see him more as a friend and I don't wanna be his girlfriend, I turned to stare at mom and dad who were frowning at me intensely, waiting for my reply.
        “But….”.I stammered.
        Jacob smiled, “I know you might be surprised but please don't say no, you would break my heart if you do such”.

       “Kathy you are keeping us waiting, answer his question already”.Dad frowned and from his looks he meant a positive answer.
       “Yes Jacob I will be your girlfriend”.I tried hiding my anger.
        He slid a ring in my hand, “I know it's odd depending on the fact you are my girlfriend not fiancèe, but I want everyone to know you are now taken”.
Hilly and Peter gasped happily and Mom leaned into Dad who raised his glass up.
     “It really is the best family party”.
     Jacob linked his hands and crooked his face for a kiss but I dodged it and turned to everyone, “I think I need a rest”. Without waiting for any reply, I walked to my room and locked the door behind me. I sank into the bed.
I let all the tears I have been holding back soak my pillow, I thought about the way we never liked each other and then a proposal?. I could accept the request of anyone but definitely not Jacob, I don't like him that way and because of my stupid timidity I blindly accepted to date him!.
There was a soft Knock on the door, I didn't care to open it but when I heard mom's voice I unlocked it and we both stared at ourselves.
        “Kathy, were you crying?”.She asked.
I nodded and then she drew me into her hands comforting me and patting my back slowly.
        “Mom, I think I just made the biggest mistake of my life”.
        “Shhhhhhh, don't say that”.
        “But it's true isn't it?”.
         “If you don't love him, why did you choose him?”.
         “I was scared, scared of hurting him, scared of getting on dad's nerves, scared that Hilly and I will disagree because I rejected her brother”.I paused to clean my tears, “But I'm already regretting my decision mom”.
         “I don't think you should think like that”.
         I shook my head.
        “How about you sleep and maybe tomorrow you would feel alot better?”.
         “Am not sure I can sleep mom" .I protested.
         “Just try it sweetheart, you need to rest”.
         “Okay mom”.
She hesitates, “I would try talking to your dad about it
and maybe he might agree to break things up, goodnight sweetheart”.
      “Night mom”.

I laid down in my bed, not sleeping just thinking about things, I never imagined having anything to do with Jacob, I know am really stupid and I am a coward for accepting and not explaining to him why I can't accept but I didn't want to disappoint dad and mom, dad