𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐁𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 (𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒)

~69 MILD CONFRONTATION💜

Apologies 😁
Sorry I was MIA.

Happy new month.

There is a spoiler at the end an a giveaway question, do participate.

Don't forget to vote and comment.
I wanna hear your thoughts.
Kisses.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

🇭 🇦 🇱 🇮 🇲 🇦 🇭 '🇸 🇵 🇴 🇻

°HALIMA BELLO•

I greeted my father the moment I walked into his study. He had sent for me, and it took me a few minutes to respond because I was taking a bath when I received the message from one of the housekeepers.

His face lit up with a smile, and he immediately noticed my presence. We did not spend much time together during this period. He was mostly preoccupied with one thing or another. The entire scenery of the house had changed in a matter of months, and it was just too obvious.

"Halimah." He called out.

I have been nervous and jumpy the last few days. I had my doubts about Jamilah and the fact that she had not said anything yet. It felt as if she was waiting for the right moment to attack.

"Sorry for taking so long; I was having a bath." I explained to him.

His gaze wandered over me before giving me a gentle nudge and instructing me to sit.

I felt at ease standing, or should I rephrase? I was very uncomfortable standing a few steps away from him. I could hardly meet his gaze. My conscience was pricking me severely.

"Halimah." He called out calmly. I sat down abruptly, trying desperately to maintain my composure.

There was a brief pause between us; he was currently reviewing some files on his desk. Slowly, I licked my dry lips. Suddenly, I felt a rush of tension and began making movements with my numb hands, using my eyes to count the number of books on his shelf.

"We will be travelling to Atlanta on the 23rd."

I paused and immediately turned to him, wondering if I had heard him correctly. His facial expression confirmed that I was not hearing things.

"For the Holidays." He elaborated.

It was not unusual; we were not Christians, but this time of year has always been when my father made time for family time, as far back as I can remember. We would always travel as a family around this time of year. Although we did not get to do it last year, I forgot about it, or perhaps I assumed it would be the same this year.

"You are not excited?" He enquired in his usual prying tone. He was now looking at me, as if he was expecting a reaction.

"I am." I chuckled, trying so hard to calm the tense atmosphere. "I had no idea we were planning a trip this year." I spoke truthfully. I was not expecting this, especially given the consistent drama of the previous weeks.

Maybe this trip would do the family some good. Perhaps we all needed to unwind.

"It feels like I have been neglecting you for too long." He abruptly spoke. "This is only for us." He elaborated.

The final statement sparked confusion.

I suddenly wondered what he meant by "just us." I assumed it was our usual family vacation.