IN LOVE WITH THE FRENCH BEAUTY

~**~Chapter 11~**~

~**~Chapter 11~**~

The next morning, Dahveed woke up even before his alarm clock could go off. He was excited to go to work for the first time. He had the urge to smile and he did exactly that. He opened the top cupboard of his desk and found the framed picture of him smiling that Devin had put in there. “Whenever you’re sad or angry, look at it and remember whatever made you look that happy.” Devin had said. Dahveed studied the photograph and his smile broadened. Arabelle; She’d taught him how to smile. She’d brought color to his dull life, and she’d asked for nothing in return. The best part was that she’d done it without knowing it herself.

He showered and got ready for the day. He decided to undergo a tie. He felt weird, like he was naked, but he wanted change and this was a good start. He walked in the dining room where everyone was having breakfast and he flattened his lips in a smile.

“Good morning, dad. Good morning, everybody.” He said and everyone gave him funny looks before scattered “hellos and HI’s” rang out. “Where are you going so early in the morning Dahveed?” Patricia asked skeptically eyeing him.

“To the office, where I go every day.” He replied quite rudely. Patricia cringed, Sarah snickered, and Devin heaved a sigh.

“I’ll come along as well.” Devin said.

“No!” Dahveed quickly said in high voice and everyone looked at him quizzically. “You carry on with your breakfast. I have an early and urgent meeting to attend.” No one was to know who he was meeting.

“At least have some breakfast.” Patricia coaxed.

“Uh…I don’t think I have the time…but I’ll have an apple.” He grabbed one apple in front of him, nodded to everyone and took a bite before walking towards the main entrance.

“Hey! Hey, Dahveed, that’s mine. You took my apple!” Dahveed turned around with a frown to find Sarah near him. She was too tall at 5”11 and too tiny for his liking. She reminded him of those fine and delicate looking antique dolls that people spent outrageous amount of money on just to gaze at.

“I’m sorry?” he asked after swallowing.

“That,” she pointed to the fruit in his hand, “was mine.”

“Sorry, I didn’t realize it was yours.” He took another bite.

“No, problem Dahveed.” She stretched her hand out. “Now, give it back.” She exclaimed. Dahveed’s eyes narrowed. Too small and impertinent! She was wearing a tiny blue dress that barely covered her butt cheeks, and here she was gazing at him like he was next meal.

“I’m sorry?” he looked at the girl first, the apple, then back at the table where everyone was watching the bantering. “There are more apples in the fruit basket. Get another one.” Dahveed answered cautiously because it was obvious that she was up to something.

“No way! I want this particular apple because I like it. And whatever Sarah likes, Sarah gets.” She said slyly. Dahveed could not believe it. Impertinent and conceited!

“But I already took bites out of the apple!” Dahveed scowled.

“Doesn’t matter. First of all, whether it’s good or bad, the apple belongs to me. And secondly, I like half-eaten apples.” She said batting her fake lashes. Dahveed hated fake lashes! And wasn’t it so early for her to be wearing so much make-up?

“So,” she reached for the apple, “Thank you.” She took a bite and moaned. She chewed winkling her eyes trying to appear innocent and Dahveed had the urge to actually laugh!

“You can have the apple back. I won’t mind.” She tried to hand the apple back and Dahveed decided that he’d had enough of this madness. “Unfortunately, I don’t like half-eaten things, nor do I share my meals. Enjoy your apple.” He sneered and left before she could say another atrocity.