Deadlock

XLI

“Emily… Emily…” I thought it was my alarm clock ringing, which was weird because my alarm clock did not know my name, or the fact that it’s an alarm clock, it can’t really speak my name. But in an ordinary day like today, no one’s supposed to be coming to my room to wake me up. It’s not like I’m 7 or something. But of course, a normal person would be wondering whyy she’s being called so I brought my head up and sat bolt upright. From the corner of my tired eyes, I saw a familiar old woman. She was standing not far from my bed and she’s wearing her semi-formal attire smiling like her smile is the brightest thing on earth.

“Grandma.” To the fact that I can just easily adjust from being a family to other people but becoming Rob’s wife, I was able to call her that. I was kind of surprised that she showed up early in the morning in my room with her bright smile showing her white teeth, which is kind of great, I was referring to her teeth. But the real reason as to why she’s standing in front of my bed is still a mystery to me. “Uhm good morning?”

“Oh my Emily, I’m sorry I woke you up.” She said without even having to feel like she’s really sorry. “But I have to wake you up early today darling. There are a lot of things to be done.” She told me showing her bare white teeth that kind of made me nervous.

I walked out of my bed so I could stand in front of her. “Grandma, what are the important things to be done today?” I asked her quizzically.

“Go on first Emily. Get dressed and I’ll tell you everything downstairs.” And with that, she left without another word.

I did what she told. I got dressed hurriedly to join her downstairs. I wonder if I have to go to school. Probably not.

When I walked to where the people are I discovered what she meant by ‘things to get done’. The thought kind of make me nervous. After all these shocking announcements, there’s still something that made me anxious. And maybe this is only about Rob again.

And I wasn’t wrong when I thought it was about Rob. The thing is, it wasn’t just about him; it was about the both of us. Rob was sitting in a round table with my grandfather, who I guess is enjoying the company of the Van Garrettes because he’s all so smiley. They were joined by two women who; I could recognize one of them as Marie Van Garrette, and the other one whose face I haven’t seen yet considering her back is facing with me, might be someone from the Van Garrette family.

When Rob saw me, well at least he was the first one who noticed I was there, but most probably because he was bored with the old people, he acknowledged me by nodding slightly. Or that’s how I saw it at least. The other people called for me to join them in their fabulous but more likely boring talk. I approached the table where they were sitting, and as I was doing it, I can’t help but stare at the woman who’s face I thought I couldn’t recognize. Good thing I didn’t trip, it would’ve been embarrassing. And then I recognized Anne Van Garrette, Rob’s mom. I only met her once but her face is something you wouldn’t forget easily.

“Good morning grandpa, grandma, and Mrs. Van Garrette.” Awkward. Grandpa and grandma, really? What was I thinking? But what was I suppose to say anyway.

“Are you not going to greet your fiancé?” My grandfather asked waiting for me to at least pretend to be polite to Rob since his family is here. But I totally forgot about him.

I looked at my ‘fiancé’, and he was there sitting, half annoyed and half amused. Wondering how he does that? Well, simple, because he’s Rob the freaking Van the annoying Garrette.

“Good morning…” I tried to say trying not to sound stupid. They neither talked nor moved so I realized I was not supposed to be finished. “Good morning Rob.” And faked a smile. Sheesh, these people.