A Genuine Infatuation and A Theorem for Love

Chapter 3

  My eyes swivelled towards Mom, she always had something up her sleeve when it came to matters in which I was concerned. Like the time, a couple of years back, I had been promoted twice and as all my classmates were older to me, I never fitted into their crowd, nor attempted to do so. From then on, I had always secluded myself away. I hadn't discovered much friends in my previous classmates, either. This, however, annoyed my Mom, perhaps. For that very fine day, I was called to the Principal's office and was lectured all through lunch-break; the importance of socialising and friendship, like a pre-grader child. I never forgot the humiliation afterwards, where everyone teased me by always referring me to "Hey, Loner!". The strange atmosphere around the dining table at present only confirmed my suspicions, that this was another of her 'schemes'.

I groaned, "Dad, just be over with it. What's the matter?"

 Bill, my natural-sincere side-kick, of-course knew every miniscule detail. Despite him being outdoors all day playing football or rugby, whatsoever, he always had a grisp of the major on-goings at home. Cunning him, indeed, and crude as of now when he couldn't hold back any longer, "You're getting married! You're getting married!" he spoke in a sing-song and attempted a little dance by swaying his little body.

 I could only raise my eyebrow to his comeback, "What rubbish! Dad, Mom, what's he talking about?" Mom still had her head lowered while Dad made a feeble attempt to reply but only closed his mouth when no words came out. Something was dangerously 'fishy'. Henry's face was yet one of pure confusion and Paul yet found the table-cloth very interesting. I was beginning to fume, I hated it when they planned behind my back.

"Bill, you better tell me what's up young man or I'll... I'll give away that X-box of yours to Tommy!" I warned the cunning fellow in a low tone. He didn't bother keeping up with the privacy of our conversation, though.

"It's not an X-box! It's my Wii and I want it back!" He shouted childlishly. So much for getting information out of him.

"Bill!" Dad warned him. He hated it, also, when we brawled at the dining table, "I want you up in your room, now! The same goes to you two. Henry, Paul. Upstairs." 

 I stared at Henry angrily, he better save my skin out of this, as I did his. "Er... Dad, we want to know what's going on... We're family, remember? You always wanted us to stick together..." he dragged, I mused, doubtful on whether Dad would listen to him. Dad scrunched his forehead in thought.

"Alright... Henry, Paul, the two of you can remain. But Bill, I want you in bed." Well, that wasn't half-bad. With Bill gone, I could concentrate on whatever 'scheme' was on the agenda devoid distraction. However, Bill was always 'Mom's Darling' and thus, it wasn't unexpected that he wouldn't complain.

"Mommy... I want to stay! Please, please? I've finished my homework," he begged Mom putting on a puppy-face. I silently giggled, he looked funny and silly, not adorable.

"Bill dear, you've school tomorrow and it's late honey. Come on, up now, Mommy'll tuck you in bed," Mom convinced him, strangely, for he always got his way with her. Perhaps the 'scheme' held slight importance to want Dad and her for Bill to be asleep throughout the discussion. God save me, I was starting to sense a wave of nausea rush through my insides. Mom took a reluctant Bill upstairs while the dining table remained pin-drop silent.

 I looked up to each of their faces, Dad resumed eating, Henry shrugged at me and followed pursuit, while Paul low-whistled at the cuckoo-clock hanged above the mantelpiece. I narrowed my eyes at him, he dared avoid me. I knew he had his mobile with him so I decided to send him a message. I slowly took out my mobile from my jean's pocket and began typing hurriedly,  

 I sent the message and waited for less than a second. Beep. He received it. Dad glanced momentarily upwards, then at me, sighed, and went back to his meal. Good, he ignored the message. Paul finally looked up with a blank expression plastered onto his face. He huffed and we stared at each other until I was able to be more menacing. Inaudibly he passed me an 'okay' having given in. I waited for his response with a smile, Mom wouldn't be expected until a couple of more minutes. Henry arose from his seat and left for bathroom. And... Beep. I pressed view message. 

 I narrowed my eyes at his message. I... Getting married...?! 

I couldn't believe this, how could they even think of marrying me off at only sixteen years of age. I was barely an adult? 

P.S. : The picture to your right is Paul. Hope you like it :)