ALWAYS AND FOREVER

Chapter 17

Fenna

“Hello Sis, you've been so silent. What's up?”

I get a call from Vadim one early morning as I settle on my seat in the office.
Nolan has just stepped out for sometime therefore I'm all alone.

“I've been fine bro.”

I'm still mad at him for listening to Tess's lies and believing me.
I haven't informed any of them that I've started a company with the help of a guy who's also my boyfriend.

Well, I'll tell them in due time.

“I hope you're fine. Have you got a job yet?”

“I'm fine, trust me. I'm still pulling some strings here and there to see if I can come up with something...”

“I've already found a job for you here, I think you should make arrangements to travel before next week Monday....”

“And the answer is no! Vadim please, don't make me hung up on you!”

“If you don't come, I'll come over and drag you here. Do you think we don't know that you've become hard headed due to that cab driver you're wandering in the city with?”

“Respect Nolan bro. He's not just a mere cab driver. He....”

“Has he bewitched you? You've changed a lot sister!”
He cuts me short.

“Well, that's your own opinion and you're entitled unto it. If you don't mind, I'm busy...”

“Don't you dare hung up on me you little br....”

I don't want to hear whatever insolence he has to spit. I hung up and throw the phone on the couch.
I sigh heavily and a curse word escapes my lips.

“And who's pissing my queen off?”

“Nolan! You startled me. I didn't hear you coming!”

“Who was that?”
He asks, pointing at the phone.

“My brother. Tess has corrupted his mind, turning him against me!”

I decide to tell him the truth. I can't keep on hiding things from him.

“He's accusing us of parading ourselves in the whole town. He wants me to go back abroad because he has found a job for me already!”

“Tess! That bitch!”

He curses under his breathe.

“You didn't tell him that you've started a company and it's doing better?”

“How can I tell him when his opinion about me is that dirty? I'll give dad  call and inform him. As for Vadim, he can go hang for all I care!”

I'm breathing fire!

“Tess must hear from me!”

“Let her be! She ain't worth the sweat! All she needs is attention but she won't get any from us!”

I breathe heavily. I'm still mad at Vadim, Tess! Oh no!

“Take it easy honey. Everything will be fine!”

He kisses me briefly as he proceeds to sit on his chair.

That's when I remember the card. I had searched for it to no avail!

“Babe...did you by any chance see the card Robin gave to me in the restaurant?”

“No....he gave it to you, not me!”

“That's too harsh!”

“I'm sorry queen. I didn't see it!”

However, something tells me that he has something to do with its disappearance.

The afternoon drags itself on and its time to go home. I'm planning to call dad in the evening. I can't keep him in the dark for long!

*******
“Baby, I want to take you to my parents' house to visit them next weekend...”

Nolan tells me as he prepares dinner. I've literally moved into his house. I only visit my house to pick more of my clothes. It's like I've shifted all my clothes to his house.

I'm jumping up and down in joy.
Finally!

All I know about his parents is that they live in a certain village in the western part of our country.

I can't wait to meet my future parents in-law.

“But before then, I have to inform mum and dad that we're dating. I don't want to kill them with surprises!”

I say as I pick my phone to call dad.

“Wait honey. Do you think he'll accept me after all that he has been told by Tess?”

He asks curiously.

“I know dad babe. He's not like mum and Vadim. He is an understanding old man!”
I try to make the moment light.

“If you say so babe. But just inform him about the business. Don't tell him we're partners yet! When time comes, you'll let them know. First things first....let's visit my parents...okay?”

“It's okay honey. But lemmie call him to tell him about the business. I'm sure he'll be proud IG me...”

I press the speed dial and dad's number pops on the screen.

He answers on the first ring and I'm excited to hear his voice.

“My sweet angel...how have you been? I thought you had forgotten about your old man!”

“I love you too dad!”

I say, rolling my eyes. I'm glad he can't see me.

“How have you been?”

“I'm fine dad... Where's mum?”

“She's here. The phone is on loud speaker!”

“Hi mum..”

“Hi Fenna...you forgot about us?”

“No mum! Guess what?”

“Yes dear, we're listening...”
It's my dad's voice.

I take them through the details of my business and I can tell that they're both happy for me. However, I avoid telling them that Nolan helped me because he wants it to remain like that.
Mum is excited and she's happy that I'm not idle.

“That's a great step you've taken sis...”
I hear Vadim's voice. I didn't know he was there too.

I avoid him and go ahead to explain to dad how happy I am for his support.

“You know what honey, this calls for celebrations! We'll be home very soon to celebrate your achievement with you!”

Dad assures me.
I'm sure he's beyond himself with joy.

We say our goodbyes then hung up.
Don't I just love my dad? He's one in a million!