Mine

Chapter 9

 

Kimberly took gentle steps as she climbed down the stairs because she was a little nervous, wondering if Ian would be mad at her for forgetting about the party. As the living room came into view, she saw him typing away on his phone. She stood at the foot of the staircase and let out a heavy sigh before speaking up.

"I'm ready," she said earning Ian's attention.

Kimberly noticed the way he stared at her for a few seconds before composing himself. He had a lot of admiration in his eyes but quickly shook it off because of his stupid pride.

Kimberly hated the fact that Ian always let his pride get the best of him. She didn't care anymore if he was going to compliment her or not. She just wanted them to get everything over and done with so she could come back home and get some rest because today has been one heck of a drama-filled day and she very well hated drama.

Ian stood up from the couch and placed his phone in his pants pocket before walking to the front door and holding it open for Kimberly, who let out a disappointed sigh before moving her feet toward the door.

The ride to Ian's parent's house was quiet causing Kimberly to distract herself by playing with her phone. She could feel Ian occasionally stealing glances at her but she didn't care. If he wasn't going to speak to her then they'd remain that way. She sometimes wondered who the older person was between them.

Kimberly's thoughts were soon disrupted by the car coming to a halt. She looked at her surrounding and realized that they had arrived at his parent's house. It's a beautiful mansion but not like those exaggeratedly large ones owned by celebrities because only Ian's parents and a few maids who work for them occupy the building since all their children are up and already have families of their own except Ian. He is the last of three children, having an older brother and sister.

Max, Ian's older brother is also in the military, Air Force to be precise. He already is a senior officer with two kids who are already teenagers. Then there is Lucy, Ian's older sister, who is also married with two kids. She's a psychologist married to a renowned lawyer and lastly, there is Ian, a junior officer in the Navy and also her fiance.

Kimberly slowly explored her thoughts and realized that all the males in Ian's family joined the military, including his father who is a retired Air Marshal of the Air Force. That made her wonder what would become of their male children when they started a family.

Would her sons also join the military or will they have normal jobs?

Her thoughts were again interrupted by the car door opening, she stared at Ian who was now holding the car door open for her, he had a slightly annoyed look on his face. How long had she been thinking? Was he angry at her for keeping him waiting or was he angry about the welcome party Melissa organized?

"Let's go. Mom is already impatient about our arrival." Ian said getting impatient himself like he wanted to get this over and done with.

Ian's action of placing his hand on her lower back after locking the door answered her earlier question that Ian wasn't at the moment upset with her, he was only upset about the party because he didn't think it was necessary since he would be returning to sea in less than two weeks, but he had no choice other than to attend.

They got into the house and noticed the crowd, luckily there weren't many guests, just a few but for Kimberly who was introverted and had lived most of her life with less public attention, thirty-something guests were a lot for just a welcome party. She noticed Ian clench his teeth to control his anger. Just then, his dad walked up to them.

"You know, I told her all this wasn't necessary but she wouldn't listen," Mr Gareth said.

"Good evening sir," Ian greeted his dad straightening himself while doing so making Kimberly wonder what Ian's relationship would be like with his kids.

"Good evening, son. How are you doing?"

"Good. I'll be returning to service in ten days."

"I knew that already, that was why I told Melissa not to bother about the welcome party." Mr Gareth gestured towards the guests before turning his attention to Kimberly, a small smile crept onto his face.

"And how are you doing, Kim?"Mr Gareth asked as he placed a kiss on both her cheeks.

"I'm fine, Tony... I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit for quite a while now."

"It's okay. I understand how busy you doctors can be," he replied causing her to sigh in relief.

"Thanks for understanding Tony. I wished Melissa thought the same way," Kimberly said.

Not a second later, Ian was engulfed in a tight hug.

"Oh my baby, I missed you so much!" Melissa gushed not letting go of her son. Kimberly couldn't blame her for that since Ian was her youngest son, but she still saw him as her little boy.

"I missed you too, Mom, but you know all of this wasn't necessary," Ian said returning the hug.

"You were away for too long, baby," Melissa murmured cupping Ian's face with her hands.

"Mom, I'm fine. I'm right here," he assured his mom wiping her tear-stained cheeks with his thumbs.

"I know that but it scares me every time... I've tried coping with your dad's absence, then Max's and now I'll have to cope with yours... It's just too much for me, so forgive me if I can't hold my emotions."

"It's alright, Mom. Why don't we go say hello to the guests?" Ian suggested that brought a smile to his mom's face.

"Okay, baby. I'll see you later, Kim" Melissa said as they walked into the crowd of guests.

"See you later, Melissa," Kimberly mumbled with a smile. She had no idea Melissa took notice of her since she didn't once look her way.

"So, what's going on between you and Ian?... I sense there's trouble in paradise." Mr Gareth said in a serious tone making Kimberly's smile drop.

Was it that obvious for Ian's dad to also notice?
Guys, what do you think would happen next
Will Kimberly let her guard down and go to the woods with Ian or will she stand her ground?