Twisted Surrogacy

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER EIGHT
Rose's 19th birthday party would always be a memorable one for her. It was organized in such a grand style that all the big business partners her dad and grandpa worked with were present. The decorations could not be compared to any of the parties ever organized for her or any she had attended. Multi colored banners were draped on the top of each door and balloons drifted aimlessly on the floor. There were stack of unopened presents standing in the corner of the room each wrapped in smooth shiny wrapping paper with a silk bow carefully tied around each parcel. There was a huge cake covered in thick white icing and decorated with tiny pink roses sitting in the middle of the table surrounded by brightly colored bowls filled with food. Her dress could not be compared to any as it was made and designed by one of the best designers in the country. The best part of the birthday party she enjoyed most was when Norbert proposed to her. She didn't have any idea and was surprised when he did. She was very happy since she crushed on him for a very long time unknown to her that he also did crush on her. She couldn't wait to give the good news to Lisa and Hector. She pulled Lisa away from the crowd when she finally found her serving.
"Norbert proposed" she cried out happily and loudly not minding if or not people were listening
Lisa said nothing for a while. She stood staring at her friend. She wasn't a lucky girl as Rose was, she thought. Norbert had been her crush since the first time she saw him and here she was listening to her friend that he had proposed to her. She always prayed he will make her his girlfriend one day but she knew that would never happen again.
'Lisa" Rose shouted "did you hear what I said?"
"Of course. I'm so happy for you. You found your love at a perfect time and place. Wishing you the very best in your relationship."
She was very happy for her friend and knew it was time she cleared the thoughts of Norbert proposing to her since that wasn't going to happen again.
Rose looked for Hector everywhere to give him the good news also but couldn't find him. Unknown to her, he was also preparing to propose to her. He got a nice bouquet of flowers. She decided to check the down floor whether she would find him. She found him coming when she was about leaving after searching there. Hector saw this as the perfect time to propose to her. No sooner did he open his mouth than Rose spilled the beans.
'Norbert proposed to me' she danced joyfully thinking the news would be interesting to him. The news he received was as if a knife had been pierced in his heart. He had never thought Norbert also liked Rose and he regretted proposing to her late. His pain could not be hidden as it drew all over his face. He tried hiding it but Rose saw his pain
"What's wrong?' she asked
'I'm just happy for you' he lied forcing a smile on his face
Rose saw him hide something he was holding behind him
'What's that behind you?' she asked
"Oh it's just a bouquet of flower I bought for you. 'Hope you like it.' He said not revealing the main reason he bought it
"I love them' she happily said taking the flowers from him
'Thank you very much Hector'
Norbert on the other hand was so happy everything went on as he planned. It wasn't an easy task proposing to her. He never expected everything to turn out so smoothly the way it went. She accepted his proposal without any hesitation which made him realize she liked him too.
Till the party ended that night, Rose was very happy with the turn of events. She had always prayed and wished he would propose to her one day and here it was. She didn't know what attracted her to Norbert as all her two male friends were good looking and had everything a girl would want in a man. Everything was just like a dream come true for her.
Lisa and Hector however, felt a little bit disappointed. Whatever they dreamt of would never become a reality now. Lisa always prayed for Norbert to propose to her but that would never happen again. Hector also planned to propose to Rose but his friend did it earlier. He wondered if she felt the same way for him but that didn't matter now since she belonged to someone else.

.............​

The following day after school, Rose and Norbert with the help of Hector drove to Lisa's place. She was absent from school that day and they didn't know what was wrong with her. A young man opened the door when they knocked. It was Bruno and he ushered them in and gave them water. He went in to inform Lisa she had some guest waiting. It didn't take that much time for her to change into something more presentable.
"Hi Lisa' Rose said on seeing her approach 'how are you"
"I'm not feeling fine' she answered "had a little fever the previous night but its better now."
'Hope you're better today' Norbert asked
'Yh, much better" she replied "hope you're good too'
'More than you' he said in a sarcastic tone which made everyone laugh
"Cool to know you are faring well madam-know-it-all' Hector teased
She snubbed him and went ahead to chat with the rest. They all had an interesting conversation. Sandra came in not long after and prepared a delicious meal for them which they all enjoyed. Rose enjoyed it the most since she didn't get to eat local foods. Lisa was happy seeing her friends enjoy her mums' food. They left a little while after eating. It was getting late and Rose didn't want to be scolded once again. Lisa escorted them to their cars after.

...........

'Who's this Lisa friend you always visit. Any free time you get you visit her. Why can't she come and visit' Daniella blasted angrily on Rose one weekend when she said she was going to visit Lisa.
Rose only stood there quietly listening to her mum speak. She knew she would just loose the chance of meeting with her friend if she spoke back. After a long talk from Daniella, she allowed Rose leave but gave her the time she was supposed to return home. She left the moment her mum gave her the chance to since she knew her mum could change her mind at any time. She reached Lisa's place within some minutes. She met Lisa the moment her car pulled into the hood. She was with a bucket of water on her head which obviously showed she had gone to fetch water. Rose wanted to help but Lisa declined politely and they walked together to the house.
'Welcome Rose' that was Lisa's grandpa. He had become so fond of Rose within the short period. She was humble and a free type. Not only him, but everyone in the household had become fond of her. She on the other side felt very comfortable with them. They were more like her family. She got to chat freely with them and be herself more often when she was with them. Grandpa also did well in advising her every time. Unlike her, Lisa was allowed to do whatever she wanted to do.
"Thank you grandpa' Rose replied "hope you are doing great grandpa" Rose asked and made herself comfortable on the seat beside him.
Sandra offered her some of the food she prepared. They all ate and chatted alongside. Daniel cracked many funny jokes which made them laugh. Time was moving so fast for Rose. The time given to her was almost up. If she wanted to keep on visiting, she had to reach home on time.
'I have to get going' she announced
"So soon" Sandra asked
"Yh, mum gave me a time to arrive home and I don't want to be late"
"Your mum is very strict, I see"
"Not really" she said in defense of her mum
"If you say so' said Sandra
'I would really love it if you make a time to visit me at home'
"We would be so glad" Bruno chipped in
'But we hope your mum wouldn't have any problem' Daniel said
'Not at all grandpa"
'Then don't worry, we would set a set a date to come' Lisa said
The family bid her a goodbye which after Lisa escorted her to where her car was parked. She wished she had the chance to stay in the hood for long. She had become fond of the hood, the people and how they lived their lives. No one controlled their movement or what they did. They all knew what to do and what not to do and also at what time it should be done. She only needed the freedom to decide for herself and not her mum or grandpa decide for her. She always got assurance from her dad but that wasn't enough to keep her mind at peace. Lisa went back to the house immediately the car left.
Another way she got to be herself was with her boyfriend Norbert. She got to express her feelings and thoughts with him. He understood how her mum was so he made sure he encouraged her anytime she felt down. She always prayed to complete university fast and start working were she would get her freedom.
Hector was also another person who gave her joy. They all grew up together so he knew what would make her happy whenever she was sad. He had many ways he used to brighten her mood whenever she was dull.

Rose invited Lisa and her family one weekend but they couldn't all show up. It was only Lisa who was able to go. Rose picked her up early that morning since she didn't know the place. They arrived when the family was about to take their breakfast. Rose saw it as the best moment to introduce her friend to her family. Lisa felt very nervous when she sat to eat. She wasn't very comfortable sitting there but tried to compose herself.
"So you are Lisa?' Daniella asked in a rude manner "the girl my daughter is so obsessed with' she shook her head whilst talking
Lisa became much more nervous and was confused as to what Rose's mum was saying
"Daniella" Martin called "you don't have to speak that way'
'But did I say something bad?' she asked mindlessly
Martin only looked at her and didn't reply
'So tell us a little about yourself' Martin asked
'I live with my mother and grandpa' she said
'What about your dad?' he asked
'He died when Lisa was young' Rose chipped in
'You even know much about her' Daniella eyed Rose as she spoke
'I'm sorry for you' Martin consoled with her
The conversation went on for a while. Lisa like Rose's father more than her mum. She now understood why she always complained about her mum. She was very strict which made Rose scared of her. Daniella disliked Lisa greatly because she believes Lisa was changing rose. Ever since the two met, she had noticed some change in her daughter and believed it was as a result of Lisa.
After the breakfast, Rose sent Lisa to her room. Lisa sighed in admiration at the beauty of the room. It was spacious and contained everything a teenager would need.
'I'm sorry for what happened downstairs' Rose apologized on behalf of her mum
'Don't mention' she smiled
They conversed for a very long time before Lisa took leave of her friend. Rose allowed her driver dropped Lisa home since it was late and getting a cab would be difficult.
Lisa got home shortly after and told her mum everything except Daniella's behavior. She knew her mum so well and thought it was better not to inform her.