Be long gone

Chapter nineteen

Zen's POV

Today went pretty fast, Adam did not attend any class today. I wanted to speak to him but his phone was switched off. My mum picked me up from Hilson because the whole family visited my mum's sister, Ashley. Today's her baby shower. We spent about three hours at her house before returning home.

Today's drama began when I got home. What on earth is Adam doing here?

"You didn't tell me he was coming over" My mum declared

"That's because I didn't know he was" I replied

"Hello Adam, I hope you've not been here for long?," My dad asked

"No sir, I haven't"

"Okay, when you guys are done with whatever you're doing, Zen join me in the kitchen" My mum announced

"Sure thing mum"

They all went in leaving me and Adam. I'm surprised that he's here because I had no idea he'll be here.

"What are you doing at my house?" I asked folding my hands

"What am I doing at your house? The question should be why did you keep me waiting" He snapped

"Why did I keep you waiting? If I'd known you'll be here, why would I keep you waiting?" I yelled

Calm down, breathe

"What do you mean Zendaya? You got my voice mail, didn't you?" He inquired

"I did get it but you sent a text telling me you won't be coming" I added

"What are you saying? I skipped classes to clear my afternoon schedule. I then come to your house and wait for about three hours, then you tell me I sent a message to cancel the plan. Hear yourself, Zendaya"

What on earth is he talking about? The last time I checked he didn't have a clone. This conversation is wearing me out.

"You may think I'm a jerk. Take a look at the message"

I showed it to him.

From the look on his face, he was shocked. Wanna deny it?

"I did not send this" He declared making me baffled

"What do you mean? Isn't your name Adam anymore?" I questioned

"Oh! Richard. Richard did this" He added

"Why would Richard do this?"

"It's a long story but I'm sure Richard did this. I'm really sorry for snapping at you. I'm sincerely sorry I yelled at you. I also apologize for what I said yesterday. I apologize for choosing a video game over my academics. I'm indeed sorry for being a jerk" He apologized

"You're good with words" I confessed

Remembering the conversation I had with my mum the previous day, I said "I'm also sorry for yelling at you. I should have had complete trust in you. I know you're better than this. "

"I should be the one asking for forgiveness and not you" He stated

"I forgive you, Adam. Promise me you're gonna teach Richard a lesson. I can't believe he stooped so low. What a simpleton!!!"

"I promise; we can still do something about, can't we?" He inquired

"Of course, we can. You know the way to the Verandah"

"And don't let anything like this get in between our...."

"Our friendship" He completed

"Whatever but, I'm serious"

"Of course" He appended

******************************************

"I hope everything is fine between you and Adam" My mum questioned

"Yes, we're cool"

"I need your help Zen" She pleaded

"With what mum?"

"It won't be cool if I don't give Adam's parents a gift on Saturday. I've been thinking of what to give them but I can't figure it out" She demanded

"I don't know but I'll try. Dad is really good at things like this. Try giving them a bouquet." I advised

"I thought of that but I need to give them something more valuable" She responded

"That's true. Buy them wristwatches" I added not sure of her reply

"You're ridiculous if someone gets you a wristwatch on your wedding anniversary, how will you feel?"

"I have no idea mom, I'm not married" I replied

"Must you always joke around, I'm serious" She stated

"I apologize. Try giving them a bouquet and two lockets. They can put each other's pictures in it"

"Great thinking. I'll still ask your dad anyway" She added

"You don't trust my judgment mum?" I said disappointed

"Of course I do but as you said, your dad is great at things like this" She appended

"I'm great, you know that right?" I asked

"Of course, my love you are"

I love my mum with my whole heart. Her reply is just so perfect. She may be annoying at times like organizing blind dates or introducing me to her colleagues' sons but she's the best mother one can ever have. All blind dates have been total disasters, it's either I don't show up or I go with my books to make a bad impression. Who likes nerds? I told her I'm married to my book. I recall when I told her her plans won't work back in Chicago, she said" If Albert Einstein was alive, you'll be his wife".

"Earth to Brie" She sais snapping her fingers at my face

"What are you thinking about?" She questioned

"Nothing" I lied

I should get enrolled in a lying academy. Not everyone knows my middle name as Brie, I've tried to change it a couple of times but she did not let me.

"New York is not as bad as you thought" She added

"Yep" I responded

I did not think I'll last this long. The first day I got here, I thought of faking pneumonia or breaking a bone. But, here I am, week two in New York, I'm still standing.

"And the college's fine?" She interrogated further

"Yep to an extent. Not everybody is okay, there are some peasants"

"I hope no one is giving you a hard time?" She said stirring the tea

She takes lemon tea in the evening and coffee at night.

"Not really, there's a guy with tons of problems" I confessed

"Don't speak that way of people" She corrected pinching me

"Ouch, I'm being sincere" I stated massaging my arm

"No matter how crazy a person is, there's a chance he or she can change" She declared sipping tea

"Well, for Richard, I doubt that"

"Give him a chance dear" She appended