Chapter 2 ALLOVER AGAIN

Jenny short for Jennifer Ivey and I were presently getting on separate ways after having a quick catch-up and discussing what we will be doing with our days and we have decided that I would be going to college for both of our attendants and notes, and she would be going to the NGO for the donations. Then we would meet at the mall, according to her I didn't have an appropriate dress for the night. She can be a little harsh I know.

She decided that it would be good if I go for black, simple and elegant, in her words.

Jenny and I are different in most ways, She could win the hearts of people just by her looks and a pretty smile, she is social, the most popular, an extrovert. whereas I, a complete introvert, books, baking, literature, food interest me, where people would love to spend weekends in bars and parting I would pack my bag and go to the library, read a book with a mug of hot chocolate and chips. And yet here we are, completing our BFF goals. She helped me grow into a better version of myself.

I reached college. After paying an extra dose of money to the gatekeeper, he let me in and as I missed the first period, I wouldn't want to do the same with the other, I went to attend the second class which was, unfortunately, political science. With all the current affairs and some boring history luckily, the class was over. As I am a backbencher, none of the lecturers would notice me. Gathering my things together, I was on my way to the cafeteria for another round of cups of hot chocolate and some fries when I bumped into someone, when I looked up I saw him giving me a toothy smile hands folded at the chest, and looking down at me. I couldn't recognise him for a moment and then it clicked to me it was him Liam Parker and did the silliest anyone would do I pinched him, I could not believe eyes.

"Oh, it's you, I mean here in flesh, wait to hold on, what are you doing you are supposed to be in California aren't you? " I asked with much happiness and a bit shocked

"Thank heavens she remembers," he said still rubbing the sore spot

"Of course, I do, you idiot now answer me," I said hitting harder this time.

"Owww stop, and I am on leave I had to attend someone, so I thought while I am here why not see you, since it had been 3 months I last saw you." still rubbing.

"Hmm good. So who is this someone you had to attend to huh? " I asked

"Ahhh just a family member you don't know of, " He said avoiding it.

"Oh, I see " it is odd since his family contains him, his mother and his granny, but I let it slide, it is none of my business.

"So how 're the studies going on? " he asked taking my order in both hands as I was carrying books.

"Pretty good, how're yours going on and the practising?" I asked back. we have been friends since our school days, not close but good. He was the old cliche, playboy in the school, he had every girl in the whole school except me, his tricks didn't work on me.

"Good, but tiring and lots of patients and so much chaos," he said helping me with books as took my fries and hot choco from him and muttering thanks.

"I know and how is your granny and Mrs Parker? "

"They are fine and healthy, although granny can be a little tough sometimes. Her mood swings, God it changes as fast as it comes. old age hits hard on her"

At that, I laughed, hard "What would she say if she hears you "

"Well she can't besides, it's true," he said shrugging.

"And when are you going back? " I asked again.

"Ready to kick me off soon Miss Williams, God it hurts," he said faking a sad expression.

"Ugh shut up I don't mean that. I am just curious" I said defending myself.

"I think you should get to class little kid. it's almost time. seen you soon " he said with a serious tone and hard face, turned and went off.

What happened to him he acted strange than usual, deciding not to let it bother me and making a note to myself to ask him afterwards. I went to, the next class.

After the odd encounter with Liam, the day went smoothly and quick. All the classes were over. I was done with my shopping and spa with Jenny. I decided not to tell her about the incident. she hated that guy, for her reasons. we bought a self-printed v neck full sleeves dress not too short though and matching jewellery and black high heels. She insisted on doing my hair so let her.

After an hour or so I am now ready. with silver jewellery and my makeup too is done, with my one side French braid bringing it to the ear securing it with pins she let my hair fall all over my back. All the while a question was unanswered that my father's pal is coming over for dinner, first I thought it might be some business but all these years for as far as I could, remember he never mingled business and family, nor have I ever seen him bring his employees home for some "business " let alone a whole family, so why now? why all of sudden his long lost friend? But he truly might be his friend, maybe I just didn't know it or heard of him I am just overthinking. I don't know and I don't want to, I need to let things the way they are.

And was brought back to the living world by a creek of the door, peeking through it, was Jenny who whistled eyeing me, I am standing near the mirror staring at my reflection with a million thoughts on my mind.

"well look at you, are you sure honey bee you are not dating or tonight isn't your date, well... secret date huh? " she said coming over to me and kissing me on the cheek. We both laughed.

"Thank you but no it's not a date Jenny bear"

I said. we turned hearing the bang when suddenly miss rose appeared at the doorstep of my room looking pale and scared, there was something in her hand which she clutched tightly in her fist.

"ma'am sir summons you in the living room", she said with a smile faking it.

"are you fine, did something happen downstairs? " I asked worried

"no, it's nothing. You should go and... and be careful," she said a little softer this time. Before I could say something she turned and left. well two odds same day, and that's odd.

I sighed. Let the night begin.

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"Ah yes! that night how could I forget it. It was truly a one to remember, and oh you remember the short girl with a hideous outfit and the stunt she pulled. God, now I think she is an assistant to that boy. Ah, the fate". laughter echoed in the room everyone was busy chatting. I was greeted by that elderly unfamiliar voice as I descend the stairs. when I made my appearance, my father lovingly introduced me to everyone,

"Meet my youngest daughter, Serena. She is doing her masters in BA," he then turned to me and continued. "And Serena this here is my friend James. James Clifford".

"Ah, so you are the infamous Serena I have heard so much about. you look just like your mother," he said, though last past was in a very low voice, dad and I heard it. He cleared his throat

"Hello it's nice to meet you" I formally said. well, that's odd too. Hmm, that third in a row, I mumbled to myself and scratched my neck as said.

After all formal introductions were done again everybody was busy with themselves, but my eyes were searching for a certain someone, everyone in his family was present here except him. His younger sister and his mother too, but for him.As if on cue, my father asked Mr Clifford

"Where is your son tonight ?"

"I think he'll be here in a moment " he answered. Hmm, I think he might skip it. I guessed. I wished. with my whole heart.

"He'll be here I know it. I saw it in his eyes. The excitement." his sister said. And I was brought back to the land of the living by his sister. Cheryl

"huh? who..... wh.....what?I am not thinking about him. I am not at all, bothering him. ... I... I mean his presence doesn't bother me at all." I just blabbered and bit my tongue as I realised my mistake. She just smirked and said. " Glad to know you still think about him."

It was a big mistake in my life when I told her about my little crush, we were in high school though and she was a friend, back then we both had English and history together. But then time changed, and both had our misconceptions and we both drifted apart and went our ways and now she works as an assistant in her brother's company.

And how do I know this, don't ask me. Just then the big doors opened, the smooth wind blowing, kissed my soft skin, and I saw him standing on the threshold wearing a formal suit with his one hand inside the pocket and in another, he had his phone, busy typing. Our eyes met, and it felt like it's just me and him now. His hot and handsome looking self coming my way still maintaining eye contact, coming near and near and he passed me. Dramatic much! I know, you can blame it on the books, not me. Except that is exactly what happened excluding the eyes meeting part, the doors and the winds. Surely he did not look at me once, But I did. And it was enough for me.

wait hold on where did that come from. see I am whipped all over again. As he came everyone gave him attention like he was some sort of celebrity. He is. But still, there are other people present here. And again I was all alone.

After some time we were called for dinner, and we gathered at the table, everyone was seated according to their wish but there was one chair empty beside me and one person to be seated and that was none other than him. He sat beside me like it didn't matter to him, I mean not one ounce of annoyance, or irritation crossed his face. Well good for me. And everything was being served on the table and we started eating. During the dinner, Mr and Mrs Clifford made small talks with me and I replied to them with the same enthusiasm. Not once did Simon looked at me let alone talk to me, I wish I could say that it didn't hurt, but it did and that didn't go unnoticed by his sister, I could say that by the looks she was giving me.

The night went on, with laughter and giggles and my sisters, trying to get Simon's attention and as usual, and him Dodging it every time. And soon it was time to bid them goodbyes. Everything went perfectly fine tonight, nothing unusual or odd.

Just I was passing through I saw dad's cigar on the centre table in the living room, and again that is odd, and fourth time this day I guess it was too early for me to say that. He never leaves his cigar like that in public, let it be home or office. I took it and was going to his study to keep it there, just when I was about to open it I heard hushed voices, I went near the door my hand on the knob, careful not to make some noise, the first voice was my fathers and the second one was him, Simon? didn't he leave already and if he didn't then how did I miss it. deciding to let that go I listened closely.

THIRD Pov :

"So what have you gathered so far?" asked William very calmly.

"They know that she is alive, and they are after her will. someone inside the circle informed them, though I am holding him captive still I can't reach him," replied Simon messaging his temples.

"Hmm, and the family? what about that boy?"William asked again tapping his fingers on the table.

"He is in the city, my men are following him around. He went to the college today. "Simon answered.

"Hmm, let them do whatever they want. We will wait for them to strike first. Do you have it?" William asked, putting his hand out.

"Here take it I have washed it thoroughly, even if they get this, they can't find anything," Simon said passing him the pen drive.

William took it, after examining it he said "no one can find out about this alliance "

Simon nodded his head in response. stood up and left.

Serena now hiding behind the wall was oblivious that this is about her but determined to find out what were they talking about.