The Honeymoon Game

Chapter one

Darnell's Pov

An unexpected knock at my office door disrupted the little make out session that was going on between myself and Tiffany, my work mate. I smiled mischievously as I watched her struggle to get her dress and hair in their proper position, while all I had to do was wipe off the stain of her lipstick plastered on my lips.

"I would see you later Tiff," I winked at her, settling behind my desk to wait for whoever it was that had knocked.

The door pushed open, just as Tiff got there and my Dad came in. She bowed briefly in greetings and exited in a hurry before he could reply. My dad had a grin on his face as he approached my desk. He was dressed in a long sleeve, designed with black strapes and a faded jean. He looked as though he had just turned forty the previous day, for someone who was in his early sixties.

"Hi Dad," I stood up, rounding the corner to shake him.

"Hi son," he shook my hands firmly, before pulling me into a hug. It was his usual way of greeting and I wasn't surprised.

"Man look at you, I doubt you just turned sixty. You are sure you know your age dad?" I held his shoulders.

"Don't be sily boy," he gave me a friendly punch, laughing off my joke.

"Look, that's what I've been talking about. How can an old man have so much strength in his hands. I felt my ribs crack from that punch," I teased him and enjoyed hearing his throaty laughter.

"Did I interrupt something?" He asked, after taking the seat opposite mine.

"I don't understand? Did you interrupt what?" I asked, confused for a moment.

I watched the glint in his eyes as he nodded towards the entrance of my office. It took a minute to understand that he was referring to Tiffany.

"Oh that, no you didn't interrupt, she was already leaving." I answered.

"Was she?" His brows lifted. "Looked to me like she was rather in a hurry for someone who was already leaving."

"Dad, we had a meeting and we were rounding up when you knocked."

I watched him scratch his chin in thought for a second. Who was I fooling? He knew I was lying and I knew it too. But I desperately hoped we could skip that.

"Okay," he finally shrugged, the grin not leaving his face.

"Okay?" I was confused.

"Yeah, I believe you. It was a meeting and she was already leaving. How's Keisha?" He asked intentionally, leaning on my desk, with his peering eyes on me.

If this was not him trying to guilt-trap me, then I don't know what it is. He was asking about my girlfriend, just after suspecting that I was making out with my colleague. I decided to play along though.

"Kiesha is fine dad, but I'm certain you didn't come all the way here to ask about Kiesha."

"You're right. Actually came to invite you for my wedding," he rubbed both palms together, reclining on his seat, as I stared at him, dumbfounded at the news.

"Your wedding Dad?" It was my turn to lean forward and gawk at him.

"Yeah, my wedding. It's a week from now and you would be my best man." His tune was lax, showing no concern whatsoever about my look.

"Why do I even look surprised? Dad this is the third invitation I'm getting in three years since your divorce with mum. What exactly are you searching for?" I straightened on my seat.

"Genuine love, son. And I think I just found it with Maria," he gave me a boyish smile.

"Wait What! That's her name? Maria? Dad common, you said the exact same thing about Maureen and Flora and neither of them survived a complete year. Have you ever for a moment sat down to think why?"

"Maureen was a sex freak, the woman was going to kill your old man, son. Flora was there for the money. But you see Maria, son I tell you, it's real." He cooed.

"How do you know this? Martha or whatever you call her might be a sex freak as well," I relaxed on my seat, picking up the Tv control and turning off the flat screen television on the wall. I had turned it on earlier to muffle the sound of Tiffany's moan.

"She's not. If at all there's a sexual word connected to us, it should be the word sapiosexual. She's fucking smart, adorable when she smiles and laughs so easily. And you know what else, she loves reading, a whole lot, she's ardent about my writing career." He waved his hands in demonstration as he spoke.

"So you saying, yourself and this Maria lady are not attracted to each other sexually? You know what? Don't answer that. Does she have children, I mean she should have. How many?" I wanted to know what other troubles I had to be dealing with.

"Just a daughter. She has a grown ass daughter, who doesn't mind about this either. You know I've always wanted for you to have a younger sibling and this might just be the opportunity." He stood from his seat, heading for the mini seized refrigerator at the corner of my office.

"Mum would have given me a younger sibling if you both sorted out yourself," I reminded him.

He opened the refrigerator, pulled out a bottle of orange drink. "Can we not talk about your mum?" He was uncorking the cover of the drink.

He took a few gulp at the drink and after a brief silence, walked back to his seat. "I love you son. I might not be a perfect father but I love you. I would need you to be at the wedding at all costs."

"If I don't have work to do, I would definitely be there. Not because I love the idea of you taking in a new wife every year, but because I care about your happiness. And if this would make you happy, I don't have many choices but to do it." I answered genuinely.

"Thanks son," he rose from his seat, shaking my hand. "I need to be on my way, wedding preparation can be very hectic. I don't expect you to know that." He chuckled.

"I saw what you did there dad. It's cool though. I do not want to make mistakes like you, so I'm taking my time. If you know what I'm talking about." I returned.

"That was a huge comeback, but I'd take it." He was returning the juice to the fridge.

"You should be thinking about retirement now , dad."

"And leave who in charge? You wouldn't leave your job to take over, would you?"

"There's Elvis to the rescue."

"He is not experienced enough."

"I do not have any experience either," I shrugged.

"You're my son, I could teach you."

"You can see him as your son and teach him as well,"

"I would see you at the wedding," he paused with one foot outside the door.

"You will. Bye dad."

I fell back into my seat, when the door closed behind him.

~~~~

I didn't blink twice before the week was over and the date for the wedding was there in my face. I hardly had enough time within the week to sort out myself and now I just had to get up and be on my way for a wedding ceremony.

"Look Darnell, you can't just stand him up, it's his special day today and to think that he made you his best man," Elvis said, he was standing at the foot of my closet, with his hands working on his cufflink.

"He has had at least two special days in the last two years and I was the best man. Elvis I feel sick in my stomach man," I lay on my bed, dressed in my white sleeve, with my suit over my head, preventing the rays of the chandelier light.

"You should feel sick. That was a whole lot of drinking you did yesterday man. Not like it was your first time winning a case, I don't know why you chose to party so hard, knowing you had something this important today."

"That was Tiffany's idea. She was so happy about us winning the case. And man, you know how she's been giving me the green light, it was my opportunity to eat that cake." I smiled, feeling impressed at myself.

"I knew it. You so fucked up if Kiesha finds out about this." He was pulling out a pair of shoes from the roof of my closet.

"Man what are you doing that for? That's my shoe bro?" I stood up in defiance.

"Darnell chill man, I'm just taking a look. You should be worrying about Kiesha not me," he settled on the bed, trying out the shoes.

"She's not going to find out, unless you tell her," I strolled into the bathroom to take a look at myself.

"You know I won't do that. I'm just saying you need to be careful. Women can tell when their man is cheating." Elvis replied from the bedroom.

I looked so messed up in the mirror. My eyes had sleep bags beneath them, my hair needed a little fixing. I couldn't just show up for a wedding in this state. "Man I look so ugly right now, which is not a usual thing," I called from the bathroom.

"Darnell, would you bring your fine ass over here, get this suit on your body and let's go meet your old man?" He yelled.

"You think my ass is fine?" I chuckled, washing my face over the sink.

"What the f... You so dumb. I'd be downstairs waiting. You'd better be fast."

"Elvis don't dare go out with my shoes," I grabbed my towel, hurrying out to catch up with him.

"Baby!!!" I heard Kiesha's familiar voice from the corridor. She was in the room in no second, dressed in a sexy, slitted, red gown, with her hair falling smoothly over her shoulder. I could swear a bit of the hangover was gone at the sight of her.

"Kish baby, you're here," I threw the towel over the bed walking towards her.

"Hi Elvis," she slapped him playfully on the shoulder.

"Hi Kish, you look like you are going to be the bride at this wedding. You know what I'm saying? You look hot!" He complimented her.

"Oh okay. First off, I'm always looking hot, right baby," she pecked my lips.

"Right sweetie," I agreed, holding her around the waist.

"And I would look even hotter as a bride, if Darnell here, would only agree to do me right, by taking me to the house of God."

"Oops!" Elvis was holding himself from laughing out loud. "You know I've told him a thousand times to do just that. I mean you're a fine wine, and if he isn't fast, who knows, someone else might just get in the line."

"You hear him baby," she turned to me, a triumphant smile spread on her face, at having someone agree with her.

"Elvis get the fuck out, I need some privacy with my girl."

"Okayyy. I would be out, but I warned you. And please, you two should be out on time, we have a wedding to attend," he gave a peace sign with his fingers, before closing the door behind him.

"We love you El!" Kiesha called after him.

"You look pretty baby," I returned my attention to her, kissing her on the lips.

"You should listen to your friend and wife me sooner, else..." She freed herself from my hold, picked up her bag and followed after Elvis.

"Babe you can't be leaving me standing like that," I scratched my hair in desperation. "Kish common!"

I picked up my suit from the bed, hauling it over my shoulder. There was a beep from my phone that laid on the bed.

"Where the hell are you at Darnell?" My father's angry voice growled from the other side of the phone.

"Shiiii..."

Chapter Two

Darnell's Pov

I was running through the church aisle, with my suit wings flying in the air, as I tried to make it to the altar on time. My dad was standing at the front, in a maroon colored suit similar to mine, with his bride directly opposite him. I could tell that all eyes were on me. It had taken exactly thirty minutes to be here after his call and the ceremony had started.

A puzzled look rested on the face of the priest as he asked "Who is he?"

"My son," my dad blurted, not in a so-proud tune.

"The best man," I grinned, extending my hand for a shake, which the priest ignored.

"We would continue with the vows taking," the priest announced to the congregation, who were momentarily lost with my dramatic entrance.

"Why were you late?" My dad whispered.

"I had a case at court..."

"It's Saturday Darnell!"

"Yeah I know, I was going to say I had a case at the court yesterday."

"What does that have to do with today?"

"Can we focus on you swearing your loyalty to the woman in front of you, we can talk about this later," I looked up to catch Mrs Maria staring at me. I realized we've never been introduced. So I waved at her.

"Your bride doesn't look happy dad, you sure you didn't force her into this?"

"Her daughter is absent, just like you. That's why she's sad," he glared at me.

"I'm fucking here dad."

"Louis, can you just let the young man breathe? At least he is here, unlike my daughter." Mrs Maria chipped.

"I'm here for you mum," the chubby lady beside her, dressed in a pink, tight gown answered.

I was confused for a minute. Who was She? "Is that her daughter?" I turned to my dad.

"Is this still a wedding? Or do you need some time out for a family meeting?" The priest cut in, bringing us all back to the event at hand.

"Can we skip to the part where you kiss your bride?" I whispered again to my dad.

"Shut up Darnell!"

~~~~

The reception took place at a very grand hotel in town. Considering my dad's social status, we had a lot of media personnels covering the occasion. I was sure that by morning, the third wedding of Mr Louis Jackson after the divorce of his wife, would be the headlines of many papers. Does this bother me? Yes. But do I care right now? No!

Kiesha was standing right in front of me, rolling her hips around my shaft area in rhythm to the song playing. I was having the best time, nothing else could matter. I caught sight of Elvis dancing with the chubby girl. Well good for him, I reasoned.

"Baby," Kiesha moaned out my name.

"Yeah?" I kissed her nape, loving how she sounded.

"When are we going to do this?"

"As soon as we get out of here. We would get the best room, I would take my time to pull off every single piece of clothing on you..."

"Stop!" She slapped my chest, her countenance changing.

"What? Did I say something?" I reached for her hands, drawing her closer to myself.

"Darnell can you be serious for once?"

"Babe I'm serious right now,"

"Then tell me when we're getting married!" She half yelled, drawing the attention of the couple dancing next to us. I smiled at them, in an effort to reassure them that we were cool.

"It's been four fucking years Darnell, and you've never made any efforts about taking this relationship to the next level. Look at your dad, you said it yourself that he met Maria four months ago and here they are, doing what is necessary." She pushed the strands of hair that had fallen over her face behind her.

"My dad is sixty and Maria should be in her late fifties,babe." I whispered behind her ears.

"What difference does it make?" She looked completely puzzled at my response.

"You're twenty-four and I am just twenty-six. If we follow in my dad's footsteps, then I have at least twenty four more years for us to get here," I chuckled at my own joke.

"You are stupid, just plain stupid. And this relationship is a waste of my precious time. Have a lovely evening Gray Jackson."

I didn't see that coming. She was heading for the exit before I could say Jack. I had to go after her, I couldn't bring myself to let her leave like that, not after all those dance moves a few minutes back. I already had ideas of things we were going to do tonight. Damn Kiesha and her obsession with marriages.

I told her before now that I needed time. I still don't understand what the rush is about. I caught up with her, close to the entrance door. "Kiesha hear me out," I grabbed her hand.

"I promise, we are going to get married, very soon. But you can't just leave right now please babe," I pouted a little, hoping to win her over with that.

"When?" She posed, placing both her hands on her waist.

"When what?" I threw back, finding myself lost in the conversation.

"When are we getting married, dummy. When is very soon?"

"Ermm... I really don't know...But Look..." I was cut off by a memory wiping slap that landed on my cheeks.

By the time I regained composure, she was gone through the front door. "Shiii... Kish!" I tried running after her but bumped into a dazzling lady at the door.

I really didn't see her coming. She was dressed in a sparkling silver dress that was now half ruined from the wine that had poured on her. I was lost staring at her. She had enchanting dark eyes, her hair was short, curved around her chin, giving her face an oval shape. Her lips were the most attractive features of her face. I might have zoned out for like two minutes. I was brought back to my senses by the stinging pain I felt on my cheeks.

"What the hell? Did you just slap me?" I asked, feeling my admiration for the fine lady evaporating through the air.

"Did you just stupidly spill my drink on me?" she asked back, with a matching tune of anger.

"You should have known that was a mistake!" I yelled back, forgetting all about being a gentle man.

"Should I? Why the heck are you running through a crowd like this without watching your way? Do you have some mental issues or something?" She fired on.

"Really? You are the one that just raised your hands on a complete stranger for an action that was very much a mistake and you do not suspect that you have more mental issues? Wow." I didn't care right now about creating a scene.

The lady before me was acting very not womanly and I needed to put her in her place without considering her tempting look. After all, this was my dad's wedding and I was the best man.

"What?" Her eyes blazed with furry.

"Yes ma'am, you heard me. I believe you have something eating you up and it has probably eaten into your brain and is now affecting you mentally. It's the best explanation as to why you would act so rudely at an occasion like this." I placed both my hands on my waist, imitating her pose.

"You just ruined my dress!" She screamed, as though she was only just realizing it. "And you speak to me about being rude? Man you're so uncultured and you know what?" She stepped closer, that I could catch the scent of her perfume.

"What?" I took one step closer too. One would think we were about to do a no hand kiss challenge with our posture. I wouldn't have mind for that.

"I do not regret slapping you and I'm only going to leave here quietly because unlike you, I respect the couples and wouldn't want to create a scene," with that, she brushed past me into the hall that was croweded with dancing guest.

She didn't even wait for my comeback. I was ready to play this childish game with her. After all, it was because of her I couldn't meet up with Keisha. Why was she even so angry at me anyways? If she was watching her way, she would have prevented the accident. Damnn! Women have to be like the most problematic creatures on it.

And I meant it. Because why would Keisha decide to bail on me on a day like this? I had this all planned out and she had to ruin everything. I paced around for while, thinking of any brilliant idea to save the rest of the day, but nothing was coming.

"Hey man," I didn't need to turn around to know it was Elvis.

"Here," he handed me a cup of champagne.

"Thanks bro," I collected the drink, gulping it down in a swallow. "I might be needing more of this to fix up my mood," I pushed the cup into his hand, walking towards a an empty table arranged outside the hall.

"What's up, you look stressed out. Had a fight with your Dad?" He asked, taking the seat opposite mine.

"I wouldn't be like this if it was my old man." I looked around, searching for a waiter or anyone serving drinks.

"So what is it then?"

"It's Kiesha bro." my eyes caught sight of a lady dressed in a pencil black skirt and a white collared top, that was tucked in the skirt neatly. She had an apron tied to the front of the dress and held a tray containing a bottle of wine and a few glasses.

"Oh, I should have known. What about her? Did you do or say something to upset her?" Elvis asked.

"Are you being serious right now? So whenever we have a fight it has to be because I said something? I thought you'd be on my side," i sighed disappointedly. The waiter girl was passing close by, so I hollered at her to come to our table.

"You know it's not like that. This female flocks would never admit being the reason for a fight. I thought you should have known that by now."

"I know that. But supporting her even in her absence? That's fucked up man," i was staring at the waiter as she strolled elegantly towards us.

"But you know I can't really blame Keisha," I heard him saying, but was to distracted with the view before me.

"Hi, do you need something? I saw you beckoning on me," she flashed a natural smile my way.

"Yes, yes I need a lot from you. But we could start with the drink on the tray." I winked at her.

She laid the tray on the table."What else would you be needing me to do sir?"

"Call me Darnell. I'm the best man of the groom who is also my Dad. And you see, I'm thinking of following in his steps with someone as pretty as you soon," I wooed her.

"I'm sorry, I'm gay," she apologized.

"Damn! I could be gay too you know," I wasn't ready to relent.

"Oh, then you could be tying the knot with the cute man beside you. Excuse me sir," she bowed slightly.

I was stunned beyond words. How would someone so naturally endowed decide to be gay? Elvis was laughing beside me. "What's funny?" I turned to him.

"Darnell, seriously? You willing to turn gay for a lady?" He asked, still laughing.

"You're promising some random girl marriage yet you wouldn't bring up the topic for once with Keisha?" He went on.

"You just have a big mouth, Elvis." I poured some of the wine that was served into a glass and sipped from it.

"I'm being real bro. You need to change. Where is Keisha by the way?"

"You wouldn't just shut up, would you?" I drained the rest of the wine in my glass and rose to my feet, heading back to the hall.

"Where are you going?" Elvis called out.

"To get drunk," I answered not looking back.

Chapter Three

Fiona's Pov

I should have known better than attending this wedding. I just knew it was a bad idea. Now look at my dress, all ruined by a lunatic that doesn't even feel apologetic about his actions. I wonder what kind of guest would act so disorderly in a big event like this.

I starred at my reflection on the toilet mirror, feeling sorry for myself. I tried scrubbing the spot, but it only made matters worst. Now I was both wet and stained. Gosh!

It feels even worse knowing that my mum is mad at me on her own wedding day. You know how she's always expecting me to be a perfect daughter right? And then I couldn't make it on time for the church service. She actually wanted me to be there and watch her take the vows with her new man.

She'd called me two weeks before the wedding to invite me over for the wedding shopping.

Flashback

(Two weeks ago)

Fiona's POV

I didn't need to glance at my phone to know who was calling. It was my mum calling for the third time. I had ignored the first two rings because I was at a meeting and seeing that she kept calling, I had to excuse myself.

'This had better be important' I sighed, before tapping on the receiver button. My mum is usually excited over very little things and half of the time she expects me to share in her excitement, which I find quite immature for someone her age.

Like how jiggy she had sounded last week when she called to tell me about this man she was seeing. She said he had strands of silver hair just like herself and he was a writer. They had first met at the library and then at the mall.

"I just knew we were meant to be after our second meeting," she giggled over the phone.

Now isn't that just so immature for a woman, who has a full grown ass lady like myself as her daughter? I mean what is really exciting about remarrying in your late fifties? To some dude that's probably wrinkled on the face and can't walk without the aid of a stick?

"Hi ma," I greeted first.

"A very beautiful morning to you my darling, today seems promising and the weather is just so lovely isn't it?" Her excited tune sounded from the phone speaker.

"Ma i was at a meeting when you called, I had to excuse myself, what is this about?"

I was looking down at the busy street, from the fourth floor of the social right activist building. The weather was indeed lovely, the sky was blue, with silver linings. The sun was not fully out, yet the atmosphere was warm.

"Well I'm fine and thanks for asking." She retorted, making me feel guilty.

"I didn't ask because you sounded like you were fine Ma, can we just talk about why you've been calling," I tried to sound unaffected by her guilt-trapping game.

I grew past the age where she gaslighted me into doing what she wanted or feeling guilty for standing on my decision.

"Fiona you can't always be like this..."

"Mum! Please!" I stopped her.

"Fine. I need you to join Dainna and I for my wedding shopping tomorrow," she finally dropped.

"I can't Ma. I have work to do."

"Fiona you always have work to do, can't you just take out tomorrow for your mother?"

I could tell from her tune that she was pouting. What adult does that? "Mum, you have Dianna, she is your daughter as well. It doesn't have to be,"

"You are my biological daughter, Fiona. How did we grow so apart?" She paused, when I said nothing to her question, she continued. "We would take just two hours Fiona and you would be back to work, do this for your mum darling."

Not like I was as busy as I claimed to be at work, it's just... It's annoying staying around those two. Dianna is a rankling talkative and my mum just loves her so much that sometimes I wonder which of us is her real daughter.

"Ma, if at all I change my mind and join you for this shopping, you and Dianna would have to keep it low with your cackling laughter,"

"I can hear you Coz!" I heard Dianna scream from the background. She was giggling and my mum had joined her.

"Ma how many times do I have to tell you not to put my call on speaker? This is not fair,"

"I'm sorry darling. So we're going to keep it low, we promise. Dianna right?" She was seeking confirmation from my annoying cousin.

"Dianna has agreed. She said yes." My mum reported back.

"I don't care what she says. And I'm not staying two hours for some boring shopping. One hour and I'm out," I added.

"One hour thirty minutes. I love you darling. Do take care of yourself and see you tomorrow."

"Can't wait to see you Coz!" Dianna screamed again. Mum had hung up before I could reply.

I would have loved to tell Dainna that I wasn't as excited as she was about us meeting. I would have gone further to tell her that she was not my favorite person, not especially after snatching my place in my mother's life. How rude I might intend to sound, it was never enough to vex Dianna. She would rather laugh it off as a simple talk, leaving me even more mad at her.

I still don't understand how she manages to always be happy. No matter what is said or done to her. The only time I have seen Dianna angry, was the one time she ordered pizza and it got eaten by my cat. She was so pissed at the small animal that I thought she would kill it.

Eventually, the cat was found dead a week later in the basement. Not like I believe Dianna to be capable of hurting a fly, yet I had taken it out on her. I accused her of murdering the poor thing because it ate her pizza. I watched with satisfaction as she cried from my accusation. We were seventeen then. And six years after, I have never seen her cry again no matter what I do.

You'd probably be thinking by now that I am a sadist, hell no! There are times when I am really happy. Like the times when our voices as an organization influences the government decision in the right way and saves life. Those are things that require excitement, not some time wasted on shopping.

If my dad was to be alive, he would be so proud of me. He would never choose Dianna and her chubby ass over me. He was my favorite person in the whole wide world and when he died fighting for the justice of the helpless, I decided to follow in his footsteps.

"Here you are, I've been looking for you." Lily called from behind. "You left in a hurry and didn't return to the meeting so I decided to check if you are good." She handed me my file jacket.

"Yeah, sure. I'm okay. I needed to take a call, it was urgent." I told her, wishing I hadn't added the last line, because that was a lie, there had been nothing urgent about that call.

"Alright. I will see you tomorrow then. I need to leave early to catch the bus, Jedan would be waiting already," she said, turning around to leave.

"Hold on, I could drop you off," I volunteered without thinking.

Oh Lord! Why did I say that? I love my quiet ride, just me, listening to my music and meditating. What if she is like Dianna and insists on talking throughout the ride. I hope I do not regret this.

"Are you for real? Oh my! Thank you so much. Jaden hates riding in the bus, he would be so grateful that you are doing this." She smiled widely.

"Umm... you're welcome. I will grab my bag and meet you at the garage." I excused myself, heading to my office.

~~~

Something about humans that I might never understand is why we set alarm clocks and get mad at them for ringing. I particularly hate being disturbed while sleeping for any reason at all.

I did a study on myself and discovered I could sleep for fifteen hours in a day if not disturbed. So to avoid a sleeping disaster like that, especially when I have to be at work or have important things to do, I rely on an alarm clock to wake me up from what can be considered a semi-death.

Doesn't change the fact that my alarm clock is the worst item I ever purchased with my money. The shrill sound of the clock woke me up at exactly 1pm. Slapping it out of my nightstand in annoyance, I dragged myself out of my comfy bed.

My phone beeped with a text from my mum. 'See you in thirty minutes, don't forget.' The text read. I sighed, flinging the phone on my bed and heading for the bathroom. If I didn't promise to do this, I would have still had enough time to enjoy my nap.

Well this is me and I do whatever I promise I will do. It's called keeping to your word, but for me, I think it's a flaw. I find myself always promising to do things that would disrupt my happiness.

Tell me why I had promised Jaden yesterday that I would help pick him up from school every Friday, so he doesn't take the bus. The kid was so adorable sitting beside Lily at my passenger seat, with his dimpled cheeks, just like Dianna.

I couldn't bring myself to completely say no when he asked if I could pick him up on Monday, so instead, I had promised him every Friday. The broad smile on his face and that of his mum Lily, was worth it anyways.

Now I have to be committed to picking up a five years old, adorable kid from school every Friday, simply because I promised. That would also mean driving Lily from work, down to her son's school. Good thing is, she isn't talkative like you know who.

So the ride had been absolutely quiet, except for the few times she sang along with the voice from the car radio, which I do not mind at all. Infact, I probably like her more for enjoying my kind of music and knowing the lyrics. I also admire her strength as a single mum.

I picked out a simple, black, bootcut pant from my closet and a white turtle neck top. You want to know what else I like aside from enjoying undisturbed sleep? That should be dressing simple, yet coming out classic.

I knew exactly where to meet my mum and cousin, I didn't need her sending an address. It used to be our favorite shopping mall while my dad was alive. Although some renovations and changes have been made, it seems to remain my mum's favorite shopping place.

If only she didn't bring Dianna to discreet what was supposed to be our family rituals, I might have complimented her decision to keep shopping here.

I parked outside the towering building, taking a few minutes to reminisce on good old times. Back then, coming to the mall meant I was about to be rewarded for a good deed. Maybe for coming first in class, or for asking a question at church, or for hitting a lead role in school plays.

It could be for very little reasons also, like doing extra chores, taking out the trash can before being told, or for trying out a new cooking recipe and getting it right. My dad loved cooking and good meals, so at the age of ten, I could bake pancakes, sandwiches and make tacos.

I was better a cook than my mum and it was because of my dad, man was an all round package. Now that I think of it, I can't remember any imperfection attached to my dad, he was simply good at everything I can think of. His memories could live with me for a lifetime, I wonder why my mum would think of marrying someone else.

"Coz! Is that you!" I heard Dianna scream in her usual high pitched tune.

I had lost track of time just sitting there and thinking that I hadn't seen them coming. My mum was in front, while Dianna trailed behind her, struggling to match her pace. I turned off the car, stepping out in time to meet them. I had to prepare myself mentally for all the talks that come with these two.

"My darling little baby girl. Come here love and give mummy a hug." She spread out her arms.

I stood still, my feet refusing to move. She came close and wrapped her arms around me. Peppering my face with kisses, like I was a lost child that had only just been found. The fragrance of her perfume fluttered through my nostrils.

I dug my nose into her neck, relaxing in the comfort of her embrace. Despite our lax relationship, I knew she was all I had and that hug was all I needed at the moment.

"Common let's get started." Mum patted my back.