"Stop right in front of the gate ahead of us", Angie said and pointed out the large gold gate for the chauffeur.
"You mean the SAH mansion?", the man at his thirties asked, stunned.
"Yes", she answered.
"Don't tell me you are going into the mansion".
"Any problem?", she asked, a little bit confused.
"I mean, you are visiting the SAH mansion, that's great!", the chauffeur proclaimed.
"Great? I'm visiting a friend of mine, how great is it?".
"A friend of yours?", he asked surprising.
"Yes", Angie answered feeling uncomfortable with his response.
"Don't get me wrong", he said noticing her mood swing, "Its just that since the past few years I've been working here in Brooklyn, I've never heard of anyone visiting the the minister of finance mansion by boarding a cab except for the maids, cleaner and those taking care of the house", he explained.
He looked at Angie from the mirror view and asked, "Do you come to visit one of your friend who is a worker because with your dressing I don't think you are one of them".
Angie was quiet at first, she didn't know which answer to give him and why he ask her the question?
Whether she's a worker or not, have nothing to deal with him.
"A friend of mine invited me to dinner, anything...", she tried to explain but he cut her shut.
"Dinner?".
"I don't think there's nothing wrong with it, is there?", she aske already agitated.
"No but...",
"I'm not a stranger there, I can visit whenever I want to", she uttered immediately to end the conversation.
"Oh, I see", the chauffeur said and kept quiet, "We are here", he finally announced, "Should I drive you in?".
"No, I'm fine".
Then she paid him before heading towards mansion.
The gate was opened immediately she rang the bell by the gateman who has gotten to know her.
It's was late evening and the sun was far gone.
Sparkling bulb light was put on to brighten every part of the building making the mansion unique.
As she walked through the open garden, she noticed the water fall in the middle of the garden.
She never took notice of it before.
"The mansion is beautiful", she thought as she stride up the step to the main door.
The door was opened immediately by one of the maid who led her into the sitting room to meet Mrs. Sara who welcomed her in.
"Nancy told me you plan to have dinner with the young master so I've prepared a large feast", Mrs. Sara said as she walked her through the step that led to Maths den.
"You don't need to do all that, Mrs. Sara. It's just a light dinner and I just wanted to use the opportunity to get closer to him".
"You don't worry, its what I should do", she assured and stopped walking as they got to the door.
She took Angie by her hand and said, "I know it could be tough being with Maths but he's really a kind person, you shouldn't feel hurt by his words, he's got his difficulties", she assured soothingly.
"I know ma'am, I will make sure not to disappoint you guys", she assured too.
"Alright baby girl, I will take my leave. If you need anything, you are free to ask me".
"I won't hesitate ma'am".
"Go in, I will watch you", the old woman said and burge her to open up the door.
She did and walked in closing the door behind.
•
"Hello honey", Sideon called from the other end.
"Hello", Julianne answered.
"I'll be home soon, can you please welcome Riley in, he's on his way".
"Okay, is there any problem?", she asked, kindled.
"Not at all, Just for dinner".
"Alright don't be late, I'll await you".
"Okay, bye, kisses", he said and ended the call.
Julianne stood up slowly from the bed since she just took her shower and was about to sleep.
Work was a little bit stressful today but she endured it and needed to rest but since her husband will be home she can't for now and will have to keep Riley company before her husband gets back.
She walked out of her room slowly, her stomach wobbling with each step she took.
Firstly, she went to Julie room to check if her little girl is asleep and as her instinct were true, her daughter was busy with her computer.
"Julie, dad will be home today", she announced as she walked in while the Julie stood up immediately to meet her
"Really?!", Julie exclaimed.
"Yes and Uncle Riley will be visiting".
"Wow mom! Give me some minutes, I'll join you down", she said and rushed back to her computer to finish up what she was doing.
Julianne shook her head before walking out and climbed the stairs down to the sitting room.
She looked up at Maths den unexpectedly and saw Mrs. Sara walking a girl up the stairs.
She watched as they chat before the girl finally enter into his den.
She was bemused and agitated.
A girl going into Maths den? It's impossible, totally unassuming.
She was astonished as she walked into the sitting room.
She needed an explanation and waited for Mrs. Sara to get down.
Ding! the door bell rang.
Quickly she called one of the maid to open up the door.
Riley walked in and saw her sitting on one of the couch.
He went over to greet her.
"It been long, old friend", he greeted opening his arms wide to give her a hug.
"Same here bro", she replied and ushered him to sit.
"Can't you change for once, Julianne?".
"What do you mean?".
"Your beauty are still there even when you are pregnant".
"Can't you stop flattering me too for once?".
"It's my job", he answered cheerfully.
Just then, Mrs. Sara walked in.
"Riley, is that you?", she asked joyfully.
"Yes ma'am", Riley answered, stood up and hug her.
"You've grown big, boy", she teased.
"Sure, I'm getting older".
"How's family?", she asked.
"All good", he replied.
"Go, sit down", she ordered, "I'll get you coffee".
"No problem, ma'am", he said as the old woman walked back to the kitchen.
"Sorry for not preparing for your visit. Sideon just informed me", Julianne pleaded.
"Don't be too formal, this is my home", he said jokingly.
"Your coffee", Mrs. Sara said and placed a jug and cup on the table beside the couch he was sitting on.
"Thank you, ma'am", he appreciated.
"Mrs. Sara?", Julianne called as the old woman was about to go back.
"Yes?".
"Who's she? The girl I saw entering into Maths den".
Mrs. Sara smiled and answered, "Maths girlfriend".
"What?!", both Riley and Julianne exclaimed.
"Keep it cool", the old woman warned.
"Maths got a girlfriend?", Riley asked bewildered.
"Who is she?", Julianne asked too.
"Angela".
"Angela? Nancy's friend?", Julianne asked totally amused.
"Yes the girl who came to visit the other day", Mrs.Sara answered.
"Shed never told me about it", Riley said.
"There's no need telling you, it was all planned", Mrs Sara reviewed.
"Planned?!", they both exclaimed again.
Then, the old woman went on to explain what was happening.
"Wow, amazing!", Riley complimented clapping his hands, "I see, I can't imagine Maths finding a girlfriend".
" Indeed", Julianne agreed.
"I love this", Riley said happily.
"I do too", Mrs. Sara said.
"So, she's here for dinner right?", Julianne asked Mrs. Sara, "Tell them to join us".
"Impossible Julianne!", Mrs. Sara exclaimed.
"Why? Can't they?".
"Angela won't mind, have you forgotten who you're talking about".
"She can help, you know, threatening him again", Julianne whispered.
"Oh yeah, you are right but Mathias isn't the type of person who give in easily", Mrs. Sara said reminding her who Maths is.
"Let give it a try".
"Hmm", Mrs. Sara thought for while.
"Please", Julianne pleaded.
"Fine, I will go up and relay your message".
"Not now mother, when Sideon gets back", Riley said.
"Alright, I'll arrange for the dish then", the old woman concluded and walked back into the kitchen smiling sheepishly.
Angie's POV
The sitting room was empty and silent when I entered.
I tried moving around to view the den again when my eyes caught the portrait picture pasted on the wall.
"The woman is fair and beautiful".
Looking at her closely now, I could see some resemblance of Maths.
Could she be his mom? I don't think so, she looks young.
What if she's his sister? Nancy didn't tell me about it.
I can't even imagine anything.
I returned back to the sitting room and tried figuring out which door led to his room.
I don't know since I haven't once entered into any of it.
Choosing the door at the middle of his sitting room, I opened it and went in.
The room light was a dimmed blue bulb but I could still see that it was his room.
Everything was made of blue and white.
His bed sheet, wardrobe, curtains, floor rug, they were all beautiful.
I went out back to the sitting room after checking his bathroom as he wasn't in.
I opened the door at my left hand side and went in again.
This one seems different.
The first thing I noticed was the big drum set place at the right corner of the room.
It was his studio.
Beside the drum set was a recording, a standing mic, keyboard and a guitar place carefully beside the wall.
The studio was also neat and tidy.
The white bulb shines brightly even when all the window were shut down.
Then I noticed a glass which divides the studio into two in the middle of the studio.
Forgetting I was inside a den, I went forward to peep inside through what looks like a window.
And there I saw him sitting on a massage machine, petting a white furry cat.
I quickly move away to avoid him from seeing me.
I don't want him to see me peeping, it isn't my role.
Taking a deep breath, I faked a smile and went to where the door handle was.
I opened it and popped my head in.
"I thought you'd asked to pick me up from home and here you are enjoying yourself", I said and watched his expression.
Of course, he has the shocking expression on his face.
He stood up almost immediately, dropping his cat gently on the floor and walked up to me.
Then, I entered.
"Who gave you the right to come in here?", he asked with a tensed voice.
"Right? Should I ask for permission before I can come in?".
"Get out!", he fired, angrily.
"Can't you just be polite for once, Mathias?", I defended.
"I don't understand the meaning of polite, now get out!".
"Fine, I will", I uttered and left the studio.
I don't want him getting more angrier.
"I will wait for you in the sitting room", I said popping my head back.
Why is he so angry because I entered into his studio? So bad of him.
I sat down on the couch waiting for him when I heard the slight knock on the door.
I stood up, moved to the door and opened it.
Mrs. Sara was standing at the door.
I went outside immediately and closed the door behind.
"Sorry for interrupting", she pleaded.
"It nothing ma'am".
"I want to ask you for a favour".
"Go on".
"Please bring Mathias down for dinner", she said, "Do all you can to convince him to have dinner downstairs, he won't come if I tell him, only you can convince him".
"Okay ma'am I will, give me some minutes, he seems moody".
"Okay, I'll be expecting you guys", she said before going back.
I breathe in and out again before going in.
After some while, he finally came out.
Looking at him, I don't think I was welcomed.
What if he vent his anger on me?
I did not prepare to see him this tensed since I was expecting a good reaction from him.
I stood up and followed him to the dinning table.
He took a cup and poured water into it from a jug.
"Go downstairs, I'll tell the maid to prepare dinner for you", he muttered as he took a gulp of water.
"Will you join me?", I asked.
"No", he replied plainly and faced me.
"I came here to have dinner with you, why won't you join me?", I also asked plainly, our eyes glueing.
"I've had dinner already, you came late".
"What?!", I exclaimed slightly.
"Don't you worry the maid will prepare something good for you", he assured, walking back to the sitting room.
I rushed to him.
Spreading my hands open, I blocked him from entering into his room.
"You asked me to dinner", I said already getting tensed.
"I told you to go downstairs for it".
"Not until you come with me".
"I told you I've had dinner, don't block my way", he warned and pulled me away from the door.
With annoyance, I drag him back before he could enter into his room and close the door, turning the door lobe into lock.
Then I sat on the floor filling all the space.
"What are you doing?!", he asked fiercely.
"What do you think I'm doing? Of course, I'm not blocking you from going in", I uttered folding my hands on my chest.
He threw his head backward, aggressively and turned it back to face me.
Our eyes met again, this time, his got red in them.
"Look here...", he started angrily.