"You back from lunch ma'am" Jane said as I approached her desk. I was about going into my office when her voice stopped me.
"Your father called ma'am, he said he's been calling you but you weren't answering. I told him you were out on a meeting so you probably put your phone on silent" I brought out my phone and sighed when I saw five missed calls from him.
"He already called me five times. I'm going to answer this" I said waving my phone at her.
I got into my office and got some water to drink from the dispenser. After drinking I took off my jacket and heels then lay down on the couch.
I opened my phone and dialed my father's number. I put the phone on speaker and kept it on the table. The line rang for a while before connecting.
"My sweet pumpkin" came the loud voice on the speakers. I smiled at the nickname.
"When did you switch to pumpkin Dad? You got tired of calling me banana?" I said laughing. He always gave weird nicknames.
"I was going to call you apple but I thought against it. You should be happy sweetie but I can switch if you want me to" he chuckled a bit.
"No dad! I love pumpkin. It's a whole different vibe on it's own. Stick to it" Pumpkin is way better than apple.
"How's work sweetie? Heard you got a contract deal with Zander and Co. That's amazing pumpkin."
"Yeah, thanks Dad. We haven't signed the contract yet though. We'll be sending out a copy to them so they can review it and sign." I heard the sound of thunder and looked towards the window only to see the weather changing. Seems like it'll be pouring down very soon.
"When are you going to come over to the house sweetie?" My father's voice brought me back.
"Soon dad, soon."
"That's what you keep saying but we never see you. I know you must be busy with work, but you must make out time to see the ones who birthed you. Don't you think?" There was only one reason why I avoided going home and it's because of my mom.
"I'll try and stop by soon. Maybe stay the weekend."
"I know you pumpkin, you won't come. You just saying it to please me right now."
"Come over for dinner today when you are done with work. Make sure to finish early." I quickly sat up when I heard the beep indicating the end of the call. I checked and saw that he hang up. I sighed because there was no way out. I had to turn up for dinner whether I liked it or not.
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It was raining heavily when I arrived at the house. I parked my car at the garage and went to the front door. I knocked on the door hugging myself cause of the cold.
"Welcome home miss" I was greeted with a warm smile from our butler.
"Hey James, long time" I hugged him smiling brightly.
"You forgot about me dear. Come on in" he made way for to enter inside. He took my coat and hung it on the stand.
"I could never forget you big man. I just became busier" I said pouting a little "And you know how my mom is" I whispered to him and he laughed out loud shaking his head.
"Come on miss, dinner is served" he said leading me to dinning room.
I looked around in awe. Mom had some things changed making me realize that it's been long I actually came home.
"Have a nice evening miss" James said bowing slightly.
"You too James" I said softly. Taking in a deep breath and putting a big smile on my face I pushed the doors open.
"Dad, mom" I called out to them. Dad sat at the head of the table while mom sat by his side. Dishes were laid across the table making me wonder if anyone else was coming.
"My sweet pumpkin, I've missed you" he stood up opening his arms. I hugged him tightly taking in his scent.
"I've missed you too dad, sorry for not coming sooner" I said into his neck.
"It's alright sweetie. You're here and that's all that matters" he pulled out from the hug and kisses both my cheeks.
"Good evening mom" I smiled faintly at her while she grunted a response.
"Have a seat dear, I told them to go all out since you were coming" he pointed to the different foods laid out on the table.
"This is too much dad, but thank you. I haven't had a meal like this in ages" I digged into the food.
"That's why you shouldn't have moved out" I heard my mother's voice for the first time. I kept quiet and continue eating.
"When are you getting married Jenny?" I paused before putting the spoon in my mouth. I pretended as if I didn't hear her and continued eating.
"I asked you a question Jennifer, are you going to pretend like you didn't hear me?" I threw the spoon on the table and looked her.
"Can't you wait till after dinner mom? At least let me eat in peace" Dad patted my hand on the table to calm me down.
"We won't be having this conversation if you had just married Dave. You're not getting any younger."
"It's my life mom. I decide if I want to get married or not! Besides I told you what transpired between Dave and I, so I don't get why you're bringing him up right now" I was starting to get angry and I didn't like that. This was the reason I avoided coming home. She never ceases to talk about marriage.
"He cheated and so what? Is he the first guy to cheat? Maybe you didn't do enough to keep him that's why he looked outside" I could feel tears gathering in my eyes. How could she say that.
"How could you say that Mom! This is why I avoid coming to this house Dad, can you hear her? How can she say it was my fault" I wiped away the tear that tried escaping.
"Don't cry sweetie, you know she didn't mean it" he said rubbing my arm. My mom just sat there looking away, arms folded under her breasts.
"You're the one spoiling her Henry, that's why she thinks it's okay to stay single for this long. Her mates are all married, some with a kid or two. I'm not saying she should get married now, if she had a boyfriend I wouldn't be as worried as I am right now."
"I want to see my grandchildren. Is that too much to ask? You people always make me feel like I'm the bad person here. I just want what's best for her" she took a glass of water and drank concluding her speech.
"If that's what you're worried about then you don't have a problem because I do have a boyfriend" I said before I could stop myself.
What have I done?