"Tora." Ralph called from the living room.
"Just a minute. " I shouted back as I checked myself in the mirror one last time before grabbing my purse. Hurrying out, I met Ralph in the living room pacing back and forth as he looked at the time. "I am done. " I spoke up making him turn in my direction and he gasped.
"Where is my niece? " he looked behind me, advancing.
"Do I look bad? " I asked giving myself a once-over.
When he arrived last week, he insisted on taking me out so we could do some catching up and also pick out a dress to wear to Paul's retirement party.
"Nah, you are just as perfect. " he said before fixing his clothes. "Now before I receive an earful about our whereabouts, we better hit the road ASAP. "
"There's no way you can escape that. " I mused as we both walked out.
The journey was cheery as Ralph chatted about random stuff and how Paul had given him a supposed ' Man to Man ' discussion about how he should use his brains and not his heart when handling the company affairs.
"Woah." I couldn't stop myself from marveling at the sight of the house as I stepped out of the vehicle.
In the past, I had come to visit Paul on numerous occasions and even spent summers with him and on those times the house was a sight but today it was mind-blowing. It had a touch of elegance, respect, and humor. It was like they were reflecting Paul's attitude. A soft song played in the background as people dressed in expensive suits and dresses conversed joyfully with each other while they drank from their glasses
"As much as I love to stay with you, it seems like I am being summoned from every corner. " Ralph groaned and I chuckled lightly.
"Go on, I am not a baby. I can handle myself. " I shooed him away
"Okay. Take care and enjoy the party, Miss. " he pecked my forehead before walking over to a group of people.
"This is going to be a long night, darling. " I muttered as I grabbed a glass of whatever they were having off the tray a waiter was carrying.
"Tora darling! " A bubbly voice sounded behind me and whipped my head to see who it was only to be pulled into a hug.
"Paul." I laughed heartily.
"How is my little bear doing?" He asked as he released me.
"I am doing great. " I nodded.
"Obdrea is taking good care of you." he chuckled as he held my hands in his and I looked behind him to see Nana somewhere in the crowd.
She looked beautiful in the amber long gown and the way her lips curved into a smile as she spoke with a lady, I could tell she was happy to be here.
"You look gorgeous by the way. " Paul spoke up making me tear my gaze from Nana.
"You too look... handsome." I dipped my head humoring the rich people I see on TV and we both burst out laughing.
"Tora!" A high-pitched voice called out from somewhere in the room and I looked around till my eyes looked on a pair of hazel eyes.
"Diane!" I called in the same manner. Dropping my glass on a table nearby, I ran over to her and she did the same.
In a matter of seconds, we were locked in a tight hug.
When we pulled from each other, I checked her out and she was still as beautiful as she had been before she traveled.
During the times I had come over to visit Paul, especially in the summer, Diane and her siblings had also spent their holidays with him. Just like Nana, Paul also had a past marriage before he met her and he also had two kids, a male and a female but the male died after a critical illness. His first wife had taken their daughter after the death of their son and she refused to let him see her. After years he finally got custody of his daughter after news reached him about his ex-wife being a drug addict. Though it was a bit rocky for his daughter to adjust to his lifestyle, Paul did all he could to give her the comfortable life she deserved till she got married and gave birth. His daughter too had done her best to make sure her children did not experience the kind of life she had and when she gave birth to Diane, she doubled her efforts and spoiled her but not to the point of having her a brat.
Every summer, she leaves her children with Paul and that was how we met. We became best of friends and looked forward to summer when we could be together. But two years before, she left the country with her parents and siblings and our only way of communication was through calls.
"I am so glad to see you. " Diane pipped as she pulled me into a quick hug.
"Me too. You have grown so tall. " I looked at her once again.
"Do not be deceived by the heels. Sam is still the tallest among us though. "
"Lol, I hope Dave is not intimidated. "
She shrugged before grabbing my forearm, squealing. "You look so gorgeous. "
I whipped my hair backward and looked at her with a straight face while a grin tugged the corner of my lips.
"I am sure you have turned the boy's head. " She whispered.
"Who?" I asked confused and realization dawned making me swat her arm.
"What was that for? " She asked, rubbing the spot then she gasped. "Do not tell me... "she drawled with her eyeballs popping out of their sockets and my head dropped. "What have you guys been waiting for? This is unbelievable. " She said exasperatedly. "Like seriously, you guys have not made any move?"
"You do not expect me to spew my feelings. " I muttered.
Standing akimbo, she poked her index finger on my chest. "That. That is exactly the problem. Your ego is too large. "
"Whatever." I waved, dismissing the discussion. "What are you doing here in town and since when have you been around? "
"Last week. Mom has been transferred back here permanently so I guess I am also back to stay. "
"That is great. " I jumped excitedly.
"Yeah, and the best thing is we would be attending the same school. " She looked at me like anticipating my next course of action.
"What? Do not tell me... "
Bobbing her head frantically she grinned widely. "Yes, I am also going to Crestwood," she said excitedly and we jumped on each other. " We are finally being together. "
"This would be my best year." I grinned at her.
"Me too." She repeated before looking past me. "But before then, I do not know but a guy has been staring at you ever since we ran into each other arms. " She cocked her eyebrows behind me and I turned my head.
My breath hitched when I found his stare.
"What the... "
Those piercing blue eyes and worse he was heading towards my direction.