Chris, what do you mean by that ? His father asked finally regaining his voice
Dad, what I meant is that Linda asked for my hand in marriage, Chris answered showing no expression
But, but, how? Why? His mom asked confused and the dad was once again left dumbfounded.
Chris decided to enjoy the confusion he's causing more, then the added,''She asked me to marry her and I agreed, her people will be coming over soon to see you both and finalize the marriage rites'
ABOMINATION!! The dad screamed jerking up at his feet, ''are you trying to turn our culture upside down?
First of all it's the man that's asks the woman's hand for marriage, not the woman,''" it's also the man's people that visits the lady's parents for marriage rites', and definitely not the other way round,"" He said shaking with anger while his wife just nodded in agreement
Chris looked at his mom and almost bursted out laughing, but decided to have more fun,
Mom, but you have always wanted me to get married and start giving you grandchildren as soon as possible, does it really matter who asks who?
Well, Madam Clarissa began, '' it does matter and also such is not permitted in your culture,if it was in my country, elders might overlook it, but definitely not here
And something seems really out of place, because I spoke with that girl Linda, and she doesn't seem like the type that could propose to a guy, she even told me she doesn't love you, so what's with the sudden proposal.
Chris couldn't hold it any longer, he bursted out laughing and decided to let the cat out of the bag, and he told them the truth about the whole deal .
So you mean you're just going to pretend to be engaged to her? Nothing else? Madam Clarissa asked sounding between disappointed and relieved
Yes mom, and it will only last for two weeks
Why did you agree to this son? The dad asked
Dad, I don't really know, but I know I want to help her out, then after the two weeks of the whole fake engagement thing, then we will see how things goes between us, but dad, mom, Linda doesn't know I told you this, please keep it a secret for me, especially you momm
What do you mean, especially me, what do you take me for, Madam Clarissa said glaring at her son
It's actually none of my business, so I won't blarb , the father replied and continued sipping his wine
By the way, We're traveling to her village on Monday, Chris added,
Safe journey son, The daddy said
Linda was making final touches on a dress , when she heard one of her sales girls welcoming a customer, she raised her head and was shocked to see Madam Clarissa striding into her fashion shop, she hurriedly stood up and went to meet her halfway
Good afternoon ma, you're welcome, She greeted
Madam Clarissa pulled off her glasses, and Linda could see that she's looking serious
What could have happened?
Did Chris tell her about the fake engagement?
Is she here to tell me to leave her son out of my misery?
Linda couldn't stop wondering what the problem was
Cccan I help you ma? She asked in a nervous tone
Miss Linda, you surprise me , I never expected this from you, madam Clarissa declared
Linda had noticed that madam Clarissa had added 'miss' to her name, ' maybe she no longer wants me to be her daughter in law, she no longer wants to be informal with me
I'm so sorry ma, She started pleading, I was desperate, I didn't have anyone to help me or anything else to do
Miss Linda, I can't believe you are so talented in making of clothes and you didn't even tell me, Madam Clarissa said interrupting her,'' I thought we had become friends,
Uhh? You're not angry with me? Linda asked
Noo, I'm not, just sad and disappointed that you didn't tell me so I could patronize you
Ohh, Linda sighed in relief and said '' I'm sorry ma, I totally forgot to mention it to you
It's alright, I forgive you, partially because you will be my daughter in law one day, madam Clarissa said and smiled. She reached into her bag and brought out a package of soaps and creams with a makeup kit and something else that's properly wrapped that Linda couldn't see what's inside, I heard you're traveling home for Christmas, so I brought you these, Madam Clarissa said handing the bags over to Linda
I want you to use them and look extra beautiful, especially at night, She said and winked
She stood up and added, I will be going now because I have a business meeting, greet your parents for me, hopefully I will meet them soon and it actually depends on how well you make use of those, so don't slack and be sharp.