This time Lay was the one practically running to go hug Ben. She was even faster than me and was already clinging to Ben before I got to him. We all miss him but I know very well that she misses him more. Ben has always been the closest person to Lay for as long as I can remember. They are Irish twins, with Ben only a year older than her. They started school together and finished together too untill he decided to move to a different city to pursue his career.
"Ehhehhmm" I clear my throat to draw their attention after waiting for a few minutes. "Can I also get a hug or am I not your sister too?" I say looking at both of them.
"Of course you are." Ben says releasing Lay from his arms while reaching out to hug me. "You've grown so big Bee. You look nothing like the little girl from before." He says laughing.
"Anyone hearing you will think you haven't seen me in like twenty years you know. I'm still the way I was when you last saw me." I say and he just chuckles.
"Oo, I really missed you all." He says.
"You miss us but haven't visited us in two years Ben. I doubt the sincerity of that." Lay interjects immediately and we all go quiet. After the joy of seeing him settled, I think she remembers all her grievances against him. It's not something new when it comes to Ben and her.
"I'm sorry Lay. You know how my work is. I wish I can visit more often." He says and she just nods in response.
"I know." She says in a somber voice. ( Ooo. Why bring it up when you are gonna give in easily).
"I'm just happy you are here old man. Don't mind her, she's just moody." I whisper to Ben and he laughs in response with his head tilting backwards. I was still holding onto his arm. I turn to Lay smirking at her while she stares daggers at me. (That wouldn't hurt me at all. Haha). I love poking fun at her and she does thesame when she gets the opportunity. It's one of the things I enjoy doing around Lay. She might be four years older than I am but that doesn't stop me.
We all settle down in the living room afterwards. The atmosphere very lively. We talked about a lot of things, mostly about Ben and his life away from all of us while he also asks about our lives and how we are doing in the city away from our parents. We ended up having our lunch there in the living room before we all went our ways. Lay and Ben headed out together while I stay back with dad, keeping him company and hearing about his plans for life after retirement. Mum heads out too, together with Aunt Racheal our housekeeper. Said they've got alot to do in preparation for the party.
"How is Richard doing?" Dad suddenly asks after what seems like forever. I was still in the living room with him while he just continues reading his books. Didn't know he was aware of my presence when he suddenly asked. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I practically froze. Didn't know how to react or what to say.
"What's wrong?" Dad asks looking at me. That is when I realized he didn't ask anything out of the ordinary. (What's wrong with me). There's nothing wrong with asking me about how Ric is doing. Everyone knows how close we are including our parents. So coming to my senses I take a mental note of my actions, telling myself to never repeat that. That it is suspicious.
"Nothing is wrong. Why'd you ask?" I ask back acting unbothered.
"You just looked like you froze for a moment there" he said and my heart raced. ( Ooohh. What's with me and acting suspicious).
"Oo, you were too engrossed in what you are reading so i didn't expect a question from you and my mind was actually occupied you see. Caught me by surprise." I blabbed out in one breath, giving myself a mental pat on the back for thinking that fast. Dad just laughs at that and I release the breath I didn't know I was holding.
"You are still funny". he says going back to his book.
"But yeah to answer your question, Ric is fine and is very busy with work. You know he started his own firm right." I say
"Old Ben told me about that. Says Richard once again refused his offer to work for the family company and also refused his offer to invest in the new business. Says he's really doing well for himself regardless." he says. Old Ben is Benjamin Golden, Richard's father and dad's closest friend plus cousin. He owns an investment firm which is now managed by Ric's older brother Raymond. Just like Raymond, Ric was supposed to work in the family company but he chose to go into architecture taking everyone by surprise. Uncle Ben thought that he was just being a bit rebellious back then and will later change his mind but he has proven otherwise. Ric is determined to be successful in his path and Uncle Ben has grown to accept that, especially after seeing what he has accomplished so far.
"Yes. I'm so proud of what he has accomplished dad. He accomplishes everything he sets his mind on. It's like he has his life all planned out. Wish I could be like him too." I say sounding a bit jealous. I really am jealous of Ric's determination. He doesn't waver when he sets his mind on something. He has always been like that, right from childhood.
"You know it's actually okay to be indecisive at times. You don't always need to have everything planned out from the onset. Makes life boring " dad says and I burst out laughing. I know he said that to make me feel good about myself. That's why I like talking to him the most. He knows I have a problem figuring out my life although I managed to find a career path I'm interested in and hope to start something of my own soon. It took a lot of advices from him to get to where I am.
"I'm serious" dad says while I continue to laugh.
"I know" I said in response to that. I know he is serious about making me happy. "I know just how serious you are about making sure I'm ok and confident about myself." I say truthfully.
"You are confident Beanie. Just a bit indecisive but that's a spice to your life ok." He says smiling and I can't help but smile at that. " If there's anything you feel indecisive about just tell me. You know I'll help you with anything." He adds
"You just sounded like Ric dad. He says that to me alot." I smile remembering that. How Ric always says that to me when am having trouble making decisions. I really do miss him.
"He's a good boy and a great friend." Dad says. " Old Ben is one lucky man. Got promising and lovely boys." he adds. "Not that am complaining about mine. Couldn't have asked for better children you know." He quickly adds laughing.
"I would have told Lay and Ben when they got back had you not added the last two sentences" I say laughing too.
"Seems like you don't want a happy weekend then. You surely wouldn't want your sister or mother going off on me would you."
"That would be a sight. But I wouldn't wish that on you. I want you to enjoy the weekend." I say.
"I'm already enjoying it. I'm really happy you're all here." He says.
"Me too." I say and I really mean it. I'm happy to be home. I'm happy to see mum and dad. I'm happy Ben is here too and that we all get to see dad starting another chapter in his life. One without so much work. I'm also happy I get to be with my family and that I get to think less about Ric. I'm happy I get enough time to prepare myself before meeting him but then again I forgot that life doesn't wait for you to be ready. It just acts on its own. Yes, life really hasn't been a fan of mine lately because here I was thinking Ric really wouldn't show up at the party but he does. That too before the party.
Here I am standing at the door looking straight at Ric who decided to show up unannounced.