Sunday came too soon while I was caught in the whirlwind of reconciling with Ric and preparing for the party. Time seemed to have gone by really fast, but one of the good things about it is Ric's' presence. Ric's help with the arrangements is a saving grace since my mother has assigned tasks to everyone, emphasizing the importance of the party and her desire for it to be flawless (even though she initially labeled it as a small gathering, lol). I'm glad he's here, especially since he's been lending a hand generously. It's almost like he does everything I'm supposed to be doing, allowing me to take a breather. It really is great. These were the kind of moments I missed so much when we were at odds.
This morning, Ash, Ace, and Henry arrived and expressed their desire to take a walk around town before evening. So, Ric and I accompanied them. It had been years since the five of us had taken a stroll together in town, with Nat missing out today due to work commitments (as always). If there's one person I know who works harder than Ric, it's Nat. He's a true workaholic who took over his father's company three years ago. Nat has been striving to meet his parents' expectations, which in my opinion, he has far surpassed. While I wish all of us were here, it's still enjoyable to have four of us together.
The memories of our childhood had faded over time, blocked out by the busyness of adult life. But when they finally returned, it is as if we have gone back in time.
As we walked the familiar streets, we realized that the town has grown bigger and more modern. New structures have sprouted everywhere replacing the old buildings we once knew so well. It is a strange feeling, seeing the town we grew to love evolving and changing before our eyes.
We reminisced about the days when we used to play in the streets, run through the fields, and hang out at our favorite spots. But now some of those spots are gone, replaced by cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers. The town has become bustling and vibrant, a far cry from the place we knew before. I've been around town these past years quiet a number of times with mum but today just felt different. The changes became more noticeable and i felt a sense of nostalgia. I think Ric feels it too because he reaches for my hand giving it a squeeze while we all stopped in front of Paradise, a park we frequented the most. It looked thesame, with only a few changes that are barey noticeable.
The town may have grown bigger and more modern, but it was still the place where we had all grown up, where we made memories that would last a lifetime. And as we continued walking around, taking in the sights and sounds. I knew that no matter how much it changed, it would always hold a special place in my heart, just like my friends. (And a more special friend, Arghhh).
It was already evening when we headed back and just had a little time to prepare before the party took off in full swing. I was currently seated at a table I would never have willingly approached. Mum practically dragged me here and dumped me with her friends who have been going on and on about someone they think will be a good match for me. ( As if I asked). They've been on this since the last time we met, when mum guilted me into accompanying her to a friend's tea party. (If only that is what the party is about). I wish I wasn't the one in this situation. Looking around me I search for anyone at all that can help me out of this. My pleading eyes meet with that of Lay but she just shrugs and smiles at me. Lay wouldn't be found helping me in this type of situation. Says I'm too kind to them. They know better than to have Lay anywhere near their constant matchmaking. Wish I was like her. From the corner of my eye I see Ric making his way towards our table with a disarming smile and graceful composure. (Thank goodness).
"Good evening, ladies," he greeted them with a warm smile and a gracious tone, his presence drawing all eyes to him. The middle-aged women, adorned in their fancy attires, paused their conversations and turned their attention to him. "I hope I'm not too late to join this delightful company." he adds drawing a chair from the table beside us, placing it beside mine before sitting down. (What a show off).
"Richard, my dear boy, it's a pleasure to have you grace us with your charming presence," one of the women, Aunt Rosie, exclaimed with a twinkle in her eye. "You truly have a way with words boy. I must say, we are all quite taken with your delightful company."
Ric, ever the gentleman, responded with a gracious smile and a polite nod. "Thank you, Aunt Rosie. Your gracious words are truly appreciated," Ric replied with a warm smile while he turns to me giving me a nod, I smile back at him.
"We where just telling Beatrice here about a young man who is a good match for her." Aunt Rosie continues and I felt my heartbeat quicken. (When will they ever stop). I didn't want Ric in this conversation at all. Not that I was talking anyway. I was only nodding to whatever they have to say.
"I must admit I'm quite curious about this young man you've been discussing." Ric says turning to look at me once again but in a questioning way this time. I just shrug.
"He's as charming as you are Richard" Aunt Monica chips in. "The two of them will make a lovely couple." she adds
"And here I was thinking no one is as charming as me." Ric says feigning a hurt expression while the women just uhh and ahhh around him. Ric has always had a way with words and soon he had all of them glued to whatever story it was he was telling them. Definitely cooking it up. I zone them out.
"I appreciate the fact that you're looking out for her but i think it's only fair for Beatrice to have the chance to meet him herself and decide whether he's a good match. After all, who knows, she might have her own ideas about the kind of gentleman she's looking for." I didn't even know the conversation was back to me when I hear Ric again. His tone is lighthearted and friendly. I immediately turn to face him giving him the most annoying look I could give at that moment. I didn't want him encouraging them. I didn't agree to meeting the guy but his words will only make them try harder. (Poor me).
"That's what we have been telling her but she wouldn't agree to meet him" Aunt Rosie the ever talkertive one continues.
"Look Beatrice" she says, turning to me while giving me a look that seems understanding but screems trouble. "You should meet him. Just once and we are going to be out of your hair" she continues. ( if I didn't know better).
"You know your mum will be happy if you do that. She had been trying to see that you have someone responsible in you life as a partner. She's worried about you and Layney. Agreeing to this will make her happy." Aunt Caroline says deciding to go for sympathy. These women and their tricks.
"What if Lay met him instead" I ask and they all burst out laughing. I guess everyone knows Lay would not.
"Anyone who accomplishes that will have my respect for a long time" Aunt Rosie says laughing. I smile dejectedly, knowing even I cannot accomplish that. I just said that because I needed a way out.
"I'm a bit hurt you don't have anyone for me, ladies." Ric suddenly says taking all of us by surprise. He just sat looking carefree, as if he did not just drop a bomb. Ric hates blind dates. Everyone knows that. So imagine the shock we all got.
"I think I know just the right girl for you Richard." Aunt Rosie says after the initial shock. "Your mother will be so happy to hear this" she continues clapping her hands together in what seemed like triumph. Ric doesn't look at me at all, he just continues talking and in no time they where shoving pictures of different ladies on their phones at him while he makes comments about them, telling them the ones he likes and the ones he doesn't. He looked so engrossed in the conversation or comparisons i'd rather say that he doesn't look my way at all. I suddenly begin to feel a bit strange and I don't know why.