Delilah
"Don't let the past determine how your present or future should be. Try to move on and get used to it."
These words Kelvin told me on Thursday echoed in my head and I was wondering if I should listen to him or not. After all, the past I have been trying to forget is about my sister and I. How am I going to easily forget about that past if I see her at least once a day ?
The only right thing to do is accept it and try to move on. Which means, I have to start talking to my sister. That was what I planned but I didn't know when to start. Well, after what happened this Saturday afternoon, I have completely changed my mind.
Sonya had the courage and confidence to come sit with me under the open hut and boldly accuse Kelvin of being a perv. She also said he's dangerous. Someone who just saved our lives earlier. This made me realize that Sonya hasn't changed at all. She is still delusional, always want things her way and she always want to prove herself right even when she is wrong.
I had enough of her nonsense and I left the scene. I got to my room and locked it shut. I laid on my bed and tried to forget what Sonya said. Kelvin has been in the house for a week now. Why is she now saying this ? Something is wrong with her. For real.
Even though I didn't believe a single word Sonya said, I wanted to hear what Kelvin himself has to say about this. Unfortunately for me, Kelvin had gone home today and I didn't have his number to contact him. Which means, I have to wait for him tomorrow and I can't wait.
* * *
Sunday finally arrived and I went through my necessities in the morning. I wondered when Kelvin would be back, so I waited. It was currently afternoon and there was no sign of Kelvin. So, to kill time, I went to the library and continued reading on The Merchant Of Venice. I had difficulty in understanding it before but now, I'm starting to see some sense in it little by little.
I got attached to my reading that, it took me a while to notice that there was the sound of a car engine outside. I remembered about Kelvin and I left the library to go meet him. Luckily, he was headed my way in the hallway. I gave out a sigh of relief. When we got close enough, we stopped and stood still.
"Welcome back," I greeted.
"Thank you very much." he replied.
"How was it at your mom's place ?" I quizzed. "Did you have a wonderful time there ?"
"Oh yeah I did," he smiled. "And there's a funny story I have when I went there."
"Kelvin," I called out. "There's something I want to talk to you about. Not here."
"Okay. Where then ?"
"Follow me...."
I led him to the elevator and we went upstairs. He reluctantly walked with me to my quarters but he didn't want to enter.
"You want me to come with you to your quarters ? Isn't that too extreme ?"
"Trust me," I implored. "I don't want anyone to eavesdrop on us. When we are done, you can leave as soon as you want."
"Okay. Let's get this over with then." he said as he entered my quarters. I followed and we got to my parlour. He placed his bag down and we then sat on opposite sofas. "I'm here, Lyla. What do you want to talk about so secretly that you brought me here ?"
"It's about my sister." I announced and his face became unreadable.
"What about her ? What did she do ?"
"Yesterday," I began. "She came to warn me to stay away from you. She claims you are a pervert and you want to take advantage of me. That's exactly what she said."
Kelvin didn't respond right away. He just buried his face in his hands for a while before looking up to me.
"I can't believe she still has that notion about me." he sighed. "Alright, I guess I have to tell you the whole story about my first encounter with your sister then...."
I kept quiet and listened to his narration. He told me what happened and why Sonya actually thought he was peeping at her. It sounded like a typical Sonya to me. Dramatic and cocky. When he was done, he waited for my response.
"I'm so sorry about that," I apologized on her behalf. "I'm certain that she was angry that night. Cause that's how she behaves when she's angry. She will put her anger on anything. I'm really sorry."
"It's okay," Kelvin smiled. "I've moved on from that experience, even though it was a bit humiliating."
"It wasn't your fault," I defended. "If your friend hadn't directed you to her, then it wouldn't have happened."
Kelvin laughed. "Eugene is a silly guy. I still don't put the blame on him. Let's just forget about her. I'm not a pervert in any way."
"I believe you," I voiced out. "It was Sonya I didn't believe. That's why I don't talk to her anymore."
"You don't talk to your sister anymore ?" he asked. "Why ?"
I knew it would come to this. I initially didn't want Kelvin to know about the rift that has separated Sonya and I, but I'm guessing it's time to tell him everything.
Just as he had narrated his story about his first meeting with Sonya, I told him the history of Sonya and I. From our childhood rivalries to our adolescence separation. Kelvin listened carefully as I narrated everything. I exhaled heavily when I was done.
"That's a really tragic experience, Lyla." he complimented. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that. I really don't know what exactly to say about this. My sister and I hardly fought."
"Good for you," I said. "Mine was the entire opposite. My sister and I hardly made peace. That was why I gave her that space. In my eyes, she's like a stranger to me."
"Don't say that," Kelvin shook his head slowly. "You know you don't mean it. It's understandable that you are no more talking to her but she's still your sister and nothing can change that."
"So are you trying to say that I should talk to her ? After everything she has done ? After all that she has said about you ?"
"Even after what she did at the restaurant," Kelvin said. "I have nothing against her. I'm just avoiding her to prevent any more conflict."
"So you mean I shouldn't still talk to her ?"
"That's your own decision Lyla," he responded. "Whichever decision you make, I'm with you cause it's justifiable. You are even making peace by staying out of her way. So whatever choice you make, I'm with you."
"Thanks very much for your support," I smiled. "I really wanted to get this situation off my chest but I didn't know how. I'll decide whether to talk to her or not but for now, after what she has said about you, I don't know."
A notification sound came from Kelvin's bag. He took out an iPad and after checking up on the notification, he looked up at me.
"Who's birthday is coming this Tuesday ?"
Damn. I forgot my own birthday is in two days time. I've been so occupied these days that I actually forgot my birthday. I covered my face in shame. "It's my birthday...."
"And you didn't tell me ? Why ?" he laughed.
"Cause I forgot," I admitted. "I seriously forgot about it cause it's nothing good to looking forward to."
"Why not ? It's your birthday after all."
"Because my dad is throwing a party," I revealed. "And I don't want to have a party this year. It's going to be draining."
He smiled at me. "Come on, it's your birthday. You have to chill out and enjoy yourself. You just completed university. You have to celebrate with family and friends."
"Alright, alright." I finally accepted. "I'll gladly attend the party."
"That's the spirit," Kelvin smirked. "If that's all you wanted to talk to me about, I'll be going to my quarters now. I have to pack my things back and have some rest."
"Alright. I wish we could spend more time but you're right. You just arrived." We got up and I walked him to my door. "Wait, do you also live on this floor ?"
"Oh yeah, of course." he affirmed. "My quarters is a little far from yours. Why do you ask ?"
"Oh it's nothing," I smiled. "I actually forgot the house managers are on the same floor with us. Goodbye then. I'll see you later."
"I'll see you later too."
.
Kelvin
What Hannah said got me thinking. There's something triggering my mom from not walking consistently. But after she heard about Delilah, it seems the trigger was gone and she could walk well for a long time. I didn't overthink on the issue cause Hannah and I went to a fast food restaurant to eat and enjoy. We spent time there eating and chatting to our content. When we were done, we bought some for mom and we were on our way back home.
When we got home, mom was in the kiosk, continuing Hannah's work in progress. We had to force her back inside. In fact, the whole day, we had to deal with her walking against our wishes. She didn't listen to us cause she claims the paralysis was gone. Even though she said that, she rested in the wheelchair for a while before getting up again.
By 9pm, Hannah and I had to convince her to get some rest and sleep. Luckily for us, she listened to us. After some minutes, we also went to bed. Before I slept, I got a notification from the bank that I had received ¢20,000 from Mr. Hanson. I almost shouted. ¢20,000 just for working for him for a week ? I couldn't believe my eyes. Mr. Hanson was really serious about paying me every week.
The next morning started on a bad note. My mom wanted to follow Hannah and I to church but we weren't convinced that her paralysis was gone entirely. So, we took hard choices and decided that none of us would go to church at all. We all stayed home and prepared food for lunch.
Mom still tried to convince us but we didn't listen. We had a brief casual argument and we changed the topic to other issues. By noon, it was time to leave and head back to Mr. Hanson's. Before I left, I gave them money and bidded my farewell. As usual, Hannah hugged me for a long time and when I heard the car arrive, I separated us and left with the car.
When I got to the house, I met Delilah on my way to my quarters and she took me to her quarters to tell me something sensitive. After having a long chat mostly about Sonya, I had enough for the afternoon and I left her quarters, moving towards mine. When I got to my bedroom, I laid down on my bed to rest.
But painfully, that didn't last long. I received a text from Mr. Hanson after I barely spent five minutes in my bedroom.
"Meet me at the parlor on the right side of the second floor in five minutes time."
At first, I didn't react to the message but then I thought about it. What if he saw me leave his daughter's quarters ? Was he going to fire me ? That's when I started to get scared. After regaining my composure in a few minutes, I stood up, dressed myself and walked out of my quarters. I made my way to the parlor and when I got there, I met him him sitting down, talking on the phone. He saw me and gestured me to take my seat. I obliged politely.
I waited for him to finish what seemed like a business phone call. He ended the call in less than a minute and he cleared his throat before facing me.
"I'm sorry about that, Mr. Walter." he apologized. "My call lasted longer than it should."
"No need for the apology, Mr. Hanson," I said. "I completely understand."
"Very well," he nodded. "Let's get straight to the point. Have you received a notification about an upcoming birthday party already ?"
Thank God. I thought he called me for the other reason I feared but no, it's something else.
"Yes please." I confirmed. "I received it a few minutes ago, Mr. Hanson."
"Good, good." he responded. "Mike was the one who inputted all the upcoming events on the calendar. This would help remind you of upcoming events."
"I see."
"So, I called you here to inform and discuss with you about the upcoming birthday party this coming Tuesday. It's actually my daughter's birthday." he explained.
"That's great," I smiled.
"Yes and I want it to be grand this year, Mr. Walter." he voiced out. "You are going to be in charge of organising this party and I very much know that you won't let me down."
"I'll give up my utmost effort in organising a grand party as you wish."
"I know you will," he agreed. "You've done a great job with the house already. You exceeded my expectations."
"I tried my best, Mr. Hanson."
"You did well...." He praised before getting interrupted by clearing his throat. "Pardon me..... Anyways, tomorrow you'll start with the preparations towards the party. First, make a budget for the entire party. To do that, I'll send you a guest list, so you can make an estimation. Are you going to invite anyone ?"
I thought for a while. "Maybe my sister."
"Good." he approved. "The more, the merrier. Anyways, I'll send the guest list, so you can make an estimation on the total budget for the party. Remember, it's going to be grand, so the budget has to be luxurious."
"Well noted." I replied.
"Also, the guesthouses. There are a lot of people coming to this party and it won't end early. Therefore, many of the guests would spend the night in the guesthouses. So, make sure that the guesthouses are ready to accommodate them." he added.
"Got it," I nodded. "What about the food and drinks ? How do I take care of that ? Do I go to a catering services or the chefs can handle that ?"
"Good question." Mr. Hanson mused. "The chefs have dealt with this kind of demand before. They will be able to handle the cooking but they'll need help from the other workers. For refreshments, Mike will help you on that. Don't worry. The same goes for decorations and entertainment."
"Alright. I've gotten your point, Mr. Hanson."
"Great to hear that. So I hope I have informed you well enough about the party ?"
"Very much," I uttered. "I'll try my best to fulfill your expectations of the party."
"I hope you do." He nodded slowly. "And also, there's one thing I should tell you before I forget."
"What is it Mr. Hanson ?"
"My wife and son are coming on Tuesday morning," he revealed. "And we are going to have a family dinner on Tuesday before noon. Please make sure that the chefs prepare a special dish for our dinner occasion on Tuesday."
"I'll make sure of that." I responded.
Mr. Hanson's wife and son are coming on Tuesday ? I didn't see that coming. I wonder what would happen on Tuesday after their arrival. And for some reason, the thought of meeting them is making me scared.