Do I Even Like Him?
Carmen got up as early as 6am and woke Vicky up as well.They did a bit of push ups,squats and jogging around the cramped space.Vicky's cubicle of a room housed a queen sized bed with pretty pink and white sheets and a pink duvet,a bedside table,a shoe rack which housed a 'lot' of shoes,her reading table and a mini fridge.
"Babes your mom gave you the smallest room in this house and you guys have five large guest rooms!"Carmen said incredulously.
"At least,I get to decorate my room with whatever I want and electricity still reaches here"Vicky remarked dryly.
"They're even worse than Uncle Pete and the lot"Carmen said in horror.
"It's not that bad Carrie!"Vicky acknowledged,laughing a little.
Carmen stared at her sweet friend sadly,she was under so much torture yet she continued to smile through it all.She remembered last night's events and fell deeper into sadness;she wondered what Vicky's life would be like if something happened to Mr Pius and shuddered visibly.
"Feeling cold?I can turn down the speed of the fan..."
"It's fine V"Carmen said reassuringly,giving her friend a tight smile.
Making a funny expression,Vicky said feigning seriousness "You don't need to worry about me,Luffy.I'm Zoro!"
In that moment she didn't even know if she should laugh or cry as she hugged her best friend.After a fairly emotional moment,they both had a bath and started getting ready for the day.
Carmen texted Zack to ask what time she could come and what textbooks to bring and he replied almost immediately:
"Come by 12....if you're having trouble locating my place,I can send the driver to whatever address you give....I have everything you'll need" with a expressionless emoji.
Carmen texted right back.."There'll be no need for a driver...thanks for the offer...12 is perfect..xoxo"
After clicking the send icon,she showed Vicky the text to which she replied,clicking her tongue "Girl...that's tacky..thanks for the offer?And you should've grumbled a bit about the timing...should've said nope,I'd like to come over by 10am and...xoxo,what's that?"
Hitting her head with her right palm,Carmen said"V!!!Why would grumble about the timing and decide to come by an even earlier time..and that too on a Saturday morning?!What if he has chores..."
"Carrie don't be silly!Did you see the ride that pulled up to take him after school?That's a fucking Rolls Royce!!!Do you really think that kind of boy does chores ??" Vicky stated,chuckling.
Pouting,Carmen argued"But what if he enjoys gardening as a form of relaxation and is tending to his daffodils?"
Shaking her head as she adjusted her head warmer,Vicky said incredulously "Carrie you're silly!Just sit down and let me work my magic"
Vicky was looking very pretty in a black crop top,black joggers,a green and yellow head warmer and a pair of cute black crocs.She'd worn her sports watch,a pair of beaded bracelets and a very nice looking chain with a cross pendant.Safe to say,Vicky was looking exceptionally good.
"You're looking good V!!!Are you sure you don't have any particular reason for looking this good apart from the fact that you're helping your dad out today?"Carmen asked,staring at her friend appreciably.
"Of course not Carrie!Now sit down and let me work"Vicky chuckled,sitting Carmen down on the bed.
After about twenty minutes,Vicky looked at Carmen excitedly and handed her a face mirror.Carmen looked at her reflection and gasped in awe.Vicky had managed to transform her otherwise plain face into a delightful sight,her lips were full and pouted with black lip liner and pink lipstick,her cheeks had just the perfect amount of blush and her eyebrows drawn to perfection.
"I look sooo good!!Thanks V!"Carmen said,smiling brightly.
"You're welcome!"Vicky replied graciously.
Carmen was equally looking good in dress appearance:she'd worn the clothes Vicky had picked,her black crocs , a cute chain with a teddy bear pendant,beaded bracelets,a designer wristwatch and black SnapBack cap.
Soon knocking started on Vicky's bedroom door,and Vicky flung it open only to be faced with Christopher who had a mischievous smirk on his face.
"Ahhhh!!What the heck Chris?!"Vicky screamed in shock.
"Shut up broomstick....mum asked me to tell you girls that you should sort your own breakfast out since you didn't come down early"Christopher announced,all the while openly ogling Carmen.
"What?!But it's only 7:30!!We normally eat at least until 8 on Saturdays!"Vicky complained.
"Sorry to disappoint you broomstick...Dad went out early to get some things,so he's had breakfast and he'll be back by 10....by the way,Carmen you look....gorgeous,have anyone special you're preening for?"Christopher remarked slyly.
Glaring at him,Carmen replied coldly"That's none of your business,you brat!"
Laughing in an ugly manner,Christopher remarked evilly"Remember you're in my father's house sweetheart and inside here I'm the king"
"Just leave Chris...thanks for the info"Vicky fumed,slamming the door on his face.
"But I'm so hungry!!!"Carmen said grumbling.
"Yeah...because of those grumps we couldn't finish our dinner!"Vicky hissed.
They watched TikTok together for about an hour before deciding they couldn't take it anymore.They both went downstairs where they met Cindy and her equally unpleasant friends giggling about something.
"Ah-ha!If it isn't my father's charity cause"Cindy remarked cruelly when she caught sight of Vicky and Carmen.
"What do you want hamster?"Vicky asked angrily.
"Hmmm...where are you girls going looking like professional video vixens?"Lucy,Cindy's best friend sneered.
"None of your business chipmunk"Vicky quipped.
"Don't you dare talk to her like that peasant!"Cindy fumed.
"Well maybe she shouldn't talk to us like that if she doesn't want her face to be bruised badly"Carmen raged,pointing a finger at Lucy fiercely.
"Why bitch?Will you hit her?!I'd like to see you try"Daisy,another of Cindy's minions quipped.
"Come close to me and find out"Carmen said furiously.
"Leave them Carrie,they're just bunch of lunatics"Vicky cooed, drawing Carmen close.
"You little..."
Just then,Mr Pius walked in saying with a booming voice"What in God's name is going on here?!"
Feigning sobs,Cindy started wailing as she said"Dad!!Daddy!!VICKY SLAPPED ME!!"
"Yes sir that's what happened"Daisy and Lucy lied as well.
"They're lying Daddy P!"Carmen retorted.
"Daddy I didn't touch her,I and Carmen just came downstairs and she and her friends started to verbally abuse us"Vicky explained calmly.
"You liar!!!"Cindy fumed.
"ENOUGH!!!!I've had enough of this foolishness!!Cindy apologize to them this instant!"Mr Pius raged.
"But Dad..."
"NOW!!!!!!!!"Mr Pius roared.
Pouting childishly,Cindy reluctantly said"I'm sorry Vicky...sorry Carmen"
"I believe you both also owe my girls an apology?"Mr Pius inquired,glaring at Cindy's two friends.
Exchanging quick looks of panic,Daisy and Lucy both apologized "We're very sorry,Vicky and Carmen"
"Lovely....now,if you'll excuse us...girls let's go"Mr Pius remarked giving them a tight smile as he exited the house with a triumphant Carmen and a smug looking Vicky.
They all hopped into Mr Pius' Lexus 350 and zoomed out of the compound.
************************************
They were stuck in traffic for about an hour and without the AC in the car,they would've surely died of heat and exhaustion.
Tired of listening to music,Vicky removed her EarPods and complained bitterly "This town and it's traffic jams!"
"Really though...I hate the fact that we don't live in London...they don't have traffic jams every now and then!"Carmen concurred.
"Exactly fam!"Vicky affirmed.
Laughing from the front seat,Mr Pius said "You girls and your wishful thinking!Would you rather live in countries like Russia and not know if you're safe from a bomb or missile ?"
Grumpily,they both said"No....no,not really"
Amused,he turned to face them and was about saying something when he noticed Vicky cradling her stomach and Carmen biting her thumb.Having known the duo his whole life,he turned back towards the steering and said with a mischievous smirk "Hmm.....Chicken Republic is quite near...should we stop there for a small treat?"
"Yes!!Yes!"they both said cheerfully almost at once.
As if on cue,the traffic started breaking up and they reached the fast food joint in less than ten minutes.
Mr Pius ordered Jollof rice,chicken and dodo cubes,Carmen ordered white rice,chicken stew,an egg and dodo cubes while Vicky ordered fried rice,chicken,a large helping of salad and dodo cubes.They all got Sprite to drink.
The girls ate ravenously as Mr Pius watched in amusement.After they finished eating,Vicky remarked gleefully"Now I can think straight!"
Carmen and Mr Pius laughed loudly;Vicky's happiness was indeed contagious.They left the fast food after getting ice cream for dessert.
************************************
Arriving at CP Events,was a matter of minutes for a seasoned driver such as Mr Charles Pius.The company was a modest affair,which constituted of a reception,his office and a staff office which housed five.
Mr Pius waltzed into his office while Vicky and Carmen engaged in a friendly conversation with May,the good natured receptionist who liked to gossip.
"Hmmm!!The man was like he must get his money back and that he never asked for a DJ but a live band!He threatened to sue us oh!"May explained moving her hands comically.
"Really?!What did Pops say?"Vicky asked excitedly.
"Your father called him out on his bluff and proved beyond reasonable doubt that he had asked for a DJ at his wife's naming ceremony and not a live band by a showing several texts exchanged between him and his PA,Dionne as well as well as several undeniable alibis that indeed he'd asked for a DJ!And then like a scared little puppy with it's tail between it's legs,the man left in shame"May said,laughing uproariously as her eyes watered.
The girls laughed along; Carmen had glanced at her wristwatch severally under Vicky's scrutiny.
"It's only 11:30,smarty pants"Vicky snickered.
"I'd rather not be late sly fox!And why're you even keeping tabs on me?"Carmen asked a bit flustered.
Just about then,Mr Pius' PA,a tall lean nice lady who was in herlate thirties walked in with a
young lad of around seventeen,who was the splitting image of Dionne.
"Good morning Mary!Good morning everyone!"Dionne greeted in a sing song voice.
"Morning Miss Dionne!"May replied cheerfully.
"Good morning Miss Dionne"Carmen and Vicky greeted warmly,staring at the interesting youngster with Miss Dionne.
The boy was handsome in a cute way,he had cute dimples,full well trimmed hair,incredibly deep brown eyes,a small button nose and full luscious pink lips.He has light brown like Miss Dionne and had her calm nature with his funny looking glasses.
"Who's this handsome boy that resembles you so well Miss Dionne?!He's extremely cute!"May inquired,looking at the boy with undisguised interest.
Looking a bit flushed,Miss Dionne responded calmly"Umm...he's my son...he's just come from the north..he's been living with my mother all this while,but she...well...she died recently"
Miss Dionne started crying quietly whilst her son held her hand supportively and stroked it gently.
"We're sorry for your loss ma'am"the girls both said sympathetically.
"That is so heartbreaking!You know the way the aged die these days!It's truly sad!But....you didn't tell us you had a son,why's that?"May inquired,in full gossip mode.
Coughing slightly,Vicky said sternly"Miss May,I don't think that question is very...sensitive"
"No it's fine honey"Dionne said,smiling a little "I had my son,Reuben when I was a teen,so my mom decided to raise him for me while I furthered my education and got a career I loved"
"That is so nice of her!God
bless that kind woman's soul!"May said,hands lifted in prayer.
"Amen...I have to work now RD,be a good boy and wait for me in the reception area okay?"Dionne requested smiling.
"Of course mum"Reuben replied,grimacing a little.
With a small smile,Dionne made her way to the staff room.
"Hi!I'm Vicky and this is my bestie Carmen!"Vicky introduced cheerfully,stretching her hand for a handshake.
Taking her hand slowly,Reuben smiled a
mega watt smile and said sweetly "Thank you...as you already know I'm Reuben...I think you both are very pretty, back in the North I've seen my fair share of lovely women but you both have to be exceptionally gorgeous"
"Thanks Ruby"Carmen replied cheerfully.
"Given me a nickname already?"Reuben teased.
"If she didn't I would've!"Vicky informed him with a mock bow.
Chuckling softly,Carmen stated "She definitely would've"
Carmen liked Reuben already;he was a cute guy who seemed pretty chill and looked like he would make a good friend.And from the looks of it,Vicky liked him too.
"I'm going to have my hands full with you both,aren't I ?"Reuben joked.
"If you didn't,we wouldn't be....."
"Carrie and V!"Carmen announced comically.
Laughing softly,Reuben was about to say something when Carmen glanced at her watch and exclaimed in horror "
Oh no!!!Oh no!Oh no!"
"What?"Reuben and Vicky asked in confusion.
"It's 12:05!"Carmen shouted in panic.
"So?"Reuben asked still not getting it.
"She's late for a date.....I mean,group study"Vicky explained
sheepishly.
Looking at her bestie frantically,she inquired "What's going to happen now V?!I'm late by five essential minutes!"
As if in sync,her phone pinged with an incoming text.Fishing it from her pocket,she saw it was from Zack and it read "You're late?I expected punctuality nerd " with an eye roll emoji.Showing her bestie the text,Vicky simply giggled and said"That's some attitudinal texting!And nerd?! Seriously babes,the teachers are not doing you a solid by referring to you as a star student all the time...it does make you sound like a nerd...which you are by the way!"
Reuben chuckled whilst Carmen groaned and exclaimed "This is so frustrating!"
"Okay...just book an Uber to his place,I'm sure you'll offer a nice apology and it'll be fine" Vicky assured.
"Yeah...I'm sure your da..I mean group study like Vicky said,will be absolutely fine,I mean a few minutes wouldn't change how incredibly epic the whole study will be"Reuben affirmed sweetly.
"You guys are so right!PS Ruby you're sweet and...I hate you V!But I've gotta go...bye guys!"Carmen called out cheerfully,whilst ordering an Uber at the same time.
"Bye nerd!Make mama proud!"Vicky called to Carmen's disappearing back.
**************************************
Carmen arrived at Zack's castle at exactly 12:27;castle could be the only thing that described the masterpiece that was in front of Carmen.She pushed the bell in front of the gate and it made a shrill loud noise and a security guard soon approached and asked shrewdly "Who are you here for,young lady?"
"I'm Zack's classmate;I'm here for a group study for school"Carmen replied.
"A group study?With Mr Paul?"the security guard asked as if he couldn't believe it.
"Yes"Carmen answered feeling a bit stressed.
Just as the security guard was about to say something else,they both saw Zack approaching with a frown.
Carmen swallowed hard;the teenage boy seemed to have increased in his cuteness.He was wearing tight shorts,a loose baggy singlet and a pair of sneakers with white socks.His hair had been loosened and held back with a red bandanna and he was wearing earring studs.
"Good afternoon Mr Theo,she's my guest let her in "Zack said,looking her at her disapprovingly.
The security guard let her in as Carmen said immediately "I'm so sorry for being late..I got caught up in something and didn't realize I was late already"
Zack gave her a calculated glance under which Carmen practically squirmed,while biting her cheek forcefully.After about three minutes,Zack turned and started walking towards the house;feeling puzzled, Carmen followed him hurriedly.
"So I was thinking...."Carmen began as they neared the entrance of Zack's edifice "We could do a topic from the SS3 scheme of work...I know we're still in SS2 literally but we still could...."
Before she could conclude what she was about to say,an old lady emerged from the house with a warm smile.The lady looked like Zack's relative,she dressed in an English way and had a certain elegance to her.
"Ah!There you are Zachary!"the old lady beamed.
"Hi Grandma "Zack greeted softly giving her a warm hug.
"Why...you're sweating so much!Go take a bath right now!I'll have Penelope fix you something nice and...who's this young girl with you?"the old asked,giving Carmen a bright smile.
"Good afternoon ma'am,I'm Carmen Kingston,Zack's schoolmate"Carmen introduced smiling softly.
"My oh my!Zachary!!!You didn't tell me you're having a guest!I would've prepared adequately !"the old lady cried in delight.
"She's here for school work,Grandma...not for anything,elaborate "Zack said,giving his Grandmother a warning look.
Clearly ignoring him,she brushed Zack aside and held Carmen by the shoulders saying sweetly "You're quite the delight my dear!You must join me for lunch with Zack...we eat together everyday but it gets boring with him!He's an absolutely buzzkill that one!"
Fighting back a giggle with difficulty,Carmen smiled and said
"Thank you for your kind offer Mrs Paul but...."
"Please!Mrs Paul is Zachary's paternal grandmother and she is such...a ghoulish soul!Please call me Granny Hillary my dear "the old lady said sweetly,already guiding Carmen into the house to Zack's despair.
Carmen fought the urge to gape and failed miserably,Zack truly lived in a castle of sorts.There was expensive art hanging on the walls,gold tinged furnishings etc.Everything around the house looked pristine clean;Mrs Hillary took Carmen to a dining room where there was a dining table which could comfortably fit twelve people but was now going to accommodate
three.Carmen stared at the dining room in awe;even their cutlery was silverware.
Carmen and Mrs Hillary sat down and Zack was about to sit too when Mrs Hillary groaned and said "Don't you dare Zachary!Go and have a bath before you get your grime all over my expensive silverware!"
Carmen chuckled loudly to which she got a glare from Zack's cold eyes.Obviously pissed at his grandmother's petty squabbling,he pushed the chair he had taken backwards and headed upstairs which was obviously where the bedrooms were.
Giving Carmen a tight smile,Mrs Hillary said "Now my darling tell me about yourself,are you getting on well with my grandson?"
"Umm...Mrs...Granny Hillary,well he's new and he doesn't really socialize...at least not yet,but I think he's...an okay person"Carmen divulged nervously.
"Zachary is just having a hard time getting used to things....you see his mother has an addiction problem and his father left because of it....i thought it best Zachary came back to Nigeria"Mrs Hillary said,looking every bit her age at that moment with the sadness distorting her facial expression.
Carmen didn't know what to say;she was at loss for words. 'No wonder Zack is so gloomy...his mom has an addiction problem and his dad just....abandoned them?!"she thought.
She was about to comfort the old lady when a middle aged dark woman came in from the kitchen with a tray of fruits.
"Ah Penelope!Meet Carmen!Carmen meet Penny here,she's been my chef for ten years and God bless this soul!Wonderful to the end!"Mrs Hillary said,beaming.
"Good day Miss Penelope" Carmen said warmly.
The middle aged lady set the tray on the table,smiled and said "Good day Miss Carmen;I'm Penelope ;I'm African by origin,but I lived my early years in London,my father is Senegalese and my mother is Nigerian but they moved
to London before I was born to have a better life,I returned fifteen years ago to go to university here as per my mother's wishes;I got married to a nice Igbo man while in the university and I had twins for him;two lovely girls;they're both in high school in South Africa with their father as he works there;their names are Fiona and Finn....you're welcome to Madam's home"
With that,Penelope bowed once and left the room.
"Forgive Penelope!She has a habit of telling whoever cares to listen her 'roots'!"Mrs Hillary said,giggling.
"I think she's wonderful "Carmen admitted sincerely.
Just then,Zack came back fully dressed in a white button down shirt and black pants.His hair was now packed in two buns and to Carmen,it gave him a girlish look.
"Ah hah!Zachary come sit!We must have lunch quickly!I'm famished and I must take my drugs!"Mrs Hillary requested,pointing towards the chair beside Carmen.
"Yes Grandma "Zack replied,sitting next to Carmen while his grandmother sat at the head of the table.
Swallowing hard,Carmen inched her chair away from Zack slightly.From the corner of her eye,she saw Zack's lips twitch slightly.Soon afterwards,Penelope entered alongside a younger looking maid with the food,which they set on the dining table.
"Please tell us what you've prepared for us today, oui?"Mrs Hillary asked sweetly.
Nodding enthusiastically,Penelope replied "I've prepared seafood pasta,grilled chicken and a vegetable salad,you'll be having freshly squeezed orange juice with it"
The younger maid soon came back with a jug of orange juice.
With that,they left the room and they feasted on a scrumptious lunch.Carmen loved the seafood pasta and made it a note to ask Penelope her recipe;after lunch,Mrs Hillary decided it was too late by then for Carmen to be away from home and thought it wise for her to go home.She then asked a very reluctant Zack to escort her home safely to Carmen's dismay.
As they walked to the gate,Carmen said politely "Your Grandma is the sweetest and I'm glad I met her"
Suddenly stopping abruptly on his tracks,Zack replied coldly "I didn't bring you here to get comfortable with my grandma"
"I just..."
"Save it!Now be a good girl and order an Uber for yourself,I'll tell my Grandma your folks sent a car "Zack interrupted coldly,turning to start walking back to his home.
Feeling like someone slapped her across the face,Carmen screamed to his retreating back "You are such an asshole!"
Stopping but without turning back,Zack chuckled and asked in a saccharine sweet voice "Did I pray tell ever act like I was a saint,mademoiselle?"and with that,he continued walking.
Feeling very stupid,Carmen booked an Uber which came in a matter of minutes.She hopped in and berated herself for being such a goof.
'Do I even like him?Or is he an unhealthy crush which would die out?'she thought.