by C. P. Watson
By the time I took a sip of the smoothie, teenagers were seen walking down the streets. I rolled my eyes as a few boys whistled in my direction, making me lift my middle finger towards them as I walked back home, deciding not to run.
The gates were already opened which made me believe that my grandfather was just arriving as well. I walked in and saw that he was not alone. “Grandpa?” I said in a questioning voice, I recognized the person who was with him.
“Kay, wait, is that what you wore out on the streets?” I rolled my eyes.
“It’s for running grandpa.” I defended making him let out a chuckle.
“I know honey, just be careful with the elder women and their disapproving looks.” He said before turning to the person I did not think I would see so soon.
“You’re here,” I said to her, making a small frown appear on her face at how harshly I said it.
“Don’t be so rude, she is your teacher after all.” I took a sip of my smoothie as she just looked at me. “Ava was just telling me about the volunteer work.” He said making me cringe.
“And why would she do that?” I mumbled. ‘Was she seriously trying to get my grandfather on her side?’
“Would you like to come inside dear?”
“Actually…”
“Great then, come along, it’s getting dark out here.” I followed behind them but immediately retreated to my room as I entered the house, not that they noticed anyway.
I hopped into the shower, washing away the sweat that had built up and grabbed another towel from my dresser drawer. I let the towel drop to the floor again, I really needed to start picking them up, and walked over to my closet to find a pyjama shorts and a tank top.
I heard a rap on my door and thought it was grandpa, “I am naked, don’t come in.” I yelled as I grabbed a pair of boy shorts and slipped it on.
“Your grandfather wants you in the kitchen.” I heard the feminine voice of the maid.
“Okay,” I said as I slipped my legs into my pyjama shorts and my tank top over my head. My hair was wet since I decided to wash it because of all the sweat built up from running.
I walked down the steps and towards the kitchen seeing that grandpa was taking groceries out of the fridge while the teacher was setting a pot on the stove. ‘What the hell?’
“What’s going on?” I questioned as I leaned on the door frame of the kitchen.
“We are having some people over and Ava offered to help cook.” He said making me groan.
“I will just be in my room when that is happening,” I said as I walked over to the fridge, opened it and grabbed another bottle of water. The remaining of my smoothie was left on the sink counter, I needed to remember to get rid of it before ants manifested themselves.
“I would like you to join us. I am only having it because of you.”
I pointed to myself, “me.” I mumbled as I looked at him, “what did mom tell you?” I squinted my eyes and glared at him making him sigh.
“Nothing, it is just that you need to learn how to socialize with people.”
“Grandpa, you were supposed to be different.” I complained resting the bottle on the counter, “this is so stupid.” I grumbled crossing my arms over my chest.
“Come on Kay, at least try, college is not too far away so you won’t have to deal with my ill-treatment for too long.” He chuckled making me frown.
“Fine,” I mumbled as I uncrossed my arms and grabbed the bottle off the counter.
“Splendid, now help us with the stuffed plantains, I know you are an expert at that.” I let out a low breath as I opened the cap of the bottle and took a sip before resting it back on the counter. “By the way, stop leaving your bottles on the counter, it is unsanitary.”
I nodded as I walked over to the pantry and grabbed a few plantains. “How much do I need to make?” I asked as he began cutting vegetables while the teacher was stirring something on the stove.
“Six.” My eyes widened.
“How many people are coming over?” I almost yelled as I looked at the three plantains in my hand.
“Three people, don’t be such a drama queen.” He said as he got back to focusing on chopping vegetables.
“There goes his boundaries,” I mumbled as I grabbed three more plantains from the pantry.
◆◆◆
AFTER PREPARING EVERYTHING, I leaned against the counter as my teacher was placing the pots and pans into the dishwasher. “You know the maid can do that, right?”
“She is not here now, is she?” She retorted as she finished placing the last one in and closed the dishwasher. She pressed a few buttons before turning and looking at me.
“Your blouse has…” I pointed to her shirt which had sauce spilled on it. She let out a breath as she walked over to the sink and began trying to clean it.
Grandpa then came back into the kitchen with a different shirt and jeans on, “do I have to change as well?” I asked looking at his attire.
“Unless you want eyes ogling you at the dinner table, I think it is best for you to change into something more appropriate.” He said referring to my shorts that were just below my ass and my thin tank top that showed too much cleavage than necessary.
I rolled my eyes as I looked over at the teacher. “Do you need something to borrow, doesn’t seem like you’re getting anywhere with that,” I said making her turn. She let out a low breath and nodded.
“Okay, you two ladies get dressed, I am going to hold off the guests, they should be here soon.” He said as I made my way out of the kitchen with her in tow. I walked up the steps and towards my room, I did not feel like having another shower, being that I had three for the day already and likely would take one before I went to bed. With that being so, I headed straight for my closet and began searching through the piles of clothing.
“Damn.” She said as she leaned against the door frame of my closet.
“Are you going to stand there or look for something to wear?” I said as I picked up a navy blue chiffon dress that tightly fitted my upper torso and flared below stopping above my knees.
“I’d rather you pick something.” She said making me look away from the dress in my hand. I handed her the dress, though I intended to wear it but it seemed like it would suit her.
“There you go, get dressed,” I said as I picked up a random crop top and a pair of denim, high waist, skinny jeans. I walked out of the closet making her follow me.
“Um... Where is the bathroom?” She furrowed her brows as I dropped my shorts and pulled my tank top over my head, which made her eyes widen.
I laughed as I grabbed my jeans and slipped my legs into it before pulling it above my waist, not forgetting to zip and button it. “Don’t be a prude.” I chuckled as I looked up at her while slipping the top over my head. She seemed a bit uncomfortable which made me remember that she was, in fact, my teacher. “It’s over there.” I pointed as I walked over to the mirror.
I heard her footsteps, then the opening and closing of the bathroom door. I rolled my eyes and picked up my brush to comb through my hair.
After getting rid of the tangles and then leaving it to flow off of my shoulders, she came back out wearing the dress I gave her and I was not lying when I said that my jaw almost dropped to the floor, literally. She looked really good in it. “I think it is a bit too much.” She said as she looked down scanning herself.
“Too much is when you tell my grandfather about the volunteer work,” I said as I picked up my perfume and sprayed it all over my upper torso a few times.
“It’s a small town, everyone knows everything.” She defended as I rested the perfume back down.
“Chatterboxes, I tell ya.” I sighed and gave her a smile. “I’ll do both, but definitely not in the morning, okay?”
“Not a morning person?” She questioned as she walked towards me, the clothes she changed out of hung on her arm.
“Definitely not and please no stupid people for the tutoring. I can’t handle stupid people.�
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“Why do you think they need tutoring?” I frowned at her joke knowing she had a point.
“Whatever, I just hope they don’t make my life a living hell. How many students anyway, because I can’t handle too many?”
“Three, I will give you the schedule tomorrow, most of it is during their free periods so you’ll have late afternoons off to do whatever it is you do.” I nodded thinking that I had to spend more time in school.
“And being your assistant?”
“Yes, you just have to help me grade papers, and sometimes watch over the class. Nothing too difficult for someone as brilliant as you to manage.” I touched my chest accepting her compliment.
“Well thank you, it is nice to know.” She chuckled before placing her hand on my shoulder.
“By the way, I am around here a lot, so you better get comfortable with me.” I furrowed my brows.
“Are you and my grandfather dating?” I asked scrunching up my nose.
“God no, he is my godfather, so we are close.” She said placing her hand on her chest and widened her eyes.
“He never talks about you,” I said stuffing my hands into my back pockets.
“You must have never listened, do you even know my name?” She questioned as if I was oblivious to everything around me.
“Ava, right?” She nodded.
“What about my last name? You should know this since you were in my class earlier today.” I thought for a moment, not remembering any moment her name was brought up. “Reese.” She said after a few minutes of me not speaking. I mouthed an ‘o’ since I certainly did not remember that being brought up at all.
“You’re a quiet girl, that is a good thing. Just be more aware of what is going on around you.” She said making me roll my eyes.
“You can leave your clothes over there in the hamper, the maid will wash it and you’re coming back soon anyway, right? So you can pick them up whenever you want.” She nodded and did as I told her. “Do you need anything else?” I asked, she shook her head and gave me a smile.
“I think I heard the doorbell ring, the guests must have arrived, let’s go downstairs.” She said walking out of the room making me follow behind her. We walked down the steps to see two people and a little girl with them. “Mom, what are you guys doing here?” Ava asked stopping in her tracks at the last step of the stairs.
“I invited them, of course.” My grandfather said walking out of the dining room. “I already set everything on the table.” He looked at me then to Ava. I slipped past her towards my grandfather, I was feeling a bit uncomfortable with the weird looks they were giving me.
“I did not know the guests would be them.” She shook her head as if she should have known better.
“And who else am I going to invite other than my family.” The old man grinned.
Ava walked over to her family and picked up the little girl into her arms, “don’t you look pretty.” Ava smiled and kissed her cheek.
“Where did you get that dress?” The little girl pointed out making everyone look at the dress as well.
“Oh Kylie lent it to me, I spilled sauce on my blouse.” She said referring her gaze to me. I nodded before looking down at my feet.
“I have heard so much about you.” The mother said to me making my eyes lift from off of the ground to look at her. “You are very beautiful.” She complimented walking towards me.
“Where are my manners? Diane and Phillip, this is my granddaughter that I have told you so much about. Kay, these are some close friends of mine. I am both of their children’s godfather.” He said proudly.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said giving them a small smile.
“She is as shy as you said, Donald.” The woman said as she pulled me into a hug. I just stood there like a statue mentally pleading for her to let go.
She finally let go and I could breathe again, “come on, let’s go into the living room and have some wine, well except for you two young girls.”
“Whatever,” I mumbled as we walked into the living room. I took a seat on the love seat and waited for the rest of them to sit as well. I just wanted the night to be over so that I could go to bed and forget about socializing with anyone.
Ava and the little girl sat beside me. The girl seemed to be about five years old. “Hi.” She said to me as she extended her hand. I shook it and smiled weakly. “I am Natalie.”
“Kylie,” I said releasing her hand and resting mine back on my lap.
“You have pretty eyes.” She said as she scooted closer to me.
“Natalie, let the girl be.” Ava scolded but Natalie ignored her and sat on my lap.
“I’ve seen you in pictures before, my sister said that you are extremely pretty.” I looked up to see that Ava’s cheeks had consequently stained a shade of light pink.
“Natalie, don’t.” Her sister pleaded.
“I think you are pretty too, do you have a boyfriend?” She asked sweetly, and I felt as though her eyes were staring into my soul.
“I am not in a relationship at the moment,” I said excluding the fact that I would never in my life have a boyfriend. She was too little to understand sexual orientation or maybe I just did not feel like explaining it to her.
“Have you ever had a boyfriend?” She questioned again, her voice very curious.
I shook my head and she pouted. “Why? You are so pretty.”
“I just don’t like boys.” I gave her a smile before my grandfather spoke.
“You have said that since preschool.” He chuckled while sitting down in his armchair.
“But boys are so cute, do you know Archer Jennings?” I shook my head making her frown.
“He is the cutest boy in my school, he has brown hair and light green eyes.” She cooed making her sister chuckle.
“Natalie stop drooling over a boy that is more than thrice your age.” Ava scolded and pinched her cheek. “No boys now, focus on school.” The little girl rolled her eyes and got off of my lap and walked towards her mother. She seemed to be angry with Ava. “Now she is angry with me.” Ava sighed.
“So Kylie, I heard that you’re aiming for Harvard after high school.” My grandfather said which he likely heard from my mother.
I nodded, “yes, I have applied and I hope to get in grandpa.” I said with much optimism that I would.
“So what do you plan on doing?” Ava’s father asked. He had not said anything since he arrived.
“A Bachelor’s in English, and then I will be off to Law School.”
“I see you are following in your family’s footsteps.” He said, “Ava can help you out with English.” He continued.
“Yeah, Literature is my only downfall so far and yet I want to pursue it,” I said and bit down on my bottom lip.
“Make your weakness your strong suit, I like that.”
CHAPTER THREE
Ifiddled with a strand of my hair as my grandfather explained how his retirement was the best thing that happened to him, “being a lawyer at my age would be a heart attack itself, the clients are too stressful and the job occupies all my time.” He said before taking a sip of his red wine. “Jaclyn was telling me how a man had brought a gun to court, the result being fatal, luckily she was in another courtroom, I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to her.” I listened as he talked about the incident my mother overheard while in the courthouse, she was one to exaggerate the experience, each time she retold the story, she was closer and closer to being in danger. She acted as if she was in the same courtroom as the shooter.
“Grandpa, I hear my father is in Argentina,” I said, the courtroom incident reminding me of my father.
“I am guessing your brother messaged you.” He said, and I nodded. “Why does Owen insist on always bringing up that man?” He groaned and placed down his fork.
“Yes, it is not something I ask to be told about,” I said looking down at my plate of food which was barely touched.
“Have you reminded h
im that you are not concerned about that disgrace of a person?”
“Yeah, I told him to stop, he is reluctant to.”
“He is a good kid with noble intentions. He just has to stop bringing up that man,” I looked around the table knowing everyone was listening in on our conversation.
“He doesn’t get why.” I mumbled taking my eyes off of everyone as I thought back to when I was younger. “I want to be alone,” I said as I got up, walked out of the living room, up the steps and into my bedroom. I plopped down onto my bed as let out a loud groan. I never had a conventional relationship with my father, the thought of him was always in the back of my mind, but when I did remember things about him, it was never good. I was glad he was out of my life, but I still had vague memories of happy moments with him, moments I truly despised.
“Daddy, daddy, look what I did.” I handed him the paper where I drew him, my mother and myself holding hands as we stood in a circle. “This is you, mommy and me,” I said giggling.
He scanned the paper, and a smile appeared on his face, “you are such an artistic kid, can you teach me to be like you?” He picked me up and spun me around making laughter escape my lips. When he stopped, I still couldn’t stop giggling.
“You can’t be like me, daddy,” I said between laughter.
“And why not?” He pouted and placed me back onto my feet.
“Because everyone is unique, you can’t be like me because you are you,” I said crossing my arms over my chest knowing I made a valid point.
“When did my princess become so smart?” He ruffled my hair making my arms drop to my sides as I smiled proudly.
I took out the only picture I had of him from my nightstand drawer and scanned over it, the distant memory of my father seemed to fade more and more as I grew older. I looked at his wide smile, thin lips and porcelain nose. I was so unlike him. He played a part in the reason for my existence yet he was a stranger. I sighed as I placed the photo back where I kept it before I looked up at the ceiling of my room. My thoughts were once again spiralling out of control and fragments of my memory resurfacing.