07

Lauren Hart

Packings bags is the most essential as well as the fun part when planning for a vacation. Especially for us, females, it’s a life and death situation as forgetting even a single item will cause a blunder. Packing toiletry, footwear, makeup, and several clothes for a day to night routine is a difficult task because we have to look presentable every single moment——not for others but ourselves.

But I was packing bags for my stay at my boss’s place for a whole week——I obviously wanted to look presentable. But again, who looks presentable at home? It’s the comfort that matters.

I had been packing my bags for the last one hour but all I was doing was putting and then throwing out clothes from the bag as I was not the same person I was a second ago so, the taste in my own clothes was changing every passing second. For once I thought he had already seen me in my worst state but again, I couldn’t afford to look like a ghost or a she-hulk before him ever again.

Aggrrhhh! Only if he hadn’t put me in this situation! I couldn’t even ask for Christy’s help with packing comfortable yet presentable home wearable clothes as I had informed her that I was going on a business trip. Anyhow, I packed whatever I could, not forgetting my new pajamas, and went to shower. Yes, It was ten in the morning and I hadn’t showered yet. He wanted me to be present at his place before noon and here I was… running late.

“I’ll miss you, Lauren.” Christy hugged me when I came out of my room, dragging my suitcases behind me.

“I’m not moving out forever, Christy. It’s just for a week.” I chuckled, patting her back in a soothing manner. I wish someone could soothe me too and say that I won’t end up dead.

“I think I should get going, I’m already running late.”

“Yeah, sure and don’t worry about your belongings. They are safe here.” She said.

“Belongings are the last thing in my right now, Christy. I’m worried about how will I spent the whole week with him.” I muttered under my breath.

“Huh? You said something?”

“No. I didn’t. So, bye and take care.”

Saying that I marched out of the house and came face to face with my bad luck. The only annoying lady I have ever come across, Mrs. Harris.

“Going somewhere?” She inquired, eyeing my travel suitcases which I was dragging with me.

“Yes, Mrs. Harris.” I kept my answer short. I didn’t want to engage in a talk with her.

“Where?” Her eyebrows lifted to the peak, eyeing me suspiciously.

This annoying stone–age lady! Always putting nose in other’s business! I knew that the minute I cross the boundaries of the house, this old hag would call my mom to fill her ears with new gossip. Bloody gossipmonger! And the issue was I hadn’t informed my mother about my so-called business trip. As usual, I didn’t care what she stuffs my mom’s ears with as she has always disapproved of everything about me.

“Business trip.” Again, I kept my reply short, giving her a tight-lipped smile.

“With your boyfriend I assume?” Her unnecessary assumption about my life caused me to gape at her.

“It was just last night you went out with a man and now, in the morning you are moving out with your bag.”

My jaw clenched. “He isn’t —“ I paused all of a sudden. She wanted to hear from my mouth that the man I went out with was my boyfriend then she will hear the same. I wore a sweet, teasing smile to reply to her

“Mrs. Harris, you know I’m still young and your ‘no man allowed in the house’ policy is somehow wasting my charm.” I stepped closer to her and brought my lips to her ears.

“So, I have to go out to find pleasure. I have needs, you know?”

I stepped away and smirked at her now horrified expressions. “Bye, Mrs. Harris. Take care.” I waved my hand and literally ran away from her.

“You impudent, mannerless girl.” I heard her shout at me. I bust out laughing hard. I love to annoy people who annoy me.

The bubbles of laughter died inside me when I couldn’t find a taxi. Oh, god. What should I do now? It was already half-past eleven and I was still standing at the side of the road, looking for a taxi that could take me to his place. Crap, I should have booked an uber! God, he is going to be angry. Actually, it was his fault. If he had wanted me to be on time he should have sent a car to fetch me. It was his responsibility. Yeah, it was his fault, not mine!

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I almost got a heart attack when I saw the caller ID. It was Mr. Peterson. Shit, I’m dead meat now.

Should I pick it up and earn an earful or should I wait to get scolded till I reach his place? I opted for the latter one as I knew I was definitely going to go through his wrath so why get scolded two times? One time should be enough.

After putting my phone in silent mode I waited for almost fifteen minutes until I found a taxi. I rushed inside and hastily told the driver the address and pleaded him to drive as fast as he could.

God save me one last time, please.

Sean Peterson

I had strictly told her to be at my place before noon. And it was already 11:45 and she hadn’t arrived yet. God, this woman will drag me into problems.

Grandma was to arrive after twelve that’s why I had told her to be early so I could get her settled properly in one of the rooms so that grandma couldn’t doubt anything. But damn Miss Hart was late. How could I make it look real if she hasn’t arrived on time?

I even tried to call her but she didn’t pick up my call. Was she avoiding me? Was she bailing out on me? Had she not taken my threat seriously? Did she have enough guts to put her job at stake? I was furious. She dared to oppose me. She dared to leave me hanging on the cliff. I had decided if she didn’t arrive in the next ten minutes, she would not have her job the next day.

The doorbell rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Finally, she’s here. I’ll give her a piece of mind.” I mumbled as I made my way to open the door and when I did I received the shock of my life.

“Grandma?”

“Your face is twisted as if you weren’t expecting us.”

“Yeah, but I called you just half-hour ago and you said you are going to be late.”

“Well, surprise!”

My eyes traveled behind her, looking for a sign of certain someone but still nothing.

“Will you keep us waiting at the door? Come on, let us in.” Grandma scolded me, making my eyes snap at her.

“Oh, sorry. Please come in.”

She stepped in followed by Ryan. The driver took the bags inside and placed them near the door. I shut the door but only after giving a last look outside hoping to see her. God, what am I gonna do now?

“Such a nice house you have here, Sean,” Grandma mumbled, admiring, roaming her eyes around the house.

I needed to keep her distracted until Miss Hart arrives. Hope she arrives soon.

“Thank you. Please sit down, grandma. You must be tired because of traveling.” I said as I approached them.

“Oh, it was just an hour ride, nothing much. Unlike people of your generation, I’m strong. I still can walk two miles without huffing and panting.”

“Okay, I get it you are strong but please, have a seat. It’ll make me feel good.”

She sat down on the couch and I kneeled to talk to Ryan who had been standing awkwardly, in silence.

“Hey, Ryan. How are you?” I asked as I ruffled his hair.

“I’m good, Uncle Sean.” His soft voice made me smile.

“How do you like the place, Ryan,” I asked him. I just wanted to pass the time. And also, I didn’t want to look at Grandma who I was damn sure was on the verge of questioning me about the woman.

“It’s nice.” Oh, come on, Ryan, speak more than just two words so that I can engage in talk with you. I badly have to avoid grandma.

“So, are you ready to spend your time at my house?”

“Yes.”

“Why are so quiet, Ryan. Speak your heart out. I want to talk to you. I want to know how you feel.” I mumbled softly, cupping his face.

“Sean, give him time. He’ll open up soon.” Grandma interrupted but I didn’t dare to look at her—I couldn’t.

“Ryan, feel free to do whatever you want. Don’t hesitate to ask for the things you want, I’ll give you everything. And try to open up a bit, I’m your uncle, kiddo, not a stranger, okay?” I said softly, observing his face.

“Thank you, uncle Sean.” He nodded his head but with hesitation. A huge smile tugged my lips and leaning forward I placed a kiss on his chubby cheek.

I was waiting for the day he opens up to me and to share whatever he feels about everything. I had been in his position. I had seen it, felt it. Loneliness, hesitation, sadness, and darkness. I had felt it all that’s why I didn’t want him to feel it too.

“Sean.” Uh oh, trouble alert.

I stood up on my feet and faced grandma who was already looking at me with doubtful eyes.

“Yes, grandma?” I shifted on my feet.

“Where is she?” Her eyebrows quirked up and I gulped. “Why isn’t she here to welcome us?”

My throat was hit by a drought. My pulse rate increased and my lips got sealed. I couldn’t form words. What reason could have I given to her?

“I…I… Ahem…” I couldn’t meet her eyes. Her intense gaze caused nervousness to flow through me. I had never been in a situation like this. I was in this situation because of Miss Hart.

I’m so gonna kill her.

“Why you seem hesitant? Tell me where is she? I want to meet the woman that lives with my grandson.” She stood up from the couch and sauntered closer to me, giving me those I-know-you-are-hiding-something- stares.

She stood a hand distance from me, her hands went on her waist, and her eyes started to get narrow. “Don’t tell me you lied to me, Sean.”

“No, I—“

“There is no woman, right? You lied to me just to keep Ryan with you. I hadn’t expected this from you, Sean. You should have convinced me to keep Ryan with you by telling the truth. I taught you everything but never taught you how to lie.” Her eyes and voice indicated disbelief. I never thought I would ever make her feel that way. I felt ashamed for lying to her but I had no other option.

I flicked my eyes to the wall clock which had its hour and second hands struck at twelve. And there was no sign of her yet.

Miss Hart, I’m giving you the last chance, please come soon.

“You don’t have answers for what you did.” My eyes flicked back to grandma. “I think Ryan and I should just go back—“

“No, you can’t.” I held her shoulders. “Grandma, listen, please try to understand me. I…I… She does live here. It’s just that she isn’t here at the moment. She has gone out for some work.”

God, how and when did I become so fluent in lying?

“Why didn’t you tell me before, huh?”

“You didn’t give me a chance to speak up.”

“What else could have I done? You were standing like a statute, I thought you lied to me.” She scolded me by pulling my ear.

“Ow, grandma, don’t do this. I’m not a child anymore. And at least don’t scold me in front of my nephew.”

A soft giggle made me whip my head in the direction of Ryan. He had rosiness on his cheek and was giggling as if he saw a funny scene in a cartoon show.

Satisfaction flooded in my body when I found him gleaming with happiness. I wanted him to keep that smiling face up for the rest of his life.

“Grandma, let’s get you settled in your room.”

She sighed. “I thought I would see the face of the woman that you share your lovely home with.”

“Professional basis, grandma. She’s my P.A.” I corrected her.

“Of course, son. Professional, I forgot to mention, my mistake. I apologize.” The mischievousness in her voice had me suspicious of her act. Was she still thinking that I was in a relationship with my P.A?

“I don’t know when will I get to see her.”

“Soon.” Obviously, if she chooses to show her face. Otherwise, I’ll go to her place and drag her to my home at any cost.

I marched towards the corner where the bags were resting. As soon as I picked up one of the bags the doorbell resonated in the house. I dropped the bag and rushed to open the door.

There she was. I couldn’t hold myself and, I blasted, obviously in a whisper.

“Where have you been, Miss Hart? Don’t you know the value of time? I told you to be at my place before noon and now it’s ten minutes past twelve. How can you be so irresponsible? My grandma is already here and she’s asking for you. Now step inside and clear the mess.”

She blinked twice, not showing any sign of guilt for being late. She then raised her hand and waved a $20 note before my eyes.

“Uh…okay but first…do you have change?”