Chapter 13 : Anticipation

Ella:

I was counting days until the 31st of December, absolutely nothing was affecting me, neither work nor Mary’s jibes nor Bridget’s obsession with being Mrs.Holt.

Fridays in December were equivalent to actual holidays with no-one responding to calls or emails. As I end another business development call, Helen whistles signaling over for lunch. Popping a fry into her mouth, Helen orgasmically concluded, “I have died and gone to heaven!”

“You will in a few years if you continue eating fast food” I replied chewing on a bunch of dressed lettuce leaves amongst baby tomatoes, olives and feta cheese.

“Yeah yeah, my new resolution is to go vegan!! What about your’s?” she exclaimed, rolling her eyes.

“Getting a permanent contract with Accent would be great!, but if not, I might be getting engaged this weekend...Eeeeeee! I squealed with excitement.

Helen’s expressions suddenly grew tense, “Ella, you do realise that you’re treading on choppy waters, don’t you?” she said, wiping her mouth with a napkin and placing it on the table.

“I might be, but for the moment can you please please be happy for me?” I replied, joining my hands and praying to her.

She smiled reluctantly nodding, “If that’s what you want, I am happy for you!”

Later that night, I was completing Beatrice’s project on the photosynthetic process, when all of a sudden Mary barged into my room. She sat on my bed and examined the surrounding tiny space with deep interest, she then narrowed her eyes asking, “So, Ella what are your plans for this week?”

I tilted my face towards the window staring into the blue skies, “It looks like this year isn’t for me Mary! Joe is still being treated at the hospital and might be discharged by next week so I shall probably visit him in the morning!”

I lied through my teeth because I was sure she would’ve found ways to ruin my special night had I told her about Joe’s proposal. I would make up something later on the day to go out.

“Oh you poor little thing, that’s really sad, can I do anything for you?” she said without meaning it of course.

“Not really! If you need something let me know, I’m home all week!” I pretended to look as depressed as I could.

“Awwww there is so much work to be done but since you’re feeling so low, you can take this weekend off to feel better in the spirit of the season. Bridget will be sleeping over at her friends’ as she has to prepare for an important event. Me and Beatrice are going to visit the Dunphy’s in the Hamptons to celebrate New Years’. We shall be back by Monday.”

Mr Andrew Dunphy was a rich widowed entrepreneur based in the Hamptons and Mary was on the hunt for a third husband. With her out on most weekends, it looked like Mr.Dunphy had bitten the bait.

“I would take you along as well but you don’t really fit into the high class society you know” she sneered sympathetically.

“I know, don’t worry about me, I will be alright, you go enjoy yourself!” I replied just as sweetly as her, rejoicing mentally that the entire house was going to be mine for the weekend :)