CHAPTER 9: THE VISIT
"Ria where to?" Tyndall asked as Somaria came out already guzzy up.
"I have a date with Juan" she replied with elan.
"Oh your lover boy" she teased.
Somaria gave a frown. "How many time have I corrected you that Juan and I ate nothing but friends" she backchat.
"Hey don't feed me with that" she taunted. "He's not my boyfriend, he's not my boyfriend but you two can't do a day without calling eachother. He's not my boyfriend but he asked you out on a date. See, let that guy stop being a coward and come out real. I except more from his cute self" she said with plain scorn.
Somaria dart her a stern look. "I don't know what is with you and Juan, that you just love picking on him. I'm his business and not you so let him off your hook" she said angrily.
"Don't get rattled up because I spoke the truth" she laughed out loud.
"What truth?" She snapped.
"Moreover isn't he the one that just got back? He should be the one visiting and then you can proceed to your date".
Somaria gave her a cynic look. "Are you trying to say you want to see him?" She asked looking at her with an half closed eye.
"Why would I?" She replied irksomely and hissed.
Somaria couldn't answer her question as they heard the smooth sound of a car entering their compound. At first they thought it was their elder sister but when Tyndall went to check she found out it was Drew.
"It's Drew" she mouthed to her sister.
"Drew?" She asked surprised.
Drew doesn't really show up at their place like that especially now that Melissa isn't around. "What is he doing here?" Somaria asked.
"How do you expect me to know?" She replied.
"Ain't you two closer?" She said
Tyndall gave a ridiculous giggle. "What a baloney" she scoffed. "There's a Lady with him. Who could it be?" She asked with interest.
"Are you asking me?"
"That must be his girlfriend because it is rare to see a lady with him" she assured herself.
"You better leave before they find you peeping at them" Somaria warned.
Tyndall quickly moved away from the window. Drew came in.
"Hello pretty ladies" he greeted smiling.
The ladies bowed respectfully.
"C'mon I deserve a hug or don't I?"
The ladies in their usual manner exchanged looks before going to hug him.
"When did you return from your trip?" He asked patting their head like a little puppy's.
"Saturday" Tyndall replied.
"How did you know we went on a trip?" Somaria asked knowing that Melissa won't have told him.
Unknown to both Melissa and her sisters, it was Drew who made it possible for them to book an appointment so fast and he also paid half of the money knowing Melissa couldn't afford the whole which will make her unhappy. He got to know that Melissa wanted to bring her sisters when hpshe asked him about how to book an appointment with the doctor. Immediately he put a call through and booked the appointment, telling the doctor not to inform Melissa about his involvement.
"Whose boss am I?" He asked with a smile.
"Melissa's" she replied shyly.
Tyndall looked at Drew then to Jemima who was looking at the trios inquisitively and Drew understood immediately.
"Oh pardon me ladies" he turned to Jemima. "Ria, Tin, this is Jim my father's friend's daughter and Jim, these are my sister friends" he introduced.
"Sister friends?" Jemima asked not certain of the meaning to his words.
"Sisters and friends" replied.
"Oh" she said
The two ladies laughed.
"It's nice meeting you Jim" Somaria said.
"My pleasure" she gave her a sweet smile.
Tyndall moved closer to Jemima and gave her a cute smile.
"Well Jim, Drew doesn't like long names, he prefer nicks" she paused and looked at her as if to get an approval to continue.
Jemima too caught her meaning and nodded.
"So my name is Tyndall" she continued. "And my sis is Somaria and I'm sure your Jim as at least a syllable more" she said stylishly asking for her full name.
"I love you tin" that was Drew. "You can stylishly make a country ambassador tell you the top secret of his country" he said smiling at Tyndall who seems a bit shy.
"I'm Jemima" she said.
"What a beautiful name for a beautiful lady" she joked.
"C'mon Tin" Jemima laughed.
"You are most welcome to our home. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay" Tyndall hugged her.
"Thanks" she replied smiling at Drew.
After exchanging pleasantries, they took their seat at their living room.
"Jim, your eyes looks like our sis'.isn't it Ria?" Tysaid said out of the blue.
Somaria nodes. "It looks like Melly's" she agreed.
"Didn't I say that?" Drew smirked smugly at Jemima.
"You told her already?" Somaria asked.
"Of course. I've got eyes" he boasted.
"And you two look as much as she is" Jemima said.
"Thanks" they chorused.
They didn't know if she has seen their sister or not. They just concluded that it was her picture that hanged on the wall that made her say that.
"That happens when you have a rich caring sister" Drew said and winked at them.
"Drew" Somaria' called.
He grinned. "I do envy you two you know".
"Why?" Tyndall asked even though she knew he was joking.
"You have a caring sis. I wish I had one" he replied like a bairn.
"Elder sis are super caring I tell you" Somaria said with pride.
"I can't dispute that fact because I've gat no elder sis just two elder brothers. So I think you won" Jemima said playfully and they laughed.
"Let me proffer a solution here" Tyndall announced.
They all focused on her.
She cleared her throat. "Well since you two don't have an elder sis and Drew wants one, while Jim won't mind having one too....." She paused and look at their curious face one after the other. "I can volunteer to become you two's elder sis" she finished her long sentence.
"Geez!" Drew said while the rest laughed.
"What? Am I not old enough?" She asked.
"You are more then old enough" Drew mocked.
"I agree" Jemima said raising her left hand.
"We are very grateful for your suggestion but I think we won't want you to stress yourself" he said with a serious look.
"You think I'll maltreat you?" Tyndall asked in same manner.
"Of course not. We just don't to get you stressed" he said and they burst into laughter at how serious he looks.
Tyndall quickly excused herself.
"Where is Melly?"
Somaria just smiled.
"Why are you smiling?" He didn't see what made her smile.
"I was just wondering why you haven't asked all the while?" She laughed.
"And what does that implies?" He frowned.
"Nothing" she laughs. "She's not home".
"Where went she?"
Jemima looked at him and he shrugs because he knew that the look was for his question.
"Went to visit a friend".
"Oh! When will she be back?"
"It should be anytime soon".
Drew frowned since it's still morning. "When did she leave?"
This time Jemima couldn't take it anymore. "Drew!" She called.
"What? It is only a question" he said plainly.
"It is called prowling" she said.
"It's fine Jim. Drew's a family" that was Tyndall who answered.
She brought them drinks.
"You shouldn't have bothered" Jemima smiled at her.
"Let me. I love to bother" she grinned.
"You haven't answered me Ria" Drew said letting them back to his question.
"Why are you so concerned?" Jemima asked mockingly.
"Just wanna know".
"She left yesterday" Tyndall replied.
Jemima gave him a look of "do what you wanna do since you know" and Drew snorted.
Somaria stood up. "If you two would excuse me, I have somewhere I wanna quickly reach" she said politely.
"Where to?" Drew asked.
"On a date with her boyfriend" Tyndall replied instead and Somaria eyed her.
"Why the look Ria don't you want me to know?" He teased.
"That's not it. She has actually been making fun of me all the while" she said shyly.
"That's not true. I only said he should be the one visiting since he is the one that just got back to town" she defended herself.
"That's not a bad idea" he concurred. "It would be more fun to know him or is there more t..."
He couldn't finish his sentence because Jemima covered his mouth with her palm.
"Must you say everything?" She said.
"I only wanted to ask a question" he said laughing.
"Ria, you shouldn't be going out since we have visitors. Just call Juan to come over. That won't be a big deal" Tyndall said.
She took Somaria's bag and brought out her phone.
"Call him" she ordered.
Somaria took the phone. "And you said you don't want to see him" she mocked.
"Never said that" she denied.
She dialed Drew's line but he ended the call and called her back immediately.
"Hello - I'm still at home - I'm sorry - Can't make it anymore - Got important guest - I'm so sorry - or do you care to join? - No don't be - C'mon - No not that - We've relocated - I'll be glad if you will - I'll SMS the ADD to you - Not that far - Yes - Alright - Will be expecting you - OK see you" she ended the call. "Satisfied?" She asked Tyndall.
"Thanks sweet" Drew said.
Somaria said at Drew and nodded. Then she gave her phone to Tyndall.
"Text him the address" she said bossily.
"Why me?" She frowned.
"Just do as I say" she replied firmly.
"Is he coming for me?" She said in deride and Somaria slapped her head. "Why hit me? I only spoke the truth?" She said laughing.
"Shut that wide lips of yours" she snapped.
"Thaaaannnks" she removed her tongue in disdain.
"I'm home" Melissa announced.
The people she saw on the seat was the last people she ever expected and it made her pause. Tyndall quickly moved closer and took her bags.
"Welcome Big sis" she greeted.
Melissa patted her hair gently not able to reply because she was wondering what brought Drew and Jemima to her place. Especially Drew.
"Hi" Jemima greeted politely.
"Hi Jim" she quickly recovered from her shock and smiled at her.
"You've met?" Tyndall asked.
"Yes met at the chairman's place" she replied.
She looked at Drew and gave a little bow which was ignored by him as usual but he didn't quit looking at her. Melissa was used to this so she wasn't bothered. She just turn back to Jemima.
"How are you Jim?"
"I'm pretty coping" she said smiling. "And you?"
"Same but may I asked what I owe to this visit?"
She wouldn't want to believe that Drew came to her house voluntarily.
"I was so bored staying at home so I pestered this big guy for days to take me to any of his friend's and this morning, we landed here" she answered like she just won a trophy.
"Oh oh" she said looking at Drew who was still staring at her and she looked away immediately. "Has dad gone?"
Drew frowned at her calling Romeo dad.
"Yes since last week".
Melissa looked at Somaria who has been watching them and saw that she was dressed up.
"Madam, where to?" Looking at her dress.
"Wanted to go see Juan...."
"Oh, he's back already" she said with excitement.
She has been anticipating so see the so called guy.
"Yes he came back the week we went to Dr Kent's place" she place" she replied like she wasn't interested.
"Ok then. I have to go change into something light. I'll be right back" she told Jemima and she nodded.
Jemima looked at Drew then back to Melissa who was already leaving and to Somaria. She couldn't look at Tyndall because she already followed Melissa. Since yh two saw the expression on her face, they understood her but none said nothing. Drew gave a plain look while Somaria smiled. Jemima didn't bother to ask for the reason the two ignored eachother because she was determined to find out later.
Tyndall soon came running out. "What are you guys gonna eat? Tell the almighty chef. She's gonna provide" she boasted.
"Sorry great provider" Somaria said laughing.
"You shouldn't bother" Jemima said.
"By now you should have known that I love to bother. Just tell me what you love to have" she said holding her hand.
"I don't know" Jemima said.
"You don't want to be corporative" then she turned to Drew. "Help us out here Drew".
"Don't know" he shrugs.
"Not helpful" she murmured.
"Go ask Melly. You know that's her forte" Somaria said.
It was as if Tyndall's brain was pricked to life. "That's a good idea" she said with excitement. "I'll be right back" she raced inside.
Few minutes later, Melissa and Tyndall came out. Tyndall was pestering Melissa.
"Can you let me be? I've gat no interest" she demured.
"You should help" she insisted.
Immediately she came out, Drew's eyes scrutinized her. She had on bomber shortsa and pop socks. Her top was sleeveless. Drew gave a silent cough as he saw her but no one noticed. Everyone's focus was on disturbing Tyndall.
"Young lady, I've told you what to do. Must I also help you. Can you let me be?" She said softly. "I'm tired" she added.
Tyndall gave up when Melissa took her seat. "Ria, let's go do it since we can" she pouted.
"May I join too" Jemima quickly stood up. "Please don't refuse. It's been a long time I've cooked. I just want to catch some fun" she added when she saw the disapproval on their faces.
"OK then" Somaria smiled at her.
Jemima held Tyndall's hand and they went to the kitchen happily.
Melissa quickly focused on her phone si as not to start a conversation with Drew. She didn't know what to say neither did she want to say anything that would rouse bad harsh words from his mouth. So she just used her phone has an excuse to ignore him.
Drew's phone beeped and he took it to check the message. This gave her the opportunity to check him out. The was sitted like a caved image. She has never seen him without tuxedo and today wasn't an exception. He came to her place as if he is going on a cocktail party. His red tux was of high quality that it glitters. She wondered how a man could spend so much on his looks. He was really a beaming god. She watched him concentrate on his phone until her phone beeped. She take a look at it and realised that it was Drew who sent her the message. She looked at him but he didn't look away from his phone. She then go back to the phone to check the content of his message.
Am I that handsome that you can't stop stealing glances at me? That was the text.
Melissa gave him an irksome look.
Who is stealing glances at you? She texted back with a frowning emoji.
You wanna deny? He included a mocking emoji.
I'm not denying anything.
Why are you dressed like a kid?
Melissa looked up with a stern look and their look collided. Drew smiled while she frown.
What's yours?
Someone might mistake you for a ten year old who got early growth.
Melissa looked at hima and he winked hpat her.
Why are you texting me? She texted with an angry emoji.
That's because you refuse to talk to me.
Must I?
Yes I'm in your house.
You didn't come to visit me.
Then who?
My sisters. Didn't you bring Jim for them?
Girl, I'm already at your place. So I must be treated as a guest and part of it is talking to me?
This phone conversation was getting interesting to Drew that he kept on smiling.
I'm not interested boss.
Where went you since yesterday?
How is that your business? She eyed her phone.
Drew laughed and it angered her the more.
Are you my parent that you now turn to my monitor?
Since I'm older, I should monitor you.
Didn't I make myself clear that I'm not interested in talking to you? She dashed him a stern look.
I heard you went to visit a friend. He ignored her.
Melissa didn't reply.
"I wonder who that friend is for you to spend the night.
Why are you so nosy. She was forces to reply.
Tyndall came to the living room since she didn't hear a sound from there. She wanted to check out why they are doing and she saw the two with their phones and she went back.
"I don't know why those two don't get along" she said when she got back to the kitchen.
Melissa and Drew is the most friendly person she ever know but those two seem to hate eachother.
"Are they quarreling?" Somaria asked.
"No they aren't" she said with twisted lips. "But I'm wondering what they are saying to eachother on the phone?"
"They are texting eachother?" Somaria asked with interest.
"It should be. Because Big sis is frowning to hers while Drew is smiling at his" she replied.
"That means Drew's picking on her again" Jemima said.
The two ladies looked at her.
"What" she laughed. "Let's say I've been there once when Drew decided to be intentionally mean" she said smiling.
Good job on your sisters. He texted.
Not me.
But your money.
Leave me be.
Tell me the truth. You went to she your boyfriend. Isn't it?
This time Melissa couldn't help it anymore she dropped her phone. "What!"
"Tell me I won't beat you up" he said laughing putting his phone beside him.
Melissa was getting irk at his words. "I'm not telling you anything so don't prepare to hear" she backchat.
"Well, you don't need to tell me anything. Since you came in so tired, that alone is an explanation that you worked yourself all through the night" he said intentionally provoking.
Melissa couldn't believe what she was hearing form him. She called her eyes , gritted her teeth and shouted. "Drew!"
Drew burst into a wicked laughter. "Am I lying?"
"I won't let this guy make me do what I don't want to do" she said as if she is reciting a prayer closing her eyes tightly.
"Hope it is not a one night stand?" He asked with a serious look.
Melissa's mouth hung open widely as HSE received more shocking words from him.
"I know you don't have a boyfriend so it couldn't be anything but that" he added taunting her.
Melissa couldn't take it anymore. "I won't spare this guy. I'm gonna kill him" she shouted and ran to him.
Drew who was ready for her attack, swiftly jumped over the sofa to the other side laughing.
"Why get so rattled up? I'm only telling you to go get yourself a decent guy. You are getting too old" he mocked.
"You are going to die buy my hands today " she screamed and ran after Drew who took to his heels as well.
The ladies in the kitchen heard Melissa's scream and they rushed out. When they saw the two running round the living room they were flabbergasted.
"You've always been frustrating me all the while but today, I will put an end to it by me ending your wicked life" she spitted out.
"Are you sure?" He faced her laughing and brought out his tongue in disdain.
This triggered Melissa's anger that she ran tirelessly. She threw her slippers at Drew but he dogded it. Drew saw the ladies who shook their heads at him and he winked at them. Melissa didn't even noticed them. She was busy trying to catch Drew who seems uncatchable.
Somaria's phone rang and she went out to pick Drew who told her he is around.
"Your house is pretty big" Juan commented as he came in.
"Yes, sis really got a pretty good job" pride flickered in her eyes as she answered him.
Melissa and Drew were still doing their drama. Tyndall and Jemima were laughing out loud.
Juan was wondering what was happening and he looked at laughing Somaria.
"That's my elder sis" she pointed at Melissa.
"Is that not Dr Kmetko, the rich heir of D-foundation?" He asked astonished.
"You know him?"
"Who doesn't know Dr Kmetko" he said smiling. "Is he your sister's fiance?" He asked enthusiastically.
"No" she shook her head. "He's her boss'.
"Boss!" He said not buying the answer.
Tyndall moved closer. "Bug sis let Drew be" she said laughing.
"No I'm not. I won't spare him for what he said to me" she shouted panting.
"I was only stating the obvious" he said and jumped over th center table.
"By saying I went to do one night stand!" She yelled.
"Drew!" The ladies shouted and everyone burst into laughter.
"I was only asking a question" he said.
"You really need killing" Jemima said and joined the chase.
Since they were two, it was faster to catch up with him and Jemima was faster.
"I'm a good runner" she boasted.
Drew took both females' hands and rolled it to their back that they screamed and he threw them on the sofa. Their laughter shook the house. Even Juan couldn't help it.
"Melly Juan is saying hi" Somaria said loudly and they all faced her.
Melissa quickly stood up, handcomb her ruffled hair and went to Juan.
"Hi I'm Melissa O'Dell. It's nice meeting you" she said still panting offering him her little hand.
"Juan Gustavo. It's a pleasure" he said smiling.
Jemima and Tyndall quickly returned to the kitchen to finalise their cooking.
"I'm so sorry you had to see that. It's just that some things can't be over looked likewise some needed to be scolded for their bad mouth. I'm sincerely sorry" she said sheepishly.
"No apologies ma'am" he said smiling at shy Melissa.
She offered him a seat.
"Since you know Dr Kmetko, I should be introducing you to him instead" Somaria said looking at Drew who was dabbing his face.
"You know me?" He asked not surprised because of his status.
"Who doesn't know the rich Dr Kmetko" Juan replied with a smirk. "Moreover, my mum uses your hospital" he added.
"Oh" was all Drew said.
"I'm Juan Gustavo" he bowed respectfully.
"My pretty Ria's boy" he joked without a smile.
"Drew!" Somaria called like she was horrified and her voice seized.
"What? He's quite handsome" he said with a plain expression.
Somaria looked at Juan who smiled at his words and back to Drew who did as if he wasn't in the conversation. No one would have believed that he was the one playing around earlier. He was back to his carved statue attitude. Tyndall and Jemima came back.
Somaria took Jemima's hand. "Juan, this is a very beautiful friend, Jemima popularly known as Jim and Jim, this is Juan my friend" she introduced.
"Why did you remove the boy?" She whispered to her eyes.
"Jim" she called.
"Sorry" she grinned. "Hi Juan" she offered her hand.
Juan shook the hand gently. "Hi Jim".
"I don't need to introduced my young sis to you right?" She said smiling at him.
Juan shook his head. "We've met a couple of times. How are you Tyndall?" He looked at her.
"I'm good and you?" She replied with great hint of pride.
"Great" he said fixing his gaze on her.
"Excuse me" Tyndall exits.
Drew looked at the two and sensed something odd but he didn't say anything.
"How's your trip?" Melissa asked.
"It was great ma'am" he replied.
"Melissa would be fine" she corrected and he smiled.
"I think the table is set" Jemima announced.
"You think or it is?" Drew asked in disdain.
"Ok then, the table is set" she corrected raising a mocking nose at Drew.
They all moved to the dining room and Tyndall blessed the food.
"Melly you know you shouldn't eat this food" Somaria teased.
"Why?" She frowned.
"Because you refused to help" Tyndall replied.
"You must be silly. I'm the adult here. If I cook you trio will eat it?" She asked and they nodded. "It is then shameless of you" she said with pride. "Moreover I'll prefer to cook this guy than to cook for him" she said looking at Drew.
They all laughed at her words while Drew snorted.
"And thanks to you ladies for cooking. I don't have to eat the food prepared by a mermaid. That !means I won't be dreaming of any fish trying to swallow me" he said with a serious look.
"Can you here him now. If I start dealing with him no one should say I'm not been fair" she said firmly and they laughed again.
"Big sis, since you didn't cook you can at least serve to pay up for it" Tyndall said.
"That's impossible" she snapped. The only person I'm obliged to serve is Juan. The rest of you has your hands working perfectly " she declined.
"Lazy girl" Drew mocked and she raised her hand as if she's gonna hit him.
"Is Juan's hand not working perfectly?" Tyndall asked intentionally want to make trouble with Juan.
"Tyndall!" Somaria and Jemima called in unism.
"Big sis said the rest of us has our hands working perfectly, maybe...."
"Shut up" Melissa hushed.
This time Juan couldn't help but burst into laughter. It was as if all the laughter he caged all the while broke free. He then looked at Tyndall who shrugs spas if what she said wasn't a big deal.
Drew broke the silence that wants to start dancing around.
"Juan, don't let her serve you. It is an advice and you that she refused to serve be happy because it will save you from been initiated to her mermaid world. Her fish mother is in need of beautiful girls like you because she is short of children" Drew said casually.
They all laughed except Drew who wore an impassive expression and Melissa who frowned.
"Please sis don't mind him" Jemima pleaded with a smile.
"Nobody serves Melly" Somaria asserted.
"I don't need a serve. I've got my beautiful hands" she boasted.
"Beautiful but devilish" Drew whispered.
Melissa sizzled at him.
Ad they ate, Juan was looking at both Somaria and Tyndall. He knew something was different about them but he couldn't place this that well.
Tyndall who couldn't keep up with him anymore, talked.
"Juan hope nothing? This one that you keep staring at me" her words were a bit harsh.
They all dashed her a stern look except the expected one Drew.
"I'm sorry I know it is rude to stare bit I couldn't just help it" he apologized. "It seems something is different with you two" he quickly said before they start thinking off course.
"Do you have an elder sister?" Drew asked.
They thought his question was off tangent not knowing he was driving somewhere.
Juan shook his head.
"Well I think those who have elder sister are the ones oppurtune to look more beautiful" he said to Juan who doesn't really get the meaning of his words.
"This guy" Melissa sworn beneath. "Don't mind this guy. My sisters are beautiful" she said to Juan.
"No one dispute that fact but your money added more" he said intentionally wanting to make her talk.
Melissa gritted her teeth at him and he snorted.
Juan wasn't totally cleared but he decided to let it go since he can ask Somaria later.
"You two really look nice" he smiled.
"Thanks" they both chorused. But while Somaria said hers cheerfully, Tyndall said hers like a grumble.
Tyndall felt Drew's eyes on her and she looked at him but when their eyes met, she looked away quickly.