Chapter 5: The Visit in Seattle

“Desperation and determination are two words that kept popping into my head as I bit my thumb in confusion, circling my office for almost half an hour now. I gulped at the sight of my laptop screen. "Should I do it?" I asked myself hundreds of times now. My delusional mind was interrupted when someone knocked on my office door. I found my composure and answered with a firm voice, "Yes? Come in!"

Right after I answered, the door opened heavily and Ms. Johnson's blonde head appeared, "Ms. Anderson, Mrs. Cohen is currently waiting at the lobby."

“Barbara? “ I jumped out of my seat and surprisingly asked. “But I didn’t receive any call from her nor Seid. What is this about? Could you tell her I’m in a meeting right now?” I said to her. She slightly scratched her head then replied, “But she said it is urgent and she’s a little bit upset.”

I sighed and motioned Ms. Johnson to let her in, “You can let her in. I’ll take it from here.” I heard Ms. Johnson talking on the phone, while I make sure my office and receiving area is tidy enough to suffice my future in-law's taste. I fixed myself and my heart began to pound.

“Ms. Johnson’s, could you please prepare her favorite lotus tea and make sure to turn on the diffuser with her favorite aroma? You know how delicate her nose is.” I sarcastically exclaimed and she began to smile and shook her head.

I sat down and fixed every wrinkle I could find on my skirt. To be honest, I really don’t like Seigfried’s family. They are rich, typically rich and I always feel like they are out of my league. The only one I look up among them is Seid. “Well, I used to”, I emphasized myself.

Hearing the elevator sound and Ms. Johnson’s warm welcome, I stood up and wore a not-so-fake smile. I literally motioned open arms like a programmed robot waiting for her to appear in front of me. And there she goes! As soon as I saw her dolled-up face: red lips, coral blush, and her false eyelashes, I immediately walked towards her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Barbara”, I let out in a joyous manner, “It is so good to see you”. She first scrutinized my office, and then my clothes, and then finally, she greeted me. “Well, hello there! It’s been a while Avery Anderson.” I am wondering, too. But ever since her son brought me home, she always calls me by my full name, it’s as if she’s setting up a boundary between us.

And so my awkward feeling continued as her eyes continuously roamed around. There wasn't a time when I didn't feel nervous around her. “Have a seat, Barbara.” I politely offered.

“So?” She opened the conversation after securing her seat. And of course, I sat across her, serving her tea. Then she continued, “You really knew me, after all. Even if it was a surprise visit, you still managed to set up the vibe here with my favorite tea and my favorite aroma.” Then she took a sip.

“Well, I always expect you to visit me anytime”, I chuckle trying to satisfy her. She let out her natural laugh that sounded like a sarcastic one.

“Well, well. you always humor me. That’s why I’ve always liked you for my youngest boy. You’re the best among all the girls my other sons chose to marry.”

“Seigfried is the best, that’s why I chose him,” I answered wittily. Barbara favored my boyfriend so much, so she likes me flattering him all the time.

His son was the content of our whole conversation. It was an advantage for me that I’ve known her son for almost a decade, that’s why I could tell her thousands of stories about him. The 30-min conversation felt like a day, so to end it, I brought up her concern, “By the way, I heard from Ms. Johnson that you have an important matter to discuss with me. It’s a good thing my meeting was canceled. Let’s hear you out.”

As soon as I finished my sentence, her body faced me and she moved at the edge of her seat. “Well, you see…” trying to find the words, she stopped momentarily, “I think it’s time you two get married.” Her face looked stern and was waiting for my reaction. Her eyes were focused on mine.

I heard myself gulped. I noticed sweat all over my body, the temperature inside the room has risen. “I shouldn’t make any mistake,” I told myself. “I need to choose the right word

to say.”

I felt my eyes wiggling and my voice trembled, “Barb...ara”. I let out a sigh and looked her in the eyes, “I think you should be discussing it with Seigfried and not with me.”

She was taken aback. She straightened her posture and crossed her arms. I saw her tattooed eyebrows flicked and rose. But she knew I wasn’t completely wrong. “You’re right! But you see...” she’s not willing to back out, “He is a very busy man. I think it’s time for you to initiate the wedding.” she said as if she was commanding me.

Her words echoed repeatedly, and my heart retaliated. For the first time, I think Barbara and I will have a disagreement. I just can’t let it pass. Why should I be the one to initiate it? I am just not anyone. I am not a pushover. And I know my self-worth. “I think there has been a misunderstanding here, Barbara. You may think that I am old enough and stable to settle down, given the fact that Seid and I have been together for almost a decade now, but I am not in a hurry to settle down. I still want to achieve my dreams and I am not desperate to get married.”

I could see dissatisfaction on her face but I don’t give a damn. “No one says you are desperate. No one says you can’t continue working once you get married. Once you become a part of our family, we can help you with your business. ”

I snickered upon hearing her words, “Pardon? I don’t need anyone’s help with our business. We are doing fine. Sorry to disappoint you, Barb. But I won’t be the one asking Seid to marry me. If he wants to be with me, he should make an effort. He is barely by my side these days.” I could hear my voice rising, Ms. Johnson closed the door to secure our private conversation.

“You are not getting any younger. Why are you dilly-dallying? Don’t you want to get married to my son? You are a very lucky one, he likes you a lot.” She argued.

My thought even retaliated, “What the hell? He’s the lucky one I stayed by his side despite his absence! This is bullshit!” I tried to calm myself up before answering her.

“As I said, if he really wants to marry me, or even be with me, he should start paying more attention to me than his paperwork.”

“You are being unreasonable!” She shouted. “He is doing everything he could, to give you a great life. You are being immature.” She stood up and clenched her luxurious bag

trying to control her temper.

I stayed seated and looked at her instead, “Barbara, this is our life. It is better to let us figure it out on our own. Now if you would excuse me, I still have a lot of work to do!” Then I motioned my hand to the door.

She aggravatedly said, “Coming here was a mistake!”

Upon hearing the keyword, Ms. Johnson showed up and assisted her out of my office.

“Thank you for your visit, Barbara. Have a great day.” She never looked back. I waited until she was gone. I unbuttoned my blazer and freed myself of stress. I laid down on the couch and closed my eyes for a bit.

“It won’t last an hour, I will definitely receive a call from him, or a text if he was even bothered by it. I’m sure his mother will bug him a lot!” Just this thought made me feel so annoyed.