Chapter 4

Slow music filled my eardrum as I opened the the door to my home.

"Hello, I'm home!! I shouted as I slumped defeated on the couch."

"Hey honey, you're home early. Did you forget something?"

"Oh mum, I wish that were the case. I said with a tired tone."

"What's the matter Jack?"

"You know Cat right?" I asked her.

"Duh? Everyone knows what a cat is dummy. So?"

"Ugh, I meant Catherine."

"You mean your boss? The one who has a deep crush on you?"

"Tell me about it."

"She seems okay, I mean, you can't always close your eyes on the female species you know?" She started her favourite lecture.

I rolled my eyes at her words.

"I don't close my eyes on the female species mum, if I did, I won't be talking to you right now." I replied calmly like I was trying to get through to a toddler.

"Hey young man! Don't act smart with me! Am still your mother." She chided.

"Yeah,yeah I know, and I guess since you're not only a mother but a grandma as well, you would know what and what not to give a ten year old has a birthday present." I said with a glare.

"What are you talking about?" She asked confused.

'I meant the clothes you bought my Angel for Christmas."

"Oh, that?" She asked like it wasn't much of a deal.

"Yes that. Now spill!"

"Uhmmm, a girl's gotta look good my dear. And with the way her body is restructuring, I know she gonna do great things."

"Mummm!" I drawled.

"Okay, fine! I'll take it back from her and tell her you told me to."

"No, you won't paint me black to my own daughter."

"So I should paint myself black to her then? That's better?" She asked in disbelief

"Yes." Came my reply

"Excuse me, what's all the fussing about?" We heard Angel say as she entered the house.

"Ask him!"

"Ask her!"

We both said at the same time while glaring at each other.

"Okaaay, what's going on.? And dad, why are you back so early."

"I asked him the same question earlier but he kept beating about the bush!"

"I was not." I defended.

"I was only looking after Angle's well being." I stated.

"Whoa, hold on a second, what has any of this got to do with me?" Angel asked.

"He wants me to take back the clothes." My mums put it all out.

"What clothes?" My Angel asked not getting it.

"The one you wore this morning." I said before my mother could chip in.

"What?! why?!" She screamed.

"Oh dear, I just don't want you to end up like me. You see, you're turning into a fine young woman and boys won't be able to look away. It's gonna be hard on you, your hormones, everything. I know you don't fully understand but I don't want my baby making the same mistake I did. You are sweet, but taking care of a child alone at a young age is hard. Even with help." I said feeling exhausted all of a sudden.

"Awwwe, daddy, you so sweet. Come here." She said as she hugged me from behind.

I sighed contentedly.

"I won't fall for stupid boys, only the hot and clever ones." She said as she placed a quick kiss on my cheek and retracted with a smirk.

"Oh boy, your gonna be a handful." I whispered

"Enough of the cheesy talks!" My mum said.

"Why are you two back so early?" She asked.

I and angel both looked at each other then at my mum, then at the floor. This woman could be scary when she wants to be.

"Spill before I make you!" She spoke with a glare.

"I got fired."

"I got into a fight."

We said at the same time. But I saw the two women in my life look at me in surprise.

"You got what?!" They both chorused.

"Why am I being the main focus here? Angel's in trouble too." I grumbled.

"Yeah, but you're in way much trouble than she is." My mum told me

"How did this happen dad." Angel asked frustrated. I hate the sadness in her tone. I feel terrible for disappointing her.

"Late coming was the given excuse." I stated.

"Late coming?" My mum asked.

"Given excuse?" Asked Angel.

"Yes to both." I said defeated.

"I told you this would happen didn't I?". My mum said.

Trust her to give you the "I TOLD YOU SO" speech.

"Wait, if it's the given excuse, then what's the major reason you got fired?." My smart daughter asked. Sometimes I love her advanced knowledge, sometimes I don't. But right now, I just don't know.

"Yeah, tell us. It must be serious for Catherine not to interfere." My mum commented

Shebasmewushwepweer awndiwefused.

"What?!" The both asked confused.

"She asked me to sleep with her and I refused." I said with a sigh.

"What?" My my mum asked astonished

"Why?" Angels asked

"Why did you refuse." My Angel asked more clearly.

"Because I still have some dignity in me. Plus a man of integrity doesn't take advantage of such things. I had to pay for my wrong which is coming late. I told them hiding the fact that I did more than take advantage. I made her breathless with need."

Or both of us" my subconscious said. Making me inwardly groan.

So what do you plan on doing now that you've got no job?" Asked mum.

"Well, you know the project have been working on for years now? I think it's time to conclude it. I would spend more time in the basement starting from now. Then we'll see were it leads me. Hopefully, a new, big and better job.

"But dad, how would we cope financially?" Asked looking troubled.

"I have this savings account in your name for eventuality purposes. I bet we'll survive."

"You have to." My mother murmured silently.I was about to ask why she used "You" rather than "We" but I was interrupted by my mum. 'Again'

"Yes, and where do you think your going?" She asked raising her eyebrow in a inquisitive manner as she look towards the stairs.

Looking that direction, I can see Angel trying to sneak up to her room but failed terribly due to her grandma's eagle eyes.

"Yes, where are you sneaking off to?" I chipped in.

"You're still in trouble for getting into a fight no matter the reason young lady!" I scolded.

"But, he kept teasing the poor boy I had to do something! I couldn't just watch!" She defended.

"You could have talked him out of it or try a less violent method in bailing who ever it is you were defending out. Now look at what violence brought upon you!" My mum scolded.

No, me coming home wasn't the reward of as you call it my "violence" I got detention but decided I was too awesome for that. So, I ditched and here I am. She said proudly.

"You're grounded for a week young lady! No cell phone, iPod or outings you hear me?!" I said angrily. Gosh, this girl would be the death of me.

"Ugh!! Why?!"

"You still dare to ask?" I said pissed.

"Hey, both of you! Calm down. I have something to say. When I'm done, we can decide on the nature of your punishment." My mum said quite authoritatively. Sometimes, I feel like a teenager being scolded for sneaking out to a late night party.

"Okay mum. Speak." I said.

"Well, since you guys brought not so much of a good news back home, let me spice up your day with my good news." My mum said all smiles as she bounced from one place to another.

"Okay, let's hear it. I said cautiously.

"You know Mr Patrick?"

"Yeah, the one I told you to give a try?"

"Yes, that same one." She confirmed.

"What about him?" I asked.

"He proposed and we are getting engaged!!" She smiled even wider as she dropped the bump shell!

And our reaction you might wanna know? Well it's just one word.

SILENCE...

"What?!"

"What?!"

We both chorused.