Christmas Mishap – Episode 5

Chapter 5

“Ermm..Luke, are you married” Aunt Rollie asked, as everyone especially grannie turn to give her a sharp glare..she chuckled nervously. “What?…it’s just a question”.

Luke chucked. “No I’m not…” He replied. “Wow..that’s cool..I’m also single” she noted, grinning widely. I almost laughed out, what the hell is wrong with Aunt. “He doesn’t look like someone that’s searching Aunt” Henry spoke up..

“Shut up that wrench mouth of yours…” She twisted his ear. “Ouch”

“Can we please maintain table manners” Grannie chipped in, glaring at Aunt Rollie who quietly ignored her.

Silence took in for a while before Greg, our last born broke the silence. “Uncle Luke…is that your car parked out there?” He asked. Luke smile nodding. “As a matter of fact, yes, young lad”

“Wow…it’s so big…I wanna have a car like that” he grinned. “Yes you will..just wait till you grow up to use it”

“But dad is grown up, why doesn’t he have a car…” He questioned. Oops, here goes another embarrassing question. “Uhmmm…” Luke was finding it hard to reply, everyone was stunned by that question..who will believe Greg will ask such. I decided to step into the case

“Ermm..that’s because dad is saving up money for Henry’s school fees…once he has paid it, he will get a car too…for the family” I noted, caressing his hair, since he sat beside me.

“Umn…Mrs. Walter you are such a great cook…the food is really nice.”Luke mentioned
“Thank you sir, but as a matter of fact, Maria prepared this herself…without any aid” mum giggled, wriggling her brows at me. What? Yea I did cook the food, but we all cook it together..what are they getting at
“Yes, she is a very good cook…she will make a good wife” Grannie added. This is really embarrassing, I’m trying hard not to blush, cos of the way Luke is staring at me.

“Maria is a very good girl, she helps a lot at home, and have been supporting this family financially.” dad added.

“Yea…but mum you forgot to add that she has a huge crush on Mr. Luke” Piper blurted out

“Piper!” I gritted, folding my fist beneath the table, while bitting my lip.

“Yea…I ain’t lying ..you talk about him with Yuri most time and..you even have his picture in your room…I ain’t lying Mr. Luke” she ran out her mouth. Jesus
“It’s just the company calendar”

“Yea ..but ever since the beginning of this year till now, you haven’t change it from the first page…and I do catch you stare at it a lot of time”

God I’m gonna ki*ll this girl..I will squeeze the life out of her mouth. Luke chuckled, clearing his throat. “That’s nice” he voiced out. “Don’t mind her” I directed the statement to him, expecting my parents to chip in but they obviously ignored my sigh, stiffening their laughter.

“See piper…I think she stares at the calendar a lot because she wants to be reminded of the fact that she has to go to work…I aslo do that a lot” he noted, partially clearing off the tension.
“Really…” She asked, not wanting to believe “That’s enough piper .leave the adults to talk” Grannie helped out..thanks goodness.
★
We finished the dinner afterwards, having little chats about the company and his social life. I wasn’t expecting him to be this free with my family..I just wish these ones will comport themselves.
“Yes, I bake a lot…you would marvel at the sight of the home made cake I made, so perfect with a bright creamy color as the coating” Mum proudly say. Is she referring to the cake I bought. Gosh, mum should learn to say the truth sometimes…
“Wow…I never knew you were a baker…Maria didn’t tell me about that”

“Actually I learnt from my mum” she pointed to grannie who smile. Luke was excited
“Wow…then Maria should be able to bake too…right?” He asked. I lost my tongue at first

“Uhnnn…” My mum gave me an eye signal. “I ermm…can bake, but not perfectly like mum and grandma”

“You would love the cake and its taste….Henry, go bring it from the fridge” mum ordered. Henry stood up to get it. He came back few seconds with a confused look.

“Mum, did you say the cake is cream in color? Cos the one I’m seeing looks like creamy brown..like a wooden window colour, painted white ..though not perfectly painted….”

“Just go bring the cake Henry and stop this weird description of yours” Aunt snapped at him

My heart beat was already rising about normal, I looked at Piper and John, they both seem to be uncomfortable…is there something wrong with the cake. “Is something wrong with the cake?” I asked, to clear my curiosity. They both turn sharply to look at me…then something is really wrong

“No dear…the cake is perfectly…..” Mum paused as Henry brought the cake to the table. Everyone felt stunned at first, seeing a cake that resembles a statue used as an idol, with the white cream pasted on each side of the cake. I didn’t know if I’m to laugh or cry.
“Uhnnn…is this the cake? Luke asked, pointing at it with a confused face. Henry busted into a weird laughter, collapsing to the floor. The others joined afterward..I fumed

“Is this the cake I b…” I almost sold us out but retracted my statement. “We made” I noted

“I believe there is a mistake somewhere..” mum noted. “Gosh…but will someone tell us what really happened to the cake” I asked, already frustrated, can’t I have a better Christmas.
“Piper…” I called out. “It’s John…he smashed the cake to the ground”
“I didn’t do that on purpose..you caused it…trying to drag it off my hand…” John resorted
“But you took it out of the fridge…and…”

“Hey…kids…it’s ok…the cake look nice by the way” Luke chipped in. “And we decided to make another cake, after I found this two in the kitchen with the first smashed cake.” Cecilia added.
After the whole quarell and scolding…we decided on sharing the cake..since Luke suggested we eat it.

“Hmmm…taste like chicken” dad complimented, trying to liven up the moment
“Dad this doesn’t taste anywhere near chicken…” Greg replied. We haven’t eaten up to half when everyone rushed to the nearest toilet to pour all out.
★
“Maria, why don’t you show him around…he might need some fresh air” grandma noted, she is such a lifesaver. After the whole vomiting stuff, we relaxed for a while, play games, my siblings did a little dance presentation that I find really awkward…but Luke applaud them…how odd. Now he is surely gonna view my family as eccentric people…we gat madness to some level.
“Ok grannie…”

We left afterward, as I breath a breathe of freedom..finally…they had really choked me to the core.

We didn’t speak for a while, until he grabbed my hand. “Hey ” he whispered, close to my ear..I look up sharply, getting tensed.
“You’re ok”
“”Yes..” I replied, not knowing how to bring up a conversation.. We got to a calm area, a bridge to be precise ..this part is actually free from rowdiness…as silent as the night. He relaxed his arms on the rails, staring intently at me as I drew closer, placing my hands on the rails, beside his.

“I erm…” I shuttered. “You have a nice family…just that..”

“They are not comporting enough” I added. He shook his head. “No..that’s not what I mean to say”

“Let’s just be sincere to each other….this is actually the worst Christmas ever…they ruined everything..you know, we wanted this Christmas to be the best..making several plans to make sure we meet your taste as our first rich visitor.

We bought the tree with a huge sum of money, the first cake was actually bought too…our dresses, the games, the wines we got..the pies that got burnt…everything was just set in place for your visit…but all didn’t go well as planned and my family succeeded in making me feel bad….I’m really sorry about some questions thrown at you and the meal…and…”

“Shh…” He whispered…placing his index finger on my lips, while holding my right hand in his, closing up the space between us. “Like I said earlier…your family is the best…they are better than mine…” I could see a slight frown on his temple when he mentioned that last statement.

“And this is the best Christmas I have ever had since the beginning of my life, being around people who doesn’t fear me, or hold a very high esteem of me, not wanting to be their self around me. You see….well, it’s erm…not necessary making those preparation for me…we are celebrating Christmas…the birth of christ, and not my birthday” he smirked…making me chuckle.

You all should have just offered me what you could afford. Sometimes, things doesn’t go as planned during festive seasons like this…but one shouldn’t lose hope or give up…you just need to use what you have, and buy what you can afford…God understands..even if men doesn’t..

All Christ needs from us is to acknowledge him on this day…the merriment comes after…so next year, I want you all to go for what you can do and not try to please anyone. Okay?” He added, touching my cheek. I nodded. “Ok”

“Don’t blame your family for being too free around me..they like me..I saw that in them…I am more welcomed in your house than you were in mine…don’t look at the luxury and exotic party we held…I still didn’t enjoy yesterday’s dinner like I enjoyed today’s.

My mum was the only one talking…my dad was just silent all through…yea he doesn’t talk much..but still I expected better…my sis didn’t even act like a visitor was present there…my brother was clearly flirting…and Mira …insulted you..” he paused. I gulped in

“I’m sorry about what she said, don’t take it to heart” he pleaded. “No…I’m err…over it” I lied…though, I’m still bothered about the betrothed stuff.

“But here…everyone chatted happily with me… Christmas is all about happiness…when you have the whole world but lacks it…you won’t even feel the vibe of Christmas..and this, I am feeling today… because I get to celebrate it, not alone..but with special people.” He noted.

I heave a sigh, looking downward…my mood changed when he mentioned Mira.”Maria..” he called, lifting my face up, as our eyes lock. My heart began to play its odd music with fast beat
“Why are you doing this?” I asked

“Doing what…”
“Why did you decide to celebrate Christmas with me…and my family” he paused, smiling brightly.
“Because you are special…to me..”
“How… special” I whispered, not finding my voice

“Well, I don’t know how you’re gonna take this..but I will like you to know. I love you Maria…” My heart stopped beating for a sec, hearing that statement…
“I’m really crazy about you…you know, when your sister was saying things that made you feel embarrassed…I laughed, cos it was as if she was referring to me instead. I have a dozen of your pictures in my room…you don’t believe me right?” He asked, when I gave a confused look. Is this my boss speaking or someone else.

“Here…check my phone” he unlocked his phone, going to the gallery..my mouth dropped, seeing a number of my photos on it. Me in the office, cafeteria, while speaking during a presentation, in his office, chatting with my colleagues, walking to the elevator. He probably have the picture of almost everything I do…jeez..this is unbelievable..when did he take all this.

“You believe me now?”
“I…I..don’t know what to say…I just..”

“Just what?” “I wasn’t expecting you to love me ..” I replied with a numb in my throat
“Was your sister right about what she said?” He asked. I blushed avoiding his eyes
“I will take that as a yes then…I feel this Christmas didn’t just come for nothing..it brought us together.” He bit his lips..”I love you Maria…and I want you to be my girlfriend…please. Then my Christmas will be complete..”

I sighed, rubbing my temple. “I erm..would have said that I will think about it..but..what’s the point, prolonging what I also want…I also have this feelings for you for a long time..though being my boss..I tried it to let it come in way with my job….but now that you have lifted the burden from my shoulders…though I’m still confused”

“Confused about what?” He asked, looking worried. “About Mira…who is she to you?”
“She’s just a family friend…nothing more…wait, are you still bothered about her”

“No not that…she told me she is betrothed to you” I replied, explaining in details what had happened in the restroom. “Mira is always that way…well, her family and mine are very close that it got to a time dad was suggesting such…but, she isn’t my spec..I made my choice known to my parent which is you…that’s the main reason I took you there…to see them…and to be sincere, they like you… especially my mum..and when mum is support..then that’s all…you don’t need to worry about any other thing.” he confessed.

Wow ..I never knew all along. “Mira only wants to make you feel inferior..don’t get yourself worked up about her” I nodded, agreeing to his point

“Fine…in that case, I will be your girlfriend Luke..”

He smiled out broadly…pulling me into a tight hug. “Thank you….thank you so much”

We talked about other things, ranging from religious view of Christmas to politics..and work, until it was time to leave. “Thanks so much for everything..and the present..my bad, I’m sorry I don’t have anything to give you…perhaps later” I nervously stated. He smirked, drawing closer, his hand caress my face..

“What if there is something you can give…this moment” he asked softly, his eyes made holes in mine. “I…err…” I froze, losing my voice to shutter. He gave a flirting smile, bending forward to capture my lips.

I kissed him back after relaxing from the shock.i can’t describe how I feel right now, but I don’t want this to stop…I feel this tingling feeling in me, adrenaline rush making its way in…striking a deal with the butterflies in my stomach…my legs wobbled, as I hold onto him for support..his warm lips against mine, so soft and plumpy.

We broke the kiss, trying to catch our breath. I giggled, while he chuckled, licking his lips…”So..is this a goodnight” he asked. I bit my lips, not wanting to ask this..but my mouth wouldn’t keep shut

“Can I have another kiss…” I asked shyly. “I’m all yours…”

We got on the ride again, happy in our own world of heat..perhaps this Christmas isn’t bad after all..sometimes, various situations occur to discourage one, or make one feel dejected or not feel among…but still, not making it take the better part of you would help make way for more opportunities.
Christmas is all about celebrating Christ for coming to this world to give life to humanity, and that life is light..and you know the joy of having light in a home…darkness brings sadness, but light brings happiness…
Be happy during this season, and don’t let anything trouble you…cos right now, I feel like my Christmas is complete.
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The End
What’s your gain so far from this story?

Drop a comment about your thoughts. And lest we forget, this is to remind you about the quiz coming up tonight by 8pm on the whatsapp group…questions would be taken from this novel…

If you haven’t read it word for word, then you should go do that..cos there would be prizes for those who emerge winners.

Merry Christmas once again..and a happy new year in advance.
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Love y’all 💕
Vickie Dora 🌻