Chapter Twenty-Five: Back Again

Eliora's POV

The sharp clanking sound comes from the cutleries, everyone was focused on Romans and anxious to hear what he has to say... Including me.

"As for the wedding, I and Earl will discuss it" Romans said lovingly and I turned to him in astonishment.

Earl. It's a name I gotten out of Eliora... Instead of El, he calls me Earl.

Romans still remembered the pet name he used to call me, I couldn't stop smiling.

"How about we collaborate?" Rebecca caught my thinking off.

"Collaborate what?" I asked, drinking the wine.

"I'm also getting married soon," Rebecca said happily.

"You're getting married?" My parents asked in unison including Aiden.

"When? How? Who?" I asked in confusion.

I mean how will I know when I have been away from home for a very long time? I know nothing about anyone right now. I sighed.

"It's Noah. My college mate, he proposed to me last week" Rebecca said excitedly as she raised the engaged finger in the air.

"This is a triple celebration. Eliora's wedding and graduation and Rebecca's wedding" My dad said enthusiastically.

"I also have a surprise for Eliora" My mum said happily.

"Oh my world. This is the greatest family reunion I have ever witness" Aiden commented and I smiled.

"Mr. Romans, I'll leave you to take care of my daughter then" My dad said vividly.

"Trust me sir. Eliora is in a safe hand" Romans said confidently and I smiled.

"Let's keep the celebration aside and focus on our visitor" My mum said teasingly and everyone laughed.

"Sure sure" Rebecca nods.

"What do you do now Romans because the last time we discussed, you went to Italy concerning employment." My dad asked politely.

"Well... I'm the president of R- Industry." Romans said.

If it were others, they would act bold but Romans acted as if he was some secretary or lame man. I loved it.

"You mean the R- Industry I know? The one that distributes fresh vegetables and agricultural products to the urban and local markets?" My dad, mum and Rebecca asked anxiously.

"Yes..." Romans said unsure. He looked somewhat scared.

"Woa! When did you become the CEO? I mean, I never knew you were the Romans" My dad said, surprised.

"Now you know," Romans teased.

"I'm so happy for you son" My mum nods.

"Have more vegetables" my mum passed the veggies bowl to Romans, he smiled and received it.

"Mummy, does that mean Uncle Romans is a rich man?" Aiden asked.

"Not just rich" Rebecca jumped over and I laughed lightly.

"I'm still a little man" Romans rubbed Aiden's hair gently.

"Really?" Aiden gives Romans a toothy smile.

"He's a billionaire, son," my dad said.

"Woa! Can I get a new Toyota Corolla car from you?" Aiden asked anxiously.

"Shut it Aiden" Rebecca shunned slyly.

"It's okay. I'll get it for you." Romans assured him.

"Romans..." I called softly.

"I mean it" Romans nodded.

"Thank you so much Big Uncle Rommy!" Aiden exclaimed happily.

"Oh! I have upgraded to a big uncle huh?" Romans asked teasingly and we burst into laughter.

"Don't spoil my boy, Romans" My mum said sarcastically.

"I won't Ma" Romans smiled.

"Back to our celebration talk" My dad said excitedly.

Family reunion oh! family reunion, I missed my family so much. The dinner ended at around 8:30pm and Romans drove me back home.

Romans stopped the engine beside my estate gate. I lifted my gaze away from my phone, staring at the sky. The evening moon was so round and bright. It lightens the dark earth.

"You still love the moon?" Romans asked and I reacted startled.

"Yeah..." I nodded.

"Thank you so much... for today" I said nervously.

"It's okay," Romans smiled.

"Did they offend you in any way? I'm so sorry." I said impatiently.

"No.. no... Your family is cute, especially Aiden." Romans said softly.

"Aiden... He's always sweet." I paused.

"Are you... really... really going to get him a ride?" I asked, stuttering nervously.

"I will get it for your dad instead since Aiden isn't licensed to ride a car." Romans explained briefly.

"You don't need to get it for him.. you know." I said shyly.

"It's a gift," Romans paused.

"He called me his big uncle after all." Romans said boastfully and I smirked.

"So you like the name... Rommy?" I asked sheepishly.

"Maybe." Romans winked at me.

"Well.. thanks then" I said.

"You owe me three wishes." Romans reminded devilishly with a tough smile.

"I await it" I said courageously.

"I'll go down now," I said, tapping the door.

"Can I join you to get a cup of coffee?" Romans asked.

"No... I don't drink coffee" I lied.

"See you around then" Romans pressed the unlock button.

"Sure" I alighted from the car, gave him a short wave and left into the dark estate.

I walked into the compound in silence. My spirit is in the compound but my mind was somewhere else.

The whole family reunion, Romans acting as my boyfriend so perfectly, our cool evening discussion. Are we going to fall in love again? Yes, that's what I wish for but... What about Jennifer?

I didn't realize I'm closer to my passage but the familiar voice I heard made me pause.

"I need to rush home Dessy" It was Jennifer. Yes, I heard it very clearly.

What was she doing here by this time? No.. what's going on between them?

I turned towards Mr. Desmond's building.

"Will you come tomorrow?" Desmond asked sadly.

They look as if they're in a relationship. I figured immediately when Desmond planted a peg on Jennifer's cheeks and she left in a haste.

Should I call her back? Was she cheating? The last time I checked, she wasn't cool with Desmond... What's happening?

As clueless as a foolish chicken, I unlocked my apartment door and went in.

[Romans' POV]

Handsome and hardworking father.

Beautiful and hardworking mother.

Pretty and sassy sister.

Handsome and cute brother.

Lovingly and understanding family.

I didn't know but my mind keeps making things up. I really had a great time with her family.

I curbed the car into my parking lot, the green electricity bulbs were shining bright and the park was empty aside for cars.

"Big Uncle Rommy." At the thought of this, I smirked.

The little guy sure was cute. If he were up to Jane's age, I would have been the matchmaker.

I alighted from the car taking my androids and iPhones, I entered into my mansion using the elevator.

"Big Brother" Jane calls out sadly immediately she saw me.

"My diamond" I said happily giving her a quick embrace, she fell back to the soggy armchair.

The flat screen LED television was playing "Through My Window" a new Netflix movie which Jane had used half of her weekly feeding to purchase and the air condition remains moderate as I've left it.

"We waited all day for you" Jane was wearing a big frown on her face.

"I'm so sorry dear. I got caught up in something" I said apologetically.

"You missed our weekend dinner,"Jane reminded me sadly, facing back to the television.

"It wasn't on purpose. I'll make it up to you Hun" I pleaded sadly.

"Are you sure?" Jane turns anxiously.

"Yes. Trust me" I assured giving her a mischievous wink.

"You're the best bro" Jane chirped happily.

"Yeah baby" I smiled and then my eyes rolled around the corners.

"Where's Jenny?" I asked.

"She went to visit Ms. Eliora," Jane said.

"Ms. Eliora?" I asked cryptically.

Eliora? Wait.

"What time?" I asked anxiously.

"Since morning. After she called you" Jane said certainly.

"That's around 9:30 am." I figured and Jane nodded.

What? I have been with Eliora all day. Where did Jennifer really go? She never lies to Jane, not even the least... What's happening?

"Do you understand the movie?" Jane asked anxiously.

I didn't realize I have been staring at the television for quite some time.

"No. Not really." I rattled out.

"Then go eat supper." Jane suggested.

"Why didn't you return to your place?" I asked lovingly.

"Because my stupid account downloaded my movies into your account, so I have to watch them here else it will be a waste." Jane informed politely and I nodded.

The doorbell rang loudly, so I left Jane to check the small electronic door television on the wall that showed any incoming things, even human beings or animals. It showed Jennifer who's smiling and waving her hand.

"Where have you been?" I asked through the communicable wall television beside the door.

"Can I explain when I'm in?" Jennifer suggested pitifully.

"What's our deal?" I asked but she remained silent.

"If it passes 7:30pm, I won't let you into my house." I reminded her curtly.

"But--" Jennifer begins but was cut off.

"Big bro, please let aunty Jenny in. We both have a midnight game to play." Jane shouted.

"Midnight game?" I asked cryptically.

"Pretty please." Jane pleaded pitifully.

I pressed the unlock button and the metallic door slid open, Jennifer sadly walked into the living room.

"Good evening babe." Jennifer planted a quick peg on my cheek, I didn't make any move.

"Welcome sister-in-law." Jane smiled and focused back on the television.

"When did you return?" Jennifer asked as we walked to the dining room.

"Where were you?" I asked anxiously.

There's no way she'd be with Eliora... No way.

"I visited Mum Rachael's grave... I didn't know when evening dawned on me." Jennifer said, turning to me.

"Mum Rachael?" I asked in astonishment.

My mother? When did I tell her my mother is late? Which cemetery?

I stared at Jennifer emotionless, she took her seat on the dining chair.

"Your mother must have missed you so I visited her." Jennifer said courageously.

"When did I ever tell you my parents are late?" I asked cryptically.

"Jane said the reason she returned back to NY is because she had no relatives in Italy." Jennifer said.

"First, my parents aren't dead and they won't die yet. Secondly, Jane said you were at Eliora's place. Thirdly, where are you driving?" I asked annoyingly.

"What do you mean? Does that mean I visited the wrong grave?" Jennifer paused.

"Your parents ain't dead?" Jennifer added anxiously.

"Babe," I called softly.

I have been standing the whole time, staring at Jennifer. Jennifer turned to me with curiosity.

"Can you be honest with me? These lies of yours are driving me nuts" I said sadly rubbing my forehead and immediately Jennifer stood from the chair and rushed over to me.

"I'm sorry babe. I only visited my old estate to check on Eliora but she wasn't at home so I just met with another neighbor." Jennifer explained calmly with her hand holding my shoulder.

"It's okay. You pissed me off earlier though" I snorted while taking my seat.

"I'm sorry." Jennifer sat beside me.

"You never mentioned your parents to me though." she said.

"They are on vacation... It's almost exhausted, they will return soon" I said skeptically.

"Vacation? For how long?" Jennifer asked anxiously.

"For five years" I said, taking up the cutleries.

"Let's eat then," Jennifer said.

"Sure" I nodded.

We started eating but then I remembered something. Thus, I dropped the fork and took my phone. Jennifer stared at me in silence and returned back to her meal.

Eliora's POV

I didn't get any sleep last night, I mean it. I was up thinking about everything that happened.

My head was full and fear gripped me anytime I thought of Romans unattended wishes.

I took my car keys from the table to leave for work when my eyes caught up with a picture.

The picture was in a picture frame placed on the table, it was a picture showing Jennifer and I in an amusement park.

I smiled.

"Jennifer." I muttered softly.

Will we ever reconcile? Both parties are not ready to apologize... But there's no harm in being the fool as two captains can't ride a ship, or have I always been a fool?

I sighed, taking my phone from my handbag, I quickly went into my message column, it had Jennie with a few love emojis around it. I started typing.

["Hey dear."]

["I miss you."]

["Can we talk?"]

["I'll text you the venue."]

After sending the text, I exhaled and left the room.

Hurriedly locking my door and turning over, I almost crashed with Tony.

"Good morning Ma'am." Tony greeted courteously.

"Hey!" I waved shortly in surprise.

"I thought you'd moved out," I said.

"No ma'am. I'm still here." Tony said.

"Cool. I'm so sorry for what happened though." I said shamefully.

"It's not your fault ma'am." Tony smiled.

I synchronized Tony from his head to the toe.

"You're ready for work?" I asked.

"Yes ma'am." Tony said.

"I'll drop you off then." I suggested happily and proceed walking but he wasn't following.

"I'm sorry ma'am but I'll use public transport" Tony declined sadly with his head bow, I remained stunned watching him.

"There's no need, we are heading in the same direction" I insisted.

"If you insist," Tony said.

"Let's go," I smiled.

We walked out of our section and reaching the gate, I saw Mrs. Margaret and Desmond and I waved at them leaving the estate.

I and Tony went separate ways as I headed into the elevator, unfortunately for the morning I crossed paths with Mr. Romans.

"Good morning Sir" I waved shortly and he nodded, behind him was his secretary.

She wasn't looking bad though, I smirked.

"How was your night?" Romans asked.

"It was great, thank you sir." I bowed shortly.

Meanwhile I had no sleep last night, bad liar.

"Have a spare minute?" Romans asked and at the same time the elevator dings, sliding open with my ringing phone.

"Have a nice day sir." I said impatiently and stepped out of the elevator heading down the hallway.

"Hello?" I picked the call.

"Hey Liora, it's Rebecca." the caller identified herself.

"Ah! Sister Becca. How are you?" I asked with my face full of surprise.

"I'm good. How are you and Romans?" Rebecca asked, sounding happy over the phone.

"We're good," I said nervously as I walked into my office.

"What’s up, any problem?" I asked anxiously.

"Yeah. Send our thanks to Romans." Rebecca said.

"Thanks? What did he do to receive family thanks?" I asked cryptically.

"This morning a Toyota Corolla car was sent to us in the name of Romans. Dad and Aiden won't stop dancing" Rebecca said happily.

"What!?" I exclaimed in shock and recoiled when I noticed my secretary staring at me in a bizarre way.

"You mean it?" I asked in a whispering tone.

"Hell yes!" As Rebecca said, I started hearing my parents and Aiden's scream in the background.

"Thank Romans!"

"Sister Liora, you have the best husband!"

"Be nice to him. He's the best!"

"Thank you!"

I couldn't bear it any longer, so I ended the call.

"Whew!" I exhaled in relief.

What was that? Why did he do that? He would have just said "no" to Aiden and peace out, why is he making something complicated get worse?

I rested my neck on the seat rolling sideways in silence and soon a soft knock came from the door. I shot a decko and saw my secretary.

"Ma'am, you've to be present at the offloading site today," My secretary, whose name is Sunlight, said politely.

"Which floor is that?" I asked anxiously.

"Floor twenty one ma'am and you've thirty minutes for preparation." Sunlight reminded me.

"Sure. Thanks." I waved my hand at her and she left the office.

[•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•][•]

"Okay. I'll meet you there at 5".

I walked into an Asian restaurant with the reply of Jennifer in my head... or heart? I ended my meetings early so I could meet with her.

"Welcome Ma'am. Please follow me" the fair beautiful waitress said with a smile on her face as she ushered me to my reserved table.

Jennifer was already sitting focused on her phone, I smiled.

"Jenny," I called out as I approached the table.

"Eliora," Jennifer said, putting her phone into her handbag.

"Thanks for coming. Hope I didn't keep you waiting?" I asked impatiently worried.

"No. I just arrived." Jennifer let out a toothy smile.

"Sure" I nodded, relaxing on the seat.

"What are we eating?" I asked, taking hold of the menu list, Jennifer followed suit.

"Maybe western cuisine and some spicy American specialty." Jennifer said with her eyes on the menu list.

"Don't forget to add a bottle of red wine." I said.

We lifted our gaze away from the menu list and stared at each other holding admirable bright smiles.

"Sure" the waitress said and left with a short bow.

Jennifer and I remained silent staring at uninteresting corners, no one was ready to speak first and I was becoming uncomfortable.

"How have you been?" I asked concerned, breaking the silence.

"Have been good," Jennifer said sharply and too straightforwardly.

"And work?" I made a comeback.

"Why did you call me here?" Jennifer finally stared at me but she looked angry and uninterested.

"Jennifer... I'm sorry." I stuttered. This was unlike me and I couldn't believe I was doing this.

"What?" Jennifer asked anxiously.

"Jenny, you see... I just miss having you around me, your calls and your love... I don't know why I'm doing this but... I've become so used to you that now you ain't with me, I feel so empty and useless. Jenny, I'm so sorry for sounding harsh last time. Can you forgive me?" I asked pitifully with tears slowly gathering around my eyelids.

"This is the worst apology I've ever heard in my entire life" Jennifer snorted but a small smile curved out from her lip.

"You know I'm not good with words. Please forgive your bestie." I pleaded sadly but Jennifer remained stern.

For the first time, I'm begging not to lose a friend... Like, who cares?

Slowly and slowly Jennifer crept into my life creating a deep impact, I just can't do without her but this isn't my thing begging people. Why her?

"I'm fuckingly begging you bitch." I said sarcastically and Jennifer burst into loud laughter.

"You're crazy!" Jennifer squealed happily.

We stared at each other for a while and laughed in excitement, the waitress placed our orders on the table and left.

"I'm also sorry babe. I would have stayed by your side during your hard time." Jennifer said sadly.

"It's okay. As long as we're back together, I can never be this happier." I smiled.

"Let's eat," Jennifer said.

"I have a lot to tell you. I mean, one week without you so many things have happened" I said skeptically.

"Me too. Get yourself some earbud because I have plenty of conversation for you" Jennifer winked and I smiled.

"I can't wait," we started eating delicately with a smile on our faces.

Nothing was sweeter than friendship. Having someone you can confide in, talk to, feel secured with... It mustn't be your boyfriend, it could be your best friend, girlfriend, BFF... Call it whatever. I think I've found mine and I'm not letting her go.... again.