After school, I went home and got dressed for the date I was having with Jeffery. I put on a simple white dress that stops at my knees and then I let my hair down, first thing first was to look pretty for him.
The doorbell rang and I knew that must be Jeffery so I picked up my white handbag, wearing a white can, I head over to the door. As I opened the door a broad smile spread to my lips.
Jeffery was standing by the door and was looking like a suitor that was here to ask my hands in marriage and he was looking handsome.
"Cindy you are beautiful." He complimented me before I had a chance to compliment him and I blushed.
"Thanks," I said softly as I stepped out of the house. He opened the car door and he drove off heading to the restaurant he had reserved.
We arrived at Sidart restaurant and sat down at our table, looking through the menu, my eyes dilated as I looked at the price.
"This restaurant is very expensive." I looked up at Jeffery who was nonchalant. "And I am so hungry since you said I shouldn't eat, I will have to order enough to satisfy my hunger."
"You're free." He smiled and handed the menu book to the waiter who was waiting to take our order. "Get me Kansas lily style barbecue, macaroni and cheese, also add London broll."
I smile after he placed his order so I hand over my menu book and leans to my hand as I faced the waiter to place my order.
"Get me a fried chicken with macaroni and cheese, collard greens breaded fried okra, cornbread, Brunswick stew, a soppy joy sandwich with a side dish coleslaw and baked potatoes." I glance over at Jeffery who still seems calm.
I smirked and turned to the waiter who was looking at me like a hawk, perhaps wondering if I could finish all I have ordered. "Add a bottle of rice wine, two glass cups too." I pointed out with a smile as he nods and left.
I turned my eyes to Jeffery and leans back to the chair. "Are you amazed?" I raised my brow and smirked. "You think I don't have pride?"
Jeffery shook his head. "No, I hope you would have ordered more since I made you stay hungry." He smiles.
I run my hands through my hair and smile. "I will safe the next order for later." This was supposed to be embarrassing, but I didn't feel that way, perhaps because I have known Jeffery since childhood and was comfortable with him.
We were served I looked down at the meal in front of me and my eyes dilated, this was going to be a great feast, now I was glad that my stomach was empty and I could fill it with this meal.
“Wow smells delicious, you see the Brunswick stew, it’s one of my favourites but I prefer beef stew.” I looked at Jeffery who was staring down at his meal. “Do you like macaroni and cheese more?”
“No. The foods I love are California meal, it seems that is because I grew up there I’m quite a picker in New Zealand food, but this lily style barbecue, I like it and also the London broil.” He pointed them out and we looked like two couples who had just met for the first time and were talking about our preferences and it was so adorable to watch.
“ I’ll also have a meal you prepared for me,” Jeffery added with a smile, I should have returned the smile but I looked down at my meal. “What is it?” He asked when he noticed my sudden change of expression.
I bite down my lips and peeked up at him. “ I have a confession to make.” My voice came out in a whisper, this seems like a scene that after the fiancé heard it he would break things up and leave.
“What is it?” He looked at me with curiosity in his eyes and I was reluctant to speak, at second thought I knew I had to tell him, there was nothing I should keep away from him anyway.
“I can’t cook,” I squinted my eyes, but was watching his facial expression to see all the reaction it could tell. “I’m not good at it.” I paused my lips waiting for his reply.
“Really?” Jeffery’s lips curled up in a smile, but I could tell that he was not mocking me. “Then I’ll cook for you instead since I’m a good cook.” He said with a glint in his eyes.
I bite down my lips as a smile formed on my lips and I made a clapping gesture as I beam. “That’s a good idea, you can teach me too.” I was a little embarrassed as I say those words.
“Then let’s enjoy the meal.” He said and picked up his spoon to eat, I looked up immediately and raised my hands to stop him.
“Stop!”
Jeffery looks up at me and I am sure that he was surprised at my sudden outburst “Why?” He raised his brow and waited for me to tell him my reason for stopping him.
I stare right into his eyes and said the word I was sure he had not expected. “Happy birthday Jeffery,” A broad smile curls up on Jeffery’s face and I knew he was happy. “I also have a present for you so listen up.” I pointed and cleared my voice.
I started singing him a birthday song, in the past, he had told me that no matter the gifts he receives on his birthday hearing me sing to him was the best gift ever, even with my imperfect songs and cracked voice.
All through the music he ogles at me and it all seems I was in the spotlight but singing gibberish to him, but his eyes that were on me gave me the confidence to continue. “Wow!” He exclaimed when I was done. “That’s the greatest present I’ve ever received.” He blinks and gazed at me like I was a celebrity. “Thank you, you’re the first to wish me a happy birthday.”
I looked at him sceptically, wondering how true that was. “Your mom forgot?” I knew that his mother should be the first to wish him a happy birthday and it was already getting late, whereas he must have seen her early this morning.
“She’s too busy that’s the reason.” He said with a smile and I could tell that he was not blaming her. He was such a good son. “Her wishes and present will have to come later this evening if only she looks at the calendar.” He added.
“Do you feel bad that she forgot?” No matter how I didn’t want to poke my nose at it, I still need to know since his expression gave nothing away.
“No, she must have forgotten just like the girl in my front.” His brow snapped as he looks at me and I look down, biting my lips, I thought he had not noticed it, because I told him before he could remind me.
“Did you know?” I curl my lips up and guiltily peek through my long eyelashes, I knew that as his girlfriend I should have wished him a happy birthday early today than now.
Jeffery nods, supporting his chin with his hands as he stared at me intensely and his lips moved. “I saw you look at your phone calendar.” I was surprised when he said that.
I knew I had walked away from him before checking my calendar. Was he still watching me until then? This means he had heard me spoke out loud to myself and also seen Suzy approach me.
“You should be punished for forgetting about your boyfriend’s birthday.” His voice got me out of my thought as I gawked. Was he going to punish me?
I looked up at his face and his brow was still snapped together and I could see his eyes staring at me with all seriousness. “Real hard, watch out for it very soon, it would come like a real surprise.” His lips curled up and an evil smile spread through his face.
Something about his expression terrified me and I blink, knowing he was going to punish me but not when I was ready for it, I looked up at his face, thinking what his punishment would be, but he gave nothing away, it was a helpless situation.
“I hate surprise punishment. Can you just do it now that I am fully aware and ready so that it won’t hurt much?” I clasp my hands together.
“No.” He shook his head and smile when he saw my pleading face. “I want you to hurt much, so let’s enjoy our meal for now.” He took a bite of the food we have long abandoned and seems to be enjoying himself while I imagined being hit when I was not watching. How does he expect me to enjoy this meal I have made plans to eat with Joy.
This sounds so scary!