I WAS so nervous as Alessandra laid out the guest lists one by one at the table who will attend the house blessing of their house next week.
I looked carefully to see if I knew a prominent person who could meet Gabriel me just in case.
"Do you think the number of guests in attendance is okay? If I increase so?" Alessandra said while scratching the pen over her head.
My eyes widened, "Are you sure you want more? It looks like your yard will be full just in case." I commented, trying to convince her intention.
"Hmm, there's still a backyard, that's okay so I can have a pool party," she excitedly said, before bending down at the table and checking the list of invitation recipients.
"Eh, how about the one you sent earlier?" I continue to be convinced of it.
"It's alright, they won't be over twenty," she replied quickly.
"Hmm," That's all I could hear.
I pulled the lists she would send an invitation to. I immediately frowned at the familiar name there. Suddenly I was also sweating sticky because of the name read.
"Why? Is there a problem?" Alessandra awoke in my silence.
"Ha! Nothing," I shook my head repeatedly, "Looks like only celebrities are on your guest list." I comment again here.
"Hmm, most of them are from the elite society member. Especially in the business and entertainment word." she clarifies, then she shrugs as if she just doesn't have it.
I nodded, although it was obvious that her family had a big business background. I heard about their successful construction firm.Their family has the most wealthy and powerful status in society, also based on my research.
I glanced at the guest lists again and went back to a name that had made my heart tremble before. Minerva Cervantes, I can't go wrong Mommy is on that list.
"Ah, Alessandra." I gently call her name.
"Yes?" she looked up to me.
"Hmm, do you think everyone here will be able to attend on Sunday?" I nervously asked.
"I don't think so, but let's pray that they all come. Gabriel also has a business prosal with some of those I invited," she hopefully said, I saw the twinkle in her eye of the fierce husband's name.
"Uh," I nodded slightly and powerlessly lowered the paper before deciding to get up from the wooden chair.
"I'll just make you a snack, I'll be right back." I said goodbye to her and smiled at me before focusing on what she was doing.
I quickly went inside and went straight to my own room. My eyes searched for my cellular phone and quickly picked it up for someone to call.
I bite my nails nervously while waiting for it to answer the call.
"Damn, answer the phone, Elie," I said,
"Ah, hello-" but I was stunned by the voice message only answered from there.
"Fuck!" I said out loud before throwing the cellphone on the bed.
I walked around my room for a while before I thought of picking up my cellphone again, and I texted Elwood.
Me:
Damn, why didn't you answer your rubbish phone? Call me, I have something to tell you.
I threw the phone on the bed again after I sent the text.
I did a few more blunders before I picked it up again and texted again. I couldn't help but shake my hand as I typed that text.
Me:
This is about Zekiah!
I shut my eyes firmly, fingers at my forehead. A few more minutes passed when I heard the phone ringing.
"Thanks god, Elli..." I taunting.
"What about Zeki?" That was his immediate opening.
I filled my lungs with glassy air before I speak. "I can't say here, let's meet. I will text you the details." I lowered down my voice and I ended the phone call.
As the sun went down I felt even more nervous. I feel so raw, like a sweet shell encapsulating a word of nothing. The nervousness in my chest hasn't gone away since I found out that Mommy might be going here. Whatever I think I know no reason why they invited Mommy. We are on the opposite side of the world, so it is impossible for us to meet.
I nervously sipped on the cup of coffee I ordered earlier. While watching people go out and enter the coffee shop where I was.
And suddenly someone's took my attention, he entered the coffee shop confidently. There is no denying that he grabs the attention of some customers especially women.
I rolled my eyes as he slowly took off his dark sunglasses. I pinning myself against the metal chair and lazily sipped onto my coffee cup.
He waved closer to me with a smirk on his lips. "The jerk," I whispered.
"Hi, Meredith! What's up?!" he walks towards me, and give me a slight kiss on the cheek.
I motioned for the waiter to come over to us. "What do you want to order?" I asked him without delay.
"Just a cup of coffee." he replied, and sitting across to me.
I nodded to the waiter after I ordered two coffee late and sliced cakes.
A moment of silence lingered between us. I don’t know how I’m going to start telling him about Zekiah.
"How are you?" he asked in his joyful voice.
"I'm okay," I said, and wearing my tiny smile.
He narrowed his eyes at me, as if in disbelief, so the inclination of my back to the chair fit better.
He took a deep breath before speaking. "You're not looking okay, Meredith," he said in worried tone. He seems serious and his smile faded.
"Of course, I do... You don't have to worry about me, I eat three times a day. You don't have to worry about me." I cracked a wide smile so it wouldn't think I'm not really okay.
"Liar," he said straight to me.
I lick my lips frantically, and looked away. Maybe I just can’t hide the sadness in my eyes. But this is the only weapon I have now, to pretend I'm okay and show how strong I am.
I sat down for a while when the waiter handed us the coffee and sliced cake I had ordered.
He tilted his head towards the edge of the mug as he took a short swig of the coffee.
"What's the news with Zeki? Do you have a new lead with him?" He started without taking his eyes off me.
My lips twitched. Gradually my tears condensed, I bit my lower lip to stop my tears from falling, but I couldn’t. And suddenly I break into tears, One by one it dripped on my lap that I couldn't stop.
My emotions turned jagged in my inside. The pain is like a knife, being twisted in my spine. There is no blood anywhere but my abdomen is purple and lumpy where it should be smooth.
He clenched his jaw, "Tell me, what is happening..." he leans forward and steady his gaze at me.
I sob, H-he’s alive, ”I utter with panting.