Chapter Three - Out Of The Frying Pan Into The Fire

Anacá

The moment I opened the door, my dad stormed in with an annoyed scowl on his face. I stepped back and watched him warily. Did he know what I had done? What would I tell him if he asked? Obviously, I would be honest with him. I couldn’t entertain Josh’s request and hide his fault.

“So, you’re here. We have been waiting for you at Jeremy’s place.” He scowled more as he went straight to the living room. “Since when have you become so irresponsible, Anacá?”

“No, dad. I..” Before I could think of an answer or close the door, another car stopped in our driveway, and Josh’s parents emerged. My mouth hung open, realizing what was in store for me now. How would I face them? What would I tell them?

Picking up my phone, I quickly typed a message to Josh.

Your parents are at our house to grill me. I’ll be totally honest.–Anacá.

My phone instantly pinged with a reply from Josh. It didn’t look like he was focused on his job.

Don’t tell them about Jordynn. It’s an urgent request–Josh.

I rolled my eyes at his absurd request. What would I tell them then?

“Anacá, there you are. We were waiting for your update. What happened?” said Aunt Dana, hugging me briefly.

“I just returned, Aunt Dana. I was considering freshening up and heading to your house.”

“Happy now? See, you were worrying unnecessarily. I know you can depend more on Anacá than that worthless son of yours,” Uncle Jeremy taunted his wife as always.

“As if he isn’t your son. By the way, he takes after you.” I smiled at their non-stop bickering. They would never change.

“Anacá, come and sit here with us. We’re waiting for an update. Did you meet Josh? Did you two get engaged?” My dad patted the seat next to him, and I reluctantly joined them. What would I tell them? How would I lie?

“No, I mean, he was busy, and I didn’t get to meet him.” Thankfully, they bought my excuse, and I released a sigh of relief.

“It’s good you didn’t, Anacá. I was thinking of having your engagement at home this weekend,” said Aunt Dana, leaving me totally speechless.

How would I tell her I hated Josh? I wanted to decline her, but one look at dad’s smiling face made me hold back. Would he receive another heart attack if I declined?

“Hold on, Dana. Let your son get down on one knee and propose to the girl. At least she deserves that much.” It was the most awkward situation in my life. How do I always get into them?

“As if you had, Jeremy! Remember now?”

I left them to their banter and rose to serve drinks. “I’ll get something for you.”

“It doesn’t matter. They’ve known one another for so long, we can just get them engaged this weekend, Jerry. I have no faith in my health. I want to see my child well-settled and happy before I go. My health is failing me, and I have no time to wait. Let’s get on with the engagement first and the wedding a month later.” I overheard my dad plead with Uncle Jeremy, and my heart sank. I wanted to rush back to the room and confess, but something held me back. It was concern for my dad’s well-being, as always.

“Relax, Charlie. Don’t stress yourself so much. We’ll get them wedded soon. Nothing will happen to you. Dana, you can prepare for the engagement this Saturday at home. And please ensure that your worthless son is present at his engagement.”

“Why do you always call him that? It’s no wonder he doesn’t want to be at home.”

I walked into the kitchen with my mind in a state of confusion. How would I stop the engagement now? I felt disgusted with Josh. I was going through sh*t only because of him. If only I could tell his parents how he had insulted me.

I pulled out my phone and messaged him again.

They’re planning to get us engaged this Saturday. If you don’t cancel it, I’ll tell everyone how you and Jordynn have insulted me.–Anacá.

I prepared the drinks and served them on a tray when my phone buzzed with Josh’s reply.

I’ll talk to them. Can you meet me in the evening? There’s another problem–Josh.

I muttered curses at him. Why would I meet him after the way he treated me?

I’m busy. Sort your problems with your b*tch.–Anacá.

I wasn’t an evil person, but Josh pushed all the wrong buttons today, and I was mad at him.

Meet me, or I’ll talk to your dad about your deeds.–Josh.

Go ahead. You forced me to take the extreme step.–Anacá.

I switched off my phone, seething with fury at his underhanded blackmailing. He could go f*ck himself for all I cared. Pasting a fake smile on my face, I walked out of the kitchen with the drinks.

Just as I had expected, they were going overboard with their engagement planning. It made me claustrophobic. “I’m going to the departmental store, Dad. There’s nothing at home.”

He nodded, handing me some money. Relieved, I escaped their torture, swearing to return late once they left. If only I could escape my engagement!

It was next to impossible. Switching on my phone, I scrolled through the messages Josh had sent me, pleading with me to meet him. Didn’t he get the idea yet? I might have known him all my life, but today I realized what a di*khead he was. He destroyed everything between us. Not that there was much. Josh had spent his growing-up years at an expensive boarding school, and we had hardly met until he completed his studies and returned home. Two years older than me, he considered me unfit to hang out with. I had thought he would change after marriage, but I was so wrong.

I drove over to the departmental store to kill time. My eyes fell on a newspaper with a vibrant advertisement on the front page.

Emerald Star Cruises Worldwide has undergone a major expansion. If you are hardworking and dynamic with a zeal to achieve your dreams, apply with confidence and launch your career with us. Contact 00 30 210 3214229 or Email at: [e-mail] or drop in at 5, Kleanthous Str., Athens 10674.

I clicked a picture using my phone. This was the opportunity I was looking for. My last job at Carnival Cruises had stagnated with no salary hike or promotion despite my good performance. When my boss demanded favors in return for a promotion, I had no other option than to quit. But Emerald Star Cruises was huge and had already made a name in the shipping industry. I was sure the experience would be worth the effort.

My mood improved, and I collected the essentials for the house. Maybe I would talk to Dad after Josh’s parents left. I would try to reach out to him before Saturday.

When I returned home two hours later, Dad had fallen asleep. I sorted through the groceries I bought and later sat down at my laptop to apply for a suitable position at Emerald Star Cruises. For the first time in days, I felt better, hoping to get a job there. Any job would do.

My phone buzzed again, and I groaned, knowing who it would be.

I’m coming over if you don’t meet me.- Josh.

I lost my patience with his pestering.

I’m not meeting you. Just tell me what you have to say.–Anacá.

I can’t. Can I call you?–Josh.

I scowled at my phone. Why couldn’t he message me instead?

I rolled my eyes with disgust. If the hatred was mutual, why did he need to call me?

My phone buzzed with an incoming call from Josh, and I seethed with fury. “*ssh*l*.”

I took the call. “What do you have to say?” I went straight to the point.

“Look, I can’t tell anyone about Jordynn now. She’s in a toxic marriage and planning a divorce. It’s complicated. I don’t want to complicate her life further by involving my parents.”

I massaged my temples, at my wit’s end already. “Then how do we postpone our engagement? I have no wish to get engaged to you.”

Josh sighed, and I somehow couldn’t stop the feeling of dread from gripping my heart. I knew his answer before he could utter a single word.

“We have to go ahead with it, Anacá.”

I trembled with fury at his suggestion. Did he think I would ever agree? “I won’t get engaged to an *ssh*l* like you, Josh. I don’t give a d*mn about you and Jordynn’s problems. You deserve it for insulting me.” I disconnected the call and stormed out of my room to talk to my dad. Surely, he would understand if I explained the situation to him.