Planned Anniversary

Jonathan Pov...

It's our five years anniversary with Jessica. I want this anniversary to be different from our previous anniversary. I canceled all appointments for two days to spend with her. This year we will go to Korea as she dreamed to meet the kpop idols she was crazy at. She wasn't aware of my plan yet. Our flight will be later tonight, so, I prepared everything for us.

I'm still staring at the ticket I bought two weeks ago. Surprising your beautiful woman is the best euphoric feeling I felt. She was the love of my life I always wanted to be with the rest of my life.

We are not just going to Korea to spend our Anniversary. I planned to propose to her! I can't wait to see her reaction. This anniversary is well planned a few months ago.

I was jubilant and excited to pack my stuff when my phone rang continuously. I stop packing and reach for my phone. I immediately answered as it was dad calling.

"Dad!" I grasp to answer him.

"Where are you?" He asked agitated.

"At my apartment dad! Why? Is there something wrong?" I asked worriedly.

"No! Nothing! No! Come home tomorrow evening. We will have a family dinner with Mr. Cushe." He enunciated using his firm deep tone of voice when commanding. This means this dinner is very important. 

"Okay, dad!" I replied masking my emotions. 

"I'll expect you tomorrow! Don't disappoint me, Jonathan!" He added. 

I sighed deeply and dejected slumping my body on the sofa. I planned for this and yet it was wasted! Why? Why must be tomorrow? Why not choose some other day? God! Am I  a bad person? 

I called Jessica to eat dinner with me today at our favorite restaurant as I can't see her tomorrow. Whatever that dinner will be I am not aware of it! All  I know I have to go home and join them.

"You look, unhappy babe! Is there something bothering you?" Jessica asks as I can't enjoy my food. My mind is still on the plan that it turned sideways now.

"I am fine babe! I'm just a bit tired. Dad gave me a lot of work to do!" I lied, showing how tired I was even though I wasn't, it's just my heart is helpless right now!

"Then go home after we eat. I am already fine that I saw you and eat dinner with you. You look tired and terrible babe!' She beamed. I smiled pecking at her lips and nodded.

"Thanks, babe! I will!" She caressed my face pecking on my lips again before he shove the pineapple juice in my mouth.

After we ate we didn't roam around the city that we used to do. I immediately send her home while I turned my wheels back to my apartment still dejected. I want to trash my frustrations. I pulled my gym mat and meditated to calm myself. I can't go home like this tomorrow. Dad will notice how uncomfortable and downcast I am. No one passes his laser eyes! He will always see the trouble you are hiding and the lies you are cooking.

I woke up still solitary but I had to move forward. I fixed my bed and do some stretching before going to my kitchen and preparing my vegetarian breakfast because I'm sure the food we will eat later is not on my list of food to intake. Since I was the face of our company and modeling some brands of clothing, I maintained my physique and diet.

I went out to buy some gifts for Mr. Cushe. I don't even know what to buy him as he is a very private person. What should I give him? I can't just show up there empty-handed. I'm sure he will bring something important or expensive gift. Why am I so bothered? Does it matter? Urgh! I sighed keep walking until my eyes landed on some beautiful paintings hanging on the wall. It's abstract art but the design fits Mr. Cushe's personality. Serous, quiet, and private. Those who love art will understand what is in this art! It's my secret that no one knew. I love art!

I arrived home late as I can see two cars already parked in front of our house. I parked my car at the back not to make unwanted attention. Who knows where they prepare that dinner, knowing it's two cars means we have another guest besides Mr. Cushe, though I wasn't informed.

I slowly opened the living room door, not to surprise everyone but no one is there besides my mother just left. I followed her and was surprised that they set up the dinner in the garden. Mr. Cushe is a very important person as they lit up the garden for him.

"Jonathan!" Dad beamed when he saw me walking toward them. I smiled like the way I practiced. I hugged dad and kissed my mother's cheek before looking at Mr. Cushe. I give him my gift while greeting him. He smiled satisfied.

"Thank you!" He uttered shortly.

"You're welcome Mr. Cushe!" I replied but he was not pleased.

"Just call me uncle Homer, Jonathan. Anyway, Gertrude is coming over she was just stuck in the traffic after her meeting." He beamed, smiling at me but I feel that smile is weird just when Gertrude walks out the door, illuminating the garden with her presence. I was stunned staring at her. I almost don't recognize her. She exudes power and confidence. I felt like I was struck by lightning. I didn't know Mr. Cushe was pleased and looking at me.

"Good evening. I am sorry for being late!" She immediately beamed politely upon reaching the table. Everyone acknowledges her presence before she walks towards my mother and kissed her cheeks for respect as well as my dad. Is this for real or I am just imagining things that it shouldn't?

I look at Mr. Cushe and he was a proud father looking at his daughter so polite and graceful. I felt like I was the villain on the table who hasn't had any manners at all. Mr. Cushe told me to call him Uncle Homer but I keep on calling him Mr. Cushe while Gertrude makes my parents comfortable towards them. That simple gesture is enough to calm someone who is shivering nervous, shy, or uncomfortable.

We are both startled and shocked when our gazes meet. She was surprised looking at me mouth agape unable to move stuck to where she was standing, and so do I! I want to speak but I couldn't say anything. I told myself before that when I will see her again I will ask why she did that. I even promise to crush her but here I am stuck unable to move and speak. Her power is overpowering and intimidating.