Gosh! Why is he so hot?!

Chapter 5

Two days later, the clattering of objects interrupted my call with Maurice. It was late in the afternoon, and Mr. Fidell had returned from work rather early.

“How can you hide such a thing from me?!" That was Mrs. Fidell screaming at the top of her voice.

I heard nothing in response, just a few whispers. Mr. Fidell's voice was obviously inaudible. I moved very close to the door to hear even the tiniest bit of detail of whatever the issue may be.

The objects came clattering again.

‘What the f*ck is happening?!"

“Mom! Dad!" I heard an unfamiliar voice shout.

“You guys should better get a grip of yourself, if you fight one more time, I am leaving the house!" The female voice retorted with finality.

Mr. Fidell spoke with a calm voice. “I am not fighting, if only your mom would understand"

“Understand? Seriously? To hell with you! You are a disgrace to this family!" Mrs. Fidell blurted out.

Somehow, this event made me reminsce about my little happy family, and the blissful moments we had when my mother was alive. Dad and mom never quarrelled or fought over any issue, or maybe they did and I never really got to know. They were not so young love birds who appeared lovey-dovey most of the time.

I heard stomping footsteps move towards the doorway. ‘Lizzie!' I struggled to push my head I had stuck out, right in, but oh! I was late!.

“Mind your business! Ugly duckling!" She said in a fury, pointing to my face. She was green with anger.

Lizzie's threat to her parents gave the impression of an Army General order to his subordinates, as the whole noise died down the very moment she stormed out of the kitchen.

Still keen to know the issue that had caused such an uproar, I decided to ask Letticia later in the day. It appeared she wasn't home, I couldn't remember seeing her that afternoon. We had spoken to each other briefly before she left the estate, carrying a backpack.

Mrs. Fidell and I collided shortly after, she tried acting okay. Her eyes betrayed her, they were red from crying.

“Your dad's not coming next week as promised" she told me.

When she spoke I caught a glimpse of Letticia and Lizzie at the spot where Lizzie and I had stayed two nights before. Letticia embraced Lizzie, patting her on the back.

‘Lizzie is not tough as she looks'

I gave up on finding out the reason for the whole drama, the full house was sad.

My dad must have chosen to share the postponement of his return to the Fidell's, to avoid making me disappointed. I still could bet I was.

****

The reason for the whole drama was revealed earlier than I expected. Letticia told me herself. Her father had confessed to his wife about the family he had, before they courted. His first wife had bore him a son, who was just three years of age when the marriage was dissolved.

Mr. Fidell moved away from the City he once resided and went ahead to change his last name, hoping to start a total new life with a new family. His ex wife on the other hand, remarried months later. This new family happened to be Mrs. Fidell and her daughters.

Now, her father summoned the courage to break the news to Mrs. Fidell because he wanted his company to be in safe hands in years to come, and a son was apparently needed to take over his multi-billion dollar company.

“Men would always be men!" Letticia said with contempt.

“I was such a fool to think I had a large part of my father's property as his first child" she continued, laughing painfully.

I went ahead to pacify Letticia. “I am really sorry for what happened"

“And then... My mom would look like a bad woman! A greedy woman who wanted everything for herself and her children!" Letticia went on.

Mrs. Fidell had no idea of her husband's earlier marriage and child. ‘Poor Mrs. Fidell!'

“A woman could also control the affairs of a company, isn't it?" She asked me wide-eyed.

I couldn't imagine my dad coming up with a tale like that. I laughed jocularly.

”Ofcourse Letticia, it is this way because someone else came before you, his son..."

Mr. Fidell didn't just confess, he made it known to his family that his son is to live in their estate with them to prepare him for the task ahead.

Mrs. Fidell was reclined to her room for days, Lizzie remained bleak and Letticia less cheerful. I could sense Mr. Fidell's guilt and worry, he normalized returning to the estate very late at night. Too embarrassed to look in the faces of his family.

However, Mr. Fidell's son was to arrive regardless of the situation. In no time, the woman and her girls began to return to their once cheerful selves, except ofcourse for Lizzie.

Mr. Fidell accompanied his son to the estate the next Saturday, his wife welcomed him with open arms, Lizzie's face was still sullen and Letticia, a little reluctant. Still, she grinned from ear to ear.

I was stunned when I got to see Mr. Fidell's son, now I understood the reason for Letticia's incessant grin. ‘He was definitely too much than I expected.' A tall frame, full lips and strong arms which were quite noticeable despite the tuxedo he wore. I swallowed hard.

For few minutes, I stood at the stairs lusting over him. He took off the sunglasses he wore and squinted his eyes. Beneath his sunglasses was the most perfect set of eyes. My body began to feel funny. ‘Gosh! Why is he so hot?"

I had the stupid thought of wishing my dad could stay longer for his contract. ‘I couldn't leave the Fidell's estate just yet! Not after beholding the sight of this tall glass of Cabernet Sauvignon wine!'

While I retreated, our eyes met. He was somewhat mortified.

‘Did he notice I had been staring for so long?'

For the first time, my heart fluttered for a man at first sight!