2

Winter let out a chuckle observing the two lizards that are currently fighting with each other for the mosquito. The room goes dead silent and every head turns towards her direction, her eyes met her dad that appeared slightly annoyed when their eyes met. Early in the morning, Winter trudged down the stairs for the family worship just to start observing all the house lizards she made friends with. 

“What's the matter! Winter?” Nichols arched his eyebrows towards his youngest daughter who seemed to be controlling herself not to burst out laughing. 

“No dad, something just stuck in my throat” she lied and started coughing a little to make it seem more believable. God only knows her dad wouldn't stop lecturing if she admits the truth. She can't tell other people about the friendship she had with those lizards. 

“Amen,” they all chorused, clutching their palms together. Winter is seconds away from jumping up and dragging her feet towards the kitchen if not for the pointed look her step-mother is giving. 

“Mom, You look prettier day by day” she compliments Adah who loves being young. Of course, she would never say it with her mouth but Winter knows what her mother wants. 

“Oh my! Thanks, honey, you look more beautiful, especially this morning. Perhaps you took care of it?” it wasn't a question but a statement, by now Adah and Winter know each other's intentions and interests after twenty years of living together.

At her mother's word, Winter touches her cheek with her long slender fingers, her mind automatically drifting toward the green-eyed monster she met last night. 

“Honey, Are you okay? You seem a bit feverish” her mother was watching her with a little look of worry on her face. She doesn't understand why she was especially extra cautious about her looks, mostly Winter doesn't do make-up but this morning, she found herself wanting to look extra beautiful not that she looked bad without it.

“I think I fell in love,” she whispered, clutching her chest dramatically. Adah stared at her wide-eyed and assessed her daughter's face to see if she was lying or making fun. Winter was seconds away from exploding at the look on her mother's face. 

“My God, Who is this man? Is it better to be someone your age or at least educated?” She runs her lips with her tongue giving her mother a wink. 

“You'll find out soon” she scurries away from her mother's curious gaze. She doesn't know why she said those things but one thing is for sure. She likes to see a reaction from her mother. 

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The winds started blowing the moment Winter stepped out of her home, She cursed her luck for the bad Weather, it's almost two years since Willow quit wearing her long flowery skirt. And times like today, which is a rare occasion for her to wear a skirt, the wind just had to mess up her fashion.

The joy of having to hold the end of her skirt every step she took!! 

She passed by the VIP house and last night's event started replaying in her mind. She wondered if he would recognise her. She was hoping he couldn't see her face clearly and perhaps suffered from night blindness. 

Today, She was determined to talk with her dad and get over it. She was not sure how her father would react to her decision and she knew it's gonna be hard! 

When she reached her workplace, thankfully without her bike, She rushed into her office meeting Gareth's unamused face. Gareth is the richest bachelor and the owner of 'News for you' which she worked at. He is in his early thirties and it would be a lie If winter says she doesn't have a crush on the man. Not only is he rich, but Gareth is a good looking man with a decent personality. 

“Why are you wearing those! You look like a granny” Despite his good reputation of having a decent personality, things are different when it comes to Winter. He likes to tease her or often make fun of her. She was sure he only did that for his enjoyment. 

“Why not? Are you blinded by my beauty!?” Gareth rolled his eyes at her retort. They were a good match according to the town people's point of view but that is far from the truth. They couldn't stay together for ten minutes without wanting to bite their heads off. 

“Get to work! Winter” Gareth clapped his hand Shooing her towards her office; Mumbling something that is so not lady-like, She walked past him patting his butt. A smile played on her lips when she heard the hiss from Gareth's lips. 

“I'll cut your short arms one day!..." Her evil laugh echoes the whole place. 

Despite the frown on his face, Gareth felt warm all over his body staring at the small figure disappearing to her office. He couldn't help but get drawn to her dark brown curls and emerald eyes with her curvy small body that she hides so well under that big shirt and trousers that can fit two people her size. Despite everything, he loved her presence and that is one of the reasons why he was still working with Winter. His family is one of the richest families in Jefferson town and his salary of 600 dollars doesn't help much. 

______________________

“Dad!!....”Winter burst into her father's office after having a one-hour session of prayer in the girl's bathroom. She needed to make sure her dad didn't kill her. 

“Hey! Honey..” he looks up confused at her sudden visit. 

Her face stretched into a wide smile and waved her hand awkwardly, despite her determination to ask her dad; the one thing she's been planning for almost half of her life, she couldn't help but sweat a little. 

“I bought you Chicken nuggets!!!...” She holds the bags of food and walks towards his seat, she places the food on his table, the smile never wavering from her face. 

“Do I have to be worried!?” Her dad surprised her with his question. Of course, her father could see right through her facade. 

“What do you mean? Dad!” Her face resembles a drowned puppy when he looks at her. She was so confident about asking him but words got stuck in her throat when her dad was staring at her like he was trying to figure her out. 

Damn it! She thought. 

“Stop wasting my time if you don't have anything to say, Win” She jerked her head up and stared right at his face, her face suddenly turning serious. 

“Dad, Actually I-” 

Ring ring 

“Hello?” 

Winter words got lost in the middle, her father's phone rudely interrupting her. She rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“What!?” 

She watched her father's alarming face as she listened to him talking, although her dad's work is none of her concern; She couldn't help but grow weary at the way he is spatting to the other person. She wouldn't want to be the other person with the way he was balling his fist like he's about to punch; not that her dad could do that. 

“Stupid!! Winter snaps her mouth shut and backs away two steps from her dad. 

“Dad!?” She called him softly, Nicholas sighed heavily and ruffled his hair, mumbling something under his breath.

“Dad. What's wrong?”  

“Your sister ran away from home” It's like cold water poured all over her body, her mouth gaping at the new information. If her father acts this way towards the news, She couldn't imagine how he would react to her request. 

“Which sister?!” she asked just in case she needed to make sure. The glare that sends her way causes her mouth to close shut. 

“Pack your bags, we need to go home” 

And just like that She loses her perfect chance again just because her sister ran away from home. She is aware of her sister's age to take care of themselves, they weren't a kid! She wondered why her dad uses the phrase 'Ran away' when some of his kids had grey hair.