Chapter 2: Protective father.

“Hey Cindy, good morning” a tall guy with a slim masculine figure came running towards me as I got out of the choir’s quarters. His name is Sean and his mother is the choir mistress, and also the presiding pastor's wife. Technically, he is Alice’s brother but he’s the older one between them. I have always known he has a thing for me but he has never spoken to me before. 

“How are you doing?” He asked, flashing a warm smile at me. The smile made me feel a knot in my stomach. Damn! He is so cute. I would mind staring at him all day, if I am given the chance. 

“I’m okay” I said nervously, avoiding his intense gaze. The thought of him talking to me for the first time made me feel butterflies in my stomach because this was literally my prayer point. 

We had exchanged glances a few times but aside from that, he’s just a regular popular guy at the church. I also have a crush on him I must confess but I have always thought I’m not even the kind of woman he wants. He has a good relationship with Charlotte, every guy’s crush so I buried every assumption that I could ever date him. 

“Can we talk after church?” 

I didn’t even know how to respond. I have always wanted him to walk up to me because I lacked the confidence to approach him for friendship. As I was about to respond, I sighted my dad coming towards where I was. I guess he must have been looking for me for a while because the service just began. 

“We should talk later, I gotta go” I said hurriedly then walked up to my dad. 

“Cindy, what were you doing there?” He asked, giving Sean a sinister look as he walked past us into the church. 

“Nothing, dad” I said. 

“Good. Now get into the church”

I walked into the church with caution, monitoring each step I took so I wouldn't fall. If I had known, I wouldn’t have worn heels this morning. It was getting uncomfortable as I was walking back into the church especially as I can’t get my thoughts over the fact that Sean just spoke to me.

The rest of the service was a good one. The choir did justice to their part of the service. I have a really good voice so I was amongst the soprano singers. I locked eyes with Sean a few times, but I always looked away nervously. In no time, the service had come to an end. I took off the robe and handed it over to Alice. She looked so innocent as she was tending to the rest of the choir. We’re of the same age and height, I guess. 

Her skin is pale and white but she’s really slim and looks like a model, unlike me of course. I like her though but we’re not as close as I really want us to be, maybe because I’m pretty busy with work to tend to any friendship. God knows if she’s aware of what her brother is trying to do with me, I’m sure she’d freak out if she finds out.  

My dad gave me a signal with his hand to proceed to the car, too bad I won’t be able to talk to Sean as I said earlier. I don’t know why my dad is overprotective over me and my sister. It’s even worse with me, probably because I am the older one. As I got into the car, I noticed my dad was unusually quiet. No matter how my sister and mum were chattering and making silly jokes, he didn’t utter a word till we rode home. 

Immediately we got inside, he turned to me with an angry look and asked, “What were you doing with pastor Joseph’s son, Sean?”

“Nothing. We were just talking. Is anything wrong?”

“Nothing? Look I saw the look in his eyes okay!” 

“What kind of look?” My mum cuts in. 

“He was looking at Cindy like he wanted to do something stupid with her. I stood outside for some minutes, watching he and Cindy”

“Dad, I’m not a kid anymore! I’m twenty one years old for God’s sake yet, you still act like I’m sixteen. Gosh! get it together dad!” 

“Is that what you have to say about this?” He hollered at me. 

“Yes dad. If I want to get married right now, I’m so damn sure you can’t stop me. So what’s the big deal? 

“That’s not even the point”

“The point is, you need to stop over protecting me at this stage. Do that with Maddie, not me” I said with a grimace. 

“That boy is bad news and you know it. I’m not stopping you from mingling with others but Sean, is a bad idea” 

“Yes honey, you know how he flocks around other ladies amongst the choir, I’m very sure you wouldn’t want a husband who flirts with the whole city” my mum added. 

“Fine, I get it, you have a point. But dad shouldn’t talk to me like I’m a kid”

“You go on to your room and I’d sort that out, okay?” My mom says with a warm smile. 

I turned towards my room and took off my fascinator hat then threw it on the bed as soon as I got into my room and heaved a sigh. I took off my gown slowly and let down my hair. I looked towards the wall clock, it’s 11:20 am. I still have plenty of time to rest before I do my laundry. Even though I hate to admit it, tomorrow is monday. One day I dread the most purposely because of the tedious work that comes along with my job. 

I worked as a waitress at a restaurant, a few kilometers away from my house. It wasn’t too stressful because we ran in shifts, the morning and evening shift. It's tedious on Mondays because I’m on the morning shift for that day. I slumped into my bed then took off my glasses then placed it on the drawer next to my bed. In no time, I slowly closed my eyes, giving way for nature to have its course.