You gotta be kidding me

LACY

“Oh, my baby. You look so big now!” The older lady hugging Aaliyah wouldn't stop gushing.

We just arrived at her Father's house and my God, I was still in shock. This place was like a villa or something. A lot of gigantic buildings and servants. The trees gave off country vibes, but the fountains and the swimming pools I could see, and the tarred areas gave it a sophisticated touch. It was a rich mixture of both.

Aaliyah’s ‘Daddy’ sure knew how to use his money. This place was like a literal paradise.

“Ma'am Jocey, this is Lacy, my best friend.” Aaliyah introduced me to the older lady, and she diverted her gaze to me.

I flashed her a fake nervous, innocent smile. “Hello, Ma'am.”

She reciprocated with a genuine smile. “You're welcome, dear. Please feel at home.”

“I'll try.” I chuckled lightly, glancing at Aaliyah who was beaming. But then her smile faded slightly as she turned to the lady. “Where's my Daddy? He isn't here to welcome me.”

“Oh, baby. I'm so sorry. Mr. Anderson is on his way. He called to apologize that he was running late because of traffic. He'll be here soon, for sure.”

“Yeah, sure. Excuses. Excuses.” Aaliyah sang, waving the older lady off as she headed inside. I tried grabbing our luggage but the older lady stopped me.

“Don't worry about them, dear. The maids will bring them.” She said to me, gesturing that I go after Aaliyah.

I thanked her and headed inside. All the air in my lungs froze as I was hit with the ethereal sight ever.

Was this really a house or some paradise? Sorry that I keep asking that but it doesn't make sense. Do you know how much money was splashed to build this?

“If you're that wowed, then maybe you should take a tour around the premises. I think you'll find things that're gonna leave you more breathless.” Aaliyah laughed. She was already halfway up a staircase.

“Can I?”

“Sure, girl. Go ahead. I'll get our rooms ready.”

I nodded and took a route that led to a finely lawned area. There were countless patios, thatched houses with modern designs. Small buildings that I wasn't sure what they would be used for. But I knew for sure that my family would be lucky if we ever afford to build any of these. We wouldn't constantly be harassed by Hector and Mad Dog and those other gangsters.

I shut the thoughts out, choosing not to soil the beautiful moment of admiring these wonderful sights.

I forced a smile on my face as I continued my t tour. Christmas lights that lined the roofs of these small buildings made them more beautiful. And then a very beautifully decorated swimming pool came into sight.

How much I love pools. Especially one that seems so warm and inviting like this one.

I crouched next to it and dared to touch the water. God, it's warm. Just as I thought.

A tempting thought to get into the water hit me but I shook it off. I shouldn't. I might get scolded. Rich people always feel irked when commoners overstep their bounds on their properties. I shouldn't overstep my bounds. I shouldn't, but how can I not when the water keeps calling out to me?

After a few seconds of pondering, I finally threw caution to the wind, took off my clothes, and dove into the water in my underwear.

God, this feels very therapeutic.

I swam for God knows how long and only snapped out of my reverie when I heard male voices.

“Who's the lady in the pool?” The voice asked. He seemed angry.

I quickly swam to the edge and got out of the water, but the figure was already headed in my direction. I grabbed my clothes, but there wasn't any time to put them on.

He was already in front of me.

“Who are you?” He asked and I finally raised my head to answer his question.

But my throat went dry as I saw his face. Hazel eyes. Familiar jawline. A face that I vowed never to forget. How did he…what's he doing here?

He looked just as stunned as I was. Or more. He looked petrified. My clothes already added to the tension by sliding off my grip. And now I was standing in just my drenched underwear, looking as vulnerable and speechless as ever.

His eyes ran down my frame and I could see the twitch in his eyes. But then, his jaw tightened harder.

I looked around, eye-searching for Aaliyah. Anyone actually. With the rage in his eyes, he could unapologetically drown me in the pool behind me. I needed someone to rescue me from him.

“What the fuck are you doing here? I searched everywhere for you and I would have sworn you were a damn ghost. So how the hell are you here in front of me right now?”

I was finding it impossible to utter a word.

He stepped backwards slightly. “Or are you indeed a ghost?”

God, I wish I were. I would have disappeared a few minutes ago.

“Lacy!” Aaliyah's voice gave me a ray of hope. I haven't been this happy about seeing her like I was at the moment. She headed towards us and I stretched my hand for her. She held my hand, looking between the man and me in confusion.

“Is there a problem?” She asked.

“No.”

“Yes.” He countered immediately. “She's an intruder and I think it's best if we alert the security. Or things are gonna start getting missing.”

Aaliyah laughed. “Daddy, what are you talking about? She's not an intruder. She's my best friend, Lacy. I told you about her, didn't I?”

Did she just say ‘Daddy’? I went completely paralyzed. But again, he looked more paralyzed than I was.

His eyes twitched dangerously. And then he gave a dry chuckle.

“Baby, you must be kidding. She can't be your best friend. She can't be 22. And she definitely can't be a fucking sophomore student!”

Right. I've got a curvaceous body that makes me look almost 28. Aaliyah is on the slender side. But I’m kinda thick. And I danced around that pole with an expertise that screamed maybe 30. But I'm indeed 22. And he's Aaliyah's Father. I had a one-night stand with my Best-friend's Father!

Someone, please, just end my miserable life right now. It has already gotten more complex than normal.

“She's 22. And yeah, she's a sophomore student. And indeed, she's my best friend.” Aaliyah reiterated emphatically.

“You gotta be kidding me!” He spat out.