Chapter 11

Elise

"How did you hire this man? And why would he stay with us. He can literally be coming every morning. It's not like Dad goes out a lot these days. There's no point in him going to the extent of moving to the house." I didn't realize I was blabbering until she folded her arms together.

"Are you done?" She asked raising her brows. Silence.

"Mr. William assigned him himself. I trust him. I know there won't be any problem. And for the moving, I don't think that should be a problem to you. He won't be the one to be driving you to work. You have your car. Unless you still have lingering problems with him"

"Lingering-" I stopped and took in a sharp breath.

"I hold no lingering problems for you Mom. I'm just voicing out. We don't know anything about him. He might be some bad person"

"Don't judge a book by its cover Elise. I always tell you that. Had it been I judged your father in the past, I wouldn't have married him. To even have you guys. So get that mentality out of your head. If you're done leave my room. I'm busy" I couldn't make a word out of my mouth. She has already killed the conversation. I have no more say.

Slowly I turned on my heels and left her room towards mine. "You really are playing with Elise" I said to no one in particular staring at the closed door as if he was standing outside. I went straight to the bathroom and took a cold water. For some reason, I was kinda feeling the heat.

By the time I went back to the living room, I was met with Mom and Aria. A pack of pizza in front of them. All of a sudden, my stomach turned at the sight. I didn't get to take a slice when it was snatched away from me.

"Why Mom?" I asked surprised at her action.

"This is not for you?"

"Who else?"

"It's for Elijah" I had to ask again to make sure I didn't hear wrong. Like Elijah. For what?

"What does me eating a slice has to do with him?"

"You're cutting it shut for him. If you want to eat, you have your money. Order for a pack" As weird as it may sound, her words sting.

"Alright. It's no problem" That was the only thing I managed to say. And it seems she noticed how my mood changes at her words.

"Aria go get the other pack for your sister" She said after a moment of silence befell us.

"What pack?" I asked my eyes darting to the two.

"I know you will flip if you don't eat the pizza. And I was only joking. I ordered three boxes. One for us. One for you and the other for your father. Though I know he'd complain that I'm feeding him too much junk food"

Mom with her way of mending things. But that doesn't mean the words didn't hurt me.

"Elijah too?"

"Why? Don't you want him to eat? He's part of this family already"

"Family?" An annoyed laugh almost escaped me.

"In as much as he came through Mr. Williams, then I consider him a family. Williams has done so much for us"

She's right. Mr. Williams has done more than enough to the family. But why does it have to be Elijah.

Why do you hate him Elise? My inner voice ushered.

"Here Sis. Enjoy yourself. By the way, mom told me you know each other. Mr. Elijah"

There's no way Mom will know something without Aria not knowing. And Aria will her gossips.

"Yes I do. You have any problem with that"

Before I could know what was happening, she was by my side. "Actually I don't have any problem. And I won't. How can a handsome young man like that be working as a driver? He deserved more than that" only if she knew.

"Maybe you should go and ask him the reason why he choose the job" I said with a roll of an eye. She went silent for a while. I wouldn't be surprise if she ask him. I know my family. And I know what they are capable of.

"Should I?" She said after a while. I didn't miss the blush that appeared on both her cheeks. What do I do with my sister?

"Allow the poor guy. He barely reach 24 hours yet. Better concentrate on your studies. I don't want to see any low grades this time around" Mom scolds her. And that got her back to her senses.

"Mom!"

"Don't waste your words on me. I won't be moved. Go to your room" She grumpily pouted her lips and ran upstairs.

"What's with the look!" Mom exclaimed turning to me.

I raised my hands in surrender standing up before she turn to me. "I'm outta here. I will be stepping out. I have a quick meeting with one of my client" I explained. I know she'd throw me her question.

"Alright. Be careful and don't be late"

"Or should I call Elijah to take you" her words made my foot come to a halt. What's with her and mentioning Elijah.

"No mom that won't be necessary" I forced out a smile.

It was as if he was waiting for me. He was leaning on one of the cars. I wouldn't deny that fact that he's not that bad. But our first meeting was on a bad note. So, I won't free him that easily. I decided to pretend I didn't see him even though he was standing beside my car. "I see that you're going out" He said. Hands folded across the chest.

What does that look like to him or is it a way of him trying to make talks with me. "As your eyes sees it as" I answered back unlocking my car.

"By the way, I met your sister. And I must say, she undoubtedly the nicest person I've ever met. Like she was so easygoing and an cheerful person"

I rolled my eyes in return. "Last time I checked, I didn't ask you for all the details. If you know what is good for you, it's better to start making your way to pick up my father. He doesn't like waiting" with that I entered my car and rounded up the glasses.

My car came to a halt in front of a flower shop where I will be meeting with my new client. Initially, we were supposed to meet during my working hours. But I was exhausted and wanted to rest. I know I can shift it to the next day but I've already made the plans. I don't want to disappoint.

From the entrance I could perceive the scent of flowers of different types. Roses are my favorite. Even though I don't put much thought to the meaning. "Hello Good afternoon" I approached the receptionist.

"Good Afternoon Ma'am. Welcome. How may I help you"

"I'm here to-"

"Miss Jordan" I was cut off by a voice behind me. She marched forward towards me.

"You're Rylee right?" She let out a smile with a nod.

"This way please" She lead us towards an office.

"Please seat" she gestured towards the couch. "Give me a minute please" And she disappear. Within two minutes, she came back with two cups of coffee.

"Thank you" I uttered.