CHAPTER 99

Ayra took a deep breath and knocked briskly at the bronzed gold door but was met with silence, she twitched her legs this way and that way before knocking again. She turned to look uncertainly at Ella who stood next to her . " I think this was a mistake c'mon let's go, I will call him once I get home " She said.

" What do you mean?" Ella questioned folding her hands across her arms.

" I mean I have never been to his house before , what if he doesn't want to see me? Or his parents ain't welcoming or he- " .

" Gawwwwd ayra you over think a lot. There's a first time for everything and I'm sure Jack would be ecstatic to see you , now knock on that door till it gets opened " She ordered.

" I don't think anyone is around let's just go home already " She whined wondering why she was feeling anxious on meeting Jack's parents.

" We ain't leaving here till you see jack, gosh I won't let you chicken out on this just because you're scared so the sooner you start knocking the better for you " Just then the door creaked open to reveal a confused Nora on seeing two teenage girls arguing in front of her porch.

" Can I help you girls? " She asked with a creased forehead.

Ella gave ayra a deep glare to put herself together and she slowly nodded and moved closer to the door. " Hello ma'am " She started with the softest voice she could muster and a matching sweet smile.

" My name is ayra and this is my friend Ella, we are here to see jac- " Before she could complete her sentence she was enveloped in a tight hug but she released her quick enough that got ayra wondering if she had imagined the embrace .

" Omg I finally got to meet you ayra oh my ,you're just as beautiful as I imagined " Nora squealed in glee.

Ayra and Ella glanced at each other in surprise before Ella said " Oh so you know her? " She questioned pointing at ayra and Nora nodded repeatedly.

" Of course her name has been on my son's lips for as long as I can remember " .

Ayra cleared her voice in order to stop the blush that was threatening to appear on her checks and said " Please is he in? Can I - we see him? " .

" Oh I was so excited to see you that I forgot to invite you guys in come on in. I hope I didn't keep you guys waiting for too long? Jack would literally skin me alive if he finds out I kept his' Muffin 'waiting " She teased much to the embarrassment of ayra. She had had some perceived notions about how his parents would be but this wasn't what she had been expecting at all. His mom was literally funny and so nice that she immediately felt comfortable in her presence.

" Sit sit what would you guys have? "

" We're fine ma'am just call jack for us " Ella stated considering that they still have to pick an outfit later today for the party but the smile on Nora's face disappeared.

" He locked himself in his room all day and had refused to come out, he hasn't even had anything to eat " She muttered with a low register.

Ayra stood up as though she was stung by a bee holding her hands to her chest " Please can I go to his room? " She pleaded.

" Of course but I doubt he would open the door though, you see he is very angry at the moment " She said leading her to a narrow hallway that made her feel as though it was unending after Ella had opted to stay back in the living room and will keep herself busy with the full screen television.

" I understand ma'am " Ayra muttered standing in front of his door and knocked loudly without hesitation.

" Oh please don't call me ma, it makes me feel old. You can address me by my name dear " . Ayra was about to say something when Jack's voice jolted her " I don't want to see you mom go away!!! " He screamed from his room .

Nora gave ayra ' I told you so' look before heaving a deep breath.

" Jack it's me " Ayra said softly and jack remained silent as though guaging if he was being deceived or not. " Jack please open up I'm tired of standing " She said backing her words with knocks and much to astonishment of Nora the door she had considered breaking because she feared he would never open, opened up but before she could blink he grabbed ayra and shut the door right back at her face.

" Muffin you came " He rasped embracing her leaning his head strongly on her shoulders " I'm so glad you're here in my room!!! " .

" You made me worry by missing school and n- " She swallowed her next words on seeing his walls and decor, gosh her picture filled up every possible space in here. She even felt some type of way staring at herself in different postures , views even unawares Christ he sure knew how to draw.

" Does it bother you ? That I'm so into you that having your pictures in my room makes me sleep better at night? " He questioned reading her mind.

" Tsk of course not Jack I'm worried about you, your mom says you haven't eaten all day " She said sitting down on his bed.

" I lost my appetite muffin " .

" Nonsense you can't punish yourself for what isn't your fault, you missed a lot today in class but I covered for you in notes and would gist you on what happened if only you eat " She stated primly.

" I'm glad you are here thank you for coming love " .

" Let me tell your mom you're ready to eat now and next time don't scare us like that " He had a hard time leaving her hands and only did when she promised to come back.