Chapter Nine

By the time we arrived at Nick 's house my nerves where on overdrive I was shaking couldn’t even manage stand by myself, I didn't know what to expect and how to behave here but thankfully Nick didn’t attempt to leave me alone. I tried to think of what my mother said to me before I left to calm my nerves myself a bit.

"You really look like a princess my baby, now stop looking down at yourself. I can assure you everyone won’t be able to take their eyes off you tonight''. Ma had said to me embracing me in her bed, I cherish my mom, she's never failed to be my rock and always managed to make me feel good about myself regardless of myself doubts.

I was wearing the dress Nick bought and thankful that he chose comfortable shoes instead of high heels, I didn't want to embarrass myself or Nick by falling on my face. Enhle on the other hand surprised me by doing my hair, I had long hair and always had a hard time taming it. I'm just terrible when it comes to doing girly stuff or maybe it’s because I never had the resources growing up to doll myself up, now my hair was all shiny and straightened up. I didn't even know that black people could use those things in their heads, I suppose we learn until we die. Enhle curled my hair at the edges and applied a bit of make up on my face but I wouldn't agree to her turning me into a clown, I only allowed her to shape my brows and apply eye liner and mascara on me and I was good to go. When she finally allowed me to look at myself in the mirror, I was shocked at the person starring back at me. She was a beauty, God I looked like a Goddess, I threw myself at Enhle to giving her a bone crushing hug. I know we didn’t really get along but what she did for me kind of gave me a second opinion about her. Maybe she wasn't like her mom after all, I started feeling guilty about leaving her behind and asked her to come along with me, but she refused and said this was my moment to shine, if only she knew how much Nick’s mom despised me I thought.

I was brought back from my reverie when Nick told me that the guests would be arriving soon along with his father whom they had sent out to do shopping earlier on, so he had to be back now before the guest arrived. Natasha’s parents were already here and sitting next to an elderly couple that I had seen before on Nick twenty first birthday. My shoulders relaxed a bit because I knew they were nice people. Nick led us to greet Natasha's parents and his relatives afterwards, they complimented me saying I had grown into a fine young lady and embarrassed us by asking when we would finally invite them to our wedding. He shyly replied by saying "soon" and led me away from them before they could say something else awkward.

Thankfully, Nick 's mom was nowhere to be found in the room, but I soon learnt that she was still preparing herself. Most of the guest had arrived, I could tell from the way they were dressed that they were filthy rich. I even spotted our local chancellor and the mayor when they came in with his family so this meant that I was definitely in a wrong place, even though I grew up coming to this house daily as a kid it was certain now that things had changed. I felt more out of place now because I knew me and my mom were no match for these people, but my mother had encouraged me to support Nick and have a good time for once, she even got out of bed to make sure that I left instead of sulking in bed next to her. I felt like Mrs Klaus was right when she said that I didn't belong in their circle since I came from a destitute family and all these people driving flashy cars and wearing lavish clothing were on a higher level.

Nick led us to a small bar with all sorts of drinks at the far corner of the yard, they’d even hired a bartender to serve their guest and he looked really upright at his job judging by the way he kept tossing and turning drinks and glasses in the air without dropping a single one of them on the floor, I wondered how he even did that. I was amazed by the talent this man had and even confessed to Nick that I would like to be a bartender one day since it looked like an interesting job, that got me a glare from Nick before he asked the guy to give him champagne or wine, I'm not even sure since I've never had those drinks before and we left to sit down since my feet were starting to ache. I spotted Natasha immediately when she came in, she was wearing a beautiful long emerald sleeveless dress with the front glittering in small diamonds and showing off her cleavage, the dress had a long slit on the side showing off almost all of her left leg. She had outdone her hair as usual.

Tasha didn't mind putting different kinds of colours in her head and she always killed them, I was not a weave person besides, I couldn't even afford them, but Natasha could always make one feel tempted to try her striking hairstyles, right now she had a blond weave and damn it looked fabulous on her. I spotted a few women getting uncomfortable when she passed by my friend was going to kill the whole place with her looks. I was relieved to see her arrive at least now Nick could go and mingle with the guests instead of being stuck with me, Natasha kissed her parents on the cheeks and headed towards us with a smile. Nick's yard was crowded now, and I could see every male specimen starring at Natasha with lust in their eyes when she passed their tables, too bad Natasha wasn't into relationships. Mr Klaus come inside the tent with an astonished expression on his face and I quickly nudged Nick to show him his dad was here, and he got up hugging Natasha on his way and went to meet his dad. Natasha sat next to me and gave me a silly wink and I just smiled back at her not really entertaining her because I knew she had something to say and I'm sure she was going to tease me.

"You look amazing Zizwe, my God where did you get that beautiful dress and your hair oh my god Zizwe you know I thought for a moment that Nick was with someone else when arrived. You little devil who did this to you because I know it wasn't you?".

"Natasha would you stop embarrassing me for once in your life or else I’m changing into my baggy clothes”. I tried giving her my I'm serious look, I suppose I did look beautiful it’s just that I became too self-conscious when all this people came in with their expensive brands.

"I went to your house before I came here looking for you, but your Aunt told me you already left but she didn't mention that you're this smoking hot today, I noticed that she was not happy when I asked about you but now I know why”. She was sitting opposite me and reached out on the table to give my hand gentle squeeze, I really adored my friend, especially when she was in her high spirits.

"You really look stunning my friend and I’m glad you came; I was scared that you wouldn't come because of you know who...".

"Well I couldn't just sulk at home you know since Nick took his time and went out to buy me this expensive and splendid dress, besides I had to show you know who; that she's not getting rid of me that easily".

"Wait! did u just say that Nick went out and bought a dress for you, geez Zizwe that is SOOO rom-...."I knew she was going to behave this way and people were giving us mean looks since Natasha was making noise.

"Tone it down will you, people are watching". I hissed.

" Girl does it look like I care? This is a free country my friend, they should get used to it”. I just put my hands in my head in defeat. I tried changing the topic and complimented her on her looks instead, because really, she looked divine, Natasha was dark skinned and she was just proud of being black and comfortable in her own skin which something that I really lacked, I really had no self-confidence and my height just made things even worse.

"Well, you know me too well Zizwe because I dress to impress unlike some people here who have spent a lot of money on buying those expensive clothes, but they still look hideous”. We both burst out in laughter until Mr and Mrs Klaus emerged inside the tent looking like royalty. Mr Klaus bent down to his wife level and said something to her, and she smiled at him in return until Nick showed up next to them looking in our direction searching for us, I imagine. I really didn't want to know why he was searching for us while being at the stage because that would draw a lot of attention to me and I really didn't want that.

Mr and Mrs Klaus were wearing the same theme as their deco, I forgot to mention that the décor was on point, everything was just made of glass in the tent. We were sitting in tiffany chairs and all the tables were covered in yellow and white draping’s. I didn't notice when I got here that on the large stage there were bold letters saying Happy Birthday Mr Klaus, their table was so beautiful with a huge white couch sitting in the middle. When they went to sit down, I noticed that even Nick was dressed like his father he had a three piece Royal blue suit that fitted him as if it was tailor made same as his dad with a yellow tie and that’s when I noticed my outfit as well. That crook of my boyfriend had bought us matching outfits and I knew that a certain somebody wasn't going to be happy about this. I saw Nick excusing himself from his parents and heading towards our direction, he had a determined look on his face, and I didn't really want to know what he was going to say when he got here.

"Zizwe I think Nick is up to something, why is he all serious. Wait, are you guys wearing matching colours! Damn that’s so cute, oh you guys really make me jealous and want to get myself a hunk”. Natasha was starting to drift off to her dream land as usual, but I just avoided her ranting.

"I don’t know what's with him Tash and I don't think I want to know; can I just dash to the restroom a bit I’ll be back just now”. She just shook her head at me ''Too late... he's already here". Oh God I thought.

"Were you heading somewhere babe?'' Nick right next to me, how did he get here so fast, you know if I didn't grow up with Nick, I would really think that he was some sort of vampire or a supernatural creature.

"Uhm... well uh not really I... uh really needed to go to the restroom”.

"Don’t worry I’ll come with you, the place is too crowded for you to roam around on your own babe, and the reason I’m here is because I want you to come sit next to me, well mom and dad are forcing me to sit with them so I thought that why not take you along since you're my other half and you know I can't go anywhere without you babe”. Nick said scratching the back of his neck, he tried to look confident, but I knew him too well to know when he's uncomfortable.

"Natasha can also come sit with us, you don’t mind Tash, right?'' Natasha gave him a quick nod and thumbs up ignoring the glare I was giving her, yup so much for a loyal friend wow. As soon we got up to walk to the front tables the host started speaking and introducing himself and thanking people for coming, I was glad for the destruction since people were now gaping at us and I felt uncomfortable with the damn dress busy hiking up to my thighs making things hard for me. Nick went to hold my hand, but I dodged him as his fingers brushed against mine and followed Natasha instead. I hated being the centre of attention and I got a glimpse of Nick ’s mom, she was throwing daggers at me with her eyes. I swear she was probably planning a thousand ways to kill me in her head.

"I am speaking on behalf of the Klaus family on this special day and they would like to say how grateful they are to you for showing up this evening and they hope you will all have a good time and celebrate Mr Klaus birthday as well as his achievements. I would like to announce that the Klaus family has been given the go ahead by the local municipality here and signed a contract that’s going to change this community’s image forever''. At first, I was not paying much attention to what this guy was saying until I heard him talking about a contract and wondered why they were telling people about this, did people really need to know about their business affairs or was it Mrs Klaus idea to brag about their wealth even we already knew that.

"Yes, they will be building a shopping centre right in that open field that’s been neglected for years, this is going to create a lot of job opportunities for young people in this area and rebuild the image of this poor community as it has been neglected for quite some time”. We were already seated with Natasha when all of this was said, as for me I was paying a lot of attention to what the guy was saying because I felt like perhaps finally a door was opening for me, I was finally going to get a job. I looked at Nick to ask him if he knew anything about this, but he also looked as surprised as I was including Natasha. People were now clapping and saying things in return, host congratulating Nick 's dad on his new success. Then Mr emcee handed the microphone to Mr Klaus before giving him a manly hug and a handshake. I wish I had known what was about to happen next because I would have prepared myself or tried to run out of the situation as quickly as I could, but I guess Satan had other plans for me and he seemed to be messing with my life these days, I needed to go to church for real and start praying and ask for mercy this time.

"Ahem" Mr Klaus said clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Well first I would like to thank each single person that took their important time to come here celebrate and celebrate this special day with me. Honestly, I had no idea this was going to happen, my wife tricked me and sent me out earlier on for shopping and when I tried to come back, she kept on adding a lot of things to the list so yeah I guess she was planning this behind my back along with my son”. He motioned his hands toward Nick and everyone in the room shifted to look at our table. I really wanted the ground to bury me while Natasha was having the time of her life and showing her beautiful teeth and even waving at people as if they were speaking about her.

"Son would you please step up here for a second, I would say that I'm disappointed at you for doing this behind my back because you know men are supposed to stick with their father’s, but I can see that your loyalty lies with your mother, but I forgive you because what you did was for a good cause so please come here and leave the girl for once no one’s going to steal her from you”. People started laughing at Mr Klaus joke and as for the girlfriend part I found myself blushing because all eyes were at our table, but I suppose people were confused who the girlfriend was between the two of us. I wouldn't blame them if they thought it was Natasha though she really did fit into their rich circle unlike me. Nick went to stand next to his dad and Mrs Klaus went to join them as well, a picture of a happy family but Nick didn't look so happy in my eyes. I don’t know if it’s because his father separated us or the fact that he was clueless about the contract.

"Now that my plan has been revealed son about the new project, I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for being such an amazing son in my life, you’ve always stood by me and worked hard to take over our business one day and I’m thankful for that which is why I decided that you will be taking charge of everything at the construction site and everything that has to do with that centre will be in your hands. I’m giving you an opportunity to handle things on your own for once since I know that you've worked hard all your life to have an opportunity like this. Mr Klaus was smiling at his son with loving eyes, I wished at that moment that I had a father like him. Nick on the other hand looked shocked, his mom was standing beside him and brushing his hand. This is what Nick has always wanted, even when we were still growing up all he ever talked about was taking over his father's business and growing it to create jobs for the poor. I could see that he couldn’t believe what his father was saying because he kept glancing in my direction, and I gave him and encouraging nod to tell him that I was proud of him.

"What do you say son, are you driving this ship or not or not?".

"Of course, I’m in dad, why would you even ask that”. He lunged at his dad and gave him a bone crushing hug.

"Thank you...thank you so much for this dad, I’ll definitely make you proud and I won't let you down I promise”. Such an emotional moment honestly and people were just clapping and beaming everywhere. I really wished my mom were here to see this, Nick was like a son to her too.

"Now that we have that settled, I would like you to meet our special guests as I've been informed that they've just arrived, Son these men will assist you with everything. All of you will be working as a team from now on and let me tell you if it weren’t for them this would have never happened. They presented amazing ideas to the mayor and he was very thankful that they were interested in helping change this small community".

"Now can everyone please assist me in giving a warm welcome to our guests. Introducing Mr Bradley Thompson, the man who first stumbled upon our small community”. Mr Klaus said, and the first men approached the stage and damn he was hot wearing a red tux and glasses in the dark, what is it with rich people and glasses at night I thought myself. “Mr Thomas Mendes, Mr Asher Kings and lastly, the one and only man who had faith in me when I came with this idea please welcome Mr Gage Hart accompanied by his brother Mr Gavin Hart”. As the guests entered the room with intimidating personalities, ladies were gawking with their jaws hanging open and drooling as all these hunks entered the room with confidence and alluring smiles well uhm except for the last two who had intimidating and serious postures. They went to stand in front of Mr Klaus and his family. I was shocked, my mouth had formed and O shape. OH MY GOD GAGE WAS HERE. Gage was here and he was going to work with Nick. I’d forgotten to look at my boyfriend there for a moment but when I did, I instantly lamented my decision. Nick was fuming or raging whichever you choose to go with, the beaming look had vanished in his face the moment Gage appeared in this room. I thought that maybe he would have forgotten him by now, but I guess I was wrong.