Christian moves the chair back so I sit first, and proceeds to sit next to me while everyone else settles down.

My mother is pretty tense, not to mention quiet at the table. The only sound now is from Gabe, who giggles as Noni helps him sit comfortably in his high chair.

My father gives a short prayer and we start serving.

"Christian,"
"Yes, Mr Yané," his response is quite professional but its good all the same.
"I hope you find this meal to your liking. I'm sure you're fine with fried rice and chicken," he smiles at Christian.
"It's quite alright," he returns the gesture as I place his plate infront of him, smiling smugly over my shoulder and he does the same.

His courtesy out here is damn attractive I'll tell you that.

"So tell me, what is it you do for a living?" my dad begins to mix a portion of his food. I glance at my mother who is still silent, picking at her food.

"I'm a construction project manager, I'm also a part time plumber-,"
I make a low snort at the thought of it, and Christian softly nudges me from under the table.
"Sorry," I whisper.
I honestly can't help it- I mean his plumbing is how we met and bonded- on two counts! Make it three plus the faucet situation in my bathroom. Anyway...

"Oh, that's interesting," my dad is really invested in this.

The conversation goes on and even Noni joins in. I watch how my dad gives a side eye here and there at his wife, who til now is mute.
-

"Oh so you're from Essex?" my father beams as Christian talks more about himself.

My mother suddenly rises from the table, taking her plate and the casserole dish from the table.

"Noni, help clear the table," she instructs quietly.
I watch them pack up and I do the same, looking to Christian, his countenance has changed.

Following them to the kitchen, I could tell she's probably pissed, if anything fuming on the inside. Noni offers to help clear the sink but is curtly dismissed.

Not gonna lie, my mother and I behave the same. I hate the fact that I try to be a different human being yet I still possess certain qualities of hers one way or another. It's sad watching her do this, even Noni looks at me with worry.

"Mum," I call out from the kitchen island.
"Are you okay?" Noni follows.
"Your sister," she begins to laugh, "haaaa, I've been insulted today."

"Ma it was simply dinner," Noni remarks, my mother only laughs the more.
"She's a disgrace," she carelessly throws a lathered plate in the sink and is now arm's akimbo,turning her head in my direction.

"Never have I been embarrassed the way you've embarrassed me, you good for nothing-"
"Mama!" Noni stops her.
"No, Iet her speak," I cut in, "Good for nothing- carry on,"
"You decide to let that white thing walk in here to spite this family? Bringing gifts to insult us,surely Imani? Not in my house," a guttural laugh escapes her mouth.

"Mama,please," Noni tries to reason.

"Ma Yané," my dad walks in, "Please bring some drinks for us. We'll be in the living room."
"I'll get it," Noni offers.
"Ok," he smiles and walks off.

From the looks of things, my dad is having a great time with Christian. He hasn't talked this much since I arrived. You know there's even a glow on his face...

I turn to leave the kitchen when I hear my mother whisper the words, "I want her out of my house."

Noni walks in to the living room with the tray carrying two cans of juice and glasses.
I walk past her to sit by Christian, my dad takes notice but doesn't seem bothered... or so I hope.

"Thank You," Christian smiles and pops them open for my dad and himself , pouring into the glasses.
"You know, talking to you has brought a certain nostalgia in me," my dad begins after a sip of his drink, "being abroad was quite different for the black man, but it was quite the experience. Say, do you have any plans to return home?"
"Of course," Christian nods, "I will be going this year- or as often as I can."
"That is good. I did feel the same- coming here as often as I could despite the luxuries life had to offer abroad,"
" I can imagine. I'd say the same for this side," he looks to me, throwing a quick wink.

I can never get enough of Christian's gestures, facing my direction alone has me all jelly.

They converse for a while until my mother shows up, "I'm off to the ladies meeting at church,"
"Again?" My father asks with a wrinkled forehead.
"There's prayers. Anyway, it was nice meeting you, young man," her tone is emotionless, proceeding to the front door, not even sparing a moment to acknowledge Christian's response.

An hour goes by and Gareth enters, greeting my dad.
"This is my son-in-law, Gareth. Gareth, Christian," he introduces.
"Nice meeting you,man," Gareth shakes his hand.
"Likewise," Christian nods.

Everyone is in the living room; my father, Noni and Gareth, Gabe, Christian and I- minus my mother of course. The atmosphere is peaceful, no awkwardness whatsoever.

Time flies and Gareth walks out with Noni and Gabe to the kitchen so he could eat. Christian needs to head back to the hotel, and so we wrap up.

"Well, it's been a pleasure meeting you, Christian. I had a good time," my father shakes hands with him.
"As did I , Mr Yané,"
"And if you plan to visit you can always let us know," my father adds.
"I appreciate it, Sir,"

I walk with Christian to the rental car.

"So, we've seen everyone," he rubs his beard.
"Yup," I sigh heavily, " let's get you back to the hotel,"
"I'll drive. I think I've mastered the route to this place pretty well," he looks at me cockily before taking the keys.

We arrive at his room when he takes his jacket and shoes off, placing them back in the closet.

"Your mother seemed put off at the table," he sits on the edge of the bed and I join him there.
"She wasn't pleased with anything that happened today," I give a blank stare, her words ringing in my ears.

"I want her out of my house."

"Well, I enjoyed talking to your father," he smiles, playing with his wristwatch.
" I was surprised he was that free. He never really opens up much about how he lived abroad the way he did with you. It felt good seeing him that engaged," I too smile at the thought.

I was genuinely shocked and glad at the same time by how he conducted himself, I feel that it wasn't even about me, he just had this side to him that wanted to converse about something he was actually interested in.

"You look alot more like your dad now that I think of it," he chuckles.
"I get that alot,"
"You have his eyes, and his smile," he turns to me,cupping my cheek.
"Christian," I giggle.
"You sure don't have his laugh," he teases .
"Shut up," I shove him gently, and he swings back with his hands wrapped around my waist from behind me.

"I love your laugh though . It suits your- edginess," he nuzzles into my neck.
"Ok, now you're being mean,"
"I still love you," his words sound muffled as he kisses my nape.
"That doesn't cut it, Christian,"
"I love how you say my name too," he whispers in my ear.

I moan softly when he moves to my neck again, his hands drawing me closer to his chest. He stops, and my eyes follow him as he reaches for his phone by the lamp stand.

"Come here," my hand is in his, rising from the bed when a slow song plays softly in the background.
"I can't dance well," I admit.
"You don't need to," he reassures, and we two step to the music.

This felt peaceful, as always Christian does these little things to make me feel at ease. I'm wrapped up in his embrace as we sway slowly, my arms round his waist with my head rested on his chest.

"This feels nice," I finally speak.
"It does," I feel his chin resting on my head, "Spend the night with me," he looks down at me and our eyes meet.
"I have to head home, otherwise they'll speculate the worst," I explain.
"I understand. Now that I think of it I wouldn't want to be in bad books with your parents ,"
"True," I sigh, "I'll be here tomorrow."

"When do you plan on heading back? We still have to organise Kenya's party. Adrian filled me in with some updates,"
"I'd have to wrap things up with my parents. But we need to head back soon as possible," I give a blank stare.
"Well, Ms Yané," he brings my hands to his lips, showering my knuckles with soft kisses, " I'll be seeing you tomorrow."
"Fine by me," I peck his cheek.
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Hope you enjoyed this! Its not as long but I had to conclude the day🌞
Thank You so much for reading and voting- I hope to see comments soon so I know how y'all find the story so far.
I'd appreciate it sooo so much!♥️