2
With
an hour to spare she stood in front of her cupboard she took out a light cream
color winter dress with three quarter sleeves hanging just above her knees,
there was still a chill in the air this late in September and she didn’t want
to be cold. Long dark brown boots completed her outfit. Her long straight dark
brown hair hangs loosely over her shoulders. Even after the winter, she kept
her tan, which was noticeably at her face, knees and fore arms.
She
left the house ten to seven, Monica stayed only three blocks from her. It was
already dark outside and stars appeared all over the heavens. A light breeze
rushed through her hair but not cold which she was glad for, it is along time
since she has seen her friends and may be it will be good to see them all. She
got into her Silver Renault Clio, a present from her parents on her eighteen
birthday. She was stunned to find the car parked in the driveway the morning of
her birthday. She has not seen either of them for almost a week and Roy and
Derek gave her the keys.
It
was a great morning, she spend with them while driving them to the nearest Mugg
and Bean and enjoyed breakfast together. Like young people they laughed about
silly stuff not one mentioned the always absent parents. Her parents spend the
previous night with friends and were not back home till two days later. It was
good to hear them laugh and be the young handsome men they were. Normality was
not a word to describe them, but on that day they came very close to it. They
even took a few photos together which was framed and hanged in her room. Which
remind her if they try hard enough they could be a normal happy family, the one
thing she craved the most.
She
had an air of confidence around her but at the same time she was very humble
and shy. Through life’s trails she have learned not to boast in her own
abilities but stay in the back ground and do her own thing. She had to learn to
stand on her own two feet not depending on parents.
They
never did cared or were interested in her life. Although they took great, care
in her physical needs, emotionally they distant them selves from her, which border
on abuse. Their own life and lifestyle was all that mattered to them.
Her
brothers would sometimes protect her but also only to some degree before they
would leave her alone to fight or defend for her self. She loves her brothers
and she knows there are a lot of sacrifices they had to make to adjust to their
parent’s way of life but she herself could never pay that price.
Her
innocence to high a price for her was a big issue or rather an embarrassment to
them, especially her mother and they thought she was uptight.
She
was always proud of the fact that she could still be a lady considering,
watching Mrs. Richter who played a huge role in her life, her profile of grace
and humbleness a measure of a woman; which made her determined to be similar.
Graceful, elegant and respect for herself, with a husband who would adore her.
From
teachers and classmates she only received respect and admiration.
In
less than two months, she will complete her schooling. She looked forward to
the following year because she will attend the University of Cape Town
***
Aldrich
was standing at the big living room windows looking at the parking area when silver
Renault Clio pulled up and stopped. At first, he only saw long booted legs
appearing out of the car and then the girl stood up. She was a beauty from
where he stood. She came closer until she reached the door and knocked; in the
light of the porch, he could see that she was definitely a beauty, a tall
beautiful girl with long straight hair. This must be Anabella he heard so much
of, the friend slash swimmer of Monica.
Tim
mentions her often especially the last month he was at a point of nagging. At
first, he didn’t want to come but Tim kept on, convincing him to come. Tim said
that he wanted to introduce him to some one special, a friend of Monica. He met
Monica a few times over the years and he know that she is much younger than
they are, that will make the friend the same age and he is not in the mood for
babysitting. However, if this is the girl then she is not only very young, but
a very pretty young girl.
‘Maybe he will stay awhile and check things
out if it does not work out he can always leave’ he thought.
She
was graceful in movement and strength not typical of a girl of her age and it
caught his attention. She was young at least eighteen he thought. Maybe to
young, but Tim insisted that he must meet this girl. She is really special he
said. From Tim’s stories, she was practically raised by his parents. People
gathered around coming closer to the door to greet her.
“Anabella
is here!” Monica was excited that her friend made it making a big announcement
of it. Apparently every one was glad about this news. Aldrich watch her
carefully, his eyes curious on the young girl.
“Come
in Anabella, welcome!” she greeted her with a big smile
“I am so glad you have come” pulling her closer by the
hand
“You
look beautiful”
Monica
welcomed her into the house, happy to see her friend. For the past few weeks
they both were busy with studies and out door activities. Both of them are also
on the prefect list with their own assigned duties. Not much time left for
visits or chatting.
Monica
was also very beautiful but smaller build, slender, she was very blond. At
first you will think it comes from a bottle but at closer inspection, she is
all-natural with big blue eyes and a broad smile that is reaching her eyes.
“Hi
my friend” she hugged Anabella fiercely, smiling as she talks
“It’s
lovely to see you again, thanks for the invite” a beautiful smile adorn her
face, two identical dimples appear in her cheeks and Aldrich thought that is
the most beautiful smile he has ever seen. His interest was growing rapidly.
“Hi
Mr. and Mrs. Richter, how are you?” she looked at Monica’s parents, reaching
for their hands
“Very
well” replied Mr. Richter
“Tomorrow
is the big day, hey” Mr. Richter continues squeezing her hand
“I
know it will go well with you, the gold medal is practical yours, as I see it,
it is only a formality. You have put in the time and effort. We will watch on
TV tomorrow”
“Thanks
Mr. Richter, I appreciate the confidence in me. I hope to make you all proud” a
light blush appeared on her cheeks enhancing the young oval face.
Monica
tucked at Anabella’s arm.
“Come Anabella I want you to meet Tim’s friend Aldrich”
Anabella
turned to face him. Her mouth became dry and her heart stopped for a second. “This must be the hunk” she thought as
her friend continued chatting away.
“They work together at the same firm in the city”
She
looked at the most gorgeous man she has ever seen, she had to look up to him,
and although she is five feet ten, he was still taller than she was. Short dark
golden blond hairs cut in the latest fashion crowned his face with big sea blue
eyes. He is not a typical pretty boy but a man with a strong jaw line and rugged
face. The shadow of day old stubble makes its appearance in a handsome fashion.
Charming character was written all over him, experience life, lifelines a give
away. Yet he had a softness about him that wants her to step into his embrace
and hug him as a big teddy bear.
“She would love to be hugged by him” she
thought. He had broad straight shoulders that say lean on me. He was bulky all
over and she bet that the clothes disguised muscles all over as well.
Sea
blue and emerald eyes met and Anabella felt weak at the knees at the interesting
look he gave her. In her young life, she has seen many men walking through
their door. Pretty and handsome ones, her mother’s favorite kind but empty
shells things in men that gave her a total turn off, but this man looked at her
as if he sees her, not for how she looked but for whom she is, and that is a welcome
first.
She
know she is beautiful, so many people has told her that but some how under his
gaze she looks stunning and a warm feeling nestled in her belly.
‘A bit old for me’ she thought but very
attractive and she smiled at him, not the dimple smile previously given to her
friends but enough for Aldrich to have a good look.
The
first time he has a good look he immediately was in the mood for strawberries
and cream, his favorite dessert. The rich velvet texture of the cream mixed
with the sweet pink fruit always appealed to him. She remind him of that all
velvet and sweet and he smack his lips.
“I
would love to eat it with her” he
thought, and a soft smile appeared on the plush lips.
***
This
is the first time Anabella felt this way about any man. She have never
experienced weak knees, racing heart for the opposite sex in fact because of
her parents life style she saw men as self absorbed and horny only interesting
in one thing. With this man it was different, she felt save, not wanting to run
as far as possible. Yet she hasn’t even spoken to him and already she felt this
way about him. In fact, she wants to be as close as possible.
Her
innocence and shyness cause her to look away when she saw the smile on his
face, feeling a bit out of place but return her gaze feeling his gaze on her,
not revealing any thing but curiosity and a beautiful smile.
With
a deep strong voice he greeted her, taking her hand in his ‘Hallo sweet heart’
he said, the endearing word fell naturally from his lips and she nodded and
greeted him as if it was the most natural thing to do ‘Aldrich, please to meet
you’
‘The
pleasure is all mine sweet heart’ she look up at him, a sparkle of approval in
his eyes. His hands strong and calloused not the hands of a office jog.
He
was self assured, confidence oozing out of him, as he spoke his voice the sound
of a summer rain rumbling that made her tinkle all over and those eyes, she can
disappear in them. She let go of his hand as she smiled, not to sure what to
reply and looked around the room for her friend who left her right after the
introduction.
Before
she returned back to him. His closeness affecting her heart rate greatly, his
presence sends out rays of calmness that filters through her and she felt at
easy next to him.
***
Mr.
Richter came in with drinks, and a glass of orange juice placed on a tray
holding it to her and Aldrich. They turned as he spoke behind them and the gaze
they shared broke for a few minutes very much aware of each other.
“Some
thing to drink Aldrich, here is your orange juice Anabella”
Both
reached out, Anabella taking the orange juice and Aldrich a drink offered to
them.
“Thanks sir, can I help with the tray?” Aldrich offered
“Its
fine” he said place the tray in the hands of his son who just join them and
walk away.
“This
is a girl to watch on TV tomorrow Aldrich” Mr. Richter said prideful, Anabella
couldn’t help to blush; she is never one for much attention.
“Tomorrow
she will bring a gold medal or two back for swimming, as a community we are
very proud of her accomplishments”
Admiration
was all over Mr. Richter’s face when he looked at her.
For
a moment Anabella was thinking about her parents that didn’t care nor ever
spoke to her in the same manner as Mr. Richter was speaking to her. They never
gave her any attention, as parents they just missed it completely. For a
fleeting moment a sad look appeared in her eyes, a look that Aldrich did not
missed before the sparkle returns.
Aldrich
wondered what could upset this sparkling girl. The air around her is filled
with energy and excitement so why then the brief sadness. He knows very little
about her but he wanted to be the one who could wipe that sadness away. He
wanted to know more.
“Thanks
Mr. Richter, you are very kind to say things like that. Now I know that I have
to bring back the gold medal” Anabella replied softly, the blush still on her
cheeks, she could feel Aldrich’s gaze on her and she look away hoping to find
Monica some where in the room. However, she was nowhere to be seen, her friend
is really doing the disappearance act very well tonight she thought.
‘I
only say it because it is true Anabella, you have worked hard’
‘Thanks
sir’ she accepted the praise taking a sip of the drink.
“It
is lovely evening and spring is here I can smell it. Let’s go outside, tables
and chairs has already been put outside, make your selves comfortable and enjoy
the evening’ Mr. Richter said
“I
know I will enjoy the evening” said Aldrich and he looked down at Anabella. A pleasurable
look appear in those big blues as she spoke to Mr. Richter
“Thanks
sir” Anabella looked up to find his gaze on her. A delighted chill ran down her
spine.
That
sounded like a promise of enjoyment, only meant for her.
Mr.
Richter chuckled and said playfully ‘Enjoy you two’ and Aldrich grin with
delight, taking a sip of his offered drink.
The
blush on her face said it all.
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