Chapter ten
“Do you know who I am?” I mumbled to myself, trying to imitate the male voice. “Idiot, starched, in an expensive suit... He might as well shove that thousand-dollar tie up his...”
“What's that, my child?” Grandma was startled by the words that escaped my mouth. “Why are you talking like that?”
“The twins' father misaligned my chakras today.”
“Why?”
“I'd better leave it there.” I took off my bag and put it in the corner of a piece of furniture.
“Now I want to know.”
“I didn't know you were a gossip, Mrs. Abigail.”
“I'm worried about what's stressing you out.”
“It's nothing; it'll pass.”
“But it's not over yet.”
I went to the sofa in the living room and threw my legs up, placing them on the coffee table before venting to my grandmother, recounting what had happened from the disappearance of the girls to the appearance of their arrogant father.
“He was an asshole!”
“Wasn't it?”
“But the man's daughters have disappeared. I'd say anything if it were up to me.”
“Grandma...”
“You need to understand his side.”
“I understand.”
“Is that so?”
“The fact that you're a widower with two young daughters is not an excuse to deal with the situation like an asshole.”
“Everyone reacts as they can.”
My grandmother's speech wasn't enough to convince me. I understood that he might be worried about the girls; I was desperate when I couldn't find them, but that was no reason to come with: Do you know who I am?" to my side.
I still thought he could swallow that tie.
“I'm going to take a shower.”
“Then you could order us a pizza.”
“Pizza, Grandma? It's not healthy at all.”
“Oh, I can't take this health food anymore.”
“It's for your health.”
“I'm fine.” He twisted his lips.
“That's not what the doctor said at the last appointment.”
“He doesn't know anything.”
“That's absurd, Grandma.”
“So you're ordering a pizza?”
“How about a salad?”
“No salad.”
I shook my head in the negative and went to get my cell phone. I ordered a pizza and then went into my room; I'd probably finish my shower before he arrived.
I stood in the shower for a while, letting the hot water relax my muscles, and my mind filled with images of the arrogant Mr. Lennox. It was a fact that we came from different worlds. He was born into a golden family, went to the best schools, and never knew what it was like to study as if his life depended on it to get a scholarship at a good university.
That didn't make him better than me or the other way around.
I just hoped that those cute girls I adored so much wouldn't end up as a father at some point, which was quite likely, considering everything they would have. At least I was trying to do my bit for them, which I wasn't sure would continue after that day.
It was just a naive child's prank, but it was enough to make us desperate. My career was my last concern. If anything happened to them, I would never forgive myself. I had concern and responsibility for every one of my students, no matter how much that asshole father thought I didn't.
When I got back to my room, wrapped in a towel, I saw my cell phone vibrating, and the notifications caught my attention. I thought it might be the pizza app since no one was texting me. However, to my surprise, it was an old classmate from college. Jennifer had studied with me at Columbia but had moved back to Colorado after graduating.
Jennifer:
Hi, Helena! How are you?
It's been a long time.
Helena:
I'm fine, aren't you?
It's been a long time.
Jennifer:
I'm fine. I came to New York for a workshop. Do you know that educator who writes books about the fun way to teach?
Helena:
Marcos Turner?
Jennifer:
That's right! There will be a lecture and workshop with him this weekend. Are you going?
Helena:
I didn't even know, lol.
Jennifer:
What world were you in?
Helena:
Mine.
Jennifer:
It's always like that. lol.
Helena:
Do they still have tickets?
Jennifer:
I don't think so.
Helena:
Then we'll have to take a rain check.
Jennifer:
But I want to see you. How about Saturday night?
Helena:
You know I don't like clubbing.
Jennifer:
Just one day won't kill.
Helena:
How about a coffee?
Jennifer:
I bet you don't have a boyfriend yet.
Helena:
Do you think interesting guys don't drink coffee?
Jennifer:
Here.
Helena:
Hey!
Jennifer:
So you're dating?
Helena:
That's not what I said.
Jennifer:
I knew it! Let's go! You need to have fun and kiss on the mouth.
Helena:
You're still the same person you were at university.
Jennifer:
I'm not the only one.
Helena:
I have to look after my grandmother.
Jennifer:
It can be looked after for a few hours.
Helena:
Do I have until the weekend to reply?
Jennifer:
Yes.
Helena:
Thank you.
Jennifer:
But I won't take no for an answer.
Helena:
You're terrible.
Jennifer:
You'll thank me.
Helena:
We'll see.
I was about to throw myself on the bed when I heard the intercom ring and had to run to change and answer the pizza delivery man.
I hoped Jennifer was right and we could really enjoy an evening together.