CONCEALED - Episode 3

 

I padded down the stairs, following the hushed voices I heard coming from the study, Is uncle Eddie back? I stepped forward eagerly, faltering when I heard Uncle Eddie scolding his son, " You should be nicer Zion, you do know she has been through a lot. I am putting you in charge of her safety, don't let me down boy." 

"Dad, I have so much on my plate, what with work and everything, I can't babysit some spoil brat, babysitting Ashley is enough but Venus too? Oh please." Zion complained

I felt infuriated who was he to say I was a spoilt brat, my parents taught me well bless their soul. Who was he to think otherwise, and why were his parents begging him, its not like I couldn't take care of myself.

Aunt Martha chuckled, followed by her husband's husky laugh, " Looks like someone still holds a grudge, it's been over five years Zion, surely you know she was just kid back then?" Aunt Martha questioned jokingly

I thought back on what could have happened and remembered…

                           ** FLASHBACK **

It had been eighteenth birthday, and I had invited all my friends to grace the occasion, of course Zion's invite had been special since his family and mine had been friends since forever and of course there was this lifelong crush I had on him, in fact mom used to tease me about how Zion's name had been my first word, much to the annoyance of my Dad.

So imagine my shock and annoyance when Zion came to wish me a happy birthday with a stunning girl beside him.

He had given me his million dollars smile and a bear hug, "Hey princess, looks to me like you're the most beautiful girl out here." He said, tucking back a straying tendril of hair from my face, I swatted his hand away, here comes the protective streak that I dislike.

"Hey yourself, I'm not a child stop treating me like one." I complained 

"Come here" He smiled, holding my chin to scrutinize my face, I felt the excited butterflies swirling in my belly . "You'll always be a child to me little Ven, no matter the amount of makeup you have on."

I felt drained, he wasn't going to see me as a lady worthy of his love, he suddenly pulled me with him "Come, there's someone you must meet." He said looking excited, we got to the poolside and then the lady he came with earlier smiled at us, leaving Ashley and the rest our friends to come over.
She tucked her hand around Zion's "I was getting quite lonely over there." She told Zion smiling up at him, he smiled back mouthing that he was sorry

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/concealed

. As if they both remembered I was still standing before them, his girlfriend extended her hand, "You must be Venus, I have heard so much about you. Its nice to finally meet you and Happy birthday." She stretched her well manicured fingers waiting for a shake, I ignored her, weighing her from head to toe.

Read " Anjola " by the same author ( Ruthie O )

. So this was Zion's kind of lady, I wondered. I could tell she was starting to feel uncomfortable.

Zion let out a long suffering breath, " Ven, I thought we talked about this, Bekah has always wanted to meet you, it isn't fair that you're giving her the cold shoulder." 

"Its okay babe, I am sure she's just overwhelmed," Bekah tried pacifying Zion, I hated her already.

" You know nothing, Zion is mine and no one else's. We have been best friends since forever, so who are you to come here and lay claims on him, uh? " I knew we were causing a spectacle and Bekah's pained expression was starting to get to me

Zion grabbed my hand, probably he knew what I was capable of doing at that moment, "Ven, don't say that. You do know you're just like Ash to me, a sister." 

"You are not my brother and will never be, I love you period." I yanked my hand from his grip, wanting to say more to the said Bekah, the way zion held her protectively made me feel I lost him.

Ashley came to drag me from the scene, " What a mess you've caused Ven." She said clicking her tongue " Zion isn't ever going to be yours, with what you've done, that wasn't the plan stupid.' She chastised

I yelled back at Zion " I hate you, I don't ever wanted to see you again." I cried as Ash led me into the house.

I had been a mess for weeks that even my parents had been worried, with every visitor we had came the expectation of it being Zion, but he never did visit and even when he came over with Ashley and his parents he never spared me a glance. Ashley later told me that Bekah broke up with him much to my satisfaction and guilt.

                           ** END OF FLASHBACK **

I couldn't keep standing here, so I knocked, there was a hush and a voice ordered me to come in. I pushed the door open, stepping into the study, I saw Zion staring through the window at the lawns. I ignored him runnning as fast as my legs would carry me to Uncle Eddie, he smiled standing up to meet me halfway, I fell in relief into his arms, hugging him tightly, his smell reminded me so much of my Dad's aftershave.

"Well seeing how Ven has missed you, surely you wouldn't stay long on your next trip honey." Aunt martha joked behind me

Ashely snorted " Such a drama queen." She complained

I ignored them staying in the warm embrace for as long as I could, " Oh dear, how much you have grown, I'm sorry it took me so long to get back. I had to tie up some loose ends at your Father's company." He consoled brushing back my bedraggled hair. Tears fell freely from my eyes and he wiped them gently with the pads of his thumbs "Oh Ven." 

"I missed you so much." I whispered

He sighed, giving my hair a pat, something my Dad always did too, " I know, I'm sorry. It will all be over soon I promise" 

I nodded ignoring Zion's cold stare, " I am going to work Dad, the expatriates from Ghana arrived on Friday." Zion briefed, his eyes never leaving me, I blushed remembering the events of the previous day.

His Father nodded, "Good job son, looks like you can handle the affairs of the company for awhile, I shall be traveling again by next week." 

"Sure I can, goodbye Father, Mom." He gave his mom a peck before leaving the study.

Ashley argued about why her father would be traveling again next week, when he just arrived. But I paid no mind for now, this was where I wanted to be, in this comforting embrace..