Chapter 4
“You are a nobody! Just a self conceited inventor who wants to be better than everyone!”
I hear those words from my colleagues every passing day.
“You need to get out of your shell, invention wouldn’t help you do that!”
I hear those words from my own parentsText property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“You lack an active social life, are you human or just a freak?”
People tell me these.
I had always been a loner since elementary school. I didn’t make friends because people always isolated me. If anyone were to befriend me, maybe it was because they wanted to use me.
Then I got hired into the best invention company and that was meant to elevate my self esteem but it did the opposite.
My colleagues isolated me.
Only my bosses acknowledged me! I wouldn’t even say they acknowledged me, they only acknowledged my inventions not me!
I wasn’t close to my old parents. I felt like the black sheep. I only talked to my younger sister, Dinah.
My parents never encouraged me, all they did was lecture me about how I was supposed to live.
Well, that was now going to change!
“Our inventions are badly needed by four to seven countries ”
“You guys are required to start inventing by the end of this month. Bring your ideas for surveying, before you start anything”
Those were the words of my bosses.
I was finally given the chance to invent something after two years.
I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slide. I was going to use this invention to make people notice me. My invention was going to make my parents accept me! My colleagues were going to hide their faces in shame when they see what I have to offer.
I knew exactly what I had to invent and it had to do with that stone.
I was going to get my hands on that soul containment stone and…
Without further delay, I booked a flight to China.
I was going to get that stone even if I had to comb the entire world in search of it.
**********************
Elizabeth
I invited my boyfriend, Derek to have dinner at my place. With my family. I was elated as we all sat at the dinning table, my mom and dad, my younger brother, I and my love, Derek.
As we dug into the food, my dad began a small conversation.
“Derek, how have you been?”
“I’ve been doing fine, Sir” he replied. His baritone voice made my insides squirm.
Oh how I loved this guy.
“How’s your mom?” My dad asked again
“She’s good” he replied.
Derek lost his dad like seven years ago and it reminded only his mom who lived with his younger siblings.
“Dad, enough with the questions, let him eat” I intervened, looking at him. I took in his tall and hunky figure again as I ate. Even if I had seen him for three years, it still felt like I was seeing him for the first time. I slowly placed my palm on his ripped arm. As I expected, it felt taut. His tendons were thick and stretched as always.
He looked down at me as I marveled at his perfect figure. His brown eyes held a curious edge to it and I smiled my reply. It felt like we were communicating silently. It was sweet.
“It surely isn’t a crime to ask about his well being now, is it?” My dad asked, glaring at me.
“It’s not” I smiled. “but it’s wrong when you ask while he’s eating. You can always ask him later” I added
“It’s okay, baby” Derek said as he placed his hand on mine. I grinned like a love sick child as his big palm covered mine.
“Thanks for asking about my well being, Sir” Derek said to my dad
“He’s a polite boy” my dad said to my mom.
“Of course” she smiled uncomfortably.
Yeah! My mom was totally uncomfortable. When was she going to get used to seeing the guy I’ve dated for three years.
Whatever!
“Pass me the salad” I said to no one in particular. The salad was a bit far from me and I couldn’t reach it.
Derek stretched out to get the salad, the same time my mom did and my mom’s hand mistakenly touched Derek’s hand.
My mom quickly pulled back her hand and it made all of us, present at the dinning table to burst into laughter.
It was such a hilarious sight. How could by mom flinch like that?
“Mum, when are you going to stop acting weird?” I said amidst laughs “he’s my boyfriend”
“I can’t get used to his huge size. No offense, Derek” she replied, embarrassed.
“Don’t mind her, sweetie” I said, touching Derek’s cheek “I’ll still love you the same”
We stared into each others eyes. I didn’t feel tension or discomfort, just love for him.
“Ewwww!” My younger brother, Jake finally spoke. “Go get a room!”
“How it going in the office?” My dad asked me
“It’s fine, dad. I’m still waiting for my promotion results to come out ” I replied
“Don’t worry about it ” he said. “I’m sure you’ll do well ”
“Of course, dad. No one can beat me, not even Evelyn Thompson” I bragged
“Who’s Evelyn Thompson?” My mom asked
“She’s my co worker. She’s on the line for the promotion, together with me”
“Oh”
“Yes, mum. She’s the bitch I told you about a few weeks ago. She keeps bothering me at work ” I said.
Anything to soil Evelyn’s name, count me in!
“No name calling at the dinning table, Lizzie” my dad said sternly
“Sorry dad, but she deserves it”
“You should learn how to get along with people, not to call them disparaging names behind their backs”
“Whatever” I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t afford to get scolded by my dad because of a bitch who wasn’t even here
“I’ll still get the promotion” I muttered
“She might get it. You should also prepare yourself for that” my dad said
“Dad,” I grumbled. “aren’t you meant to encourage me”
“I’m on your side. I’m just saying…”
“No, dad” I cut him off. “let’s drop it. On Thursday is I and Derek’s anniversary” I announced, beaming
They all congratulated I and Derek, after the announcement.
“Thanks everyone. I’ll make sure to enjoy my time with him on thursday” I said, grinning at my boyfriend. I felt happy when he grinned back.
I had the perfect boyfriend, the perfect family and the perfect life. I was going to get a perfect position at work. I wouldn’t let Evelyn Thompson ruin it.