NEW YEAR, NEW LIE

Chapter 2

I hurried downstairs and saw my mom eating already. I laughed, and she said, “I came to call you to come down for dinner, but then I heard you on a call." I decided to leave you. Come on, join me, she said, gesturing for me to sit. “It’s ok, Mum; there’s no problem with that.”

After eating, I went up to my room and slept off hoping to wake up early for tomorrow’s work.

The next day, I made breakfast for I and Mum, took my bath, and went off to the makeup store. When I got there, I saw my boss; she was driving off. She gave me a dark stare, and I checked my phone for the time, and it was 6:20. Huh, I’m early. Why the look?

I went in, and Troy handed me my diary even before saying hello. “Really so fast? Well, thank you. Hope you didn’t open it,” I said, putting it in my bag. “No, I didn’t. How was your night, Chanel?

“It was good.” Just then Amanda walked in. “Hello, Amanda. How are you?

“I’m good, Chanel, Hi, Troy,” she said, and Troy waved at her.

I went to my desk, fixed up the items on the table, and started writing in my diary as we waited for customers. Two hours later, a good-looking woman entered, followed by a handsome man who wore a grey suit with a nice body structure. He walked straight to me while the woman walked to the hair styling section.

“Hmm…a diary at your workplace that’s…weird,” he said, smiling at me. I immediately stood up, closing the diary. “I'm so sorry, sir, it doesn’t disturb my work. I can still…” I was cut short by him. “Shhhh, no need to explain. I’m not your boss, I was only kidding you.”

“Oh my God, you got me there, sir. What can I do for you?”

“Nothing much, my mother is here to get her hair and nails done, so I’m here to drop her off. You know how mothers can be” he said, looking at his wristwatch.

“Yeah, I know my mom is often that way with my elder brother. Welcome to our store then.”

“Thank you. Let me go tell her I’m leaving,” he said, walking towards his mother. He bent over to her as she was seated, spoke to her, and walked out of the store.

Other staff attended to his mother, and a few hours later, when she was done, a driver came with a flashy car to pick her up. Oh s**t, I would have taken a look at the car her son came with earlier on.

Several customers came in, and it was a busy day. I waited for my shift to be over, and when it was, I picked up my stuff and booked a ride to Harrison’s house.

It took me 25 minutes to get to his place. He was speaking to his gatekeeper when I entered inside his house and sat down.

The grand foyer, with its soaring ceiling and crystal chandelier, sparkled like a diamond-encrusted tiara. Soft, golden lighting spilt from intricately designed sconces, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floor.

Harrison entered smiling at me, “Hey, baby girl. Let’s go to the room, don’t act like a stranger in my house.” I stood up, and he held my hands, and we walked upstairs. I kept faking a smile, but deep down I had a lot to talk about with him.

We got into his room, and he lay on his bed. I sat beside him, and he pulled me to lay on his chest.

“Are you okay, Chanel? You look worried, he asked.

“One year now, and you have never touched me, not once. Don’t you find me attractive? Am I not a woman”.

“Here we go again,” he said, standing up.

“Really, Harrison I’m your girlfriend, but I don’t feel like one. You barely have time for me.

“I have told you I don’t want to rush you. The first time I tried, you kept shaking.”

“Just the first time only, and you never touched me again. I was traumatized from the attempted r**e experience, and as my man, aren’t you supposed to make me feel good and used to your touch? Instead, you gave up. I’m not sure this is the reason. You just don’t find me attractive. Are you telling me you're not getting it somewhere else”?

“What nonsense! Don’t get me pissed off.”

I began crying. I have always hated being shouted at. And I have been avoiding bringing up this topic. Harrison and I only go on dinner dates, movie dates, I visit him, and we see a movie at his place. He calls his friend over, and they play video games and drink. That’s how we have always been spending our time together.

“Don’t raise your voice at me.". I did nothing wrong”. I said, sobbing. He walked towards me and hugged me. “I’m sorry. Let’s go downstairs and see a movie. And I forgot to tell you we are going on a cruise tour. Have you ever considered sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises? It's the epitome of luxury, with all-inclusive suites, fine dining, and exceptional service—the perfect getaway for those who demand the best. Very important people will be there.Ray and Greg are coming too.

“I wiped my tears so fast. “Are you asking me to go on a luxurious New Year cruise tour with you?”

“Um, yes, I am,” he answered, confused.

“Oh my God, yes, I will. I’m so happy Christmas ends tomorrow. So when is it?

“It's on Sunday.”

“Ok, so tomorrow is Saturday, and I don’t have to go to work. I’ll use the opportunity to go shopping for clothes.”

“Okay, please, nice clothes, not your usual,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“What do you mean, what happened to my usual?”

“Nothing… let's go Netflix with popcorn, he said, pulling my hands.

“I had a busy day, I just want to rest here,” I said, laying on the bed.

“Okay, then I’ll just lay with you,” he replied. I faced him while he faced the other side of the bed and began texting on i********:. I soon dozed off because I was stressed from work.

The next day, I woke up and saw several missed calls from my mom. I hurried home because I had forgotten to tell her I wasn’t coming home the previous night. When I arrived home, she was making breakfast.

“Really, you were at your boyfriend’s place, and you couldn’t tell me?” she asked.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I forgot to tell you since I went to his place from work,” I said, hugging her from behind.

“That guy isn’t real; I keep telling you, and I don’t think he makes you happy,” she said.

“Mom, please stop. I will go upstairs to freshen up. I have to go shopping soon,” I told her, running up the stairs.

“Shopping for what? Please tell me it’s for clothes,” she said out loud.

“Mom, really? Is there something you all aren’t telling me? What’s with shopping for new clothes?” I asked, pausing to hear her response.

“Nothing, my love. Just try to dress more modern; you’re not in the 90s,” she replied.

“Jeez, Mom, you’re my mother; that’s not fair,” I said, hurrying to my room.

After breakfast and a warm bath, I took a cab to the mall. A girl I met there helped me pick out nice outfits. When I got home, I started making preparations and arranging my stuff in a small box.

I decided to take a nap, but I was anxious about the next day. This was a wish come true. I was finally going to get to tick off my first wish list item. It was going to be a good experience for Harrison and me. I was also going to meet important people. Hurray!

I soon dozed off. The next day, as early as 6:30, I expected Harrison to come pick me up, but instead, I had to go to his place, and then we drove to the cruise terminal. We finally boarded, and my excitement knew no bounds – my wish had been granted. We were given a luxurious stateroom, which was so beautiful, and I knew I was going to be happy throughout the day.

As a digital asset manager, Harrison had to go out to interact with his friends and colleagues. I changed into one of the short, sexy gowns I had bought. I made videos and took pictures in the room. I got tired and had to lay down a bit to stretch myself. My hands were stressed from taking pictures. I dozed off and was suddenly jolted awake by the ringing of my phone.