FOOLISH SENTIMENT

A FEISTY ONE

My name is Tiana. We met a couple of months back. I had a problem with my car, and he stopped to help me.

“That’s quite the love story to bloom,” said Alfred.

“So what are you guys, boyfriend and girlfriend?” scoffed Ana.

“Well, it’s actually fiancé to fiancé,” she said, holding up her ring finger.

Everyone was left staring in awe.

“How did you afford that, Uncle?” Samantha said without realizing it.

“Congratulations,” her dad said.

“Sorry, Uncle,” Samantha said.

“No problem, love,” said Tiana.

“But really, how did you afford that?” Ana asked.

“Why do you ask that as though you know all about his finances?” fired back Tiana, which made Alfred laugh.

“She’s a feisty one. I like her,” he said.

“Well, yes, unless he’s stealing or has any other business, which I doubt,” scoffed Ana. “Or did you steal our mother’s ring?” She gasped. “Dad, you should check to confirm,” sneered Ana.

“I like you,” Tiana said calmly.

“Well, I don’t,” Ana snapped.

“Why is it that you sound like you never wanted your brother to get married? Come on, Ana, don't be territorial. One’s sibling must get married eventually,” she said with a big smile.

Ana was furious. It could be seen on her face. “Dad, are you going to allow a nobody talk to me like that?”

“That's a lot from you on your first day. This is going to be interesting,” said Alfred.

“You might be his girlfriend, fiancé, or even if you become his wife. I love my daughters. Stay within your lane.”

“Don’t you love your sons too?” retorted Tiana.

Everyone paused with widened eyes. She continued. “You could have said, 'I love my children,' but you said, 'I love my daughters.' I think we should be cordial all round, not to be biased. I mean, I could have said, ‘Don't you want him to get married so he could be like you, a dry log of wood?’” said Tiana.

This infuriated Ana the more. She got up, walked to Tiana to give her a good wipe across the face, but Tiana defended it. While holding her hand, she looked at Alfred and said, “But I didn't say that,” forcing a bright smile, completely different from what she had on previously, a cold, stone face.

Alfred laughed, got up and picked up the landline, spoke to some people, and came back to sit. All the while, everyone was looking at him.

A few seconds passed by, and two huge men walked in and grabbed Ana by the hand on both sides and proceeded to walk her out. Chris Jr. just stayed in shock. Everyone was shocked. Turns out Alfred had called security to move her out.

She looked at Chris Jr., who just stood there. Realizing she wouldn't get any help, she yelled, “I will always stand up for Chris. Unlike all of you, you can't do this!” She went on and on. Her voice echoed down the hallway, growing fainter and fainter, until it disappeared completely.

“I can't believe you did that, Dad. All for Ana? Wow. Goes to show your true colors. I'm not your son, anyway.” Said Chris jr

“Will you shut it and act your age,” retorted Alfred. “She overstepped her boundaries in many ways. Also, I will not say what I think about her. That's your cross to bear. But you don't jump without looking first. Be very alert.” With that, Alfred left.

Ana broke out laughing so hard that she fell.

Chris Jr. turned to leave, but she gathered strength and said, “I know I make a lot of jokes, but that you couldn't even do anything. Poor girl. I feel sorry for her. You froze like a deer in front of headlights.”

“I don't appreciate your mockery,” said Lana. “Why kick him down when he's already down? We have kids here, oh will you shut it,” answered Ana, with her mood sprawled.

“Do not talk to my wife ever like that again,” Lana’s husband said firmly.

“You see that? Now that's how you defend your woman,” said Ana. “You should take one or two lessons,” she said, laughing hysterically.

“Well, at least she has a man,” said Chris Jr., “unlike yourself. Maybe you should get a man that would reduce your suffering. But that would be difficult seeing as you are all rotten from inside out.”

As he walked away, Ana grabbed a pitcher next to her and threw it, hitting him on the back. He turned slowly but decided to leave. Ana left as well.

“We really need to leave here as soon as possible. This isn't good for the kids,” said Lana's husband as he gathered the kids and took them into the room.

Lana was left seated at the dining alone.