TWIST OF FATE

CHAPTER 6; Welcome back!!!

Kemmy's unexpected encounter with Christian had made his day. As he headed upstairs, he suddenly heard a familiar voice; "Hi, bro!" It was Ryan, and Christian's face lit up with surprise.

"Christian called out, spinning around. "Yes, it's me," Ryan smiled warmly, his eyes sparkling with affection.

Christian had to pretend he wasn't thrilled about Ryan's return. "You're welcome, bro," he said with a hint of sarcasm, as they exchanged a hearty slap on the back and a one-sided hug.

"How was your stay in America? Was it fantastic?" Christian asked, relaxing into the cushion, his curiosity piqued.

"It wasn't actually... I badly wanted to come back home," Ryan admitted, his voice tinged with homesickness.

"It's nice you remembered home," Christian said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I'll just go upstairs and take a shower," Ryan said, standing up to leave.

"Yes, please. Compared to what just happened between us, your sweat stinks!" Christian teased, and they all erupted into laughter. Ryan playfully punched him before heading upstairs.

"Not bad," Christian thought to himself, a smile spreading across his face. "Ryan has changed!" Christian exclaimed, feeling hopeful.

Ryan had always treated Christian with disdain and didn't like Christian being around him. He constantly taunted Christian in front of his friends. One time, Ryan broke an expensive phone his dad bought for him, simply because Ryan wanted to be the only one with expensive things.

Lucia, their mother, always sided with Ryan, showering more love and attention on him than Christian. However, Christian wasn't resentful because his dad loved him more and always protected him from Ryan's bullying. The bullying got so bad that their dad had to separate them for some time. Ryan was sent to America to stay with Uncle Dave, his father's brother. He stayed there for two years, and Christian finally had peace.

Their parents were overjoyed to see Christian and Ryan getting along. There was complete harmony in the house, and Christian decided to let go of past grudges.

They were all together at the table, and joy filled the atmosphere. Everyone went to sleep happily, especially Christian. Today was a happy day for him, and he wished this happiness would last forever.

The last thought on his mind that night was Kemmy. He forced himself to sleep, trying to shake off the memory of her.

Early the next morning, Saturday, Mr. Harrison was preparing for work, and his wife Kate was preparing breakfast. Shane was busy creating designs for his dad's fabric, his creativity flowing freely. Kemmy was still sleeping, exhausted from the school activities that week.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Shane smiled, seeing his father watching him with pride.

"Yes, it is, son. I'm just worried. We work tirelessly only to sell nothing," Harrison's face wasn't bright anymore, etched with concern.

"Don't worry, Dad, I believe things will get better soon," Shane encouraged his dad, his voice filled with optimism.

"Can we have breakfast now?" Kate asked, giving them a warm smile.

Harrison felt grateful to have such an encouraging family; it was the greatest blessing anybody could have.

Everyone, including Kemmy, who had just woken up and brushed her teeth, sat down for breakfast. The atmosphere was pleasant and fresh. Kemmy hoped nothing would spoil the joy she felt now. She tried to forget everything that happened the previous day. She was happy she wouldn't see Christian at least for today.

Kemmy was lively, controlling the atmosphere. The day was indeed joyous; Harrison had many customers that day. There was a wedding coming up, and people flocked to buy the best and most expensive fabrics. All of his fabrics were sold, allowing him to return home early.

He shared the good news with his family, beaming with pride. It was a moment to rejoice.

Christian was bored at home. Ryan was asleep, and his parents were at work. So, he decided to go somewhere... A thought came to his mind, and he left the house silently.

Lucia was sitting in her office when a thought came to her; she called George.

"Yes, ma'am," he came immediately.

"I want you to ask the driver to get a bus ready. All the workers are going out to the local market. Anyone with the most beautiful designs should be brought to the office immediately."

"I'll do just that!" George said, leaving her office with a hint of malice.

George remembered Harrison and all the beautiful designs he made but made up his mind to display animosity towards Harrison. "Payback time!" George smirked.

George did exactly as he was asked. The workers went around but didn't find any designs that suited the company's taste. George was happy when he saw that Harrison's shop was locked.

"No one will know about you, Harrison,

...and your designs!" George chuckled to himself, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

Lucia was heartbroken when they came back with no results.

There was a knock at the door when Kemmy and her family were eating lunch. Kate volunteered to open the door, so Kemmy sat back down.

"Hi, how can I help you?" they heard Kate say to the stranger at the door.

"Good afternoon, ma'am, I'm here to visit Kemmy," Kemmy's eyes widened in surprise when she recognized the voice; it was Christian.

"Come in, please," Kate invited, unaware of the tension between Kemmy and Christian.

Kemmy's face fell, her emotions in turmoil. She hadn't expected Christian to show up at her house.

"Whose this?" Harrison asked, smiling warmly at Christian.

"Good day, sir, I'm Kemmy's friend," Christian replied, his eyes locking on to Kemmy's.

Kemmy was lost for words, her mind racing. She didn't want Christian here, not today.

Harrison smiled, assuming Kemmy had finally made a friend at school. "You're welcome. You can have a seat beside Kemmy."

Kemmy's cheeks flushed as Christian sat down beside her. She felt a flutter in her chest, which she quickly suppressed.

"So, how long have you two been friends?" Kate asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

"The first day we met," Christian said, smiling warmly at Kemmy.

Kemmy's eyes narrowed, her emotions simmering.

"Is that so, Kemmy?" Kate asked, oblivious to the tension.

Kemmy forced a smile, trying to play it cool. "Yeah."

God only knew what she felt like doing to Christian at that moment. She was beginning to get uncomfortable.

"Excuse me," Kemmy said, standing up abruptly. "I'm not hungry."

"Where are you going, Kemmy? You're not done eating," her mom asked curiously.

"I'm not hungry," Kemmy muttered, escaping to her room.

"Meet her in the room," Harrison said, smiling.

Shane couldn't take it anymore; he burst out laughing. "What's funny, Shane?" Kate asked, puzzled.

"Nothing, mom," Shane smiled, still chuckling.

Kemmy sighed, feeling trapped. She barely finished before hearing a knock on her door.

"Wait! But no one knocks before... Christian! Ugh!" Kemmy realized it was Christian knocking.

"What's your problem? Just go away!" Kemmy shouted.

"Why would you say that, Kemmy?" Kate asked, opening the door for Christian.

"I was talking to a bird that stood at my window," Kemmy lied.

"Alright, I'll just allow you two," Kate said, leaving.

Kemmy gave Christian a hard stare. "What are you doing here?"

"Nothing! Just came visiting. Is that bad?" Christian smiled warmly.

"Of course, it's bad! You're not welcome here!" Kemmy snapped, her emotions boiling.

"You're really unwelcoming, aren't you?" Christian teased.

"You said that three times now! Thank you for coming; you can leave now," Kemmy said, her voice laced with exasperation.

"Alright... since that's what you want... I'll leave. But..." Christian paused, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"But what?" Kemmy cut him short.

He just smiled, showing off his dimples, and winked. Kemmy's cheeks turned pink, and she felt like her heart skipped a beat.

She had no choice but to admit he was charming.

"Just go." She almost whispered, her voice barely audible.

Like all the energy she had was gone. Christian, who barely heard her, now looked at her curiously, wondering how a tiger could become so soft.

"Say what?... Okay, I'm leaving. Bye, see you tomorrow at school." He said walking out of the room.

Kemmy slumped into her chair, feeling utterly defeated. "Not again!" she exclaimed, frustration etched on her face, her voice laced with exasperation.

Christian, now at the dining table, bid farewell. "Bye, ma'am, I have to head out now."

"Thank you very much, Christian. Do come again soon," Kate smiled warmly.

"We'll be hoping to see you next time," Shane added, his eyes sparkling with genuine warmth.

"Thank you, sir. Goodbye," Christian replied, his smile radiant.

Just as Christian reached the door, Kemmy walked out of her room, her face still flushed with emotion.

"Shut the door behind you!" Kemmy shouted, her voice tinged with irritation.

Her outburst caught everyone off guard.

"That's rude, Kemmy!" Harrison rebuked her, his tone firm but gentle.

Kemmy smiled sheepishly, realizing her mistake.

"I'm sorry," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

Christian, however, simply smiled and waved goodbye before closing the door behind him.

Kemmy fetched some food and went back to her room to eat, her hunger suddenly insatiable.

Shane came into her room and began to chuckle. "I thought you said you weren't hungry?" he teased.

"What's going on?" he asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.

Kemmy ignored him and continued eating, her emotions still simmering.

Shane sat down beside her. "What's the deal with you two?" he asked in a serious tone.

"Nothing!" Kemmy replied, her tone clipped.

"Okay, I'll assume you two were dating, he did something dreadful, and you broke up with him," Shane said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"I can never date Christian! That's utterly impossible!" Kemmy frowned, her voice laced with conviction.

"Spill the beans, sis," Shane coaxed.

Kemmy sighed, took her dish to the kitchen, and returned to the room.

"Ever since we met, he's always finding something to tease me about. That's why we're not exactly friends," Kemmy explained.

But you guys were holding hands in the rain, and you were wearing his jacket. Care to explain?" Shane asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Actually, something happened. He took my book, so I couldn't submit it to the teacher. I was flogged and asked to submit it before the day ran out. I wasn't wearing a jacket because I didn't expect rain, but on my way back, heavy rain poured down. I became freezing and decided to sit on a bench. I just felt this warmth, only to turn and find Christian putting his jacket on me."

"Awwn, continue," Shane urged.

"I wanted to protest, but he objected. I couldn't refuse anymore because I was shivering. Then we walked home together. My hands were frozen, and to be honest, I never knew when he held my hands. Yeah, I was warm, but not warm enough to realize that till you spoke."

"Is that a lie or should I just believe?" Shane teased.

"I'm dead serious, Shane!" Kemmy emphasized.

"I already know the end of this story," Shane smiled mischievously.

Meanwhile, back at Christian's house:

"Where did Christian go to?" Ryan asked no one in particular.

"Hey, son," Ronald entered the house.

"Hey, Dad. Have you seen Christian?"

"No. So, are you aware you're starting at Christian's school on Monday?"

Ryan's face fell further.

"Dad... must it be the same school? Can't I go somewhere else?" Ryan complained.

"Ryan... my decision is final. You're going to HCS. No more abroad for now," his dad said firmly.

Just then, Christian entered.

"Hey, bro!" Christian greeted.

But there was no reply.

"What's up with you, bro?" he asked again.

"I'm going to your school on Monday!" Ryan sounded disappointed.

"Really? It's school! At least I won't be alone anymore!" Christian exclaimed.

"But I don't like that school!" Ryan objected.

"Come on, bro! Everything changed since you left. Of course, I know you'll love it!" Christian encouraged.

"Really?" Ryan asked skeptically.

"Absolutely!" Christian assured.

"I'll give it a try," Ryan finally succumbed.

"That's my bro!" Christian said, as they shook hands.

"By the way, where were you earlier?" Ryan asked.

"Went to see a friend," he simply replied.

Ryan followed Christian upstairs, curiosity burning within him.

Who was this friend ?