Garden of Whitney

Chapter 3.

I smiled when I noted the tiny variation this time. I did not require an additional budget because I had a full calendar of events and travel plans for the month.

"That's the reason I described you as childlike, Dad. I drew his attention to the fact that I don't require any money for the duration of this time period and reminded him of his own wedding experience with Jane.

I'll change it next month, then. He dead-panned.

"We both know you'll put it out of your mind until then," Jane and I both broke out in fits of laughing when we were unable to contain our laughter any longer.

"We'll look into that," He rolled his eyes and returned to his work of cooking, but this time a tiny scowl appeared between his brows.

My father was so cute.

Samuel, you're just so cute," she gushed, lightly stroking Dad's cheek.

Dad rubbed the area where she had left a faint pink tint as he stared at her in shock. The phrase "What the heck!"

Oh, stop talking, you adorable little bear. She touched Dad's nose, which only appeared to make him angrier as seen by the growing furrow between his brows. Dad sighed, trying to maintain his fake sternness, "Don't get on my nerves, Jane," yet a smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"What are you going to do?" Her tone was full of mischief. The dynamic between the two of them was one to which I had gotten used over time. But right now, with the rumbling of the hungry rats in my gut, I needed them to concentrate on making breakfast.

I understood that if they kept up their lighthearted teasing for too long, I would be left without food and hungry, something I couldn't manage well.

I made the decision to speak out, saying, "Okay, guys, enough of the family circus for today; I'm starving, and if I don't get food now, I'll go crazy!"

Jane showed self-confidence by crossing her arms over her chest. Chef Po, you heard that? Make food for Whitney.

For a brief while, Dad's eyes lingered on Jane, but he swiftly turned his focus away from her and resumed cooking.

I went to the refrigerator to get some orange juice once I was certain that everything was under control. I brought the bottle up to my mouth and gulped down a satisfyingly large amount, letting the tart flavour awaken my taste buds.

So, no visitors have yet arrived?

Not really, other from... Jane's voice grew shaky as a strange-sounding voice that was both familiar and alien resounded behind me.

The voice, which was obviously that of the Italian man who had disturbed my dreams, continued, "Good morning, everyone."

My heart was beating in my chest, and even though there was a soft breeze coming in through the open window, my entire body went into a state of complete paralysis.

As he got closer, I could hear his footsteps and feel his weight behind me. My hold on the juice bottle in my hand grew more tense as I was too terrified to turn and face him.

"Good morning, Festus," Jane said with a smile.

Did you get a decent night's sleep, mate? Dad questioned absentmindedly, sending shivers down my spine, without even having to glance up.

The voice, which was obviously that of the Italian man who had disturbed my dreams, continued, "Good morning, everyone."

My heart was beating in my chest, and even though there was a soft breeze coming in through the open window, my entire body went into a state of complete paralysis.

As he got closer, I could hear his footsteps and feel his weight behind me. My hold on the juice bottle in my hand grew more tense as I was too terrified to turn and face him.

"Good morning, Festus," Jane said with a smile.

Did you get a decent night's sleep, mate? Dad questioned indifferently, not bothering to look up from his cooking and oblivious to the turmoil I was feeling.

He replied, "Yeah," and I could feel Jane's eyes on me as well. She appeared astonished by my sudden immobility.

Who is this young woman? My biggest nightmare came true when Festus's voice broke the uncomfortable stillness and revealed that he didn't know who I was.

Since I was only fifteen years old the last time he saw me, I couldn't totally blame him. In ways I never could have anticipated, these last five years have changed me.

"You're unable to identify her?" After a moment, Dad glanced at Festus and laughed. Festus Adriano caught my attention as well, and, well, darn it! Since I last saw him, he had not changed one bit. The exact same sinisterly attractive jawline, full, seductive lips, and seductive green eyes that had captured me for as long as I could remember.

His thick, chestnut brown hair, which I had seen myself combing my fingers through numerous times, fell in a few stray strands and carelessly touched his face. The same entrancingly alluring face that had been a nightmare for me and that I had imagined between my thighs was now in front of me.

He could easily outshine any supermodel with just a single glance while sporting a straightforward t-shirt that highlighted his well-defined biceps and was worn with jeans.

In order to prevent the gasp from escaping my lips, I had to hold my breath. Whitney, my daughter, is here. Dad's lips parted in what I could tell was amazement when he heard what I said.

"Wait, really?" She was so young then, he questioned, appearing utterly perplexed.

Yes, I am young but yet able to contemplate your beautiful face while m**********g.

Yes, time moves quickly. does it not? Whitney, did you also fail to recognise Festus, Dad asked? He questioned while glancing at me.

I shook my head and mustered a grin. "No, I knew who he was. He hasn't altered even the slightest bit, unlike myself. He appears to be unchanged. Before I could stop myself, the words came out of my mouth. I made an effort to keep from staring at Festus for too long, but my eyes had a mind of their own.

Festus's emerald eyes twitched slightly in response to what I said and possibly as a result of my look, but he quickly covered it up with a smile.

He continued with a little chuckle, "You have matured quite a bit, Whitney. "I still recall how every time you saw me, you ran to your room. Years went by before I finally gave up trying to figure out what it was about me that worried you so much. He made a glass of water for himself as he approached the counter.

It's nice of you to assume that I acted in that way because I was afraid of you. I used to simply do it to keep my poor heart from bursting out of my chest.

Even I frequently considered it, but every time I asked her, she ignored me. It appeared that Dad and possibly Jane and Festus also found it amusing.

I was the only one whose face was covered in that embarrassing shade of red.

Jane appeared to be the first to notice my angry blush and said, "Okay, I think we should stop talking about Whitney's upbringing. She is turning red."