My cousin from afar

Chapter 4

I tried to explain to the gossipy ones especially the older women but nothing seemed to stick to their heads sometimes so I just ignored them. Let them think whatever they want to. That was their headache. Two weeks after Lydia arrived, on a Sunday, Lydia and I were watching a nature documentary about Whales and Dolphins. We were too lazy to get a proper meal so we were eating chips when I heard a knock on the door. “Who is it?“ I asked.

I went to the door and opened it. Lo and Behold, it was my three - should I say acquaintances? Because I don't really take them as friends. We just knew each other since high school so let me just say we were buddies. “Can't you guys inform me you were coming beforehand?“ I asked them.

“So you could keep hiding this beautiful chick from us? Hello beautiful, what's your name?“ Charlie, the worst of the three and a playboy asked Lydia in a flirty manner. Lydia blushed and I shook my head. The other two, Sam and Peter had already taken their seats and were also curious on who Lydia was. I went to the fridge, got cans of Coke and shared them before reducing the volume of the TV. Lydia was blushing as Charlie spoke to her and I interfered.

“Don't listen to him. He has toyed with a lot of girls' hearts. He's a playboy” I said. “Come on, bro. Don't be like this. I never toyed with their hearts. They were only chasing me because I'm chic” Charlie replied and winked with pride. “Stay away from her, Charlie. You should not have anything to do with her” I said. “So she's your babe?“ Sam asked. “Nope, my little cousin but don't you dare mess with her” I warned sternly.

“Chill, bro. I've got manners. I won't force the babe and I'm serious this time” Charlie said. “That's what you always say. Stay away from her, Charlie. And why are you guys here?“ I asked. “Come on, bro. It's been a long time since we last saw each other so we came to pay a visit” Peter said. “Yeah, yeah, the visit is over. You can leave now. I'm stressed out as it is” I complained. “We are your friends, bro. You can't just send us out. I'm ordering pizza so we can chill in the meantime” Sam said as he took out his phone. “Here we go again” I murmured.