Love is a present tense

Mrs. Johnson's Birthday

“Thank you, Uncle Matt” I said to our driver as he dropped me off. He has been working for us ever before I was born. He didn’t marry and is like a family to us.

As I opened the door, I saw my parents sitting on the sofa and talking about something. Must be something serious. “I’m back” I said loudly since they didn’t even notice my arrival.

“My beautiful daughter is here. Come here sweetie, we have something to say.” My dad called me. I went near them keeping my schoolbag aside “Yes Pa…What is it?”

Dad: “There’s a party at the Johnson’s this Sunday and we are invited. So your mother has ordered a dress for you by a French designer. It’s in your room, go and check if it is up to your like. I want my daughter to shine like a star.”

I: “Really??? Mommaaa…. Thank you so much. I will go and check it out now. But what is the occasion?”

Dad: “It’s Mrs. Johnson’s birthday.”

I: “Oh Ok..I will go now.”

I took my bag and went up to my room finally understanding the meaning behind Brian’s word. So that’s what he meant when he said he will be seeing me on Sunday.  But if it is Mrs. Johnson’s birthday, then aren’t the West’s also invited? Not delaying it anymore I took out my phone from my back pocket and dialed Julie’s number. She picked it up after the third ring. “Hey babe! Already missing me?” She asked in an amused tone.

“Yeah babe… you are my soul mate. How can I not miss you? By the way, I just heard that there’s a party at the Johnson’s. I’m sure your family is also invited so are you guys coming?” I questioned her nervously. I don’t want to go there alone. Even if I’ll be going with my parents, they would be busy talking about their businesses and I would be left alone. I will be bored to death.  

“Sorry, babe. We won’t be able to join you. We got the invitations but we already had other things planned out before. Didn’t I tell you last month that we are planning to visit Sydney? We bought the tickets too. I’m really sorry Krisy.” She said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

I was disappointed too. That means I have to spend the evening getting all bored again. “Arrrghhhh….. that only means I’ll be bored to death. It’s ok, you go enjoy. Don’t forget to send me pictures.” I sighed.

Cutting the phone, I realized I totally forgot about the dress. I looked around in my room only to see a mesmerizing light pink strapless Barbie gown. I screamed. I really screamed. I was so delighted. That dress… it’s so beautiful. I can’t be more happy. I have a fetish for gowns and I really like the choices of my mother. She is the best.

Taking the dress off the mannequin, I went to my walk in closet to try it on. As I looked at my reflection on the mirror, I realized I was really shining like a star as dad had said. The dress just fits me right showing all my curves. I quickly went out of my room to the hall downstairs.

“Pa… Mom… see. How am I looking?” I asked not being able to control my excitement.

“Oh my god, who is this beautiful lady looking like an angel in my house? Where did my daughter go?” dad teased as I giggled. “I knew it. My choice will never disappoint you. You are looking really gorgeous, sweetie.” Mom said smiling.

*TIME SKIPS*

SUNDAY EVENING

We reached the Johnson’s mansion at exactly 6’o clock. As soon as we got out of our Limo, the reporters rushed towards us bombarding us with thousands of questions. After my parents answered few of their questions, we went inside. It’s not my first time to come to their mansion but every time I come here, I just can’t help being awed again and again. The interior of their mansion is so classy.

I was looking around wide eyes as if it was my first time to see something like this when Mr. and Mrs. Johnson came to greet us.

“Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Williams. How are you doing? Haven’t seen each other for a long time.” Mr. Johnson smiled shaking hands with my father.

Mrs. Johnson looked at me and then my mother “This is your daughter Kristal Williams, right? Oh my god, you became more beautiful than the last time I saw you. I was just wondering who stole my limelight tonight wearing that pretty dress. Now, I know.”  She said making my parents and Mr. Johnson laugh. And my cheeks became red like tomato with embarrassment. “Thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Johnson. You yourself look like a young college girl who can steal the hearts of thousand boys with just a stare.” I said equally complimenting her.

“You are so sweet and please call me aunt. No need of such formalities. Anyway, you and my son Brian are in the same class right? He told me about you.” She said smiling mischievously towards me and I knowing the exact meaning behind that smile lowered my eyes feeling really embarrassed now.

"Yes Mom. We are in the same class and we know each other very well. You can say we are like best friends." Came a voice behind me and I know exactly who it is.

I turned around to see him smirking at me. He came near me keeping his eyes on mine and putting his hands on my waist.