WHERE ENDS MEET

CHAPTERFIVE

“I’m getting married”. Even Ken couldn’t believe the words that rolled out of his tongue. “Did you finally get the Hyde girl to take a breath for second and make a sensible sentence?” “Olivia has always made sensible sentences, maybe if you made out time to listen between your filler appointments and spa treatments, you would know”. Claire had long learnt it was useless to banter words with Ken, her children had been sent to plague her existence with every decision they made in life, but Ken made a sport of it. “Is it Olivia then?” Claire asked. “No, you don’t know her, we’ve only been dating a few months”. Ken had to throw them off fast. He was a good liar but even him knew that lying with Oliva’s name was a risky venture. As much as his mother’s dislike for Olivia was, she was right about one thing; Olivia would never have let an engagement remain silent. “Who is it then?” Robert finally said something. It seemed this had finally picked his attention. “Not someone you or mother knows.” Robert looked at his son with a hard stare. It was always impossible to know what to believe or not with Ken. Bianca was a pain but at least for the past years, she had seemed to find something keeping her occupied. Ken on the other hand was still a nut unwilling to c***k. He had known his son to d things in the past only to unnerve him. Getting married was no cause for alarm but this was very sudden that he couldn’t help but wonder what Ken was up to this time. “Can we perhaps meet this future bride of yours?” Claire finally broke the silence. “Not sure there’s much to see of this family, but sure you’ll meet her soon”. That was it, he had finally provoked Robert and he could tell by the grunt he let out.

There had been many family dinners that had ended in disaster. It was always a rare occasion when all of them could be present for these family dinners. It was supposed to be a family tradition from when the kids were little but there had hardly been a family to dine with. As adults, Claire had tried reviving it. It was always a task to make it happen. Robert had to be informed weeks in advance to make time in his schedule, Bianca was easily guilt tripped by her mother and always found herself available even after vowing to never return after each horrible dinner ended. Claire knew what buttons to push to have her attend. Ken only attended to give Bianca support. They had been the so close since childhood as they only had each other.

Claire took every opportunity to pick at Bianca. A troubled teen who had been in and out of several high-end rehabs wasn’t the picture of a perfect daughter she hoped for. Ken had seen to her affairs at the rehab most times, but Claire never let an opportunity pass where she didn’t remind Bianca of the hurt, she caused her. This often-enraged Ken and caused heated arguments with his mother and today was no exception. Claire had begun asking Bianca about work, he knew too well this was a ploy to disguise her disapproval and express her displeasure. Before Bianca could think of something to say, he Blurted out his declaration of being engaged. Nothing prepared him for the look of shock he saw on his parents’ faces. Robert had tried to hide his curiosity but failed when he demanded to know who she was.

Ken had no idea why marriage had been his go-to tact but the reception it had began brewing something within his mind. He might just see this through. “When is this supposed marriage to take place?” Claire asked, a final attempt to pry. “Nothing is decided for now. As soon as we do though, I’ll let you and father know. We wouldn’t want it clashing with the date of a charity gala or any golfing trips”. He knew his statement had hit the intended spot when none of his parents gave a response. Everyone ate in silence as a little smile played on Bianca’s lips.

She could hardly wait for dinner to be out of earshot of her parents to burst out in laughter. For someone who had had her share of troubles in life, Bianca had a rich laugh that warmed even the coldest soul. Ken stood watching with an amused look on his face. “Having a fiancé was a bit too far to go just to save me”. “Did you see the look on Claire’s face, anything I said was worth seeing that” “How long will you let this pass before breaking off this engagement” “I sort of like the effect this has on them, I think I might go with this for a little while. I might even bring them a bride soon”. Bianca had known Ken long enough to know if he was pulling a prank or not. The look on his face showed he might go along with this one long enough to annoy his parents.

Ken walked Bianca to her car and watched her drive out of the villa. He stood watching as her car took a turn and the taillights disappeared into the night. He had always looked out for her since she was a baby and if he had to find a mail order bride to do so, he would wander the earth to find one. He headed for his car and drove out, the form of the large house he had grown in having much bitter and sweet memories receding into a shadow behind him, with it the thoughts of his parents.