CUPID

CUPID - The Quest & The Birthday Party

CUPID

As part of Lucretia’s research, she became interested in the occult and began exploring old and rare books that were not easily accessible. She spent a lot of time scouring the internet and visiting local libraries and bookstores, looking for books that are related to her interests.

“I can see you’re busy,” Carla said as she leaned on the door to Lucretia’s room as if to peep at her.

“Yes, I am. Good morning, aunty,” she turned to greet her aunt and partially closed her laptop to prevent her from seeing what she was surfing on the net. It was a Saturday morning and Aunt Carla barely goes to work except it’s an emergency. Tessa on the other hand already promised to visit, and there was Landon’s birthday party later in the evening at 6pm till dawn.

“How have you been coping in school?” Carla asked as she adjusted her posture to standing akimbo this time around.

“Fair enough. The school’s serene and cool,” she said in a calm tone.

“That’s great. Remember you can always talk to me about anything,” Carla said and was about leaving when Lucretia tried to make a statement and Carla stopped to hear her out.

“My friend, Tessa would like to visit today, hope she’s welcomed?” Lucretia asked, playing with her fingers.

“Of course, she’s welcomed,” she said without hesitating.

“Thanks a lot, Aunty,” said Lucretia as she beamed with smiles.

It was 1pm when Tessa showed up at Lucretia’s house and they got into some chitchats.

“You’ve got a nice place here, “Tessa said as she scanned the house’s interior. It was a duplex, painted white with gold lights that sprang out the beauty of the mansion. There were flower vases at defined corners of the house with different species of flowers. The huge plasma TV guarded by tall hone theatre stands and a luxury shelf thar served as a wedge to the TV even though it was stuck to the wall. The four walls had paintings of different sorts. In a witty sentence, the house was fully furnished with captivating equipment and appliances that were modern.

“Thanks for the compliment, “Lu said and chuckled.

“So, what have you been up to?” Tessa asked.

“Nothing much. Remember the History class? I’m doing a research on Mr. Clifford but I haven’t gotten any tangible information yet, “ she said.

“Seriously? You aren’t scared of demons? That’s absurd!” Tessa said as her countenance changed because of how frightened she was.

“You’re so dramatic. It’s just a myth. Don’t tell me you believe something of such ever happened. Besides, there’s no harm researching on something that has to do with academic work, “Lu said as she lay on her bed.

“Just be careful, you’re all I can confide in now as a friend. I feel nauseous about this demonic s**t,” Tessa said concernedly.

“Don’t worry, it’s an innocuous research,” said Lucretia as she grinned at her friend.

“That reminds me, will you attend Landon’s birthday party later in the evening at 6pm?” Tessa asked inquisitively.

“No, I’m not sure I will. I didn’t tell my aunt about it,” she said.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You don’t want to be absent on your first party as a student of Dreame High School. Everyone will use this as a yardstick to tag you a more boring person. Come on, talk to your aunt, or should I help you out?” Tessa pressured her to make a move.

“Okay, fine. I’ll talk to my aunt about it,” she obliged and walked up to her aunt’s room and knocked.

“Come on in,” Carla instructed.

“Aunty, there’s a classmate’s birthday party taking place later in the evening at 6pm, I don’t know if you’ll allow me to attend?” Lu asked as her feet were stuck to the floor as though to be expecting a no from he aunt.

“Of course, you can. Promise to stay safe. Do you need me to drop you off?” Carla asked.

“Thanks a lot, aunty. No, I’ll go with my friend, Tessa,” she said excitedly.

It was already 05:45 PM, Lucretia and Tessa were fully dressed to attend the birthday party at Landon’s family house, not too far from Lucretia’s house. In thirty minutes, they were there. The house looked astonishing as it spoke volumes of wealthiness from the exterior. The house was bustling with lots of people, most of which were from Dreame High School.

“I think someone’s flabbergasted at what he sees,” Tessa whispered to Lucretia as Oliver stepped out of the house and was about descending from the stairs but stopped immediately he saw Lucretia on her skimpy red gown that revealed a little portion of her cleavages. Her face had a light make up on with nude lipsticks, and her hair was packed in a ponytail this time with few strands falling freely on her shoulder bones. Her heels were shiny black.

“Let’s go party, girl!” Tessa said excitedly as she excused herself from the scene, leaving Lucretia to have a time with her new crush.

Lucretia stood still as Oliver swallowed hard and put himself together to descend the stairs to meet her. Nadia was already informed about the happenings outside as if to have a security cameras planted everywhere Oliver was.

“I’m glad you came,” he managed to say. He wore a carton colour trousers, a packet shirt and a pair of slides since it was just an evening outing to him.

“Tessa actually forced me to attend,” she said abruptly.

“That’s cool anyway. Shall we go in?” He asked as he gesticulated like a guard to a Queen. Lu chuckled and almost cracked up but comported herself and led the way.

The house harboured a lot of people, some dancing to the electronic music played by the disc jockey and sipping wine, some smoked, name it. Tessa was dancing the highlife way as she threw her hands in the air.

“Care for a drink?” Oliver asked.

“As long as it’s not alcohol,” she said and sat on a stool and rested her arms on the cabinet as the attendant brought a glass of Chapman for her and a bottle of beer for Oliver.