The Strangers' Matrimony

CHAPTER 3: Dinner Appointment

"First impressions are lasting; give special thought to your dress, your grooming, and your accessories". -  Brian Tracy

+++++ 

'Oh crap! I’m late!', thought Sophia in panic.

She’s currently walking on the lounge of the Lancelot Hotel in a hurry as she checked once more her golden little watch on her left wrist that reads 7:45 o’clock in the evening. 

‘Don’t be late’, as Grandma Susan’s thoughts suddenly came into her mind. How come she overlooks the time?

After her grocery shopping this morning, she decided to stick to her original plans for that day. She started cleaning her apartment, doing the laundry and reading her book. Being engrossed with the reading, she suddenly fell asleep and woke up after realizing she had only five minutes left before the set appointment time for dinner. She simply fixed herself and rushed out of her apartment, urgently calling a cab. 

Turning in one of the corridors, she already saw the entrance of the hotel’s restaurant. She stopped on her track for a moment and breathed deeply, calming herself once more.

‘Relax’, thought she.

She flattened her white chiffon blouse and brown square pants, and tapped her three inches high light-brown colored stilettos. In dissatisfaction, she looked around and noticed the corridor's mirror wall. She went near it and fixed her single pony-tailed auburn long hair. She also checked her face and feeling thankful that she decided to apply a little make-up only such as BB cream, light brown eyeliner, and soft-toned red lipstick. She also brought all the make-ups she used just in case needed for touch-up. Sophia actually strongly believes that simplicity is still more pleasing in the eyes. Being content in her style, she clutched the metal strap of her simple mini black leather bag as she turned-around and continued pacing inside the restaurant.

As she entered, she spontaneously looked around the room. There were only a few people inside the restaurant, but the first thing that caught her attention was the mood of every person. She silently observes the waiters and waitresses who are calmly walking around while carrying trays. She even noticed one of the waitresses serving food at one table, trying to be calm despite being nervous inside her. She also spotted two sets of young couples chatting. One of the men sitting on the left side of their group is secretly looking at the woman sitting in front of him. The woman is also giving him a sort of meaningful look. What’s worse in the situation is obviously the remaining two people are their partners. The woman even has a golden ring on her left ring finger proof she’s already married. Sophia exhaled realizing she had witnessed an affair.

There are also three guys on one table, slightly tipsy in drinking their red wine and obviously having a great time in eating and chatting. Undeniably, they are teasing each other and thankfully not scandalous.

Looking around again, she noticed an old woman at another table, staring and waving her left hand at her. Sophia foolishly realizes it’s no other than her Grandma Susan. She smiled apologetically towards her. She got preoccupied again in observing other people that now she forgot why she’s there in the first place.

She paced towards the table where her Grandmother was and also spotted two people sitting together with her. They are certainly a couple in their 50’s. She begins to feel concern on how to approach them as she's not being used in socializing with new people. What should she do? Nothing. She can't run away from it anyway so no choice but to bear this distress for tonight.

“Good evening, Grandma!”, she greeted, kissing her grandmother's right cheek. “Good evening, Sir, Ma’am”, she added, politely smiling at them.

“Good evening, too”, replied the couple. 

“Have a seat”, offered by the friendly black haired man who's wearing a black polo shirt.

She tacitly sat on the vacant seat beside her Grandma and noticed the half eaten meals on the table. Her eyes widened after seeing a lot of seafood served such as two big lobsters, scallops, shrimps, and a few vegetables and meats. 

‘Is this a feast?’, she thought in disbelief.

She looked at the three people on the table. “Isn’t it too much for everyone? All of you might have high blood pressure later. Have you not thought of it?”, she asked candidly.

The couple blinked their eyes, surprised that both did not expect to hear her queries. 

Grandma Susan chuckled. “Oh! Sophia’s not mad. She’s just concerned about our health, don’t worry”, she clarified.

The man laughed in a boisterous way. “Hahaha! Sorry, I suddenly craved for seafood”, he stated.

“Oh! Then, just be careful in eating”, reminded Sophia, sheepishly. Now it's coming! Her communication challenges. She's worried that they may have misunderstood her point. She doesn't mean to be rude but only apprehensive towards them.

Grandma Susan laughed softly at her funny reminder. “Anyway, this is Sophia, my granddaughter”, she introduced. “Sophia, this is Rosette Erlion”, said she, pointing at the beautiful black hair with a slim body lady, wearing a blue short sleeve dress. “And, this guy here...”, she paused as if thinking how to introduce the other person. “... never mind. He’s just a nobody.”

“Hey! Old hag! How dare you say I’m just nobody!”, protested by the man.

Sophia was completely astonished. Never in her life she met someone called her Grandma an Old Hag. But, what surprised her the most was her Grandmother just brushed aside his remark as if she’s been used to it. Who is this man that just casually calls her Grandma in names?

“Fine! This man here is Noah Erlion. My most troublesome former student in the University'', introduced Grandma Susan.

“How boring! At least make an extravagant introduction on me”, he complained.

“I already did. I called you Nobody.”

“Tsk! How boring.”

“Yeah, as boring as you.”

Sophia listened to their conversation in silence. The sure thing is, despite her Grandma constantly being cold towards Mr. Noah Erlion, the two have an odd close friendly relationship. Although Mr. Erlion is being outspoken to her Grandma, you can still perceive a hint of respect in his tone. She also realized that the two are just like teasing each other.

Sophia’s grandmother, Mrs. Susan Roberts, is a University Professor at the nearby city. She's already been working in that place even before she was born. She also had a chance meeting a few of her acquaintances, but the way her grandmother behaved around those people is way more different than today. Her grandmother is more relaxed. 

“Don’t zone out there, Dear. You should eat now”, called Grandma Susan after noticing her being silent. 

Sophia smiles in embarrassment. She grabbed her table napkin, unfolded, and placed it in her lap. She then picked the serving spoon and carefully put lobster's meat and a few vegetables on her plates. She also begins eating her dinner and enjoying the savory flavor of the lobster when she remembers something. She stopped chewing her food and looked at everyone. “I would like to apologize for being late a while ago”, she said.

The older people stopped their chat on her sudden statement and looked at her. She only said a few words as soon as she arrived and started eating her meal. The funny thing is she asked for an apology at an inopportune moment.

Mr. Erlion nods his head as if realizing something. “You’re really a strange lady as what your Grandma told us”, he commented in amazement.

‘What? Me? Strange?’, she thought in confusion.

“Well, that’s her charm”, Grandma Susan stated.

Sophia now felt self-conscious as she doesn’t know if it was a compliment or not. In the end, she decided to remain silent.

“It’s okay!”, said Mr. Erlion. “Actually, there is someone else who’s even later than you”, he added.

“Oh right! Do you know where that child is now anyway?”, asked Mrs. Erlion looking at her husband.

“Who knows? That cheeky brat never answers my calls and SMS”, answered Mr. Erlion in annoyance.

“Poor thing. Even your child doesn’t want to talk to you, Moron”, mocked Grandma Susan. 

“You know that kid is really a brat, Old woman. He doesn’t listen to me.”

“That’s because you keep on teasing him”, Mrs. Erlion corrected, sighing in frustration.

Mr. Erlion just stubbornly shrugged his shoulders, showing he doesn’t care at all. Sophia thought that it looks like they are a kind of lively family.

“Oh! Speaking of the Brat!”, announced Mr. Erlion.

Everyone turned their heads at the restaurant’s entrance. Sophia saw a well-build fair skin black haired man in a red polo shirt and black pants enter the room. The man who looks like in his 30's, with his right hand on his pocket and the other that’s swaying beside him, is walking coolly towards their direction. Everyone in the room can’t help but to turn their heads on each strides the man made as if the world only revolves around him.

But not Sophia.

What intrigues Sophia most is the man’s amber cat-like eyes. She gripped her utensils tightly when both of their eyes suddenly met. 

‘Soulless’, thought Sophia, recognizing the cold demeanor of the man.

“Good evening”, greeted the man, kissing Mrs. Erlion’s right cheek as he arrived. 

“What happened? Why are you late?”, asked Mrs. Erlion, caressing the man’s left arm in a motherly manner.

“Just caught in the work, Mom”, he replied, tapping his Mom’s hand in assurance.

“Is it really because of work or just late after meeting one of your companions again”, snorted Mr. Erlion.

The man ignored Mr. Erlion and looked on the other side of the table. “Nice to see you again, Professor”, he added, acknowledging Grandma Susan.

“Nice to see you, too, Kid. How have you been?”, asked Grandma Susan.

“I’m not a kid anymore. Anyway, I’m doing great”, he answered shortly.

“Hey! Did you just ignore me? Is that how you treat your Dad, Brat?,” interrupted Mr. Erlion.

“You’re not worth my attention”, he replied.

“Tsk! How cheeky”, uttered Mr. Erlion.

Sophia continues to observe everyone on the table. What she realized was the man cares to Mrs. Rosette Erlion and also have an odd love-hate relationship with Mr. Noah Erlion. The man also knows her Grandmother, and Grandma Susan smiles as if she's used to seeing this kind of interaction between them. The man sat in the vacant seat beside Mrs. Erlion and in front of Sophia.

‘Who is this family?’, thought Sophia in fascination.

“Anyway, this is my son, Rico”, introduced Mrs. Erlion. “Rico, this is Sophia, Mrs. Roberts’ granddaughter”, added she as the man nods at her with no interest.

“Hey! Don’t be rude there, young man!”, interrupted Mr. Erlion, noticing his attitude.

Sophia only stared back and didn’t acknowledge the man’s greeting. Why would she greet him? The man is being hostile towards her and she can see it clearly. He hated her. For what reason, she doesn’t know. Anyway, Sophia is aware that she cannot please everyone so as long as the person didn’t harm her, she doesn’t care.

Grandma Susan blinked her eyes in disbelief after seeing Sophia’s reaction. She’s aware that her granddaughter can still respectfully socialize with anyone despite her being socially aloof, but this is the first time she witnessed her being rude towards someone.

“Have a dinner now, Rico. Here, have some Lobsters”, offered Mrs. Erlion after not hearing anything from the two.

"Hn", the man shortly answered, unfolding and placing on his lap the table napkin. He then grabbed the serving spoon and got the Lobster's meat first then a few vegetables. As he settled, he started eating his food silently.

Sophia, realizing she’s observing the man for too long, decided to ignore him and carry on eating her dinner again. The older people also resumed their chatter while keeping an eye on the two who obviously have no intention talking of one another.

+++ To be continued +++

‘Relax’, thought she.

She flattened her white chiffon blouse and brown square pants, and tapped her three inches high light-brown colored stilettos. In dissatisfaction, she looked around and noticed the corridor's mirror wall. She went near it and fixed her single ponytailed auburn long hair. She also checked her face and feeling thankful that she decided to apply a little make-up only such as BB cream, light brown eyeliner, and soft-toned red lipstick. She also brought all the make-ups she used just in case needed for touch-up. Sophia actually strongly believes that simplicity is still more pleasing in the eyes. Being content in her style, she clutched the metal strap of her simple mini black leather bag as she turned-around and continued pacing inside the restaurant.

As she entered, she spontaneously looked around the room. There were only a few people inside the restaurant, but the first thing that caught her attention was the mood of every person. She silently observes the waiters and waitresses who are calmly walking around while carrying trays. She even noticed one of the waitresses serving food at one table, trying to be calm despite being nervous inside her. She also spotted two sets of young couples chatting. One of the men sitting on the left side of their group is secretly looking at the woman sitting in front of him. The woman is also giving him a sort of meaningful look. What’s worse in the situation is obviously the remaining two people are their partners. The woman even has a golden ring on her left ring finger proof she’s already married. Sophia exhaled realizing she had witnessed an affair.

There are also three guys on one table, slightly tipsy in drinking their red wine and obviously having a great time in eating and chatting. Undeniably, they are teasing each other and thankfully not scandalous.

Looking around again, she noticed an old woman at another table, staring and waving her left hand at her. Sophia foolishly realizes it’s no other than her Grandma Susan. She smiled apologetically towards her. She got preoccupied again in observing other people that now she forgot why she’s there in the first place.

She paced towards the table where her Grandmother was and also spotted two people sitting together with her. They are certainly a couple in their 50’s. She begins to feel concern on how to approach them as she's not being used in socializing with new people. What should she do? Nothing. She can't run away from it anyway so no choice but to bear this distress for tonight.

“Good evening, Grandma!”, she greeted, kissing her grandmother's right cheek. “Good evening, Sir, Ma’am”, she added, politely smiling at them.

“Good evening, too”, replied the couple. 

“Have a seat”, offered by the black haired man who's wearing a black polo shirt.

She tacitly sat on the vacant seat beside her Grandma and noticed the half eaten meals on the table. Her eyes widened after seeing a lot of seafood served such as two big lobsters, scallops, shrimps, and a few vegetables and meats. 

‘Is this a feast?’, she thought in disbelief.

She looked at the three people on the table. “Isn’t it too much for everyone? All of you might have high blood pressure later. Have you not thought of it?”, she asked candidly.

The couple blinked their eyes, surprised that both did not expect to hear her queries. 

Grandma Susan chuckled. “Oh! Sophia’s not mad. She’s just concerned about our health, don’t worry”, she clarified.

The man laughed in a boisterous way. “Hahaha! Sorry, I suddenly craved for seafood”, he stated.

“Oh! Then, just be careful in eating”, reminded Sophia, sheepishly. Now it's coming! Her communication challenges. She's worried that they may have misunderstood her point. She doesn't mean to be rude but only apprehensive towards them.

Grandma Susan laughed softly at her funny reminder. “Anyway, this is Sophia, my granddaughter”, she introduced. “Sophia, this is Rosette Erlion”, said she, pointing at the beautiful black hair lady, wearing a blue short sleeve dress. “And, this guy here...”, she paused as if thinking how to introduce the other person. “... never mind. He’s just a nobody.”

“Hey! Old hag! How dare you say I’m just nobody!”, protested by the man.

Sophia was completely astonished. Never in her life she met someone called her Grandma an Old Hag. But, what surprised her the most was her Grandmother just brushed aside his remark as if she’s been used to it. Who is this man that just casually calls her Grandma in names?

“Fine! This man here is Noah Erlion. My most troublesome former student in the University'', introduced Grandma Susan.

“How boring! At least make an extravagant introduction on me”, he complained.

“I already did. I called you Nobody.”

“Tsk! How boring.”

“Yeah, as boring as you.”

Sophia listened to their conversation in silence. The sure thing is, despite her Grandma constantly being cold towards Mr. Noah Erlion, the two have an odd close friendly relationship. Although Mr. Erlion is being outspoken to her Grandma, you can still perceive a hint of respect in his tone. She also realized that the two are just like teasing each other.

Sophia’s grandmother, Mrs. Susan Roberts, is a University Professor at the nearby city. She's already been working in that place even before she was born. She also had a chance meeting a few of her acquaintances, but the way her grandmother behaved around those people is way more different than today. Her grandmother is more relaxed. 

“Don’t zone out there, Dear. You should eat now”, called Grandma Susan after noticing her being silent. 

Sophia smiles in embarrassment. She grabbed her table napkin, unfolded, and placed it in her lap. She then picked the serving spoon and carefully put lobster's meat and a few vegetables on her plates. She also begins eating her dinner and enjoying the savory flavor of the lobster when she remembers something. She stopped chewing her food and looked at everyone. “I would like to apologize for being late a while ago”, she said.

The older people stopped their chat on her sudden statement and looked at her. She only said a few words as soon as she arrived and started eating her meal. The funny thing is she asked for an apology at an inopportune moment.

Mr. Erlion nods his head as if realizing something. “You’re really a strange lady as what your Grandma told us”, he commented in amazement.

‘What? Me? Strange?’, she thought in confusion.

“Well, that’s her charm”, Grandma Susan stated.

Sophia now felt self-conscious as she doesn’t know if it was a compliment or not. In the end, she decided to remain silent.

“It’s okay!”, said Mr. Erlion. “Actually, there is someone else who’s even later than you”, he added.

“Oh right! Do you know where that child is now anyway?”, asked Mrs. Erlion looking at her husband.

“Who knows? That cheeky brat never answers my calls and SMS”, answered Mr. Erlion in annoyance.

“Poor thing. Even your child doesn’t want to talk to you, Moron”, mocked Grandma Susan. 

“You know that kid is really a brat, Old woman. He doesn’t listen to me.”

“That’s because you keep on teasing him”, Mrs. Erlion corrected, sighing in frustration.

Mr. Erlion just stubbornly shrugged his shoulders, showing he doesn’t care at all. Sophia thought that it looks like they are a kind of lively family.

“Oh! Speaking of the Brat!”, announced Mr. Erlion.

Everyone turned their heads at the restaurant’s entrance. Sophia saw a fair skin black haired man in a red polo shirt and black pants enter the room. The man who looks like in his 30's, with his right hand on his pocket and the other’s swaying beside him, is walking coolly towards their direction. The man’s model-like strides easily get the attention of everyone as if they were being captivated by his unearthly charisma.

But not Sophia.

What intrigues Sophia most is the man’s amber cat-like eyes. She gripped her utensils tightly when both of their eyes met. 

‘Soulless’, thought Sophia, recognizing the cold demeanor of the man.

“Good evening”, greeted the man, kissing Mrs. Erlion’s right cheek as he arrived. 

“What happened? Why are you late?”, asked Mrs. Erlion, caressing the man’s left arm in a motherly manner.

“Just caught in the work, Mom”, he replied, tapping his Mom’s hand in assurance.

“Is it really because of work or just late after meeting one of your companions again”, interrogated Mr. Erlion.

The man ignored Mr. Erlion and looked on the other side of the table. “Nice to see you again, Professor”, he added, acknowledging Grandma Susan.

“Nice to see you, too, Kid. How have you been?”, asked Grandma Susan.

“I’m not a kid anymore. Anyway, I’m doing great”, he answered shortly.

“Hey! Did you just ignore me? Is that how you treat your Dad, Brat?,” interrupted Mr. Erlion.

“You’re not worth my attention”, he replied.

“Tsk! How cheeky”, uttered Mr. Erlion.

Sophia continues to observe everyone on the table. What she realized was the man cares to Mrs. Rosette Erlion and also have an odd love-hate relationship with Mr. Noah Erlion. The man also knows her Grandmother, and Grandma Susan smiles as if she's used to seeing this kind of interaction between them. The man sat in the vacant seat beside Mrs. Erlion and in front of Sophia.

‘Who is this family?’, thought Sophia in fascination.

“Anyway, this is my son, Rico”, introduced Mrs. Erlion. “Rico, this is Sophia, Mrs. Roberts’ granddaughter”, added she as the man nods at her with no interest.

“Hey! Don’t be rude there, young man!”, interrupted Mr. Erlion, noticing his attitude.

Sophia only stared back and didn’t acknowledge the man’s greeting. Why would she greet him? The man is being hostile towards her and she can see it clearly. He hated her. For what reason, she doesn’t know. Anyway, Sophia is aware that she cannot please everyone so as long as the person didn’t harm her, she doesn’t care.

Grandma Susan blinked her eyes in disbelief after seeing Sophia’s reaction. She’s aware that her granddaughter can still respectfully socialize with anyone despite her being socially aloof, but this is the first time she witnessed her being rude towards someone.

“Have a dinner now, Rico. Here, have some Lobsters”, offered Mrs. Erlion after not hearing anything from the two.

"Hn", the man shortly answered, unfolding and placing on his lap the table napkin. He then grabbed the serving spoon and got the Lobster's meat first then a few vegetables. As he settled, he started eating his food silently.

Sophia, realizing she’s observing the man for too long, decided to ignore him and carry on eating her dinner again. The older people also resumed their chatter while keeping an eye on the two who obviously have no intention talking of one another.

+++ To be continued +++