FANCY ENOUGH

“what drives you?" She asked 'you do' I answered in my heart, but I said "My ambitious-" I took a sip of the coffee I had ordered and she smiled "Where do you see yourself in the next year's to come" 'by your side' I answered again, but I said "Probably taking over the family business once my father retires" I had a straight look as I studied her features. She took a bite out of the partie I ordered for her, before dabbing the sides of her lips. She smiled again then said. "Looks like you've got your life in order Phil" "You could say that again" "Alright, I've got one more question for you phil" She said to Me and I gave her a nod, finishing the contents in my cup. "Shot" I enjoyed having coffee with Lily, a breath of fresh air, away from all the annoying paper works. "Who do you love?" Her question took me by surprise and my grip on the cup tightened. I couldn't answer this question. I couldn't tell her, she was the one that made my heart do flips in its cage of bones and tendons. "Hello? Earth to Phil-" She waved her hands at Me, bringing my attention back to her. God, she was beautiful.. "I, uh-" I was tongue tied and her piercing gaze didn't help at all. "It's uh.." *Beep*beep*beep* Her alarm flared up, meaning it was time to head back to her work place. I was relieved. "Aw,geeze..oh well, work calls..."As she picked up her bag and held her partie in one hand and her latte in the other. "I'll see you around Phil.." She waved me goodbye, before dashing out the doors of the coffee shop. *Sigh* my heart finally calmed down. How did that saying go again? Saved by the bell. I've been in a lot of tight situations, especially at meetings, but I had never been this nervous before, like never ever. Leaving a very generous tip on the table, I took my leave, back to my apartment. I was done for the day. Getting home I turned on the lights as I began to undo my buttons. I needed a bath. "Alexa.." "Welcome home Phillip.." The animatic female voice greeted me. "Thank you, Alexa, play me Carmen Habanera Abaco Tango Club" I instructed "Yes sir..." She replied. Turning on the water, I adjusted the temperature, before discarding my clothes off and stepping into the showers. Whilst the music played, I couldn't take my mind off Lily. I met her last year, when i had just moved here newly and i needed an interior designer. A colleague of mine introduced us, apparently she was the best in the business. She was very passionate about her work and I found that very attractive and wonderful, so for the next few weeks we would meet up to discuss about the plans. But still, even after that I couldn't deny that I was smitten by her charm and charisma. I wanted to see her again, I wanted to see her face, inhale her scent. After one or more none work related outings a beautiful friendship was born, and the more I got to know about her the more my feelings kept growing on a steady. "Who do you love?" The question she had asked me earlier today, rang loud in my head, over and over again. "Lily.."" After I had relaxed I stepped out of the showers, a towel round my waist and one around my neck. Drying my body I slipped into something more comfortable, before going to the kitchen go prepare dinner for myself. I didn't like keeping maids, too much drama. Besides I'm hardly ever around, always traveling, so there's no issue of clutter. And once again, i would be forced to eat dinner alone. Maybe I should invite Lily over one of these days, maybe win her over with my cooking skills. With the kind of work I do, it doesn't really give me enough time for a social life, although sometimes I get to have one of two drinks with the guys.. *Ring*ring*ring* "Father is calling.." Announced Alexa. "Pick.." "Good evening Philip" A hoarse male voice came through.." "Good evening father, is everything alright, you sound unwell." "Everything is fine, it's just a slight cough, should be gone in a day or two" he said to me. "Okay. Was there something you needed?" I asked "Yes, I called to remind you of the paper work, I'd be needing them by tomorrow.." He informed and I sighed.. "Yes, sir.." "Good.." "How's mother?" "She is well, oh yes, that reminds me..she asked if you can join us tomorrow for dinner?" He passed on the information. "..yes" "Good, she will be pleased to hear that" "Hm...would that be all?" "Yes.." "Have a goodnight's rest father.." I wished him as I wanted to get back to my dinner.. "And to you too son.." *Beep* "Ha...works follows me everywhere, it's not easy to be me..." After I washed my plates I went to my study to finalise the documents before finally hitting the sack at about 8:30pm, I needed to be up early. The next morning I was out of the house by 6:45am. The earlier I got to work the earlier I'd get to leave. "Good morning sir" "Good morning, take these documents to my father's office immediately.." I instructed my subordinate, begot stepping into my office. Turning on my system I went to work. Being the only son I had alot on my shoulders. My father was the CEO of this company and I am working with him, he will soon be retiring and once he does that, I'd be taking over. My mother didn't exactly work, but her role in the house was important, nothing was ever out of place around the Manor and the servants were always on their toes, lest they faced her wrath, she was quite harsh. Then there were my two younger twim sisters, mischievous lot, they were around the ages of sixteen and seventeen, always keeping the house hold on its toes, with one prank or multiple pranks. I should get them something before I head to the Manor today, it's been nearly three weeks since I last saw the girls. *Beep* "Good morning Mr west.." "Hm..what is it, Joanne, I'm busy" "You have a guest sir" "I don't have any appointments today.." "She says, she's a friend...Lily Allen" 'Lily? Why was she here?' "Hm..send her up" I cleared my desk and ruffled my hair to look more presentable. A knock on the door and in walks....a giant...hamper? "Lily?" "Happy birthday Phil" She wished me. Birthday? It's my birthday! "Oh my goodness, I honestly forgot" I face palmed myself "Heh, how could you forget your own special day..Phil it's your birthday, for crying out loud you should take things easy, you're always busy.." She laughed, walking in she placed the hamper on my table and handed me a card. That's right, it was birthday, maybe that's why mother wanted me to come home for dinner. "Thank you Lily, I'm really surprised, I really appreciate this. Thank you.." Her kindness touched my heart as I read the hand written letter she packed with the hamper. I smiled at her and she smiled back. "So what are you gonna do for your birthday, birthday boy? Hm?" She took a seat and I walked round my table, sitting on it, I crossed my arms. "Actually, Lily, my mother is planning a dinner party for me .." I started, this was the perfect opportunity to meet my parents, who knows, maybe one day she'll be part of the family. "Awwn that's so sweet Phil " she beamed. "..yeah, I was wondering if you would like to join us.." My pulse was raising, was I nervous? "Off course, I'd love to" she clapped her hands in excitement. And I sighed in relief. "That's great Lily, I'll pick you up, let's say, seven-ish" We made an agreement, after that she left for her job and I bid her farewell. I got off work early today, just so I could have enough time to pick Lily up from her place. Taking a quick shower, I wore my best suite and the gold watch I got myself from the last business trip I went for. I left my apartment around 6:30pm, because her place was a bit far, I once dropped her off so I knew the road to her place. I parked right below her window to wait for her. 'im outside..' I sent her a text and waited patiently, also trying to hide my excitement. In Less than five minutes, she was running through the door, a coat in hand. My God, my heart skipped a beat. She was wearing a simple floral print dress that complimented her skin, her hair was neatly tied in a bun that sat atop her head, leaving two curly strands on the sides. "Ah..sorry for keeping you, Phil" she apologized, laughing awkwardly. "No, not at all..." I couldn't take my eyes off her. "Y...you look, amazing" I complemented her and she blushed, pushing the one strand behind her right ear . "T..thank you, sorry, this is all I had...ain't got nothing fancy in my closet.." she said softly. I didn't care whether she was fancy or not, her mere presence often left me thirsting for her. "Phil? D..do you not like the dress?" She stuttered, noticing I hadn't said anything... "What? No no, I love it. Let me get the door for you" tonight I would be her personal chauffer. "Thank you." She bowed with a smile as she got into the car. And we were set. By the time We got to my family home it was already 7:45. Just in time for the party, mother was not a fan of late comers. "Here..let me help you" giving her my hand, she stepped out of the car. Her eyes glimmered in awe. "Wow Phil, I knew your family was rich...but this, this is... incredible" "It's like a castle, like a very big castle I'm mind blowned, how's the inside?" she says being in complete shock and marvel "Hah..you think so? Well, let's see the inside." She was impressed with the degree of wealth. I led her to the door step and the doors to the Manor was pulled open, it was our butler, Lewis, that came to greet us. "Welcome home master Philip.." He bowed to both of them, taking their coats from them. "Thank you, Lewis. Is mother in the drawing room?" I inquired and he shook his head to signify 'no' "Mrs Olivia is over seeing the work of the servants in the dinning room" came his Crips response. His hallow eyes made him look as though he had been lacking sleep, but then again that's how he'd always look like ever since he was a child. Lewis, their ever faithful butler. "Hello sir.." Lily greeted him once more and he bowed slightly, returning the pleasantries. "Hello miss..you have on a beautiful dress miss" "Uhhmmm" she blushes "Thank you sir" "You're very welcome" he smiles as I and walk away "Come, let me introduce you to my mother.." I led her towards the dinning, while her eyes stayed glued to the interior decor of the house, how could I forget, Lily was an interior designer, off course Everything would peek her interest. Mother would love her. "Mother?" Just as Lewis had told, I saw her scolding some of the maids she felt who weren't doing their jobs well. Upon hearing my voice, she turned around and the angry lines on her face turned into that of a smile. "Philip" "Good evening mother" She brought her cheeks up so I could place loving kisses on them. My mother was a relatively short woman with a bold spirit, in fact, the way she carried herself you would think she were a giant. Her eyes soon fell on the young woman who stood not too far away from were we stood and her eyes narrowed. Taking the opportunity I introduced Lily to mother. "Mother,this is, Lily, Lily Allen, and Lily, this is my mother, Dame Victoria" I introduced both women. Lily being the courteous one stepped forward with a nervous facial expression she stretched out her hand which my mother took, after a moment's hesitation. "It's a pleasure to meet you Dame Victoria.." a sweet smile on her face. "Charmed" my mother gave her a smile too, but not wide enough to cover her face. Both women let go of the other and my mother said, "And how do you know my son? Uhmm what's your name again" "mother" I whispered out "Uhmm it's Lily, Well, I worked with your son on a project sometime back.." Lily answered effortlessly and I watched my mother nod softly Lily isn't really used to the fancy stuff I didn't want the situation to get awkward. "And what is it that you do, dear girl Uhhmmm Lily right?" "Oh mother, Lily is a.." "Philip!" My mother sharply cut my words before I finished. "I'm sure the girl can speak for herself. Or have you suddenly become a parrot? Lily I'm sure you can speak for yourself right or can't you?" "Sorry mother" I chuckled lightly in nervousness as I didn't want my mother to make Lily feel less of herself. Giving Lily the floor to speak, after she cleared the laugh that was hanging behind her voice box. "I'm an interior designer ma'am I really love to decorate places you know, it's really fashionable" that warm smile never faltering. Mother's mouth moved in an 'o' fashion. "Wow, quite Impressive.." "And if you'd permit me, I just wanted to say how exquisite this dining room is, so classical, yet morden it's very outstanding " Lily went on to praising my mother's exquisite taste, stroking her ego. "Why, thank you Lilian" Before they got in too deep in the conversation, I cut in. "Mother, where are the girls? I would like to give them gifts" "Gifts you say, but isn't it your birthday? They should be the ones giving you gifts" I smiled at her words. "It's been quite sometime since I last saw them mother, Its not even a big gift " I said to her, showing the two small gift bags I had in my grip. Pink and yellow, the colours of the girls. "Oh well, its fine I guess. Happy birthday son" she wished me, placing kisses on my cheeks. "Now, if you'd excuse I have to check on these maids you know they could be a handful sometimes." "You're mother is such an admirable woman, strong willed and stylish too" Lily continued to praise mother and I sighed internally, normally, mother would put up a hostile front towards new comers, but I'm glad she and Lily got along well. As we walked up the stairs, still listening to Lily go on and on about the decor, I stopped instantly, something wasn't right and sure enough I was right. Out the corner of my eye I saw the sheen from a twine, pulled tightly across the floor, maybe four inches to the ground. Following the twine I saw a pale hanging above our heads, ready to drench anyone who tripped the wires, it hand the girls names written all over it. "Is something the matter?" Asked Lily and I hummed softly. "Come out this instance you two, plan's failed" my voice was stern and loud enough, attracting the two girls whom blended with the shadows. "Aww geeze, every single time" Ophelia whined "How do you always see em'" Rebecca also had a frown on her face. I laughed at them "When will you learn..if you must come for the king, you best not miss..all these tricks are from my own personal play book, did you forget" "Darn it"" Both girls snapped "Now come gimme a hug" they ran into my open arms and I picked them up. Boy where they heavy. "Did you guys gain weight or something? or did I become weak?" "I didn't and yes you did become, but Ophelia here, surely did!, always sneaking cookies after midnight..." Rebecca snitched on Ophelia and the girls got into a squabble. "Hey hey, stop that." I placed both of them on the ground. "If you keep fighting like this i'd just have to take my gifts back " "Gifts!?" They exclaimed and I nodded "Oouu, whatcha get us?" Exclaimed Ophelia my cue to hand over the bags to the eager girls. "Woowww you got me a tab that's nice thank you" Ophelia says in excitement as I turn over to Rebecca. "Trying to open it!" Rebecca struggling, too eager to pen up the gift wrapped in a bag in "Hey hey, let me help you with that" I offered to help, as opened halfway through it and gave it back to her to unwrap it completely. "A camera for real I can finally start my pod cast. Thank you" Rebecca leaps in excitement seeing the happiness on their faces made miss the feeling of home. "Oh my, Lily, pardon my manners, as I introduced them to themselves "Ophelia, Rebecca, this is Lily. Lily, these are my twin sisters Ophelia and-" "Rebecca" she cuts in with a smile on my face. "Nice to meet you miss Lily" they both say "Why, nice to meet you both too" she says with her very soft voice. "Brother, is she your girlfriend?". Says Rebecca. My heart sank in fact I felt it drop to my feet, left me speechless and stuttering."Uhmm reb... Rebecca" Lily burst out a laugh I joined her to make the situation less awkward for me than it already is finally gathered up words to answer her "No she's not my girlfriend Rebecca" "Obviously" the twins replied together and they chuckled "Why will you guys say that?" "Cause you've never had a girlfriend" "These girls and who told you that?" "No ones needs to" Ophelia says out loud "we know you're always on your own, you're always busy with work, and you definitely don't seem roman-" "okay it's okay you both be gone now, to your rooms" I cut in to avoid more embarrassments. Lily burst out a laugh again, a bit way more intense than the first she even snorts I looked at not even knowing what to say to her. "yeah real funny huhh? these girls, quite a handful." "No, I think they are cute" she chuckles again still trying to stop laughing as her guide to the corner next to my dad's parlour we stopped for a while. " I'm not romantic as if they know anything about romance" "That was really funny though" she laughs again in a teasing way this time I laughed with her. "But I don't really think I would stand a chance though" she chuckles lightly playing with her hair she pulled out by the sides. "And what makes you think that?" I looked at her, wasn't quite sure of what was going on. "Uhmm... look at yourself Phil, you're like a blue blood, your house is like a castle sometimes I wonder why you talk to me..." she hesitates "Just an average girl, no fancy stuff and loves decorating stuff, don't you think that's quite a gap?" as she looks up at me, her beauty always putting me at a gaze, she looks back down, I was in shock, i didn't know what exactly to say to her, was it my move to finally tell her how I really like her. "Yeah, I expected, sorry, I didn't mean to put you on in a tight space." She chuckles softly again. "Uhmm No it's alright Lily" I said nervously "But do you know i real-" "Philip! Is that your voice I hear?" my dad calls from his parlour. What a bummer when it was my cue or was it? "Yes father, Lily, let's go in. Hope your okay?" "Yeah I am, thank you" as her guide her I to the parlour "Philip,how are you son?" "I'm fine, thank you father." "Happy Birthday son, forgot to tell you over the phone"": "Yeah thank you father" "And who's this beautiful lady you have here with you?" "She's Lily" "Good day sir." She greeted "what a lovely home you have here sir" "Well, thank you Lily?" Yes it is Sir. "Hope you are having a good time here Lilian?" "Oh dear,I'm having a splendid time here thank you." *Beep* father's phone rings "Hello" he exits the room. She smiles quite softly my father also has a smile I must wonder what's making the old fella so thrilled today. My father is a very easy going person quite huge yet so gentle and calm unlike my mom. I was so pleased with the way Lily was acting so composed. Finally the bells jingles mother jingles a bell when it's time for dinner. I and Lily descended down the stairs to the dinning hall were mother orchestrated a birthday dinner just for me. The family all gathered up by the dinning table, the room was adorned with scented candles, the slow glowing casting a warm ambiance over the gathering,the tables well dressed and draped with the most silky-smooth table clothes, the maids well dressed up and ready to serve beside the dinning table, the dishes before us were a feast for the eye, each one meticulously prepared and artfully presented, Mother always when it comes to dinner parties. I myself was quite excited it's been a while I felt what it's like to be treated special just for a day. "Finally, dinner is served, dive in already" Father says." As we all got seated and gathered around the dinning table, everyone was looking so elegant, I myself couldn't help but feel the urge of excitement cursing through me, it had been too long since I felt the warmth of being celebrated, father was really strict with me when it comes to the company, I didn't really have time to do much celebrations, I really felt what it's like when people care about you. As the meal progressed, the conversation gradually shifted towards a topic that caught me off guard – my potential marriage. My parents exchanged meaningful glances, and I could sense a shift in the atmosphere as they broached the subject. "So, have you given any thought to settling down?" my father asked, his tone carefully neutral. I felt a knot form in my stomach as all eyes turned to me, waiting for my response. The sudden pressure to discuss such a significant life decision left me feeling uneasy and unsure of how to proceed. "I...uh, well, I haven't really thought about it much," I stammered, trying to buy myself some time. But my evasive answer only seemed to fuel the curiosity of my family members, and soon they were bombarding me with questions about potential suitors and marriage prospects. Each inquiry felt like a weight pressing down on me, suffocating me with expectations and assumptions about my future. Feeling increasingly overwhelmed, I struggled to find the right words to articulate my thoughts and feelings. It was a conversation I hadn't anticipated having so soon, and the thought of making such a monumental decision filled me with a sense of apprehension and uncertainty. As the discussion continued, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at me. Marriage was a topic fraught with complexities and nuances, and the idea of navigating it in the midst of conflicting expectations and desires seemed daunting. In that moment, I longed for a reprieve from the pressure and scrutiny, wishing for the conversation to return to more familiar and comfortable territory. But as the discussion persisted, I knew that I would have to confront the realities of my future head-on, grappling with the weighty decisions that lay before me. Each time I was asked a question I turned over and took a glance at Lily, the girl who really had my heart, I didn't really have the thought of settling down but if I did I'd love to have lily as my Mrs. "Linda and her daughter Bianca will love to host us for a cup of tea this Saturday" Mother said "Oh... why will she want to have us over?, any problem?" "Her daughter Bianca is also as due for marriage as you are son" "so how does that relate with inviting us over for tea?" "Philip are you questioning me?" she said softly with a quite harsh voice I didn't understand what Mother was trying to set up but I was very certain that I didn't like where it was headed. I looked at Lily again I wish I could just tell her what I had in mind, that was the time but not the right place. "Mother I'm not questioning you I'd just like to why we are going over to the Smith's for tea" "Your father and I have been thinking, you're not getting any younger Philip and you'll be the one taking your father's position in his company in no time, don't you think you need to settle down?" "Your mother is right Philip, I'm retiring soon, everything will be under your name and I don't think it's best being an owner of that kind of company as a bachelor" "Fine, but at least I get to make my own choice" "Your own choice?" mother burst in laughter I wasn't finding the conversation funny anymore but I kept myself at the calmest level Lily was already getting quite uncomfortable with the tension between my parents and I she then turned over to me "I really need to use the restroom please" she said in a whisper. "It's the forth door by your left, you can have one of the maids to escort you" "Okay thank you" she excuses herself and makes her way to the toilet "Mother I don't understand you I can't be with Bianca I barely know her" "What do you mean you barely know her, didn't you guys grow up together?" "We were teenagers when we parted ways come on mom" "That's why we are going over for tea, to get to know each other better" "I'm not interested" My mother was really intrusive when ever she wants things done her way but this is out of bound and I wasn't going to marry someone who I won't be happy with "Victoria I think you need to lay it off a bit with Philip" Father tries to cool off the tension going on. "Lay it off? what exactly Benjamin?" "You should let the boy make his decision" "Thank you father" I replied "And his decision is that girl! What does she really have to offer? She's not even comparable to Bianca in every way. Decorating houses? *bluffs* oh please, so low" An awkward silence fell over the dinning room as Lily makes an unexpected entrance into the conversation, having overheard mother's remarks about her, at that point, I felt so embarrassed coupled with the fact that I had never told Lily about my feelings for her. The tension in the air was palpable as I struggled to find the right words to ease the discomfort and address the situation. She makes an expression without saying a word but I knew she was uncomfortable and wanted to leave, immediately I had my regrets on bringing her here in the first place. "Uhhmmm Thank you so much on hosting me in this dinner. It's a pleasure meeting you both. Thank you all, but I have to take my leave now. I really had a wonderful time with your family." As Lily desired to leave, the atmosphere becomes even more strained. I feel a pang of regret for putting her in this awkward situation. Hastily, I rise from my seat, intent on escorting her out and addressing the tension between us. Despite the awkwardness, I know I must act quickly to reassure Lily and salvage the evening on our way out. "Please get in the car let me drop you off Lily" "No,I'm good I'll take a walk" "No, I insist Lilian please get in the car" "There's no need to stress yourself, Philip," she said softly, her voice trembling as she tried to hold back her sobs. "I'm really sorry you had to hear all that in the dinning in fact I'm really sorry I shouldn't have brought you here in the first place." "No need to apologize Phil I understand it's not your fault." in my thoughts, I think this is the right time to tell her how I feel "Lily I.. I lov- Uhmm I.. I really like you Lily, I do I don't want this to affect our friendship but I really like you" "Uhmm I don't know what to say Phil" she sobs "You don't have to say anything can you please get in the car so we could talk better" i said in disappointment "No! thank you Phil I insist, I have to go now please" "Lily please jus-" "I'm really sorry Phil, I'm not the best for your family, I'm not all that fancy anyways, but you know what Phil? if you really did like me as you say, you would have stood up for me." she sobs as she walks away. As Lily walks away, her words echo in my mind, leaving me with a profound sense of regret and heartbreak. I realize the depth of her hurt and my failure to stand up for her. The weight of missed opportunities and unspoken feelings weighs heavily on me as I watch her leave, knowing that may have lost her for good. And so, that's how i lost the only woman i loved. “cc Akpan Ubong”