STAGED AFFECTION
(Episode 3)
The next day, I arrived at Nichelle’s house with my bag, feeling a mix of emotions. Her mother hadn’t arrived yet, but I knew I had to get settled in before she did. I knocked on the door, and Nichelle opened it, looking at me with a hint of surprise.
“You came,” she said, her voice laced with skepticism. “I thought you wouldn’t come.”
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Well, I’m here now,” I replied, walking past her into the house.
She closed the door behind me and led me to her room. I set my bag down on the floor, trying to take in my surroundings. The room was neat and tidy, with a few photos on the dresser. I recognized Nichelle’s mother in one of them, and my heart skipped a beat.
Nichelle broke the silence, her voice firm. “My mother would be here soon, so you should behave yourself and not mess this contract up.”
I didn’t respond, just looking at her for a moment. Her expression was stern, but I could sense a hint of nervousness beneath the surface.
“I mean it,” she continued. “My mother can be…so sensitive. So, just be on your best behavior, okay?”
I nodded slightly, still looking at her. She seemed to be searching for something in my expression, but I wasn’t sure what.
“Good,” she said finally. “I’ll leave you to get settled. My mother will be here soon.”
With that, she turned and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This was it. I was really doing this.
As I looked around the room again, I noticed a few things that caught my attention. There was a photo of Nichelle and her mother on the nightstand, and a few pieces of jewelry on the dresser. I wondered what kind of person Nichelle’s mother would turn to if she finds out about this whole thing.
A few minutes later, I heard a car horn outside, signaling the arrival of Nichelle’s mother. I quickly changed into a nicer outfit, wanting to make a good impression. I went to the window and looked out, seeing Nichelle’s mother stepping out of the car. She looked elegant, with a warm smile on her face.
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I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This was it. I was about to meet Nichelle’s mother again, and I wanted to make a good impression. I went downstairs, trying to look confident.
When I reached the living room, Nichelle’s mother was already inside, chatting with Nichelle. She turned to me and smiled. “Ahh, Razi, you’re already here,” she said, her voice warm.
I nodded, feeling a bit nervous. “Welcome, ma,” I said, trying to sound confident.
She thanked me and hugged me warmly. “I’m so glad you’re taking care of my daughter,” she said, looking at Nichelle.
Nichelle smiled and rolled her eyes good naturedly. “Mom, stop embarrassing me,” she said, laughing.
Her mother chuckled and turned to me. “Ahh, you’re really taking good care of my daughter,” she said, smiling.
We all laughed, and the tension was broken. Nichelle took her mother’s bag inside, and I sat down, trying to look relaxed. I picked up the remote control and changed the TV channel, trying to make conversation.
“So, ma, how was your trip?” I asked, trying to sound interested.
Her mother launched into a story about her trip, and I listened intently, trying to show that I cared. Nichelle sat down beside me, and we chatted with her mother, laughing and joking.
As we talked, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. This wasn’t so bad after all. Nichelle’s mother seemed nice, and we were all getting along.
But as the conversation went on, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was in for a wild ride. Nichelle’s mother seemed to be watching me closely, and I wondered what she was thinking.
Was I really cut out for this? Could I really pretend to be Nichelle’s boyfriend for two weeks? Only time would tell.
To be continued…
