RENTED LIFE 12

 

The dinner could not be less awkward, everyone silently focusing on their food and the tension of being in an unfamiliar environment making Kuni all the more out of place. Aaliyah seemed to fit in perfectly and it was no surprise, she was used to this life obviously. Amanda cleared her throat and looked at Kuni, their eyes met and they both smiled in acknowledgement of each other.

“So, Kuni, where did you meet my dear brother?”

Aaliyah’s eyes lit as she looked at Simon, it was almost as if she was excited to hear him mumble. However, Simon intervened in a smart way changing the topic altogether.

“Amanda… why don’t you first let my princess enjoy her meal and then we can discuss that later don’t you think?”

Amanda smiled shyly and agreed much to Simons surprise. He was prepared for her to oppose and embarrass his guest. From her behavior, it was clear Amanda really had a liking for Kuni. Meanwhile, the mood was even tenser that Kuni kept hoping for it to be all over. Simon decided to offer a everyone some dessert and quickly went to get it ready in the kitchen.

“I am so excited to meet you” Amanda said to Kuni.

“You know my brother has never introduced me to anybody, you are the first and I am sure it’s because he must like you very much” she added. 

Aaliyah sighed heavily before asking Amanda to pass her the salt.

“I am actually planning a birthday dinner and I would love you to come…” Amanda went on

Kuni sheepishly looked at Aaliyah but Aaliyah silently shook her head in disagreement.

“I am not sure how that would work as I might be….”

“ No not too soon, don’t refuse just yet, there’s still enough time to plan. It’s actually two weeks from now and Simon is hosting it for me. I guess it will be a great time for you to meet more of his circle and again that’s my day so you will not say no to your sister in law, will you now?”

“Of course not..” Kuni calmly replied much to Aaliyah’s dismay.

Simon headed back with a tray of ice cream bowls topped with cherries when he noticed the table was suddenly lively. Everyone seemed to be engaging.

“Eh, did I miss something?” He asked wonderingly. 

“Actually yes bro, I just told Kuni here that you are hosting my dinner party and I would love her to come” Amanda said.

Simons eyes quickly met with Aaliyah’s and they worriedly stared at each other for a few seconds before he reluctantly agreed.

“Yes… she is right, there’s a dinner party coming up and I am the host and of course it would be great to have you there. I wanted to tell you about it actually but it seems the birthday girl did the honors… it’s her day after all. Isn’t that right?”

“Oh yes and it’s an all white party and I would love you to also come…” Amanda said looking at Aaliyah. 

Before Aaliyah could answer Simon quickly chipped in to oppose stating that it was important to ask her first before assuming she might come just like that.

“Bro that is why I am asking.:: it’s not a forcing matter” Amanda ranted in her spoilt brat voice

Aaliyah cleared the confusion by gracefully accepting the offer.

“I would actually love to, I’m sure Kuni will be happy if I came along”

Kuni quickly nodded in agreement “well of course”

After the meal, Simon decided to take them around the house and eventually decided to see a movie in the home theatre room. It ended up being an entire afternoon of so much fun and Kuni’s mind was finally at ease. Although the beginning  seemed too much for her, Kuni truly embraced the fact that Simon was just a good guy and he really was just excited about her. She still wanted to take her time and not rush things but she was happy to embark on this journey of knowing him more. They ended up having dinner there as well after playing scrabble which they paired in groups.  Kuni and Simon won and this made Aaliyah so mad, Amanda would careless as she was just having so much fun. When they got home, Kuni was excited to just head to the bathroom and relax but Aaliyah wanted to talk.