Lorraine Lebedev

An ugly feeling crept up my spine and through my body.

Aunt Nadine and Haletta were busy in the kitchen preparing dinner. When we arrived here I could sense that my father was uncomfortable.

Probably because Aunt Nadine looked like she was going out on a fancy date just to impress my father. I questioned Haletta, why her mother is wearing all fancy, she simply shrugged.

It gave me second hand embarrassment; we were all wearing casual clothes except for her.

"Did you have fun with Haletta?" My father's voice interrupted my thoughts.

I caught his gaze and said. "Yes, we did."

He nodded and proceeded to play with the fork in front of me.

I felt guilty because my father is putting himself in an uncomfortable position just for me.

I opened my mouth to talk but closed it again when Haletta entered the room with bowls of salad and bread.

She set the bowls on the table and took a seat beside me.

"My mom will be done in a minute." Haletta informed my father.

He nodded.

Haletta cleared her throat and turned to face me.

"I don't think this will end well." She whispered.

I glanced at my father who was busy on his phone. He might look busy but I know he is eavesdropping on us.

I pray this dinner doesn't end in a disaster.

After a while Aunt Nadine walked in with a tray of food.

My mouth watered when I saw the food.

It looked too good to eat.

Steak with mushroom sauce drizzled on top and different kinds of vegetables on the sides.

All eyes were on Aunt Nadine when she sat beside my father, he stiffened and avoided eye contact.

Uh oh.

We all severed ourselves and ate.

"I hope you enjoy the food." Aunt Nadine said to father.

He turned to her and smiled then began to eat, clearly he's trying his best to avoid Aunt Nadine.

"So, uncle Semion, how is the business going?" Haletta asked, her mouth full of food.

I cringed at the thought of Nadine and Haletta on how they are embarrassing themselves.

Like mother, like daughter.

I love them both but sometimes they cross the line.

Father gave me an awkward look before his gaze darted back at Haletta. He took a sip of his wine and said. "Great."

Haletta shared an unknowable look with her mother.

I took a bite of my steak and watched them.

My father might be a don but he wasn't much of a talker when he was with people he isn't close with.

The only time he was talkative was at work and home.

After five minutes of silence, I decided to break the ice.

I wanted to make small talk because the silence is killing me.

"You know, father taught me how to cook this meal three years ago."

Aunt Nadine looked amused. "Really?!" She stated, acting as if it's her first time hearing that my father can cook.

Father looked up and turned to face aunt Nadine. He cocked a brow. "You know I can cook Nadine, don't act so surprised." He pointed out.

Haletta snickered beside me as she played with her vegetables.

She laughed awkwardly. "Of course Semi, how could I forget." She declared, reaching over and giving his hand a squeeze.

I cringed.

I regretted talking; I should have kept my mouth shut.

Father paused and looked at her hand that's positioned on top of his, he sighed then removed his hand from her placing it on his lap.

It has been years and she is still not over him. I thought she would have learnt her lesson after what happened with mother and her.

We all thought she moved on but judging by the looks of it; she has not.

"Mom, could you stop." Haletta uttered. I turned to her and noticed that she was annoyed and embarrassed by her mother's actions. "Uncle Simeon is married, he is not interested in you and never will be, let it go." She snapped, putting down her fork.

Aunt Nadine gasped and my father held a stern face.

I kicked Haletta under the table and she whined. "What the hell Lora!" She cried. I leaned closer to her ear and whispered harshly. "That was harsh and disrespectful."

"But it's true." She announced. I rolled my eyes. "Still, she is your mother Haletta." I declared then moved away from her.

When I said Haletta was a pain in the ass, she is more than that.

Besides from her wild and caring side, she is rude not only to people but her own mother.

I hated that about her.

People who didn't respect their parents disgusted me.

My father cleared his throat.

He stood up and turned to face me. "Lorraine, we should go." He said.

I turned to Haletta and Aunt Nadine then stood up.

"What about desert Simeon, It's your favorite, honey cake." She announced.

Wow, this...

This is sad to watch.

"I'll pass. Tomorrow I have to wake up early in the morning and it's already past eight." He explained.

Aunt Nadine's shoulders fell in disappointment. My father sighed.

"Uhm, I can have a to-go." He suggested, her eyes sparked with joy and she blushed. "Alright." She beamed then rushed to the kitchen.

Haletta approached my father with furrowed brows.

"I'm really sorry about-."

"It's alright Haletta." My father cut her off. She sighed then nodded and turned to me.

"Told you it wouldn't end well." She said,

I frowned.

Aunt Nadine walked in with a slice of cake in a lunch box and a fork. She handed it to my father and smiled.

He returned the fork and said. "The fork isn't needed, there are plenty back at the hotel Nadine."

She nodded and took the fork back.

My father pulled the lid off and took a piece of cake and ate it.

He smiled. "It's delicious, thank you."

Aunt Nadine blushed. "No problem."

My father approached me and Haletta.

"It was good seeing you, Haletta." He said. "You too." She replied.

Father and I both walked out of their apartment all the way to the car parked outside.

Once we reached the car I shut the door then turned to him.

I wanted to talk but he beat me to it.

"I apologize for today." He said.

I narrowed my brows, confused as to why he was apologizing.

"Why are you apologizing?" I asked. "You have nothing to apologize for, you did nothing wrong."

He smiled.

"You put yourself in an uncomfortable situation just for me. I really appreciate that."

He sighed then placed his hand on my shoulder.

"I love you Lorraine."

"I love you too."

-

Hey, angels and devils, I hope you enjoyed this chapter also thank you so much for 100k I really appreciate it!!! 💕

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