GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20

Episode 20

By Faith Lucky.

Go to the dining and wait for me” Nina said with her hands crossed.

“Is it ready?” Theo asked curiously, trying to get a peep.

“Just wait for me!”

“Fine. Why don’t I wait for you in your room, instead?”

“That is, if you can locate my room.”

Immediately, Theo left the kitchen and she quickly turned to the bowl. She took a little taste from it and squeezed her face. It tasted sour.

She bit her lips and groaned, knowing fully well she was busted.

She looked for him at the dining but couldn’t find him there. Instantly, she hurried to her room and surprisingly found him there.

“What’re you doing here?” She asked with dilated eyes and theo rushed to take the tray of food from her.

“I thought you asked me to look for it?” He asked as he placed the tray on the bed. .
“Come on, sit”.

GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20

Nina sat on the bed next to him and watched him uncovering the plates. Her heart skipped at that moment.
He stared at the food keenly and looked at Nina.

“Am I free to eat?” He asked and chuckled at Nina shaking her head.

He took in a spoonful of it and squeezed his face, looking like someone who was about throwing up.
He managed to gulp it down with a large quantity of water.

“Nina, I may have never tasted Salmorejo or whatever it’s called, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t how it’s supposed to taste” he said with an ugly grin as he took in more gulps of water.

GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20

Nina was already cringing, but tried to be a little defensive.

“What’re you saying, Theo? Of course this is how Salmorejo tastes.” She replied dauntlessly and also took in a spoon from her own plate.
It wasn’t delectable at all and she was fighting not to male it obvious on her face.

“How can you even argue about it?” She continued. “you haven’t tasted it before. So, what makes you think this is the wrong taste?”

“Cut it out, Nina. You should’ve just swallowed down your pride and tell me you’ve never handled a spoon before. So I’d know what I’m getting ready for”.

“What? How dare you say that to me? You’re such an ungrateful brat. Besides, I think this is all your fault. Remember, I told you to leave the kitchen, right? I told you guys weren’t allowed in the kitchen but you just wouldn’t listen and now you’re trying to put the blame on me’.

“Do I need to invite the press?” Theo asked when Nina got on her feet.

“Whatever” she replied and sat back on the bed.

“Anyway, “she continued, folding her hands. “Daddy said I’m gonna enroll into a Catherine school the moment I leave high school”.

“Seriously?” Theo asked and laughed. “So what do you expect me to eat when we get married? Would I have to feed on the maids food until you go into Catherine school?

“Besides, you should’ve simply told me you weren’t a cook at all and might only be one after going to a Catherine school, instead of beating around the bush”.

Nina frowned and flicked his ears.

“Whatever. I’m still better than you” she said defensively.

“Excuse me. In what way?”

He shook his head and left the bed, returning with a teddy which had been on table.
That was Nina’s talking teddy.

“Wow! Where did you get it?” Theo asked excitedly as he turned it from left to right.
Nina glowered her eyes at him and spanked him on the head.

“You’re so annoying, Theo. Do you really have to stir up the anger? You should know I still haven’t forgotten you”.

“Seriously?”

“Yes! And I don’t think I’m ever going to. You tricked me! It’s a good thing I didn’t tell you about august 19th”

Theo scoffed and took a look at her.
“August 19th? What happened then?” He asked with a gush of curiosity.

“you’re so dumb, Theo. Why would I be happy I didn’t tell you about it then and still be willing to tell you now? You should know it’s a secret”.
He sighed with less satiation.

And one more thing, don’t think you passed the love test stuff, cause you didn’t. It was also part of your trick and maybe we’re not meant for each other”

“Huh? Are you kidding me? But I passed the third test, right? Remember, you didn’t tell the teddy about lt”

“Whatever. That doesn’t justify it still. You cheated and that’s it.”

“You’re unbelievable, Nina”.

“And you’re unimaginable, Theo”.

Theo busted into laughter and she followed unresistably.

GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20

After a short time, Theo glanced at his watch and clicked his tongue.
“Nina, I need to be on my way”

“Wh…Why?” She faciled and somehow wished she didn’t say it out.

“Why the why? Don’t you want me to go?” Theo asked with a smile, staring directly into her eyes.

That ws exactly what Nina was trying to avoid.
“Stop dreaming, okay? I’m only concerned about my meal. Don’t tell me it’s going to be a waste”.

“Sorry” Theo replied, pushing the tray away, slowly.

“Don’t you dare, Theo. This meal took me hours to…”

“Yes, hours, but not effort”.

“Shut up. Besides, when you gave me your flemish whatever, I ate a reasonable quantity from it, right?”

“Well, that’s obviously because my flemish carbonade tastes better than your Salmorejo”.

“Seriously? And whoever said I liked it? I only ate it just to fulfil all righteousness.”

Theo pause and laughed again.

“Don’t you think we’ll be needing a family judge when we get married?” He asked, making Nina cringe a little.

“Where re you off to anyway?” She asked, trying not to seem affected.

“We’re having a team basketball practice, getting ready for the big game ahead.”

“The big game? The one coming up next tomorrow with East High?”

“Yes”.

Oh, really? It’s a good thing it’s about to come to an end so all these practice practise stuff can be over. I’ve been hearing a lot about it for like ages and I think my ear are already itching”

“Of course, Nina. It isn’t a child’s play. We’ve been waiting for this game for a very long time and now it’s just around the corner .It should sound big.”

“Hm. Whatever. But, I heard the East High are very powerful. Do you really think you can defeat them?”

“Listen to me, Nina, losing isn’t an option. Winning is something we must and will do”.

“Seriously? Well, I guess I can’t wait for the glorious day”.

“And one favor please. Come in time so you can sit in front row.”

“Why? Is my face supposed to bring some kind of luck or what?”
Theo scoffed.

” I just want to look at your face when I win” he replied and nudged her.

“You’re so annoying, Theo. Anyway, you’re free to go. Besides ,I have a date” Nina replied and left the bed, going for her wardrobe.

Theo’s eyes gleamed.

“A date? With who?” He asked but Nina kept quiet, riffling through her wardrobe.

“With who, Nina?” He asked again and she turned back to him and smiled.

“It’s Emily, Theo! Emily, okay? Duurh” She replied back at him, rolling her eyes and he laughed.

She took out a dress, placed it on the bed and escorted Theo to his car.

“Don’t worry, when I win the game, I’ll give the cup to you” he told her as they stopped by the car.

“Wouldn’t it belong to the team?” She asked.

“Well, I’m the leader of the team” he replied sardonically and patted her on the shoulders.
“So, bye” he said.

“Bye” Nina replied and watched him go into the car.

As he drove away, she suddenly became brood, recalling the moment. It had been nice and she kind of wished she could have it for another moment.

She giggled and went back into the house, getting ready to leave for Emily’s.

GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20

Emily’s house wasn’t bad after all, although it was a little damp.

Emily had welcome her in and they had made use of the sitting room since the next and only room ws the family’s bedroom.

“Welcome to my humble abode Nina. I never thought I could have Nina Wesley Inn my home with me” Emily said and Nina laughed.

“You’re funny, Emily” Nina said still smiling “I’m still human okay? And Nina Wesley is just a name”.
“Wow! Okay”.

Emily left for a short time and returned with a drink and some snacks.

“You shouldn’t have bothered Emily. I’m okay” Nina said as Emily opened up the drinks and snacks.

“Seriously? Are you kidding me? Even if it meant me lendering money just to feed you I’d have done it, especially when you’re paying me a visit”.

GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20

They had barely began eating when Raphael came in, holding a litted cigarette, as usual.
Emily became peeved and tired signalling him to get out but he ignored her.

“And whom do we have here?” He asked in a croaky voice as he puffed some smoke at Nina’s direction.

” Uhm hi” Nina replied him, staring at Emily and staring back at him.

“Hi?” He repeated. “Is that your name?”

“How long does it take to die of embarrassment, Raphael? Leave!” Emily rasped at him.

” And why should I leave? Has the house been sold out?” Raphael asked and started picking at Nina’s snacks.

Emily beat his hand and pushed them away.

“This is Nina Wesley” she said angrily to him. “Try to show some respect”.

“Nina Wesley” he repeated. “Is that the name of a goddess? Do I need to commit suicide at the mention of her name?”

” Uhm please, you can take all of it if you want to” Nina cut in, handing the snacks to him.
Emily gave him a stern look and he smiled and returned the snacks.

” Hey, don’t think I’m scared of those bulgy eyes of yours, okay? If I really wanted to have all of it, I would okay, without anyone stopping me”

“You know, stupidity isn’t a crime. So, feel free” Emily said to him as he walked out the door.

She felt so embarrassed and could also notice the displease on Nina’s face.

” Oh, Nina, I’m so sorry, I had no idea he’d be around. He’s just a silly guy that happens to be my brother.” Emily said apologetically to Nina who returned a smile.

” There’s nothing to be sorry for, Emily, I understand”. Nina replied and they went on chatting.

“So, tell me about Alvin. He’s going to be a priest?” Emily asked between conversation.

“Yes- as decided by his mum” Nina replied sadly.

“But that mum of his is really cold hearted. Why would she ride on her son in such way?”

“Well, can’t tell. I guess that’s his fate”.

Emily noticed Nina was beginning to get all weepy and she quickly digressed to anew discussion.

They chatted for a long time until Emily’s mum returned and Emily felt uncomfortable. She was looking so dirty .

“Good day, ma’am” Nina greeted levelly, standing on her feet.

“Oh! Isn’t this Nina?”she asked excitedly. “Nina Wesley is under my roof? Emily why didn’t you tell me about it?”

“Welcome mum” Emily said perfunctorily and Mrs Caroline turned to have a proper look at her.

“Oh my God, Emily?” She asked as she rushed to her, holding the arm.

“It’s nothing mim. Just had a little cut while working in the kitchen”.

“Ha…have you taken any medications?”

“How do you expect me to? I don’t have any money”.

“Oh, my . I’m. ..I’m so sorry about that. Don’t worry, I’ll look for money elsewhere, okay?”

“I told you mum, I’m fine”
She was sounding pissed off.
“Okay. Have you eaten? Sorry, there wasn’t much to leave; just some slices of bread and…”

“Excuse me” Nina interrupted and hurried outside.

She had sounded strange and her eyes glinted.
“Is she alright?” Mrs Caroline asked and Emily headed outside.
She ran out and met Nina crying.

“Nina what’s wrong? Why re you crying?”
Nina wept for a little more time before turning to look at her.

“I’m sorry Emily. I just miss my mom a lot and seeing you with your mum just reminded me a lot about her.”

Emily was taken abacked as she never thought Nina was still that affected by her mother’s death.

“She was so sweet to me and was just like your mum. She never wanted to see a scratch on me”. Nina continued and Emily held her hands.

“I’m sorry about that Nina. But…but you still have your dad with you right? And he takes good care of you.” Emily said and Nina scoffed.

“Of course my dad’s also sweet. But believe me, Emily. There’s nothing as a mothers love. If you still have your mother with you, cherish her because someday, when she’s gone, you might wake up and wish to have her around”.

GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20

Emily sat absent mindedly in the bedroom, thinking about Nina’s words go her about her mom.

She’s always despised her mum because of the condition they were in but Nina seemed to have set a difference.

“Being happy isn’t just about money” Nina had later said to her. “It’s about being with the right people that love you dearly. As long as you’re being loved, you should be happy enough.”

Emily was beginning to regret her previous actions including to her mom and Nina. She got to understand to understand to be contended with what she had and show gratitude.

She decided it ws high time she turned a new leaf.

She waited outside for her mother to return home and the moment she did, she embraced her.

“Mum” she started ruefully. “I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened. I’m sorry for being so carefree towards you. I promise to change”.
Mrs Caroline was surprised and couldn’t believe a miracle had befell her daughter.

GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20

Nina awoke from her forever nap and noticed it was already dark.

She dallied to the sitting room and met her dad watching a movie with Denise.

“Good evening, dad.

“Hi, miss Denise” she greeted them both and Denise smiled at her.

“How’re you Nina? You were sleeping so tight when I came in. Are you okay?” Declan replied and asked, opening his briefcase.