Chapter 61: INTRODUCTION
"Erika, don’t just stand there. Help me choose a dress", Monica said to Erika who was standing in front of the TV, switching from one channel to another.
Erika dropped the remote and went to sit in the bed that was already covered with piles and piles of dresses. The both of them were at the Smith’s mansion, Monica’s parents home. The both of them had planned on getting ready together so as to attend the birthday party of Mr Anderson.
"Look at all these clothes, don’t tell you you can’t choose one from them?" Erika questioned her friend as she picked up a dress to check the designs and material before keeping it aside to take another one to inspect.
"It’s not my fault that I have many dresses. Now help me find the perfect dress", Monica remarked.
"By the way, who are you going to bring along with you as a plus one? Hmm?" Erika teasingly raised her eyebrow and smirked at the same time.
Monica didn’t bother to question the facial expression but directly replied,
"Yeah, I’m going with my boyfriend of course. Who else?"
Erika nearly choked on her saliva on hearing Monica. "You have a boyfriend?" She nearly screamed out those questions. Monica nodded in response. "B-but I thought t-that f-fel..." Erika immediately held her tongue when she realized what she was about to say. "I mean congratulations".
"Thank you".
"But why are you just telling me now, huh?" Erika asked feigning anger as she puffed up her cheeks.
"Will you relax. We only started like a month ago and besides, I wanted to let you know in person".
"Wow. I have so many questions", said Erika.
"Well, before you bombard me with your questions, let me answer the basic ones first. His name is Jake Wilson, he is a male model and we met and fell in love. If you want to ask about looks and height, then you will have to wait since he would be coming to the party tonight".
Erika gazed at Monica with a wide mouth. "How did you know those were the questions I wanted to ask? Are you sure you are not reading my mind?"
Monica chuckled, "If I was reading your mind then believe me when I say I would know your next movement".
The both of them got busy with finding Monica a dress. Erika had wanted to mention about Felix but immediately shut her mouth when she realized that she was about to meddle. It might just be her imagination, but she could feel a little bit of tension between those two. Did they fight? Erika thought to herself.
Erika was picked up by Ethan at the Smith’s mansion while Monica had to wait for her partner since he haven’t arrived yet.
The couple in the car arrived at the location, the party was taking place and Erika was astonished when she counted the amount of people at the entrance. She checked the time on her wristwatch to see if they had arrived too early but they were already 10 minutes late.
"I thought this place would be packed by dozens of influential people", Erika commented.
"My dad isn’t really a party person but he invited mostly the important people", Ethan replied and the latter nodded in understanding.
The both of them got down from the car and thankfully for the both of them, there were only a few reporters who took their pics and they arrived inside the main building.
The both of them walked to where the gifts were placed and dropped a small wrapped box. After some persuasion from Ethan, Erika finally decided to go with the wristwatch. It would be weird if she was carrying around a bag full of gifts.
"Where is your father?" She asked Ethan while looking around but not seeing him anywhere.
"He should be upstairs, let’s go". Ethan took her hand and they went upstairs. Just as he predicted, Mr Anderson was upstairs but he wasn’t alone. His wife and daughter with some close friends were also with him, cracking some jokes together.
As soon as Cassandra saw Erika, she left her mother’s side and rushed to go hug Erika. Erika was surprised by the sudden warm hug and she hugged Cassandra back.
"Oh Erika, it’s so nice to finally meet you again. This cold brother of mine didn’t let me see you until he won you over, he literally didn’t let any of us see you at all. He is so wicked...hmph", Cassandra said while glaring at Ethan but quickly replaced it with a smile when she faced Erika. "Come, let me introduce you". Cassandra took Erika’s hand and pulled her gently with her.
Ethan looked at his sister and sighed tiredly, he can already make out that he won’t be spending some private time with Erika at the party.
"Mom, Dad. I have someone to introduce to you", Cassandra said drawing her parents attention. "This is Erika Walters, Ethan’s girlfriend and a special new friend".
Mrs Anderson looked at Erika and then looked at Ethan who nodded at what Cassandra said. The woman looked at Erika whose heart was already racing by the woman’s judging eyes.
"So you must be the Erika that Cassandra tells me about, welcome dear", Mrs Anderson said with a warm smile. Erika relaxed after seeing the woman’s smile.
"Thank you Mrs Anderson", she replied as she returned the smile.
"No, don’t call me Mrs Anderson, call me Aunt instead." Mrs Anderson corrected and Erika nodded at the woman’s words.
"You brat, you finally brought a woman home", Mr Anderson said, glaring at Ethan. "Wait, is she the one that you told me you where wooing?"
"Yes dad," Ethan replied which scratching his head shyly.
"It took you long enough", Mr Anderson remarked before looking at Erika. "Welcome dear".
"Thank you Mr Anderson and also happy birthday", Erika wished the old man. She was surprised with the similar facial looks of the father and son, he looked more like Ethan’s older brother than a father.
"Thank you but don’t call me Mr Anderson, am not young anymore. I am old enough to have grandchildren roaming around", the man said saving no face at all. Erika blushed at his words.
"Dad...." Ethan called his father who was making things complicated for him. He was not going to rush Erika into marriage just like that. It has to come from her willingly and making children? He also wanted the same thing but it would come with time
"What?" Mr Anderson asked with innocent face. "Just call me uncle as well", he told Erika warmly.
"Alright Uncle", Erika replied.
