Chapter 89 Going down memory lane
Chapter 89: Going Down Memory Lane
Allan switched on the lights. Immediately he was hit with nostalgia. He had lived here for the longest time.
Everything was just as it was before they left. The worn out but clean sofas, the small dining table and chairs in the open kitchen looking into the living room.
The fridge in the corner that used to hold stick-on notes for Rema's different doctors appointments and medication timing.
The small kitchen stove where they cooked all their meals. He could see Octavia sitting at the table trying to make jokes and his mother by the stove cooking.
He slowly moved towards the bedrooms. It had two bedrooms. He shared one with Rema, while Octavia shared a room with their mum.
He slowly opened the door to his room and saw himself lying on the top bunk bed, his headset in place, and his sketch pad in his hand sketching.
He turned to Golden who was quietly accompanying him, careful not a make a sound for fear of breaking the delicate moment.
“This used to be my room that I shared with Rema. I usually slept on the top bunk.” Allan said with a strained smile.
He went to the small reading table that was at the corner of the room and slowly ran his hand over the furniture.
He had sat at that table and read for his exams. Now it felt like a distant memory.
The beds were just as they were when they left. Rema's meticulously made, while his was a bit scattered with the covers pulled.
He took a deep breath and tried to put his emotions in check. He opened his eyes, took Golden's hands and led her out of the house.
Just as they got outside, Golden saw a lady waiting outside for them. Allan handed the keys to her.
She smiled and went her way. Then Allan handed Golden her helmet.
“Are you okay Allan?” Golden asked as she held Allan back before he climbed onto the bike.
“Yeah I'm fine Gigi. This place holds a lot of memories for me. I've lived here for the last 12 years. Coming here brought back a lot of memories.
I'm fine though”, he said with a warm smile. “Now climb on, we have one more stop to make.”
They went on again and Golden had a lot going through her mind. Allan was bearing himself before her.
He was gradually peeling away every layer of his thick armor. He was opening himself totally to her.
Soon, Golden began to recognize the road they were on. Although she has only been there once, she recognized the road leading to the house that Varney had bought for Florence.
They got to the Apartment. Allan turned off the engine and they got down.
Allan keyed in the password and they stepped into the house. Although Golden had been there once, it felt different. It felt warm and cozy.
Allan spoke to the home security system. “Lexi, where are my siblings?”
“Hi Allan, welcome home. Your sister left a message for you, would you like me to play it for you?”
“Yes please.” Allan responded as he went to the kitchen to get a bottle of water from the fridge and handed it over to Golden.
Soon, a voice recording from Octavia started playing. “Hi big bro, we have gone for a sleepover in school. And before you ask, yes, mum cleared Rema to go too.
We would be back tomorrow. You have the house to yourself tonight. Please feed Cici and take her out on a walk. Love you.”
As if on cue, a small furry puppy rushed out and leaped onto Allan's lap.
Golden observed quietly, drinking her water. She saw a Christmas family picture over the fireplace. They all seemed very happy in the picture.
When she had first come her with Varney and Florence, it was just an empty house. Now it felt like a home.
She saw Allan play with the dog for a while, smiling and relaxed. He was nothing like the Allan she was used to seeing.
He took the puppy and went to put its food. Then he came back and asked her to follow him.
He took her to his room. Golden noticed the letters on the closed doors and figured whom they belonged to.
When they got to Allan's door, he open it and made way for her to step in.
She hadn't gone on a house tour the first time she was here so she didn't know what to expect.
Stepping into his room, she was stunned. It was the perfect fit for a guy like Allan.
She was immediately enveloped in his sandal and oakwood scent. Being in his room felt like being hugged by him.
She took in the room and noticed every tiny detail. It was a far cry from the previous one he had shared with his brother.
Whoever designed this room was meticulous and apt in the design.
Allan led her to sit on a cushion. He sat on his study chair and faced her.
“Gigi, you've seen the real me. You've seen a part of me that no one else has ever seen.
Forget what you see on the outside, I've had my own share of struggles and my experiences is a huge part of who I am.
I am far from perfect. I agree that I may be a douchebag sometimes, but I want you to know that I will not intentionally hurt you.
I was serious when I said I wanted you to be my girlfriend. You have seen me in my most vulnerable state, and now,
I have shown you my most vulnerable side. I am not some rich billionaire that can buy you diamonds.
My mum works for your family, and I've also worked at your estate” he paused chuckling and remembering the first time he saw her at the estate.
“But I promise that I genuinely like you Gigi and I will try to make you happy if you give me a chance.”
Allan had already moved his chair and was in front of Gigi, holding her hands as he said what was in his heart.
Golden listened attentively to every word Allan was saying. She felt her heart swelling with joy as he spoke.
He hadn't said he loved her, but she felt his sincerity when he said he genuinely liked her and that was okay for now.
“Allan” she began. “I have never hidden the fact that I love you. In fact, I've had a crush for the longest time.
And slowly my crush turned into love. I believe you when you say you genuinely like me.
I am ready to give us a chance, so please don't hurt me. If for some reason you can't love me, and you find someone else you love, please tell me.”
She put her hand on his face. “I am trusting my heart one more time. Since you have officially asked me out, then here's my reply:
Yes Allan, I will be your girlfriend.” With that, she kissed him deeply.