Chapter 104 BEACH TENSION
Godiva POV
“Dina, stop playing around, what Ben and Jerald are you talking about this morning?” I hollered from where I sat.
“I kid you not,” Dina fired back dramatically from the door.
“Then why are you leaving them hanging outside? Usher them in,” Mrs Job ordered firmly.
“Good morning aunties,” Ben and Jerald greeted in unison the moment they stepped into the dining area.
“Good morning boys,” Mrs Job acknowledged warmly, while Mama followed with a calmer greeting.
An awkward silence suddenly settled across the dining room as everyone stared at each other without saying a word. The tension hanging between Jerald and I was almost suffocating, yet the mothers remained completely oblivious to it.
“First, have a seat and join us for breakfast,” Mama finally announced, breaking the silence as she pointed toward the empty chairs beside us.
“Thank you ma,” they chorused again before quietly taking their seats.
“Di, serve them breakfast,” Mrs Job instructed, pointing toward the empty glass plates.
“Thank you ma’am, but I already had breakfast,” Jerald murmured politely. From the way he avoided my eyes and sat stiffly, it was obvious he felt uncomfortable being there.
“I’ll pass too,” Ben added with a nervous chuckle.
“That is not allowed,” Mrs Job objected immediately. “At least taste something.”
“Are you girls not supposed to be doing the convincing?” Mama barked suddenly, making Dina and I exchange quick glances.
We both knew acting strange would only make them suspicious.
“You should just pick something to taste,” Dina muttered almost inaudibly.
“I’ll take the meatballs and orange juice then,” Ben responded immediately.
“Erm… I’ll have the rice, just a little,” Jerald added cautiously.
It was only after the plates were served that I realized both boys had unconsciously picked exactly what we were eating. Ben chose the same meal as Dina, while Jerald picked rice and curry sauce, which was exactly what sat before me.
“This food is honestly delicious,” Jerald complimented softly after eating. “I was tempted to ask for more.”
“You’re welcome,” Mama replied with visible satisfaction.
“It’s more than delicious,” Ben chimed in excitedly. “I haven’t eaten anything this nice in a long while.”
“You can always have more,” Mrs Job offered warmly.
Meanwhile, Dina and I completely lost our appetite. We kept pushing the food around our plates until it gradually became cold.
“Why are you both playing with your food?” Mama thundered impatiently.
“I’m done eating,” I replied quickly with a forced smile.
“Same here,” Dina echoed immediately after me, also forcing a fake smile.
“What?” Mama exclaimed in disbelief.
“Weren’t you both excited about the meal earlier?” Mrs Job questioned with concern written all over her face. “What suddenly changed?”
“Is anything wrong between you all?” Mama asked suspiciously, this time turning toward the boys.
Ben and Jerald exchanged confused glances before awkwardly stammering over each other.
“There’s nothing wrong actually,” Ben finally answered hurriedly. “In fact, we came to ask if we could take them out to the beach to celebrate their win.”
“What?” Dina gasped, sounding completely irritated.
“What beach are you even talking about?” I snapped aggressively before I could stop myself.
“Easy with your tone,” Mama cautioned sharply.
“Were you girls aware of this plan?” Mrs Job asked carefully, scanning our faces.
“Nope,” we chorused immediately.
“But I guess you’re interested,” Mama pressed further.
“No,” Dina and I answered together again, making both mothers exchange suspicious glances.
“You know I hate last-minute outings,” I complained quickly. “I don’t even have what to wear.”
“Exactly my point,” Dina supported immediately.
“I know this came unexpectedly, but surprises like this happen sometimes,” Mrs Job insisted calmly.
“And you girls seriously need fresh air after reading non-stop for weeks,” Mama added persuasively.
“Mum…” Dina groaned dramatically.
“We haven’t even bathed,” I muttered with attitude.
“It’s never too late to prepare,” Mrs Job countered calmly before narrowing her eyes slightly. “Except there’s actually a problem all of you are hiding.”
“There’s nothing Mum,” Dina responded swiftly, jumping up from her chair almost too fast.
“We’ll be back shortly,” I added while gathering the empty plates before following Dina upstairs.
“What the hell is wrong with these boys?” I exploded immediately we entered the room.
“I least expected them to be this reckless,” Dina groaned furiously before her expression suddenly softened. “But honestly, I was so shocked and excited seeing Ben.”
The sudden cartoonish tone she used made me burst into laughter despite my mood.
“You’re actually hopeless,” I muttered, shaking my head.
Getting ready didn’t take long since neither of us cared too much about appearance that day. We both threw on jean jorts, rainbow-colored vests, crocs, shades, and hats before heading downstairs.
“Where are your swimsuits?” Mama asked immediately we came down.
“We’ll buy new ones at the beach,” Ben answered quickly with an awkward smile.
“Alright then, have fun and return home on time,” Mrs Job warned playfully as we stepped outside.
The second the car drove out of the quarters, the atmosphere instantly turned tense.
“What exactly is the meaning of all this?” I erupted aggressively from the backseat.
“I’m sorry, I just needed to keep the promise,” Ben responded quietly, turning halfway toward us.
Ignoring him completely, I leaned back against the soft headrest and turned my face toward the window.
“Look Zhin, I brought the shades you got me,” Jerald announced carefully, pulling the shades from a small box inside the car.
“Don’t get it twisted,” I replied coldly without sparing him a glance. “I’m only here because of Ben.”
The car suddenly fell silent afterward.
“Div, your phone is ringing,” Dina announced after a while, handing me my device.
“Who’s calling?” I muttered before glancing at the screen. “Why is he calling me again?” I whispered to myself before reluctantly answering.
“Hey Diva, how are you doing?” Slosh asked calmly over the phone.
“I’m fine,” I replied hesitantly.
“I actually wanted to ask if you’d be free to hang out today,” he continued casually.
“I’m not free today… maybe some other time,” I replied shortly before ending the call.
The second the call disconnected, the atmosphere inside the car became strangely heavier. Jerald’s jaw tightened slightly, while Ben quietly adjusted the music volume pretending not to notice anything.