Paying The Price

"Thank you. You know, this necklace was given to me by your great grandfather." Edna smiled as she recalled those memories.

"Really!?" Pearl's dazzling eyes showed her excitement.

"Yes. it was in the 1960's, your great grandfather wasn't a romantic person but that time, he went to a mine in Johannesburg and brought back a raw piece of gold, he then personally made it to a necklace just for me. I've cherished it so much ever since." Edna was happy sharing the story with her great granddaughter, forgetting the resentment she once had for the girl child.

"Wow!, That's a great story!" Pearl exclaimed.

Turning to Owen, she asked "Grandpa, what did you give grandma."

"Well I got her the bark of a certain tree we had our names engraved on, just like every other couples in her university. Later the tree was to be chopped down, so I carved out our names and gave it to her as a wedding gift." Owen explained.

"It was the best gift he had ever given. After dinner I'll show you the bark." Evelyn added.

"Ok" Pearl couldn't wait to see it.

Next, she looked at Wayne, then Diana, later Wayne.

After contemplating on who she should as, she finally concluded "Mummy, what did Mr get you?"

Cough

Cough

Ronin almost choked on his drink when he heard her us the word 'Mr' in lieu of 'Daddy' to describe Wayne. Ronin cried inward after seeing the murderous look on Wayne's face 'Why does she always have to push his button, the very wrong ones?'

Three seconds of silence existed, everyone had different thoughts streaming on their minds.

What would be Diana's response.

Was a popular thought. The Grands weren't oblivious to the fact that Wayne never treated her well, much less to give her a gift.

Kids often ask troublesome questions. Pearl wasn't an exemption

"He gave me the most wonderful gift ever." Diana replied in a soft tone.

"What's that?" Pearl wasn't the only desirous one. All eyes were on Diana even Wayne wanted to know.

"You." Diana said to Pearl.

Pearl put on a serious face as she looked at her mother "Mom! am serious"

"Aren't you a wonderful gift."

"Yeah, am a gift from God not from him."

"Well God uses people to such gift."

"Really? How?"

"When you're older, you'll know." Diana tactfully answered Pearl's question, making everyone breath a sigh of relief.

Diana caught Wayne's eyes, after sharing a brief look, she averted her gaze. Wayne kept on looking as she quietly took a sip of her drink.

.......

The Grands residence, an old castle like, massive three story mansion was spectacularly royal, it's interiors had a victorian style, splendidly showing off it's magnificence thought gloomy.

An epic dinner erased the once dull abode, as laughter filled the air. Making the home lively and lightening the mood of everyone.

Well everyone except Diana, Wayne and Ronin.

Diana wasn't at ease as she tried to leave earlier, thankfully Pearl was doing much of the talking, protecting her from awkward situations that she expected.

Wayne felt more angst as he clearly saw that both mother and daughter avoid him like a plague.

Ronin on the other hand, was mad that his parents were not helping to reconcile the family, instead they enjoyed Pearl's presence evicting Wayne from the picture. Ronin would be less worried if Wayne wouldn't take out his anger on him, and the fact that the little one somehow resented him. He was getting suspicious of her behavior towards him. She doesn't like his brother, fine, but not him, he's the lovable one.

...

Kayla and Evelyn took Pearl upstairs, giving her the items they bought for her. Owen and Diana chatted a little when Diana's phone rang, she excused herself to take the call.

In the yard.

The breeze blew gently on Diana's skin, as the moonlight displayed her beauty.

Wayne watched her like a priceless beautiful painting. She unconsciously swept her hair to the side, her off shoulders gown reviled her charming neck as she spoke on the phone with a sweet tone. Wayne could feel his adam's apple rise as he felt a known d.e.s.i.r.e.

"Thank you so much Zach." Diana's voice brought Wayne back to reality.