JUST A CHANCE

                CHAPTER   FOUR!
               DOUBLE  TROUBLE!


              My external exams ended few weeks back. I was no longer a high school student, but an aspirant and a future undergraduate 😁😁.  Just the thought of that made me feel on top of the world, I was so happy about it.
               My best friend has been telling me a party his dad would be hosting in a hotel, urging me to tell my parents so as not to miss the party. Trust me, I've been looking forward to it and I'm planning seriously for the day. I'm definitely not gonna miss that, not at all. Don't ask me how though 🤨 .
                 "My dad has big plans for the party and I'll be totally disappointed if you miss it for any reason whatsoever".
                    "I know Teny, I also have my plans too. I'm not gonna miss it okay? I assured him
                      "Seriously? Are your parents aware already, gosh and you didn't tell me, that's so bad of you Dave".
                      "Well, I'm sure I didn't mention that, you're only making silly speculations right now. I haven't told my dad yet, but I'll soon. I won't miss it."
                      "Come on Dave, you should tell him okay. Stop postponing it, the earlier the better. My dad won't like it if you don't make it to the party" Teny persuaded.
                       "I know, but I can't tell your dad to convince mine. They don't even know each other, they just know we're best friends that's all. I accept your advice, but I'll have to work by my instincts this time around.
                "If that's what you wanna do, that's fine. Still call me on any update okay?
                 "Teny, you're a pest 😂, by the way, I'll see what I can do anyway".
                 "You call me a pest huh, I'm gonna break your bony skull". He said running after me".

                             
           **                    **                   **

                Since I got through from high school, my parents stop restricting me from certain things. I could leave the house (though still with permission), but frequently than I used to. My parents knew Teny was my best friend. Fortunately, they liked him a lot  because he was a good guy. That was actually the main reason I could leave the house.

                 Today was the D-day! I told my parents I was going to visit Teny (truthfully, I was but not entirely true though), with the excuse that he's been the one visiting for the past few weeks.
                  "Must it be today? Dad asked.
                 "Not really, but I plan staying home through out the weekend and today's the only day fit for me". I replied.
                "Darling, just spare him today. He has a point there, not a strong one though". That was mom. I was shocked though, because the mom I know would wait for you to speak and BOOM, she spoils everything.
               "Alright then Dave, be careful out there. I won't spare you if you stay out late.
              "Thank you so much dad, I really appreciate this, thank you". I replied happily
              "Dave, is there something you aren't telling us? Mom asked rather curious.
              "No mom, I'm just happy that's all"  And that was it.

I went to my room, humming like a bird that just got it's freedom, or am I?
I arranged my room, packaged my well tailored suit inside my sports bag accompanied with the Italian shoe dad got me few weeks back. I already pictured myself well dressed, being acknowledged by the hosts and their friends as I walked into the hotel. My phone jerked me off my day dream when it buzzed. I picked it up.
                    "Hey Dave, are you set?
                     "Yeah, I'm on my way now".
I dashed out of the house but not without informing my parents. They were on a call, so they let me be. I got on a taxi which took me to Teny's, which was just ten minutes drive from my place.
I paid the driver and found my way to Teny's room. One would have wondered what my problem was, because I was racing like a hare. I got to Teny's room and he was still on his shorts and singlet. My heart settled 😁.
                   "Dave, you are here already. Come on, let's get dressed. We'll be leaving in less than half an hour".
                     "Oh yeah"
                     "By the way, what did you tell your parents?
                       "Well, uhm (I paused)
                       " Uhuh, I'm listening".
                       "I told them I was coming over for a visit, that's all. I didn't want them to stir up a fuse I can't handle, so I'm here".
                       "I wish they could come though".
                       "They are always busy okay. Please can we just get dressed and get going" I shrieked.
After we were done, we joined the others in the garage. First I went to pay my respect to the host, at least I never forget my manners.
          We got to the venue about an hour later. It was really a surprise, like I was dumbfounded for some time. The Lawsons' were launching their new magnificent hotel and they took everyone by surprise. Trust me, I took lots of pictures.
              "Teny, this is amazing".
              "Yeah, dad wanted it to be a surprise. I knew about it, but this is also my first time here".
              "Your dad is a genius"
We went together and sat on the same table. You know what that mean? It means our day's gonna be awesome!
The party started. People gave different speeches, there were lots of congratulatory messages. Then the host, Mr. Lawson stood up to make an announcement.
              "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm so glad you're all here, to witness today and add joy to me (smiles). I just got informed that the Chief guest is here already. Let's applaud as I usher in Mr. and Mrs. John Roberts, CEO of JR company.
Guess who they were!