Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Chapter 31: You mean she doesn't look 24?

Elena shook her head in denial ” No I don't, I will go have a look,” she said as she got up and walked away. She checked through the peephole and chortled softly before upending the door knob.

” Oh Mr Jones! What a wonderful surprise,” Elena smiled as she made way for him to come in.

Jacob Jones chuckled sheepishly ” Long time no see Elena! Is Andrea in? ” he asked nonchalantly.

” Sure. Did you tell her you were coming tonight?” Elena simpered.

Jacob shook his head ” No. I wanted it to be a surprise,”

Elena gigled blithely ” I'm sure she will be very happy to see you,”she gave a half smile.

They both walked into the free living room and Andrea rose to her feet immediately with a startled look on her face ” Mr Jones! Wow! You shouldn't have gone through the stress of flying down here. I would have appreciated a birthday wish from you,” she smiled politely.

” Are you kidding me? It's no big deal flying to Australia for someone I care so much about. Even if I was busy I will gladly neglect all my work to come to see you,” he blurted out with a smile.

Elena coughed awkwardly while Andrea's cheeks began to heat up ” er…. Please come sit. This is Ryan Elena's boyfriend,”

The corners of his mouth turned up ” It's nice meeting you Mr Jones,” Ryan said as he brought his hand forward.

Jacob shook hands with him ” You are lucky to have a girlfriend like Elena. I don't know her that well but all I can say is that she's very kind at heart,” he said nonchalantly.

” I'm very proud and happy to have her as a life partner,” Ryan played with her fingers and Elena looked at him with affection in her eyes.

Andrea fiddled with her bracelet ” Lena, let's set the table,”

Before Elena could speak, Jacob Jones got up quickly ” I would love to help you with that if you don't mind,”

Andrea looked at Elena with a hesitant look but surprisingly she nodded ” Sure you can help Andrea with it," she said as she plopped herself down on the sofa placing her head on Ryan's chest.

Andrea led the way to the kitchen and Jacob trailed behind her.

” I'm sorry I left New York without informing you, I hope you aren't mad at me anymore,” Andrea turned to him with a smile.

Her gaze travelled back to the kitchen cabinet as she picked up the cutleries.

Jacob remained silent and suddenly the corners of his mouth quirked up, he fumbled inside his pocket and brought out a black little box. Inside the box was a diamond pendant in the shape of a heart.

” Hey, are you even listening to me?” Andrea asked curiously.

” Yes, sure. I'm not mad about it anymore. My mom wanted to meet you,that's all,” He moved closer to her and put the necklace on her neck.

Andrea paused and her eyes travelled down to her chest. She was about to turn around and he quickly stopped her ” This…..” she muttered.

” Happy Birthday Andrea, may you keep shining brighter than this diamond,” he said as he finally managed to hook the necklace.

Andrea sighs loudly ” Mr Jones, isn't this too much? Why did you get me a diamond? I'm sorry I can't accept this gift,” she placed her hand on her neck and he quickly stopped her.

” Don't listen to me. It isn't expensive at all okay? Please don't take it off or I will feel bad,” Jacob Jones said in a gentle manner

Andrea pressed her lips together ” What's your own definition of cheap? Hmph? Tell me how much you got this? ” she asked.

He itch his scalp sheepishly ” er…… 50 dollars”

Andrea swayed her head side to side ” Well… fair enough. I mean that's cheap for the rich. I will take it,” she said as she nibbled on her lip.

” Really? You take it? ” Jacob Jones heaved a sigh of relief as Andrea nodded her head.

” Thank you Andrea. How are the twins? You should really learn to take care of yourself, I was very worried the other time Elena said you were admitted at the hospital,”

Elena yelled from the living room ” what is going on there? Are you two kissing or what? Hurry up we are starving,”

Andrea coughed slightly as she choked on her saliva ” Arghhh! Lena I feel like killing you right now,” she said inwardly.

Jacob chuckled to ease the tense atmosphere ” What should I help you with,” he asked and she handed the dishes to him.

” You can take this with you I will manage with the rest,” she said nonchalantly

She felt Jacob's gaze on her, she raised her head and avoid looking into his eyes ”

Thank you Mr Jones and when next I come to America I do love to meet your Mom,” she smiled faintly.

He nodded in acknowledgement before leaving the kitchen. Finally the dinning was set and everywhere quietened down as they had their dinner.

He cleared his throat slightly ” Andrea, are you really 24? ”jacob Jones asked casually.

Andrea paused and placed a lock of her hair behind her ear. She raised her head slightly and before she could speak Elena butt in ” You mean she doesn't look 24? ” she inquired.

” Yes. I mean she looks younger which is a good thing,” Jacob quickly added.

Andrea chuckled lowly ” You don't need to get all worked up I get it, a lot of people said the same thing,”

” Mr Jones, what do you like about Andrea if I may ask? ” Elena suddenly asked.

Jacob chortled” I love everything about Andrea,”

” Really?This is called cheating, I want to hear every details tell me I'm all ears,”

Andrea's expression changed slightly, she used her legs to hit Elena from under the table.

” Why are you looking at Andrea, trust me she doesn't mind,” Elena grinned mischievously.

” Okay if you don't know how to begin. Let's do it this way. I'll ask a question and you answer sincerely. So here it goes, "What do you like about Andrea's physical appearance?”

Andrea gave her a dirty look ” Lena please stop making Mr Jones feel awkward,”

” It's okay, I'll answer. I love Andrea's eyes the most they are very pure and enchanting, it's like you could see her integrity and that's quite unique,”

Elena giggled and bit her lip ” Wow! Mr Jones you looked quite passionate with your words. Next question what are some of the qualities you like that Andrea poses,”

” She's beautiful, smart, honest,strong and resilient. I really admire her for this qualities,”

” Hehehe. Andrea, did you hear that?

So last question: is there anything you would like to say to her? ”

Jacob nodded immediately” I want to say I will always be there for her whenever she needs me. I will be that friend she could always rely on,”

” Okay that's it Mr Jones, are you trying to snatch my best friend from me. She has me to rely on. I could literally do anything for her,” Elena huffed.

Andrea burst into laughter ” Goodness! Lena, weren't you the one who asked him to be sincere and now you are angry,”

” Andrea, I can't share you with anyone. I will always be your one and only support system,”

” That's not possible. What if she gets married will you compete with her husband?” Jacob Jones said.

Ryan nodded ” Mr Jones is right,” he chimed in.

” You guys don't know that Andrea here has decided to be a single mother for the rest of her life,” she said.

” Is that true Andrea? You don't have plans on getting married? ” Jacob Jones asked.

Andrea nodded ” I really feel there's no need for that, I mean I can raise the kids on my own,”

” Don't you think it will be more lovelier if you give them a father figure? ”

Andrea sighs ” I really don't think so, I just hope I'm doing the right thing,”

” Don't feel pressured, okay? No matter what you decide I will always support you,” Elena said.

” Ding dong!” The sounds of the doorbell travelled across the living room.

” Are you expecting anyone again? ” Andrea asked and Elena shook her head.