Chapter 10

Kimberly took gentle steps as she climbed down the stairs because she was a little nervous, wondering if Ian was mad at her for forgetting about the party. She saw Ian typing away in his phone, as the living room came into view. She stood at the end of the staircase and let out a heavy sigh before speaking up to make her presence known. "I m ready." She said, earning Ian s attention. Kimberly noticed the way Ian stared at her for a few seconds before composing himself. He had a look of admiration in his eyes, but quickly shook it off because of his stupid pride. Kimberly hated the fact that Ian let s his pride get the best of him. She didn t care anymore if he was going to compliment her or not, she just wanted them to get everything over and done with, so she could come back home and get some rest because today has been one heck of a drama filled day and she very well hated drama. Ian stood up from the couch and put his phone in his blazer pocket, before walking to the front door and held it open for Kimberly, who let out a disappointed sigh and moved her feet towards the front door. The ride to Ian s parents house was quiet, causing Kimberly to distract herself by playing with her phone. She could feel Ian occasionally stealing glances at her but she didn t care. If he wasn t going to speak to her, then they d remain this way. She sometimes wonder who the older person is between them. Kimberly s thoughts were soon disrupted by the car coming to a halt. She took a look at her surrounding and realized that they d reached Ian s parents house. It s a beautiful mansion, but not like those exaggeratedly large ones owned by celebrities. Ian s parents and a couple of maids who worked for them are the only ones who now occupied the building, as all their children are grown ups, who now have families of their own with the exception of Ian. He is the last of three children, having an older brother and sister. Max, Ian s older brother is also in the military, the Air Force to be precise. He already is a senior officer with two kids, who are already teenagers. Then, there s Lucy, Ian s older sister who s also married with two kids. She a psychologist, married to a renowned lawyer and lastly, there s Ian, a junior officer in the Navy and her fiancé. Kimberly slowly analyzed her thoughts and realized that all the male in Ian s family joined the military, including Ian s father s, who is a retired Air Marshal in the Air Force. This made Kimberly wonder what would become of their male children when they start having a family. Will her sons also join the military? Or would they have normal jobs? Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the car door opening. She stared at Ian who held the car door open for her. He had a slightly annoyed look on his face. How long had she been in her thoughts? Was he angry at her for keeping him waiting? Or was he angry about the welcome party Melissa organized? "Let s go. Mom is already impatient about our arrival." Ian said, getting impatient himself, like he wanted to get it over and done with. Ian s action of placing his hand on her lower back after shutting the car door answered her earlier question, that Ian wasn t at the moment upset with her. He was only upset about the party because he didn t think it was necessary as he would be returning back to sea in less than two weeks, he had no choice but to attend. They got into the house and noticed the crowd. Luckily, there weren t much guests, just a few. But, for Kimberly who introverted and had spent most of her life with less public attention, thirty plus guests were a lot for just a welcome party. She noticed Ian clench his teeth to control his anger, just then Ian s dad walked up to them. "You know… I told her all this wasn t necessary but she wouldn t listen." Mr. Gareth said. "Good evening sir." Ian greeted his dad, straightening himself while doing so, making Kimberly wonder what Ian s relationship will be like with his own kids. "Good evening, son. How are you doing?" "Good. I ll be returning back to service in ten days." "I m aware of that, which was why I told Melissa not to bother herself with the welcome party." Mr. Gareth said, gesturing at the guests before turning his attention back to Kimberly, a small smile crept up his face. "And, how are you doing Kim?" Mr. Gareth asked, placing a kiss on both her cheeks. "I m fine Tony… I m sorry I haven t been able to visit for quite a while now." "It s okay. I understand how busy you doctors can be." He replied, causing Kimberly to sigh in relief. "Thanks for understanding Tony. I wished Melissa thinks the same way." Kimberly said. Not a second later, Ian was engulfed in a hug. "Oh my baby! I ve missed you so much." Melissa gushed, not letting go of her son. Kimberly couldn t blame her for that since Ian was her youngest son, she still saw him as her little boy. "I missed you too Mom, but you know, all of this wasn t necessary." Ian said, returning the hug. "You were away for too long, my baby." She murmured, cupping Ian s face in her hands. "Mom, I m fine. I m right here." He assured his mom as he wiped her tear stained cheeks with his thumb. "I know that, but it scares me every time… I ve tried coping with your dad's absence, then Max's and now I ll have to cope with yours… it s too much for me, so forgive me if I can t hold in my emotions." "It s alright, mom. Why don t we go say hello to the guests." Ian suggested, that brought a smile to his mom s face. "Okay baby. I ll see you later, Kim." Melissa said as her and Ian walked into the crowd of guests. "See you later, Melissa." Kimberly mumbled with a smile. She had no idea Melissa took notice of her, as she didn t once looked her way. "So, what s going on between you and Ian?... I sense there s trouble in paradise." Mr. Gareth said in a serious tone, making Kimberly s smile drop.