*Crash* The plates and glasses came down from the table where they had been set beautifully by Erica, the cake in her face. "Henry had woken up in a good mood because of the talks he had with his friend and girlfriend, momentarily forgetting about his father, and his escapades with his mistress, on his mother's bed. In order to apologize to him, Erica had woken up early to prepare a special birthday breakfast with his favorite cake, red velvet, 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOBBY' written boldly on it. Henry, however, did not share her excited feelings as he found everything, she did to be filthy in his eyes. He was going to have breakfast when he saw her standing by the table with a smile. He didn't need Wikipedia to inform him that breakfast was prepared by the harlot standing there with a smile. His previous anger came rushing back with fury, as he abhorred the fact that she disrespected his mother, by being in her bed with her husband. Before she could say his name, the cake came flying in her direction and she could not dodge in time, but get hit in the face with it. The plates of toast with eggs and sausage, together with the glass of juice went to the floor as well, creating a beautiful mess and a loud crash. "What happened?" Terry came to the dining room with his mother to see what was going on. He had just returned with Henry's birthday gift and was showing his mother when they heard the noise from the dining room. "Tell your mistress not to touch anything that I'm supposed to use, or I'll kill her one day." Henry answered with fury. "Have you gone mad? Look at the mess you just created. What if you hurt her seriously with that cake, who's going to bear the expenses? Me, right?" Terry backed with the same level of fury. "She's your mistress, do you expect me to take care of her like she's mine? Fuck, why are you defending her? Mom does not deserve this, seriously." Henry retorted and stormed out of the room, his grandma following him. Terry sighed, looking at the direction he just left, before telling the maids to clean the place and attending to Erica. It was no secret Erica was having an affair with the boss, but it was not a matter to be discussed in or outside the mansion. "Henry!" Rosie called out as she knocked on his door. He had locked himself in his room, and though not good, Rosie was glad he didn't get into a car to drive off this time. He had destroyed five cars due to his temper, getting involved with accidents over the years. The fortunate thing was that he's a skilled driver and managed to come out minutely hurt. "Where is he?" Terry asked when he got upstairs. "He's locked himself there. I guess he couldn't go for a drive since his car is at the mechanics. Why must you and your son show your love for each other this way? Always bickering like cats and dogs. And why do you insist on cheating on Sarah this way Terry? When you brought her to meet your father and I, you said she's the one. Your father made you swear on his deathbed that you won't repeat his mistakes, and here you are, not even making an effort to hide it from your son. How will you be able to rebuke him if he does that to another woman? You know Terry, Henry being this way is because he takes after you. That boy sees you as his role model and yet, you are not teaching him anything good aside from being the best intellectually, that's it." Rosie lamented on her son's behavior and Terry left in shame. He was so excited to show his son his 18th birthday gift, even though he's had many, he knew Henry would love it. It was such a shame he couldn't see his face when he sees it. He just left for the office; he was meeting Aaron and George with other doctors for a meeting.
***
"Hello Rosie." Ellen greeted when she entered the mansion. Rosie was watching a show when Ellen's car got to the gate, and she had to buzz her in after she identified herself. She was so happy to see her and said so. "Ellen, my child. I am very happy you are here. How are you child?" She asked with joy. "I'm blessed please, and you please?" She responded with humility. "I'm blessed too child. Does Kobby know you are coming? Because he's still in his room." Rosie asked after they sat. "No please, I want to surprise him. I'm glad he's home; I was afraid he wouldn't be." Ellen replied with a smile. "That's sweet of you, but Kobby may not be in a good mood. He hasn't been since morning and might carry it out on you." Rosie cautioned her. "Why, what happened please?" Ellen asked, remembering he was upset when she called at midnight too. "It's better if you talk to him instead. I don't want to say anything behind his back. Come with me, hopefully, announcing your presence will drag him out of his room." Rosie said as she led the way upstairs. "Kobby! You have a guest, come out son." Rosie announced, knocking on his door. "I don't want to see anyone." A deep, yet irritated voice answered from inside. "May I?" Ellen asked, coming close to his door when she saw the old lady's worried expression. "Henry? It's Eleanora, I came to give you your birthday gift, but since you don't wish to see anyone, I won't bother you, but grant your wish." Ellen said to his door when Rosie nodded, and the latter was surprised to hear about a birthday gift when the girl wasn't holding anything. "Where's the gift?" Rosie asked when they turned to leave. "It's not here please, I'm taking him there." Ellen replied with a smile. "Oh, I see, but you can't do that now, when he's not coming out. I thought he'd come to see you at least." Rosie expressed with concern and Ellen smiled meekly. "It's fine, he'll come out Rosie, don't worry." Ellen assured, although she wasn't too sure. But her fears died down when they heard her name; "Eleanora!" Henry called from the top. They turned to see him pocketed in khaki shorts and a pollo shirt, looking more handsome than ever, with an indifferent facial expression. "Kobby." Rosie breathed a sigh when the boy finally descended, smiling at him. "You spoilt child, why do you keep on worrying me?" Rosie scolded, hitting his shoulder when he got to where they were on the stairs. Henry, however, was unfazed. He was about to say something when his expression turned grave, looking ahead of the women before him. They turned to see what he was looking at, when they saw Erica who had appeared out of nowhere with a teary face approaching them. She knelt before the stairs and was about to say something, when Henry grabbed his girlfriend and climbed upstairs. "Henry please forgive me! Please I beg you!" Erica shouted her plea which fell to deaf ears. Rosie looked at her and left her there without a word. She had decided to stay out of matters concerning her son and this woman, after all her cautions and warnings fell to deaf ears. Erica somehow felt powerful because Terry backed her, yet so meek whenever Sarah came around. She just left to her room, feeling relieved that at least Ellen would keep Henry company, therefore had nothing to worry about, since the boy was rational when it came to that girl. She was happy he wasn't completely like his father after all, because he seemed faithful to Ellen, compared to the other girls he's been with.