Pauper's Yearning Read online

  "Here," Preston gave the handkerchief to the boy which he hesitantly got and rubbed his face. He was looking perfect like he had never been crying and Preston gave him a beautiful, bright smile but the boy's face was serious.

  "Thank you so much, sir." Caleb said to Preston who was smiling brightly at him. "I have to go now. Here is you handkerchief," He said as he handed over the handkerchief.

  "No," Preston muttered looking straight in the most beautiful blue eyes he had ever seen. "Keep it."

  Caleb was hesitant but he took the handkerchief and since he was done with shopping, he put his hands back on the trolley and turned to leave.

  "Can I drop you home?" Caleb heard Preston ask.

  "No," Caleb said in a terrified voice. "You can't."

  Caleb quickly drove the trolley to the counter, paid for everything and went home in a cab. He reached home around 4.45 pm and was really scared. He quickly put the macaroni in the boiling water and put everything that he had bought in the fridge. There was so much he had bought and he really hoped that his aunt wouldn't make him go back to the supermarket again. Not after what had happened and the amount of work that he does on a daily basis.

  The work was just too much and Caleb needed help around the house. His muscles were all hurting and so was the rest of his body. Only God knows when he would be free from all those tortures that he received from the people he called his family.

  Caleb was still cooking when he heard noise coming from the living room. He knew that the masters were home and he needed to speed up his cooking. Caleb tried, he really tried to cook as fast as he could but it just didn't work. It took another 40 minutes and while serving the food, he found all them in the dining waiting impatiently for dinner. He served them and none uttered a word.

  Caleb made a quick serve and was almost out of the dining before his aunt called him back to the dining. He knew that he was in trouble. She had warned him about serving dinner when it was late but this was definitely out of his hands.

  "Do we have to starve before you serve us dinner in our own house?" Tiffany yelled.

  "I am sorry I..." Before Caleb could finish his sentence, he felt a hot slap from his uncle's back of the hand and it sent him flying on the floor. He fell down on the cold floor but managed to get up.

  "How many times have I warned you about cooking dinner late?" Gregory yelled, attempting to give Caleb another slap which failed terribly.

  "I didn't finish cleaning the house early and I went to the supermarket really late." Caleb sobbed. "The work was just too much. I need help around the house. I get exhausted most of the time and my body is getting weaker."

  "What?" Tiffany yelled, standing up and grabbing Caleb by the hair. Caleb felt his hair was being ripped out of his head and he winced in pain as he tried not to wail.

  "I keep you here, feed you and you can't even do simple house work?" Tiffany yelled. "You stay in my house. Therefore, you have no such rights to tell me what should be done in my house. Got that?"

  Caleb cried as he felt his aunt's grip get tighter by the second. His face was pointed upwards and there was no one to help him out of his situation.

  "You are hurting me." Caleb cried as more tears flooded his face. "Please, stop hurting me."

  "Really," Tiffany said huskily. "Then stop questioning my authority and you won't get hurt." She grabbed even his neck. Caleb could hear Harriet and William laughing while he was in pain. It felt like forever and the pain was unbearable.

  "I won't, I promise," Caleb cried, feeling like his head was about to come off. "Please, just let me go."

  "Good," Tiffany held firmly on Caleb hair and he winced in pain. "But for asking me such a stupid question you are going to be punished for it."

  Tiffany let go of Caleb's hair and Caleb swore his hair hurt. His head was aching really badly and he was crying. Sometimes Caleb wished he had died with his parents. Maybe he would have been living peacefully in the afterlife. He used to live with his mother in peace and harmony though they were poor and suffering to survive.

  Caleb stood up and sobbed waiting for his aunt to give him his punishment. His whole body was giving up but he had nowhere to go. Maybe he was destined to suffer his whole life but he still prayed everyday for his savior to come one day. Was that too much to ask?

  "What do you think would be enough punishment for him?" Tiffany asked as she took a spoonful of that Macaroni and cheese.

  "Oh, I know," William chuckled. "Tomorrow, Preston is coming with his family. There is a lot to do and so much to cook. So instead of hiring professional chefs let him cook the food, clean the whole house and make sure that everything is in order."

  Caleb was always busy on weekends especially with dusting and a lot of laundry. There was no way he would be able to do everything and cook a whole lot of food for Preston and his family. It was impossible to do everything. This was the first time he would be able to cook for Preston and his family because whenever his uncle has guests he is asked to pretend as if he doesn't exist.

  "What?" Caleb sobbed. "You know that is impossible with the amount of work that I do on weekends and..."

  "We don't care." Harriet snapped. "Just make sure that you do your chores as well as your punishment."

  "Do not ruin this for my son," Tiffany warned. "I swear I'll kill you if you do not do what I asked. My son's fiancé and his family are really important guests. I repeat, make sure that the house is clean and all the food cooked because you'll die tomorrow if you don't finish everything. I'll make sure that I send you to your wretched mother and you two will spend your wretched lives in hell."

  Tiffany's words were really painful but maybe that was what Caleb needed, to die and not suffer anymore. At least in death, he would be with his parents and they would live happily just like before.

  Caleb nodded sadly and he was rudely dismissed to the kitchen where he made sure to clean all the plates. Once he was done with everything, he went to bed early and left them chatting in the living room. There was no way he could take part in family matters or events because he was not considered a family member.

  Caleb knew that there was a lot to do come next day. His whole body was tired and his muscles spasmed but he needed to work otherwise, his aunt would kill him just like she had promised. Caleb's plan was not wake up at 5 am but 2 am so that he could do most of the work and then by afternoon begin cooking.

  Caleb picked up his alarm clock and set it to 2 am. He still had a few hours to sleep though it wasn't enough.

  He slipped under the covers and drifted off to sleep. He was so tired that he didn't even waste any more time. He just closed his eyes and let his conscious mind take him into a deep sleep.

  ****

  Caleb suddenly woke up when he heard his alarm. He couldn't believe it was two already. It felt like he just laid his head on the bed and woke up. He really had a long day ahead of him.

  He quickly got out of bed without even bothering to change. He was still sleepy but he washed his face and quick went downstairs as quiet as he could be. He didn't want to wake any of the masters or it would be game over for him.

  He began his chores with the living room, dusting, scrubbing, washing and cleaning every surface. By the time he was done with the entire living room, it was already 5 am and he had to stop and make breakfast for the masters. He had to work as fast as he could but if they woke up without finding any breakfast, it would be a disaster. Just sandwiches, smoked pork, some vegetables and hot coffee. By 7 am he was done and he carried on with his chores.

  Caleb was glad none of the people in the house gave him any hard times. It only meant that they were impressed with everything. He cleaned the kitchen, the whole compound and made lunch. After lunch he was done with everything. The only thing that remained was to start cooking the food which was to be served in the evening. He tried to ask what he should cook but his aunt told him that he had his brain but she warned him never to make a mistake.

  Caleb decided to make cheese, pot
ato and sausage casserole, flat iron steak with parmesan sauce, spaghetti and some fruit salads. He was lucky that there was champagne which meant that there was no need to make juice.

  Caleb was worried though, he didn't know whether the dishes would be loved by the guests. He was also worried because he had no idea whether he would manage the little hours that he had left. He prayed for the heavens to help him defeat his greatest enemy, time. He really prayed because he didn't want to get a beating.

  *****

  Preston came down the elevator from his room. His house was luxurious and it looked like a palace, white 3 floor mansion, 32 rooms, 2 conference room, 3 elevators, 5 dumb waiters and as many servants as was needed. Preston was 23, living the life of a king and he wanted a good life partner. His father had died and he had recently inherited everything from his mother both locally and internationally. He was the president of all the Companies and also owned a few hotels in the country.

  In other words, Preston was super, stinking, filthy rich. He has an elder brother, Johnny, 28 who is a celebrity doctor and his wife Juanita. He also has a younger sister, Suzanne, 21 who refuses to work but rather loves living a life of luxury. His mother Janice is a high class lady and also vice president of most of the Companies since Suzanne would rather sit than work.

  Preston loves his family a lot but his favorite is his granny, his late father's mother, Elena. She is so beautiful at 67 and always tells him a lot about life. He has a boyfriend but his grandmother disapproves of him due to his behavior. As a result, she has refused to give his blessings to him.

  The elevator door opened and Preston rushed out in a black trunk and yellow tank top. It was afternoon and he was having a great day after receiving the news that his friend, George would be arriving in the country.

  "Hey," Janice shouted to him. "Aren't you ready yet?"

  Okay, Preston was now confused.

  "Late for what," Preston asked, remembering where he had to go but he was absolutely blank.

  "Have you forgotten," Janice said, looking straight at him. "We are visiting your fiancé and his family today."

  "Oh," Preston muttered, wondering the reason why he had to go and visit William that day of all days. Williams' behavior was getting unbearable and Preston had no idea whether he wanted to continue with the wedding anymore.

  He didn't want to make a mistake but his mother wouldn't allow it. She had been the one who had suggested the wedding after all since she and Tiffany have been friends since, forever. Nichols accepted William, yes that is a fact but Williams' behavior was getting on his nerves and one day he would wake up and call off the wedding. They've been engaged quite okay but that doesn't make them husbands.

  "Do we have to go?" Suzanne asked, busy tapping on her phone.

  "Of course," Janice gushed. "It's necessary. We have to visit them more often. Tiffany is my friend and now she'll be family and it's all thanks to my son." Janice smiled at Preston who seemed destructed.

  "Seriously, I don't know why they are still together." Suzanne said, chuckling teasingly. "The guy is so rude and arrogant. If you ask me, I think my brother deserves better."

  "Shut up, Suzanne," Janice yelled. "We've talked about this several times and honestly it's none of your business."

  "Mom, please," Preston interfered. "Let it go, I'll go get ready."

  Janice smiled as Preston went upstairs this time using the staircase. Preston ran up the stairs to his luxurious room which seemed large and had all the luxuries he could ever need, hot tub, shower, Jacuzzi all of which were in another room of the same bedroom. It was indeed a luxurious room and it looked like a small house, couches, TV, office, study and his own playstation.

  As soon as he reached his room, Preston stripped to his boxer and rushed to the giant bathroom where he removed his boxer and stood under the warm water which massaged his thick body. He had a huge chest and the way the water stride on his bear muscular chest was just lovely. He leaned to the wall and just let the water massage and make him feel fresh and relaxed.

  He always liked spending a long time in the shower, enjoying the massage the water gave him. He stared at himself and he couldn't help but admire his body. He was well built, sexy and muscular. In fact many of his friends called him a perfect package. He found himself laughing in the shower when he remembered how crazy his friend George was. He couldn't wait to see him.

  It was about 30 minutes later when he realized that he had been in the shower for too long. It was clear that his mother was getting impatient because his brother popped in the bathroom and told him to speed it up.

  Caleb quickly showered, got out of the shower and grabbed his favorite towel. He toweled his wet hair and then body. He went to the mirror, stared at his physique for a minute and went to the large room which he called his boutique and chose his outfit.

  He somehow decided to go casual, blue skinny jean and a black T-shirt plus green sneakers. He never goes to William's with a casual outfit but come on; he's a free man and can wear whatever the hell he wants without anyone instructing him.

  He went back to the mirror, combed his dark hair and wore his cologne before he went out of his room to go to downstairs. He was greeted with a warm kiss on the forehead by his grandmother and she cupped his cheeks, smiling back at him.

  "You are going dressed like that?" Janice asked, folding her arms on her chest as if she was disgusted.

  "Yes, there is nothing wrong with my outfit." Preston smiled.

  "Of course, there is. Can't you see...?"

  "Don't mind her, son." His grandmother smiled. "You look absolutely stunning. Besides, this is not that important."

  "Mother," Janice hollered. "You've really spoilt him. By the way can I beg you for something?"

  "Of course," Elena answered, her eyes locked with Preston'.

  "Can you please give William your blessing tonight?" Janice begged. "You know how important it is to receive blessings from the groom's grandparents if they are still alive."

  In Cordovia, it is very important to receive blessings from the groom's grandparents before marriage if they are still alive. It means that they have accepted for that person to be married to their grandson. In this case, Preston' Grandmother had refused to bless William for some reason.

  "No," Elena said, still smiling at her grandson.

  "Mother, I have failed to understand why you have refused to bless him. You know very well that he'll soon be your grandson in law. Anyway, you will do it when you feel like it."

  The Millers all went out of the house to the cars and they drove out of their compound. All the way to William's house, Preston just prayed for the day to be perfect without any more drama from William because he was getting tired of it. He was riding with his grandmother and she looked at him, squeezing his hand firmly and smiled. Preston smiled back at her and she gave him another kiss on his forehead.

  An hour later, they all arrived at the house and were welcomed warmly by everyone. William gave Preston a quick kiss and they both went inside holding on to each other like they were stuck together. William was acting really nice and Preston knew it was because their wedding was just a month away.

  They all sat on the couch and discussed about their wedding plans. Janice suggested that the wedding cards be made and published in magazines. She also told them that it was going to be a grand wedding unlike anything seen in the city history. Gay marriage was legal and trending. Janice planned to have her son have the grandest wedding of all time. She was gonna show everyone that she can plan a perfect wedding.

  They talked about the wedding for almost two hours until it was 6.pm. They all had a laugh about it and concluded that the wedding should take place in the most expensive hall there ever was in the country. Most of these conversations happened without asking Preston' opinion but whatever they decided he didn't care at all. All he cared about was getting some peace after the marriage.

  Tiffany left the room, came back and invited them all to the dinner room. As so
on as Preston entered the dining room he was welcome by an amazing aroma that filled his nose. Whatever was under those pots must have been really sweet and he couldn't wait to get his hands on it.

  "Smells good," Janice gushed, grabbing a seat quickly. "What is it that you've cooked?"

  "Well, it's just a little something our..." Tiffany paused and smiled brightly. "...our house help made especially for you."

  "Really," Janice said, sitting down carefully on the table. "I hope it's as good as it smells."

  "If it isn't, you are free to punish our house help." Gregory chuckled, drawing a chuckle from Janice.

  "I sure will." Janice laughed.

  Preston grabbed a seat beside William and sat down on the chair ready to taste the food that smelled mouthwatering. He was gonna enjoy it and if it was that delicious, then he would love to see the great chef who made it and appreciate him personally.