Nevaeh returned to her room after her little talk with Mr Simon. She felt nervous at the thought of talking to Dale or rather seeking permission from him about her cooking. What would he say? No?
That might hurt her, but she'd have to accept it. This wasn't her home. It was his, and whatever he'd say goes.
When she agreed to come here, it wasn't to acquire any skill or befriend anybody, but now an opportunity had presented itself, and she might as well utilise it.
She exhaled deeply as she slightly paced across the room. Her eyes wandered around in search of anything to calm her racing heart, but nothing seemed to work or catch her interest.
She picked up her phone and redialed Francis' number, but it still wasn't reachable. What was wrong? This was the second time she had tried calling him.
Francis wasn't the type to stay away from his phone. He was a diligent man who was always looking out for the next contract to bag, so why was his number not reachable?
That was strange.
Maybe she should call Elle? Yes, she should. She didn't know what was going on out there, especially with Francis, which made her uncomfortable. It would be good if Elle returned early - not just for her sake, but for all the parties involved - so she could leave this place as well.
She dialled Elle's number, but it also wasn't reachable. Her too? Why was everybody's phone switched off? She sighed exasperatedly.
What had she been thinking calling Elle?
This was Elle and not someone else! If she left her wedding, she wouldn't make it easy for anybody to find her. She must have taken due precautions to avoid been found.
That cruel girl! She cussed.
But why had she agreed to this union when she knew she was going to abscond from her wedding? What evil spirit was at work in her when she decided to put everyone in such a perilous situation, herself especially?
Was she scared of Dale? Then why had she said yes in the first place? She should have thought things through before making a decision such as this. She was also scared of him, but here she was stuck with him under his very roof – all thanks to Elle.
This was the thing about humans. Their thoughts and actions were always focused on their benefit. If it weren't beneficial for them, they'd leave without thinking about the consequences, especially for the other parties involved.
Selfishness was an innate thing among humans. She sighed.
If only everyone could put the next person into consideration (place someone above themselves)- know how their words and actions may affect the people around them, then wouldn't the world be a better place?
She felt unease crawl back into her heart, and she resumed walking around the vast room, which was also her 'matrimonial room'. A lot of questions were going through her mind, and they were all overwhelming.
Her gaze fell on the well-laid bed, and once again, she couldn't help but wonder where Dale had slept last night.
Did he sleep by her side? Or on the couch? She pondered as her eyes darted towards the sofa. She didn't think so.
Wait! Why was she even pondering about this? She shook her head to discard that thought out of her mind. Sometimes ignorance was better. She'd rather not know, at least for now, else her head erupts with so many thoughts and fear of where he might sleep next.
All she wanted at this moment was to calm her tumultuous mind. She had to get herself together before her unrest gave her away.
Nevaeh aimlessly walked around the room, her hands moving against the thick drapes which covered the large windows, till her eyes suddenly fell on a frame on the wall, which piqued her interest.
She slowly approached it till she was just a foot away.
Was that...A feather?
It was gold in colour, just like the wings in the living room. But then it seemed to have its edge burnt.
Was it real? She pondered as her hands subconsciously moved towards it.
It couldn't be real. What sort of bird had golden feathers? She couldn't think of one. A gold macaw didn't have such golden feathers.
Nevaeh was still lost pondering and admiring discovery when she suddenly felt a presence in the room. From how stiff the air had become, she could tell it was...him.
Her almost calmed heart suddenly began to race, and before she could turn, she felt his presence had suddenly become so close, almost as if he was behind her.
"Do you like it?" He suddenly asked, his voice coming from behind her ear. Nevaeh froze at his closeness and the hotness of his breath against her ears.
"Is it real?" She asked in a small voice. It was the effect he had on her. Everything about her seemed not to function well whenever he was around her, and so close at that.
Nevaeh waited for his answer, which didn't come as prompt as she expected. She slowly turned around, taking the opportunity to take a step away from him. She noticed how he was staring at her, emotions swirling through them like she had touched a sensitive topic. Has she?
Just when she thought he wasn't going to answer that, he slowly reached for her face, closing the space she had created. His fingers gently moved across her cheek. His hand was so smooth and soft, and it made her cheek warm. Was he always this warm?
"It is as real as you, my angel." He replied.
Angel? He called her that again. But wait, so the feather was real? It looked-
She couldn't stay in her thoughts when his other hand suddenly went around her waist and pulled her closer, so much her body was firmly pressed against his chest.
The air suddenly grew thin, and her heart began to beat erratically. His piercing gaze lingered on her for a while before he spoke up again, "Do you really want to cook?" He suddenly asked, making her completely stunned.
How did he know?