Chapter Ten: "Heartless."
Akira:
My eyes slowly fluttered opened and was met by the sun. I winced shielding my eyes. That's when I felt a sort of weight on me. My brows furrowed and I sat up slightly to see what it was. It was Chresanto! Memories from the night before flooded back into my head. We were on the couch and still in our clothes from the benefit ball. His arm was wrapped around my waist as he laid there asleep. I was practically on top of him as we laid there.
My cheeks flushed red as I realized we fell asleep like this. I glanced back down at him and stared at him for a moment. He's so handsome when he's not frowning. He looked very calm in his sleep. I see how girls swoon over him. He's hurt though. Poor guy digs himself into his work to avoid the pain he's feeling. I slowly slid from his grasp and walked upstairs in my dress. I quickly took a nice warm shower and got dressed in some black leggings and a black tank top.
I checked the time, it was eight am already. Chresanto is late for work. I wasn't in a rush to wake him up. I think he should stay home anyway. He works too much. I'm sure he could use a day off. I slowly walked down the stairs keeping my regular pace. I walked over to the couch where he laid, still asleep.
"Chresanto?" I said softly, shaking him a bit. All he did was slur and stay asleep. I sighed and placed my hands on my hips. Ugh, how am I gonna do this?
"Chresanto?" I said again, tapping his cheek lightly. Nothing happened. I tried hitting his face a tiny bit harder. I see got nothing. I began playing around with his face. His skin is really soft too. I was pulling on his cheeks and everything.
"Chresanto!" I shouted this time. His eyes snapped opened and he looked right at me. I gave him a small smile as he sat there staring at me.
"Morning sunshine." I nearly sang pinching his cheek. His brows furrowed as if he was confused. He glanced around the room before looking back at me once more.
"What time is it?" He questioned slowly sitting up. I crossed my arms over my chest and muttered, "8:14."
"What?" He questioned, his face scrunching up.
"It's 8:14." I answered a bit louder. I watched as his beautiful brown eyes widen at me. I gave him a nervous smile and his hand found his forehead.
"Ugh. I'm late for work." He nearly hissed to himself. I shook my head slowly, catching his attention.
"No you're not, because you're not going to work." I spoke candidly.
"Oh yes I am." He chimed standing up from his spot on the couch, only to have me push him back down with much force.
"No you're not. Have a day off from work for goodness sake! Call into the office and tell them you're taking a day off okay? I'm gonna start on breakfast." I said ignoring the glare he was giving me.
I started towards the kitchen, humming some songs to myself. I didn't hear any protest from him so I didn't need to say anything more. I'm sure he went upstairs to take a shower. Yet, I wonder if we're gonna discuss what happened yesterday...I'm sure he doesn't want to talk about it, so I won't bother him about it. I'm just glad he told me. I started making the bacon, frying it up and everything. I started setting them on plates. Three of them to be exact. I'm pretty sure Kyle will be over here for breakfast. I made pancakes and sausage, along with eggs. I set finished the last of the eggs and then started putting the pans into the sink.
"Akira, Kyle is here!" I heard Chresanto call out like some little kid. I chuckled but didn't say anything. I spun around to turn to the plates but was met by Kyle standing there already nibbling on the bacon. My face fell and I glared at him for a moment before he was aware of my gaze.
"Just take it," I sighed, "It was yours anyways." He smiled widely at me and took the whole plate, along with a fork and walked out of the kitchen. I grabbed my plate along with Chresanto's and a couple of forks and knives. I walked into the dining room to see Chresanto sitting there next to Kyle who was eating his food quickly.
"Kyle, calm down...it's not going anywhere." I jeered, chuckling slightly. He looked up at me and slowly put his fork down for a moment before taking a deep breath. He grabbed his fork and started eating slowly, making me chuckle more. I set Chresanto's plate in front of him and set the knife and fork down on his plate.
"Thanks." He muttered softly. Kyle stopped eating and looked over at Chresanto and then at me. He raised an eyebrow before chewing the food that was in his mouth and swallowing.
"Something is different," He claimed looking between the two of us. I narrowed my eyes at him before turning my eyes to Chresanto who was already looking at me.
"How?" Chresanto asked before looking down at his food to eat. I set my plate down and took a seat, starting to eat my breakfast as I waited for Kyle to say something.
"You guys aren't arguing like you always do. I was expecting some cuss words and insults being exchanged, exceptionally at the fact that you made Chresanto stay home." Kyle admitted before taking another bite of his bacon. I couldn't help but look at Chresanto as I took a bite of my eggs. His eyes were focused on his plate as he ate, as if he was scared to make eye contact with me. I turned my gaze back to Kyle who was looking at me again. It was with a facial expression I couldn't put my finger on. It was like he was trying to figure out what was going on by reading my face. I chewed the food that was in my mouth and swallowed before speaking again.
"He told me about Kimmie," I said looking away from Kyle before I could see Kyle's reaction. He didn't say anything so I continued to speak.
"I'm not up for any altercations this early in the morning, plus I'm not one to start things; I just finish them." I spoke the last part quietly. I ignored the scoff that escaped Chresanto's lips, but I didn't say anything else. When I looked up at Kyle after a few minutes he was smiling widely. My brows furrowed and my forehead creased in confusion. He giggled and looked back down at his food.
As we ate breakfast, Kyle would try to say something to start a conversation. All his attempts failed. It's almost like Chresanto is feeling awkward around me. I don't know why. I'm not judging him based off of what happened last night. I grabbed everyone's plate when they were done and started washing them. I could hear the small conversation that was going on between Chresanto and Kyle. I wasn't sure what it was about, but it seemed pretty intense. I looked back at the dishes that sat in front of me and went on washing them. I set them all in the drying rack and walked out the kitchen with my slightly damp hands.
"Alright boys, what are we doing today?" I called out as I strolled into the living room. Chresanto glanced my way for a moment and sighed.
"Well, If you're gonna force me to stay home, you're gonna have to entertain me in some way." He spoke truthfully.
"When it comes to Chresanto it's like babysitting." Kyle sneered. Chresanto hit Kyle's arm due to the smart remark that he had stated. I clapped my hands together once, trying to come up with something. I walked around the back of the couch and out the living room. I went to the nice small lobby of the house and peeked out the nice windows he had. I looked up at the dull and gray clouds that were covering up the once blue sky. I closed the curtains over the window again and walked back into the living room where Chresanto was holding his phone. I wasn't sure, but I'm positive that it had something to do with work. I relentlessly snatched the phone from his hands. He froze, his hands staying in the form of the phone; as if he still had the object in his hands.
He looked up at me and dropped his hands into his lap.
"If we're gonna try to be nice to each other, you're gonna need to stop pissing me off." He stated as I held his phone in my hand. I walked over to the big flat screen TV that he had and turned it on. I grabbed the Dish remote control and started looking through the channels as I backed up and sat down in the middle of the couch.
"Is that we're gonna do today? Watch TV? You had me stay at home to watch TV?" Chresanto asked. He didn't sound angry at all, he was more of curious.
"Well, It looks like it's going to rain and a bit of TV won't kill us." I chimed going through the guide till my eyes laid on something.
"Oh! They just started a marathon for American Horror Story I love that show! Let's watch it! Kyle," I turned to my left where Kyle sat, "Go make some popcorn!" He groaned but wasn't reluctant to get off the couch. I switched it to Fx and leaned back in the couch.
I looked over at Chresanto and he watching the TV screen.
"What's the show about?" he asked keeping his gaze fixed on the screen. My eyes didn't leave that side of his face, only letting me see the profile of his face.
"It's hard to explain. You just gotta watch it. It'll confuse you even more if I explain it." I answered before looking back at the TV. Kyle returned with the popcorn. Two bowls, one for him and another for Chresanto and I to share. I knew what he was trying to do. I could tell by the smirk on his face as he set the bowl of popcorn in the middle of us. I glared at him and shook my head slowly but quickly looked back at the TV screen.
"So why are they moving into the house if every single person that ever lived there died?" Chresanto questioned reaching his hand into the bowl that was sitting in my lap and taking a hand full of popcorn. He shoved it all into his mouth, making me chuckle. We were halfway through the first episode. Each episode being an hour a lot happened in the last thirty minutes.
"I know right? Second that lady says that anyone has died in the house, I'm moving onto the next one!" Kyle commented from beside me. I couldn't help but giggled, but I kept watching with them.
Before I knew it, we were on episode 6. It was raining outside and we were debating over things.
"Violet is in love!" I shouted at Chresanto.
"It doesn't matter, Tate is fucking crazy! You don't date the psycho that goes to your dad for therapy!" he retorted pointing his finger to the TV screen as it went to commercial.
"I think Tate is cute! Yes, he has some flaws but..." I trailed off and shrugged.
"I just don't understand females." He muttered shaking his head. Kyle snorted and rolled his eyes.
"Clearly." Was all Kyle said. I groaned as I stood up, taking the almost empty bowl of popcorn in my hands. I walked into the kitchen and set the bowl down on the counter. I turned back around and walked back into the living room, plopping down in my seat.
"I just don't understand what makes a girl do something stupid like that.." Chresanto muttered from behind me. He now had his phone in his hands and his eyes were focused on the screen. I didn't bother taking it from him. I turned back to the Tv, watching the commercials. I yawned and sighed before looking over at Chresanto and over at Kyle.
"You guys wanna help me make lunch?" I questioned looking between the two. Kyle looked over at me and nodded eagerly. I looked at Chresanto and he waved me off, keeping his eyes on the phone. I didn't say anything but I got up telling Kyle to head to the kitchen. I went the other way, heading upstairs. I grabbed my iPod and my speakers. I walked back downstairs. Chresanto didn't move from his spot. I walked right past him and into the kitchen. I set the speakers down, plugging it into an outlet not too far from the sink. I plugged my iPod in and started playing a random song, setting it on shuffle.
The song that started to play was some Emblem 3 song. I was dancing as I gathered everything for the fruit salad. I grabbed the various fruit we had sitting there. I grabbed the strawberries, mangos, grapes, pineapples, apples, kiwis, blueberries, a big slice of watermelon and peaches. I set them all down and turned to Kyle who was pulling out the cut board. I was swaying my hips side to side as I grabbed the knife, setting it down on the plastic cutting board that Kyle set in front of me.
I began washing all the fruit, and as I did that I asked Kyle to grabbed a few lemons. He walked towards the fridge I turned my eyes away from him and returned my gaze to the fruit. I washed them discreetly and shut off the faucet. I took the fruits, that were now setting in the big blue plastic bowl, setting it down before the cutting board. I grabbed the knife and washed it off quickly.
"Kyle," I called just as his lanky hand came into view. In his hand was a nice bright yellow lemon. He placed the fruit down on the counter, on the farther left of myself.
"Yes?" he questioned. It was clear in his voice that he was tired of my orders.
"Can you get me another big plastic bowl? Please?" I asked softly. I looked away but I still caught a glimpse of him rolling his eyes. I didn't say anything but I grabbed a few strawberries and began cutting them in half quickly. I was on a roll. I finished cutting all the strawberries and looked to my right. Kyle had brought me another big plastic bowl, this one being red. I took all the cut strawberries and threw them into the red bowl. I started the process again with another group of strawberries.
"Chole! I know your sister turns everyone on! But you're the one I want!" I sang as I continued cutting the various fruit and tossing them into the red bowl.
"Well, aren't you having fun." A husky voice called out from behind me. I froze for a moment before grabbing a grape off the vine and placing it in my mouth. I spun around to see Chresanto standing there leaning against the fridge. I didn't speak right away. It's almost like I had to process the scene in front of me. Chresanto stood there wearing a small smile, and he kept his eyes on me. It seemed he was uncomfortable with the the length of time we've been staring at each other. He dropped his gaze to the floor and I turned back around to the cutting board. I began cutting the big green grapes in front of me, simply cutting them in half. I tossed them in the red bowl and grabbed an apple.
"Do you need some help?" Chresanto's raspy voice questioned. I nodded my head, suppressing the urge to look back at him and smile.
It wasn't long before I felt a presence beside me as he grabbed another cutting board. One of which I didn't know there was. I took a small step the left, giving him a bit more space. The red bowl was now set in between us. I moved the blue bowl with the washed fruits behind it, so it was easier to reach for both of us.
Once he grabbed a knife, he also was cutting fruit. I was peeling an apple quickly before cutting it in half and dicing it up more from there. The song that was playing came to an end, leaving us in silence for no less than five seconds.
Music began to fill up the air. A Drake song was playing this time. I began nodding my head to the beat, as the smooth and slow melody played.
"Akira," Chresanto began, "About last night ---"
"You don't have to worry about it." I interrupted, placing the knife down and scooping the diced apples into the bowl.
"It's not that I'm worried....I just want to say thank you for listening and caring." He said softly. I almost didn't hear it . I tried to hide the smile that was pulling at the corner of my lips. I brought my head down so he couldn't see it. I grasped the cherries and began to cut them in half.
"It's no problem, I was happy to listen. Mr. August has a soft side to him. It's good to know that...." I trailed off focusing back on the cherries I was slicing.
"Good to know..." He spoke urging me to go on.
I sighed, "It's good to know that you're not as heartless as I thought you were."
There was silence. A very tense and thick silence. I bit down on my lip, suddenly regretting my words and wishing to take them back. I think I've made him angry.
"Heartless is a strong word don't you think?" He finally replied. His voice was tense and monotone.
"I guess so," I said solemnly, "But that word is used to describe you a lot more than necessary."
"That's good to know."
"Chresanto--"
"No, it's just fine Akira." he said. "I've built myself that reputation, so I'm not very surprised to hear that."
The song that was playing faded off and was replaced with a fast tempo, taking both of us by surprise. It was Treasure. I started bobbing my head to the beat. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite songs by Bruno Mars.
"Chresanto, why don't you try smiling more?" I questioned, cutting the mango up.
"What?"
"Why don't you smile more? I just---I just think you look friendlier if you smile. When you're always frowning you come off as scary." I explained.
"I want to be intimidating.." he admitted putting the last of the watermelon into the red bowl.
"There's a difference between intimidating and scary." I noted.
I wasn't long before we finished up the cutting of the fruits. I grabbed the lemon and cut it in half. I began squeezing both halves onto the fruit. I was aware of Chresanto's eyes on me, which made me a bit nervous. I squeezed as much out as I could. I spun around to throw the lemon in the trash when Chresanto stopped me, taking them from my hands gently. His fingers brushed mine and my chest tightened. He turned around and walked to the trash can, throwing them in.
I smiled at him, a weary smile, "Thank you." I turned back to the fruit. I took a big spoon and mix them up quickly. After that I took plastic wrap and covered the top of the bowl with it. I took the big bowl in my hands and walked towards the fridge. Chresanto kindly opened the fridge for me. I placed the bowl in and closed the fridge door.
I turned back to look at Chresanto who was looking at me.
"Do you think I'm scary?" he suddenly asked.
My brows furrowed, "No, I don't think you're scary."
He smiled slightly, "Good."
I couldn't help but smile. He raised an eyebrow at me, "What are you smiling about?"
I shrugged, "Just at the fact that I was right." I snickered walking over to the sink to wash my hands.
"Right about what?" he asked.
"You look so much better when you smile." I answered.
*~*~*~*
I looked over at the clock as I finished washing the dishes. It's 9:43 at night. We all just finished dinner and I was washing the dishes. I turned the faucet off and dried my hands on a rag we had sitting there. I walked out the kitchen, switching the lights off in the process. My feet left the cold tile for a reunited with the warm soft carpeted ground. I walked out the living and started towards the stairs. Chresanto had already gone upstairs and Kyle left for home. I was wondering; if Kyle is Chresanto's nephew, than where is his sister? Does she know that Kyle is always coming over here? Does she know about me? Does his family know about me?
I reached the top of the stairs and started towards my room. I stopped in my tracks as I heard a muffled voice. I slowly turned around and inched towards Chresanto's office. I've been living with Chresanto for about a little over a month and I haven't been in his office once. As I got closer to the shiny wooden door, that was his office, I could understand the words he was saying. The door wasn't closed completely. The door was cracked the slightest bit. Only enough for one of my eyes to look through it.
He was on the phone, his eyes focused on a paper that sat on his desk in front of him.
"LA and London? For how long?" he questioned before pausing, clearly listening to the person on the other line.
"Why do I even need to be there?" he questioned harshly. My brows furrowed as I listened in.
He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes. He exhaled and kept his eyes closed. That's where I messed up. I got a bit too close to the door and lost my balance, my body hitting the door as if it was going to give me any type of support.
"Oh!" I muttered as I stumbled forward into his office. His eyes snapped opened and looked directly at me. I froze, watching him carefully. I waved my hand awkwardly, the corner of my lips pulling up to make a strained smile. I couldn't tell if he was angry or just wondering what I was doing.
"Andy, I'll be there okay? Just book the tickets," he spoke into the phone, looking back down at the paper that had many printed words on it. "Two tickets Andy, two." He corrected. I raised an eyebrow and slowly walked closer to his desk. His office was very cozy. It had a small couch sitting on the right side of the room. He had his big wooden desk, with a nice lamp that was bright enough to light up nearly half of the room. Behind him was a bookshelf, one that took up the whole back wall. I doubt there is room for anymore books. The shelves are filled to the max. He sat in his nice leather chair that spun and had wheels on the bottom. Just like in his office at his company building, he had two chairs on the other side of his desk, facing him.
"You're going to LA and London?" I spoke as he turned off his phone, setting his phone down.
"We're going to LA and London." He restated.
"Well, this is so random. When are we leaving?"
"Two days." He answered plainly.
"Are you alright?" I asked hastily. I was getting a bit annoyed with the short answers I was receiving.
"Yes," He answered. "I have to go to LA and London to check the designs for the summer lines." He grumbled standing up from his seat. He walked around the desk so he was in front of it. He took a seat on the desk and looked down at his hands for the moment.
"Summer lines for what?" I said walking closer to him. I stopped behind one of the two chairs that faced his desk. I rested my hands on the top of the chair as I looked at him for an answer. I shifted my weight onto my right foot as I stood there. He must have noticed. His eyes dropped down to the ground, as if he was looking at my feet.
"I own Forever 21, Urban Outfitters and a few other clothing companies. I need to check the designs for the summer line. The school year is almost over, so they need my opinion." He answered looking back at my face.
I stared at him, narrowing my eyes. I licked my lips quickly before speaking.
"Why? You clearly don't have any interest in these companies..so why do you buy them?" I questioned tapping my fingers against the chair.
"It makes me money, and I don't want anyone else to own it so it's making me more successful than anyone else" He answered seriously. I nod my head solemnly and slowly, avoiding eye contact with him. I slowly stroll to his bookshelf, my eyes scanning over the spines of the books.
"That's kind of selfish don't you think?" I said breaking the silence we were sitting in.
"How?" He sounded almost offended.
"Well, you don't care for the company. You don't have an interest in it. You don't want to let some help you with the company, so you're the only CEO. Don't you think you're cheating the company that way?" I said relentlessly. I brought my hand up and started touching the spines of the books, running my fingers over them lightly.
"I don't think I'm cheating the companies." he said plainly.
"Yeah." I sighed. "You're just holding them back." I turned around to look at him. He had his muscular arms crossed as he looked at me.
"If anyone else was to say what you just did, I would have been very angry." He said honestly.
"Why aren't you?" I asked taking a small step towards him. His eyes narrowed.
"I don't know, I'm probably used to your rude comments." He said half heartedly, a slight chuckle leaving his lips.
My eyes widen dramatically, "My rude comments?" That made him laugh even more. I walked over to him, hitting him playfully.
"Well, if you're done making fun of me," I ran my fingers through my hair. "I'm going off to bed. I'll see you tomorrow." I walked past him and to the door.
"Good night." He called out to me.
"Good night."
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