It's our choices that makes us who we are, far more than our abilities.
°°°°
"And this is your room." Jacob declares, finally ending the house tour. I'm not sure if I can ever remember the ways around here.
The room is on the second floor. It has cream coloured walls with a big round bed in the middle. A multi mirrored dressing. A big tv. Really expensive looking carpet and curtains. The room is grander than anything I could ever imagine. And the best part, the floor to ceiling windows show the big lawn of the house.
"This is not the room I was in the last time." I say to him.
"Well, that is my room." Then he smirks. "We can share it if you want."
I jump away from him. "Please say you're kidding. I can never tell when you're serious and when you're not."
He smiles. "I'm kidding."
I let out a sigh of relief and sit on the bed. It's soo damn comfortable. I could sleep while sitting.
"Let's go." He orders.
"Where?" I ask.
"To have dinner." He answers in a duh tone.
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"I hope you enjoy your meal." The house cook says as he serves us. I feel uncomfortable receiving this kind of special treatment. And the way he is looking at me expectantly to taste the dish is not really comfortable either.
I finally push a spoonful in my mouth. It's some kind if pasta. Don't ask me the name.
"It's delicious." I say to the chef. He smiles his big toothy smile and thanks me for the compliment.
Then Jacob dismisses him.
"Is he always going to be around at meals?" I ask in a low tone, darting my eyes towards the chef, standing in the open kitchen. He is literally gawking at us.
"Well, yes. The kitchen is his place of work." He answers, keeping his eyes on his plate.
I nod. It's going to be weird staying in this house.
"Why?" I ask, not able to hold the curiosity in.
"Why what?" He feigns innocence.
"Why am I engaged to you? I want to the real reason for this arrangement. Why me?"
He sighs and puts the spoon down. "The five months end when the mardi gras season is over. I need you just till then. To accompany me to all the balls as my fiance. Or else my father will try to set me up with someone I don't even know." He tells.
He is using me. It was expected but it still hurts. "You don't know me." I mumble.
"Not entirely. But you are a thousand times better than any of those snobs. I can guarantee that."
I laugh at that. "That seems like a valid reason." Then I sigh. "I understand what you did and why. But I have a life, Mr Woods. I want to decide on some limits."
"Anything you want." He replies.
"First and most importantly, you will never question where I have been or why." I state. His eyes widen but he doesn't complain. "Second, I will cook meals from now on."
He coughs. "Excuse me but.. what!?"
"I am not going to live down the fact that I'm feeding off of you. You've done kind of a favor by making me stay here. I want us to be even."
He hesitates. "Okay. But don't regret it later."
I smile. "I won't. Third, you will stay out of my family things. Sina is my life, you will not interfere in our business."
"Same goes for you."
"Fine."
"Is that all?"
I nod. "For now."
I dig my spoon in the delicious looking chocolate pudding. One bite and I almost moan. I've never tasted something so delicious my entire life. It has some crunchy little thingys inside which makes it mouthwatering. Maybe choco chips.
My stomach feels funny. Also, my throat feels sore and I feel like itching all over. I have a feeling of Deja Vu.
"Mr. Woods, what is in this pudding?" Taking another spoonful.
He looks at me then at the pudding and his eyes widen. Just when I am about to eat, he pushes the spoon away.
I don't get time to question him. I suddenly have the urge to throw up.
"Where is the washroom?"
He gets up and points at a door nearby. I run to it. There, I throw up in the commode. Jacob holds my hairs back.
Once I'm done, he passes me a wet towel. I clean my mouth and get up and drink some water. But I suddenly feel dizzy.
And I start coughing like crazy.
"Are you nuts? What were you thinking eating that choco nut pudding?" He scolds while rubbing my back.
"I haven't tasted nuts... in forever... I had no idea... what they tasted... like." I say in between my coughs.
"How severe is your allergy?" He guides me out of the washroom and takes me back to my room.
"Pretty severe. Thank goodness I didn't take the second bite." I answer. He makes me sit on the bed.
"Where is your epi-pen?" He looks around like it would be somewhere on display.
My throat feels swollen. It feels so irritating. I want to pull it out. Also, I'm developing rashes.
"The one I have has expired." I clutch his shirt. "It hurts." I tell, scratching my neck. Even breathing hurts
He sits beside me and rubs my hands. "Calm down. Take deep breaths." I do as instructed. "It's all my fault. I should have told Robert that you're allergic to nuts."
I try to smile. "I should've checked what I'm eating." My eyes fill with water as I have more and more trouble.
"Okay. I know the basics. It might help." He rolls his shirt sleeves up, revealing his toned arms. "Lie down." He orders. I do. "Unbutton your jeans and shirt."
"What!?"
"It will aid your breathing. Tight clothes will not help you."
"But..."
"I have already seen you half naked. So do it. Or I will." He cuts.
With great reluctance, I do as he said. I am not sure but I think I just heard him gulp. Am I having an effect on him?
But that's a ridiculous thought. Why would someone short, unattractive, unruly and unladylike girl like me have an effect on someone like him?
Then he lifts my feet off the bed and starts rubbing them.
"What are you doing?" I ask. Raising half of my body up.
"Lie down and concentrate on breathing. I know what I am doing. It's the best I can do at home."
Before I know it, I am being pulled into dream world. The last thing I see is Jacob's worried and guilty face.
And his apparent care for me.