“We should plan something soon,” I said and she nodded, kicking a rock in her way as we walked down the quiet street. She suddenly grew really quiet and I cast a worried look in her way. “Is everything okay?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t it be?” she asked but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. I let it drop; she never did break when I pushed her. She was always involved in my drama but I never had a chance to ask her about hers.
"Are you coming over?" I asked Rose as we walked down the familiar road, making sure to keep away from view which was hard when Rose stuck out like a sore thumb.
I felt something on my face and we both looked up. She squealed and started running, dragging me along behind her as the rain came down harder. We ducked under a tree laughing as I pulled out of her grip and wiped the water from my hands. Perfect timing.
"Maybe not for a while. You both should get to know each other," she said. I scoffed, like that was going to happen. Maybe he should start by knowing my name, oh yea that would be a good place to start.
We waited while cuddling to keep us both warm. That was, till I started sneezing and she shoved me away and yelled cooties like a child.
“I don’t want to get sick,” she said, seeing my face and I pouted at her.
“Your affection wounds me.”
She laughed, doubling over. “Man, I haven’t heard your terrible Shakespearian lines in a long time.”
“It’s not terrible,” I said, looking at a car driving toward us.
“Yes it is, because it’s not even Shakespearian.”
I rolled my eyes, focusing on the car. It looked familiar.
"Shit!"
"What's wrong?" asked Rose, looking up at me with her bright blue eyes in caution.
"That's his car," I said, watching the car turn around the corner.
"So?"
“I should go,” I said. It would be wise to be home before him, and to be there at dinner ready. The last thing I needed was him complaining to my mother that I wasn’t being a good wife and cutting all ties with my dad.
Giving Rose a quick hug, I ran into the rain shivering as I made my way toward the house. My heart was pounding in my chest and my breathing was ragged. Oh boy, I was so out of shape.
I saw the white and red roof of our house and ran along the fence to the back as I saw his car come to a stop. I quickly dodged the bush going around to the back fence and lifting myself up onto the plank.
Time to climb this.
This was, in fact, easier than the neighbor’s. Why didn’t I just take my fence the first time? It even had planks going horizontal that was easier to climb.
Hoisting myself up, I looked down at the mud on the other side. That was probably why I didn’t climb. Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself over and carefully lowered myself down, only to slip on the last part and landing in the mud. A loud squelching sound made me realise that my jeans were now ruined, not that they were in some brilliant condition before.
I groaned. Why did I rush back? I should have taken the front door and walked up in my rainy and disgusting looking state proud. But then he could have banned me from leaving the house since I brought some mud stains to his posh carpet.
I looked down the muddy area and sighed. Here goes nothing.
I sat up brushing away as much mud as I could when I heard the back door open.
"There you are. I was wondering where you were, dearie," said Margaret, walking out. I stood up while plucking sticks from my hair.
"Oh yes, just enjoying the nice weather?"
Margaret ushered me inside and I sighed, back to what was my equivalent of a prison.
"Go freshen up, dear, and get warm in bed. I'll bring your dinner up today," she said. I sighed, nodding as I walked up the stairs, trying hard not to touch anything. I had left my shoes outside so at least I wouldn’t leave stains on the carpet.
Darius came down the corridor as I walked up the last step toward my bedroom. I felt his eyes take in my appearance and winced. Great, so much for not wanting him to see me like this. Nice one, Ivory, just look like a mud man. He stopped but didn’t say anything so I walked right past him, not even making eye contact. He wanted to play hostile, I could do that just as well.
Only if I didn’t sneeze like a man as he started walking again, I could have played it classy.
Margaret looked down at me from beside the bed as I sneezed again and she took the thermometer out. “Bed rest.”
I groaned, rolling around and hiding my face in the pillow. “I’m not that sick,” I complained but my body was sick.
I moaned in delight as she wrapped another blanket around me. I was freezing.
"Eat the soup. I'll be back with fresh hot cross buns the chef made.”
I nodded, turning over and looking at the yucky looking soup beside her that did not look appetizing. I did believe her when she said it was good for me. Anything that foul looking probably was, but I did want some hot cross buns filled with chocolate that would just melt in my mouth.