I inhaled and exhaled, but I didn't get the result I needed, so I inhaled and exhaled again. Turning around I saw Marcus standing far off with Adrian by his side. He was looking in my direction while Adrian was just staring into the space. He gestured to me to come back and I started walking briskly. Each step made me hate what I was doing more. When I was a few inches away from them, I stopped abruptly hoping he would just say whatever he wanted to say and get it done with.“Huh, why are you standing there? You can come forward; I don't bite”. He said his voice loud and resounding.I cursed him under my breath and surged a few more steps forward. When I got to where he stood, he opened his arms for a hug, but I turned it down by extending my right hand for a handshake. Adrian chuckled at what I did and I guess Marcus was ashamed.“Good day, Jenny; how was your trip?” He asked with a weird smile.“Fine,” I muttered.“Ohh forgive my manners. I am Marcus Lopez Adrian's best friend.” He
The idea started coming alive slowly. I made a gloomy stormy ocean under an overhead sky. I inserted rigid rocks in the distance one that the waves would hit in fury. My fingers went faster as I blended the colors to smoothen the sides; my mind was totally immersed in the process. As I painted, the wall clock behind me seemed to be ticking faster than usual. The house was still, and the only sound was the one my brush was making as it worked on the canvas.I remembered to stop only when my waist ached slightly; I had sat for too long. My hands were both in paint. I dropped the brush and stood up taking a step backward. I stared at my work. I didn't show much expertise or perfection. Some parts were not well blended, and others were inaccurate, but it depicted me at that moment. It detailed how I felt; uneasiness and unsure but full of hope that needed a boost.A small smile appeared on my lips as I wiped my brushes free from the paint. Painting had always been an irreplaceable part of
“Alright Tiller, make sure all the board members are seated before I arrive. It's a very important meeting.” Adrian shouted with his phone held close to his ear.The caller replied and he affirmed.“That's true I will be there shortly”. He replied and hung up.Descending the stairs with his briefcase in his hand, I stood firmly by the side of the door, waiting for him. I held the hem of my nightie nervously gulping hard. I had stood there for close to an hour before he showed up. He frowned when he saw me and I did the same thing.“Jenny, I am in a hurry right now so you will have to wait till I come back”. He said carelessly heading to the exit door.“No, no, just hear me out first………….Bang!!!He slammed the door behind me and that was it. Just like that, he was gone, leaving the house silent except for the sound of the ticking clock. I stood still for a few seconds, looking at the door, hoping he would probably come back and hear me out. But the silence only lingered, grasping me l
It felt weird moving into a place I had never been called into, although it was practically a part of our shared home. On my first glance into the room, I felt a sudden air of tenderness and severity. I think the room was kind of bigger than I expected. It was indeed a master bedroom well structured with the right fixtures and fittings. The white-painted walls gave a sense of clarity and homeliness; although the atmosphere was tense, it was okay for his gender. The king-size bed that dominated the middle of the room was just perfect, the white bedding complimenting the curtains and the wall paint. I gave the interior decorator a thumbs up.On the other end, a bookshelf rested on the wall well stacked with books of all kinds. Adrian was a bookworm and he tried to impose it on everyone in the house. That's why he kept a bookshelf in all the rooms in his mansion. His workspace was another thing that made me gasp well organized with piles of files and documents neatly placed on the sizabl
I flipped over to a new page and started listing down my ideas as they came.I will first visit the orphanage to see the kids there; my little friends, they must have all grown up by now.Then, the park to buy Mom some bouquets and leaves; I'll get some to plant in my room as well.Also, I have missed my favorite pastries, and I think I crave them. I'll have to go to the coffee shop and grab someThe next place to visit will be the library. I need to borrow some interesting books to read, ones that I can resonate with, not those boring junk Adrian stacked on the shelf in my room.Of course the seaside, not to forget. The soothing sounds of the waves rolling on each other; I'll have to record them for future use.If I do not visit the gallery then this freedom would be pointless. I have to check out trending designs and paintings, buy new brushes, canvas and paint, and some artworks also.My pen was still held in place as I added my last and most important thought.“Mom deserves all of
Helen leaned in to listen to what I had to say.“It's nothing serious, it's just that Adrian must not know that I took a tour around his house,” I whispered cautiously.“But why ma'am?” She asked, visibly confused.“Helen, please just do as I say,” I replied, looking away.“Alright, ma'am.” She muttered.I didn't want Adrian to feel that I admired his wealth and possessions, which would only boost his ego. Since he feels that I don't exist to him I should do the same.I held hands with Helen, and together, we went down the straight path. My eyes were roaming around to capture every detail within reach. Everything was orderly maintained; the lawn grasses were low and evergreen, and the flowers and hedges were so neat and trimmed, creating a distinct walkway. A mini artificial waterfall was situated in the center of the garden complimenting the beauty of nature.“I never knew this mansion was this vast on the outside,” l confessed, my voice laced with astonishment and shock.Helen nodde
“Girl. She stays with my father at home.” She replied.“Why didn't you bring her with you?” I asked with my eyebrows raised.“Mr. Adrian would hear nothing of it,” she replied, sounding helpless.I heaved a deep sigh and muttered. “It is well.”We rose up and started walking again. Helen discussed the different parts of the estate as we walked further. She gave accurate details like she was the owner, making me baffled. There was a little orchard in a corner filled with trees and lovely fruits, purifying the atmosphere with its gentle breeze. We reached a vegetable garden where we plucked some tomatoes for dinner. And lastly, we went to the greenhouse with a glass see-through wall.“I would urge you to come here whenever you're heavy with burdens or grief, this place is a therapy on its own,” Helen said intently. You're not always happy. Everyone in the house knows about it, but I just wish you strength to pull through.”My heart overflowed with appreciation as I glanced at her, she s
Adrian had returned last night, and although I heard him blare his horn, I stayed put in bed. I prepared my mind in case he showed up to scold me for blackmailing him yesterday. But fortunately for me, he didn't come, but fear didn't let me sleep with my two eyes closed.This morning I woke up feeling renewed. I just hoped this energy lasted long because now my life was full of uncertainties. The early morning sun, golden yellow, and toning streamed through the lacy curtains and cast its rays on the walls of my room. I was in front of the mirror taking a final glance at my outfit for the day. I didn't want to look too serious or intentional so I just went for a simple loose gown and a hat with sunshades to compliment it. As I buttoned my coat but winter was still around, my mind filled with anticipation and excitement. I was totally leaving my shell today, my comfort zone and my lonely haven, to go out and explore the places I listed down in my diary.I picked up my phone and powered
JENNY POVWe strolled to the living room and there, illuminated by the soft glow of the lights illuminating the path from the entrance, we found Grace (or so she claimed) standing with head downcast, turning eyes to the floor in a gesture of abandonment and with shoulders slumped in an act of discomfiture. "Good day, sir and ma'am," she addressed, her whisper almost inaudible, trembling slightly as she spoke, the words formed by hardly fluttering lips."Yea, Grace," he replied in a neutral tone, without a discernible expression, right when we sat together, as I was sitting on him, arms wrapped around me while holding me to himself, a hand softly placed on my stomach. Adrian then turned to Scarlett, his eyes narrowing as he studied her with a furrowed, working overtime with his brain to decode whatever she was ruminating upon."Grace, who are you?" he asked in a commanding tone that seemed to challenge such pronouncement, laced with some measure of skepticism, his tone even dripping wi
JENNY POVThe onset of this incident will forever remain my awakening hour, with the night still darkened. I became more aware of my surroundings, with the first thing in sight being Adrian, my husband, seated next to me with a most concerned look on his face. That dim bedside lamp light warmed him, throwing the depths of his worry into bold relief."What happened?" I pictured me demanding, but my voice was edged with confusion and alarm. Just as I attempted to rise, dizziness would encompass me, my husband's hands there to gently yet quite firmly assist me."You fell; you fainted," Adrian said. I kept on repeating it to myself in an attempt to fathom what it meant to faint. "I fainted?" I was finally able to whisper, the word now hanging in the air as if challenging my perception.He looked at me for a long moment, concerned but slightly annoyed. "Yes, love," he said gently but firmly. "I've told you to take it easy on yourself." Even as his tone reproached, his eyes showed the quick
JENNY POVMonica left my mother behind, with Grace, the maid, for services in the house. The next day, I woke as if with no energy; my body felt heavy and completely pregnant. "Honey," I called, sweet and gentle, hoping that Adrian would respond. But there was only silence. I waited for a moment expecting him to walk into the bedroom, but nothing.Sighing, I arise and manage to put all my strength into moving toward the kitchen. The instant Grace saw me walk through, she seemed to stop whatever the action was that she was engaged in and smiled, saying "Good morning, ma'am." In that voice, there was this plural, respectful and welcoming tone. I returned the gesture but instinctively put my hands on my huge tummy to rub it while feeling kicks from the baby inside. "Good morning, dear," I added just to sound a little more cheerful than I really felt.It was an exceptionally warm and inviting room that within one breath, would include coffee brewing. I found my usual place on the table an
ADRIAN POVIn the warmth of home, the weak lights of evening embraced us in lazy comfort. "Well, this is home; I was checking on Jenny," I muttered, sadly and tenderly gazing at her with concern. "No need to worry, babe. Jenny was fine," I comforted him with a smile, gently pulling him into hugs.As we moved on toward the room, the only sound from out two feet padding softly across the floor. "We need to hire a maid," I soothingly suggested, trying to approach the subject slowly. But Jenny interrupted, her voice very clear and very strong. "No, baby. I can do all the housework," she opposed right away, with a determined glint in her eyes that dared me to argue with her.My heart reeked of love and guilt towards her. I smiled sweetly and said, "No, my love-no." "You are expecting and I cannot allow you to submit yourself to doing that." Please, let me take care of this." I pleaded as I caressed her hair softly, as though that might somehow soften her resolute spirit.She regarded my w
ADRIAN POVFour hours later, the wait finally ended. Dr. Dazzy walked out of the emergency room, a mask of professionalism on his face, his eyes revealing but a sliver of concern. He called out my name, voice laden with reassuring authority like a lifeline thrown to a drowning man, "Mr...?" Suddenly his gaze shifted towards the waiting area, raking in one after the other until at last, it rested on yours truly.I jumped up, my heart racing. Oh yeah, that's me, I whispered back. "How is she? How's Jenny?" The floodgates burst open.The treatment softened the doctor's looks a bit as he nodded. "I'm with your wife now," he said, almost holding out a glimmer of hope. "Let's talk," he said, sending a gesture toward one of the waiting room's quiet corners. My heart drummed in my chest like a drummer preparing for some primitive ritual. What was he going to say? Was Jenny okay? The uncertainty was murder.I quickly marched into the doctor's office, purposeful stride like a man on a mission,
ADRIAN POVAs we lay there, Jenny's body tensed, muscles broiling under the skin like waves about to crest. A grotesque distortion of her face came into view as her eyes were closed shut, and a strangled, guttural cry, "Hpppp!" escaped her lips, followed closely by a heartbreaking wrenching sound. This tearing sound ripped irrevocably through the very fabric of that moment. Eyes that once sparkled with humor and fun turned into tight, scrunched-up furrows of mixed terror and discomfort." And I, exhilarated, turned toward her, speaking soft, reassuring words, almost like a summer's warm, gentle breeze."What is it, baby?" I asked, leniently. Distracted by pain, Jenny barely perceived my touch as I brushed a straining hand from her forehead. In that instant, I felt an electric jolt through my fingers. Slowly, her eyes opened, and she gazed up at me- her expression blurred and hazy, breathing labored. Each rise and fall of her chest steered with ragged breaths alongside cowering flickeri
ADRIAN POVFive months laterSoftly I entered the room calling for my wife. "Honey," I said very softly, very lovingly. "I'm over here, baby," she said, warm and inviting, as I turned in the direction of her voice.Jenny was in the room, snacking and gently rubbing her stomach. She had dancing happiness in her eyes, and her face shone with a glorious smile. I, at that moment, couldn't help but smile back at her, as time seemed to make my love grow stronger for her."You are eating too much baby," I said, staring right at her, mischief ringing in my voice."Funny. It's that time of the baby." She replied, "I'm eating for two now, you know." And I laughed and shook my head, awestruck by the miracle in her womb.Looking at her, he could not stop the gratitude that he felt for all that was in store for the couple. The joy of becoming parents was getting real for them, and the dreamy excitement of meeting their little one was almost tangible. Then Jenny held my hand, intertwining her finge
ADRIAN POVAll fit to burst with happy joy, and really not in any way able to keep joy controlled, I ran straight towards Jenny's ward; and my heart beat like a train's wheels running on the tracks. Cracked the door ajar, I peeped in. But, no sooner did my eyes lay on my beautiful wife lying down there, with her eyes locked onto the television-"Honey," I called softly so as not to startle her.She turned her gaze to me, and a slight smile fell across her lips. "Yea," she replied soft and gentle. I moved to the edge of the bed and sat on it beside her, our eyes shining into each other. I was lost staring into those beautiful eyes and getting all the more lovely toward her.Before the evils of my mind settle, I kissed her lips very lightly, "I love you very much," he whispered-voice barely audible as he choked with emotion. She smiled and wrapped her arms around me, drawing in tighter. "I love you too," she murmured, still kissing me.Kissing her made euphoria and gratification wrap aro
ARROW POVCrack of dawn with blurred golden rays peeking through the wrappers of my curtains woke up my senses. As I turned my head, there was the soothing sight of Jenny sleeping beside me; what a rare sight. Normally, J would be awake, ultra-busy preparing for her day most probably hours ahead of me. With my finger, I touched her shoulder softly, even while talking-low and concerned. "Honey?" I said quietly, but no stir. Her gently comforting breath indicated she was still fast asleep.Looking at Jenny, my face turned into a mask of concern. I knew I should take her in for an immediate checkup. "I think we should go to the hospital," I said, maintaining a naturalness in my voice. But all of her answers were a slight shake of her head along with a presence in her playing lips-a weak smile of assurance. "No, baby, I'll be fine; maybe it's just stress," she said, her words at a whisper.I nodded my head, in understanding, with my concern still at its peak. "It's stressful, I know, but