An Uneasy Feeling

Rayna's POV.

“What are you waiting for?” I asked, walking back to the door as Maggie kept sweeping her gaze all over the door frame. “Aren't you going to come in?” 

I'd almost gotten to the sitting room when I realized that I couldn't hear any footsteps behind me. Turning around, I found her standing at the door. I don't know why she chose to remain there. Even after asking her to come in, she chose to remain outside. It wasn't as if she was a vampire waiting to be invited in. However, even if she was, then I'd invited her in already, so why was she still standing outside there glancing at the door frame like she'd seen it somewhere?

“I am sorry, but I think I've made the wrong stop.” she said, looking more confused than her words sounded. “I don't think this is the place where I'm needed to work as a chef.” 

Meanwhile, as she was speaking, she made it so obvious that she was trying to evade my gaze. She couldn't even afford to make the slightest eye contact with me, but I knew why. I knew exactly how she must have felt when she saw me. She must have felt like jumping out of her own skin. But that was just the least of what she would feel in weeks to come. The look in her eyes when she first saw me meant that she was familiar with my face. However, she wasn't just sure if I was the one. Well, I don't think doppelgänger exists. 

“I don't understand, what are you talking about?” I asked, crinkling my face in confusion. “How do you mean this isn't the place you've been asked to come? What address were you given?” 

“Just a moment, please.” she said, trying to confirm the place of address on her cellphone. “Alright, it's 223 East 34 Oasis Street, apartment 3B.” 

“Well, there it is.” I said, pointing a finger to the side as I showed her where it was written on the wall. “Do you see that? So, I don't think you're at the wrong place. However, if you still doubt, then let me ask, who contacted you?” 

“A lady named Sera.” she said, tilting her head to both sides as she struggled to recollect the name. “Yes, that is her name.” 

“Good, and who did she tell you that you're coming to work for?” I asked, narrowing my gaze at the words as if expecting her to say my name. 

“She said that I'm coming to work for Aya Jacobs.” she said, evading my gaze.

“And that would be me.” I said, flashing a smile across her worried face. “So, I don't think you've missed your way. Again, you can come in.” 

This time, to ensure that she doesn't stay behind while I go in thinking that she would be right behind me, I stepped aside for her to go in. Well, she must have been wondering why her boss is unusually nice. However, if I'm to repay her for what she did to me, then I don't need her to suspect a thing. 

To say it better, I need her to feel at home. Without a choice, she took a step in and then another, and then she continued that way until she arrived at the sitting room. Meanwhile, after shutting the door, I followed behind her. But, as I got to the sitting room, I found her standing with both hands clasped in front of her as if waiting for me to tell her what to do next.

“You can have a seat.” I said, doing the same myself. “Or are you planning to stand?” 

Before sitting, she tilted her head and glanced at the couch as if trying to be sure that there was nothing on it that would be a problem in the long run. However, even after confirming for herself that there was nothing on it, she half-sat on the couch.

“Is there something wrong with the couch?” I asked, my voice laced with concern. “Or are you comfortable sitting like that?”

Although, I don't expect anything to be wrong with the furniture which was just moved in some hours ago. But, I had to ask. We can't be so sure. It could be that she hadn't had the opportunity to sit on something as beautiful and comfortable as that before now. 

“There is nothing wrong ma'am.” she said, forcing a smile through her lips. “I am comfortable this way.” 

Well, she could say whatever she wanted, it was her mouth. However, we both knew that that wasn't the case. If anything, she still hadn't gotten over the shock that I would be her boss. But, she really didn't have to make it so obvious. If I hadn't encountered her before now, her movements would make me realize that something was wrong. 

“So, would you care for anything to drink?” I asked, with a shrug of my shoulder. “I have red—” 

“There won't be any need for that ma'am.” she said, drawing her mouth into a straight line and biting her lips. 

“Are you sure you're alright?” I asked, shooting suspicious glances at her. “Or are you feeling unwell? If that's the case—” 

“No, ma'am. I'm perfectly fine.” she said, the words jolting out of her lips as if they were red-hot coals in her mouth. “I am not feeling unwell.” 

“Alright, perhaps it's the air conditioner that's making you feel this way. Hold on a minute.” I said, righting myself from the couch.

However, I'd barely taken a step from where I was standing when she suddenly got on her feet like a spring after contraction. In response to that, I flinched jerking my head back. 

“That won't be necessary ma'am.” she said, shaking her head. “The air conditioner has nothing to do with the way I feel.” 

“I actually think it does.” I said, the words seemed to drag themselves from my throat. 

As I attempted to take a step forward, she did the same as if trying to block my path.

“No, ma'am. It doesn't.” she said, letting out a shaky breath.

“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice laced with concern. “If it isn't the air conditioner, then what exactly is wrong with you?”