4

I saw that figure hurry over to me, with arms spread out, a wide smile on her lips, her squeals broke out into the area, earning a few sneers from the lots of people who had just touched down after hours of an endless flight.

She remained as enthusiastic as ever, gaze holding joy, while she pulled over to where I was.

“Nia!”

Ashley had crashed into me at once, the smell of an exotic mist hitting my nose.

“Oh, how much I’ve missed you” She squealed, hugging me even tighter.

She appeared even brighter than I expected, not after pouring her heart out a week ago, telling me how she had walked in on Nolan having sex with a girl he claimed to be his cousin.

Nolan happened to be the new guy who managed to catch her eye just a couple months back.

But my friend was one to heal fast. In a week time, you were sure to hear her speaking of how she had banged the spa guy, while she went for her care sessions.

“I’ve missed you too” I called out, soon relaxing in her hold.

“Where’s that swine of a brother I have?”

Her eyes searched around the profiles alighting the plane, and perhaps she had taken sight of him, I caught a snicker from her.

“Speak of the devil” She uttered in a low voice, and right then did Cameron come into view, walking right past with both our luggages in his hold, not even sparing a glance at his sister, who was stood before him.

“What’s up with him?” The voice of Ashley broke out at once, hands pulling me forward, while she helped me with my bag.

I only remained silent, gaze lingering on the back of that figure while he went further away.

“Oh, Lord” Ashley’s tone had dropped, eyes fixed intently in mine.

“Don’t tell me something happened on the trip” I heard her voice.

“It’s nothing serious” I assured, but part of me knew it was much serious, seeing as to how he still was sulking, and had chosen not to utter a word about it.

Even while on the plane, he only helped me with my luggages, asked the flight attendants to get me water and some pillows, when we had experienced turbulence.

But that was it. I was his concern, but I wasn’t his concern. It was that confusing.

Why would you make sure I was comfortable if you were still mad at me?

“Whatever it is, you both better resolve it, cause we have a wedding to plan!” Ashley had called out at once, soon pulling me away, leading me out the hanger.

***

I was welcomed into my home with the whiff of dust filling the air at each corner I turned to.

It’s been only a couple of weeks, and I could see the cobwebs pattering the ceilings.

Books were scattered at a corner, curtains draped down producing minimal light to the area. The entire place was just the way I left it.

Silent.

Hands pulling at the plastic wraps I had covered the chairs with, I went uncovering the whole furnitures.

Truly the house had been deserted, and there lingered that homely feel which welcomed me properly into the space.

The couches remained ever as good, all thanks to the plastic coverings, and the mist I had sprayed everywhere, right before leaving.

Finding the spot on the large couch where Cameron and I had made love, right before we went on the trip, my eyes made sure to linger on there.

Thoughts of that moment, had my heart rushing with every warmth, mind replaying that night, which left me sparked with passion.

He had stopped by after a tiring day, relaxing in my hold, right after the meal we both shared.

The weather didn’t so much in helping, a stormy weather it was.

Or perhaps it did just that, helping, as the next thing I knew was Cameron and I engaging right on my couch, with the sound of my moans disturbing the peace of the neighbors.

And come the next day, we were on our way to Maldives, on a vacation he had arranged just for the two of us being together.

I appreciated every bit of him, but I knew part of Cameron doubted that, even more so, now that there was a lingering issue between us.

Why couldn’t he just get it?

I wanted him to see reason with me. Yearned for him to spare a listen to me, hearing what I had to say.

Oh, how much it bugged me that we hadn’t said anything to each other since the flight.

It wasn’t usual we had quarrels, but whenever we did, it always had my heart churned. And I, being the weak-hearted, would spend the rest of my day living in worries.

I wanted to be by him. I wished to.

A low breath poured out my lips, that sigh following while my way, out the living room, going to explore the other areas of the house.

Whoever knows whatever laid in wait for me.

Not mice though. I despised them. And fortunately since I had rented the apartment, I haven’t had an encounter with rodents. And I just was intent on keeping it that way.

I swear I would pack my things evacuating the home if I was to come across any.

Just about getting into the kitchen to have the dishes re-washed, when a loud honking coming from outside my apartment, was soon to snatch my attention.

It was persistent, lingering and having being disturbed, I proceeded to have a look out, and only then did I behold Ashley waving from inside her car, urging me on.

Her eyes were rushed with delight, one which foretold all she had arrived with.

I was much familiar with her antics at this point, to go on acting clueless of whatever she meant.

She was here for something, and I could tell it was one which involved me nagging at her.