Chapter 4
1350 Words
“I'm gonna need you to come inside please,” I pleaded with Jasper.
“What? Why?” The shock was visible on his face.
“I need you to convince my mum to let me work for you.”
“Why should I do that? I can just employ someone else, like you said, there are over 1500 applicants online.”
“Please, Jasper. You don't have to do or say anything, I'll do all the talking, just be there.”
“No, Krystal. I don't want to.”
“Okay, I promise to cook all your meals for three days, serve you when you wish, and not nag about you being late for dinner,” I tried to bargain, but that was hardly a bargain.
He scoffed, “Like that isn't what I'm paying you for. No deal Krystal. Just tell your mum you don't work for me. Tell her you went to your boyfriend's or something and that's why you're home late.”
“I don't have a boyfriend.”
“Good for you.” He turned on the car and was ready to drive off when I remembered something.
“Didn't you say you wanted me to accompany you somewhere? I can't do that if my mum doesn't consent to working for you.” I was desperate, I already got the job, which I thought would be the hardest part, now convincing my mum shouldn't be a great deal only if Jasper would budge.
That worked, because he turned off the ignition, and asked… “Is your mum scary?”
“Huh? What do you mean scary? No, she's not.”
“Are you lying just to get me to talk to her?”
“No, I'm not. My mum isn't scary at all.”
“You'll do all the talking?”
“Yeah, all the talking. You only talk when you need to.”
“But you said I wouldn't have to talk?”
“Well, you ain't mute, you'd need to say a thing or two regardless.”
What's his deal? Is he afraid of parents? Why was he asking all these questions and making sure he didn't have to say anything?
“Okay. I'll see your mum,” he announced, after what felt like forever.
Thank God.
“Do I even look presentable? I'm just in my casuals, I didn't dress up for this.” He complained.
Seriously, what was his deal?
“You're just here to introduce yourself to my mum as my boss, not to pay my dowry.” His uneasiness was funny to watch, this was the big bad Jasper Jones, the model and big name in the business industry, being shy and nervous over saying a few words to my mum, wow.
We got to the front door, and I made to open it when he held my hand.
“Wait. I need to prepare myself.”
“For what?” I asked, exasperated.
“To see your mum, my nerves must be in check, and I mustn't mess it up, if you are too impatient, I could go back to my car and drive off, and have you deal with your mum on your own,” He threatened.
“No, no, no need for that, take all the time you want.”
“Thank you.” He heaved a few more breaths and said… “I'm ready.”
Okay. I opened the door, and we stepped in.
He looked so timid and scared that I couldn't help but laugh at him.
“Mum, this is my boss, Jasper, Jasper, this is my mum Queency.” I introduced them to get the awkwardness off the air.
“Good day ma'am, nice to meet you,” Jasper said and stretched out his hand for a handshake.
“Nice to meet you too.” She took his handshake. Thank God. They are starting on a good note, nothing to be scared or worried about. “I think I know you. I've seen your face on TV a few times. Is that right?” she asked him.
“Yes ma'am, that's right. Jasper Jones.”
“Oh. Yea, you're the CEO of D Jones Companies Ltd?”
“Yes, I am.”
How did my mum know him and I didn't before 3 days ago?
“That's great. So my daughter told me she works for you now?”
“Yes, she does.”
“And she has to move in with you as is required of the job?”
“Yes ma'am.”
“Okay, that's fine. Since I know you, it's not a hard decision, but please do take care of her.”
“I will ma'am.”
“And she said you want her to accompany you somewhere?”
“Yes ma'am. If that's fine by you of course.”
“Yea. It's alright. I just needed to confirm whom it was she'd be moving in to work for.”
He just nodded. Not saying any more words. I promised him he wasn't going to do any talking, but heck, I lied.
My mum offered him a drink while he waited for me to get my stuff ready. I could tell just from his posture and his face how awkward the situation felt for him, so I hurried my packing, to get him to his comfort zone.
I bid my mum and siblings goodbye, and we left.
“You liar.” Jasper accused me immediately when we were out of my mum's hearing.
“Didn't you say you were going to do all the talking? How dare you leave me in there and let me do all the talking while you just stood like a stranger? I am the stranger, I was supposed to stand and say nothing.”
“I'm sorry Jasper. I didn't know it was going to turn out like that. I really didn't. I owe you one, I promise.”
“Good, now you do owe me.”
“So, where is this place you want me to accompany you to?”
“Don't ask. You'll see.”
“Okay.” I didn't bother to ask any further, I already gave him a hard time today, trying my luck with Jasper more than once a day might be pushing it.
I bobbed to the music on the car stereo until I slept off.
“Wake up, we are here,” Jasper tapped me awake.
“Where are we?”
“You'll see, open your eyes.”
I opened my eyes, and we were standing before a building, at first I thought it looked like a*****e of some sort, just that it wasn't. I refrained from asking any more questions because I knew he wouldn't answer, so instead of asking, I kept my mouth shut and waited to see.
We walked in, and it was a cinema. He brought me to a cinema.
“It's a cinema.” I voiced out my thoughts.
“Not just any cinema, one that is running out of business and is about to close down. Today's their last day of business before the close.”
At first, I thought he was showing them some sort of kindness by coming here until he said…
“Less people, less eyes. I can see a movie in peace.”
What? He came here not to show them love or kindness, but because he knew there'd be fewer people.
“How's that a good thing?”
“It's not a good thing for them, but for me, it is. Look how I'm dressed, in shorts and a polo shirt, who'd see the infamous Jasper Jones like this and not want to take photos or make a fuzz?
That's why it's a good thing for me. Since I can watch a movie in peace, and not worry about appearing on the news tomorrow.”
Somehow, I understood him. It must really feel lonely up there.
I decided to shut up and watch the movie with him, but a few minutes into it, something happened…
- Writer
