Present and Past Desires

Chapter 3 - The Damn Secret

I frowned at Spencer, feeling irritated. "What stupid condition?"

“That you will give me twenty thousand bucks after your wedding."

I burst out in laughter. "Really, Spence? And you think Walter will dish money to me just like that?”.

He let out a dry chuckle. "That's what makes him Walter. Not Jabari.”

"What's the secret anyway?”

"Do you agree to give me the money or not?”

Like… Spencer could be really tiring at times. “Fine. You'll have it and even more if you want. What's the damn secret?”

“Listen. I actually came up with the theory that they probably need Walter to take one big step in a certain investment and perhaps, the rule is that he must be married. And as for the rich circle thing?” he shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter. You probably pique his interest more than the other girls he has met.”

I gave him a blank stare. “Is this the big secret you were bluffing about?"

He stretched himself to his full height, grinning at me. "Whatever you do, don't break your promise."

Notwithstanding, Spencer had a point. “A big investment?” I mulled slowly. “Then he probably won’t love me as deeply as Jabari.” I couldn't believe I was saying his name. But really, it would only be all about the money. I might as well be a mere trophy.

Spencer chortled, rising to his full frame. “Neither would Jabari spoil you the way Walter would, nor sponsor your education, nor fund mum’s upcoming medical bills, nor grant dad his proposal nor…”

“It’s fine. I get the point.” I snapped, rising to my feet. I had to literally block my ears at this stage. The earlier I made a decision about my pregnancy, the better. I needed to be by myself for some deep thinking and planning.

I had barely taken a step to my room when the doorbell rang. Spencer let out a whistle like he always did when there was a surprise or something creepy or alarming.

“Who could that be?” I asked him. Jabari ought to be at the coffee shop where he worked early morning shifts. Or did he ditch his job to come and apologize? My mum had left earlier this morning to get some drugs and my dad was out already.

“I guess dad forgot to tell you. The Wellingtons would love to take you shopping today in lieu of the dinner party tomorrow.”

Hell no.

My eyes widened in shock and dismay as I stared down at myself, while my brother watched me with mischievous eyes. The doorbell rang again.

“You don’t look so bad.” He chuckled, heading to the door.

His sarcasm was so obvious. I indeed did not look so bad in my faded and transparent nightie. It’s not like I was wearing anything inside. And my hair was like that of a disheveled doll a child had tossed around. ‘You don't look so bad’ my foot. I made a dash for my room, while he went to get the door.

The thought of seeing Walter again made my heart race. But I had to see him. He'd be my husband after all.

I tried to calm my nerves as I rushed inside. First, I stood in front of the mirror, assessing my messy auburn hair, wondering what to do with the tangled mass staring back at me. Quickly, I grabbed a comb and packed it into a rough ponytail under a minute. Then I dashed into the bathroom, splashed water on my face, dried it, and applied a little lip gloss. Next, I rummaged through my wardrobe and opted for a simple small black dress.

I nodded at my reflection in the mirror. Better. I was pretty, no doubt. Just as I was about to leave the room, I spotted my yellow scrunch on the dressing table, snatched it and tied it on my ponytail immediately for a touch of colour, then pressed my ears against the door.

I heard nothing.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out. The living room was empty to my surprise. I frowned.

“Spence? Spencer?” I called, then headed toward the kitchen when I suddenly heard the clattering of dishes.

I found Spencer by the cooker, making scrambled eggs and humming to himself.

“Was there no one at the door?”

“Just a delivery guy.” He nodded at the counter. I followed his gaze to a bouquet of flowers and gasped.

I hurried over to the bouquet in wonder. It looked more elegant and exquisite upclose. I inhaled the scent. It was sweetly overwhelming and ethereal. “No one has ever sent me flowers. I think he loves me more than I can imagine.”

“Of course he does, honey. No one sends expensive flowers or chocolates like that to just anybody.”

I glanced around in confusion. There was no sight of chocolate anywhere. “What chocolate? Did he send me…” I was forced to stop as I sighted the pack of chocolate, next to him, opened and half-eaten.

“Spencer! Why would you do this?” I flared, trying so hard to contain my anger. I was so sure he would bite off my head if I dared do this to him.

“What’s the big deal? You don’t love him, anyway.”

“Who said so? It's none of your business. Stay out of my things and get a life!” I blurted, before realizing the weight of my statement as Spencer halted in his cooking midway. He turned off the burner even though his eggs weren’t ready yet.

“Yeah, you’re right.” He said quietly with a bitter chuckle. “My bad. I shouldn’t have taken what doesn’t belong to me.” He wiped his hands with a hand towel and walked out of the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, I didn't mean it that way.” I called after him. Sincerely, I didn’t. I was only mad at the fact that he had tampered with it even before I could see it. He paid me deaf ears anyway and made for his room.

That was when the doorbell rang.

I got scared this time and hurried to the door on tiptoes to peek at the peephole. Well, this time, it was really Walter. My pulse spiked instantly and I hurried to Spencer’s room to call him. I didn’t feel ready to face Walter alone yet. But if Spencer was there, even for a moment, for moral support and to ease the tension, I would appreciate it.

“Spencer! Spence, please open up.” I knocked at his door desperately. It was locked. “Walter is here now. He is at the door.”

I heard nothing in response. I felt so bitter and angry, my lips puckered.