Communication
1092 Words
The trip was over and Ida couldn’t be happier to return to the States. The moment they landed and felt the crisp morning air on their skin, Kensley and Ida both took a long exaggerated breath. To onlookers, the eccentric couple seemed like two peas in a pod.
Kensley joked with Ida as they walked to the car and for once, their banter was light and friendly. However, once in the car, Ida glanced at Kensley and mumbled, “I forgot to tell you, if you have time tomorrow night, there’s a family dinner at the estate. It’s okay if you don’t have time though...”
Kensley’s smile melted, replaced by a frown. In a measured tone, he responded, “I will always make time for my wife.”
Ida caught the chill in his voice and avoided his cold expression. A tinge of guilt pricked her chest and she looked away. “I’m sorry. I just… forgot.”
Kensley hummed but didn’t offer anything else to the conversation. The rest of the journey was stifling.
***
Ida checked her phone again and sighed in resignation. They have been in a cold war since the car ride yesterday. While Kensley didn’t ignore her outright, he stopped engaging in conversation. His normally annoying presence diminished to a mere head nod of greeting in passing. That night, the Alaskan King bed never felt larger. Every shadow in the room seemed to move like the demons in the film she watched on the flight and Ida was terrified and couldn’t find comfort in facing Kensley’s solid back. It wasn’t until dawn broke that she managed to get a couple hours of sleep and when she woke up again, Kensley was already gone.
Ida fumbled with her cell phone, her stomach in knots wondering how to rectify the situation. She truly didn’t mean anything by it. She thought Kensley would be busy with work and wouldn’t have time for a simple family dinner.
No. That’s not it.
In truth, she didn’t want him to witness her lows at the family dinner with her brothers around– especially Jason, the prick. But if she were to put herself in his shoes, she knew that she had undermined his role as a husband and her partner. Even though it was a contract marriage, he had treated her with utmost respect and perhaps even love. Meanwhile, she had been pushing him away, afraid to sink any deeper into this matrimonial charade. She must have hurt his pride.
Ida chewed her lower lip and closed her weary eyes; she didn’t know where to begin to explain without making herself feel miserable.
Ding!
Her eyes shot open, alerted by an incoming text.
Kensley: I’ll meet you at the estate. I’m caught up in traffic.
Ida stared at the text and mechanically typed a response.
Ida: Okay. Be safe on the road.
Tucking her cell in her pocket, she walked out of her atelier and went to prepare for the evening.
***
Cory glanced through the rearview mirror at Kensley. The oppressive aura was palpable. As Kensley’s assistant and driver of five years, Cory prided himself in his ability to read Kensley’s masked emotions but today, Kensley’s annoyance was spelled out in neon red bold letters. As a capable assistant, Cory knew when to make himself scarce, but as a friend, he felt the need to offer some comfort.
Cory ran his tongue over his dry lips and asked, “Want to talk about it?”
Their eyes met in the mirror and Cory shrunk in his seat, intimidated by Kensley’s frosty glare.
“No.”
Cory pursed his lips forcefully and focused on the road ahead. There’s no sense in sticking one’s head to a skunk’s butt. If Kensley was going to be a stinker, he could stew in his own misery.
When they finally reached the destination, Cory couldn’t help but whistle in admiration. He had never been to the Jacques estate and the grandeur left him breathless.
“Wow! Is this what old money looks like?”
Kensley didn’t answer but stepped out of the car. He looked back at the older man and sighed. “Thanks for the ride, Cory. Have a good night.”
Cory offered a smile. “You too.”
As Kensley walked away Cory suddenly felt the urge to call out, “Hey, Kensley!”
Kensley turned and Cory waved at him. “Whatever’s bothering you, just remember most things can be fixed with communication. Don’t bottle it up, alright?”
Kensley smirked. “Yeah, thanks.”
Cory watched Kensley turn and walk into the building and smiled. Five years of experience helped him notice the renewed spring to Kensley’s step.
***
“Welcome home, darling! Where’s Kensley?” Fern looked behind Ida expectantly.
Ida smiled weakly, “He’s caught up in traffic so we took two cars.”
Fern shrugged. “Oh, that’s fine. I’ll tell the butler to keep an eye out and let him in as soon as he comes. How have you been? I heard you two had a short honeymoon. Did you have fun?”
Ida shared a little of their trip to Singapore. Fern’s smile broadened with every word. After a few minutes Fern perked up as if remembering something.
“Oh, I shouldn’t hog you all to myself. Come into the parlor and catch up with your brothers.”
Fern wrapped her arm around Ida’s waist and pulled her into the open room with boisterous laughter. Ida felt like a lamb being led to slaughter but kept her discomfort to herself.
The moment she stepped in, the chatter dimmed as all the men of the house turned to look. Charles was the first to break the silence. He tapped his cane on the floor twice and smiled.
“Ida, my dear, come closer and let me have a look at you.”
Ida obediently walked forward and sat next to her grandfather. “Hi, Grandpa.”
Charles took her hand in his, giving her a quick pat. “Darling, you look well. I’m glad Kensley is taking care of you.”
Ida lowered her head and nodded. “Yes, he’s been kind to me.”
Jason chuckled on the other side. “Heh, more than well. You look porkier than usual. You’re really living it up eh, stubby?”
Ida growled but before she could retort, a blur of black and white raced across the room and Kensley landed a solid punch across Jason’s jaw.
Ida screamed.
- Writer
