Dream Boat

Chapter two

I wake to a very bright morning and the smell of fried eggs. A smile spreads across my face and I snuggle back into my pillow. I hoped to pretend to sleep until he came to fetch me but my alarm buzzes just then and I jump out of bed. I'm late for the first class of the semester. That was not a good sign, I never lose track of time. I run into the shower and quickly wash up. In 5 minutes, I am out and shovelling clothes from my wardrobe. I throw on pink sweatpants, a pink crop top and quickly apply some light make-up. I let my hair fall loose on my shoulder and step into my pink sneakers. I enjoyed matching colours since I always seemed to stand out even more with them. I dash out of the room, almost losing my footing on my way. I pass by Adrian setting the breakfast table as I head to the sitting room to fetch my backpack. He has pancakes, scrambled eggs, toast, orange juice, strawberries and some yoghurt all set on the table. It all looks so delicious that my tummy grumbles.

” Good Morning Sunshine,” He says in a sing-song tone. His back is still turned to me as he lays out the plates and cutlery. I feel horrible for the words that are about to escape my mouth.

”Morning Adrian. I'm sorry but I can't stay for breakfast. Could you refrigerate them, I'll microwave when I come home later” I tell him in my most apologetic tone.

” it is a quick breakfast babe, just a little” He pouts.

“ I’m already late and I have so much work to do today aside from class,” I say while checking my tablet. Diana still hadn't contacted me.

“Well, you’re already late, breakfast shouldn’t hurt” He retorts.

I feel my ears burn as they usually do when I start to get upset. I take a deep breath and set the tablet in my backpack then casually walk to him. I kiss his cheek and stretch behind him to pop a strawberry in my mouth. As I walk away from him, I stop at the door while holding the knob to look at him. He’s still holding a napkin and watching me with the most melancholic expression I’ve ever seen on him.

“ Don’t look so glum. I’ll offer a heartfelt apology tonight and eat every single thing on that table, then have you for dessert” I tease then mouth a kiss before I step out.

He never said a word and it unnerves. I knew he was beyond upset today. Cooking was his passion and apparently, the worst thing that could be done to him was his food left untouched, sometimes, unfinished even. The image of him holding a napkin and watching me like I had crossed a line hunts me to class.

I spy in the full lecture theatre as Mrs Brooks Stands on the podium and lectures on the History of design. She and I had had a rough start the previous year. I had blatantly told her I didn't want my design to look like anyone from history. She felt disrespected and challenged, saying I hoped to be better than the founders themselves and told me to come back to her class when I learned respect which led to my extra year in college. I linger by the door, uncertain if I should step in after being 30 minutes late or just give up. Sadly, we make eye contact and she smirks.

” Care to finally join us, Ms Drew?” She asks.

I watch as all eyes follow in her direction and the entire class stares at me. For most people, this is where they would shrink and cower but not me.

I smile back at her, nod and walk into the theatre, aiming at the only empty seat I see on the fourth row. I feel her eyes digging into my back as I walk and just when I could take it no more, she says

”It better not be another year for you”

I almost pause midstep and turn to call her a b***h but I decide to take the high road as my butt hits the seat.

The rest of the class is filled with pity stares at me and Mrs Brooks challenging eyes. I don't give either party satisfaction as I plaster on my charming smile every time my eye catches anyone.

After class, I stay back to work on my design for Abys associates and fix in the colours I think would impress the handsome Mr Jackson. Being insensitive to his accident wasn't the nicest way to start off but over time, I have learned being unattached is the best approach. Despite myself, I keep wondering what kind of person he is. Was that just what he showed on the outside or was that his true self.

”Don't you think that pretty face could use some sunlight and air?” I hear a most familiar voice.

I look up to find Natalie showing off her beautiful set of white teeth. How she always seemed to find me was the most impressive thing about our friendship.

”Where is the chip? Or is it some proximity radar? What the hell dude, stop creeping on me.” I half scream.

” You'll be having CAD here at 11. Have you even had breakfast?” Natalie demands.

It was no surprise she might have my timetale. Natalie went out of her way to take care and check on me.

”Please don't remind me, Adrian made me the most splendid breakfast and I didn't have the time to take a single bite.”

Her expression makes me want to crawl up in my skin and hide. After 4 years of being together, she is the only person I don't get defensive with.

”What exactly is wrong with you? Do you think Adrian is just going to sit back and watch you treat him like your least important project? Do you even ask about his day, what he does? Heck, do you even know where he lives?” Her tone rose octaves than I have ever heard.

”I need to get back to Abys associates tomorrow and you know I'm still not done with the Hotel Cafe. Adrian is a grown man and he would come to understand plus I would make it up to him when I get home” I offer.

She rolls her eyes and pushes me over to jump into the seat beside me. I know she won't push the issue any further, having made her point. I needed to properly apologise to Adrian and I had every intention to do it tonight.

”So you got the job?” She asks while looking at Mr Jacksons project.

”When haven't I ever? And the pay is better than I have gotten all year” I say as I slightly bump my shoulder with hers.

Her eyes widen and she jumps to her feet. I make a mental note, Nat jumps more than she ever walks.

She pushed my laptop shut and pulled at my hand. I didn't even have time to finish stuffing my things in my backpack, we were already running out of class with Nat screaming

” We are rich, come feed me!”