Vindicated

Life In Paradise

Mariah's POV

"Mariah, your room is right across the hall from me.”

I open the door excitedly. I cannot wait to see what my room looks like. The walls are a beautiful cream color. There’s a beautiful white vanity in the center of my room. My bed is also a Baldacchino but it is covered in all shades of pink with fluffy pink and white pillows. I could live in this bed for the rest of my life and be happy.

“Wow, beautiful,” I said

“I was just thinking the same thing, “ Derek said looking at me. I look down and blus. He is the sweetest man I have ever met. I haven’t been called beautiful in so long. And when he looks at me and says it, I know he means it.

My walk in closet is rather empty other than the small bag I brought in. I’m sure I could get it filled as soon as I can find a job. There’s no way I’m living here without paying my way. 

I walk in the bathroom and notice it’s pretty familiar. It was a beautiful antique tub and a huge shower that could fit about ten of me in there. Then I remember that Derek’s bathroom looks the same. With the grey stone tile and the porcelain white tub. Oh s**t, we share the same bathroom.

“Umm are we sharing the same bathroom?”

“Yes, when I had the house built I didn’t take into account to put bathrooms in each room so some of them connect to one another. Don’t worry I’ll knock before I enter. If I hear you in here, I won’t come in. I will respect your privacy.” Derek said.

I looked at Stella and she looked like she was gonna burst out laughing. I rolled my eyes. This is gonna be interesting.

"O-okay, " I said trying not to sound annoyed.

We head out of my room down the hall to the room beside mine. There is so much space between the doors to each room because the rooms are so massive.  I am glad her room is next to mine though. It’s nice to know that we have each other.  I'll never feel alone again with her near. 

"Mr. Sky,  sorry to interrupt but there's a Miss Jasmine Parker hear to see you."

"Ladies if you'll excuse me, I have to attend to this. I'll be right back," Derek winks at me.

Who is Jasmine? And why is she here? Does she know we are here? Is she his girlfriend? Why do I care? It's not like we are together.  I roll my eyes.

"Calm down, Jasmine is just his secretary," Stella whispers. 

I immediately perk back and try to seem non nonchalant about it, "Oh, it's not my business anyway. He is nice enough to let us stay here. I don't expect anything"

"Mariah, we are warrior sisters remember? You can't hide it. It's written all over your face. It's okay to feel something for him. He's one of the good ones. And the way he looks at you is like you're the one he's been waiting for. Believe women have tried, hell, even I have in the past. But it seems he only has eyes for you. You are it for him.  I'm not saying rush into it. I'm saying give it time. Heal, but don't run away from it if it starts to scare you. He came into your life for a reason. And when you're ready embrace…" 

She stopped I looked behind me to see Derek smiling. I can feel the my face heat up to what feels like 100 degrees. 

"Erhmm, sorry didn't mean to interrupt your conversation," Derek said

"I-it's okay, you weren't interrupting anything important," I replied. 

"Sounded kind of important, please do continue," He said laughing 

Stella let out a loud laugh.

I just realized I didn't take the time to appreciate Stella's room too. Her room is huge  Not as big as Derek’s but definitely could fit like a 1,000 of me in it. Her bed is a Monarch Vi-spring covered in lavender colored bedding. Her bags are sitting in front of her walk-in closet.  Derek was nice enough to have some of her personal belongings delivered here. He is such a nice guy. I wonder why he is so adamant on saving me.

"Anyways, Mariah, I have one more thing I want to show before you get settled," Derek said smiling at me.

“If you guys don’t mind, I think I’m just gonna hang out here, get cleaned up, get some rest. Mariah if I need you I know where your room is.” Stella said

“Of course Stella! I’m probably going to do the same once I get settled in my room. If you need anything and I mean anything come find me,” I said.

"I will, thank you again, Mariah. And Thank you for bringing some of my stuff. I really appreciate it."

Derek takes my hand and leads me to my room. The way he holds my hand is like he is never gonna let go. It’s the most protective and loved feeling I have felt in years.