Trust Issues
1084 Words
"Uhm, it's nothing important."
Jim raised a brow suspiciously at her. He was not buying it.
"Oh really? Then why do you look so flustered?"
Rose shrugged and just made an "I am tired" excuse.
Jim glanced around and sniffed the air.
"Rick was here." he said.
Rose nodded.
"What did he want?" he probed.
"He was just checking on me."
Rose then slept off. Jim looked hurt and he laid beside her, watching her sleep.
"I know that you are crossed with me. I am so sorry. It's just better this way." he said to himself.
The next day, Rose got up early and went to Rick's chamber. Her blood drained from her head as she knocked on the door.
Rick opened it. He was shirtless and sweaty. His chiseled abs and muscular biceps and chest were glowing with perspiration, making g him look absolutely irresistible
"Sorry. Did I come at a wrong time?"
Rose asked politely.
Rick shook his head.
"Not at all. I just finished my daily work out. I'm free now."
Rose nodded.
Rick got suddenly serious and stared at her.
"About last night." he said.
Rose's heart tightened all of a sudden.
He continued,
"It really should not have happened."
His words stabbed at Rose like a knife. She however nodded and agreed.
Jim walked to them and was silent, casting the two if them a slight glare.
"What is going on here?" Jim asked the two of them.
"Rose and I were just talking about Elisha and her troubles. You know how she can be." Rick lied.
Jim nodded and persisted,
"Why are you shirtless?"
Rick told him about his work out.
Jim nodded again and took Rose by the arm and gently took her away.
He did not look happy. He took her to the royal auditorium.
"What do you think you are doing?" Jim hissed angrily, gripping her arm.
"What so you mean? I was just talking to him."
"Why? Wasn't I available? Why did you have to go to him?" he probed.
"You are being overly dramatic right now, Jim."
Jim scoffed and widened his eyes. After which, he narrowed them.
"This is because I am hiding something from you, isn't it?" he asked, folding his arms.
*It's not about that, Jim. I was just talking. It's not my fault that you have trust issues. "
Jim looked at her. His jaw tightening as he clenched his fists.
Suddenly, he pinned her aggressively to the wall.
"Now, listen. I love you, but that doesn't mean that you should cross the line with me." he snarled.
Jim started to kiss her roughly while she struggled.
Angrily, she slapped him across the face and pulled away, panting.
Jim stared at her in disbelief, holding his face.
"Oh my God! Jim, I'm so sorry." she said as she drew closer.
"Stay back!" he shouted.
Shocked, she stopped in her tracks and watched him walk away angrily. This was their first argument.
Rose got on her knees and sobbed quietly.
She felt disappointed in herself and in everything in general.
...
For two weeks, Rose and Jim avoided eachother, although it was more deliberate on Jim's path. Rose slept in another chamber all the while, regretting and missing Jim deeply.
Finally, she took a stand.
She was not happy with their current state. It felt awkward and uncomfortable for both parties whenever they crossed paths. So, Rose put her foot down and decided to confront Jim head on.
One day,Rose asked a maid to call Jim to the dining hall which was empty.
Rose felt a swarm of butterflies in her stomach as Jim walked in and closed the door behind him. He walked to where she sat. His steps were however slow and unsure, yet his eyes glowed with determination.
J took a seat opposite her and waited. There was a deafening silence for over fifteen seconds.
Taking the last straw, Rose blurted out,
"Jim, I'm so sorry."
He raised a brow and stared at her. He was about to speak, bit she continued,
"How I acted was not okay. I should never have slapped you and... and I'm really sorry for that."
Jim took in a deep breath and exhales loudly, still looking intently at her. It took a while, but he finally responded, saying,
"It's cool, Rose. I don't blame you. I acted like a total jerk that day and I should have handled it better. I'm sorry."
His words were sweet and sincere. Rose smiled warmly at him and held his hands across the table.
Jim smiled weakly and rubbed her palms with his thumbs.
"This is why I love you, Rose. You always know how to make me feel special." he mused happily.
"It's my pleasure, love. I do it because I love you." Rose said while blushing.
Jim grinned and kissed both of her hands in great chivalry. They admired eachother. Enjoying each other's warmth and love.
"But um...Jim?" she spoke nervously.
Jim merely modded at her, silently urging her to continue talking. Rose resolved to ask him the question that has refused to leave her mind.
"What were you and Rick hiding from me?"
Jim leaned back on his chair and folded his arms. His brows furrowed as he shifted his gaze to the table that divided them.
He spoke,
"Tell me something. Why do you want to know so much?"
Rose looked at the table and said,
"I really don't like it when someone I trust keeps secrets from me. It's not a good feeling."
"Rose, if I told you, you would hate me...forever."
"I would never hate you, Jim. I promise."
Rose stood up and moved to where he sat. Jim got up, about to walk away, but she firmly held his wrist.
"Please, Jim. Just trust me." her voice was shaky as if about to sob.
Suddenly, Rick barged in and shut the door behind him. After making a strange entrance, he briskly walked over to Jim and whispered something into his ear.
"What?!" Jim shouted as he slammed his fist hard on the floor table. Anger was visible on his face.
Rick nodded also portraying a look of anger.
"Tell them to leave this kingdom immediately!" Jim stayed angrily.
"What about Isabel? What do I tell her?" Rick asked, stroking his hair.
Rick looked down at the floor, probably thinking of the right choice and answer.
"Tell her to wait. I'll see her in a minute." Jim concluded.
- Writer
