INSIDE

CHAPTER 6

She woke up to the blinding lights coming in from the window. Looking towards the bedside table, she found the jug of water empty. Her throat felt horribly patched. She squinted her eyes at the headache she felt. Walking blindly out of the room, she made her way to the kitchen, but paused at the sight of Jason furiously turning a burning egg on the hot plate. He looked really confused, the surrounding sight didn’t make his state look any different, the kitchen was in a mess.

“What are you doing”. Rushing to his side, she turned off the hot plate. Momentarily forgetting her aching head and patched throat, she looked at his bewildered face.

“Ooh you are awake. You slept in late, so I thought about preparing something. I didn’t want to wake you”.

“You should have. I remember you have never been one to cook”

“Well, I wanted to taste for secret talents”. He said grinning mischievously. Suddenly feeling like he remembered something, he touched her forehead in concern.

“You were running temperature, how is your head”

“I have a splitting headache, but I feel just fine”. She walked over to the fridge and took out a bottle of water, she emptied the bottle in one go and felt much better.

“You burnt breakfast. It doesn’t look so bad considering the fact that you were always a horrible cook. I applaud you”. She looked at the food in dread and wondered how to tell him to keep this new talent of his hidden.

“I know what you are thinking, Lisa, and I must say the kitchen is now in your jurisdiction. Never again. I must say I considered making cereal though, but still the kitchen is all yours my lady”

She let out a small laugh. “You are clumsy, you know. We still have to eat this, right??”

“I don’t mind, it doesn’t look so bad”.

“It does, Jason, it does.”

“Alright, your highness, it does. Let’s eat”

They both settled on the kitchen counter as he served the burnt eggs on different plates and brought out two cups of tea.

“How many slices of bread would you have?”

“I can help myself with that. Thank you”

The silence was comforting, at least for her, but on a closer look he seemed to be contemplating. He had a lot of questions in mind and didn’t know how to air them.

“You had a nightmare”. He stated it as a matter of fact without looking up from his food. He knew she would try her best to avoid the topic, but he just wanted to test the waters.

“I did”? She kept on stuffing food in her mouth and praying that the conversation would end with her question

“Well, yes you kept on talking about your father”.

“What about him though? You’ve never spoken about him before or did I miss it”. He still looked down at his plate of food.

“I guess you missed it then. I don't know much about him”. She felt distant all of a sudden and wished the questions would end.

“I think so too”. He said solemnly, only to his hearing, and looked up at her. She was watching him but couldn’t figure out what she was thinking. He decided to let it be. He was not going to get any answers from her.

“I will do the dishes. You should get some rest. You look like you are about to throw up”. She in fact looked pale, making him wonder if his questions caused it.

“I would like to go out for a walk. I could use some air” she said in haste while avoiding eye contact.

“That should help too, and don’t walk too far”. She simply nodded her head and moved towards the door.

“Lisa, I want you to remember that you can always count on me for support. I don’t know what went wrong in your life, but I will find out, and I promise not to see you in a different light”. He gave a weak smile, and she walked out of the door without saying a word.

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She walked aimlessly to the elevator, standing in front of the door for a long time. She decided to use the staircase. She needed to clear her head despite her dizziness

She was not thinking about her fears and past. She thought of Jason and his words, she kept them playing in her head as she walked along the spiraling staircase.

He deserved to know everything about her and wondered why she couldn't bring herself to tell him. She believed his words when he promised not to judge or see her in a different light. She knew she believed him but never understood why she didn't tell him.

Her legs were failing her but she walked on.

She finally arrived at the first floor and thought about going to the garage Jason talked about. It was not difficult to locate the door, but it was shut. She could see through. There was nothing much to see aside from cars packed in the driveway. It was dark in a way because of the absence of sunlight. There was no one there. She took note of everything. Her memory of this place might come in handy.

Turning back, she decided to use the elevator this time.

She was claustrophobic but was able to manage it. She absolutely detested using the elevator. She pressed for her floor and walked in on the housekeeper. She was dressed in style, her deodorant hit her like a wave. She could swear she lost her balance.

"Good morning Madam Mira," she said with a polite smile.

She returned her smile." She is 12 in the afternoon my dear"

"My apologies, I slept in really late and also left the house in haste."

"No, it's fine. I do understand if you sleep in late," she said and winked. She actually winked at her.

"It's not what you think I promise you."

"I didn't say anything now, did I". She let out a laugh and told her to enjoy her day as she had an appointment to catch.

She was about to step into the elevator when her attention was summoned by the old lady.

"I gave out a notice this morning. I met your husband too. Be careful when you go out. Someone suspicious was out here this morning. Call me paranoid, but someone died here last year because we were not being careful enough. Apparently she was being followed. I just thought you should be careful when you move about, it can be terrifying around here"

"Thank you ma'am, I will be careful."

"You are welcome dear. I should get going."