INSIDE

CHAPTER 3

She was deep in thoughts all through the ride to the new apartment. She felt Jason’s eyes on her. She knew he was worried, but she couldn’t help it. A part of her was happy she was finally running away from that man, but another part was constantly being on edge. He was a dangerous man who would do just about anything to keep her in check. He was well aware of her weakness, but the fact that she had to protect this man next to her made her worried. Jason promised her that the new apartment was modern and with enough space. He always asked why she was so obsessed with the need for her own space.

The car stopped in front of a really tall building. It looked really modern and neat.

“It is a high-rise building and our apartment is all the way up. You seem tired, so we will make use of the elevator”. Jason informed and was met with a sigh. He was really worried at the sore expression she had on after they got their marriage certificate. She was constantly looking over her shoulder.

“Are you okay Lisa?? You look edgy.”

“Yes, I am fine, just a little exhausted”.

He was very aware that it was a lie, but he let it be. Maybe all she needed was space.

They walked through the gates and were greeted by a beautiful sight. In all corners of the walkway were flower pots adorned with different types of plants. There were two buildings in all with different apartments and a single playground distinguished them. They made their way through the glass door that ushered them into the building and headed for the elevator. “Ours is the 5th floor, apartment 214. They are 8 floors in all, it’s a big building”. Jason chimed in with a broad smile.

She was lost in thoughts once again but never failed to reply with a “mm” to all his words. The sound of the elevator stopping brought her back from wonderland. She stepped out onto the passage curiously behind her husband. She took notice of the other apartments before hers. They all had the same features, they all had electronic door locks. The only difference she noted was the apartment number.

“This building is our unit; the other units are also occupied, with the same number of apartments. The only way to get to the other unit from this building is through the garage. You should check it out later. Maybe you could make friends too. I figured it was a long time since you bullied someone aside from me. You know what, I kind of like you all mute and all, it looks good on you”. He was having fun poking her.

“Do you want to die??” she asked with a furious face.

Jason was relieved he got a reaction and accepted defeat immediately. He let out a chuckle at the sight of her breathing fire.

“By the way, how come you know so much about this place”. Lisa was really curious.

“Obviously, because I have been here before. We are here in apartment 214”

“Did you set a password already, Jason?”

"Yes my lady, the password is your birthday”. He said with a smile. He walked into the apartment and turned on the light.

“You say it like I asked a silly question”. He gave her the “duhh” look and she scowled.

“Come in Lisa, tell me what you think”. He couldn’t hold his anxiety in anymore.

She let out a small smile, a smile of sincerity as she looked around. It was much more decent than she had expected, the kitchen looked simple but neat. There was a single cushion in the living room. It was not too big but fitted well into the space and was supported by a center table. She moved towards the window and pushed the curtains away. She loved the view from there. It was a sunny day, and she loved the view even more. She could see the entire walkway and even the other units from up there. She could even see the entire city. She let out a sigh of relief and turned to her husband’s eager face.

“I love it, Jason”. She said with a big smile as he let relief wash over him.

“I was worried you wouldn’t like it. Let us move to the bedroom, shall we”. He gestured towards the bedroom door.

He opened the bedroom door and all she could do was stare in surprise with her mouth slightly opened.

“Well, uhm, I figured you would not be comfortable sharing a bed. So I brought in two instead. Your clothes are in the wardrobe, we can share the space and also the bathroom”.

"It feels like I am in a dorm all over again. At least you got a bigger bed. I wouldn’t have bothered though; I mean you are like my baby brother”.

He scoffed at her words.

“Ooh please, with that attitude of yours for the past 2 days, I figured my head would be hanging loosely if I as much as let out the wrong sound. By the way, I did this for you, okay. So stop nagging and appreciate your husband, will you?”

She grimaced at his words and eyed him. He let out a chuckle and walked back into the living room.

“Check out the wardrobe and pick your sides. I did all the hard work yesterday, you know; I believe I deserve a thank you”.

“I see you hold grudges. Thank you, Jason”

“You are welcome. Come on out, I have a surprise for you.”

"I’ll be there in a moment".

She walked out and noticed his attention on the wall. She was utterly surprised as she saw the portrait hanging on the wall and she laughed hard and long.

“What, this picture captures and summarizes our relationship”.

She just could not help herself; he couldn’t hold in his laughter anymore. The picture was taken over 10 years ago. It captured an angry 15-year-old boy and a little girl with a broad smile. It was taken when the boy had attempted to jump over the orphanage’s building. It caused a big uproar and the police were all invited to handle the situation. They had managed to keep him engaged and also put out mattresses on the floor when the little girl, in anger, walked up to him, had a little moment of discussion and pushed him off the building.

“I would have died, you know.”

“Well, I believe you were up there because you wanted to die. I was just annoyed that you extended the time for lunch. It looks good, by the way, a perfect wedding photo. Let’s go get something to eat. We could make noodles before shopping for groceries ”.

" That sounds like a plan."