CHAPTER 10 - A PLACE TO CALM A STORM
1628 Words
It was still dawn and there was no signs yet of the sun rising anytime soon. Liam drove to a secluded mountain area not far away from the city. The only place he could think of to atleast make Jessy feel better, hopefully.
The place was inside a gated private lot, there was a large garden filled with different flowers in different colors, planted beautifly. Situated at the far right of the garden is a mini cottage sorrounded by yellow sunflowers. Two giant trees on each side can also be seen, where its branches meet on each side hovering above the mini cottage, to provide shade on a sunny day like a giant umbrella. While at the far end of the garden is a cliff, with a breath taking view of the City and Bay Beach.
The car's sudden coming into a halt brought back Jessy into her senses. “Where are we?” she asked Liam in a hoarse voice as she looked around.
“Come on, I want to show you something.” He took Jessy’s hand as they walk towards a park bench situated just a few meters from the edge of the cliff. When they arrived, Liam gestured Jessy to sit as he sat beside her.
“I won’t ask, but instead I will wait for you to tell me what happen, once you are ready. So, for the mean time, I hope this place will help you calm down.”
Jessy kept quiet and stared blankly at the scenery. Liam on the other hand had been very patient with Jessy the whole time and just held her hand tight.
Soon Jessy felt her heart started to decongest and she slowly appreciated the scenery right infront of her. The sun started to rise at that time as the rays illuminates around the city giving it an orange calming hue.
“Liam, I’m sorry for bothering you again. I- I just didn’t expect they would do that.” Jessy paused and then gave a deep sigh. “I just don’t know what got into me and just went there. I’m so stupid... I feel so stupid." Jessy said as she gritted her teeth and tears started to roll down her cheeks.
Liam stood up and knelt in front of her “You are not stupid. Not at all.” As Liam tried to coax her, wiping her tears. “Did they set you up?”
Jessy only nodded. Liam immediately wrapped Jessy in his embrace as he felt sorry for her. Murderous thoughts then overflowed his mind.
“I know I’m in no position to ask this, but- Can you promise me that you will avoid getting in touch with them as much as possible? All of them. Please.” Liam requested as he caressed Jessy's back, reassuring her, he is with her.“I just can’t stand seeing you like this Jessy, you don't deserve to be treated like this.”
Jessy was dumbfounded and was shocked with what Liam had asked and said to her. She felt her heart raising fast but with a warm feeling of being protected. She let go from Liam's embrace and looked at him who was looking at her, with eyes full of adoration for her, patiently waiting for her response.
“Uh... I... uhmmm...” Jessy stopped feeling lost for words. “I’m sorry for getting you into this.”
“Don’t be sorry.” Liam got up and sat beside her. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. From now on I’ll take care of you and I will protect yoy.” He said gently to Jessy.
Jessy didn’t say anything as she found no words to say to Liam. Her head became more confused and heavy but her tears have finally come to a stop and the hurt in her heart were slowly becoming more manageable. Somehow she found peace and protection from Liam.
Jessy ended up leaning her head on Liam's shoulder as they continued to watch and listen to the calm scenery right in front of them. The wind's breeze was cold even if the sun was already high up, but that didn't bother Jessy because for the 1st time after the break up she felt warm inside her heart.
After some time, they could finally hear the chirping of the birds around and the beauty of the garden was finally visible seeing the flowers now in full bloom.
“Let’s go to the cottage first” Liam suggested. “Rest there for a while and I’ll get us some food to eat.”
“It’s okay Liam, don’t worry about me. I’m fine.” Jessy smiled.
Liam didn’t say anything and just tugged Jessy, going to the cottage.
The cottage was small, accentuated with flowery embroideries and calming colors. The color pink and white dominate the color scheme of the entire cottage. It’s simple with a homey feeling, giving a peaceful country vibe.
“My dad built this place including the garden, for my mom.” Liam looked around as if memories of his mother came back to him. “She used to come here when she is sad or when they get into a fight with my dad. The flowers and the greenery help calm my mom, the reason dad chose this place here so she calms down quickly.” Liam smiled as if remembering her mom’s face.
“Is it also the reason why you brought me here?”
“Yes. But honetly, I wasn't sure about the atmosphere. But I remembered my dad would usually sit at the park bench as he would look at the scenery and wait for my mom patiently. The scenery would often give him a clearer mind after.”
“Thank you, I appreciate all of this. The place actually helped, and- You being around as well.” Jessy said as she smiled at Liam
Liam pointed at a room at the corner, “Have some rest first, I’ll go out for a while and get some food.”
“No, it’s okay, let’s just head back. Besides I can’t bother you any longer. You still have work today and I have caused you to be awake the entire night till now.” Jessy hurriedly went to the door but Liam grabbed her arm and stopped her.
“Well, I don’t actually plan to send you home yet. Not until I'm sure that you are fully okay” Liam teased.
“You can’t do that, it's like kidnapping.” Jessy laughed.
“Why not? I own this place and besides you came here voluntarily and on top of that I already told my assistant not to bother me today.”
Jessy laughed at Liam's silliness.“But really, I’m okay. You don’t have to do that anymore.” She smiled as he persuaded Liam.
Liam sigh and thought of how stubborn and persistent Jessy can be. “Okay, in one condition.” He said sternly "Give me your phone and I’ll give you a new one.”
Puzzled and confused Jessy asked “Why? What for?”
“Since you did not give me an answer a while ago when I asked you to promise me to avoid getting in touch with them, then this is the only way I could think of for you to avoid them momentarily.”
“But my current number is the number I placed in my resume when I applied for jobs. What if someone will call me for an interview?”
“I’ll keep your phone for the mean time, and I’ll inform you if someone will text or call you. Will that do? And once you land a job, I’ll completely burn it.” Liam suggested seriously.
Jessy can’t help but laugh with what Liam suggested.
“I’m serious” Liam said
“I know.” Jessy laughed and gathered herself back “It’s just that, you being so domineering can be so cute. Like a stubborn kid” She laughed.
“I’m glad you find it cute, since everyone else finds it intimidating.” He smiled. “So, is it a deal? Or else I won’t let you leave this place.”
“Okay.” Jessy then took out her phone and handed it to Liam.
“I didn’t know you can be so obedient as well.” Liam teased her.
“Well, I just don’t want to bother you more with the troubles I am going right now.” Jessy lowered her head feeling sorry.
“This is my choice and nobody required me to. So, let’s go I know you’re starving already.”
They then headed out and went to Liam’s car that was parked not so far from the cottage. Jessy took a last look of the place, trying to get a view of every angle of the garden since it was more beautiful on daylight.
"I'll bring you here some other time, but I hope not in a situation like a few hours ago."
Jessy smiled and nodded as she got in the car.
Liam then drove back down to the city.
Jessy was still very quiet most of the time. Liam telling her that he will take care and protect her won’t seem to get off her head. Him telling her that he can’t stand seeing her like that melted Jessy's heart the most.
It seems that as the day goes Jessy became more and more confused of Liam’s intention towards her, but for some reasons she seemed to start getting used to having him around her.
Liam stopped at a café just below the mountain for them to grab some food just before they go back to the city.
- Writer
