~Jacqueline’s POV~
I hurried into the bathroom. I stood in front of the wash basin and lowered my head.
Blerugh!
I had my hand on my stomach, with the other against the wall. I panted calmly. I turned on the tap and flushed what I had chundered down the drain. I splattered water on my face and turned it off.
I wiped off some of the droplets from my face. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were a little swollen and had no so obvious dark eyes underneath. I’ve been having headache all night. Surprisingly, it doesn’t happen during the day but at night, I’m battling to fall asleep with the pain. I had taken the last tablet of the pain reliever two nights ago. Now, I need more.
I backed the mirror, leaning against the vanity top. I ran my fingers through my hair. I slowly left my head and had my hand on my neck. I rubbed it tiredly. I have no idea what was wrong with me. I felt something watery sliding down my thighs. I looked at my legs.
F**k! Not this too! This was the second time I had changed my pad that morning. Usually, my period isn’t heavy but all that changed recently. I let out a sigh and walked away from the vanity. I walked towards the cabinet. I pulled it open and took out the packet of sanitary pads. Down to the last one. I closed it and walked towards the cubicle. I got in and had a bath.
I walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped round my body. Though, I had dried my hair with a towel, it still dripped. I walked towards the wardrobe and opened it. I searched through the rails, looking for what to wear. I took out an off-the-shoulder top from the rail. I held by the hanger. I squatted down and searched the folded clothes. Huh? Haven’t worn these before. It was a black skort.
I stood straight and closed the door. I walked to the bed and laid the clothes on it. I wore each after the other. I discarded the hanger on the rail in the wardrobe. I sat down on the dressing table. I pulled open each drawer. Where did—? Never mind. I found the hair dryer. I plugged it in and dried my hair. There; now I look pretty beautiful again. Better than that horrible mess I was earlier.
I left the dryer on the table and walked towards the door. I turned the handle and left the room. I held the handrail as I climbed down the stairs. I had barely got to the landing when I smelt something. It smelt awful and irritating. What on Earth smelt this bad?
I followed the stench to the kitchen. It was stronger there. I stood at the door. I held on to the door frame. Okay! It was worst up close. I slowly made me dizzy. I scanned the kitchen. I couldn’t spot any weird or smelling food. The only thing I saw was the coffee maker. It was on. I walked towards it. Could the smell be coming from there?
I had got close and covered my nose immediately. Yeah, it was the coffee all right. I quickly plugged it and held the handle of the pot. I walked over to the sink and poured it. I held my nose until I had poured away all the content. I discarded the pot on the island and turned on the tap.
Ah! That was better!
“Ma’am?”
I turned my head round and saw who it was. It was the maid. I looked at the sink again. The coffee had completely been washed off. I turned off the tap. I moved away from the sink.
The maid looked at the pot and the coffee marker. She had worn a puzzled look.
“Did you pour the coffee away?” She asked me doubtfully.
“Um,” I peeked at the clean sink,
“Yes, I did. I couldn’t stand the awful smell. It was making me dizzy.”
The maid looked at me, confusingly. She scratched her head. Didn’t she smell it too? I guess I was the only one with a complicated hormone.
“Is the coffee ready yet?” I heard Rex’s voice in the corridor.
He got to the door. He had his attention on the buttons on his cuffs.
“I—.”
Rex raised his head. My eyes met his. He narrowed his eyes to the pot on the island.
“Why is the pot empty?” He asked coldly, entering the kitchen.
The maid swallowed nervously and avoided his gaze.
“Sir-well-I—.” She stuttered, unable to make a sentence.
“Would you just stammering and answer me?” He said icily, raising his voice a little.
“You see, Sir; I-I made—.”
“I poured it away.” I spoke up timidly.
His eyes slowly diverted from the maid to me. I fidgeted my fingers. He furrowed his brow confusingly.
“Why would do that? Didn’t look like some toy to you?” He scorned, being ironic.
“No. I couldn’t stand the smell. It smelt awful and made me feel a little dizzy.” I replied feebly.
“Smelt awful?” He asked doubtfully.
Rex flashed a glance at the maid and then me. I knew he wouldn’t believe my explanation. I usually don’t complain about coffee but it was different today. He heaved and shook his head.
“You can leave.” He dismissed her.
The maid replied in a nod and left the kitchen. He turned his head round a little and looked at me. He looked at me coldly.
“What was it about you pouring my coffee away?” He asked firmly.
“I’m sorry but I couldn’t stand the smell. It was awful.” I explained candidly, though avoiding eye contact.
Rex walked over to the island. I watched as he pulled open the one of the drawers. I took out the packet of coffee. He flashed a glance at me. He turned over to the bottom and had his eyes at the figures printed on it.
“Doesn’t expire to next year.” He blurted out.
“Oh!” I said awkwardly,
“But you have to believe me. It did smell awful.”
Rex looked at me blankly.
“You’re imagining things.” He answered as he pulled the drawer shut,
“You probably had smelt something else and mistook it for the coffee. Now, I have to have breakfast without coffee.”
“I’m sorry.” I said sincerely.
Rex turned deaf to my apology. He looked at me and furrowed his brow confusingly.
“What’s with the outfit?” He asked plainly as he walked towards the freezer.
I looked at my clothes. There was nothing wrong with it. Was there?
“I don’t understand.” I replied.
“This isn’t your usual style.” He pointed out as he opened the fridge.
“Oh! I thought I would try something different today.” I said.
“Hm! Sure you’re not going on date with Liam?” He asked steely.
“No. But I’ll be going to the pharmacy later in this….” I said.
Rex suddenly looked at me. He wore a stern look.
“…evening.”
“To do what?” He asked icily.
“To buy a packet of sanitary pads and a bottle of pain relievers.” I answered nervously.
His eyes grew colder. I swallowed nervously.
“With whose permission?” He followed up.
“Y-yours.” I replied cowardly.
Rex let out a sigh. He took out his wallet and brought out his credit card. He placed it on the island. He put the wallet back. He diverted his gaze to the fridge.
“Jason will drive you there. You’ve only thirty minutes to spend it there. Anything beyond that will attract a serious punishment.” He approved.
A faint smile appeared on my face. I collected it. Rex took out the tub of yoghurt. He opened the lid and wrinkled his forehead.
“Does it changes colour when it goes sour?” He muttered.
“Um, it isn’t sour yet.” I clarified.
Rex flashed a glance and then the yoghurt. He put back the lid on it.
“Care to explain the sudden change in colour?” He asked plainly, putting it back in the fridge.
“You see, it tasted sour in my mouth. I would be awful it I let it go to waste like that. So, I poured raspberry and blueberries syrups in it.” I explained calmly.
“You are becoming more annoying daily and weird.” He said flatly, closing the fridge.
“I guess I’ll have to skip breakfast and eat out then. Probably have that cup of coffee that I have been looking forward to.”
I couldn’t help but feel bad for ruining his breakfast. But it wasn’t entirely my fault either. I couldn’t explain what was going on with me. Everything I do normally either disgusts me or upsets me. I’m more emotional these days.
Rex walked towards me. He stood in front of me. I glanced at him. He had worn a smug smile. I took a step backwards but he pulled me closer. Can he be less tempting and scary at the same time? It was hard to hate him when he was stud. I shivered when he touched my face. I tried to avoid eye contact but he held my chin.
“What?” He asked softly.
I shook my head, short on words. His thumb caressed my chin.
“You want your phone back, do you?” He asked me. His finger was on my lip. So was his eyes.
Yes. It would be nice to talk to Bianca again. That’s if he would give it to me back. I bit my lower lip nervously. He leant closer. His nose was close to mine.
“I’ll give it back to you. Only if you promise and prove to me that you wouldn’t misbehave. You’ll have to prove me that you belong only to me and no one else.” He said husky, being stern.
My eyes literally met his.
“I—.”
Before I could complete my sentence, he kissed me. He was gentle, less aggressive as the first time. I reciprocated, almost indulging in the kiss. The memories of the other night became vivid in mind. I slowly pulled away from him.
Rex stood there, stunned at what had happened. He didn’t say anything. My heart beat increased a little. Breathe, Jackie! Just breathe! I backed him.
“You should get going. You might be late.” I said awkwardly, feeling edgy and scared.
Rex hesitated for a moment and heeded for the door. I flashed a glance at him as soon as he had walked out of the room. It will be hard falling in love with the one who has hurt me the most.