" I have taken a leave for today because you are coming!" Jim said as he wheeled in all the luggages Jia had into her room.
Jian was still sleeping as he tucked him in to his bed. The child must have been tired in the long trip and in watching movies all throughout their flight. A time like this was among his few unrestrained times where he could watch and play all he wanted.
"You can rest for a while and get changed into something warm and comfortable. I'll take you to dinner. "
In her room, she changed her clothes slowly and lied down on the bed. Her thoughts would always go back to Anthon no matter how hard she suppressed it. She thought about the thrill and excitement whenever she was close to him.She thought about all the pain she never anticipated to come back the day she came to face him. She thought about the joy of their family times spent together.
Jim, on the other hand, had given her too much love and care. He gave all those family moments in the fullest sense of the word since they became his own the moment Jia stepped into his home. He did not lack any affection and responsibility. He had simply given them his all.
But a human heart is deceitful. It is the most stubborn entity and the most difficult to teach. Sometimes, it stood againts time and defy it as the most effective tool to reset ideals and preferences. The most effective tool to erase poignant memories. The most effective language a heart could respond and understand. The most effective means to leave all memories behind.
She heard a gentle knock on the door, making her return to her senses.
" Open the door, I did not lock it."
Jim went inside and slipped into the other side of her bed. " Can we talk?"
Jia chuckled. " Jiiim, we had been talking for already two hours now and you're still asking? "
Her smile did not fade as she finally sat up close beside him to give him a tight hug. She stayed like that for so long to assure him. She knew that it was exactly what Jim had wanted her to do to ease out his fear. And she was not dumb to the fact that there must be unspoken insecurities within him the moment she flew back to their country to meet Anthon.
" Can you stay by my side and hug me while I take a nap for a while? "
That was the first intimate move she had given to Jim. They had kissed and hugged multiple times but she had never allowed it on her bed. But from then on, she decided to triple up her effort to learn an inch to love him. A little everyday would be much tomorrow. And that would start right now.
Yes, she liked and admired him greatly but her heart simply did not beat for him. There were no sparks in her eyes, there were no knots in her stomach and, certainly, no skipped beats inside her heart everytime he held her close to him.
She closed her eyes to sleep while her head was on his chest and his arms around his waist. However, her thoughts wander to some scenes in the past.
"Jia, please help me with all these! "
Jim called out while fumbling with diffiulties in opening the door.
It was the day after he accepted her into his home. He was carrying three big grocery bags. Seeing him in difficulties, she quickly came to his rescue and grabbed a bag from his hand. They headed directly to the kitchen to arrange everything he bought and put it in its designated places.
"Jia," he smiled while he started a conversation. " I bought you a pre -natal milk formula, take this three times a day!"
"Here are some fruits, yogurts and vegetables. Eat plenty of these. These are good for the baby. "
She looked at him dumbfounded! Was he seeing an angel? Yes, he was light - skinned and stunningly handsome but she was sure, he was her boss. The one she was working for!
"By the way, I suggest that you should name him or her Jian, in memory of Anthon. A short combination of Jia and Anthon." He laughed, amused of the train of his thoughts.
" After lunch, hurry up and get changed. I will take you to my close friend, an OB - Gyne specialist. "
"And before I forget, here, take this. Buy anything you like. Buy plenty sets of clothes and shoes, and everything, you women want. " He reached out his arm to hand Jia a debit card.
She suddenly trembled. She could not believe her eyes and ears!
" Sir. " Her voice quivered.
"Jim! " He corrected.
" Aw, doc.."
"Jim! Jia, I have no other name to make it too hard for you to remember. It's just composed of three letters."
" Okay, then." She chose to avoid mentioning his name again.
" But this is too much! I am only your servant. I do not deserve all these kindness. " Her tears were now rolling down her cheeks as she said this.
He came around to pat her shoulder. A woman's tear was always something that would prick inside his heart.
"In this house, the word 'servant' does not exist.."