8
rain and red velvet cookies.
The soft pitter patter and light drops of water calmed me. Cold breeze from the outside seeped into the walls of my room as I read Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Music surrounded me as my playlist switched to another song. Flipping of pages and the crunch of the bread could be heard. Closing the novel, placing it on top of my nightstand. I finish my bread and took one last sip of my lukewarm chocolate drink.
I had grown to love the rain. I loved the cold breeze and the sense of comfort the specific weather gave. The rain comforted me in times of sadness and time of distress; like when my mother left us... and when Stavros found out about my engagement.
"You're bethrode to another man, do you know what that means?"
I felt at lost for words. I couldn't speak nor could I think. I didn't wish for him to find out, I never wanted him to find out.
His eyes darkened when I looked up at him with teary ones. His features softened, lifting up a hand to caress my cheek. A dot of water dropped on my cheek, making me look up at the gloomy night sky. The drop of water was soon accompanied by millions. He cussed in frustration. His hand hovered above my head as if that would keep out the rain. We hurried into my room.
Sitting on my bed as he closed the wooden lined glass doors shut. His white long sleeves soaked in rain water. Hair seemed to be a victim of the rain as well as it produced droplets of water that fell on my carpet. Enthralled, I gaped at his see-through shirt. Oblivious to his intense stare. I make contact with his emerald blinders as they lowered their gaze down to my chest. I follow, only to be met with the blush pink color of my bra. Blood rushed it's way to my cheeks, I blushed profusely.
Averting my wandering eyes, else where. "I have an extra shirt of Damocles'... I'll go fetch it."
I stood up from my sitting state, about to walk away from him. His fingers latched on my wrist, trapping it in a tight grip. With a sharp pull, he tugged me towards him. Our chests mirroring as his tipped my chin up.
"Were you forced?" He pried.
I could agree and risk him raising hell or I could disagree and... possibly hurt him.
"No..." I start, "I don't have much of a choice."
"Is that why you cried, yesterday?"
A sigh passed between my parted lips. "You wouldn't understand."
"Then help me, help me understand! I come to your home to find you bawling your eyes out. You refused to give me a name, nor did you give me a reason. I'm trying my best to understand you, yet you're making it so difficult to." His eyes held confusion.
I contemplated with myself, should I tell him?
"The family is on low business. The Americans offered help, my father's desperate and we-"
"That doesn't mean he gets to sell you off!" He raised his voice causing me to flinch. "Fuck, baby. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice."
I lean into his damp clothed chest. "I didn't want to Stav, but what choice do I have?"
"I'll find a way." His voice held determination. I held out my pinky to him, he tangled his small finger with mine. "I promise."
He left as soon as the sun rose and the ground was dry. I found myself alone in bed. He insisted he stayed the night. Now, it rained once more.
I placed the used utensils and plates in the dish washer. After, placing them in the shelves. I make my way out of the kitchen. Looking out the window as I sat on the couch. The living room was dimmed and the only light that reflected in it was from the cold dim sky. The rain softened, it wasn't as harsh as it was a minute ago.
"Vena," I heard a voice call out.
Giving the window one last glance before turning my attention to the person that called out to me. My cousin starred back at me as I waited in anticipation.
"Y-you want cookies?" He held the back of his neck as a tint of pink appeared in his cheeks. The corner of my lips rose at his attempt of apologising.
Though he had nothing to apologise for, I knew he was left with no choice but to agree, as well.
I nod my head as an answer to question.
He strides towards the couch, a plate of delectable cookies in hand. Placing it on top of the glass coffee table, he pushed the plate towards my direction. Red velvet soft cookies, my favorite. I took a cookie, taking a small bite. My eyes closed as I savored the doughy feel.
"I'm sorry." I blinked in surprise. "Pardon?"
He grumbled, "I said I'm sorry. Now don't make me repeat it."
I giggled at his apology. My cousin's a strong, honorable man. He's to take up the throne of the family once my father retires.
"I forgive you."
The corners of his lips rose. His eyes widened in surprise. A glint of happiness ignited in his hazel orbs. "Really?!"
"Why, you don't want it?" I plucked a brow up. Immediately, he panicked. "No, no, no, no! Of course I do. I just didn't expect you to forgive me so quickly when you know that I agreed to theìos Estevan. I'm such a jerk, I know. I deserve the sho-" my laughter silenced his ramblings.
Soon, he too joined in on my laughter.
My heart felt lighter, my chest no longer having a huge amount of weight placed on it. I understood their reasons. I'll gladly accept it to save what's left of my family's pride.
Deep down, I also held on to Stavros' promise. I prayed he kept it, I hope he finds a way soon.