"So what's going on between you and Jasper?"
"Huh?" Scarlett was dazed by that question - not that she hadn't seen that coming.
"I mean how are you and Jasper?" the unrelenting Amelia restated.
"We're fine, alright, never been better, mom" She rambled, avoiding the woman's gaze while working on the cheese sandwich.
Amelia raised a brow at her, "Don't treat me like a kid, Scarlett. You know what I'm talking about,"
Scarlett sighed, "Mom, our sex life is okay. We just want everything to fall into place naturally,"
"You mean waiting till your wedding night to do the deal? Who does that these days?"
To avoid losing her temper, Scarlett took the food to the dining table so she could calm and think of a suitable reply before she returns.
Honestly, she wished to have sex with Jasper but Scarlett was scared. It was just a few months since the attacks stopped thanks to whatever charm this necklace possesses or perhaps, she should just call it her good luck necklace.
She doesn't know how the whole curse thing works but what if, her having sex with Jasper somehow triggers the attack. Even Jasper understood her concerns, hence, didn't force her into doing anything she doesn't want to; she just wasn't ready for it.
But then Amelia and Emerson didn't share the same view with her and she couldn't blame them - his parents didn't know of the previous attacks. Else, Scarlett was sure his parents would not let her near their son, not to add having her at their place.
Amelia and Emerson were super overprotective of their son Jasper, since his brother, their son, Micheal, died. He was the surviving and remaining heir to their family business hence guarded him with their might.
Jasper knows that too, hence the reason he hasn't told them about the curse yet.
Returning to the kitchen, Scarlett said to her, "Mom, we just don't feel like not rushing into things. We have our lives and business -"
"Jasper is my only son," she emphasized.
Great! Back to square one.
Amelia continued, "The best gift you can give me Scarlett is a grandchild. You might see it like I'm forcing my wish on you or something, but if you've lost a child before, you'd know how easy it is to lose another," she said solemnly, remembering her dead son.
Scarlett felt pressured. Yes, she had her fears but was she being unreasonably fearful? She hasn't even tested it out with Jasper yet and here she was, giving excuses. Maybe, it was time to take a test drive.
"Alright, mom. I have heard you. I'll give it a try, tonight," She had no choice but to give in - that was the whole point of them being here anyway.
Just think of it as the woman being concerned for her son and the continuity of their generation, Scarlett told herself.
Fine, she would just make this sacrifice, what's the worst that can happen anyway. It's not like everyone gets pregnant the first time, right?
"Alright, dinner is set," Amelia announced from the dining with her sweet musical voice. Jasper had taken much of his looks from her, the brown hair was the only thing he inherited from his father.
A few minutes later, father and son came to the table, deep in debate. It was obvious that they were examining something about the company - not that she was interested in it. The only thing Scarlett enjoyed was eating the food they developed but when it comes to the terminologies involved in it, count her out.
The dinner wasn't as boring as Scarlett thought. Amelia was a good hostess, throwing jokes here and there and creating a merry mood.
"Meow," Scarlett was about to tear into her chicken when she heard the cat purr from beside her. It was looking at her, specifically, at the meat in her grasp.
"Juliet," She lifted the cat to her lap and the cat gave her no resistance.
"Here, you can have this," She tore off some pieces which the cat took greedily.
"Juliet," Amelia Instructed her pet, "Down now!"
The cat jumped off her laps and scurried away upon hearing her command.
"Don't mind her, the cat's appetite is insatiable," Amelia told her before joining the discussion started by Jasper.
Scarlett didn't join them, she let the family commune with one another while she focused on filling her stomach - keeping herself occupied from the thoughts in her head.
When the dinner was over, they assembled in the living room once again and this time, it was to discuss their wedding plans.
"Have you chosen a date for the wedding?" Emerson was the one who asked this time. He was a man of few words yet carried the absolute power in the family.
"We've decided on fourteenth February,"
"Oww, Valentine's day? That's so romantic," Amelia purred, yet her expression changed," Wait, February? Next month? Isn't that a little too far?"
"We'll be organizing the bachelor and bachelorette party this month and then have at least two weeks gap before the wedding; the arrangement is overwhelming,"
"If you feel it's too much, hire more wedding planners but bring up the date. I can't wait to see you both married and ready to become parents yourselves," she said that while making eye contact with Scarlett who blinked, looking the other way.
"Mother, I'm not changing the date, Scarlett and I decided on it. So that's final,"
"Amelia, let your son be if he says so," Emerson told his wife who glared at him for not supporting her.
The conversation continued into the night that Scarlett was relieved when she escaped into the comfort of her room, no, scratch that, their room.
As a couple, she and Jasper were expected and would be sharing the room. Hopefully, something happens between them tonight - as thought by his parents.
Scarlett was grateful that the chat between Emerson and his son tarried because it gave her time to calm her nerves and collect her thoughts.
First thing first, she was a virgin - Yay! surprise? - she had no clue what to do! She had no real-life experience! Everything she knew was from R-rated movies and novels.
And she knew Jasper was a virgin too, the man had no interest in women until she came around. Hence, she had a reason to worry. What if during the urm.. act, he sticks it in the wrong hole? Gosh, what in the world was she even talking about?!
Fine, she'd take a bath - hygiene matters - and then think of how to take care of this first-time situation. Yes, that is it.
Scarlett did according to plan, choosing to keep her clothes on against the thought of waiting for his arrival in her undies - that seemed like a bold, sexy move but it was more easily said than done.
The girl was at a crossroad of thoughts when the doorknob was turned. Oh shit! He's back! Immediately, she threw the bedsheet over her body and pretended to be asleep as Jasper came into the room.