Moana
While we stepped inside, she smiled at me, the warm smile made me feel at ease. However, Jericho didn't act as if I was a living soul.
"Who is this young lady?" She asked him, but before he could respond, she turned to me and said, "Come in, dear. Please, have a seat,"
She gestured to a small chair, and I sat down, feeling a bit awkward. Granny Smith handed us each a glass of water and sat down beside me.
Jericho broke the silence, "I want her to stay with you for a while," He declared, making her eyes lit up with happiness, "Oh, finally, someone to keep me company," Granny Smith said, happily.
"No, it's not like that. I just want her to stay with you, knowing she'll be safe with you,"
I felt a pang of confusion. Why was he talking about safety? Was I ever truly safe?
"Does that mean you came all this way just to leave her with me, and not spend even two days with me?" She asked, sadly.
"I wish I could, but work calls," Jericho replied, simply, making Granny Smith nodded, but her eyes looked sad. She turned to me and asked, "Is he your husband?"
His eyes flashed with anger, but he couldn't stay mad at her. I opened my mouth to respond, but Jericho cut me off.
"Instead of asking questions, why don't you fix us a room? I'll be staying for the night," He scoffed, coldly, in a dangerous aura.
"Oh, you two are a couple, so you'll sleep together," Granny Smith replied, with a cunny smile.
My eyes widened in shock as I looked at Jericho again, feeling ackward, and waiting for his response. But he didn't respond, rather his face darkened for some time before he turned away, saying, "I'll be sleeping in my old room. I don't want anyone near me,"
I knew he was referring to me. Granny Smith, however, seemed unfazed by his outburst.
"Answer my question, sweetheart. Is he your husband?" she asked, turning to me. I quickly changed the subject, trying to deflect her question.
"Ma'am, I think you were cooking something. We should go check on it," I said, alarmingly, realization hits her and she stood to her feet immediately.
"I completely forgot. You stay here, dear. I'll be right back," She said, and rushed out of the room in a hurry.
I watched her go, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. Why had Jericho brought me here? I thought he was going to punish me, maybe even kill me.
~•~~
I woke up late, feeling a bit disoriented. I had slept in Granny Smith's room, and she was delighted to have my company.
After I walked outside, I found Granny Smith cooking in the kitchen. Then, I walked closer to assist her, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. I tried to mask it, but Granny Smith noticed and smiled knowingly.
"A pregnant woman shouldn't overstress her body. It's not good for the baby," She said, gently.
"How did you know?" I asked, looking at her in shock, "I've seen the signs. I knew it was a pregnancy symptoms," Granny Smith replied with a chuckle.
I smiled shyly, feeling a bit embarrassed, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you," I apologize, feeling somewhat guilty.
"Don't be shy. I've been in your shoes before. I remember when I was pregnant with Jericho's mother, and then with Jericho himself," She said with a warm smile.
"How far along are you?" Granny Smith added, eyes sparkling with interest, "Three weeks," I replied, quietly. She nodded thoughtfully, "And who's the father of the baby?" She asked, waiting desperately for an answer.
I hesitated for some time, unsure of how to respond, because I don't want her to know that it was her grandson, since he didn't approve her knowing.
"My boyfriend. I was working under Jericho, and we were here on a business meeting. He told me I'd be staying here until he returns," I said, finally, knowing deep down it was all lies. I had no idea why he bring me here, anyways.
Her eyes sparkled with interest, "That's the first time he's ever done that," She said.
"What do you mean, ma'am?" I asked, "He's never had a female worker before. He always had a phobia, I suppose, of women being close to him," She replied, and gave out a slightly weak sigh.
"Why?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me, "When he was younger, he lost his parents, and then he lost contact with me. When he came back, he was different. He hated being touched, especially by women,"
I nodded thoughtfully, trying to process this new information, "Can I go and see him?" I asked, gently, "He left for a business meeting early this morning," She replied, briefly.
My eyes widened in surprise, "He left?" I repeated.
Why would he leave me behind?