The Desire for a Simple Life

EIGHT

EIGHT

Natalia

- Christmas Eve 7:30 pm -

After my meltdown in front Grant, he has been standing, watching as I baked in the kitchen at night. Sometimes I'll catch him looking at me rather than the wall. Once or twice he'd come in and help me grab the ingredients out. I can tell the difference from a few weeks ago, to now. He has loosened up quite a bit. I bet he is close to maybe smiling?

I sit down for dinner and Grant stands in the corner of the dining room watching everything. Soon my dad's closest companions begin to file in. My father comes and sits down at the head of the table. "Hey dad." I say with a fake smile.

He looks up at me with a tired, sluggish look. "Hello pumpkin." My dad sighs.

"How was your day?" I ask.

"It was long." He snaps.

"Oh." I mumble.

"What have I said about mumbling?" He sneers.

"To not do it." I shouldn't have said that.

"What did you just say? Watch your mouth." He spits.

"Yes, dad." I say the correct way.

Everyone begins to chatter and I just stare at my food as I eat. Only glancing up to Grant everyone once and a while. I think I've noticed that I look over to him when I need assurance. His presents lately have been comforting. Especially after my melt down. A part of me was embarrassed about it, but Grant handled it well for who he is, and how he acts. It makes me want to have a melt down more often so he can comfort me again.

Soon enough dinner ends and I help, or try to help with cleaning up, but they don't let me. So I choke back tears and try to find my father. I end up finding him drinking spiked eggnog with his "buddys". He looks up to me and waves me over.

"Natalia! Guys you haven't seen her in awhile!" My father says.

"Hey." I say nervously. I don't like his employees, they are schummy business people like him.

"Yea. Well, have a good night honey." My father plants a kiss on my temple and I leave.

It's around 8:45 at night, so I decide to go to shower. I take a long shower, as long as I can because Christmas is tomorrow, and I should shave, and just feel pretty tonight. So I just take me time in the shower making sure my body is as soft as baby oil. When I get out I braid my hair and wrap my towel around my body and go into my bedroom area of my bedroom.

I change into sweatpants and a red sweatshirt to try to get into the Christmas spirit. Usually I will tell Grant that I am going to bed so I peek my head out and he looks startled as I open the door as he whips his head around to look at me.

"Didn't mean to scare you." I tease. "I am just going to bed." I announce.

He nods his head.

"Good night." I say with a smile before shutting my door. I smile as I lay my head down and I fall right asleep.