Arranged For You

Chapter Fourteen: Who Are You?

Leah.
I chug the water down.
I wasn't angry.
I wasn't upset.
At least, I don't think I was, or am.

I wipe away the miniscule droplets that kiss my upper lip with the back of my hand and take a deep breath.

Why wasn't he eating?

I hear light footsteps padding down the hallway I raise my sight and spot Chelseas' older sister in her chesire cat pyjamas and the tray in hand. One plate was empty another had been eaten from but not completed.

"It was delicious, thank you." She states in a more confident tone. I plaster a comforting smile on my face, hiding the previous whatever emotion at her words as I look over the empty cups of juice.

"I am glad you enjoyed the food. I hope my husband hadn't startled the two of you, I thought he would be asleep by now." A silence fills the kitchen as she chews on her lip. I could tell she was contemplating on something so I smiled reassuringly at the younger girl.

"Thank you. For everything, thanks. I hope us being here isn't trouble to both you and your husband." I step closer to her and squat down so that I am at face level with her. The corner of my lips tug upwards as I tuck the loose strands of hair behind her ears.

"You are welcome in this house. You are my responsibility and you will stay with me for as long as need be. You aren't any trouble so I suggest you take those ludicrous thoughts out of your head. My husband and I were simply experiencing a mere... lovers quarrel, troubles in paradise, it happens to the best of us." I shrug as I hold out my hand.

"It is beyond late, we should get to bed." She wraps her hand in mine, her trembling has decreased significantly since the last time it was in mine. I smile as I lead the way back up to the guest room, one that was once mine. The younger was already tucked into bed and fast asleep. I tuck in her older sister beside her in a similar manner and kiss both their heads.

"Would you like me to stay?" I ask knowing that all will have different reactions to their experience.

"No, it's ok. You seem pretty tired yourself." She responds and I nod twiddling my fingers for a second before dropping them to my sides.

"Would you prefer a night light?" I question and she immediately replies;

"Yes please." I go around the room switching on the three hidden night lights it had contained before going to leave the room.

"Should I leave the door open or would you like me to close it?"

"Closed. Please." I nod again and as I am about to close it I hear her murmur the word;

"Lauren." My lips tug and part at the realisation that I am now trusted by them both. I make my way to the room next door where my husband lays asleep. I shake my head as I pay attention to his breaths and jaw that is still very much clenched.

He is pretending.
He could do with a few acting classes.

I head into the closet and pick out a pair of pyjamas; an oversized lavender longsleeve with a plaid Lavender and white bottoms. I enter the bathroom to stealthily brush my teeth, wash my face and change.

Whilst my head hovers over the sink, my thoughts wonder to the male laying in the room next door.

Will we ever have a day where we get along?

Xavier.
She gets to me.
She knows exactly how to get to me.

And that fact was driving me crazy.

I really didn't know anything about her, yet she seemed to know everything about me.

And that fact was getting to me.