MY BELOVED POISON

ELEVEN

I took my pills in the morning. I crushed and added water, taking them in a paste-like form. It wasn't nice, I should add, but it sure did beat feeling like I would choke on a pill.

I began getting ready to head to work. You know what they say, a stretch a day keepsthe physical therapist away. See what I did there?

I initially put my hair in their signature low space buns but thought against it as I remembered what King had said. The thought of it made me smile, and I gently opened up my hair to the afro I sported almost every day. Well, when I was at home at least.

I put on my grey scrubs and matching shoes, looking at the cracked mirror I had placed in my living room. Although I couldn't afford a lot of things, my little space didn't look bad to the point where I couldn't have friends over.

Not that I had any of those really. Everyone I knew had moved on to the next chapters in their lives. Marriage, babies, relationships, success, travel, you name it and they did it. Then there was me, poor sad orphan Davina.

And if you should know, I was hated by most of my family, leaving only my Aunt, Lina, who had my best interest in mind. So it was just us. Me fighting to get the funds to take care of her.

And her in the hospital, fighting for her life.

That dampened my mood. Looking down at my hands, I furrowed my brows. I'll make it.

I would.

Suicide would never be an option.

A tear slipped down my cheek and slid across my chin, dripping slowly down onto the front of my scrubs. With no time to waste, I quickly brushed it away and straightened up. If I wanted to live, I had to stay strong. For Auntie.

My gaze shifted from my reflection to my phone.

I hesitated briefly before picking up my pace and heading towards the door.

As I reached the corridor and made my way out of the building, I spotted the cab waiting in front of the main doors. I could already imagine Lina waving enthusiastically at me as she hopped out of the taxi. I tried to smile. I really tried. But even with all the efforts I put in to make the most of what I had, my feelings towards my aunt hadn't faded. I still loved her dearly and wanted her to be okay.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the cab door and stepped in, giving the driver my address. I gazed out the window as the streets sped by, watching as people went about their days. They were so different from us. Their life seemed so simple. There were families playing with their children in the park, couples holding hands while strolling the streets, couples having lunch together under the shade of the tree.

But not me.

Not everyone had this opportunity, and I'd rather enjoy it while I could. I let myself slip back into my thoughts, letting my mind wander to the memories we shared and the times we spent together. The laughter I heard when I told a joke, the comfort she offered when I was upset, the hugs that she would give me every morning when I woke up. She was there for me during my darkest days, and even though I knew that I could never thank her enough for all she had done for me, I owed her my thanks.

With a heavy heart, I settled further back into my seat, gazing up at the darkened sky.

Life wouldn't be fair if Auntie died. Not when she had given me so much love and affection. No, I decided. No matter what happened, I would try to fight the inevitable. Even if it meant I'd probably go mad trying.

The cab pulled to a stop outside the gym. I looked up at the tall building. I reached over and paid the cab driver, making my way out of the car afterwards. My stomach started doing backflips. Like run to the bathroom and poop kind of backflips. I was sweating under my hair, although the cold breeze was soothing me. I clutched my beige tote back to my side, wanting to do nothing more than run away.

But I had to answer him.

Days had passed, and I hadn't texted or called. All I had done was call in sick.

I wondered how he was, what he had been up to for the days I ran away being a coward. But could you blame me? It's not every day that your boss comes to your apartment and says he wants to 'fuck'.

As I walked into the gym, my eyes immediately locked onto King, who was engaged in a judo spar with another opponent. I couldn't help but stare as he moved with fluidity and grace, his muscular frame and tattooed torso a mesmerizing sight to behold. His dark, curly hair was tied back in a man bun, adding to his ruggedly handsome appearance.

The gym was buzzing with excitement as King and his opponent exchanged throws and holds, each move executed with precision and skill. I found myself drawn to the edge of the mat, unable to tear my eyes away from the intense spectacle unfolding before me.

As the spar reached its climax, King executed a flawless throw, sending his opponent crashing to the mat with a resounding thud. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, but I barely registered the noise as I watched King with awe and admiration.

After the spar, King caught my eye and approached me, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "What are you looking at?" he asked, his voice dripping with arrogance.

As I approached King, my heart raced with uncertainty, but the weight of my aunt's medical bills pushed me forward. I mustered all my courage and finally spoke up.

I swallowed hard, feeling a surge of nerves at his intimidating presence. "I-I..." I stuttered, struggling to find the words.

King raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by my stuttering. "Spit it out," he demanded, his tone harsh.

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage before speaking. "You did good," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

King scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Is that so?" he said, his tone mocking. "Well, lucky for you, I'm not in the mood for compliments today. What do you want?"

His blunt question caught me off guard, and I struggled to form a coherent response. "I-I... um..." I stammered, feeling flustered and embarrassed.

King's expression hardened, his patience wearing thin. "I don't have all day," he snapped, his voice sharp. Relax, let me gather my thoughts.

Why so uptight, and for some reason, the annoyance was directed at me, I noticed.
It's not like I creepily peeped through the window as he all but smiled at the female personal trainer.

It's not like that at all.

I took a shaky breath, forcing myself to speak. "I-I wanted to... to talk about your offer," I finally managed to say, my words coming out in a rush.

"King," I began, my voice wavering slightly. "I... I've thought about it, and... I'll do it."

His eyes narrowed, studying me intently. "Do what?" he asked, his tone brusque and impatient.

I swallowed hard, gathering mythoughts before continuing. "I'll... I'll accept your offer," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

A smirk played on King's lips, but there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Is that so?" he said, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, feeling a surge of relief mixed with trepidation. "Yes," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

King considered me for a moment, then nodded curtly. "We'll talk later," he said dismissively, turning away without another word. With that, King turned and walked away, leaving me standing there feeling shaken but determined.

I watched him go, a knot forming in the pit of my stomach. But I knew that I had made my choice, and I had to live with the consequences.

I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for me and whether I would be able to fulfill my end of the bargain. But one thing was for certain: with King, nothing was ever easy.