Comforting Chaos

6 - Here With Me

I woke up not knowing what's going on. One thing's for sure: I am on a car and I am laying comfortably with a pillow. Wait-- I am with someone.


Shit!


Panicked overtook me and a foreboding shame enveloped my whole being! I fell asleep and made the Chief's son, Gregory Vazquez's lap my fvcking pillow. I felt bad just thinking about it.

Damn you, Mia. Such an idiot!


I straightened up like a child ready for a good scolding. How dare I let my guard down. I fought the urge to slap my face for doing such ridiculous behavior. I felt my cheeks burn, I may have looked like a flustered tomato right now. 


My hands were quick to grab a towel to wipe my face for any traces of sleep. Oh, please! Should I snored or drooled I will jump out of this car in an instant!

Silly girl, Mia! I simply looked at Mr. Vazquez' thighs. I gulped as I am contemplating whether to massage them to ease the muscle-- what the fvck am I even thinking! No, don't do anything dumb!


He seemed to be looking at the opposite side of the road. His head were rested on his palm that's leaned over the window. I can't even speak. What should I do?


I cleared my throat. I looked at the front seat and it appears they were discussing something. Looks like they haven't noticed the horrible thing I've done. Or they did and just ignored it as they couldn't care less. 


"I'm sor--" my lines were cut off as he turned his head towards my direction and faced me.

"Don't worry about it. You're my mistress after all" he shrugged and crossed his arms around his chest. He continued eyeing the view outside of the moving vehicle.



My mouth went agape. I lowered my gaze and bit my tongue. The fuck is with that response? Is he high or something? He knew this is a role play to sneak to the damned enemies territory, right? 

I remembered the Chief saying this man lurks in the shadows. Is that the reason why he has poor social skills? Or is he just arrogant and conceited? I don't like this guy. I don't think we'll get along. He's a hunky man with a well-proportioned built but he hides a devilishly swaggering personality. He's an odd one.


He reminds me of Lucifer and no one can change my mind.



A few more hours and my arse and back began to swell. Oh God. I hate car rides. No, I hate long rides! Feeling ko flat na yung puwetan ko sa sobrang tagal kong nakaupo. Dumagdag pa itong katabi ko. What a life.


I just grabbed a club sandwich I made earlier. I packed some foods as I know the terrain that we'll be travelling through will mostly be barren land. If we're lucky, we can stop by a gasoline station to grab something decent to eat. But it's been quite some time now and I'm getting hungry. 


I offered food to Sir Stephen and Madam Mirabel. The latter took their portion and thanked me. I answered them with a smile and handed them refreshments. I looked at my left side and frowned. Baka isipin nito pinagdadamutan ko siya. I also asked him if he wanted some.


"And what if that's poisoned?" his eyebrows raised and he's giving me a smug look. Isa nalang talaga tatamaan na 'to sa 'kin. Napipikon na ako sa ugali nito.


"Ako gumawa niyan. Do I have any reason to poison you?" I matched his frivolous approach. He's really getting into my nerves. Gosh!


He shrugged as if stating the obvious. "Who knows. Eat your fill." he looked away.


I swear to all the deities I will strangle this man once this is over! He's irksome and it's infuriating. The fibers on my body can't handle his bullshit. I would better off being sent to war in front row that to deal with his mischievous acts! 

How long will this tiresome journey last? Baka 'di ako makapagtimpi masipa ko ang lalaking ito palabas ng sasakyan. 


Binawi ko ang sandwhich na iniaabot sa kanya. Binalot ko ito ulit and ipinatong sa lagayang pinagkuann ko nito. Padabog akong sumandal sa upuan at tahimik na kitain ang akin. I am imagining things that I would do to make this man suffer! Naalibadbaran ako sa ugali niya. Mas maarte pa siya sa babae! Ganyan ba talaga ang mga taong pinanganak na may silver spoon? 



Tahimik na ulit ang byahe. Marahil nasa higit sa kalahati na ang nabbabaybay namin. Ang daang tinatahak namin ay nasa gilid ng bundok. Matarik ang daan at two-lanes lang ang kalsada. Nasa border na kami ng dalawang malalaking rehiyon. Sa baba ng bundok ay malawak na kagubatan. Matatanaw ang ilang bayan at farmlands sa di kalayuan. Napakapayapa ng pamumuhay nila. Hindi kagaya sa siyudad kung saan puro sound, light, at air polution ang matatanaw kahit saan bumaling ang mata.



Napangiti ako. Iyan ang pangarap kong buhay. Ang bumuo ng pamilya sa tahimik at malayang lugar. Malayo sa ingay at polusyon. Lalong malayo sa karahasan, giyera, at pagdurusa. Sustainable home, with a barn and orchards, along with the family I'll be with. My kids running around with their tiny feet and bright laughers. With a loving husband that will love me unconditionally. I'll live my own happily ever after. A phrase I heard multiple times from the stories aunt Renee told us. 


I will abide what's assigned to me. I'll do whatever it takes to pluck all the bastards who've lost all conscience and are doing crimes. I'll make sure my kids won't suffer the same fate I went through. I'll give them all the pretty things in life that I have failed to experience. To achieve that, I have to make sure this war will end. I'll give my all to end this.


We have to make a stop at a gasoline station just a few miles across the border. We were able to pass through the tunnel at the bottom of a mountain. There is a border check point just far more ahead then we'll be at Gardner. The trucks that are carrying our loads of things went first as they inspection will take some time and we can't afford to spend the dusk outside. We are aliens to this place and we're a great target for bandits.


I grabbed a  hot coffee as the afternoon breeze is getting cold. I stretched my limbs and lower back. Thank God we're almost there. I can't stand being on a closed space with that doofus. I looked for him and he seem to be ordering some food. My blood boils whenever the thought of having him accuse me of poisoning the food pass my mind. How dare he!


Instead of rolling my eyes out of that man, I just examined the contents of a newspaper I happen to put my hands on. Hints of war are on every column of todays paper like any other day. 


Gang wars that pops at pubs, gun fights in the middle of a random street in the city, multiple missing person reports, drug den raids, and many more heinous crimes from all around the region. I also saw news from neighboring cities from around the country. They really tried to lift the mood by writing about a bunch of adorable and innocent schoolkids, mainly kindergartens, do a dance number at an event. The corner of my lips curled up as I saw pictures of their chubby cheeks and does eyes, makes me want to pinch their cute cheeks.


"Lady Amanda, it seems they made it through. We'll be leaving shortly." Mirabel informed me. I nodded and let them take some rest and eat. We've had the journey extended and I know she won't be having the energy to cook a meal when we reach our destination.


"Call me, Aurelia from here on. My name is Aurelia Caldwell." I gave her a meaningful look. That's right. We're in Gardner and I have to be identified differently.


"Certainly, my Lady. We'll sit back for half an hour then we'll be on our way." she politely withdraws and spoke to Sir Stephan. The latter is making a phone call to whoever is on the line.



I am wearing a bondage skirt with a polo shirt underneath my dark leather trench coat. I better change clothes while I have a chance. I put the newspaper down and proceeded to take some change of clothes and some cosmetics. I better freshen up as I welcome a different environment.



It is getting colder as the dusk envelops the then blue sky. I chose to wear a bodycon dress that extends a few inches below my knees and a oversized cashmere jacket. I removed my bun and let my wavy hair down. I put on some statement earrings and a necklace. I also wore the ring aunt Renee gave me. Not a fan of makeup but I put on some gloss on my dry lips and pinched my cheeks a few times to make it bring a pink color on them.

I gave myself one last overall look and sprayed light perfume. I better go out and hit the unraveled place once we arrive at the house we'll be staying at. I won't waste no time.


Surprised, Mr. Vazquez also pops out of the male comfort room. He met my gaze with his emotionless eyes while fixing his flat cap. He's now wearing a trench coat on top of his all black button up shirt and a pair of trousers. He completed it with a leather black gloves. The smell of masculine musk completed his other-worldly look. Wow. He looks damn hot. What a great way to cover a trashy attitude.


Footsteps enveloped the empty hallway as he made his way to me. Next thing I know, he's an arm length away from me, staring intently. Up close, I was able to notice the stubbles on his upper lip area and a dimple on the bottom right corner of his lips. 


What? How can he look like a demon and an angel at the same time? Well, Lucifer is once an angel after all.


"Enjoying the view, Darling?"  I flinched at the sudden endearment. Darling my arse!


"Not really. We better get going, Mr. Vazquez" I fought myself to not let him have his way. I know I might've stared too long and fancied him but he does not have to know that.


He smirked and let out a chuckle. He's making fun of me now, is he?

"Feisty. I like it." he fixed his gloves and tightened up his tie. "And it's Alexandrite Caldwell, missus." 


I swear this person is making me nuts! But I have no choice but to be submissive for this is a mission and I have to keep up with this disguise.


He offered his arm and it took me a second to cling on it. I rested my hands on his think clothing. My skin feels hot and electrifying when we made in contact. I don't like having physical contact with anyone other than the ones I am comfortable with. It feels strange. Like my gut tells me to not trust this person at all.





---






"Welcome to Gardner, Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell. I hope you enjoy your stay." the border guard smiled and gave us our documents back. He stamped it and that's our cue. We are officially infiltrating the enemy's den.


Our Identity changed and we will be known as Alexandrite and Aurelia Caldwell. A newly-wed couple from two different towns and have decided to live in Gardner for work. The new patriarch will work as a doctor on a local hospital on the town where our house is located. While I, the Mrs Caldwell, will be managing the household make my way to the community. Attending social gatherings, important events that included wives of the prominent men in the society, and expand our connections for the success of this plan.


A few more minutes and we finally arrived at the place we'll call home. It is a 2-storey house with brick walls and a western accent. It has a wide driveways and a decent garden is fenced and there's a detached storage cabin possibly for gardening and supplies. It is smaller compared to our residence back in the Piercer estate but there's only 4 of us so this will work.



I stretched my arms and legs and cracked the knuckles. What a ride. It's completely dark now and good thing the light at the patio is lit. Too bad I don't think I can have a stroll tonight. I felt all my exhaustion consume me as soon as I laid my eyes on the master's bedroom.


I took my clothes off and hanged them at the nearest rack. I'll take a quick shower then I'll retire for the day. A warm bath and a glass of wine would be nice. The bathtub is alluring and I can't wait to wash off the dirt on me.


After a good scrub and a good amount of essential oil, I grabbed a robe and dried my hair with a towel. God, it's freezing outside! The window must've been opened.


"Glad you still have some skin intact. Took you an hour and half to finish scrubbing, aren't ya?" he's sipping some liquor while examining my body. I am wearing a robe but I am butt naked underneath. I can't help but to hug myself covering my fully covered torso.


He let out an amused laugh. "Rest easy. I ain't a madman. I won't bite." he's enjoying seeing me flustered and I hate it. "Unless you want me to." 

Okay, that's it! I am not going to let this fool trample my reputation right on my face.


"Can you please go to your assigned room? I'd like to rest for now." I brushed my hair and turned the hair blower on.


"There's no other room on the floor." he casually said as he finished his glass of whisky.


I thought I heard it wrong but I made sure I understand. I realized he must've grown wary of me invading he's supposed personal space. He's a big shot after all.


"I see. Then you'll be staying here." I put the blower down and faced him. "Where's my room then? Where should I sleep?" I've never been on a room with a man before. Well, except for Matthew who falls asleep on my sofa sometimes.


The corner of his lips rose. "Right here." he patted the master's bed like he's petting a dog. 





"You'll sleep here with me."