Marriage By Contract

Chapter 7: Cocoa

Alex didn't wake me up by snatching the covers off me. In fact, he didn't wake me up at all. I stretched and yawned as I checked the time. 2:43pm

I widened my eyes. How tired was I?

I opened the curtains in my room to let in a little bit of sunlight. It's such a beautiful day. I thought. I walked into my bathroom and freshened up. I threw on some short-shorts and a white hoodie. I slipped on my pair of boots before trudging downstairs. I walked into the kitchen to see Richard reading the newspaper and Mary cooking lunch I presumed. 

"Morning." I greeted. "I-I mean good afternoon." I gave an awkward smile. Mary nodded her head and flashed me a genuine smile.

"How was your sleep dear?" she asked.

"Really good." I spoke truthfully.

"What would you like to eat?"

"I'm not really hungry." I said.

"You sure?" Mary asked a bit concerned.

I nodded my head yes and gave her a smile, hoping to convince her. I never really liked eating breakfast. I just don't get how you wake up feeling hungry. Maybe there's something wrong with me. I thought. 

I chuckled at the way I think sometimes. I took a sip of apple juice and focused my attention on Richard.

"We haven't spoken in a while." I said without removing my gaze. He looked up from his newspaper and gave me that: Are you talking to me? look.

I nodded my head yes and took another swig of apple juice.

"Well, Madame what would you like to talk about?" He spoke in his thick French accent. I gave a sly smile. 

"Anything you want to talk about." I responded. I truly have missed hearing his accent. Something about it made me feel soothed.

He folded his newspaper and adjusted in his seat. "Tell you what Miss Lola, you go on and think about it. Come back when you've decided." He grinned showing his perfect teeth. I nodded. He got up and walked to Mary before whispering something in her ear. She gasped and giggled. I smirked and left the kitchen to give them some privacy.

I walked past the main living room and saw Alex seated on one of the couches. He seemed to be staring off into space. 

"Hey." I said.

He looked up then patted the seat next to him. I took up on his gesture and sat beside him. 

"Where's mom and dad?" I asked.

He turned to face me. "They went to the Parker's to discuss something." he said. My smile vanished when memories of last night came crashing back. It flooded my mind with no mercy. I felt as if I couldn't breathe when I recalled the fact that I was married to Jason. Jason Parker.

"Hey." Alex said as he held my hand in his. "It'll be okay. I promise. He won't do anything and I'll make sure of that." 

I nodded my head and hugged him. Somehow his promise made me feel better. It made the situation a little lighter. 

"Come on." he stood up, still gripping my hand.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"Somewhere to get your mind off things." he said.

As we stepped outside, he walked over to the Range Rover and held the door open for me. I chuckled. "Why that car?" I whined like a baby.

"So you want to take your Mercedes?" he asked.

I shook my head no. I wanted to try something different.

"What then?" he asked.

I surveyed our driveway and did a whiplash as my eyes landed on a red Ferrari. 

"It's been quite a while since we drove hot sauce." I said. Hot sauce was the nickname I have the red car.

Alex's eyes immediately landed on the Ferrari. He gave an approving nod. Once we settled into the car, he revved up the engine. I couldn't help but let my mind wonder about how Alex always drove me places. Yes, Richard drove me around in the limo too, but I guess I like when Alex is driving. Not that I can't drive though. I have my driver's license. It's just something gives me a thrill when Alex is behind the wheel. (Ohhh, that rhymed) We pulled out off the gated compound and suddenly Alex floored it. I held on to my seat belt. "Damn Alex, are we late or something?"

He shook his head no. He slowed down after a while, then pulled into a parking lot. I looked out the window. An assortment of stores lined beside one another. I didn't know Alex got out of the car until he opened my side door. I mumbled a thank you and got out. I followed behind him as we entered a store I've never seen before. The strange smell of animals shocked me. I looked around to see different animals of different species. Why did Alex bring me here? I pondered.

We walked to the back of the store where there were different dogs. He continued to walk past all the caged animals until we stopped in front of a cage with a small light-brown colored puppy. The dog looked so fragile as if it hadn't been fed.

"It's a Pomeranian." Alex said.

The dog was very cute. I kneeled down in front of the cage and stuck my fingers in between the little squares. The puppy immediately scurried over to my fingers. The dog tripped over its own feet and landed on its back. That didn't seem to stop it though. The pup regained it's balance and finally made its way over to my hand. The dog licked it and I rubbed its fuzzy head. I was in awe. "Why can't I marry you?" I asked. Anyone or anything would be better than marrying Jason. Alex stared at me and stuffed his hands in his pocket. "You want him?" he asked.

"It's a boy?" I asked pointing to the dog.

Alex nodded a yes. I glanced back at the dog to see it wagging its tail. His tongue stuck out as he panted with anticipation. I looked back at Alex.

"Yeah, I want him."

Alex smiled and motioned over a clerk that works at the store. He told the guy we wanted the dog. Alex paid for the dog and bought all the dog food, chew toys, and bathing essentials the dog needed. He even bought three different leashes. We filled out some paperwork pertaining to the ownership of the dog. I had full ownership of the dog. I thanked Alex once we stepped out the store. I carried the new puppy in one hand while my other hand carried the dog's supplies. Alex's hands were full too. We loaded everything into the back seat and the dog stayed on my lap in the front. As we drove back home, Alex asked what I would name the new dog.

I looked over at him. "Anything you want to name it." I said. He bought me the dog, so I felt it would be right to let him name it.

He scratched his chin before flashing me a smile.

"How's Cocoa sound?" he asked.

I smiled. "Cocoa it is."