Chapter 11

Macy felt a hand on her forehead and opened her eyes.

'You're back'. She muttered, struggling to get up.

'I'm sorry'. He said.

'Sorry? You shouldn't be. I'm fine'.

'I had to attend that interview. It was very important that I attended'. He said again. 'Your temperature seems above normal. How do you feel?'.

'I feel well. The drugs were very effective. The rise in temperature may be because of the fact that I've been sleeping for more than three hours. She explained. 'I didn't know what to do with the excess time. I would have loved to look around and explore your house but I'm not in my best condition'.

'I could give you a tour if you want'.

'Nah....I'll pass'. She stared at the floor tiles.

'You don't wanna see what the whole...' He drew a circle with both arms. '.....Of this place looks like?'.

Her interest piqued but she shrugged it off.

'I can't stand on my feet. So,I'll rather continue my boring sleep'.

'I could carry you. All you need to do is just ask'. He placed his hand on his hips and tried to look serious.

'I'll wait till i don't have to 'ask'....She rolled her eyes to emphasize on the ask.'...you'.

What did you have for breakfast?'.

'What you wanted me to'. She smiled at him, remembering how he'd strategically placed everything to suit her.

'I'll go make lunch. I'm famished'.

'Alright. Go ahead'.

He walked out and she sighed.

She picked the remote control and turned the TV volume back up.

She searched for her favourite show and smiled when she found it.

***

Daniel shed his clothes and went into the bathroom.

He had been relieved when he'd entered his living room and found her sprawled on the couch,sleeping.

After speaking with Bryan earlier,fear had momentarily paralyzed him. His mind had kept running around the possibility of her having a motive of approaching him.

He knew he couldn't risk another scandal. His career will suffer if that happens. And so,his shoulders had sagged with relief when he'd spotted her brown hair all over the couch,upon entering his home.

He came out of the bathroom and changed into a grey T-shirt and white pant.

Entering the kitchen, he pondered on what to make for lunch. Later deciding on Spicy Chicken,Fries and vegetable salad ,he sprang into action.

Within twenty minutes,the aroma of Chicken spread over the whole house and he grinned at his own expertise.

'You sure are a good cook'.

He turned around and saw Macy standing by the door,supporting her stance with the clutches.

'I couldn't stay any more minute in there, with the smell of this meal assaulting my nostrils. Did I tell you I have a special liking to Chicken?'. She laughed,colour creasing her face.

She had a beautiful smile. He thought.

'The aroma of food can be deceiving sometimes'. He threw his head back and laughed.

'Pray this isn't,Because I'll throw you out of your own house. I don't joke with Chicken'. She had entered fully into the kitchen now.

He dropped the spatula he was holding and helped her unto his 'kitchen guest' chair. He'd ordered the chair when Lisa had come over to his for the first time during their relationship. He'd always have her on the chair and let her watch him while he cooked.

A bitter smile crossed his face as he thought of the many times they'd had meals on the kitchen table instead of in the dining and had ended up having an entirely different desert off their bodies from what they'd originally planned.

'Let us eat here'. Her voice broke into his thoughts. 'I enjoy eating in the kitchen'.

'You do?'. He was surprised.

Lisa had loved eating in the kitchen too.

'Oh yes'. She beamed.

He dished the food and sat atop the table,facing her.

She took a bite of the chicken and closed her eyes,as if to savour the taste.

Daniel found himself admiring her for the third time that afternoon.

Her face which had looked so white the day before now had a touch of colour in them. Her faraway eyes seemed to have grown less distant and her face curved into a breathtaking smile.

'This is delicious'. She told him. 'It's been a long time since I tasted something so good'.

'I'm glad you like it'. He returned.

'Like?...I totally love it'.

He was surprised at her sudden cheeriness. Food had a lot of hidden power.

'So,I guess you're a foodie'. He teased her.

She gave him a death glare and he threw his hands up in mock defense.

'Sophie calls me that too. Why does everyone think so,anyways'.

'Who's Sophie?'

'My ex-best friend'.

And that was the last statement she made until they finished eating and she thanked him for the food and went into her room and that was the last he saw of her the whole day and when he knocked at her door later in the night,all he heard was silence.

What's with this woman? What was eating her up?

How did someone go from hot to extremely cold in that little space of time?

He was determined to find out.

***

Her fingers made contact with the sheets and she gripped it hard,afraid to let go,afraid to open her eyes to face her harsh reality.

Her head was pounding and her stomach was in chaos. It wouldn't be long before another migraine will set in.

You pathetic idiot.

Her inner mind mocked her.

What made you think running to a complete stranger will make you any less pitiful.

She sat up on the bed and hugged herself in self pity.

Her life had become a mess since she turned twenty three. Funny,when it was supposed to become perfect.

What made her think agreeing to come here was a way out?.

What made her believe taking shelter in a fancy house will put her life back in shape?.

The nightmares.... What made her believe they would go away after spending a night on a soft bed and pillow?.

Why hadn't she mustered the courage to commit suicide. Why hadn't she?

''It's because of the bastard you're carrying''.

She placed her palm protectively over her stomach and anger stirred her blood.

Her child was no bastard.

She was going to have this child. This innocent child who,even though she didn't know who it's father was and who has brought her only grief. This child who even it's mere existence had wrecked her. This child who had destroyed her but whom she loved like her whole life depended on it.

Her child was no bastard.

It may not have a father,but it had her and she was going to spend her remaining life loving this child.