Chapter 12: NATASHA'S POV {2}

My eyes adjusted to the light as we both walked up the stairs

He placed my hand in his and gracefully led me to the table.

" Here " he said holding out the chair for me to sit. " she'll be here in a while " he went further to say referring to his boss. That gave me time to take in what had happened and brace myself for what will happen next. I just observed the restaurant. The lights were dim and our.. her reserved table was at the corner. Nothing too fancy but not plain either. The focal-walls were filled with artistic frames. Mirrors on the wall reflected the light and space seemed larger. The furniture was sleeky and modern. Flowers were the centerpiece, lightening up the room. I bet she'll rather die than get caught with anything plain. " Glam queen" I said inwardly, rolling my eyes at my comment afterward. Her buff man frowned at me " What, I can't roll my eyes now? " I muttered underneath my breath.

" Of course, you can " he responded. I widened my eyes and choked on my saliva. I wanted to remove the smirk on his face. I released an irritated groan . " she'll soon get here " trying to smile, noticing my impatience. I scoffed in response. How could I have forgotten, not once has she been punctual. Although, I thought she knew better than to keep a kidnapped victim waiting. Running my hand through my hair, I fixed my gaze on my thighs in defeat. " Natasha, how did you manage to get yourself into this ? " my subconscious mind asked. I felt emotionally exhausted. The call came as a shock to me. Expected to fiercely drag me out of my façade and into reality. Reminding myself that I will never have a form of escape from the past. Moving away, severing all ties and the distance isn't a barrier. My only worry was Lucy. The last time I saw this woman was before I had Lucy. I wouldn't want her to be dragged into this. It was pretty much inevitable, I can't protect her no matter how much I wanted to. I am nothing compared to her. Someone cleared their throat, causing me to look up interrupting my train of thought. There it was, the face I still vividly remembered. Flawless beauty. No amount of makeup whatsoever. She still had the perfect look. I searched myself for any form of envy I had in the past. Nada, zilch, zero, nothing. It had all been replaced with hatred, that was all I felt.

" Nice outfit, I have been waiting for a long time. I can't emphasize how lucky you are to be able to model that " what a way of telling me she knew everything going on in my life. She sat down and placed her purse on the table.

The outfit. It was a houndstooth patterned one-shoulder gown. Right above the knee. My mind went to Sam and Stacey. They will be worried sick. Ignoring my silence, the conversation continued without me chipping in.

" it has been so long, don't you think? We totally need to catch up. How is your sister doing and oh your child too. She is a girl. Hmmm Lucy, after his grandmother. Can't say I didn't expect that" I blanked out as she went on about my life. I looked down just as I did when the one who was sent to kidnap me was watching like a hawk. Where was he anyway? I discreetly looked around but he was gone. To my very surprise, it made me feel uneasy.

" Don't worry, he is waiting outside. He'll drive you back when we are done having our meal " I gritted my teeth and bit my tongue to stop myself from responding. " Oh, silly me. I haven't ordered our meals yet . " listening to her speak was fueling my anger. She beckoned on a waiter who showed up quickly. She ordered for the both of us after I shot her a nasty look when she asked what I'll like to eat. To the waiter, my face looked ever so void of emotions. Watching her eat was frustrating and annoying.

" won't you eat your food? It's really good, you can't help but love this place " she asked curtly.

" I don't dine with the wicked ones " I mumbled

" what was that? "

" nothing " I couldn't help but grin knowing that she doesn't have Sonic hearing like her worker.

Minutes passed and I just sat watching. My face was supported by my hand that rested on the table. I was bored, this was torture. Fear has gone out the window and the shadow of boredom dwelt with me. The food was cold by now. I didn't even taste it. Our table was cleared after what seemed like hours of patiently waiting. Finally, some dialogue... I think? To be honest, I wasn't interested in having a conversation. I preferred watching her eat in silence and her asking her worker { that sounded better than him } to take me home. But of course, I wasn't the one in charge here. She was.

" Yes, time to discuss. Since you decided not to eat a perfectly good meal "

" At least, now you can cut the act. What do you want? " I asked not being able to conceal my anger. Thank goodness, I wasn't bored any longer.

" Haven't you figured it out by now? "

I stared in confusion

" Huh ? "

" Dinner "

" Quit being so annoying" I whisper yelled not wanting to attract suspicious stares.

" Annoying. Ouch, that hurts " she feigned hurt and released an exasperated gasp. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

" I repeat. What do you want? Try to be logical "

" How have you been in these past few years? "

" Surprisingly good, since you have not been part of it " I answered, suppressing the urge to shut her up.

" Real bold Tasha, real bold "

" DON'T CALL ME THAT " I yelled and banged my fists on the table eventually attracting stares from people. Lowering my head, a blush crept up to my cheeks.