Chapter 3

I woke up feeling numb and void of all emotions.

I can't say this is what am feeling like, I just want to be on my own.

I went downstairs to fetch food in the kitchen and there goes peace sitting comfortably at the dining table oblivious to what happened yesterday.

She was already asleep when I came home and I purposely lock my room so she couldn't come In the midnight to ask me questions.

"Good Morning Peace, I greeted."

"Morning Vee, she greeted with her charming smile.

When did you come back last night?

I thought you slept out."

"I came back around 1:00 am

You were already asleep so I didn't bother to wake you."

"Oh! okay, so how was it?"

"Bad"

"What?"

"Yeah, it was bad

I ended up in a fight with his mom."

"That sucks"

"Yup"

"What is Alex saying on this?"

"Nothing"

"What do you mean by nothing?"

"Well, I haven't heard from him since last night."

"Was it that bad?"

"Well, I couldn't stand her being so judgemental."

"How are you feeling?"

"Numb"

"You should get some rest.

You don't have any work today, do you?"

"No, I don't"

"Okay, I'm free for the day too.

Go get dressed, we are going out."

"I don't have a say in this, do I?"

"Certainly not, she said and wave her hand in dismiss."

I open the fridge to see what I can eat but lost appetite immediately after seeing the nonsense peace store inside.

I went back to my room to take a quick shower. After my bath, I picked out baggy jeans with a matching crop top.

I wanted to dress casually since it was the weekend.

Putting on dresses all working days can be suffocating at times.

I decided to go out with my bare face and carry one of my designer bags to complete my outfit.

I went downstairs to find Peace readily waiting for me.

She looks beautiful in her mini flowery gown.

It compliments her milk skin, making her light makeup glitters.

My best friend is beautiful, I whisper to myself.

"Take a picture, it will last forever.

Peace commented."

"You look dope in that dress girl"

"I know, right? It's been a while I looked good for myself. It has always been for work or dates.

Why are you dressed like that by the way?"

"I just wanna wear something comfy"

"Comfy, understandable.

But why is your face so dull?

Are you mourning?"

"Going natural will be reasonable on this sunny day"

"Well, I don't care about what you look like as long as you are coming with me.

You ready?"

"Yup"

With that being said, Peace grabbed her car keys as we step out of the house.

We spent close to an hour on the ride. I almost thought we are merely going sightseeing until she stops in front of a huge building that looks like a resort.

Yup, it's a resort.

"Wow! I awe in excitement"

"Beautiful?

I thought of the same thing when Daniel brought me here, she smiled."

I followed Peace inside since she seems to be more familiar with the place than I am.

After saying whatever to one of the workers we met at the front table, we were directed to a table beside a pool.

The whole place screams Nature!

Yes, it is that beautiful.

Very calm and serene. I'll come back here when I'm in a better mood and not with a heavy head.

Merely looking at the surroundings, helps to calm my nerves.

That is the magic of nature. It helps to keep calm and relaxed.

All this while, Peace has been observing me quietly.

Finally, she speaks up.

"How are you feeling?"

"Honestly, I don't know.

I felt fulfilled for standing my ground and talking back to that woman but then, I don't know if I did the right thing. I mean, It is Alex's mom for goodness sake.

Now, I don't even know where we stand. I mean, it's quite obvious he's not coming back to me.

He hasn't even called it to text me since the incident.

I feel so stupid."

"You did the right thing girl by standing up for yourself. And I'm proud of you.

To be honest, I've heard the whole thing before you got back.

Surprisingly, Daniel was there too.

Alex was wrong for not standing up for you so you did well by putting that devil in her place.

I know you needed time alone, that was why I left you to yourself till this morning.

You shouldn't beat yourself up for placing yourself first. If you hadn't talked back, you would be risking being treated like scorn in the future.

Alex loves you and he is a good man but remember that a woman doesn't marry her husband alone but also, his family.

A happy marriage can sometimes be determined by the families."

I don't need her to explain any further because I already know what she was trying to let out.

With that, we both kept quiet and the wind is the only sound that could be heard.

I could leave here forever. I enjoyed both the view and the calm aura of nature, it is blissful and you can't help but fall for it.

After staring into space for hours, It felt like a load has been lifted from my shoulder.

I feel free. Yes, a little sad but it could be worse.

Peace is right.

If I had not talked back to the woman, Id probably is regretting it by now, reminiscing the words I could have said and the shame would have been much worse.

I wouldn't even be able to see Alex ever again or show my face to his family so yes, I am proud of myself.

"Peace, I finally called out.

Can we live here forever, just you and I, away from the world and its problem?"

"By that, if what you meant is you want to die here, then trust me, I will handle your funeral perfectly.

Now get up and let's get going."

"Ugh! I hate you."

"Yeah, whatever makes you sleep at night."

Peace drags my ass into the car as she drives us back home.

"Do you have to be so bitter?

Couldn't you have allowed me to have some me-time at that place?"

"No, I wouldn't want you to remain sitting there, looking lifeless as you think yourself into depression."

"I am not depressed... I called out."

"Of course"

We got back home and Peace had to return to her work so I buried myself into my work as I try to meet up with the deadline.

Hours pass by and I am still occupied with my writing when I suddenly heard the sound of the bell.

I'm not expecting anyone and Peace has her key so who could be there?

I walked to the front door, only to see Alex standing there emotionless.

He has done this a couple of times. He is either very angry right now or having issues.

He rarely shows emotions on his face and I guess that is how it works in the business world but usually, I can tell what is wrong with him because he opens up to me.

But right now, I can't read a thing on his face.

I contemplated whether I should let him in or not for a while but eventually gives in.

I break the silence. "Come in."

He followed me inside but he didn't say a word and we both stare at each other.

It was starting to get awkward so I speak again. "Why are you here?"

"About yesterday, I apologise for my mom's behaviour."

"Is that why you are here?"

"I know what she did was wrong so here I am, apologizing on her behalf."

"Really?"

"Why are you making it sound like you are a saint too?"

"Are you kidding me right now?

Your mom talked down on me in the presence of everybody.

She embarrassed me as if that is not enough, she had the gut to call me a whore like wtf?

When you knew your mother would not accept me, why bother to introduce me?

Why waste my time looking good for that woman?

Why did you lie to me?

Is that your plan all along?

You knew your mom would never accept me, yet you took me along with you. Couldn't you have just left me alone?

You knew I was not up to your family standard yet you asked me out!

Did you want to see me disgraced that bad?

" Hey, chill, okay?

I had no idea my mom would react that way, and you were not exactly polite either.

For fuck sake Vivian you talked back to my mom!

As if that wasn't enough, you insulted her, you embarrassed her too.

So don't fucking play the victim right here."

"Ah! Stupid me.

I thought I was different,

I thought I was special, so it was all a facade. You couldn't even stand up for me.

You were there the whole time Alex!

You heard what your mom said, and what did you do?

Nothing, absolutely nothing.

You stood there saying mom stop, she is my girlfriend.

You could not even support me or stop your mom from her bullshit so what were you expecting?

For me to stand and watch as your mother treat me with scorn in a public place?

Ah! Bite me."

"What would you have done if you were in my position vee?

What?

You talked back to her

You were not nice too

It was normal for her to flare up."

"Why did you bother coming here when you know you would only end up defending your mother?"

" I am not defending anybody but Vee, that was rude!

You had no respect for me because if you do, you would have respected, my mom, too.

I apologise for what my mom said but that does not cover up for your actions too.

It was stupid."

"Maybe it was stupid, but I would be more than happy to defend you anywhere Alex and you know it.

So why couldn't you do the same for me?"

"I would have done the exact thing too if you did not take it upon yourself to talk back."

"So, I should have kept quiet, is that what you are saying?"

Your mom disgraced me.

She made me feel so little. Wanted to cry so bad, and the least you can do was to just stand there?

Alex, I am disappointed."

"Fine, I'm sorry.

I apologise for my mom's behaviour and I can assure you that such would never happen again."

"Okay"

"Babe, I said I'm sorry."

"I'd be lying if I said it's okay but I will let it go, just this time."

"Thank you, babe."

Finally, I can get to see some emotion on his face.

He looks sorry but I can tell he is still angry.

Is the anger directed at me?

That, I can't tell but if it is, he is doing one hell of a great job in restraining himself from busting.

We talked for a while, even though we are still both very angry, we still talked out our problems and try to move on.

That is how it has always been for us.

Yesterday's problem has never affected our today.

We have a way of sorting our problems but that is only possible because we communicate well.