Six: A cold house

What was going on today?

I opened my eyes and looked at Saint at the same time he looked at me before getting outside the car to check what had hit us.

He came back a few minutes later and started the engine without saying another word. Blood rolled down from the side of his head towards his temple and I saw him wipe it off

The traffic light turned green and we drove off. From the side mirror, I saw a woman standing, a hat on her head with shades on, both arms folded.

I didn't say a word to Saint either as I guessed he also saw her.

CJ and the rest were already at the house as we got there.

"Take her to the room," Saint said to him, "And put the guys at every corner of the house. Make sure she's safe."

CJ signalled Rex to take me to my room which he did while he (CJ) left with Saint.

I glanced back in an attempt to see if Saint was doing okay and I couldn't even tell.

Betty had already rung my phone a countless number of times and I decided to call her back.

"You fucking disappeared yesterday Jade!" She screamed through the phone.

"Yeah I'm fine," I told her, knowing fully well the purple bruises on my wrist still hurt badly.

"It's the second time now and I'm starting to get worried."

"I'm fine I promise," I told her again.

We talked some more about random things before hanging up.

I also texted Suzy multiple times again but she didn't reply to any of the texts.

* * *

I slept off and the next time I woke up, it was evening.

After some more lazy minutes in bed and my whole body aching, I decided to fix myself dinner. Rex wasn't in sight anywhere and I couldn't care much either.

I went into the kitchen and checked it out. Everything was in stock there and I could fix myself whatever I wanted.

I cleaned up the dishes after eating just as I saw Rex walk into the kitchen.

"Miss Jade," He said coming over to where I was, smirking.

I gave him a displeased look as he came to stand in front of me.

"Oh c'mon, don't give me that look huh? I'm only doing my job," He said walking closer to me.

I took several steps backwards until I felt my lower back touch the sink.

"What're you doing right now Rex?" I asked staring into his eyes, trying to cover how frightened I was at that moment.

He laughed at that, amusement clouding his whole face. "When I first saw you, I thought you would be cranky and hot-headed. I was wrong," He said.

My hands trembled as I reached slowly behind me, searching slowly for the table knife which I hadn't put away yet after washing without him noticing.

"You're just a sweet little girl, aren't you," He said again as he reached for the strands of hair which fell on my face. He tucked them behind my ear and smiled.

"Stop this Rex," I told him as I finally grabbed the table knife and held it tightly behind me waiting for him to make the slightest move on me before I use it on him.

If there was one thing Marcel had taught me while we lived together, it was how to attempt to defend myself. He had always said he wasn't sure he'd be by my side for long, so the least he could do for me was try to keep me safe from his father.

Although he always showed up to protect me, he did add that a day like this was definitely going to come.

Rex came closer as he rubbed my neck gently and closed the gap between us making it uncomfortable for me to move.

"What's going on here?" Came a voice and we both turned to see CJ standing at the entrance looking from one person to another.

Rex shut the cupboard above us, holding a pack of sugar. "She couldn't reach this", He said smiling as he dropped it beside me and then winked at me before walking away.

"Ayo CJ, I'd be out for the night bro, you can put someone else in charge of the room," He said on his way out.

CJ looked from him to me again and I was sure CJ didn't believe him but he didn't say anything either.

I dropped the knife back behind me and took a deep breath glad that CJ had shown up. I could swear I hated it here.

"How're your injuries?" He asked which made me look at my wrist.

"Not too bad I guess,"

"That's good then,"

"How is Saint doing?"

"He doesn't want to be disturbed at the moment," CJ said before turning to leave. "If you're done with dinner, you can go back to your room."

With that, he walked away.

I waited until I couldn't see him again before leaving. I glanced around the whole place noticing things I hadn't previously. How cold and empty everywhere actually felt. How dark paintings hung around a few corners.

I walked into the living room, the place looked nicely decorated, and the grey-coloured walls made the whole space feel empty. I saw a picture on the wall and walked closer to see an older man and woman with three children behind them.

One looked like Saint and the other boy and girl seemed like twins. I concluded it was Saint together with his family and admired how cute Saint looked in the picture.

Almost immediately, I heard some movements coming from a nearby room and walked towards that place, curiosity getting the best of me.

The door was slightly open and peeked to see Saint sitting in front of a mirror dressing his wound, biting down his lower lip to hold in the pain.

He grunted in pain as he stopped for some time before continuing.

I saw him stop and stare at the door through the mirror, "Who's there?"