~LEONA~
I hugged him back and pulled away after some time.
"I think you should leave now. Raymond can come in anytime soon."
" What is wrong if he sees me? Anyway, he knows I'm in here. "
" What! Are you kidding me? "
" No Leo, Raymond was actually the one who opened the door for me yesterday. "
" He did? " My eyes popped.
He nodded. " I like how you made your hair, it looks good and you look more beautiful when you sleep." He touched my hair and wrapped it around his hand.
"Lemme ask you a question. Have you ever cut your hair?"
"No."
" Why?"
" I just didn't have the time, I was the busy type."
He raised a confused brow. "Busy when you were a kid?"
"Well, not really busy but I just didn't think of doing it."
" Your childhood must be boring then. I mean most girls always like to make new hair every week. My mum inclusive." He chuckled.
I was too busy learning and my dad wouldn't like for me to waste time in the salon. All I did during my childhood was studying.
"And why did you have to wear a wig when you have this wonderful hair?"
" I was protecting it from being cut by Yo..." I almost blurted but caught myself in time.
Yolando wanted me to cut the hair so I remembered I had to lie that I did and kept a wig on since then. I actually protected my hair just so he could look at it one day.
" Protecting it?" He questioned.
"Yeah, I was afraid someone might cut it when I sleep so I started wearing a wig." Seriously, is this what I could think of?
He just stared at me so I thought of saying something else. Maybe he's not convinced with my silly explanation.
"I wanted to cut it at a point but then I remembered you," I added half-truthfully.
" Alright, then you'll have to promise that no matter what happens, you're not gonna cut it. " He brought my hair to his nose and inhaled it.
" I can't promise that. Come to think of it, people won't stop watching once I step out with this hair. They'll think I'm insane or some weirdo. If you want me to keep it, then I'll have to wear a wig when I'm not around you. "
" Okay, that will be fine even though I'd love to see you flaunt it."
I rolled my eyes
" I have an idea. Why don't you curl it? It will make it short and in that way, you won't need the wig anymore. " He let go of my hair.
" You won't give up will you?"
"Never, it's my favorite thing on you." He replied and I couldn't help blushing.
" Okay, so why were you here?"
"Want to kick me out so soon?" He stepped back.
"Nope but it's not so soon either. You've been here since last night. I think you should go home."
"So you want me out then. "
" Don't get me wrong Dave. " His name sounds strange on my tongue.
"So tell me, do you still want to resign?" He asked with a serious demeanor.
" Why do you ask? "
" Because my offer is still available. You can be an architect in my company. " He grinned.
I smiled and shook my head as I walked into the washroom. I picked a dress along and changed after brushing my teeth then got out.
He was still around but now sitting on my bed with Leonard.
"Mama." Leonard called when he saw me then wiggled from Dave's arms.
He must've missed me, I miss him too. I sat on the bed and carried him. He began speaking baby language but since I didn't understand, I just kept nodding.
"Have you considered my offer?" Dave asked.
" Nope."
" Come on, I'll pay double."
" No Mr. Anosova. I actually considered leaving your company finally if you don't stop talking about me being your architect. "
" Okay. It's okay. I really don't want us to quarrel over this. I just thought you're good in architectural drawings but hey, I enjoy having you just a few feet from my office so I'll let it slide for now. " He gave me a warm smile.
"Why did you add extra to my salary?" I asked as I kept nodding to Leonard's talks.
"I didn't."
"Then who did?"
"You. You earned it. You don't hold any masters degree but you're doing so well. "
Uhm.. thanks." I'm really not used to people giving me compliments.
"Come here." He patted a space between his legs.
I looked at him in confusion as my baby also stopped talking and stared at where he patted.
" Come and sit Leo, I want to show you something" He pressed.
I placed Leonard on the bed and sat in between his legs then picked Leonard up on to my lap.
He shifted close to me that I felt his breath fan my neck.
"Now look forward." He instructed.
My eyes met our image in the mirror that was fixed in my closet.
"Just look at that Leo. Don't we look cute together as a family?"
My eyes met the mirror and I was astounded for a minute.
He's right. Even Leonard squealed when he looked into the mirror.
We looked like a perfect family. My son's resemblance to him is just a bonus. I've always wished for something like this.
But this is too much to ask for. I don't think I'll ever have a family like this.
"So? What are you implying?" I asked as I stared at him in the mirror.
He came closer, closer than before and even closer then he wrapped his arms around me from the back as his head settled on my neck.
"I was thinking since you've already gone ahead and made a junior Dave, why not make junior Leona."
This man.
I bit my lip to prevent my smile from widening further as I elbowed him. Just then the door opened and our eyes flew to the door.
Raymond stared at us with a raised brow. I shifted from Dave.
"Hope I'm not interrupting anything?" He questioned with his eyes pinned on us.
" No, you're..."
"Yes, you are." Dave cut me off before I could complete my sentence.
" I thought so..."
"No Raymond. You didn't interrupt anything." I moved further away from him. I was so mortified.
" You two actually look like a real family. I came to check on you before I leave but I can see you're okay. I'll leave you guys for now" He checked his wristwatch then gave me a look that says, ' you have some explanations to do.'
"Bye Leonard." He said and Leonard started waving him till he was out.
" Thank God he finally left! " Dave let out a dramatic sign.
" I think you should also leave." I got out of the bed mainly because Leonard has started crying silently. I'm sure he's hungry.
"I thought we could spend some time out together since today is Saturday." He followed as I walked into the kitchen.
Leonard's bottle was already made so I took it and walked to the sitting room.
"I don't think that'll be a good idea. Who'll take care of Leonard?" I asked when he also sat.
"No need to worry about that because we'll be going together."
" You won't mind?" I started feeding him and he became quiet.
" Why would I? "
I would love to spend some time with him too but it's been a month already when I left Yolando.
I'm sure his men are already out there searching for me. Dave is a popular man and once I step out with him, it's going to cause a stir in the city.
And if I'm not fortunate enough, there will be a couple of my pictures published in newspapers. If that happens, I won't need any soothsayer or angel to tell me that my end is near. I know I can't hide forever but I also know that I'm not ready for him. Therefore, I'm not gonna risk it.
"I don't feel like going." I declined.
"Oops, why not?"
" I just don't want to." I got up after he was done and dropped the bottle in the sink.
He still followed me.
" Alright, so what if we can't go out? We can do a lot of things here at home."
" Something like?" I asked and gave him Leonard while I washed his bottle.
" For starters, let's talk. Tell me about yourself."
I glanced at him to be sure he meant it and when his expression didn't falter, I sighed.
" What do you want to know?"
" Everything."
I turned to him with a quirked eyebrow.
He wasn't looking at me so I continued what I was doing. I decided to prepare breakfast while we talk.
"Actually there isn't much I can tell. I was born and bred in New Jersey. Mum passed on when I was a kid and dad remarried and had three girls. My dad is a fashion designer with a little shop. In order for me to study at the university, my sister's had to drop out of school including Raymond. I looked for a job after school and here I am."
" Wow, interesting. You were groomed to be your family savior" he summarized.
"So where's the rest of your family now? "
" I don't know, we lost contact and I'm yet to find them. You know, after that minor accident I had in the rain, everything changed. They moved out from where we once lived and I don't have the new address. Raymond and I are trying to find them. " I concluded truthfully even though I left some stuff out.
" What happened?"
" I don't know," I replied.
I don't know where they are but I know Yolando is responsible for their relocation and he knows where they are.
He went silent for a while before asking again.
"You didn't talk about Leonard's Dad so tell me. Who's he? Where's he and why's he not around? "
My movement halted as I tensed. It's good I was backing him else he would've seen how pale my face has turned all of a sudden.
I said the only thing that came into my mind.
"I would've told you if I wanted to but since I didn't tell you then I guess you should know your limit and mind your goddamn business." I turned to take Leonard from him but he stepped back.
" I'm sorry for asking. I didn't know it was something you don't like to talk about and I am okay if you don't want to tell me. I understand, okay?"
His voice was gentler than I thought and I felt guilty for blowing up unnecessarily.
I nodded and made to take Leonard but he turned from me and placed his head on Dave.
I tried to take him again but he refused. I decided to use force but he began to cry.
"Let him be Leona."
What the heck? Why's he refusing to come to me?
"He's my son Dave, you don't tell me what to do." I was acting bitchy but I don't care. I don't understand why he would refuse to come to me.
"I know he's your son, Leo. Stop feeling insecure. It's not like I'd be taking him from you. He just feels like being with me for the moment." It was evident in his voice that he was trying not to lose his cool.
I didn't think of that. It never crossed my mind that his dad can appear out of nowhere and demand for his baby even though the chances were slim. I swear, I can't bear it if it happens. I'd just die.
"Calm down Leona. I promise no one is going to take him from you, I'll make sure of that. He's your son and yours alone." He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
His voice was soothing and it calmed my nerves a little.
I reached to hug him but my stomach suddenly growled loudly. I felt a bit embarrassed and rushed back to continue what I was preparing.
He chuckled, "I'm also hungry Leo, make something for me too."
" I won't. You haven't brushed your teeth, remember? "
" I did, I used your brush." He confessed.
" Geez, you're impossible. Why the fuck will you do that? "
" Sue me later but give me something to eat first." He replied nonchalantly.
" Yeah, but did you know that it was the same brush I used? You should've told me earlier."
" What's the deal in using your brush? Couples do that all the time."
" But we're not couples." I turned to him. "And it's weird."
" We may, who knows." He said and I could feel my heart thumping faster as heat rushed to my cheeks. Dave and I? Couples?
"Come here, Leo." His eyes stared dreamingly at me.
I dragged my feet on the tiled floor till I got to him then he pulled me to his side with his free hand.
"I've been wanting to do this since you woke up. I can't control myself anymore." He mumbled and sealed his lips on mine.
Butterflies erupted like volcanoes and spread sparks in me.
It's amazing how things change quickly between us. From screaming at each other to apologies then to arguments and now kissing. This us. Leona and Dave are like that.
.
.