Jackson
Air has refused to reach my lungs. Her hand is on my thigh. Move in with me. Those words dangerously lurk on my lips and I hold back with all my will because I know it's too early to say it. She would refuse without a second thought.
'I should call a cab.' I said instead. She retreats her hand immediately, disappointment is evident on her face. It gives me a reason to smile. Old flames die hard, especially when they're as hot as me.
'Why are you smiling?'
'Did you want to invite me over?'
'Don't test your luck. I've already had drinks with you.'
'You hardly drank. I'm the one who's drunk here. Now let me call a cab.'
She shifted in her seat. 'Where will you park your car?' I answer her by parking it in her building's parking. She is ready to retaliate but I have no fear for the landlady has already been paid for this. I'd met that old woman earlier and gave a sufficient amount along with Cordelia's due rent so that she doesn't make a ruckus when she sees me around too much.
Cordelia stays in the car so I ask, 'Are you planning on spending the night in here?'
She sighed. 'Tell me honestly Jackson what did I say the night I was drunk?' it has to be something scandalous for her to be so worried about it. Did her father have an affair and now wants the mistress to have all his business and money? Or maybe Cordelia went out of her way and got involved with a guy who would bring shame to the family. There must be a reason why her ex is her ex.
'Why does it matter if I know?'
'You will use it against me.' Her eyes were dead serious about the accusation. She thinks I'm an asshole who would take advantage of her weakness. Well, she is right. I do want to know so that I can use it to my advantage in whatever situation is to arise between us next.
For now, I pretend to be a reformed guy. 'I will never do that.'
'Why not? After all…..'
I stared out the window. The parking lot was empty and dark. Suddenly, I was worried about her security. 'That is something that you do not me.' She was quiet. 'Close the door and windows well when you get into your apartment.'
She scoffed. 'Why? Are you going to break in? I'll not be surprised though. You did try to steal from someone's before.'
I clench my fingers around the steering wheel. 'Cordelia, allow me to remind you there is possibly nothing in that hut of yours that could be of use to me.'
She crosses her hands in front. 'Funny! You could've simply said that you were not a thief.'
'Even if I would've said it, there was no way you were going to believe it.' I looked at her and she held my gaze. I was left disappointed when she opened the door and went out of the car.
I rolled down the window and shouted, 'You know you can still apologize!' She stopped but didn't turn. Just say you're sorry Cordelia. I never got to hear that from you that day.
Fourteen years ago
'Get out!' The lady whose house I was working in barked.
I panicked. 'Where will I go?'
'I don't know. Go wherever you want but you're not staying here anymore. One look at you and I knew you would be trouble.' It was déjà vu. Last month I'd heard the very same words and then I was unemployed for days until I found work here. There was still a significant amount of school time left and I needed money to pay for my tuition.
'Let me stay here until school ends. Please, this is important to me.' I begged.
'The painting that you stole was important to me too.' Her livid eyes accused me and I stared in confusion. I thought she had caught me sleeping during work hours on the weekend. The owner of the house was a woman in her thirties who I had no idea worked where, but she threw cool parties almost every weekend for her friends. She'd hired me because she was too lazy to clean and there was way too much mess she would deal with by the time her guests left. I didn't mind the cleaning and when she offered to let me sleep in the garage I was okay with that too. But this weekend the year-end school assignments and being the librarian's assistant caught up to me and I slipped into sleep for hours until I was woken up by a jar of water. I'd apologized and she'd ignored me as anyone does to a doormat. I thought she was still upset because of that but this.
'I didn't steal anything.'
She scoffed. 'Tell that to the police.' She took out her phone and was about to dial the emergency number when I stopped her hand. She pushed me back. 'How dare you?! Just because a naïve high school girl fell for your charms and the stolen painting that you gifted her, doesn't mean you can go around touching anybody here. I'm a woman of class!'
I gulped. This was all going so wrong. One call from her and my entire career would be spoiled. 'Please ma'am! I can't have a police record. Please forgive me…..' I apologized even if I didn't understand half of the things that she said. Who was the girl she was talking about? When she didn't budge I fell to my knees and begged her again.
She sighed. 'Don't make me look bad! Fine! You don't want me to call the police and then get that painting back from your girlfriend.'
I looked up. 'I don't have a girlfriend.' As soon as those words left my mouth she slapped me so hard across the face I feared I'd lost my hearing. I placed a hand on my cheek where she'd hit me and stood up.
She saw the tears in my eyes. There is no way she missed them. But she laughed and then said, 'Cordelia Rosette was right about you.' She didn't leave me more confused and told me how the girl who stays a block away from her came with the painting saying that she didn't want her boyfriend to be involved in anything illegal. The painting was returned by Cordelia but the house owner wanted to test if I would tell her the truth so she acted as if she was going to call the police.
Cordelia had left me unemployed again, all within a month. There was unmeasured anger in me for her. Why did she have to go all the way out and hit me where she knew I would be hurt the most? Of course! She was the only player opposite me in this hating game.
Present
'It's not like you didn't equal the score.' Without looking back Cordelia reminded me that I might've not got an apology from her for that but I did get back at her.
Suddenly I had the urge to know from her why she did that. I got out too and held her hand before she gets into the elevator. 'Why were you so hell-bent on making me unemployed back then?'
She lifted her head, her chin up as if she was proud of what she did. 'I did what I wanted to.' A ring told us the doors to the elevator had opened and both of us got inside. 'I thought you were going home.'
'My cab hasn't arrived yet.'
'You haven't called a cab yet!' She yelled.
I moved closer to her. 'Shhh. I don't want an audience right now.'
'Strange you wanted an audience back then.' The sharpness of her eyes attacked me.
'I had to get back at you. Not only did you steal a painting and blamed me for that but also cost me my job!' She waited for her floor to arrive and when the elevator door opened again she stepped out. 'Go home, Jackson!' She said when she saw me following behind.
'First, tell me why you did it.'
'You told everyone in school that I was crazy about you and left you a note in your locker.'
We stood outside her door. I knew well she wouldn't open it until I left. 'That was for when you snitched to my previous employer about me being at that worker's bar.'
'You threw beer on me!'
'You called me servant!' The moment I shouted someone from the adjacent apartment came out and yelled, 'Keep it down! We're trying to sleep in here!' And then the door shut in our faces. I looked at Cordelia who was just as fazed as me.
'Time to leave.' She turned and opened the lock with her keys. Before she knew it I pushed inside before her. 'What are you doing?'
'Making a conversation.'
'I'm in no mood to talk to you. Get out!'
'I had to sleep in the school locker rooms for an entire week until I found another job.'
An emotion flashed on her face. 'You want me to apologize but why should I when you have already avenged me for all those things I did?'
'I didn't take my revenge properly.'
She looked sideways as her jaw clenched. 'Properly?! You had me on my knees in front of you, Jackson! With the whole boys' basketball team staring at me weirdly!'
'So what? I promised them a show I gave them one.' I said cockily that didn't go down well with her and she marched forward to slap me. Tomorrow at the meeting I would be stared at. The alcohol had kicked in by the time we left the restaurant but I managed to drive us home. I shouldn't have drunk and driven tough. But since I was already under the influence I could blame it tomorrow morning for what I'm about to do now.
I look at Cordelia and she is breathing heavily no more trying to control her anger. My hand takes her waist and she is instantly pulled towards me. I smashed my mouth on hers. The kiss wasn't meant to be romantic it was meant to remind her that this was still a war. We could've been civil. All she had to do was apologize but she didn't. So let her bare the consequences. My lips took her lower lip and tasted them like I had forgotten what they tasted like. The truth was I had never for once forgotten them, her. My other hand moved to her hair and I grabbed a fistful, might've pulled them a little. But then she placed a hand on my chest and I let go of her hair, now only gently caressing them as my tongue works its magic.
There is no way this is one-sided because she is responding as well. Old flame I told you about. This is it. Both of us as addicted to the drug we know can very well end us. She moaned and I am ready to take her to the couch but then suddenly when my legs hit the table in the center, it knocks some sense into me.
'How about you complete the task that was left incomplete that day?' She stiffens in my arms. I wrapped them even more tightly around her in case she wants an out. 'I'm sure you don't mind getting down on your knees again for me.' I whispered and she does the unthinkable.
Groaning in pain I'm on the floor when the front door opens and her best friend enters the scene with a look of horror on her face. 'What in the hell happened here?'
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Cordelia
'I kicked him where it hurts the most.' I told Stacy who stood in the doorway horrified to see Jackson in my apartment. I guess his being on the floor was more the reason that she stared at me with her widened eyes.
Jackson didn't leave this chance to remind me of what the future holds as he said, 'you should've thought about our kids, darling.'
I shot him a glare. 'There will be no kids.'
Stacy shut the door when she was inside. 'I sure did come here at the wrong time.'
'No, you didn't. Jackson here was leaving.'
He got up. Damn, I should've put more power into the kick. 'Not so fast. We're yet to discuss our future despite you attempting to ruin it just now.'
With her hands on her hips, Stacy looked at me as if I'd hidden some deep dark secret from her. My head shook immediately to tell her I had no plans in keeping her out of this. 'He wants to marry me.' Jackson cleared his throat loudly and I rolled my eyes. 'I mean my grandfather wants him to marry me.'
'That I know.' She said and Jackson raised a brow.
He didn't react much when I said, 'She's my best friend. I tell her everything.'
'Not everything but almost…' I snapped my head in Stacy's direction and she pressed her lips together.
'As I was saying she knows everything hence it is only fair that she is informed of our possible arrangement.'
'Possible arrangement?'
I turned to Stacy and nodded. 'Jackson wants me to sign a contract with him. We'll be married for a short while until Grandpa is convinced and then we'll go our different ways.'
Stacy bit her lip and then took me to a side. 'Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean Jackson isn't a simple guy. I'm sure things aren't as simple as they look.'
'Trust me Stacy I'm not as bad as your friend here.' Jackson said from right behind us. I turned to find him very close. He grinned and I sighed.
'Stop saying nonsense.'
'I was just stating facts.'
Before I could respond and another argument could begin Stacy intervened. 'Okay, guys let's not waste our time by engaging in unnecessary fights. Both of you want something from Delia's grandfather and for that, you need to marry.'
Jackson interrupted her. 'I'm doing this because I owe him. I don't want….'
I raised a hand in the air to shut him up. 'All of us here are aware of your materialistic tendencies. So don't try to fry us in butter.'
Stacy began again. 'So it would be better that you could join hands and get this over with without any damages to BOTH the sides.' I liked how she emphasized both because Jackson might think he's at a disadvantage as she is my friend. I didn't know that probably I'm not the only one who has a trusted one by my side.
I would admit I was a tad bit, only a tiny, very little bit, jealous when he said, 'Thanks for thinking about me Stacy but I have my people to worry about me.' He said, people. Is he mentioning his team or...? I gulped.
One look at Stacy and she knew there needed to be a girl talk. 'Okay in that case here is what I suggest. We meet tomorrow to discuss a contract. You can bring in whoever it is that you trust and I'll accompany Delia.'
He nodded with a smile. 'I've already had a contract drafted. I'll ask my secretary to send it over to you tonight. Both of you can ponder over it and suggest if there's anything to be added.'
'What if she needs to omit anything?'
'That won't do. I will stick by what I want.' When he said that he made sure to look at me up and down with a certain shine in his eyes. Huh! I looked away, my face heating up. How can I forget I was kissing him just a few minutes ago? I better reprimand myself for losing control. This cannot happen. Not after what he said tonight. I did get him dismissed from two of his jobs but I had my reasons for them. He didn't need to be a total jerk about it.
'Then how is this, a discussion?' Stacy asked.
'I never said it was.' He straightened his suit jacket and talked again. 'I will see you two tomorrow. My secretary will let you know where to meet.'
'You're not giving us an upper hand in the contract. Let us at least decide where to meet.' I don't know why I was allowing my best friend to do all the talking.
Jackson scoffed. 'No, thanks. I don't want to step into a below-average restaurant that doesn't even qualify to be called one again.'
My mouth fell open. 'What did you just say? There was nothing wrong with the restaurant okay?!'
He just stared at me and then chuckled. 'Oh no, Cordelia Rosette has officially become a human of the streets. She doesn't even know how to differentiate between decent restaurants and rundown stalls.' He was doing this purposely now! The restraint might've not been a five-star but it was not that bad. 'Tomorrow I'll show you, ladies, where nobles dine.'
'You've become boastful.' That came out unintentionally.
He didn't say anything until he was by the door. 'I've learned from the best. You.'
Someone exhaled loudly behind me. 'Delia, this guy is something.'
I made coffee for me and Stacy while she carefully sat on the couch, her eyes fixated on me. Both of us needed time to think. But I guess her patience ran out. 'You're going to marry Jackson Carter! Wow!'
Keeping her glass on the table I said, 'There is nothing to be excited about this, Stacy.'
'Maybe this will give both of us a chance to sort out the misunderstandings.' I rolled my eyes at her optimism. There is no way we're sorting out anything.
'There is nothing to sort out. Everything is out in the open. He hates me and I hate him too.'
'Then why did you try to help him back then?' I stared at her while taking a sip of the coffee that lacked sugar. Suddenly, it was too bitter.
'I was just having fun.'
'Then you shouldn't complain about him getting back at you for that.' She looked away after saying that because she knew I would be mad. To think of it, even if I was trying to do the right thing, he was unemployed because of me. But he shouldn't have gone too far after that.
Thirteen years ago
Another school year began and I was hoping for a great year ahead especially since now was the time I put in extra effort to get into the best college. Dad always said preparation should be started early. A year was still left till I finished school high school but I was already juggling between classes and extracurricular activities to show the future selectors that I'd run the extra mile.
But my extra mile was already cut short when I noticed him back in school. 'I thought he had left.' Stacy who was retrieving her books from the locker right next to me followed my gaze.
'Oh, Jackson. He never left.'
My head snapped. 'He didn't?' I clearly remember he was kicked out by his previous employer, the criminal lady. Then how come he could pay for his tuition fee?
It was as if Stacy was well aware of my thinking that she answered, 'He got a scholarship.'
I scrunched up my face. 'I filled out every application I could but I never got one. How come someone like him could?'
'Because he's an orphan and we're not.' I sighed. How can I forget? He was working because he didn't have a set of parents to support him financially. Times like this make me appreciate my parents even more. At least they didn't leave me alone in this world. I almost felt bad for Jackson but that almost converted into never when the very next day he decided it was to be the day of his revenge.
A note was left in my locker saying I had to be in the boys' locker room during lunch. Now I don't pay attention to any of these childish games but since it was signed in his name along with a warning that he would consider me a chicken if I didn't come, I went ahead. To be honest, I wanted to experience some thrill. Him, being completely mute for the end of last year made coming to school boring. I kind of missed broken test tubes in the chemistry lab, a false fire alarm leading to a flood in the classroom, fake insects in each other's burgers, getting him thrown out of his workplaces, calling him everything I could to irk him, and whatnot.
So when Stacy was getting ready to fight for that cheese salad that sold like a pop idol's concert ticket, I took the chance and vanished to reach the war location. Jackson, you better be ready, because I have some new insults ready to be rolled off my tongue.
'Not surprised that you came dancing in here to meet me, Cordelia.' He said the moment I entered.
'Stop pleasing your ego by false assumptions.' I retorted.
He smiled and walked to stand in front of me. He leaned against a locker and I did too. Why should I tell him that I was a bit nervous to be in an empty boys' locker room with him?
'What can I do when you're hell-bent on bruising my ego? I need to please it.'
I scoffed. 'Then suit yourself.' He smirked and suddenly coming here didn't seem like a smart idea at all. It got worse when he pulled his blue sweatshirt over his head. 'What are you doing?'
'Let's call it pleasing my ego. I don't want to use pauper language in front of my lady.' His tongue swirled at 'lady'. My heart started thumping loudly. Oh no, he was still upset about the whole painting episode that happened last year.
'Jackson, I did it because…..' He stayed in his place and kept a finger on his lips.
'Shhh…I already know what you did. Now I want to know what you will do to make it better.' No, Jackson might be a jerk but he wasn't sinister. I know he's doing it to scare me so that I don't bother him again.
'I….I….will apologize….'
He laughed. 'Oh Cordelia, I wish things were that easy.'
'What do you want then?'
I gulped when I noticed his eyes turning dark. 'The lady, she made me beg her.' He didn't need to say who I already knew who he was talking about. This was about the painting. 'I had to beg in front of the school, let them know I was a poor orphan and needed money complete the rest of the year.'
'You're still young. Child services would've helped you.' His laughter roared in my ears.
'Are you suddenly worried about me Cordelia?'
'Jackson….'
'Get down on your knees.' Suddenly I couldn't understand English. 'Do as I say.'
I took a deep breath and in a panic, I turned to leave but he blocked my way. 'You've lost your mind, Jackson.'
'All thanks to you.' It was as if there was no emotion left in him that he continued, 'They don't take people with a criminal record in Ivy Leagues.'
'Neither of us has one.'
'Yet.'
'What do you mean?'
'My ex-employer is ready to report you for stealing her painting.' My eyes widened in fear.
'But I was trying to…..'
'Get me in trouble.' I shook my head ferociously refusing his claim. Maybe I should tell him the truth.
'I did decide to trouble you because you always keep bothering me but later…..'
'Ha! You're confessing it now. But too bad. It's late. I don't need a confession, I need you to feel what I felt.'
Our eyes met for a second and I knew he could get me in trouble. I deliberated. He just wanted me to kneel. There was nothing else mentioned. Maybe he just wants me to ask for forgiveness for my falling at his feet. There's no harm in this. But what if he wants more…..I gulped. Shit, where was Stacy when I needed her to rescue me?
'Jackson….'
'Do it now!' He mouthed. I sighed. Finally giving in to his over-the-top demand I knelt on the floor. My knees touched the cold tile and I felt a shiver down my spine. 'Now look at me.' I followed his order like a puppet and raised my head but closed my eyes. There was no way I could see the satisfaction of him humiliating me like this. 'How are you going to look at me when your eyes are closed?' I didn't answer. That must've agitated him because his fingers got themselves entangled into my messy hair locks that were not restrained by a hair tie today. 'I just want you to see how it feels to be there. Not everyone is privileged like you, Cordelia. But we do live our lives with honesty. Don't you dare make someone question my honesty ever again!' I felt bad. Filled with the guilt I opened my eyes to stare into his. They were filled with so much emotion. Jackson wasn't the enemy right now he was my victim. An apology was almost on my lips when suddenly I heard a loud hooting. I froze but Jackson was quick to turn and his hand immediately retreated from my hair.
When I got to my feet again I was surrounded by cheers and lots of clapping from the whole goddamn basketball team of our school. They were slapping Jackson's back as if praising him and I with a horrified look on my face had nothing to do but run out of there. I remember I ran through the corridor, passing the classrooms, and the cafeteria, finally reaching a quiet corner of a library. My legs felt weak and I allowed myself to slump to the floor. Keeping a hand on my mouth I let the tears wreak my face. There's no need to mention this but after that day the image people had of me in their minds changed. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do about it except hate Jackson Carter even more. After all, he'd hurt me where it hurts the most. The intelligent, hardworking, kind but untouchable perfect student had now been reduced to a random girl who went down for Jackson Carter, the stud of the school.
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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