Chapter 5
985 Words
So far, I've been asked where I shop, how much protein I eat, what I do for work, and how I feel
about several topics. This is still going on, even as Sierra brings out dessert.
I smile gratefully at Christian when I see it's my favorite hot lava cakes. He knows me so well.
"Watch it maid!" Mrs. Monochero raps out as Sierra brings a plate from her tray to Mr.
Monochero.
I frown, seeing as she didn't so much as touch or spill anything.
"Did you take etiquette? You can't reach around people to deliver plates or drinks, you must
come in at an angle easily visable to everyone. Do you understand?"
The blonde bobbed woman nods and scrunches her face in embarrassment, setting the last plate
down before practically running out of the dining room.
"You need better help dear," Mrs. Monochero tells a frowning Christian.
"So Vasilisa, how do you feel about OJ?"
I blink quickly for a moment and shrug. What a random question.
"It's okay I guess. I don't favor the taste, but it keeps your muscles from getting sore after a
workout."
Everyone at the table snickers except Christian and his mother.
He smiles at me whilst his mother frowns in what can only be described as distaste.
"How do you not know who OJ is? Do you know anything?"
"Mother!" Christian scowls in suprise and I look at my half eaten lava cake in shame.
Orange juice is a person?
"Dear, if she doesn't know about one of the biggest scandals to date, how does she do
anything!?"
"Excuse me," I say getting up with no explaination. This may be considered ride, but I just need
a moment breathe.
The kitchen is the closest exit and I walk over as my boyfriend argues with his mother in the
background.
I never know who anyone is. I don't watch the news. I hardly listen to music that Christian
doesn't play. I just don't know. Christian is my world and if something doesn't involve him, it's
hard to find interest.
A snotty sniff sounds from the pantry and I frown before moving to investigate.
Poking my head in, I notice Sierra on the ground crying into a kitchen towel.
"Hey, what's wrong?" I ask kneeling next to her and patting her back comfortingly.
It's not like we're best friends, but we get along great, despite only seeing each other during meal
time.
"It's nothing," she waves her hand waywardly.
I pull the towel away from her flushed face and stare sympathetically.
"You can tell me."
She sighs and bites her lip for a moment before responding.
"It's Tanner."
I frown and beckon for her to continue.
"What about him?"
Sierra leans her head back against the wall in closes her eyes like she's in pain.
"I-I love him."
My eyes widen in shock and I stay silent while I process this news.
"I have since I met him a few months after working here. It's been almost five years and he
always flirted before getting married, but now it's like he doesn't notice me!"
I purse my lips. I never do understand how people get so attached to those who don't want them.
"Well he's married," I remind her as if she didn't know. "I hope you don't want him to cheat."
"Of course not," she says quickly. "I want him to choose me. I haven't dated anyone in so long.
I've been waiting for him, but I was heartbroken eight months ago when I found out he was
getting married. I just... I can't let him go."
I tear escapes my own eye. Half because I feel terrible for not knowing how to help and half
because I'm imagining if this was Christian and I.
I'd be lost without him. Sometimes I worry that he doesn't need me like I do him, and his
mother's attitude makes me think he could realize that too.
"Oh now you're crying," Sierra says guiltily. She holds her arms out and we embrace each other
in sort of crying hug. It's a girl thing.
"What's going on?"
Christian's hard, but concerned voice startles us out of our hug and we both turn to face him with
tear stained cheeks.
"Nothing," I say standing up and wiping my tears.
"It's nothing."
I help Sierra up and Christian sighs with frustration before giving each of us a hug of his own.
"I'm sorry girls. My mother should never have treated either of you like that or said what she did.
I'll get rid of them."
So he does. Yelling ensues on behalf of his mother and few defensive raises in tone echo through
the kitchen from his father, but soon enough, I hear the front door slam closed and leave Sierra to
putting the food away.
I've tried to help before, but apparently Christan has a very unique fridge system and every food
item goes in a certain categorized shelf. Needless to say, I'm not allowed to touch it.
•••
Christian POV
I feel bad for kicking my brother, sister in law, and niece out, but my parents have ruined the
entire evening.
My personal chef and girlfriend should for no reason, be huddled in an enclosed space crying.
So much for proposing.
I'll have to find some other special way. Dinner may have been a bit cliche any way.
"I'm sorry," Lisa's soft voice says from behind me.
I turn around and entrap her in an apologetic hug.
"I'm sorry. I'll never subject you to that again. Can I make it up to you?"
I'm a bit concerned when she isn't able to crack the usual smile that adorns her Beautiful face, but
I small nod brings me some relief.
Lifting her up, I carry her up the stairs and into our bedroom where I spend the entire night
making it up to her.
- Writer
