“Miss,” Cedric called, snapping me out of my daydream. The bottles of aroma therapy were already in front of me. I chose to sniff each one of them. As for the ones with flower images, I set them aside. They would make me nauseous for sure.
My choice fell on the ones with a lot of Eucalyptus and Ginger. At least, their scent was relaxing when I inhaled them. Once I made my selection, Cedric smiled again. I couldn't ignore his effort, right? So, as an appreciation, I thanked him.
"I'm glad I can be of use to you, at least."
I was taken aback for a moment. "Why?"
I saw Cedric blink and look a bit embarrassed. I sat up straight on the long sofa while he chose to sit on the single one, right across from me.
"Uh... because you're pregnant, so I feel responsible for you."
"So, if I weren't pregnant, you wouldn't be like this?" I don't know why I asked this way. It only made Cedric stare at me intensely. Ugh, why did I say that, Anya?!
"Let's forget about that. Just answer my question honestly." I waved my hand to dismiss my own awkwardness and said, "What did you talk about with Krystal when I was at the hospital?"
His brow furrowed, and his expression showed that he was thinking. "Talk?"
"Oh, come on. Just answer."
"I said we were in a relationship but kept it professional at the office."
"WHAT?! ARE YOU CRAZY?!"
"I haven't finished, Miss."
I was shocked. Half-dead!!! I took as much air as I could and tried to calm myself down, although it was really hard.
"If not that, your reputation would be ruined in Krystal's eyes. At least, you could blame me. Because I was the one tempted."
This conversation was making me even more insane! I don't understand where Cedric gets such an immense amount of confidence! Krystal, you know! He faced Krystal. Okay, Krystal is not my mother, but I have so much respect for her. I consider her a role model and a mirror in all my life's achievements.
Rather than continuing and making myself emotional, I need a lot of energy to just curse Cedric out. So, I took my chosen aroma therapy bottle and headed for the toilet. I couldn't bear to keep facing Cedric. It would give me a headache.
"I'm going to take a bath!" I snapped.
"I'll wait outside the toilet door."
"Are you crazy?!" Seriously, Cedric's brain doesn't exist!
"Just in case something happens to you." Cedric spoke with concern in his tone. I could see it, but no! I wasn't having it!
"My toilet door is made of glass, and you know that clearly."
He still smiled! "I know."
"Are you trying to peep on me or what? You're such a jerk!"
"I've seen you naked before." His smile still adorned his lips. "I could never forget that."
The perfect definition of a jerk, I must say! Right?
"I'm not that perverted to spy on you while you bathe. Why would I? I just want to see only if the owner of the body allows it."
I didn't feel like dealing with this. I was just cursing Cedric in my mind perfectly. Later... later, I would surely get back at him.
***
I felt energized. It was refreshing to soak in the foamy water with the scent of ginger filling the room. I enjoyed it. When I got out, Cedric wasn't at the door. I knew he was there since I entered the bathroom. His silhouette was evident, not facing towards me. Not at all.
He leaned against the glass, probably scrolling through his phone, killing time while waiting for me. I didn't ask. I really didn't care about Cedric's presence when I bathed. What I wanted was to relax. As I started drying my hair, I saw him stand up and not return. I guessed he knew that I had finished my bath.
Since my energy was fully restored, I was ready to scold Cedric to retaliate for his words earlier. Relaxing didn't mean I forgot, but what he said could be forgiven. However, my intentions vanished into thin air when I stepped out of the room. The aroma of delicious soup filled the kitchen. I imagined hot soup poured over rice with extra meat and crunchy crackers. Don't forget the chili and freshly squeezed lime juice for added flavor.
Suddenly, I felt hungry.
"Miss."
This was the first time I saw Cedric wearing a pink apron. Yep, it was clear. It was also his first time invading my kitchen. The apron belonged to me and I often used it when I wanted to cook something.
"I'm heating up the soup we bought earlier. The rice is almost done. Can you be patient a little longer?"
I might have drooled. I felt embarrassed. "Oh, okay."
"I apologize if it seemed impolite."
Ah, I just realized I wanted to scold Cedric. Why did I forget? "Yeah. You really lack manners with me."
And once again, he did something I hated. He smiled.
"Shall I make you some warm lemon tea?"
Damn it, I nodded. And foolishly, I approached. I sat on the kitchen chair, not far from where Cedric stood, a minimalistic space for eating. My apartment wasn't big, but it was more than enough for me alone. Two bedrooms, a toilet near the kitchen, and a private one in my room. The kitchen area wasn't too large, but it could accommodate four people.
The living room only had a sofa and a flat-screen TV that I didn't remember when I last turned on. I rarely watched TV. Maybe because I was too tired, I preferred to spend time in my room. The part of this apartment that I liked the most was the balcony. I could place a small table and two chairs there, perfect for relaxing while feeling the gentle night breeze.
Cedric was quick to prepare dinner for me. It was just as I had imagined, and it was amazing.
"Aren't you going to eat?" I realized that the bowl he had prepared was only for me.
"No. You should have it, Anya."
I shrugged my shoulders. It wasn't my concern if he didn't want to eat, right? After all, I was sure the heated Soto was more than one portion. It should be enough for him too.
"I'm glad that you're eating regularly these days."
My spoon froze in the air. I lost my appetite again upon hearing his words.
"Why don't you continue?"
"I don't feel like it," I said, wiping the corner of my lips from the Soto broth. I was hungry, but Cedric's words, which seemed like an excuse to pay more attention to me, made me uncomfortable.
"You need to understand my situation as well. I don't need your protection to face Krystal, and I personally don't plan to stay in this belly for long."
I could see the change in Cedric's expression. The smile that had been on his lips disappeared completely.
"I don't want to sacrifice many things I have. Consider this the biggest mistake in my life, and I don't want you involved in it." I wasn't afraid to challenge his black eyes, which gradually lost their luster and were replaced with disappointment.
"I want to take responsibility, Anya. I won't run away."
I sighed softly. "It's not about responsibility, as you know."
I let there be a brief pause before continuing. "It's late. I want to rest. You can go home."