✷SPACE✷
_______________
Jameson got to his apartment and slam his door shut. His fingers went straight to his hair. ‘It’s the right thing to do James, you did the right thing’ He kept assuring himself but couldn’t suppress the anxiety growing inside him.
___
Back in New York he remembered how Jackie knocked on the door of his room. They all lodge into an hotel, their room not far from each other.
Opening the door, his face contorted into a surprise one.
“Jackie?” He frowned. “What are you doing here?”
“Just checking up on you. You seem paled for a moment while we were at the beach. That was why you left early. Are you alright?…”
“I thought I clearly told you no to worry about me Jackie” He cut her off.
“None of your friends or even your sister knows you’re sick. This is too risky” Jackie said.
“I’ll be fine, if that’s what you wanna know” Jameson said, trying to close the door but she held it.
“Wait” she stated and he waited for her to speak again. She draw out a small container in which Jameson recognized.
“Your drugs, you left them when you excused yourself at the beach” Jackie said, stretching out the container to him. He took it from her and stared at it.
Worries wash over her face as she swallowed hard. She finally know what is wrong with him.
“You have sickle cells anemia” She mumbled, her eyes tearing up a little. “How serious is it?”
“Jackie” He called.
“Why are you hiding it?”
“Jackie” He called again.
“Does Yazmine know about this?”
“Jackie!!” He called out loud enough to shut her up. With heavy breaths, she stared at him. “How did you even know?”
“I have a friend with the same drugs and she had the same disease too..” she paused and swallowed. “She died last year”
Jameson clinched his jaw, now he have to deal with her knowing his secret.
“Look Jackie, just keep this a secret okay?” He said.
“But…”
“But what!” He snapped. “This is my business okay? I found out about my sickness a bit late and what.. I should make everyone worried about me. That’s the last thing I would do Jackie. I’d appreciate it if you keep your mouth shut okay?” He said coldly.
“I was just worried about you..”
“Don’t.. I’m fine. Don’t push it, or I might h@të you” He said coldly shutting the door.
____
As the memory ends, Jameson throw his head backwards on the couch, his fingers going through his hair. He didn’t mean to be harsh on her but, finding out about his sickness is bothering for him.
___
Diego woke up slowly from his sleep due to his phone ringing. A frown on his face as he force his eyes open. He stretched his clumsy hand to reach it.
“Speak” He answered the phone in a hoarse voice.
“Mr. President, your flight” The voice reminded and Diego grunt.
“I’ll be right there” He replied. Sitting up slowly, a white wet cloth fell from his forehead. Picking it up, confusion washed all over his face.
‘It’s alright.. everything will be alright’
His eyes widened as last night memories flooded in.
“Candy?” He stood up in search for her. Did she leave already? Or was last night just a dream.
Candy had seen his weak state, it takes time before getting himself back but instead he fell asleep in her arms. Jameson had told him they will be back after a week, was she really here?
“You’re awake” Her tiny voice sounded behind him. He turn to look at her.
“Candy” He called lightly.
“How’s your fever?” She asked, stepping closer to him. Diego lips stayed parted as he stared at her close. Her beautiful black hair was tied into a bun, its tail falling over her left shoulder. Her long lashes flutters as she observe him.
“Do you still have a fever?” She asked again, snapping him back to earth.
“I had a fever?” He frowned.
“Yeah, it was pretty bad. Judging from your words, I guess you’re okay now” she said. Diego gaze caught the sight of a small bag she was holding. She was even dress like she was about to leave
“Where are you going?” He asked.
“Well, I just needed some space. I wanted to leave before you wake..”
“Huh? Why would you leave?” He asked. Candy was a bit surprised by how he sounded.
“I need space”
“From what”
“You sir. I need space from you” She answered, her smile disappearing from her face.
“Look about that day I was just upset because…”
“There’s no need to explain. I get why you acted that way but you don’t know what you want sir..”
“It’s Diego, don’t call me sir. It feels awkward” He stated. Hearing his name yesterday, made him want to hear it more.
“That’s what I should call you, cus that’s our relationship. We are more like ghosts than a couple. Couples share their pains and joy with each other but that have never happened between us. Most time I feel like I’m the only one trying to make this work but, I’m tired.. I’m tired of trying to please someone who doesn’t give a Fuçk” Her voice becomes colder at each word.
“And the funniest part is that, I still can’t give up. If I want to, it’s too late” She took a deep breath trying to keep her calm. She was referring to the fact that she now loves this man and giving up isn’t an option. She just need to find another way to make it work, but for now, she needed space.
Diego feelings was all mixed up. Sensing her hurt and anger, he couldn’t help but scolded himself inwardly.
“You don’t want me to act nice then, I’ll fulfill your wish” with this she turn to leave.
“You should stay Candy” His word made her stop her track.
“Why?” She asked tilting her one side.
“Because…” He paused not knowing what to say. He thought for a while and then break the silence.
“If you leave, I might have nightmares again” his replied made her scoffed.
“So you want me to stay because of your nightmares?” She asked.
“No.. I mean, what about your meals”
“You want me to stay because I cook?” She asked. Diego knew his answers are going wrong, how does he get this right? She need to stay.. before he could speak, she said.
“Come get me, once you find the right answer” Candy bow a little. “I’ll be leaving now”
Diego couldn’t stop her, even though he badly wish to. She was right, she need to get away from him for sometime but…
The house felt empty the moment she shut the door…
His fist clinched beside him.
___
(GONZALEZ COMPANY)
“So you two now live together, huh? This fun” Jameson said folding his arm.
“Why are you acting surprise?” Yazmine rolled her eyes.
“I’m just worried about my dear friend”
“Well teach him how to get his woman. Oh wait, I think I’m asking the wrong person” Yazmine muttered bringing her hand to her lips.
“What do you mean?” Jameson asked blinking.
“You don’t know how to get a woman. You and the president are literally the same. Gosh!” Yazmine shook her head and Jameson scoffed.
“Jackie is planning to become an intern. She wish to learn from you James, I hope you treat her well” Candy smiled.
Hearing the name Jameson roll his tongue in and nodded.
At that moment, Diego appeared and Candy stopped eating. Their eyes connected but Candy look away almost immediately.
“C’mon James we’ve got business” He walked away. Jameson gave Candy a glance before following him.
“Candy are you okay?” Yazmine asked.
“I’m fine” She muttered doubting her words deep down.
Meanwhile, as Jameson and Diego walk, Jameson shook his head. He knew Diego only came towards them because of Candy and used him as an excuse.
Diego would have just call if he needs him.
“Why can’t you just open up to her?” He asked the man walking with both hands in his pocket.
“About what?”
“About your feelings man” Jameson replied.
“I don’t even know how I feel. I’m confused myself, how am I supposed to tell her?” Diego sighed, his expression disturbed. “I didn’t know woman are so hard to read. Fuçk” he muttered.
“You should have known this before hurting her in the first place”
“Don’t scold me and tell me what to do alright. This Sh|t is driving crazy. I don’t even know what to think alright?”
“Fine follow my lead.. but for now, just give her a little time”
____
Yazmine spot Aiden’s seat and found it empty. She remembered how Aiden got a call while they were on the trip.
“Your sister was trapped in a fire. Where are you Aiden?!” His neighbor called that day. Aiden’s didn’t panicked so hard.
“I’m coming with you” Yazmine said to him.
“No, don’t” Aiden refused swinging his bag behind him.
“Give me a call when you get there okay”
As the memory ends, Yazmine pinched the bridge of her nose. Aiden haven’t given her a call since then and she was worried. She had called him but he never picked up.
Her mind drifted to the place she visited that night.
“I guess I’ll have to go there tonight” she mumbled.
___
That evening, Candy walked into a restaurant where a man dressed in a black and white business suit was waiting for her.
“Good afternoon Mr. Henry” Candy greeted politely.
“Oh Miss. Candy” The man smiled as Candy say before him.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting” Candy asked, her aura exuding calm and comfort. She was here to sign a contract of a very important partner of the Gonzalez company.. this contract is going to favour her father’s company too.
That was why she decided to show up personally.
“Not at all. The contract is ready for your signature” The middle aged man bought out some docvments. “But I’ll like to ask you some question first”
“What is it?” She ask.
“Are you really married to President Diego?” He asked catching Candy off guard. Seeing her silence, Mr. Henry assured calmly.
“I’m a family friend, I just happen to hear the rumor so I was just curious. You should have known about me already”
Mr. Henry is said to be a close man to the former president.. which is Diego’s father, whom she haven’t met before. Sighing, she knew this man would mean no harm.
“Yes I am. It was kept a secret for a reason” Though the reason wasn’t there anymore but she felt, she still should leave that way.
“That is pretty mixed up” Mr. Henry stated.
Candy frowned. Mixed up? What does he mean?
“I heard you were mistaken as my daughter. She was supposed to be the one at the alter, instead you showed up and cause a big misunderstanding”
Daughter? Wait, could he be…
“Hello Candy” A familiar voice sounded behind her. Venessa. She had almost forgotten about her. Mr. Henry is her father… Oh Sh|t!
Venessa had been staying low, waiting for her father’s arrival. Candy began to wonder how she was going to get herself away from this.
“Mr. Henry…”
“Was that true?” The man question cut her off. “Did you decieved the president”
“I did it to save myself back then. I mean no harm beside Venessa was no where to be found that day”
“That didn’t give you the right to take my daughter’s place. It’s not done that way Candy” The man sounded cold this time around.
Venessa smirked as she sat beside her father. Her eyes looking down at Candy.
“Her history is such a pity father. Her step mother was Labeled as a whore with her indecent video streaming online not too long ago and oh not to forget that she killed her father. She currently in prison. What a bad history” Venessa shook her head.
Candy knew Venessa was trying to make her lose her cool and enrage before this man. With this, she managed to suppress her anger and spoke.
“I’ll be leaving Mr. Henry, sorry for the…”
“Leave? What about the contract?” The man asked. “Tssk.. you’re also bad with business too?”
“Then let me sign the contract, if you’re not interested then I should probably take my leave” Candy tried to keep her voice calm.
“How rude!” Venessa slammed both hands on the table gaining the attention for the customers around them.
“How dare you speak to my father like that!!” She exclaimed.
Candy gaze remain on Mr. Henry, she stood up and bow.
“I’ll be leaving” She muttered. She gave Venessa and calm look and turn to leave the restaurant but…
“How could I have forgot about your dirty secret Candy. Mark…”
Hearing the name, Candy stopped walking. How in the world did Venessa know about Mark?
“I heard he cheated on you that night, you lose yourself and cause an accident killing him and your unborn child. What if you do the same to Diego”
Venessa’s words was close to the height. Candy clinched her fist hard, tears threatening to come out.
“Not to forget the most important part. You can’t even bare child. Barren woman”
That’s it! This Bîtch is going down. Swirling around, Candy marched fast towards Venessa immediately. The anger on her face made Venessa’s breath halt for a moment.
Grabbing the glass cup on the table, she swiftly smashed it on her face. Taking Venessa by the hair, Candy hit her head repeatedly on the table and swing her to the floor.
The people around gasped.
“Woman!” Mr. Henry roared, but got a cold glare and warning from Candy.
“When I get this mad I don’t mind ages, so stand back while I deal with your daughter”
Mr. Henry felt a chill down his spine. He never knew Candy was this strong. His eyes caught a figure who just stepped into the restaurant.
“Diego!” He called out. Candy who was about to continue her work stopped and looked up at him. His expression was blank.
Venessa stood, holding her bleeding face. “Look what she did to me, all because I said the Fuçking truth!”
Other people in the restaurant was busy recording. Diego ignored Venessa and walked up to Candy.
“What happened?” He asked lightly.
“She is crazy!” Mr. Henry said. Diego shot a glare at him shutting him up.
“She called me a barren woman” Candy answered his question.
Diego lifted his gaze to Venessa’s bleeding face.
“She is not bleeding enough wife. Work on that” he said calmly.
His word shocked everyone in the restaurant except Candy.
Turning her gaze back to shocked Venessa, Candy smirked.
“I’ll break some of her bones too” she muttered.
༆𝑻𝑩𝑪༆
