Chapter 19: Just give space

RUSSELL'S P.O.V
I will make sure that we will talk properly tonight. I won't let her go away. Never!
"I'll take a bath."-she said and walk away. I pulled her up and carry her. She looks surprised and gave me that look in her eyes.
"What are you doing?! I said I'll take a bath. Put me down, Russell! Hey!"-she shouted. I walk towards the bathroom and put her in the tub. I closed the curtain and sit on the floor.
"Take a bath while we talk. I need to explain to you. I'm sorry if I need to use this in order to speak with you. I tried to think why your mad at me. Thanks to Jackson, I had a clue to what it is. It's Vivian, she saw that your calling and answer the phone while I'm talking to coach."
"Vivian? Who is she?"-she ask.
"A new trainee for the swimming group. Technically she is my junior. Coach introduce her to us yesterday."-I said. She threw her clothes on my side and I heard the flow of the water. I even feel it using my hand.
"Vivian you say? What is her whole name?"
"Vivian Westley. I heard she attend from the same middle and high school with you."
"Vivian Westley? I see, I know her. She is a famous cheerleader and she's my classmate."
"I see. I thought she is just a schoolmate. What did she say to you that time?"
"Its none of your business."-she said.
"It is, it makes you mad. I am worried that if we can't figure this out, you will keep on giving me a cold shoulder. I just hate it."
"Just don't mind me. It's better off this way."
"If it doesn't bother you, it does to me. You are too proud to say that we will make this work but look at you. You can't even talk to me and make things clear. How can we manage to be together if your being obstinate? Tell me, Simone? We have to talk and fix that damn problem."-I said. She didn't answer. I tried to control my emotions and calm myself.
"Simone, are we really ready to be a married couple? Maybe we made a wrong decision, are we getting back for being a strangers? Is that what you want?"-I ask. She didn't answer.
"I guess that's what you want."-I said. I pulled my necklace and unlock the handcuff.
"I'll ask my mom for her sleeping clothes. I will put them in the bed. I'll sleep somewhere."
SIMONE'S P.O.V
I heard his footsteps and I wanted to run to him and hug him. 'Why did you suddenly appear right in front of my nose, Vivian? Now I remember why that voice is familiar.' I still remember those days in high school. Is she trying to--no! I will never let that happen. I stood up and grab a robe. I ran outside and look if he already bring the clothes that he is talking about. The door opens, he look at me with sad eyes.
"Here. Mom is teasing me and he gave a lingerie instead. I'm sorry. If you're uncomfortable then you can choose any of my clothes."-he said. He gave me the clothes and walk away. I let him. At this moment, I don't want to make impulsive decisions that I can't handle. Maybe this is the right time. I need to analyze my own feelings and know what I really wanted. That way I can be a much better wife for him. Maybe he was right, I am not ready yet in this life that I ask from him. We need some space especially me. I went go bed with so much things I have in mind.
When breakfast is serve. He sat beside me and starts to serve me. Which I find it sweet but I feel guilty. I end up doing the same and his parents seems to be watching carefully.
"Simone, what are your plans now regarding the baby? You said that your ready to be a mother, I keep on asking this because I wanted to be a grandfather as soon as possible. I already envied our friends who always flex their grandbabies."-he said.
"Daddy Paulo, Russell and I have to clear things up and get used to this married life. But I promise that before this year ends, you will hear a good news from us. We still have 5 months aren't we? I don't want to be tiring because he is making a way in sport competitions and he is trying to become a great businessman as well."-I reason out.
"Okay. But I heard your promise once again. You will give us good news before year ends."
"Yes, daddy Paulo. I promise."-I said. He smile.
"Okay. If that's what you said. And you?"
"I agree with what she said. I will just settle my schedule and try to have more time with her and as what she said, we will give you a good news before this year ends."-he added.
"The two of you seems to be working better than those who get married unwillingly."
RUSSELL'S P.O.V
I smile and speak even if I feel suffocated inside. I don't want this kind of set up. I want to continue what we have but she want something else. Maybe I should understand her. She needs her own space.
"It's because we accept our fate and we're busy enough and we don't have time to be childish."
"He is right mommy Alma. It's better if we just start to accept this situation."-she said.
"Okay. I'm happy to hear that."-mommy. After that breakfast, my mother ask Simone first before we left the house. Dad suddenly stood beside me.
"Something is wrong, right? I can tell."-he said.
"We're okay. We will be fine. We're both in adjusting period dad. We will get used to each others company."-I said. He just nod.
"Ladies are quiet complicated. But when they ask space and care, you should be there. Small things like giving their favorites in their menstruation period, when they wanted a hug or a kiss means a lot to them. You don't have to give them the world or expensive things. Time and love is what they appreciate the most. We're businessmen, son. But you have to invest more in your family."-he said. This is the first time that dad give me this kind of advice. It surprises me actually. I smile.
"See? We better off this way dad. We're not good in Tom and Jerry cat fight. But thanks, I will try to do what you said."-I mumbled. He just brush my hair like he used to do when I was a kid. He smiled and get inside the house. That's when Simone comes out. I open the car door and put my hand on her head.
"Bye son!"-mom. I smiled and wave my hand. When I am driving, the silence is killing me. I decided to open the radio and listen to something. Its a weather forecast. It is said that this week we will have a scattered rain showers. I better take an umbrella with me. When I stop the car at the lobby of her company, she take off her seatbelt as I hold the steering wheel. I tried to make a sigh.
"I'll go ahead."-she said. I look at her and nod.
"Uhm."-I said. She suddenly move closer and give me a quick kiss. She opens the door and leave.
What the fuck! Why did she do that? Damn! I am trying myself to give her space and yet...heck no!'
But when I drove my car away, I can't stop myself from smiling. Whether I like it or not, that kiss is still sweet and I'd admit that. How can she do that to me? I feel like I can't hold on that long if she will do that always. Something is wrong with me but I like it at all aspect I can see. She's damn adorable.
"Good morning, senior!"-she said. I tried to be civil but I have to be careful. I don"t know why she did that but she's still my junior. I smiled.
"Good morning, Vivian. You're early."
"Yes. I know that you would so...here I am!"
SIMONE'S P.O.V
I am still blushing and I can feel my cheeks burning! Why do I even do that?! Oh crap! How can you be so daring Simone?! When the elevator opens, the employees bow and greet me. I smiled.
"Good morning ma'am Simone!"
"Good morning everyone."-I said.
"You look...different today cousin, I mean ma'am Simone. But before you answer I have to remind you that we have a board meeting today and uncle will be here. That's the bad news. He is already in your office."-she said. I just nod and when I open the door, he is there reading a magazine that is featured my face. He close it and face me.
"You're quiet late today, Simone."
"We had breakfast to my in-laws today that's why I'm a bit late. But you, why did you suddenly came? Don't tell me your guarding me?"-I ask.
"I just wanted to know the progress of the company this year. Have you forgotten that last year I also join this months board meeting."
"Ohh, I lost my track of time, Zyril, prepare the conference room. The meeting will be held in five minutes right?"-I said. She nod.
"Leave it to me, best friend."-she said and leave.
"How's you relationship with Russell?"-he ask.
"Don't worry, I am filing a divorce. You and uncle I mean daddy Paulo's dream to be family related will stay the same."-I said. He sigh.
"Not that one. We have seen each other as family from the start, Simone. What I am asking is your husband and wife relationship."-he said.
"We're okay. We are still in adjustment period but we are not like the other couple who are fighting most of the times. Relax, dad."-I said.
"Men are different to women, Simone. We typically think of work and to provide for the family. To prove our manliness in the society as well. But when we gave time to our woman, we are different in showing our emotion. We are stiff and typically give flowers and chocolates. Some maybe added sweet words when they're still courting you."
"But we are different when we are husbands. We are too focus in our responsibility of providing and showing our capabilities as a head of the family. Most of our time is given to work. When we give our time in our family, we tried to give our 100% even if we're divided inside. We are sweet in private cases unlike before where we can show off our sweetness to the public. That's the differences."
"Try to analyze Russell as well, like how he showed his affection to his mother. I know you're the first woman in his life. You have to learn to understand him too because he already do that."
"What did you mean by that, dad?"
"Why? He didn't tell you?"-he said. Tell me what?!