CHAPTER SIXTEEN
I idly strolled through the house’s corridor because I had nothing to do. I was confined here and utterly bored. Even though Zoey had provided me with joy and entertainment, I couldn’t help but imagine how my day would have been spent at home with Stephanie.
I was constantly concerned about Stephanie. Never before have we been away for so long. When Stephanie made the decision to go on a year-long trip while I began my first year of college, that was the last time we were separated. Apart from that, we practically live together every day.
After all, she was the sister I never had. She was the one thing I most missed. I missed Aunt Amelia and how she would bake my favourite brownies for me when I was having a bad day. I also missed her timely advice. I missed spending time with Uncle Carson while Stephanie and I playfully picked fights with him. I couldn’t help but long for my previous life and ponder whether Sin’s obsessive fixation with me would ever come to an end and he would eventually let me go.
I was in such deep thought that I didn’t hear the footsteps of someone behind me until I felt a hand on my shoulder, causing me to yell in shock, and I turned to look at Zoey, who was staring at me with a look of worry.
“Hey, are you okay?” Zoey asked me, concerned. I tried to calm my racing heart before wiping away the tears that had fallen.
“Yes, I’m fine. I’m just thinking about home.” I gave her a sad smile, and she nodded her head in understanding.
“You miss your family and can’t help but wonder what it would have been like if Sin didn’t fancy you.” She wrapped her arms around my back and gave me a comforting hug.
“Thank you, Zoey.” I hugged her back and squeezed her a little tighter to show her that I really was thankful for her kind words.
“I was on my way to the pool and thought you might fancy yourself a swim.” She smiled.
“A swim doesn’t sound that bad, though I’m afraid I don’t have any swimsuits with me.”
“You don’t have to worry; I’ve already got you covered.” She stated, taking a hold of my hand before pulling me towards the direction of her room.
“Sorry about the mess. I had been in a rush. I really do need to tidy up these clothes”. She says, picking up some clothes from the bed and placing them on a couch.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
I took my time to appreciate her room’s splendour. A king-sized bed was situated against the back wall. Her clothes were stored in two tall dressers that were present.
There were pictures of her and a woman who I assumed to be her mother, as well as bottles of lotion and perfume on her dresser.
“Oh, no problem! I’m not bothered. This place is warm.” I grinned at her, and she merely gave me a momentary look as if she were contemplating something before grinning back at me.
“I have a few bathing outfits that might look excellent on you.” As she rummages through her drawers, she pulls out three pairs of bikinis in various colours.
“I’m not sure if I can call that a swimsuit,” I said, staring at the tiny piece of cloth in her hand, perplexed, which earned me a playful glare.
“Come on! You have to admit they are gorgeous and would look beautiful on you. ” She winked, causing me to blush.
I stared at them, deciding to go with the red one since it was more decent than the rest, and started to undress.
” Damn Mani! How can you be beautiful and have a killer body at the same time? It’s freaky hot. It’s a shame I don’t swing the other way, but I would kill to look like you do naked!” She gushed, and I blushed even more.
“Hmm, you are beautiful too.” I honestly told her, and it seemed to have made her feel better.
I wore a shirt on top of my swimsuit before trailing behind Zoey as she led us to an indoor pool.
Zoey dove into the pool, slashing me with water in the process, and I squealed, laughing.
“Don’t just stand there; get in.” She squeals, slashing water on me, and I giggle, jumping in as well.
We both started slashing water at each other while laughing.
“This is fun. I totally needed a break from the kitchen.” Zoey gushes, swimming around me.
“I admit it is. It’s way better than being cooped up inside doing nothing.”
“But you have me.” She pouts, causing me to laugh.
“I know, but I just wish I could go outside and, you know, get a breath of fresh air.”
“I understand,” Zoey says. “I’m sure once you get Sin’s trust, he might let you go out.”
“Yeah, he might.” I said bitter.
My life is basically under his control now. I couldn’t do anything without his permission. My freedom was snatched by him.
I sighed, diving deep into the water before swimming back up, trying to clear my mind. Zoey and I remained in the water for an hour, swimming around each other while talking.
We only decided to leave the water because it was beginning to get chilly and we were also starving.
Zoey and I parted ways, going our separate ways to our bedroom to shower. I changed into a clean set of clothes, deciding to put on a skirt this time. Once I was fully dressed, I returned to the kitchen to see Zoey getting out the ingredients for dinner.
“What are you making?” I asked, plopping down on a stool.
“Ramen with eggs,” she replied, and she began chopping the vegetables. “Do you know how to cook?” Zoey asked me with a big, hopeful smile on her face.
“Um… I can’t say I’m a great cook, but I can certainly whip up something edible, I think,” I said unsurely, getting an amused look from her.
“You don’t know how to cook, do you?” She asked me, and I sheepishly shook my head.
“If it’s okay with you, I can teach you.” When she volunteered, I practically rushed up to her and embraced her, squealing as I did so.
“I’m more than willing to learn. Thank You! Thank you!.” She pulled away a little and laughed as I shouted in her ear with excitement.
“I heard you the first time. Now stop trying to make me go deaf.” I laughed when she pushed me away playfully.
Learning how to cook seems easy enough. I have seen Stephanie do it a lot. I mean, how hard can it be?