Opposites Attract

6.

It's our choices that makes us who we are, far more than our abilities.

°°°°

"And this is your room." Jacob declares, finally ending the house tour. I'm not sure if I can ever remember the ways around here.

The room is on the second floor. It has cream coloured walls with a big round bed in the middle. A multi mirrored dressing. A big tv. Really expensive looking carpet and curtains. The room is grander than anything I could ever imagine. And the best part, the floor to ceiling windows show the big lawn of the house.

"This is not the room I was in the last time." I say to him.

"Well, that is my room." Then he smirks. "We can share it if you want."

I jump away from him. "Please say you're kidding. I can never tell when you're serious and when you're not."

He smiles. "I'm kidding."

I let out a sigh of relief and sit on the bed. It's soo damn comfortable. I could sleep while sitting.

"Let's go." He orders.

"Where?" I ask.

"To have dinner." He answers in a duh tone.

--------

"I hope you enjoy your meal." The house cook says as he serves us. I feel uncomfortable receiving this kind of special treatment. And the way he is looking at me expectantly to taste the dish is not really comfortable either.

I finally push a spoonful in my mouth. It's some kind if pasta. Don't ask me the name.

"It's delicious." I say to the chef. He smiles his big toothy smile and thanks me for the compliment.

Then Jacob dismisses him.

"Is he always going to be around at meals?" I ask in a low tone, darting my eyes towards the chef, standing in the open kitchen. He is literally gawking at us.

"Well, yes. The kitchen is his place of work." He answers, keeping his eyes on his plate.

I nod. It's going to be weird staying in this house.

"Why?" I ask, not able to hold the curiosity in.

"Why what?" He feigns innocence.

"Why am I engaged to you? I want to the real reason for this arrangement. Why me?"

He sighs and puts the spoon down. "The five months end when the mardi gras season is over. I need you just till then. To accompany me to all the balls as my fiance. Or else my father will try to set me up with someone I don't even know." He tells.

He is using me. It was expected but it still hurts. "You don't know me." I mumble.

"Not entirely. But you are a thousand times better than any of those snobs. I can guarantee that."

I laugh at that. "That seems like a valid reason." Then I sigh. "I understand what you did and why. But I have a life, Mr Woods. I want to decide on some limits."