Ruby
I entered our bedroom only to find Vexon leaning on the railing of the balcony.
I opened the glass door and walked out. I was confused to see clouds of smoke around him. When I went to stand beside him, shock struck my face.
A cigarette was pressed between his lips. He was smoking casually as if this was now as normal as breathing or drinking water.
Never had I ever thought he would smoke. Yes, he participated in major federal crimes and activities, but he never smoked or drank alcohol. He was always sober, claiming that to run this type of business one must always have a clear head.
Pearl once told me before her marriage to Kendrik that none of the Bevines smoked or drank alcohol, let alone took any sort of drugs.
I believed it to be true until the truth about Orson was revealed. The way everyone reacted, it was clear they hated even the idea of narcotics.
But seeing my the love of my life doing something I never thought he would do, I felt a painful sting in my heart.
I hated the smoke and immediately started coughing.
"Leave me," Vexon ordered me.
"Why are you smoking? I won't ask when because I already know, but why?" I asked between wheezes.
He inhaled the nicotine and exhaled it. I put a hand over my nose to block the cloud that escaped his mouth.
"I don't have to answer you, Ruby. Leave me."
My heart felt as if it had broken into a million pieces. He had called me Ruby.
Usually, he called me Gem and it sounded so sweet falling from his lips.
"No, I won't go. You shouldn't be smoking," I said, crossing my arms and staring at him.
He finally looked back at me. "If you think I will stop smoking just because you've said so, you are losing your mind."
He walked out, leaving me alone on the balcony.
I sighed.
Where is my lovely Vexon? I thought to myself.
I followed him inside and heard a knock on the slightly ajar door where Vexon had got out.
"Come in," I called.
Maya, the maid entered the room pushing a trolley filled with food. She had changed as well and looked a bit older.
"Welcome back, boss lady," she muttered as she hugged me. I hadn't expected that warm of a welcome from her, but I was happy she had given it to me.
"Thanks," I whispered to her.
Maya took a plain white box out from beneath the trolley. "Newana told me to deliver this phone to you, ma'am."
I pulled the brand new smartphone out of the box and examined it. I had to destroy the previous one so that no one could contact me. I took it and sat on the small couch, feeling the smooth metal of the device in my hand. Maya then began serving me food.
"Why am I having dinner in my room?" I inquired.
"Nothing has been the same since you left. Everyone eats food in their own room now," Maya answered.
"What about Vexon? Does he eat his food on time?"
I had a strong feeling he didn't even eat properly anymore.
"Boss barely eats."
I knew it! I thought.
"Has he had dinner yet?" I questioned her to which, she shook her head.
I told Maya to leave the trolley in the bedroom and continue her other chores in the mansion. She informed me that Vexon was in his study, so I went there to meet with him.
I knocked on the large, heavy door.
"Come in," sounded from inside, Vexon's voice was stiff and unemotional.
Then I entered the study.
He was sitting on the dark leather chair, staring at his laptop screen. He still had a cigarette in his hand.
I cleared my throat to remind him of my presence. He finally looked up at me and stubbed out the cigarette in an ornate ashtray.
"What do you want?" he asked rudely.
Before, I loved the way Vexon spoke to me, but as I stood there today, I felt like just another inconvenience if arisen, he would rather kill than listen to.
I am too young to die.
"Let's go have dinner. Maya already served the food and��"
"Look," he interrupted, "I thought I was clear about everything. However, I see that I have to make it clearer. You are here for only a week. Don't expect us to be like before. We are just two strangers, so do not disturb me any further. Grow up and eat your dinner by yourself."
I was stunned for a moment and was hurt by his words, but if he was going to be stubborn then so was I.
"If you don't eat then I won't either," I threatened.
"Don't eat then," Vexon deadpanned. "Now, get out. I don't have time for your games."
I stomped my feet in anger and stormed out of the study. He was being so frustrating I could've screamed.
I went back to my room and hugged one of the emoticon pillows as I mumbled, "God, give me patience and strength. I want to bring my previous Vexon back."
My stomach grumbled but I ignored it. I hoped he would come for me.
___
"Mom, are you asleep?" I heard Everley's voice and opened my eyes.
I didn't realize that I had fallen asleep on the pillow. When I glanced at the clock, it was midnight.
"Why are you awake?" I asked her as she climbed onto the bed and I pulled her onto my lap. Everley was in her cute little onesie.
"I think I was hungry?" she replied.
I laughed softly at her confusion. "Why are you answering me with a question, Eve? Let me get you some food."
I set her on the bed and got up to walk towards the trolley.
I scooped some fried rice onto a plate with some steak for her. Then, I sat on the carpet to get down on her level.
"Didn't you have dinner?" I asked, starting to feed her with a spoon.
"No?" She looked confused.
"Don't you remember?"
"...no," she said after a minute.
I sighed.
After feeding her a few spoonfuls of rice, she stopped me.
"I want to feed you now," she let out.
I looked into her cute small face. "No, baby. It's okay." I wanted to wait for Vexon, but Everley was adamant.
"Please, mom? For me, please?" she whined.
I took a deep breath and let out, "Okay, fine."
She started feeding me. The way she was trying to hold the spoon perfectly made me laugh.
"And here I thought you said you would wait. Lie. Everything is a lie," Vexon spat out bitterly all of a sudden.
My head snapped towards his direction. He had a completely blank expression on his face. "No, Vexon. I was��"
"No need. It's not like I care." He turned to go to the closet room, but Everley stopped him.
"Uncle Vexon, wait." She got up from the bed and ran towards him. "Come. I will feed both of you together. I will prove momma that Everley is growing up."
Vexon grunted, "No, Ev. I can't."
Everley gave her cute puppy eyes. "But..."
He still didn't agree. "Ev, I said no."
"Please. Please. Please," she begged.
"Everley!" Vexon snapped out of nowhere.
Instantly, I grabbed her up and held her in my arms. Everley started crying as she snuggled her face in my neck. I could feel her hot tears on my skin. If Vexon felt any sort of guilt, he hid it well.
"Are you freaking insane? Seriously, Vexon. I get that you are angry with me, but don't take it out on her," I snapped at him.
"It's okay," I cooed to Everley. "Uncle Vexon is auditioning for the next movie of The Conjuring."
Without uttering a word, Vexon closed the closet room door behind him with a huge bang. Meanwhile, I continued to try and calm Everley.
Is this how life will be from now on?
