Emotions

The time I dreaded came sooner than I had anticipated. My phone vibrated in my hand signally the arrival of a call and Edward’s name was displayed on the screen. No point in trying to avoid this because there should be nothing I should be avoiding. I answered the call.

“Where are you, Natalia?” Edward spoke through the phone.

“I’m waiting in the lobby,” I replied while trying to keep my voice casual.

“Ok. I’ll be there soon. Just wait there,” Edward said before hanging up.

Breathe, Natalia and just act natural. I repeated these words in my head until the moment that Edward turned up. I spotted him walking through the entrance of the building at the same time that he spotted me as well and waved to me.

I plastered what I hoped was a natural-looking smile on my face as I lifted my hand to wave back at him. Although I was able to force a smile, my chest felt tight, and I felt like I was going to be sick.

“Sorry, did you wait long?” Edward said when he stood at my side.

“Not at all. My interview just ended…” I replied smoothly as I offered him a small smile.

“Great. Let’s go,” Edward said as he took my hand in his before leading me back to where his car was parked.

I had the urge to shake his hand away from mine. What am I thinking? My head hurts. I kept my eyes down all the while as he led me silently to the car. I was glad that he didn’t say anything because I wasn’t in the mood to deal with him at the moment. I just…wanted to go home.

My mood got worst now that I was sitting in the car alone next to Edward. It was double bad because I had to suppress my feelings from showing. I didn’t know why I felt this way, but I hated how I was feeling, and I knew that I was the one to blame. I hated this and I hated myself…

“How did the interview go? It did take a while…” Edward asked with interest.

“It was fine…” I replied.

“The president is a nice and friendly person. I know her personally from way back…” Edward said, his eyes still on the road.

“I see. She seemed nice…” I said, trying to sound as natural as possible.

“Should we stop by for a late lunch? I know a great place around here,” Edward suggested.

“Umm…sorry, I’m not feeling so well. Could you just…take me home?” I mumbled my reply as I stared out the car window. Please just take me home.

There was a brief moment of silence between us before Edward spoke up.

“What’s wrong, Natalia?” I heard Edward ask softly from beside me. I continued to stare out the window at the nothingness outside just so I didn’t have to face him.

“Nothing. I feel a little tired,” I replied before turning my head around to offer him a smile.

Edward did not reply, and we both fell into another void of silence. Edward continued driving with his eyes straight ahead while I turned to look out of my side of the window. After a short and fast drive, the breaks of the car creaked loudly as the car came to a very sudden stop, throwing my body slightly forward. This is why we all should wear seatbelts!

Confused, I looked at Edward for an explanation of our sudden stop. Edward had slammed on the break and stopped the car on the side of the road.

“…What’s going on?” I asked confused.

“Isn’t that what I should be asking you?” Edward shot back as he turned to face me.

I could see frustration plain as day on his face along with a tint of anger as his green eyes glowered at me.

“I…don’t know what you’re referring to,” I mumbled my reply.

Sure, maybe Edward didn’t technically do anything wrong, but I also didn’t do anything wrong. So why am I the one being cornered here?

“Listen, if I did anything wrong, you should just come out and tell me straight,” Edward said maturely.

“You didn’t…do anything wrong,” I replied. Technically, it was true.

“Then why are you behaving this way?” Edward asked as he watched me intently.

“What way? I’m always like this…” I muttered my response.

“I don’t know what happened but it’s clear that you’re angry,” Edward stated as a frown formed on his attractive face.

“I’m not angry. Nothing happened, ok? Please just take me home,” I said as calmly as possible.

Instead of replying to me or continuing to drive, Edward slowly pressed the button to recline his seat until he was in a comfortable lying down position.

“Edward?” I called his name, confused with his action.

“This car doesn’t move until you either improve your mood or you tell me what has been bothering you,” Edward stated lazily as he placed the back of his hand over his eyes to shield them from the light.

I couldn’t believe that a guy like this existed and that I have to deal with all of his selfish actions.

“Great. Well then, see you around,” I said sarcastically.

Without hesitating, I grabbed the handle to the passenger door and got out of the car. If he’s not going to drive, then I’ll call a car, get someone else to pick me up…or just walk home! As I trudged along the side of the road as fast as I could in high heels, I realized that I was more enraged than I was willing to admit before and it was all Edward’s fault.

“Natalia! Natalia! Natalia!”

I heard Edward’s voice shouting my name from behind, but I didn’t turn around. Dealing with him was the last thing I wanted to do right now. I kept walking away from Edward until he caught up with me.

“Natalia…” Edward called my name as he caught up with me and grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards him.

“Let go!” I yelled while attempting to yank my arm from his grip.

“Get back in the car. It’s dangerous,” Edward said sternly as his grip around my wrist tightened.

“No. Leave me alone,” I replied stubbornly.

--To be continued…