Reiner - Nothing to You

Sitting alone in the bathtub, feeling the warm water on my skin felt extremely relaxing. Now that I was alone, my thoughts drifted to my home. I wonder how things are back there. Is Zak holding up alright with everything that he’s got planned? Edward and Lucien are probably worried sick and they’re probably giving Zak a hard time. Laura is probably lost and confused about what to do because I’m not there anymore. Maybe she’s thankful now that she doesn’t have to serve the overly picky and bossy Natalia.

I miss home…

Once I got out of the bath, I felt completely refreshed. I slapped my own cheeks lightly to draw focus.

Focus, Natalia. Time for you to land yourself a job before you start thinking of anything else! I slipped on a light lavender short night gown that was in the closet. My hair was still damp from the bath although I did dry it a little with a towel. Thinking that I can dry it later, I sat down at the table in front of the laptop and switched it on.

Now, I need to look for the version of my resume that I uploaded online. Maybe I also have a copy in my email somewhere as well. While I was busy finding the latest version of my resume, I heard a few light knocks on the door.

It must be Queen. I wonder what she wanted this late into the night.

“One moment please!” I called out.

Not wanting Queen to wait for too long, I quickly got up from where I was sitting and headed straight for the door. The door unlocked automatically from the inside when I turned on the doorknob and pushed the door open.

To my utmost surprise, the person standing in front of my door wasn’t Queen. Honestly, it was the person that I least expected or wanted to see right now.

“Reiner…” I whispered his name after I had recovered from the initial shock of seeing him standing there in my doorway.

Why is he here?

Before I could ask him that he beat me to it and asked me a question first. How unsightly, he didn’t even offer me a greeting after knocking on my door this late into the night.

“Why are you still here?” he asked, clearly displeased.

I knew that this was coming and had been so careful to avoid him. Seriously, if all he’s going to do is say mean things then don’t blame me for being a bitch.

“I could ask you the same thing. Why are you here?” I snapped back.

“I told you to go home,” Reiner said.

I had begun to lose count of the times that he’s told me that.

“How many times have you told me that?” I asked in annoyance.

“What?” He said confused at my response.

“When are you going to learn that I’m not going to go home no matter how many times that you tell me to,” I replied unfazed.

“Go home, Natalia. You can’t stay here,” Reiner said resolutely.

“Just like you don’t have to do what I tell you to anymore, I don’t have to do what you tell me to,” I retorted, firmly believing that I was right this time around.

Reiner was evidently stunned at my words and tone of voice. I guess I have been to nice and childish around him that he probably didn’t realize that I had this truly stubborn side to me too. Now that I think about it, I guess I use this side of me with Edward a lot…or maybe too much.

“I’m staying. If you’re not satisfied with that, then that’s your problem,” I stated stubbornly.

As far as I was concerned, this pointless conversation was over. I had nothing else that I wanted to say to him and neither did I want to hear what he had to say. Not wanting to see him anymore, I started closing the door in his face.

“Wait,” Reiner said as his hand shot up and held the door to keep it from closing.

Our eyes met and I was unable to back down.

“Just leave…” I hissed through gritted teeth.

“What do you plan to do from now on?” he asked, sounding calm.

“I have no idea why you’re interested in something like that, but I don’t have to tell you anything. Please just leave,” I replied as I pulled on the door again.

Reiner held the door in place, preventing me from closing it. I scoffed at the ridiculousness of the situation that we found ourselves in. Why are we playing tug-of-war with a door?

If what he does is not any of my concern, then the same applies to whatever I choose to do.

“Natalia…” he called my name softly.

“If you’re not going to help me, then at least don’t get in my way. It’s late, I’d appreciate it if you could leave so that I can catch up on my beauty sleep,” I spat as I glared at him.

“You shouldn’t get involved where you don’t belong,” Reiner warned seriously.

He’s right, I don’t belong here right now but it’s up to me to change that. I’m going to find a place for myself in this place even if it kills me. Then I’ll figure out what I want to do with my life later. Instead of explaining that to him right now…

“And you shouldn’t visit a girl’s private room late at night. If your fiancée hears about it, she’ll be so upset. I would appreciate it if you don’t get me caught up in unnecessary drama. Oh…but if she’s looking for outstanding designers for her wedding dress, you can tell her to get in touch me with. I’ve got plenty of recommendations. Good night, Reiner…” I said before smiling sweetly at him.

This time when I pulled the door close, he did not resist, and I succeeded in closing the door in his face. I locked the door immediately and headed back to my laptop. Being told to leave just added fuel to my fire of determination. I’m getting a job here on this island no matter what!

--To be continued…