I never expected that when I opened my eyes, I would be welcomed with a gun pointing at my nose. I also never expected that my reaction would be furious rather than being startled or a little frightened. I value my life too much, and I have made proportionate sacrifices to reach where I am. For the first time, I ignored the dangerous situation. I have pulled myself along with Ralph, but I was damn annoyed when the gun was still pointing toward me. I turned toward Ralph, who was sleeping peacefully with a light snore.
Why the hell is a gun pointed toward me, not at Ralph? Maybe because of his face or the richness that screams from him, irrespective of where we are at present. I am rich too, not born with it, but I earned it myself. Still so partial. I swear, I hate these rich snobs and my inability to meet the criteria, irrespective of achieving it. The world is unfair.
The guy hardened his glare at me, and I desperately wanted to point out the guy who was sleeping beside me. So, he could turn his glare a little toward him also; it doesn't matter whether he is sleeping or not, I will feel a little happy. I nudge Ralph a little, who swats my hand in irritation. This was the same guy who was complaining all night. I nudged him harder, and Ralph opened his eyes straight away, glaring, ignoring the strong-built man in front of us. What's with this glaring today?
"We have a problem." By saying that, I slowly got up and was in the same place, seated. Ralph saw the man with the gun, and his glare turned even harsher toward me. Everyone just hates me for no reason and doesn't recognize my richness after I've gone through so much. I sighed. "I told you, bloody moron," I told you so card, common. "I have delayed the scene; you should be thankful." "Are you out of your mind? " The guy cleared his throat to get the attention, but still the glare was directed at me.
"Care to explain why you guys trespassed on my property without my permission?" Ralph smirked at me. "Well, go on and explain." I was beyond irritated with his new attitude, which he has shown since yesterday. "Sorry, we planned to leave the property without getting notice before sunrise." The guy's lip twitched a little. "Well, pal, it clearly didn't work. So, what did you steal, and where did you keep the stolen items?" I was baffled for a second. Ralph's smirk grew wider. "What's there to steal, dry grass? You can count your animals, and I assure you; they will be the same number." "Of course, I will do that. What are you guys doing on my property?"
Why only am I being questioned?
"We are travelers and needed a place for the night." "And it was a good idea to sleep on my property without taking my permission." "I told you to knock on the door," Ralph shouted those words at me. "But it was midnight." I defended myself with a groan. I face the guy with the most pleading eyes. "Please trust us. We didn't steal anything; we were exhausted, and it was midnight. So, yeah, that is that." The guy, at last, removed the rifle from my face and kept his side. He was studying us, thank God, both of us. He took his cell from his pocket and snapped a picture of us. My face was clear, and he was able to get only the side face of Ralph, who was fuming at me. I don't know what more I need to do for the world to recognize me as an equal. The guy didn't even ask Ralph to turn his face. That's just too much to digest for me.
The previous night, I had woken up abruptly and was worried about the situation I had pulled Ralph into. I was terrified of the stunt I had pulled. We were in the middle of nowhere with no money, exhausted, and trespassing. That was a crime; we could go to prison. I was ok with me going, but I was worried about Ralph. If something happens to him because of me—not that I allow it, but sometimes things go beyond my control, too. I was stressed, but when I remembered his princessly attitude, I just couldn't help but feel a little happy with the whole situation. I can be a jerk when I want to be. With a sigh, I drifted to sleep.
I hate to admit it, but Ralph can get through any situation with that face, and I need to digest that fact.
"I have forwarded the photo to my friend, who is a cop, just in case." Right, with the clear image of mine, just in case. "I am hungry, and it's morning. You'd better keep your word, or I swear." Ralph ignored the previous sentence just like that. If anything happens on this damn land, we would be in jail, but who cares about the situation? Fill his damn stomach.
I faced the guy, who was watching us intently, trying to sum up on his own. Well, best of luck with that. I cleared my throat awkwardly. I am about to beg him for some food, and that too, not for my sake. "Could we get some food? Nowadays, my sentences don't end without the word 'please,' so here I go with my final touch. Please." The guy nodded his head in understanding with a mischievous smirk playing on his face. "Well, of course, the thing is, I hired guys to work around here. In that, a guy went to his native land, and others left without giving notice." I don't like where this was going. "For a day, I need a helping hand." Ralph beat me in this. "He could work, rest assured." I glare at him. "Win-win situation, nothing will come for free, and we don't have a penny." He said the last part with a smirk. "In that case, we could work together." Ralph wanted to argue, but the deal was done.
The guy introduced himself as Mr. Nathan Xandar. I didn't hide my real identity, and neither did Ralph; I don't think it was necessary. Nathan started walking toward the home. He was around 60, more or less; his wife is dead, and his children are settled in foreign countries. Two daughters, both married, and one son who is working. By the time we entered his house, the guy had finished with his mini introduction about himself. Oh god, this guy could talk non-stop, and the best part was he didn't expect our involvement other than the introduction, nor did he pray about us.
It was an old house, in need of painting and a little patch-up. "Welcome to my humble home. The kitchen is on your right. The room downstairs is mine, and you guys can occupy the room that is upstairs. Go on, get freshened up; you may find some clothes if you are lucky, and I will prepare something for us. And boys, no funny business." Ralph groaned at that. "We are not couples." Ralph's immediate reply. "We have decency." My sincere response. Nathan chuckled at that. "Whatever, hurry up."
We started climbing the stairs. There were four rooms; the other three were locked except one, so we took our clue and entered. It was a medium-sized bedroom with a king-size bed, two windows, walls coated with white paint, and an attached bathroom. There was a closet; Nathan must have dumped old clothes in that, if I am not wrong.
I turned toward Ralph, who was checking the room. "Little shabby." I couldn't expect less response from a rich kid. "Yes, but we can manage." "And I am not getting why I have to." Once again, he was starting his day by getting on my nerves. "You should get a shower. Meanwhile, I will search for suitable clothes for us." "That's generous of you, and some towels would be great too." "Yeah, hit the shower. I will start my search party." With a snort, he walked to the bathroom.
I started rampaging; most were women-oriented, and I was only able to find a few pairs of clothes for us. Better princess, don't complain, or he is free to choose and wear whatever he wants. Skirts, or a long gown, are fine with me. I grabbed the towels and entered the bathroom. I hung them on the hanger. I stood for a few seconds, just to take a glimpse of his naked body, but I was kicked out. I was even more honored with the door shutting on my face. Sorry for seeking distraction at the wrong time, place, and damn person. I grumbled even more and threw myself on the bed.
Ralph walked out of the bathroom by wrapping a towel and wiping his hair. I was insulted, but it didn't matter anymore as I openly gawked at his body. He was irritated by my open stare even more when his eyes shifted toward the clothes that I had folded neatly. "No complaints, we are wearing this. Protest was building from his mouth. Will get new ones by tomorrow." Great, another promise, and I fucking know he will cling to that till I fulfill it.
After we were done with the shower, we both walked downstairs. Ralph didn't waste a second. As soon as he was seated, he filled his plate. I was taken aback a little and awkwardly turned toward Nathan with an apologetic smile. Nathan was smiling warmly and gestured for me to have mine before it was too late. The dining table was silent except for the clattering of the utensils. I couldn't help it when my mind drifted to all the psychopathic, horrible movies I had seen before just to get my mind off. This is not the time, I mutter to myself, and I couldn't help wincing a little when those horrific scenes flashed.
I was chewing the food slowly, just in case, and observing everything. Ralph almost finished his food without a care in the world, and Nathan was chewing his food in the most relaxed way. Aren't most psychopathic killers good actors? I am judging a guy without a reason, but can you blame me when the worst thing can happen to anyone, any second? I should find the basement.
"Are you this welcoming to everyone?" I can be a detective when I want to. "I don't know; maybe it depends, or it's the old age carving feeling." Nathan had a longing on his face. I guess his children have not visited recently. My detective mind snapped shut at the second, and a kind of sympathy started flowing. I am not emotional, but I guess old age is hitting me, too. "Your ranch is in the middle of nowhere." He chuckled. "I know it's our dream home. I can't move from this place. Teena and I went through so much and built everything here. I am not moving from here until my last breath." I nodded solemnly. My eyes were immediately on Ralph, who was listening to everything with the same involvement.
I can't believe people like Nathan, Ralph, and my mom still exist. Who just stick to the emotions. My mom has moved on, but it took years. Ralph is still struggling, irrespective of being young, and Nathan has not budged from his wife, even after her death. This is too good to be true, to witness and to be blessed with the same. Till death do us part, I inwardly chuckle at that. I don't know why.
Can a person love someone even after her or his death? Why can't they move on and find happiness? There is a second chance for everyone, right? Why do they cling to the feelings as if their life depended on it? Will I end up like Nathan? More importantly, will I be blessed in having a long-term relationship? I am not greedy; at least a few years would be ok. With that, I can survive for the rest of my life.
When you end up with your loved ones, and if he is the right person, nothing matters. Days, weeks, months, and years don't matter till death do us part. I side-eyed Ralph, who was staring at nothing but was deep in his thoughts like me.
Is he the one?
The answer was obvious. I fucked around a lot, but my dating history was a handful, and my sincere effort was zero. I never showed any interest in the dating part; I always wanted to hit the spot and run when I was done. I didn't fuck the same person, but if I did, it would be a handful. Easily, I would get fed up and escape from the person's grasp.
Obviously, he was the one.
There is this lump that would form when I wanted to seal the deal. I know he is the one, but I am still holding back from pursuing him again. I always patiently waited and jumped at the chance when there was one, but here I was still holding myself, contemplating to trade with my heart once again. His past and my history are playing a pivotal role. Not to forget, there is a word called rejection. There was so much that if I take any step at the moment, rejection will be the ultimate result. I need to prepare myself before proceeding, and I don't know how exactly. I want this thing; I am searching for which is beyond my vocabulary. I am definitely searching for something, and I don't know what exactly. This is crazy.
Nathan cleared his throat and started to clear the table. We started doing the same. The silence was welcomed; I had had enough for the day. "Well, boys, feel free to check the surroundings. I will join you shortly, and don't forget to check the basement." He gave me a pointed look with a chuckle. So much for being a detective. Ralph was giving me a questioning gaze. I huffed and dragged him along with me.