((( Jasmin POV's )))
"Welcome to my lit'l palace," he chuckled, "Come in."
I followed him inside.
"My shop's here in the ground floor," he said as we walked then up to the staircase, "This second floor is my territory and the third floor will be yours."
He helped me take my luggage as we went up another round of stairs. It was quite an exercise so I sweated a lot... I suddenly remembered Rhio. He was sweating like that just to cook for me.
"What's the matter, Madear? Did you not like this place?"
"Oh, no ... I just remembered something." I followed his steps.
"This is going to be your place."
I looked down and remembered how laborious going to my room was, especially that I'm pregnant.
"Here's your key," he jangled the keychain and opened the door for me.
"How much is the rent here?"
"Because you're so kind and a newcomer to mention... I think I'd exempt you with your rent this month. Though you'd have to pay me the bill for the electricity and water." I smiled.
I need to save up. Before I escaped, I only withdrew little cash from Rhio's account. I'm already in Japan so I can't really use his card. But wait… Rhio said it's an international ATM card. But do I have no shame?
I mean…I already left him.
"Tada! Here's your room."
It has its own living room, a kitchen parlor, its own lavatory, and a bedroom. The whole place was small but I think it's cozy.
Rhio's room was thrice in size but never mind. I used to live in a small, tight space like that.
"This room isn't fully furnished so I guess you'd have to buy some stuff you'll need."
Obviously. And it was exciting to make my own new home for my baby.
"Okay." I sat on the small sofa.
"I might have exhausted you a lot so you better take a rest Madear or else your baby will be ugly."
I laughed a little, "I hope not."
"Okay then, I'll be going."
"Thank you Popsee."
"No problem. Here's your key," he placed the keys on the nightstand beside the entryway and left me alone in that room.
I approached my suitcase and I took out a blanket when Popsee returned again.
"You need this," he handed me a bed sheet and a pillow.
"Thank you."
"You just come down if you need something. I'll lock this door now so can rest your jetlag off." I nodded.
When the door closed, fear surged in. I don't know. Maybe it was fear…maybe it was longing. Maybe both. I guess I'm a little afraid to be starting my own life alone…
And I was missing Rhio...