Chapter Twelve: New Abode

* * * Planora * * *

7PM

" Welcome to my humble apartment miss." Jenna said as she opened her arms wide, as though she wanted a hug.

Jenna Stayed in a Two-bedroom apartment, since she and Samantha had originally rented it, because of course, they both valued their privacy, but most importantly, they could afford it.

Smiling, Morticia entered the living room, unknowingly, with her right foot.

The living room was warm and cozy.

It was accentuated with a warm color tone.

It was just right for someone to return to it, after a stressful day at work.

The room was grounded with a large area rug and Incorporated with a deep sinking-into comfy sofa and two arm chairs each with throws and toss pillows arranged in a circular pattern which did not exceed 7 Feet in diameter, perfect for a good sitting connection. A beautiful milk coloured modern curtain which was very auspicious. A dormant fire place, a mini glass center table, reading corner, pendants, spot lights, recessed lightings, all contributed in creating the cozy ambiance.

Wall and floor lamps were also present in the living room to create an alternative lighting for a perfect warm cozy evening.

A soft layered rug was placed perfectly on the floor, perfect for the feet to sink in after a long day. A few paintings also hung on the wall, further complementing the natural shades of textiles in the living room.

" You have a great taste in interior decor I must say. " Morticia complimented.

"Thanks" Jenna said with a proud smile.

" It wasn't all thanks to me though. My ex friend and I lived here. Her uncle was into interior designing, so she took a lesson or two. And of course, it had to reflect." Jenna said with a shrug.

" I see."

" Why are you still standing there? Come sit down. " Jenna said as she sat on the sofa where Morticia sat. Placing her elbow on the head of the sofa and folding up her left leg with her right hand holding her ankle and facing Morticia, Jenna asked.

" So. How are you feeling? "

" Better, thank you." Morticia replied and pursed her lips.

" So, what now? Jenna asked.

" I'll have to start searching for a job. Maybe tomor..."

" I wasn't talking about that. I wanted to know if you have like clothes, that's if you can go back to get them. Like you know, your personal stuff. Or anything of that sort." Jenna said.

" I do. But I can't go back to get it. It'll be equivalent to committing suicide. It's just that this time, someone else is doing the killing." Morticia said.

" Wow, so sorry about that. I wish there's something I can do to help." Jenna said looking at Morticia, and wondering how much the almost skinny lady had been through.

" Well, my life thus far has taught me that, sometimes, one's actions, dreams or choices, might not be enough to change things. It might not even change anything. At this point, I don't think there's anything anyone can do to help me, I just have to take it a day and step at a time, because, Que Sera Sera." Morticia said with a shrug, although her eyes did not fail to give away the emotions she was trying to mask. Jenna reached for her hand before she spoke,

" But, sometimes, a problem shared, is half solved, you know."

" Not all of them are. The only difference is that sharing this with you might save you and prevent something bad from happening to you." Morticia said.

That prompted Jenna to sit up. Just as she was about to inquire further, her phone rang.

" Hello boss." Jenna said after she answered the phone.

Barely a minute later, Morticia saw Jenna roll her eyes before trying to mimick the caller who she had suspected was Jenna's boss.

Jenna dropped the call.

" That was my boss. I have to go. He made it clear that I have to be at the office in no less than 35 minutes and my work place is 28 minutes away, using a car, that's if there's no traffic." Jenna said as she stood up.

" I thought you said you had closed for the day." Morticia asked as streaks of line appeared on her forehead.

" I'm indebted to that A-hole, so I don't have much of an option. It's complicated you see. " Jenna said.

" Please stay safe and be careful. " Morticia said.

" Yeah I'll try. I'm sorry I couldn't show you the rest of the house, can't really call it a tour can I?" Jenna said as she wore her shoes. She was insinuating that her apartment was small.

" But it's just perfect, you know. I've stayed in quite a number of houses to tell." Morticia said as she looked around, once again.

" Hmmmm. That gives me an idea." Jenna said as she paused.

" What is it?" Morticia asked.

" Do you drink?"

" I can, but I don't. Why?"

" Great. I can't remember when I last did too. Anyways! How about we do this when I get back. I'll buy us a bottle of soft drink or non alcoholic wine, and we'll drink a glass of wine after every Q and A. Cause I feel there's a lot we need to know about each other, especially since we'd be living together, at least for the time being. "

Jenna said.

" That sounds great to me. " Morticia replied with a smile.

" Okay. Come with me. I prepared the room yesterday, cause I didn't want to take chances. " Jenna said as she led Morticia to the room.

Morticia was a bit amused to hear that.

Jenna opened the door as they went in to the room.

It had the basic furnitures as Samantha who had previously lived there took a lot of her belongings which was the only place she made a major contribution. The room had a bedside lamp, on a nightstand, which had fake flowers on it too. A bed Morticia assumed to be comfy, a beautiful lady like wall paper, a subtle room fragrance, just like the living room, soft lightings perfect for a bedroom with a mini grass like basket. It had a great ambiance generally.

" That door, leads to the bathroom."Jenna said, pointing at a door, which was at the right hand side, if one was to stand at the door.

" Now let me show you the Kitchen. " Jenna said as Morticia walked right behind her.

The kitchen, as expected was up to par. It's interiors was mainly white. With exception of the sink, microwave, fridge and a few others, the cupboard, wall, tile, kitchen table, chair and other minor furnitures, were White in color.

" Don't you have like girlish preferences? Cause I've noticed your house has been either nude or white." Morticia asked curiously, while Jenna smiled.

" Let's leave that for the Q and A." Jenna said smiling.

" I couldn't prepare something so I ordered vegan taco. I didn't know if you're vegan or not, so I thought it's better buying what you could atleast manage to eat, rather than what you won't eat at all. " Jenna said.

"Thank you Jenny. Thank you for putting me into consideration. " Morticia said as she smiled.

" No p ticy. There's also some sauce, egg and snack in the fridge, as well as some beverages. You can prepare Matcha or anything else if you want to. Just make sure you eat something. And rest well. You can sleep if you want to, we can do the drinking stuff tomorrow" Jenna said as she scurried.

When they got back to the living room, Jenna picked up her purse and took out a Bond Cologne which scented very pleasant, more like pitchouli and chocolate vanilla. She also re - applied her flesh tone lip gloss before turning again to Morticia.

" After you shower, you'll find a nightie and a pair of gown in the wardrobe. " Jenna said.

" Okay. Thanks. " Morticia said in gratitude, wondering how she was ever going to repay Jenna for her undefinable kindness.

" I gotta go. I'm running late." Jenna said as she headed for the door.

" Bye. Please drive carefully." Morticia said.

" Of course ma'am" Jenna said as she exited the house.

And yes, she had just left her house to a stranger. Only a few of her collegues knew where she lived as a matter of fact. But in there was Morticia. She had a good hunch about her anyways, so she was going to take the leap.

* * * Hentritch * * *

" Welcome home pretty. How was work today?" Kendrell asked as he kissed Tiana who had just returned from her restaurant.

Smiling at him, she answered

" Stressful as usual babe. I'm sorry I'm coming back by this time of the night." The previous night, she came when he was already asleep and left before he woke up. She barely took his calls.

" It's okay babe. I understand. Besides, I encouraged you to devote your time into the business. So I understand okay love? The only thing you'd have to do for me is making time for rest. You need it. The dark circles under your eyes are becoming prominent." Kendrell said as he used his thumb to sweep across her left cheek.

" Thanks you. " Tiana said with a smile of appreciation.

" Come sit down." Kendrell said as he held her hand and headed for the couch where he sat.

Tiana understood that he wanted her to sit on his legs and so she did.

" So, tell me, what happened at work today? You know that's different from how it was, right?" he asked.

Chuckling, Tiana nodded before proceeding to answer his highness.

" Well, we had a lot of customers today. You know I told you that Kelly and I didn't want to employ many staff, till the number of customers improved, well, we might not only be needing waiters but even chefs too!" Tiana said, elated!

Kendrell couldn't help but feel proud of her. In such a short time, she had managed to champion the restaurant into growth.

" I'm so proud of you sweetheart." Kendrell said with a smile.

" But you shouldn't jump into things like that without a proper analysis of the market. You have to observe the flow before employing more workers. Besides, you have chefs and waiters already. So don't rush things okay?" Kendrell advised.

" Thank you babe. Once we've done that, I'd put up a post." Tiana said before yawning.

" Ok. Looks like my Barbie is pretty exhausted. Let's go to the so I can run a warm bath for you, while you peel off your clothes. " Kendrell said.

" Thank you babe." Tiana said. But before she could get up from his legs, he held her to himself in bridal style before he stood up. Tiana weighed quite a little. But Ken was just strong enough.

When they got upstairs, she bathed. When she was out, Kendrell was already on the bed, resting his head on his clenched fist as his elbow pressed on the bed. Tiana who was already wearing a silk night gown sat next to Kendrell, relaxing on the headboard.

" Are you hungry?" he asked.

" No. I'm not. Thanks for asking" Tiana said.

" Yeah, I'm sorry for asking I forget you're coming from the depot of food. Just make sure you don't eat the restaurant to the..."

He hadn't completed the statement before Tiana hit him with a pillow, which made him chuckle.

" Thanks for that suggestion. Atleast I'm going to make sure I get fat so you won't be able to carry me. " Tiana said in between giggles.

" Oh really? That is such a plan my Ti. Atleast, I get to date the first fat Barbie in history." Kendrell said with a grin while Tiana laughed even more.

" That reminds me, Malcolm said he might not make it on Thursday, so he will visit the restaurant tomorrow." Kendrell said.

" Oh that's great."

" Yeah. But Jordan said he'd like to come along too. " Kendrell said as he wanted to know if she was okay with it before he continued

" Yeah sure. That's great. I'd love it too." Tiana said, without a tinge of displeasure.

" I'll be waiting for the three of you musketeers. " Tiana said with a small laugh.

" Ok ma'am. Do you still feel like talking, or you wanna sleep?" Kendrell asked.

" For now, no. So I'm all ears. "

" I called Dad and Mom today. "

" Oh yeah. Sorry babe. I forgot to Ask."

" It's okay sweet. I'm not angry at all. "

Then he explained most of what transpired between him and his parents over the phone.

" Wow. Now you see why I called her a witch? right?"

" Mm hmm. But I believe it's all for the better. I just have this good feeling about it that things are working for my favor." Kendrell said as he gazed into an empty space.

" I know so too. You deserve only the best babe." Tiana said.

Kendrell smiled before he pulled her in for a hug, then switched off the light afterwards. They both hugged each other to sleep.