Danielle

Learning to trust someone...

Staring at the ceiling wasn't something I was completely fond of. In fact, it was the worst thing ever. After searching through a newspaper for jobs, and noticing the ones available happened to only be at McDonald's or some other fast food place, I gave up and went to my bed.
 
The maid, Danielle, should be here soon so maybe I won't feel so alone. Though the only reason I think she was hired was so that Jake could have some play toy. I mean, he must be getting bored with the others right? Though, I wish there weren’t any other girls. I wish it was just me.
 
I rolled over on my stomach and started picking at my blue pillow case. The thought of Jake using Danielle sent anger coursing through my body. Danielle seemed like a nice, vulnerable girl, he can't use her like that. Sure, he's used other girls before no doubt, but Danielle seemed...not like the other girls.
 
 Exhausted, I shoved my head in the pillow. It's like everything is falling apart in front of my eyes, and I'm just...sitting here and watching, accepting it. But why? Why do I put up with this? “You know why,” I murmured aloud.

Rolling back over on my back, I continued my previous round of 'stare at the ceiling.' These are the times I hate, the times when I let my thoughts wander in all different directions, opening every door and letting it bug me.
 
I ran my fingers through my long hair while yawning and then sat up. The suns rays shone brightly through my balcony window as I stood up and headed toward the slid doors. I don't really remember looking at the view in a while.
 
I stepped out in my shorts and t-shirt and crossed over to the railing. A welcoming warm breeze swished my hair around my shoulders, and I let a smile creep along my face. From where I'm standing, I can see the beach. The brilliant crystal blue waters swaying back and fourth, crashing against the beach sand, some waves knock down a few sand castles. People of all ages were up and about on the beach, playing volleyball or swimming in the water. I don't blame them, seeing as the sun provided such a lovely warm day of fun in the sun.
 
I watched a pair of seagulls flying by in front of me, then dive down to the waters to catch their prey. I marvelled at how nature works. Sometimes I can't help wondering how everyone can live their day normally, when say...an animal just got killed. I watched the seagull’s dive again, this time catching their target. They were a perfect example. People still stayed on the beach, not noticing the fish’s lives being eaten away. They don't even consider the other animals dying all around the world. Everyone goes on naturally, like nothing happened.
 
But, isn't that what happens in life? People go on like nothing,
 
If all the people mourned over the dieing of animals, we'd all be upset every single day; we'd all be sagging around. Because, the truth is, a lot of animals die each minute...no one has time to mourn and cry every second of the day.
 
I shook my head, as if it would free me from my ramblings. The animal subject was something I was very...touchy with. I love animals, and can't stand anything happening to them.
 
I turned from the railing, heading back inside my room. Cool air from the air conditioner hit my face, wiping away any hotness that was lingering there. Having no idea what to do next, I simply grabbed some clean clothes, placed them on my bed neatly, and headed to the shower.
 
I turned the tab in the middle and let it run for a few moments while I let myself look in the full length mirror. I scrunched my tangled brown hair, scrunching my nose together at how horrible it looked. How horrible I looked. I looked like I just came from a zombie movie. Dark circles under my eyes, messy hair, wrinkly clothes.
 
Enough. I don't want to look at myself anymore and see what I've become. I stripped my clothes off and went in the shower, sighing as the warm/cool water hit me with softness. I let it run along my back, untangling my tense muscles. I lifted my right hand to my left shoulder, pushing hard while I rolled my neck to loosen it. I never realized how much stress I have been under until now.
 
Which brings me to the topic of Jake.
 
Jake is the reason for my stress, for my unhappiness. I wouldn't be feeling this way if it wasn't for him. “Just stop,” I told myself aloud, “there's no reason in complaining, it'll get you no where in life.”
 
Although, on the life scale, I think I have pretty much hit rock bottom.
 
My negative thoughts started getting to me, and suddenly I developed a headache. I finished with my shower and stepped out, dried myself, then wrapped a clean towel around my damp body.
 
I felt refreshed as I walked back into my room to put on my clothes. I felt some of the warm breeze coming through the cracks in the balcony doors, but the air conditioner over-powered it.
 
I brushed my tangled hair in the make-up mirror in my room and put it up in a high pony tail. My appearance wasn't spot on beautiful, but it satisfied me enough.
 
Making my way to the living room I whistled a tune. Suddenly, I jumped back, causing myself to fall over. I snapped my head up.
 
I didn't even hear Danielle enter.
 
I put my right hand to my chest as I stood back up. “Oh gosh, I didn't know you were here.”
 
As she rushed over to me she spoke quickly. “Oh, Mrs. Jordan, I'm so sorry!”
 
I held up a hand as I finished getting back up. “Don't worry about it. Also, just call me Jordan.”
 
She nodded her head like a child. “Yes, of course. But I am sorry, I should have knocked. Mr. Jake gave me a key to get in...” she trailed off, her small brown eyes darting around the room.
 
“No problem.” When what she said caught up with me, I cocked my head a little. “Wait, he gave you a key?”
 
Her eyes returned back to me. “Yes. I-if you don't want me having the key I can give it-”
 
I stopped her stuttering mid-sentence. “No, no. It's okay Danielle, really. I just didn't know he gave you one.” I thought about it. “Actually, I never even got a key yet.”
 
He probably didn’t give me a key because he didn’t want me going anywhere. I felt my cheeks flush red at the though of him holding me hostage here.
 
As I thought about this I hardly noticed Danielle scrambling in her pockets. She pulled out a silver key. “Here, it's the least I can do. Take this key, I'll-” she stopped, thinking of an explanation, “I'll tell Mr. Jake I lost it.”
 
As I stared at the fidgeting, tall woman in front of me I felt a respect grow for her. A warm smile spread across my face, and I looked down at the hand that held out the key. It was shaking slightly from nervousness, and I took the key from her to put her a ease. “Thank you, Danielle.” I said warmly.
 
She gave me a wobbly smile, tangling her hands together. “Anytime.”
 
When she said 'anytime' I knew she seriously meant it. I motioned over towards the couch. “Want to sit and have a tea?”
 
She nodded happily. “Yes, I'll go make them.”
 
I grinned and took my seat. “Two sugars please.”
 
Five minutes later Danielle brought out tea and cookies. She set mine in front of me on the table, then took a seat next to me. She set her cup on her lap softly while looking  at me through her long black hair.
 
I smiled warmly. “So, let's start with something easy...” I thought about it for a moment, and then figured to ask the more reasonable question, “How old are you?”
 
She tucked a piece of black hair behind her ear. “I'm twenty-two.” She gave me a shy look, as if she wasn't sure if she should ask me or not. Apparently she decided yes. “And you?”
 
I took a sip of my tea, not before blowing on it to cool. “I’m twenty-one.”
 
She tucked another strand of hair behind her ear awkwardly. I guess she wasn't going to say anything, so I turned my head away. My living room walls are beige, and we have wooden floors. On my right is another balcony, and on my left is the hall way. Pictures of my childhood hung on the walls, and wedding pictures. I frowned at the wedding pictures. I looked so happy then...
 
I shook myself mentally, not letting myself think about that now. Luckily, Danielle chose that time to speak.
 
Or maybe it was not so lucky.
 
“So, how long you and Jake been together?” she questioned then took a sip of her green tea. Well, that's what it smelled like anyways.
 
I shrugged like the question didn’t bother me. “Only a few months. The thought of it only being a few months caused a pain in my stomach, it seemed so much longer.
 
Her eye brows shot up to her hair line. “That's it?”
 
I looked over and met her eyes with a grin plastered on my face. “What do you mean that's it? It feels like ten years.”
 
It was honestly the truth, but I didn't let her think that.
 
She laughed softly. “Ten years is a long time.”
 
I looked out the window at the birds flying by my balcony. “So is a few months.”
 
I heard her sigh. “Yes, perhaps.”
 
I looked at her as I reached behind my head and tightened my loose pony tail. “Have you ever been married?”
 
She shook her head, her hair falling around her shoulders, framing her round face. “No, no. Not me.”
 
“I see.”
 
She's smart, she never married. I found myself very jealous of her, but then I pushed it aside. “Do you and Jake get along?” she asked suddenly.
 
I narrowed my eyes. “To an extent. Why?”
 
“An extent?”
 
My eyes widened in the realization I said 'to an extent.' I scratched my head nervously. “I mean, yeah we get along.”
 
She noticed my change of words, but didn't say anything about them. “That's good.” She said.
 
I glanced at my feet, curling my toes together. Could I trust Danielle? I glanced at her from under my bangs. Her face was pleasant as she looked at her hands, her brown eyes soft with worry. Worry for what?
 
I looked up at her then. But before I could say anything, she cut me off. “You don't really get along, do you two?”
 
I was caught. I looked down quickly, hiding the red that was making its way up my neck, creeping to my cheeks. “No.” My voice was barley above a whisper.
 
Suddenly, her hand rested on my knee, and I looked at her from under my bangs again. “I can tell.” I gave her a questioning look. “I mean, I can tell you two don't get along.”
 
I cocked my head. “Then why'd you ask?”
 
She shrugged as a tiny smile spread across her face. Her soft brown eyes lit up. “Because I wanted to hear it from you.”
 
We stared at each other for a moment, and for that moment I saw something besides softness in her eyes: I saw care, and kindness. All at once, I had a feeling I can trust Danielle.
 
I absently wiped the tear that escaped my eye. I'm at a loss for words, so I said nothing. I simply gave her a kind smile.
 
Patting my knee, she stood up while straightening her beautiful plain white dress. “Well, I have to go and start cleaning. Jake won't like it if I get nothing done.”
 
When she went to the other room, I looked back out the window. Storm clouds had suddenly rolled in, and I could tell a storm was preparing. Sighing, I stood up, walked to the balcony and outside. Taking a chair, I sat down, enjoying my tea alone as I watched the first rain drop fall.

Author's Note

2nd chapter :)

Reviews

[Daydreamer54]

Kinda boring to be honest, but at least she made a friend. if I was here, i'd leave once he was gone...
dieing-dying
slid- slide
You guys don;t get along do you?- That would sound better.

[Midnight_Mystery]

keep 'em coming...you're doing great..i've been pulled right in..definatly. :) Like other's have said i'm also glad Jordan has found someone she can talk to.

[hannajade]

I'm happy Jordon as someone to confide in! I like this!

[Briana Collins]

Can't wait for more :D I like Danielle she seems nice.Write more soon :)