Chapter 3- I Stole His Apples

We were approaching the gazebo and the dog kept following us as if on guard in case of emergency.

The huge dog glared at me or perhaps, I was just imagining it. I was certain of one thing though, that it would attack at the slightest sense of danger. I stupidly refrained from expressing my fear. I drew closer to Mr Addison, in fear of the dog.

I was sure, he wondered why I came so close to him, as if struggling to get into the gazebo before him. He stopped for a moment, look at me in amazement but said nothing. He simply shook his head, glancing at my frightened face and gave way for me to get in before him.

"Ladies first." He gestured (go in) with his hands. A warm smile grazed his broad bearded face and I reciprocated.

The gazebo was not very spacious, it's concrete walls were about 3 inches high, with a hearth at the base of the rear wall.

The chandelier emitted light in the middle making it easier to find my way through a set of cream and coffee brown cotton armchairs.

The gazebo was unique, much more like a study, than it's purpose of relaxation. I sat nervously on the couch closest to the hearthside, as Mr Addison bent over the centre table. He arranged the unusually large books that splattered on the table into a pile as he spoke to me,

"Keren."

"Yes sir."

"pardon me, I have to take these inside"

"It's okay. I- will just sit here and wait." I said. On looking at the dog, I reiterated,

"I'll sit here and wait, alone."

He could see through my words, acknowledging my fear, I knew these by his mirthful response, "yes, Jasper is coming with me."

"Thank you." I replied.

"I will be right back." He said before leaving.

I sat there savouring the smell of the flowers that were few metres away. The couch was fluffy unlike the one at home. My eyes travelled to all corners of the gazebo.

The well carved flowerpots were delicately placed on various sides of the building. The weather was chill, so I rubbed my palms together to get warmer, I could not wait to go home.

My eyes trailed further to a small squared basket full of four red crispy apples. It was on the table and it stared furiously at me. No!, I lied. The apples were not staring at me.

Although it's not in my habit to do so, but I had to. I felt this sudden realization of a compulsory duty that I had neglected and this was: lunch and dinner.

So truthfully, I was staring at the apples. I swallowed hungrily, slyly looking at the apples and looking away. The temptation mounted until my hands betrayed me and I grabbed an apple.

I looked around a second time damning the rules as I took the first bite, then the second and the third. I munched it hungrily, savouring he sweet taste of this organic fruit, as it enchanted my taste buds. I enjoyed every bite and grabbed one more.

It was passed twilight already, the young night was welcomed with the buzzy sound of happy fire flies. They glittered in the dark atmosphere, multiplying by the passing of each second.

While I ate, I could perceive a dissonant smell. It was not thoroughly the sweet smell of apple. My nose did the search until I uncovered the truth. The sad truth that I had not bathed all day.

"Gosh! I stink!" I murmured.

My wrinkled nose sent an expression of displeasure. "Keren what is wrong with you? How could you forget this!" I queried.

The sweaty smell was not so musty but I was overly self conscious. Who wouldn't be? I felt so embarrassed and I regretted getting close to him. I quickly perceived my under arm and turned my nose away quickly.

Could it be, I wondered, that he noticed my stench? Genuine concern was written all over my face, I wished I could disappear from this place. I could rightly term this day: THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE.

My mind traveled to the events that led me to this point in my life. it's sad that I had to wallow in what some would call self-pity but truly bad things happen and there was nothing anyone could do about.

It all began three months ago.