Jake just left for work, he told me that he'll be back later.
I know what I'm supposed to do.
As soon as I hear the door downstairs lock, I lump to my feet and get started cleaning.
If I don't get it all done, he'll be angry.
Starting in the living room, I straighten books and fold the sheets that are laying over the couch.
Next is dusting.
I hate dusting, but it is the most important according to Allan.
After than I sweep and vacuum.
Shit, I almost forgot to start a fire in the fireplace.
Quickly, I do that.
I repeat the steps in each room, the after the whole flat has been cleaned, I mop the floors.
Lastly, now that everything is done, I start cooking.
What is Jake's favorite type of food?
Having no idea, I decide to make whatever I can find.
Food is finished just as I hear the door downstairs unlocking.
Just in time, Jake will be pleased.
Jake walks into the flat.
"Sherlock, I'm home."
I emerge from the kitchen and meet him at the door.
Watching him with steady unmoving eyes, I wait for his approval.
"Sherlock, did you clean?" He looks confused.
I nod my head yes.
"You cooked too, didn't you?"
Once again, I vigorously nod.
Did I forget something? Did I mess up? He isn't happy.
"You didn't have to do that." He smiles, but it's forced.
Shit. I must have forgotten something.
Wordlessly, I walk over to the fireplace, and kneel before it.
I messed up, now i must be punished.
"What are you doing over there?" Jake follows me.
I look up at him, not meeting his eyes.
Don't you know? I messed up, I must be punished.
"Tell me what you're thinking." He sits down next to me.
Test or Order?
"Sherlock, it's okay." He touches my shoulder gently. "Tell me what you're thinking."
"Punishment." I whisper and close my eyes. Waiting on the first blow.
"What?"
"I didn't do something right, I must be punished." I explain quietly, keeping my eyes closed. "I must be reminded what happens when I break the rules."
"Sherlock, no..." Jake sounds heartbroken.
Why?
"Did you clean and cook because you thought you had to?"
Am I not to do that?
"You can answer me." His voice sounds soft.
"Yes, am I no longer instructed the same?" I open my eyes slowly, but look at the fire instead of Jake.
"No, you don't have to cook or clean."
"What are my instructions?"
"You don't have any."
I have to have instructions, I'm to stupid to do anything right without them.
"Come on, why don't we eat." Jake motions for me to go to the kitchen with him.
We sit down at the table, and he starts eating. I watch him, waiting on him to tell me if I'm allowed to eat.
"Aren't you going to eat, Sherlock?"
I don't understand.
"You can eat." He furrows his brows.
With that, I pick up my fork and begin eating.
"You don't have to wait to be told anymore." Jake says.
Yes I do.
Why are things so different here?