Chapter 2:
The couple had not looked at Mona immediately after the statement. They were still guilty and awkward about the subject. And it was very lucky they were. Mona's expression was something not to been have interrupted or seen.
Mona's face showed anger beyond bounds. However, she contented herself with a tight and twitchy fist. If she had been holding a pen or pencil, she would have cracked it into twain. If she were holding a spoon or fork, she would have easily bent it. If she were holding a knife, she would have squeezed it and have a small amount of blood oozing from between her beautiful slender fingers. But her face was not as beautiful as it used to be. It was all scrunched up and red. It was almost surprising that the sound of a train's smoke was not seen or heard coming out of her ears.
When they finally looked up to look at her, her expression was no longer visible, and a shadow came over her face as her head hung low.
"Look, Mona," said Max guiltily, "I know we should've told you earlier when I was introducing her to you and that this news is so surprising that it's left you speechless… yes, I know it has and it's very personal—oh no, I mean yes, couples have to keep nothing away from each other but—"
Max, in his nervousness of coming up with that topic, unintentionally had his sentences stringier than usual. But it didn't matter. He didn't have to continue. Mona stood up abruptly; making sure her face wasn't clearly seen.
"I—I think I'm going to go to the kitchen and… you know."
"Mona…"
"See you."
Mona walked swiftly to the kitchen, suppressing the urge to scream out the foulest of curses. Max sighed and dropped to the couch and held his face in his hands. "I don't know what to do," said Max. "I just don't…" his words trailed off as Roxanne placed her hand on his shoulder.
"It'll work out soon," she said soothingly, inching closer to him. "Just be very gentle and affectionate with her…"
Little did the couple know that Mona was peeking at them from the wide-open doorframe, staring at them with a scowl on her face. She could not hear any of their conversation for she was too far away, but she did see Roxanne inch closer to him… make contact… and speak to him in such a way that made him lift his head and smile at her. Then, as Max threw himself back and started talking openly, Mona thought she might throw something.
Preferably an accident. Or what looked like an accident. It could also be sharp. And while on the subject, why not 'accidentally' aim at Roxanne?
The thought made Mona smirk. Turning around, she immediately made her way to where they were keeping the kitchen utensils. Hmm… a fork? No, how about a knife instead? Mona started picking out the knives and checking the blades. She wrinkled her nose in disgust as she picked out a butter knife, then shook her head at a switchblade. She picked out one that was supposed to chop vegetables and maybe even open cans, scratched her chin, considered it, and set it aside. Finally, her face lit up as she found something she liked. It was a large knife, which was used when struggling with large meat. Mona remembered using one of these during Thanksgiving.
Grinning evilly all over her face, she slowly picked it up and looked at her reflection in the large knife. Perfect.
"Yo, Mona, where's the turkey?"
The words that had escaped her boyfriend's mouth were said jokingly, but to her it was a voice of horror. She had been caught! Hastily wrenching around, her hand loosened on the knife's handle and it fell… heading towards her foot.
Mona might have been one-footed for the rest of her life if Roxanne had not cried, "Watch out!!" and came to her rescue. Roxanne appeared at her left and pushed her to the right, falling with her.
But alas and alack… Roxanne had been able to save Mona, but not herself. Fortunately, the large knife had not done the damage that it could've. It caught Roxanne's right leg, but only cleanly skinned it from the knees down.
"ROXANNE!" was the word that escaped Max's mouth. Rushing to his bleeding ex-girlfriend, he helped her sit up. "Wait here," said Max. "I'll come back with a few bandages."
Mona meanwhile, was in shock. Her heart was pounding so hard against her ribcage that she was surprised that Roxanne was not able to hear her. She was horrified at the fact that she had done such a horrible thing, all because Roxanne saved her. It was not a nice feeling, being guilty.
But when Max came back with bandages, a damp cloth and some ointment too, her feelings began to take a mighty turn. Max kneeled down beside the redhead and gently began mopping up her bleeding leg. He pressed it gently against the cloth so that it would stop bleeding, and it did. "Does it hurt?" he concernedly asked Roxanne.
She shook her head. "It's throbbing, but it doesn't hurt at all."
Max eyed the ointment. "I think I'd better rinse your leg first."
"Right."
Max hoisted Roxanne's arm around his shoulders and placed one hand around her waist, pressing her body against his for support. Together, they half-walked and half-limped to the bathroom.
Mona was just absolutely burning. You might have been able to fry eggs on her head. Max had not even noticed her! He didn't ask once if she was okay! In fact, he didn't even look at her once. Mona began to wish that the knife had done more damage.
Mona was so angry she could hardly move. But she did, because soon she was on her feet and marching out of the kitchen. But the sight on the couch made her even sicker. Roxanne was resting back, and Max was sitting upright, his head bent low. Her left leg was hiding behind Max's back, and on his lap was Roxanne's hurt leg. It looked like he had dried it already, for he was applying the ointment.
Roxanne winced slightly as he moved the position of her leg to pick up the bandages, and he turned to look at her. He said something for his lips moved, but Mona didn't know what he was saying. Roxanne smiled weakly and spoke back. Max then began to gently wrap the bandages around her leg.
Mona couldn't stand the sight any longer. She had to do something about it, break up the romance. Mona walked over to them. "I think I better do that," Mona said, gesturing pointedly at the aiding of Roxanne. And maybe even do it a little rougher, Mona thought.
Max smiled his brilliant smile at her. "That's real nice of you Mona," said Max, "but I think we're done here." He turned towards Roxanne's leg and daintily tied a neat knot at the end.
"I think I'd better start using pants now," Roxanne sighed. "You know, to hide the bandages."
"I think so, too," Max agreed.
"It's a shame. I really liked these shorts." Roxanne looked pointedly at the denim shorts she was wearing.
Slut, Mona thought, upset that the attention was once again directed towards Roxanne. You just want to show off your legs.
"Anyway," said Max, turning to look at Mona, whose heart fluttered with optimism, "why don't you start making dinner? I bet we're all pretty hungry now."
Mona's shoulders dropped. "Fine," she said grudgingly. She looked at her boyfriend with a hopeful look on her face. "Are you coming?"
"I think Roxanne will need company," said Max, not looking at her. "Besides, guests have got to feel welcome, don't they?"
"I think I've overstayed your welcome," said Roxanne, smiling faintly.
You sure damn did, thought Mona.
"Don't say that," said Max. "We're happy to have you here. Right, Mona?"
In a million years, thought Mona, but she said, "Yes."
"Great," Max smiled. "Now, what about that dinner?"
"Yes, I'm hungry," Roxanne piped up cheerfully.
Now they're treating me like a slave, Mona thought. But she made her way to the kitchen, leaving the giggly couple. This only irritated her more. She sneaked a look back. You'd better be careful, girlie, thought Mona, eyeing Roxanne. I just might 'accidentally' slip poison in your soup.
--
"Mm… that's a delicious smell, Mona, what're you cooking?" Max called. Mona smirked at his interest.
"That's a surprise," she replied. She then sliced up a few tomatoes and dropped them into the pot. Then she blinked. Hmm, she thought. What if I were to put some sauce… hot sauce? And a little pepper while we're at it. She picked up the pepper and dropped in the whole bottle. She wanted to laugh evilly as she fished out the empty container.
"Come and get it!" Mona called, placing a bowl of soup on the table. Max and Roxanne rushed to the table, slightly delayed because of Roxanne's leg. Then after Roxanne took a seat, Max grabbed his fork and licked his lips at the sight of the fried chicken sitting on the table. He dug in instantly. After giving the ravenous (Goof appetite) Max a satisfied glance, turned towards Roxanne with a smile.
"Roxanne dear," said Mona, the addition of 'dear' tasting sour on her tongue, "I made my special made especially for you. I thought it would make you feel better with your injury."
Roxanne smiled radiantly at her as Mona passed her a bowl. "That's so very nice of you." Mona wanted to throw up.
But she soon felt better when Roxanne dipped her spoon in the orange-like liquid. Mona's grin soon reached her ears when Roxanne placed the spoon near her lips and gently blew away the smoke. Mona wanted to cackle. Roxanne slipped the spoon in her mouth.
Three seconds passed and Roxanne filled her spoon again, this time with the chopped meat and a little vegetables. Mona watched, growing impatient. Her impatience was soon answered when the serenity faded from Roxanne's face. Roxanne began to frown slightly, her face creasing with every passing second. Suddenly, she started coughing and sputtering. Max, who did not notice earlier, heard her and looked up.
"Roxanne—what's wrong?!"
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A/N: I'm so sorry for the late update! You see, this great typhoon (the highest signal) struck the whole province… or so I think. Anyway, there wasn't any electricity and you can imagine how much I danced and screamed when it came back after months of heat, sweat, warm water to drink and cold water to bathe in! Hallelujah to civilization!