Ice and Fire

Watching the happy couple go inside, John, standing at the door, felt distressed. With tears in his eyes, he turned away in utter disappointment.

In the evening, Jackson lay in bed, holding Cherry in his arms. He felt very happy.

"Didn't you say that you would stay in the barracks for a month? How come you are back today?" Leaning into Jackson's arms, Cherry asked.

"My wife was suffering at home, how could I be at ease outside?" said Jackson, in an indifferent tone.

"I didn't suffer much. I have been pretty good these days." said Cherry. Everything was fine except what had happened this morning.

"Pretty good? Does that include you getting slapped by Lucia?" said Jackson, sternly. The woman was so defenseless, that she did not even know how to protect herself.

"It was just an accident. When I went to the Chu residence this morning, I did not know Lucia would be there." said Cherry.

"But you were slapped by her! I will never allow anyone to hurt my woman," announced Jackson, barking it out like an order.

"Jackson, are you protecting me?" asked Cherry. She was touched. Was she now feeling a wave of happiness wash over her? She did indeed feel happy.

"Yes, you are my wife and of course I have to protect you," said Jackson, holding Cherry tight. Though he couldn't speak out that he loved her, she had completely swept away his heart.

Cherry didn't say a word, but she felt warm. She hadn't felt this way for a long time and she had almost forgotten what happiness was like. John had been very good to her, but that had been long ago. Wilson also treated her very well, but he had not been beside her for a long time. Nowadays, it was Jackson who made her feel warm and happy. Cherry was wondering whether she should open her heart to him now.

A thought had occurred to Cherry and she asked,"Why did

Cherry's eyes and sternly warned her,"You mustn't go with

mean when you say that I shouldn't go anywhere out of

turned over and pressed himself

Jackson wanted to do to her, but she still asked,"Jackson, what do you

else can I do in the evening?" Jackson

"Jackson, you bastard."

words, Jackson took complete control of

was filled with the

Cherry opened her eyes, she saw Jackson staring at her, seriously, like a devil.

doing?" asked Cherry.

was full of warmth and happiness. He had never felt so warm, as he did with

do you stare at me? Get out of here!" Cherry pretended

behind. He said,"No matter how ugly you are, I will stare at you because you

time?" said Cherry. Since she had married Jackson, she had decided to be with him

with John!" said Jackson,

and said, seriously,"Then will you stop

his behalf?" said Jackson, in