Coming Back Home

Chapter 9: Facts about Blurin

FACTS ABOUT BLU

Tristan wakes up with an uncomfortable feeling. His head throbs slightly and his back is killing him! He didn't sleep all night. He's pretty sure no one in the room slept at all. He remembers glancing at the bedside clock and the 3:43 am flashing brightly.

His eyes drifts to Blurin who runs a small comb across his hair. The bulking man wore a navy blue long-sleeved shirt with loose joggers.

Tristan bites his lip. He glances at his soaked shirt and puffs out a sigh.

"I brought your work laptop,"

"Gracias." (Thank you.) Blurin glances at him briefly before dropping the comb.

Blurin turns and walks to the door before Tristan's voice stops him, "Where are you going?"

"Tengo que ir a cortar el césped y vestir las camas de verduras antes de que se despierte." (I have to go mow the lawn and dress the veggie beds before she wakes up.) He doesn't wait for Tristan's reply before he shoots him a long look and walks out.

Tristan sighs. He pulls out his toiletries from his bag before walking into the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, he is watching Charlie place plates of food accordingly with a little shake of the hips. He clears his throat as a little laugh was about to break free.

Charlie's eyes darts to his immediately, "Hey, Tristan! Hi, good morning! Blurin is outside," she rambles.

Tristan shakes his head softly, "Good morning Charlie, and I know, he told me."

Charlie nods and bites her lip awkwardly. Her full loose floral gown now feels a tad bit tighter on her under Tristan's gaze. She tucks her hair behind both ears to avoid falling into the food.

Charlie clears her throat, "So...um... Sleep well? I know the mattress isn't...well...comfortable."

"I slept great," he takes a seat and thanks the lady in front of him before he starts eating.

"Really?" Her eyes lit up, "That's nice to hear!"

Tristan waits for Charlie to take the last spoon of her food before he clears her throat. Charlie sees the seriousness in his gaze and she nods and gestures to the living room.

Before Tristan says anything, Charlie bites her lip worriedly, "Um, do you think it's alright to discuss Blurin without his knowledge?"

"He won't be able to explain things to you because of his speech impairment and besides, he's aware of this conversation."

Charlie sighs and folds her hand on her lap. There's a long awkward silence before Tristan clears his throat... for the umpteenth time this morning.

"I guess you have so many questions to ask about my patient? Ask away,"

"Okay. I'm going to ask the obvious question. How did Blurin end up in my apartment?"

"That was actually my fault... Well, my secretary's fault but mine, nonetheless!" He chuckles lowly, "His actual destination was Stanfeld, you know, the town just two states away. We didn't know of the mix up until it was time to board the plane. Blurin had to go because there was no other plane going North for the whole week. How he got to your apartment was just luck, I guess? Because you're a nice person for not throwing him out in the cold or worse, calling the police."

Oops? Charlie laughs nervously, her eyes darts from his, "Yeah..."

Tristan smiles and runs his hand through his slightly wet hair, tousling it and thereby tousling Charlie's heartbeat.

So Blurin got in Steinfeld by mistake. Okay, now that that's out of the way...

"You said he's speech impaired..." She trails off because honestly, she doesn't know how to phrase the question without sounding nosy. Sure, she's curious but if it is confidential information then she'll back off with her curiosity choking her to death.

"Yes, He is. You'd like to know the reason why, yes?"

Charlie nods eagerly.

"Yeah. Well, Blu was born is Spain. He lived there in the formative years of his life. When he was 10 years of age, he moved to England with his cousin. He's stayed there till his recruitment."

"Recruitment?"

"Yes. Army."

Charlie opens her mouth but the doctor raises his hand with a shake of his head.

"He... He doesn't like to talk about it," Charlie lips pull into a pout before sighing.

She sees movement in her peripheral vision and she moves her head slowly. Blurin worked the hose like a clumsy school boy. He practically fights with the hose, spraying his face along the way. She chuckles calmly once he finally gets the hose under control.

Tristan trails his vision to Blu. He shakes his head with an eye roll. Sensing the pause in the conversation, Tristan pats his knee to gain Charlie's attention.

"I will be going to the station now. They called and said I'll need to sign some paperwork,"

Charlie roll her eyes. Stanfeld Police is so extra. They're all bark and keep barking.

"Okay then. You'll be back in time for lunch, yes?"

Tristan nods, a small smile gracing his face, "Yes. When I get back, I have something important to discuss with you, okay?"

"Yes. That's fine!"

Charlie watches as Tristan runs upstairs to change into a decent dressing.

"Oh God," she whispers as Tristan's legs flexed with every step he took.

Those gracious legs. So strong and damn...

Charlie pats her cheeks continuously. She'll have to tell Deedah about her wet thoughts.

But... He's so hot. I have to talk to Deedah immediately.

A few minutes later, after Charlie had organized her work station—which is her bean bag, laptop and a cup of sweet coffee—, Tristan struts back in with a light blue button-up shirt and black shorts. His brown hair now looks dry but naturally styled.

Red coat her cheeks when she notices that she's been staring at the specimen in front of him for an uncomfortably long time.

Gosh Charlie! Way to not be creepy!

"I'll be heading out now, Charlie. Be back soon!"

"Okay. Bye, Tristan!"

He flashes his professional smile before walking out.