Rise Up

CHAPTER EIGHT

I stared at him. He then slowly opened his eyes and our eyes met. We stared at each other when suddenly I felt my heart skipped a beat. I first broke the eye contact and then the silence.

“The food is ready.” I said. He stared at me again and he slowly smiled. I helped him to sit.

            We both headed to the Dining Room. I placed the food in his plate. We ate in silence.

“You should sleep at your room after you eat.” He looked at me. It looks like he hasn’t regained his strength yet.

“I will go after I settle things here.” I’m referring to washing the dishes and all. I mentally sighed when I remember that I need to walk blocks away to reach the subdivision gate.

“Just stay for this night. I can’t drive you, I still feel weak. I also don’t want to risk your safety thinking you will be walking in that dark street.”

“But” I didn’t finish my sentence when he continued talking

“Don’t worry I’ll drive you home early tomorrow for you to change clothes.” He said

            Okay, driving me home early tomorrow is nice but what bothers me is that he is a man, I am a woman and we are together alone. I know that Patrick is a decent man plus, he is sick and weak and he can’t do the thing I’m thinking about.

“I have spare room, you can stay there. I’m going to my room, don’t worry I won’t take advantage of you, unless you take advantage of me.” He teasingly smiled and I threw dagger looks at him. As if I will do that, duh; he put his dishes in the kitchen sink

“I’m sorry to ask you for a favour, but can you help me with the dishes?” He faced me after placing his dishes.

“Yeah sure, I can at least do that. Take first the pain reliever medicine before you sleep it will help your body to recover faster.” I said and gave him the spare medicine Mae gave me. He immediately took the medicine and drank it.  I also place my dishes at the counter when suddenly Patrick lost balance so I have to provide him support until we reach his room. We walked past the spare room he is talking.

            After I accompany him, I went straight to the kitchen and do the dishes after that I went to the room. I looked around. The room is so wide that you may actually think that is a one whole house, it has living room in the middle, own bathroom, it even has walk-in closet. I wonder whose room it is. The walk-in closet is filled with man’s clothing.

            I borrowed a white t-shirt and boxer shorts from the closet because I feel so sticky and I need to change. I just feel sorry for the owner. I locked the door to surely feel safe from Patrick.

The next morning, I checked my phone. It’s already 5 in the morning and Cara called me midnight unfortunately I haven’t received the call. I went downstairs, I’m trying to call  Cara but this time, she’s not answering the call. I smelled garlic being sautéed; I went straight to the kitchen just to see Patrick cooking. I he okay? I went near him

“Do you feel okay now?” I asked him, he faced me and he looked so shocked as if he has seen a ghost. What? Is something wrong with me? Oh no, I forgot to wash my face, my face is puffy and maybe there is some dried spoiled saliva in my mouth.  I may look like a real zombie? I run towards the kitchen sink and washed my face. I can only hear Patrick’s lively laughter. Wow, he must be really okay already, he can now laugh at his heart’s content and now he will start to tease me.

“I wasn’t actually shocked at your face appearance rather in what you are wearing but it is also fun looking at your face” He looked at me from head to toe.

            I just realized, I’m wearing a big white t-shirt and boxers of someone I don’t know. I looked like I’m not wearing anything below. I feel so ashamed in front of Patrick, I looked like I’m seducing him. I can hear his laugh again. Really, He is having fun of me feeling ashamed of myself.

“Alright dude, keep on laughing and never mind the garlic burning.” I sarcastically said and sat at the table. I hurriedly attended the burning garlic

“I’m sorry for taking the clothes, by the way who owns the room?” I asked him. He continued cooking

“It’s my brother’s room.” What?

“I thought it was a spare room.” I mean seriously? If it is a spare room, why is there an owner?

“It became a spare room since he died.” Wait, I slept in the room of deceased. Oh my

“Hey, it’s just a room. He didn’t die in that room, so no need to feel scared.” He said as he faced me.

            I didn’t try to open the topic about his brother again. It looks like it’s not yet the time to talk about it. We finished our breakfast. Patrick cooked fried rice, bacon and egg. I prepared the juice. Now, I am waiting for him to get his car. He will now drive me to my house, I miss it already. Patrick honked his car as a signal for me to enter.

“What?” we just arrived at my place, yet Patrick is not leaving yet.

“I’ll wait for you. Let’s go to the office together.” He keeps on insisting of waiting me but I also keep on insisting on leaving me.

“Look, there is no need for us to go to the office together. You better go now and start your works, Mae told me you still have a ton of work to do. Now go.” I said

“Bye” I added and waved my hand. I walked away from his car but still keep on looking at him. I saw him sigh in defeat and turned on the car engine. I waved my hands again and this time I faced my houses’ door. It’s not locked.

“Who is that man?” I was shocked at my sister’s sudden talking

            What is she doing here?

“What are you doing here young lady. ” I am still stunned at her unannounced visit.

“Woah, stop right there old lady. Before you bombard me questions I should ask questions first. Who is that man? Why didn’t you go home yesterday? Where are you? Are you still virgin.” I throw a pillow at her last question. Very nonsense

            Venice Lucas, my sister. She is 2 years younger than me. I also have a younger brother, 1 year younger than Venice. They live in the province with my dad. I usually visit them because of school and part times.

“Okay listen, I don’t want to explain anything after I finish what I will say.” I looked at her, she fixed her position and now she looks so ready to listen

“He is my boss at the same time he is my friend. He is sick and as a concerned citizen I helped him, there are no taxis available that night that’s why we decided to sleep at his house. End of story. He just drive me home and that’s it.” I explained but the look of disbelief is still written in her face. Well, I don’t care anymore.

“So, it’s my time to ask you. When did you arrive? And why are you here?” I intently looked at her and waited for her answer but I was surprised on her reason of coming here.

“Carina is back. Did you hear me sis? Mom is back and she’s asking for money again.”