THE PLEASURE IN YOUR PAIN

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ROCHELLE

“Becky!!!” I giggled, placing a kiss on her forehead, adjusting her blanket and sitting beside her.

“Rochelle, darlin’! It’s so good to see you!” She smiled, though her face was still pale.

“Did you come with that nice handsome young man again?” she asked, smirking mischievously.

“Becky! I told you, Ethan is just a friend. I want to introduce you to someone,” I said, smiling nervously as I signaled for Kieran to walk in.

“Becky, this is Kieran De La Vega, my fiancé. Kieran, this is Rebecca Sutherland, my sister,” I finished, taking Kieran’s hand and bringing him close.

Becky was agonizingly silent for what felt like hours, carefully studying Kieran with meticulous eyes.

“Darlin’…” she started slowly. “…how did you afford the hospital bills?” she asked, still eyeing Kieran suspiciously.

“Um, well... I…” I muttered, taken off guard.

How did she? How could she have figured it out so fast?

“When Rochelle told me of your condition, I immediately offered to help,” Kieran intervened quickly, and I nodded gratefully.

“I see,” Becky said again, narrowing her eyes.

“Could you please leave us, Mr…” Her tone toward Kieran was condescending.

“It’s okay, Kieran,” I smiled, standing up and pulling him into a hug.

He nodded, saying goodbye before walking out of the ward.

“BECKY!” I screamed, turning back to her, frowning as tears stung the corners of my eyes.

“Oh, darlin’, please don’t tell me you traded your hand in marriage for my treatment?” she sighed sadly, eyes watering.

“It’d break my heart if I caused your forever unhappiness,” she said, letting tears fall freely.

“Becky! You could never be the cause of my unhappiness!” I assured her, cuddling her warmly.

“Yes, I did give my hand in marriage for your treatment, but it’s more than that now. Kieran loves me, and his family accepts me. I’m in amazing hands. I’ll be loved, and we’ll never want for anything again. Ever!” I smiled, resting my head against hers.

“What about that handsome brown-haired man?” she asked again.

“Ethan is Kieran’s cousin and best friend. He takes care of me sometimes. He’s just a friend, Becks. It’s Kieran I’m with,” I giggled.

“And this Kieran... does he care about you?” she asked worriedly.

“I like to think so. He’s always there for me, and he’s so kind too,” I explained.

“And you’re happy with him?”

“Yes, Becky, I’m very happy with Kieran,” I said, smiling softly.

“And you’re sure you’re fine spending the rest of your life with him?”

“Ugh, Becky! Yes, I’m sure,” I groaned but smiled.

“He does look very handsome,” Becky smirked at me.

“I never noticed,” I blushed, feigning innocence.

“Yes, you have!” she giggled, shoving my shoulder.

“Yes! He’s very handsome. An excellent kisser too, I might add,” I whispered, and we both giggled.

“I’m happy if you’re happy, darlin’,” she smiled, and I pulled her into a warm hug.

“Now... tell me everything that’s happened so far! How’d you two meet?” she shrieked like a teenager, scooting over to make space for me.

I climbed in beside her, wrapping the blanket around us both, easing her into my arms as I began to tell her everything.

---

“Oh wow!” Becky laughed.

“I was just as shocked as you!” I laughed back.

“b**m is nasty sexy stuff,” Becky wiggled her brows.

“It looked painful,” I shrugged.

“Yeah, but aren’t you the least bit curious?” she smirked.

“Ugh! No!” I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

“You are!” she shrieked and started tickling me.

“Becky, no! Please!” I burst into uncontrollable laughter as we rolled over the bed.

“Admit it, Pumpkin!” she taunted, still tickling me.

“No!!!” I pleaded between short, quick laughs.

“Admit it!” she sang.

“Okay, yes! I’m curious!” I blurted, and she stopped, looking pleased.

“I knew you were,” she smirked, sinking back into the bed.

“You’re awful!” I laughed heartily, catching my breath.

“I love you too, Pumpkin,” she laughed back.

“So, will you tell him?” she asked, staring at me expectantly.

“Tell him what?” I asked, confused.

“About your curiosity,” she replied in a ‘duh’ tone.

“Yeah, well... I don’t want to get too s****l until we’re at least married,” I answered, blushing shyly.

“Smart girl,” Becky praised, pride shining in her eyes.

“You do know that Kauffman likes you though?” she said rather than asked.

“Ethan Kauffman is my friend! Becky, please,” I snapped sternly.

“Okay!” she shrugged, raising her hands in mock surrender.

“So... De La Vega, huh?” she smirked again, and I nodded quietly.

“De La Vega, like the enterprise with the airline?” she asked, eyes wide when I nodded.

“That’s a lot!” she whistled. “You’ve been living the life, haven’t you!” She laughed heartily again.

“Sorry, ma’am, visiting hours are over now,” a nurse walked in, signaling it was time to leave.

“Yeah, sure,” I smiled sadly, grabbing my things.

“I love you, Becks!” I hugged her tightly.

“You too, darlin’,” she replied, hugging me even tighter.

I placed a light kiss on her forehead, leaving her ward and the hospital.

---

“You waited for me?” I grinned, knocking on the car window.

“Yeah... I, uh...” Kieran spluttered, waking up.

“I figured you didn’t have transportation home, so I stayed.”

“Let’s go,” I smiled warmly, getting into the car and placing a loving hand on Kieran’s cheek as he smiled, emerald eyes glistening with care.

“Let’s go,” he said back, starting the car and driving off.