CHAPTER 159
I went back to Nevada the next day, leaving a sad and confused Ayo behind.
He had my number now, so I knew I'd work on repairing whatever I broke last night.
But right now, I was a mess; the magic was taking back everything it had given.
I went to see Claire and thankfully, she was recovering, although that was temporary as they had scheduled her for another surgery in a week.
“How long do you think she'll be in this state?” Reya asked me, as if I was any wiser than she in the matter.
But she's been by her side all week long, guilt driving her crazy.
“Once she's done with the surgery, we'll be able to take her home so she can recover quickly. Don't worry, she's not dying on us okay?”
“She better not,” she sniffled, “I still have a long list of things we have to experience together.”
“When last did you have your ass whipped?” I cocked my head to the side, looking at her tired eyes.
“That's not what I was talking about!” She shook her head at my words.
“I don't care, answer the question.”
“Since you told me to lay off on her.”
“I thought you were…”
“I just couldn't go through with it. She'll be hurt.”
“Well, you are draining me, so go out and get it done. I also need you to do some research on someone for me. Discreetly.”
“Oh, you found someone?”
“Not found per se,” I sighed, and showed her Ayo’s picture.
“But he's not sick.”
“And you can tell just by looking at him?” I narrowed my eyes at her with a smirk. “But you're right. I know I have been saying I would rather find someone who has no reason to live but I haven't found someone… good enough. And he? He's obsessed with me. If I suggest it, I want him to be on board with it because he can't find out about our world and still leave.”
“So you need a reason he'll be unable to say no.”
“There should be something he wants more than life itself,” I explained, our eyes communicating.
“I'll put my network to work.”
“And make sure you sleep. It's an order. Don't come back here till Monday. You hear me? Get your pussy licked, don't be a hypocrite.”
“Fine,” she laughed, and got up to gather her things.
She'd packed an overnight bag when she came the second time after I'd forced her to go home again.
I watched sadly as the hospital ward became silent again and I pulled out my laptop and began working.
It was probably midnight before I took my eyes off the laptop and I felt my stomach grumble a protest.
By some annoying machination, I had to feed both my body and my magic reserve and although my body wasn't as weak as that of a normal human, I still needed to eat.
So I went to Claire, touched her skin again, and reinforced the protective ward around her before heading out to find something to eat.
A pack of chocolate from the vending machine would be fine, I barely had any appetite.
I had changed into a pair of tracksuits and I felt that heat again, pulsing and intense again, so I took off the top as I walked towards the reception area.
“Damn, when did you get so ripped?”
I turned to see Calvin in joggers and a tank shirt that showed how lean he'd gotten.
“The gym is addictive these days,” I replied, and continued walking.
“Hey, wait up!” He called from behind me, each movement a difficult task for him.
I stopped and forced my emotions, which were anger, irritation, and the feeling to punch this cheating man in the face, all in a box.
He's dying and I won't give him what he's been asking for anyway so why won't he pivot?
It just hurt because that hug was too deep, personal and I don't think she's new.
Didn't he tell me there's no one else?
“What did I do?” He asked as he got closer to me finally.
“Why? Do you feel guilty about something?”
“I don't… oh, because I didn't tell you what's wrong?”
I licked my lips, before replying, reminding myself he's dying, be nice.
“Yeah.”
“I was hoping what they were saying wasn't true. I'd been fine, doing everything I was told to do so I don't know what on earth would make me collapse in the middle of the road?”
“What exactly is the problem?”
“It's my heart,” he smiled, “he's pissed I wasn't allowed to love you.”
“Stop playing around,” I snapped.
“I'm sorry,” he cast his eyes down, “they say it's coronary artery disease.”
“Oh dear,” I feigned shock, “you will be fine right?”
With that, he burst into tears, falling into my shocked arms.
I sighed, allowing him to take whatever comfort he could find in my arms.
After an awkward minute or two, he pulled back.
“I haven't had anything to eat,” I told him, “so I need to get something. I'll come check on you later, What's your room number?”
“Ward 254. It's the about-to-die ward,” he chuckled again, affecting me too. “It's the most fun part of the hospital.”
“I guess impending death unlocked your humour.”
“I've always been funny!”
“If you insist,” I chuckled, separating from his space. “Did you need anything? I'll get it for you.”
“I just wanted to take a walk but I think I do need to sit down.”
“Good idea. Still, I'll bring you a cup of chocolate, good?”
“You're amazing,” he smiled before turning around.
“So I've heard.”
We both chuckled as we headed in opposite directions.
His smile probably lasted longer than mine.
I have no idea why I promised to go see him.
But then, I would have the chance to shop for a body for Rowan.
He's already getting antsy, I could feel it. I don't even know if he's suffering right now and I'm here getting myself into impossible situations.
I just couldn't stop thinking like a human, other people didn't have to lose their existence for my benefit.
Only this was a bad idea because to survive on this earth, sacrifices have to be made and it would either come from me or someone else.
As I settled back to my seat about to eat my chocolate bar, my phone rang.
It was Ayo and he was so sick he feared he might die soon.