Chapter 53

MELANIE.

TODAY'S MISSION WAS ONE OF STEALTH.

My skills have never been as sorely tested as they were at this moment. This could make or break my career and self-esteem. If I didn't do this one thing right, I would be ruined. I would never forgive myself.

I slipped off the flat indoor slippers I'd started wearing and set them aside carefully before proceeding down the stairs. I avoided the spots that I knew were somewhat hollow until I reached the bottom. I blew out a breath and smiled, reveling in my victory. The hard part was already over.

I turned to walk into the living room but froze when I spotted Lauren, arms folded and giving me a very displeased look. I swallowed and flashed a smile that rivaled the sun “Hey, Lauren. Can I just say that you are absolutely glowing today? Did you do something new with your hair?” I blurted cheerily.

The flattery didn't have the desired effect. She looked unimpressed as she started towards me “Just what do you think you're doing?” she asked. I could feel the bead of perspiration that formed on my forehead as I shuffled a few steps back, uneasy.

I upped the wattage of my smile as the urge to run took hold of me “It’s a really nice day, isn't it? I thought I might just take a walk” I said as casually as I could, praying she wouldn't haul me back to bed like she's been doing for the past four days.

“You’re supposed to resting, mija” she said as she came to stand beside me and gently started prodding me towards the living room “Walking is part of resting, isn't it? ” I argued.

“Now is not the time to be stubborn. Come on, off you go” she replied.

I sighed in defeat and let her prod me into the living room. I guess you couldn't win everything. She pressed me down onto the sofa until I was lying down and spread a rug over my knees. She disappeared then came back seconds later with cookies and a bowl of ice cream, handed it to me and stroked my hair.

“Now, you don't worry about a thing. You're going to be just fine,” she soothed. I saw the worry in her eyes so I just lay there and do whatever she wanted. When Jordan first brought me back to the house, she'd held onto me and cried for a good ten minutes. I was touched that she cared so much.

“Thank you, Lauren. You're the best” I smiled up at her and she beamed back, some of the worry fading away. With nothing left to do but watch movies and pig out, I settled into the comfy sofa and did just that. At some point I glanced up at the clock; Jordan had said we would go and see Blaine in the hospital when he got back from work.

He was out of the ER now declared to not be in any danger but that didn't stop the fear that clawed at my heart every time I saw him with his eyes closed, sleeping peacefully.

I frowned at the clock, keeping my eyes on it to make sure it was working. It was past the time Jordan had said he would be home and there was no sign of him.

In all the time I've known him he's never been late except on purpose. He probably got held up at work or something and would be back soon. Sure enough, I heard the front door open and close, then his voice as he conversed with Lauren.

When he stepped into the room with his tie loosened and a cookie in his mouth, I'd paused the anime series I was watching “Oh, it's you. When a dark gloom descended upon the house all of a sudden I knew it must be,” I said by way of greeting.

He knew me well enough by now to gloss over the mild jab “Apologies for keeping you waiting. I had something to take care of.” he said. I got to my feet as I waved it off. He'd been like this ever since the hospital, careful with his words and actions. I didn't know if I liked it.

“You know you could just give me my car already. I'd have gone myself and you'd just meet me there,” I said slyly. This wasn't the first time I'd hinted at the car he'd promised me. I itched to be behind the wheel and on a free road.

“And have people asking why Suzuya was in Puerto Rico? I think not” he replied. When I said nothing and just stared at him in disbelief he realized what he had just said. “Oh pick your jaw up off the floor” he muttered darkly.

I let out a half laugh “Did you just make an anime reference? A Tokyo Ghoul reference? I'll let the insult slide for that alone” I snickered at the look on his face.

“Don’t you dare mention this to anyone. Let's go,” he said and, spinning on his heel, walked out of the room.

I followed, still laughing “The head of Sunset Corporation, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, watches anime. The press is going to be tickled.” The next thing I knew he was right in front of me, so close our noses were almost touching. “Whatever you do, do not, I repeat, do not ever go to the press. You signed an NDA, do you recall?”

Flustered by his proximity, puzzled by his reaction, I simply nodded. He moved off and I blinked a few times before I went after him. We went outside and got into the Tesla in silence. I wondered why he was so opposed to the press but it looked like he'd gone back to his usual self so I didn't want to ask.

On the way to the hospital, I made Jordan stop to get Blaine some pastries. It wasn't a long drive to the hospital and when we got there the sun was just beginning to set behind the tall white-washed building. Jordan didn't bother with any formalities, just strode straight to the elevator.

A nurse tried to run after us, probably to inquire what we wanted, but just as she reached us the elevator doors were almost closed. I gave her an apologetic smile as they closed fully and we started up.

We got off on his floor and started towards his room. My heart started to pound; it was always this way when we came to visit, but I was always met with Blaine's still-asleep figure and left with crushing disappointment. This time would be different though, I could feel it.

As we opened his room door I looked eagerly over Jordan's shoulder and my smile slipped off my face. He was lying in the same position we'd left him in with his eyes closed.

My shoulders slumped and the pastries suddenly seemed to weigh a ton. I moved to his bedside and sat down, placing a hand over his arm. Jordan sat on the opposite side.

I buried my face in his bedding and tried to breathe around the disappointment. One day he was going to wake up and go back to being Blaine and annoying his best friend and making me laugh.

We were going to make pizza from scratch and sing Taylor Swift songs at the top of our horrible voices. Any other thing just didn't make sense.