CARA
I’m so pissed right now. I’m all dressed up waiting for his text, call or even his appearance yet nothing of sort. I’ve called him twice now and he didn’t answer. Is Liam messing around with me because this will be the final straw? I’m so done with all his shenanigans. I grab my purse and head over to his house.
I ring the doorbell thrice and no answer. Liam Johnson, I just hope our paths don’t cross after this. Courtesy demands that you at least call or text if there was a change of plan but no. The door creaks open and Liam peeks his head out of the small space created.
“Why are hiding behind the door? I can barely see you.”
“That’s the point. I’m sorry I couldn’t call. I wasn’t feeling so good.”
“Are you dressed?”
“Yes but….”
“There’s no but. Liam, I know you and that’s why I’m not going to ask you if you’ve called the doctor because I know you’ve not and will not.” I say pushing myself in.
“I’ll be fine.”
“That’s for the doctor to decide. Where’s Laura?”
“She with my mum.”
“I’m sure Mrs Johnson doesn’t know. It’s so typical of you I’m not surprised.”
“I appreciate your help but I’m fine really.”
“Can you take off the blanket please?”
“I’m fine Cara.”
“We are not college students anymore where I’ll have to plead with you for you to take your meds or see a doctor.”
“Fine. Now that the blanket has gone off what more do I need to do to prove to you that I’m goo..”
I run after him to make sure he makes it to the bathroom on time.
“You look far from being good. How long have you been puking?”
I open the tap over his head and leave it to run for a while.
“I think this is the fourth time.”
“When did this start?”
“At my therapist’s office.”
It looks like it slipped from his mouth because the moment those words were out of his mouth, he took out his frustration on the tap by forcefully closing it. I knew well enough not to probe further. This was very bad timing.
“Have you had anything to eat?”
“No. I don’t think it’s good for me to have anything in my system right now.” He tries to stand straight but fails and ends up staggering.
“I’m calling Dr Philip immediately and there’s nothing you can do about it. He is still your family doctor, right?”
“Yes. Please don’t. You know I hate drugs and hospitals.”
“Liam you are not well and I’ll be damned if you think you can cajole me into leaving you alone here like this and I’ll agree. You should know me better than that.”
“I guess you win then.”
“I’ll assist you to wherever you want me to and then I’ll go home and cook you chicken soup.”
“I have chicken in the freezer and all the spices you need in the kitchen. You can errm cook. You can cook in my kitchen.”
“I don’t mind cooking it at mine.”
“I insist.”
“Liam I can cook it at mine. I know you don’t want anyone entering your kitchen. Laura mentioned it.”
“The only chicken soup I’m going to eat is one made in my kitchen.”
“If you say so. You can help me up to my room.” He says trying to get up from the edge of the bathtub.
“Ok.” I assist him up to his room.
“Thanks.”
“I’ll put the chicken on the stove and then mop your body because you are burning up real bad.”
“Okay boss. Can I still talk you out of calling Dr Philip?”
“No. Now get some rest. While I call him.”
I didn’t have much problem finding utensils and every other thing I need for the chicken soup because everything is arranged accordingly and easy to spot. The sound from the doorbell filled the house.
“Good evening Dr Philip,” I say shutting the door after him.
“Good evening Cara. It's been ages. You are all grown up now. When did you get back?
“Some weeks ago.”
It's good to have you back.”
“Thank you very much, Dr Philip.”
“It’s a good thing you called for me immediately. Knowing Liam he will never admit to not being okay but will be the first person to notify me when someone else isn’t feeling well.”
“Very typical of him. Come this way, he is resting in the room.”
Liam and Dr Philip exchange pleasantries after which he examines Liam and then jots something down. I excuse myself to give them privacy. I dish a bowl of chicken soup and head up to Liam’s room.
“Dr Philip, I hope you don't mind me dishing a bowl of chicken soup for you that’s if you aren’t in a hurry?”
“I’m grateful but I have to rush out. I was on my way to see a client when you called.”
“Oh, ok.”
“He just needs to rest, eat and take his meds. Knowing Liam, that’s going to be a lot of work. Fiona was the only person he listens to. Especially when it has to do with medications.”
“I’ll try my best to make sure he takes his meds and rest.”
“Both of you know I’m right here right?”
Dr Philip’s laughter fills the room.
“I should get going.”
“Let me see you out.”
“No, please. He’ll be needing you more. Don’t worry I won’t get lost. I know the four walls of this house.”
“If you insist.”
“I do. Liam, try not to stress the young lady.”
“I won’t. Thank you very much Dr Philip for showing up despite it being impromptu.”
“It’s the least I can do. See you later. Cara let me know if there is any unusual change. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“And you too Dr Philip.”
Once he was out of the room, I grab the bowl containing the chicken soup and proceed to spoon-feed him.
“Cara I’m not 5. I can feed myself.”
I ignore him and continue to stretch the spoon towards his mouth. After forever he finally opens his mouth and sips the soup.
“You know you didn’t have to right?”
“Speaking of what I have to do, I’m not sure if I should call your mum because my boss will not be too happy if I don’t show up at work tomorrow and someone has to take care of you.
“Let’s leave my mum out of this. You know how she panics at the slightest things. I can take care of myself while you are gone.”
“That’s not an option. You either talk to my boss and get him to give me a two or three days break from work so I can look after you or I’m calling your mum.”
“Fine, you can have three days off. I call the head of legal and tell him I sent you on an assignment.”
“Great. Now it’s time for your meds.”
“I hate those things.”
“You don’t have a choice. It will make you get better. Please take them.”
“Fine!”
“So much for not being 5,” I mutter.
“I heard that.”
I clear up his plate and tidy the bedside table.