Chapter 32: LIAM
Words cannot express how grateful I am that Cara has been staying with me these past few days. She treats me like an egg and subtly, it makes me happy. Feels like it’s been ages since someone cared for me this much. It was a huge error on my part to even offer to pay her while she was here. She was offended. I'm glad I closed that chapter quickly and brought up an amusing topic.
“What’s making you grin?” She asks
“How long have you been standing there? ”
“Not quite long. brought your dinner.”
“Thank you. You should have called me rather than stress yourself by bringing it up. I can walk, remember?”
“I don’t want you stressing.”
“I’m not.”
“I hope I don’t get addicted to eating your meals. You cook so well.”
“You say this every day. Thank you.”
“That’s because it’s the truth. The way you keep stuffing me with well-cooked meals morning, afternoon and evening. I hope I can make out of my door without struggling.”
“Please, that’s too much exaggeration.” She says giggling.
I love that She’s smiling because of something I said.
“It’s true. For dinner, there’s a glass of smoothie, a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes and?”
“Grilled salmon.”
“I’m not sure I want to go back to work anymore.”
“Liam!”
“Cara would be super jealous of me right now.”
“Don't be too theatrical, please. In my spare time, I can prepare her a meal. .”
“I'll be grateful and thrilled of course.”
“That’s settled. The food is getting cold.”
“Yea it is.” I say as I grab my spoon.”
“I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”
“Have you had something to eat?”
“Not yet. I don’t feel hungry.”
“I can’t be comfortable eating knowing you haven’t had anything to eat.”
“I had a cucumber earlier.”
“A cucumber?”
“Yes. When I feel hungry, I’ll dish myself a plate.”
“Okay.”
“Enjoy your meal.”
“"Cara, I'm sorry if I keep repeating myself. I genuinely appreciate all of your assistance over the past few days. I can’t thank you enough.”
“You are welcome. It’s what friends do for each other.”
“Friends… very true.”
I notice Cara sleeping as I ascend the stairs with my tray of food in my hand. The remote was an inch from falling off her hand. I gently remove it from her hand and switch off the television. I'm so grateful that she decided to stay with me. She's been of help in the past few days. I suddenly don't want her to leave, but knowing Cara, she won't consent to stay in my home given that Laura and I are in excellent health.
Despite telling the head of legal that she's on a personal assignment and that any task assigned to her will be delayed, she keeps typing away on her laptop at any given break. She was stressed out, as evidenced by the bags under her eyes. Three more days and sadly it's over. I want to do something special for her. I can't help but eavesdrop whenever she talks to Fredrick. It gets me so jealous knowing that she once used to laugh and blush at things I say to her.
Oh, sweet Lord, how do I charm Cara? I consider bringing her upstairs or getting her a duvet as I stare at her once more. Cara has alternated between being a light sleeper and a deep sleeper over the course of the years that I have known her. Not sure if the light sleeper Cara will activate the moment I put my hands on her to carry her upstairs.
"Liam?"
"Oh, you are awake?" I say startled.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"No. I.. wasn't staring. I was trying to wake you up to go sleep in the room which is more comfortable."
"Thanks. It just clicked in my sleep that you have a drug to take in like.." Cara says looking for her phone.
“That?”
“Yes, that. Dr Philip insisted that I shouldn’t let you miss any medication.”
“I'm sick of being at home. Are you not? I desire to breathe a different air. It doesn’t have to work. It could be something fun. We could visit the park.”
“You’ve been home for just four days besides, we’ve been switching between different board games for two days now.”
“Is that supposed to be your definition of fun?”
“I had a good time.”
“You don’t say. I tell you what. I’ll take you out tomorrow evening and show you what fun is.”
“Ermm… I can’t go out with you.”
I’m not sure if I heard right.
“Sorry?”
“I can’t go out with you.”
“Why?”
“What if a coworker comes across us? Have you forgotten that I am working on a personal assignment?”
“Are you worried about that or you are worried that Fredrick will be upset you went out with me and not him?”
“What do you mean?”
“You think I didn’t hear you tell Fredrick that you can’t make it for the outing.”
“Were you eavesdropping on my conversation?”
“You were standing not too far from my room.”
“Far enough for you not to hear my conversation except you were closer than you should have been.”
“Cara, see, I don't want a fight. I've had a good time over the last few days, and I don't want to sour it with this minor quarrel. I simply want to go out with you. A safe outing just to kick off this new space we are.”
I secretly hope for a positive answer as I watch her consider the query. By any chance, it doesn't affect me what people think. I'm just worried that if someone from the workplace sees us out together knowing that I'm sick and claiming to have sent her on a special assignment, rumours might start to circulate. Cara I know will not be able to handle it.