Chapter 45 Space
Jameson got to his apartment and slammed his door shut. His fingers went straight to his hair. "It's the right thing to do, James, you did the right thing," he kept assuring himself but couldn't suppress the anxiety growing inside him.
___
Back in New York, he remembered how Jackie knocked on the door of his room. They all lodged in a hotel, their rooms not far from each other.
Opening the door, his face contorted into a surprised expression.
"Jackie?" He frowned. "What are you doing here?"
"Just checking up on you. You seemed pale for a moment while we were at the beach. That was why you left early. Are you alright?"
"I thought I clearly told you not to worry about me, Jackie," he cut her off.
"None of your friends or even your sister knows you're sick. This is too risky," Jackie said.
"I'll be fine if that's what you want to know," Jameson said, trying to close the door, but she held it.
"Wait," she stated, and he waited for her to speak again. She drew out a small container which Jameson recognized.
"Your drugs, you left them when you excused yourself at the beach," Jackie said, stretching out the container to him. He took it from her and stared at it.
Worry washed over her face as she swallowed hard. She finally knew what was wrong with him.
"You have sickle cell anemia," she mumbled, her eyes tearing up a little. "How serious is it?"
"Jackie," he called.
"Why are you hiding it?"
"Jackie," he called again.
"Does Yazmine know about this?"
"Jackie!" he called out loud enough to shut her up. With heavy breaths, she stared at him. "How did you even know?"
"I have a friend with the same drugs, and she had the same disease too," she paused and swallowed. "She died last year."
Jameson clenched his jaw. Now he had to deal with her knowing his secret.
"Look, Jackie, just keep this a secret, okay?" he said.
"But..."
"But what!" he snapped. "This is my business, okay? I found out about my sickness a bit late and what? I should make everyone worried about me? That's the last thing I would do, Jackie. I'd appreciate it if you kept your mouth shut, okay?" he said coldly.
"I was just worried about you..."
"Don't. I'm fine. Don't push it, or I might hate you," he said coldly, shutting the door.
___
As the memory ended, Jameson threw his head backward on the couch, his fingers going through his hair. He didn't mean to be harsh on her, but finding out about his sickness was bothering him.
___
Diego woke up slowly from his sleep due to his phone ringing. A frown on his face as he forced his eyes open. He stretched his clumsy hand to reach it.
"Speak," he answered the phone in a hoarse voice.
"Mr. President, your flight," the voice reminded him, and Diego grunted.
"I'll be right there," he replied. Sitting up slowly, a white wet cloth fell from his forehead. Picking it up, confusion washed all over his face.
"It's alright... everything will be alright."
His eyes widened as last night's memories flooded in.
"Candy?" He stood up in search of her. Did she leave already? Or was last night just a dream?
Candy had seen his weak state. It took time before he got himself back, but instead, he fell asleep in her arms. Jameson had told him they would be back after a week. Was she really here?
"You're awake," her tiny voice sounded behind him. He turned to look at her.
"Candy," he called lightly.
"How's your fever?" she asked, stepping closer to him. Diego's lips stayed parted as he stared at her closely. Her beautiful black hair was tied into a bun, its tail falling over her left shoulder. Her long lashes fluttered as she observed him.
"Do you still have a fever?" she asked again, snapping him back to earth.
"I had a fever?" He frowned.
"Yeah, it was pretty bad. Judging from your words, I guess you're okay now," she said. Diego's gaze caught sight of a small bag she was holding. She was even dressed like she was about to leave.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Well, I just needed some space. I wanted to leave before you woke up."
"Huh? Why would you leave?" he asked. Candy was a bit surprised by how he sounded.
"I need space."
"From what?"
"You, sir. I need space from you," she answered, her smile disappearing from her face.
"Look, about that day, I was just upset because..."
"There's no need to explain. I get why you acted that way, but you don't know what you want, sir."
"It's Diego. Don't call me sir. It feels awkward," he stated. Hearing his name yesterday made him want to hear it more.
"That's what I should call you because that's our relationship. We are more like ghosts than a couple. Couples share their pains and joy with each other, but that has never happened between us. Most of the time, I feel like I'm the only one trying to make this work, but I'm tired. I'm tired of trying to please someone who doesn't give a fuck," her voice became colder with each word.
"And the funniest part is that I still can't give up. If I want to, it's too late." She took a deep breath, trying to keep her calm. She was referring to the fact that she now loved this man and giving up wasn't an option. She just needed to find another way to make it work, but for now, she needed space.
Diego's feelings were all mixed up. Sensing her hurt and anger, he couldn't help but scold himself inwardly.
"You don't want me to act nice then, I'll fulfill your wish," with this, she turned to leave.
"You should stay, Candy," his words made her stop in her tracks.
"Why?" she asked, tilting her head to one side.
"Because..." He paused, not knowing what to say. He thought for a while and then broke the silence.
"If you leave, I might have nightmares again," his reply made her scoff.
"So you want me to stay because of your nightmares?" she asked.
"No... I mean, what about your meals?"
"You want me to stay because I cook?" she asked. Diego knew his answers were going wrong. How does he get this right? She needed to stay, before he could speak again, she said,
"Come get me once you find the right answer," Candy bowed a little. "I'll be leaving now."
Diego couldn't stop her, even though he badly wished to. She was right; she needed to get away from him for some time, but...
The house felt empty the moment she shut the door...
His fists clenched beside him.
___
(GONZALEZ COMPANY)
"So you two now live together, huh? This is fun," Jameson said, folding his arms.
"Why are you acting surprised?" Yazmine rolled her eyes.
"I'm just worried about my dear friend."
"Well, teach him how to get his woman. Oh wait, I think I'm asking the wrong person," Yazmine muttered, bringing her hand to her lips.
"What do you mean?" Jameson asked, blinking.
"You don't know how to get a woman. You and the president are literally the same. Gosh!" Yazmine shook her head, and Jameson scoffed.
"Jackie is planning to become an intern. She wishes to learn from you, James. I hope you treat her well," Candy smiled.
Hearing the name, Jameson rolled his tongue and nodded.
At that moment, Diego appeared, and Candy stopped eating. Their eyes connected, but Candy looked away almost immediately.
"C'mon, James, we've got business," Diego walked away. Jameson gave Candy a glance before following him.
"Candy, are you okay?" Yazmine asked.
"I'm fine," she muttered, doubting her words deep down.