POV: Lianne
I didn’t have enough sleep at all the whole night taking care of my unexpected patient. Apparently, Ruen had a fever as high as 39 degrees Celsius because of his gunshot wound. To make things complicated, he was also in pain and he didn’t even take any pain medications to help him endure it.
What was he even thinking anyway?! Kill himself to death?!
I thought him courageous and strong though, that he went through this much to bear the pain while he met with me twice today and drove us to his house. I didn’t even notice his ailment until we arrived here and him suddenly falling, but even so…even so it’s just too twisted.
Why didn’t he tell me that he was suffering? I could have helped him sooner.
My arms and back ached a little. I had to position him on the large sectional sofa so that he would lie down and rest in it properly. It wasn’t easy at all with him only half-conscious, but I had to do it still. I would have wanted to put him in his bedroom but since I didn’t know where it was and that I couldn’t lift him all the way there, I decided on the practical option.
Once he settled, I quickly scanned the kitchen cupboards and cabinets for any medicine available, and luckily, there were tablets of morphine placed in one of them.
The whole floor had an open concept design with only a glass door to the kitchen and a cleverly placed shelf separated the two sections. The kitchen was just some stairs down from the modern living room with walls painted with white and lighted with modern light fixtures.
It wasn’t devoid at all with furniture. In fact, it was extensive enough for a man who lived alone.
And speaking of which, my cheeks blushed many times. Yes, truth be told, I was both excited and nervous knowing that we were both alone in his house.
Back to the subject, it was early in the morning when my stomach protested. I was hungry, but before I attended to it, I stood up from my makeshift bed on the floor next to Ruen’s sofa and checked his status while he was still sleeping, looking innocent and at peace.
I checked his temperature – touching him on the forehead with the back of my hand. Thank Heavens his fever had gone down. I remembered him sweating like a marathon runner during the wee hours of the night. I had to scan the upstairs bedrooms for a change of shirt.
I gave him another dose of paracetamol and a morphine tablet for around-the-clock medication. I didn’t know if he was either too weak or unconscious to just allow me to work with him the whole night or he was faking it which was unlikely.
After finishing my work, I went to the kitchen, intending to make a hearty breakfast for two.
I opened the fridge and saw eggs, bacon, fresh produce of different kinds, fresh milk, and some boxes of cereals, ready-mix pancake, fruits, and vegetables. Well, I was surprised. Again, for a man who lived alone, he had enough stocks to hold a party.
I thought a bowl of bacon soup and some fresh-cut fruits would whet his appetite, so I directly helped myself with the kitchen equipment. As for me, a simple blueberry pancake and fried bacon would ease my hunger.
Goodmorning Jen! ? I am still at his place. Don’t worry about me. Have a fun time right there. BTW, I can actually see the whole resort from where I am. I can’t believe I am on top of a mountain!
I texted a quick message to my best friend to let her know that I’m fine…or still alive that is, and after a few minutes, she replied:
Good that you didn’t forget texting me. 😉 ??? Enjoy your time there, but don’t forget we will be leaving the resort three days from now. ;p
Yes, three days from now.
I released a deep sigh. I would surely miss the resort when we get back home. With that in mind, I realized that I wouldn’t be seeing him anymore too when we leave. Unless he’d follow me again to Fortville which would all be up to him. Well, not that I wanted him to, but I hoped he would….
Since I’m here, I might as well make the most of my time and to remember as much as I could with my so-called past life. With his help though, and for him to help me, I had to help him first regain his health.
Now on to cooking.
***
POV: Ruen
I got up with a mild headache radiating briefly from my nape to my temple. Damn… I should have taken the morphine tablets earlier.
I whiffed an aroma of bacon presently cooking in the kitchen and faintly heard a female voice humming a familiar tune.
Hmmm… Lianne.
My mind reeled instantly. This tune… it was the exact music played when we had our first waltz in the Regaleria Ball. I smiled thinking about it. Maybe unconsciously, everything was coming back to her which was a good sign.
I stood up and examined myself, inspecting the garment with my hand. This was the shirt she used to change me last night. She didn’t notice but I was awake when she undressed me.
While her delicate fingers touched my skin, I had to control myself not to steal a quick peek. But if it weren’t for my fever, I would have kissed her right then and there. And make love to her – the only way I know how – to help her remember our past.
While she was still busy cooking, I went upstairs and into one of the three bedrooms: the Masters.
Mr. Rafael gave the rest house to me three years ago. He said to give me privacy. But all the while, he didn’t even know how much torment it gave me to see the mansion from up here. I accepted it though. Coming here from time to time in order to catch a breather and to use my fond memories of her in the past, at least it lessened my pain. Never had I expected she’d step foot in this house and be with me whole flesh and blood.
I took a quick warm shower to freshen up and then changed into new clothes: loose-fitting trousers and a white t-shirt ensemble. I couldn’t feel the ache in my wounds anymore. It felt numb in a good way, and I felt better, so much better. Thanks to her care.
Once I was dressed and ready, I went downstairs, passing the living room and into the kitchen.
Lianne was still humming. I smiled again. It was music to my ears. I stopped just beside the door, leaning against its frame as I slowly observed her, taking in all of her presence as she coordinated her cooking skills.
Her back was to me. I couldn’t see her face but I knew she was too engrossed with what she was doing to even notice me.
I crossed my arms to my chest; my heart throbbing wildly just seeing her within my reach. Just within my reach.