Alexa gave a little laugh as she reduced the pitch of her voice. “My flight just landed. I’m in Los Angeles right now.”
“I sent a driver to pick you up with the white Lamborghini. He should be there already.” Jack replied, pinching the bridge of his nose tiredly.
“Seen him already. I’ll see you soon.” Alexa interjected, ending the call. She smiled broadly as she waved at the driver from where she stood. She was dressed in a black cargo pant, a white crop top and a jacket. Her hair was braided beautifully, giving her a hot star look.
The driver stopped in front of her, winding down the glass. “Miss Alexa Antonio?”
“Yes. That’s me. I guess you’re the driver my brother sent?” she replied.
The driver helped her put her luggage in the car before they drove off.
“How is Los Angeles? It’s been months since I left.” She tried to initiate a conversation with the driver who was dressed smartly in a white shirt and black trousers. He had a clean haircut and neatly carved beards that accentuated his oval face. He looked young and handsome.
“The city is okay. The same buzz. Nothing has really changed in the last one year.” he replied with a noticeable accent.
“He has an accent. Oh gosh!” she exclaimed in her head. She loved guys with accents and this one in front of her had a beautiful one.
“I’m Alexa, what’s your name?”
“Kendrick. I’m Kendrick.” he smiled at her through the mirror in front.
“You have a nice name, and a beautiful accent.” she complimented. Their conversation soon died off and she plugged in her headphones, letting her favourite song play.
They soon arrived home and Kendrick eased into the garage, packing comfortably between Jack and his dad’s car. Alexa jumped out of the car, running to the open arms of Jack who stood by the door, smiling warmly at his kid sister.
“Nice to see you again, little one.” he said, wrapping his hands over her frame. “You look beautiful as always.”
“Thank you. You look a bit tired, but still very handsome.” she responded.
“It’s that obvious then!” Jack exclaimed, more to himself.
They walked inside and she went upstairs to her room while Jack took a seat in the sitting room. He had been reading a magazine before her arrival.
“Where is dad?” Alexa questioned, walking down the flight of stairs. She had freshened up and changed into black shorts and a blue polo.
“Dad is at the hospital. He’s down with sickness.” Jack revealed to her and she gasped audibly. “Rest for a bit, we will go visit him later.” he added when he realized she was about to ask more questions. That shut her up and she walked to the dinning, opening the plate on the table.
“Mom’s at the hospital. I made your favorite.”
She smiled as she took a seat. She was a big fan of her brother’s cooking, especially when he made her favourite meals. “Thank you. I’m sure this will be great.”
“Ya. Enjoy.”
___
“Good evening dad.” Alexa greeted her father and she stepped into his hospital bed to meet him seated on a wheelchair, a news magazine in his hands. She walked over to his side and hugged him. “Jack told me you’re sick, How are you feeling?” she continued, taking a seat on the bed.
“Alexa,” Mr Antonio replied ecstatically. “It’s nice to see you, my daughter.”
They soon started chit chatting to catch up with the events that occurred while they were apart. She had a very close bond with her father, tighter than the one she had with her brother, Jack.
Jack sat on the visitor’s chair in the room, looking at his dad conversing with his sister. She chartered cheerfully, laughing loudly at intervals and he knew breaking the news to her was surely going to destabilize her. She was a vibrant young girl that didn’t deserve such.
“I need to use the restroom,” he announced, stepping outside the room. The hospital room had suddenly become stuffy for him, he needed space. He walked to the balcony at the far end of the hospital. Resting his hands on the railing, he stared into the city. It was still early hours of the evening, the sun was dancing away from the sky to the hidden by the clouds. The weather was airy, the atmosphere calm and peaceful.
A tap on his shoulder made him turn back and he was now staring at Karen’s beautiful face. He looked into her face, dumbfounded and surprised.
“Hey, Hi -” he muttered, scratching the back of his head anxiously. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to see my doctor. What about you?” she replied, throwing back his question at him. She was dressed casually in a big flowing gown and sandals.
“Well, my dad is hospitalized. I came to visit.”
“Really? You never told me,” she exclaimed in surprise.
“I guess you had more important things to deal with.” he countered.
“How is he doing though?”
“Holding up. I don’t know for how long, though.” Jack replied with a sigh. “Why did you come to see a doctor? Any problem?” he asked with concern, shifting the focus from himself.
“No problem. I started my second trimester so I had to come in for a check up.” She replied, leaving him looking lost.
“What is a trimester?” Jack asked sheepishly and she laughed.
“A trimester is a three month period of pregnancy. A nine months pregnancy is divided into three trimesters of three months each, and thankfully, I am in my second trimester.” she explained and he muttered an “Oh” in understanding.
“I need to learn more about pregnancy then.” he replied and they both laughed.
“I was on my way home when I recognized your figure standing by the balcony, I decided to come say hello.” Karen informed after their laughter had died down.
“Thank you. Let me walk you to your car.” he offered and she accepted. They walked away from the balcony and were almost walking past Jack’s dad room when Alexa emerged.
“Brother Jack, dad asked to see you.” She informed Jack as soon as she saw him. Noticing the female by his side, she turned and was surprised to see Karen. “Omg! You are Karen smith?” She asked with a look of pleasant surprise.
“Yes, I am.”
Alexa rushed to her side, ignoring jack totally. “I am your biggest fan. I follow your fashion blog and it has been my biggest wish to meet you someday.” She squealed. “Pardon me, I am Alexa. Alexa Antonio.” She added, more composed now.
“Nice to meet you, Alexa.” Karen replied, shaking hands with her. She looked from Jack to Alexa. Did she just hear her call him brother?
“Wait… Do you know my brother?” Alexa asked, eyeing the both of them suspiciously. They were walking together on a cool evening in a hospital lobby.
“Yes, we do. We are both famous people in the same city. We’ve worked together, and we have a relationship.” Jack cut in, adding the last part lowly, enough for only Karen who turned to stare at him to hear.
“That is great. You both are single and look good together.” Alexa stated, making Karen choke on her spit. “I’ll go back in now, nice to meet you Karen.” With that, Alexa opened the door and went back to the room, leaving them in an awkward silence.