EPISODE FIFTY ONE
THEME: Can you keep a secret?
CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA
ROSALYN RAMIREZ APARTMENT
Adjusting her eyes to the light, Rosalyn tried to sit up but felt heavy. There was a weight on the other side of her keeping her arm in check.
Looking to her side she was beyond amazed to find Jaylen sleeping soundly next to her. His snores sounded so cute that one would know he is exhausted.
Rosalyn watched his face as his breath rise and fall, the look on his face was so innocent that she wanted to run her fingers across them. But then she had to control herself from doing something she might regret or feel shameful about.
Realizing she couldn’t get up until he was awake, she stayed still her mind working through the incidence of the previous day. She had just been driving towards the office, when a car whose driver could be said to be drunk had rammed into her car from behind sending her into shock after she hit her head but the hit wasn’t so serious as a result of the air bag.
Her being unconscious for some hours had being because she was shock and had fainted. She wasn’t expecting what had happened. She had been discharged and put on some medications to aid her rest which was why she came back home from the hospital so early.
Rosalyn looked towards him again and thought of touching his face reoccured again. It might be her only chance at being able to come that close to his face. But luck didn’t seem to catch her interest as Jaylen’s phone rang out loudly causing him to jolt out of his sleep. His eyes thinned out.
“Hey, you awake.” He sat up, rubbing at his eyes.
Rosalyn chuckled dryly. “Yes I am.”
Jaylen hopped out of the bed. “Wait a minute, don’t say too much. Let me get you some water.”
Jaylen went out of the room to the kitchen, returned with a tray carrying a jug of water and glass cup. Pouring some out to her, he handed her the cup. “Here you go.”
She gulped down the content till it’s last drop. Rosalyn sighed in satisfaction. “Thanks Jaylen. I was wondering why my throat felt itchy.”
“When you wake up from a drug induced sleep that’s the very first thing you do.” Jaylen said with his eyes not leaving hers.
“Why are you here?” Rosalyn inquired as she adjusted her back to the pillow.
“I had to come down immediately I heard of your accident.”
Rosalyn shook her head. “Jeffery acts silly sometimes, I told him to not let you know. It was just a minor accident.”
“Be it minor or major Rosa, you are important to me and I can’t lose you. I had been trying your line all day and couldn’t get to you. How do you think I was feeling then?”
“I am sorry, Jaylen. But I didn’t want to bombard you with my issues when you have so much on your plate.”
“Sometimes, I wonder if you being considerate is not just mere foolishness.” He scoffed.
Rosalyn smiled. “It’s obvious you were really worried and I am so sorry.”
Stretching out his hand, he touched her face. “I am so glad you are safe Rosa. I don’t know how crazy I would have gone if anything had happened to you.”
Rosalyn leaned into his palm a bit too much and after some moment she called herself back to order. Jaylen’s phone rang again.
“Give me a minute please.” Jaylen said as he picked up his phone.
‘Hey baby.’
The rate at which Rosalyn’s heart quickened its pace at his words made her want to sink further into the bed. Jaylen laughed at something the person said.
‘No not at all baby. She is fairing well. It wasn’t much of a serious ordeal. But I’m really glad she is okay now.’
Observing him with keen eyes, Rosalyn could swear she had never seen this side of Jaylen before. He has always been nice and friendly and always concerned about those he cares about. But he seem different with this particular person who she hasn’t even met yet. And there was no doubt Jaylen was smitten by this one.
Rosalyn felt a pang of hurt in her chest, maybe she had been too hopeful on what they might become. Even though she had acted mature all through trying to not ruin their friendship, she still daydreamed of them actually being together. Her hopes has shattered to pieces within a few minutes now that the truth was so glaring.
‘Ok baby, take care of yourself. Bye, I would let you know when I get to my place.’ Jaylen said as he ended the call.
When he looked up at her, she tried hard to hold back her tears and smile. But her heart had other plans. Jaylen tried to pull her to himself when he saw tears drop from her eyes. However, she told him to stay back with her palm.
“Don’t come close please.” She said to his dismay.
“What’s the matter Rosa? Are you feeling any sort of pain?” He asked, his face filled with lines of worry.
“Yes, my heart aches.” She cried.
Jaylen looked more confused. “Your heart? Why is that?”
More tears flowed as her eyes met his, she couldn’t figure out what she was suppose to say to him and not sound stupid at the same time. For five years she had been so close to him, all of his family functions and days when he was sick. They trusted each other so much and both of them were like an open book to one another. Maybe, there wasn’t meant to be any sort of romance between them even though she thought about it in her free time. It’s not like she hadn’t involved with any other man since she got to know Jaylen but it just feels different with him as his presence brings utmost peace to her.
And the respect Jaylen has towards her makes her feel on top of the world. He knows how to make one feel special without trying too hard.
“Please talk to me Rosa. Why do you keep zoning out?” His voice brought her out of her moments
“Can you keep a secret?” She asked with her eyes wandering.