Jayden
I savored a bite of my pasta, and as I looked up, my eyes met Allison’s. I couldn’t break away from her gaze, transfixed by the intensity of her stare. For a moment, I forgot Yvonne was even sitting beside me.
My attention drifted to Allison’s lips, plump and inviting. I noticed the faint smudge of red tomato sauce, and before I knew it, my hand was stretching out towards her. My thumb grazed her lips, wiping away the sauce. The touch sent a spark through me, and for an instant, I wanted to lick the sauce off her lips.
But reality snapped me back into place. Yvonne was watching, and the cafeteria was filled with people. I grabbed a napkin and cleaned my thumb, trying to play it cool.
“I saw something on your lip,” I told Allison, trying to sound nonchalant. “Can you eat with etiquette, please? That was disgusting,” I added, attempting to mask the true reason behind my actions.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she said nothing. Yvonne, however, looked at me with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. I ignored her questioning gaze, focusing instead on my food, trying to compose myself.
Allison’s eyes rose, and she continued eating, her expression unreadable. As soon as she finished, she prepared to leave, but her phone chimed, halting her departure.
She checked the screen, and her phone slipped from her fingers, falling to the floor. I noticed the fear etched on her face and swiftly stood up. “What’s wrong?” I asked, concern etched in my voice as I handed her back the phone.
Allison shook her head, her voice trembling. “The hospital just texted me… they said Mom was involved in an accident.”
My expression turned grave. “Oh my goodness, how did that happen? I hope she’s fine?”
Allison’s eyes welled up with tears. “I have no idea… I have to rush there right now.”
I nodded resolutely. “I’ll come with you.”
As we prepared to leave, Yvonne grasped my hand. “Are you really going to leave me here… all alone?” she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
Letting out a deep sigh, I yanked my hand free. “She’s my stepmother. I can’t just ignore her. She’s fucking hurt, Yvonne.”
She just bit her bottom lip and averted her gaze, and as for me, without another word, I rushed after Allison. We hailed a taxi outside, and I could notice Allison’s distress, which was palpable.
She was shaking, tears streaming down her face, unable to speak. I took charge, instructing the taxi driver after she had whispered the name of the hospital to me, “Please, take us to Saint Charles Hospital, hurry.”
The taxi sped off, and we arrived at the hospital in no time. I paid the fare and sprinted after Allison, who was already rushing toward the hospital entrance.
I followed Allison as she rushed to the nurse’s counter, her voice laced with worry. “My mother was brought in here, please. I want to see her.”
The nurse asked for her mother’s name, and after verifying the information, directed us to the ward where her mother was being treated.
As we entered the ward, we were met with a surprise. Allison’s mother, Elizabeth, was sitting up in bed, eating from a bag of chips and watching some loud rom-com on her phone. A faint smile played on her lips, and her leg was cast and elevated.
Allison let out a relieved scream, “Mom!” as she rushed to her mother’s bedside.
Elizabeth looked up, startled, and sighed deeply. “Oh my goodness, who told you guys about this?” She wiped away tears, composing herself.
“The hospital texted me,” she replied, still sniffling.
I watched as Allison asked her mother, “Does Dad know about this?” concern etched on her face.
Elizabeth nodded. “Maybe the hospital texted him too.”
“But why isn’t he here yet?” she asked, looking around.
“He’s probably busy or something,” Liz replied with a smile. “I’m sure he’ll come soon.”
She soon seemed to notice me standing by the door and she smiled. Just as she was about to say something, Allison turned to her mother, concern etched on her face. “Should I call Sally? Sally should know about this, don’t you think?”
Elizabeth waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t bother, I’ll be fine. I don’t want to worry everyone.”
Her gaze finally shifted to me again, and she asked, “Hey, Jayden, thanks for coming over and checking up on me… Unless your father.”
And then, she let out a small chuckle that sounded quite nervous.
“Are you alright though?” I asked.
She smiled reassuringly, nodding her head. “I’m fine, it was just a little accident at work.”
“Maybe you should rest,” Allison sighed.
“Yes,” I nodded in agreement. “Anyway, I’m glad you’re alright.”
Glancing at my watch, I said. “Since I’ve seen you’re okay, I should leave now.”
Elizabeth nodded, and I bid her farewell. Allison offered to escort me out, and Elizabeth agreed.
As we walked downstairs, she turned to me and said, “Thanks, I was actually panicking back there, but you kind of… helped me through. I really don’t know what I could have done without you.”
I smiled, giving a light nod. “It’s fine. I’m… your brother, after all?”
“Oh, yeah, sure,” she chuckled nervously, nodding her head.
But then, I changed the subject, asking Allison, “So, did you hear about the upcoming three-day holiday we have?”
Allison’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. “And remember, the second day of that holiday is actually your birthday.”
I laughed, feeling a surge of surprise. “Yes, it’s true. I actually forgot about that.”
Alison chuckled, and I rubbed her shoulder affectionately.
“But hold on, what if I see Sally in school?” I asked, softly. “Should I not tell her anything?”
“According to Mom, she doesn’t want Sally to know, so let’s not bother her,” Allison replied.
I nodded thoughtfully. “Okay, fine. We’ll let Sally know whenever.”
“Yeah,” she smiled.
“You can go back upstairs. I’ll be out.”
“Okay, then, bye.”
I nodded and began heading downstairs. But I stopped mid-step, turning to watch Allison walk back upstairs. My gaze lingered on her tiny waist, visible beneath her crop top.
“Now, that’s my girl,” I whispered to myself, a sly smile spreading across my face.