by Lechna Baram
“I know,” I said. “Drive to the hospital, we're going to visit Tommy,” I told her and she gave me a bright smile as she drove to the hospital. “What do you think of Jace?” I asked teasingly. She bit her lips and shrugged.
“You're interested!” I exclaimed in amusement. Whenever Rose would bite her lips while talking about a guy, that means that she's damn interested.
“He's cute,” she said with a small smile. I could notice her cheeks becoming a bit pink.
“He's hot,” I remarked.
“Hell yes,” she squealed, making me laugh. “I wonder how is he in bed. I bet he's wild,” she said dreamily. I laughed and playfully glared at her.
“You naughty girl,” I scolded, making her laugh. She parked the car in the hospital parking and we both got out with big smiles on our faces. Rose was a bit impatient to meet Doctor Jace.
“Hurry up,” Rose said as she tugged on my arm.
“So eager to play doctor-patient with Jace, Rose?” I teased but the little vixen simply nodded and shrugged. We made our way to the elevator after greeting the receptionist.
Time to spend some time with Tommy.
“Athena.” Tommy's eyes brightened. I ran to my little brother and pulled him in for a tight hug. I could hear him breathe in relief.
“How are you feeling?” I asked him as I pulled away and ruffled his hair. He pouted and playfully glared at me while fixing his hair.
“I'm good,” he said. “Hey Aunt Rose!” he greeted. Rose exhaled in frustration.
“It's Rose. Not Aunt Rose,” Rose said as she hugged the little boy.
“Athena, can I talk to you?” I turned my attention to Doctor Jace who was standing at the end of Tommy's bed with a file in his hands. I nodded and watched as he walked out of the room. I offered my little brother a little smile before following Jace outside. That doesn't sound good at all.
“Is something wrong?” I asked worriedly. The frown on his face told me what he was about to tell me was bad, really bad.
“Well, Thomas is not responding to the treatment that we started on him. His state is worsening. More breathing problems. His lungs will not be able to keep up at this rate,” he said with sadness in his voice. I felt as if I was being shot. I knew what that meant. I knew that Thomas's time was limited.
“Can't we do something?” I asked, my voice cracking a bit.
“I'm doing my best, Athena,” Jace said. “I won't give up on that little guy so easily.” He gave me a reassuring smile. I sobbed as realization sunk in. “Don't cry. He'll get worried,” Jace added as he pulled out a tissue paper and handed it to me. I took it, and he gave me a curt nod as he walked away. I wiped my tears.
His lungs will not be able to keep up at this rate.
My heart clenched at the thought of losing Thomas. I can't lose him. I took a deep breath and wiped my tears before walking into the room. I saw Tommy and Rose sitting on the bed, playing domino. I gave them a little smile and made my way to them. I watched my little brother who was smiling brightly. I feel bad for leaving him in the hospital. I feel bad for not spending enough time with him. I hate my parents for leaving him in his state. I was not feeling well. Anger was tearing me apart and I needed a getaway.
I needed a distraction.
I needed Damian Spears.
Chapter 7
Horrible Day
“Where are you going?” Rose asked as I walked away from the car.
I hadn't told her about what Jace told me. I didn't want her to worry. I'll tell her later.
“For a walk. Go home Rose,” I said as I turned and gave her a reassuring smile. She frowned but still gave me a forced smile. She knew that it was better if she kept her distance from me right now. I made my way to the nearby park. It was a long way. But that's what I needed right now. I needed to walk. I needed to forget. But hell! Walking was making me overthink about this situation. I pulled out my phone and looked for his number.
“Hello, Damian Spears speaking,” he said very formally. I rolled my eyes, knowing that he knew I was the one calling.
“You were not so formal yesterday,” I remarked as I saw the park a few meters away.
“I'm quite busy right now. What do you want?” he asked in a really professional tone. My heart clenched a bit and this made me realize that all this was a deal.
“I'll call you later?” I proposed as I reached the park and took a deep breath.
Wow. Walking was really tiring.
“What do you want?” he demanded this time. I rolled my eyes, knowing that he wouldn't give up and would keep on pestering me till I answer his question. So I did what I thought best.
I ended the call.
Damian was so playful yesterday and this morning. Grumpy Damian is not cool. Great. Now I'm talking like a teen. I walked to the lake and glared at the water. Thomas's little face appeared in my head and quickly my glare softened. I don't wanna lose my little brother. I walked to a bench and sat there, thinking of all the possibilities that existed to be able to save him. I know. It's unreal.
“Hey, mind if I sit here?” I lifted my head as soon as I heard this deep masculine voice. I shook my head as I took in the appearance of the guy standing in front of me. His messy dirty blond hair made him look like a teen but his muscular body said otherwise. He was wearing bermuda shorts and a white shirt. He gave me a charming smile as he sat next to me. I sighed and closed my eyes as I leaned over my knees and used my hands to support my face. “Is there any problem?” the blond guy asked from beside me. I turned my face slightly so I was looking at him. I noticed that his eyes were pitch black. I gave him a little smile and eventually shook my head. I'm obviously not going to narrate my life to a stranger.
“No big problems. Just the usual,” I said, offering him a smile afterwards.
He stared at me for a few seconds before nodding.
“I'm Ross,” he said as he offered his hand.
I sat straight and placed my hand in his and shook it.
“Athena,” I told him and soon obtained a brightening grin from him.
“Goddess of Wisdom, eh?” he said teasingly, making me chuckle.
I shrugged and leaned on the back of the bench. I wasn't in the mood to talk and I was pretty sure that Ross realized that as he shut up and didn't utter another word. I let my eyes close and let my head fall to the back. The fresh air was helping me cool down.
“Rossy!” I heard a little voice said timidly. “The ball fell in the lake.” I opened my eyes to see a little blond boy poking Ross's arm.
“It fell in the lake or you threw it in the lake?” Ross asked while playfully glaring at the boy.
He seemed to be around nine or ten. The little boy gave him a sheepish smile and shrugged.
“Same thing,” he said.
“No, it's not the same thing. It's the third time. Go and wait,” Ross huffed.
I chuckled at his facial expression.
“Rossy, eh?” I teased, making him chuckle.
He watched as the little boy made his way to a group of children and motioned them to sit on the grass. Probably waiting for Ross to get the ball for them.
“I prefer Rossy than Rosy,” he mumbled while shaking his head. “He used to call me Rosy everywhere we would go.” He explained and I laughed at his pained but still amused face.
“What's his name?” I asked, watching the little boy staring at us with his big blue eyes.
“He's Aross,” he said, offering me a sheepish smile when I raised my eyebrows in confusion.
“You're Ross and he's Aross?” I asked, trying to confirm I still had good hearing.
“My mother is a bit weird. Good weird,” he mumbled then chuckled. “She wanted his sons to have unique and matching names.” He explained, rolling his eyes.
“Aross is unique. Ross, I can't say the same.” I teased and chuckled when he playfully glared at me. “I guess that you should probably help those kids now,” I told him, pointing at four kids who looked bored to death.
“I hate babysitting my brother and his friends,” he mumbled.
I simply stared at him and rolled my lips in my mouth, trying not to give him a lecture on how lucky he was to be able to spend quality time with his brother. He stood up, but before walking away, he turned and gave me a charming smile.
“I know it's a bit too much to ask, but can I get your phone number?” He scratched the back of his neck nervously. “I mean you seem pretty cool and you're pretty pretty as well. Not that I wouldn't ask if you weren't pretty,” he rambled on but my chuckle quickly stopped him.
“Shut up and give me your phone.” I playfully scolded.
Gone was the nervousness. Ross quickly pulled his phone from his back pocket and handed it to me, wearing a huge smile on his face. I put my number in his phone and returned it back to him.
“Thank you,” he said.
I could notice his cheeks turning slightly pink. He was blushing. I chuckled at the sight and shrugged.
“It was nice meeting you and I hope it will not be the last time.” He grinned.
“It was nice meeting you too,” I said as I stood up as well.
He nodded and waved as he walked away. Great. Now I have to walk back home. I shouldn't have thought that Damian would leave his work just to distract me. I mean, I was just a fuck toy. Nothing more. Nothing less. I took my phone and called Rose to tell her that I would be coming home in a few.
“Hello,” she answered, sounding tired and slightly angry.
“Are you okay?” I asked curiously, making my way to the apartment.
“You tell me! You're the one who walked to god knows where.” She snapped, and I chuckled. She always got worried for nothing.
“I'm walking back home right now. Calm down,” I told her and she huffed. I could practically see her clenching her jaw and glaring at me.
“In how many minutes are you coming?” she asked. I realized that her voiced dropped. She was near to whispering.
“In about ten to fifteen minutes,” I whispered back.
“Why are you whispering?” she asked in a whisper.
“Because you are?”
I sounded like a fool and she seemed to agree with me as she simply laughed and ended the call. I put my phone and walked home.
When I walked into my apartment, I wished I had stayed in the park to talk with Ross or simply stayed there to do nothing. Everywhere would have been better than being in my apartment right now, in front of my parents. Yes. They were currently standing in my living room with Rose standing in a corner as if she was the one who was not supposed to be there. My parents were looking at the apartment as if they were disgusted.
“What are they doing here?” I asked Rose as I put my phone on the table and ignored my parents. I noticed that my mother's hair was tied in a bun and she was wearing a long formal red dress while my father had his hair cut short and he was wearing his suit. Rose quickly walked to me and shrugged.
“Good evening, Athena,” my mother greeted. Her voice cold and stern. I nodded in her direction.
“Quit the greeting. What are you doing here?” I asked, staring at my mom right in the eye and maintaining the eye contact to show her that right now, she was in my house and I rule here.
“Your sister is getting married soon.” My father's voice got my attention. I nodded. As if I didn't know.
“Alena wants you to stay home for the week of her marriage,” my mother continued. Rose walked to her bedroom, leaving us to talk about all this.
“Home?” I scoffed as I crossed my arms over my chest. “You mean your house?” I asked, venom in my words.
“Yes.” My father sighed, not wanting to get into an argument with me.
“I'm not staying in your house,” I said with finality in my tone. I gritted my teeth, trying to control the wrath that I've been wanting to direct to them.
“Listen, you little brat,” my mother spoke, glaring at me. I clenched my jaw but still kept my calm expression on as I waited for her to finish her words. “We're one of the richest family here and everyone thinks that you left the house because you wanted to be independent and all. If you don't stay in the house for Alena's wedding, people will start doubting and thus, our reputation will be tainted,” my mother said with anger.
“Your reputation should have been ruined for a while now,” I spat, staring at my parents in disgust. “You want me to stay for a week?” I asked as an evil plan formed in my head. “Fine.” I accepted. “But Thomas is staying as well.” I watched as my mother starting to turn red. I smirked as I saw her face.
“What?” she asked in disbelief. “You want that disgrace to stay in my house? Are you serious? No!” she shouted in anger. I took a step in her direction and I was sure I looked intimidating as my father grabbed my mom's elbow and pulled her a few steps backwards.
“Your husband was the one who committed a fucking mistake!” I seethed. “Why is Thomas the one paying for all that? You two are a disgrace! You two are inhuman!” I spat. “I'm bringing Thomas with me, whether you like it or not,” I said with determination. “Now, get out,” I said while taking a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.
“Athena.” My father started, glaring at me but I put a hand up to stop him from talking.
“I said get the fuck out of my apartment,” I said, offering them a smile. I walked to the door and pulled it open. Yes. I wasn't calm yet. My parents walked to the door, staring at me as if I was some dog poop in the middle of a classy restaurant. As soon as they walked out, I closed the door with force and watched as some decorations hanging on the wall shook.
“They're gone?” I turned to see Rose walk in the living room, with an apple in her hand.
“Why didn't you tell me they were here?” I asked with a feeling of anger and frustration.
“I knew you wouldn't have come home.” She sighed. She walked back to her room, leaving me leaning against the door breathing heavily.
Horrible Day!
I didn't care whether Damian was busy or not. Right now, I needed distraction and according to the rules, we should be available for each other. I walked to the living room and took my phone from the table. I dialed his number and walked to my bag.
“Hello,” he answered nearly immediately. His dark and formal voice was sexy, already starting to calm me.
“I need you right now,” I said with determination. I didn't care how I sounded but right now, that's what I needed.
“Where are you?”
“Home.”
“Text me your address. I'm picking you up.” With that, he ended the call and I texted him the address. I changed my clothes and put on my mask. I felt stupid. I stared at my little summer dress which reached midthigh and smiled. It was cute. I was half cute and half stupid. I took my bag and walked to Rose's room.
“I'm going out,” I simply said and she nodded while eating her apple. As I walked to the door, I heard her yell.
“Have nice sex!”
I waited in front of my building but then decided that I shouldn't let Damian know where I live. I texted him and told him to pick me up at the nearby café. He replied with a simple OK. I was still pretty angry because of the unexpected visit from my awesome parents. Note the sarcasm. I held my mask in my hand, not wanting to draw attention.
Who wears a mask on the street?
When I reached the café, I stood on the sidewalk with my hands crossed over my chest. I hated waiting. My phone started ringing in my bag, making me huff slightly. Let's just hope it was not some bad news again. I pulled my phone out of my bag and saw that it was my sister calling. Just as I slid the answer button, I saw Damian's SUV approaching.
“Hang on,” I said on the phone and quickly put on my mask.
Damian seemed to notice where I was standing as he drove to where I was standing and motioned for me to get in. Damn. I don't think I will get used to his sexy self. He was staring at me, waiting for me to get in the car. One hand was on the steering wheel while the other on
e was motioning me to enter. I was probably standing there, staring at him like an idiot. I opened the door and slid in the car. Before he could speak, I put a finger against my lips to tell him to shut up. He raised his eyebrows on confusion, so I just pointed to my phone before bringing it to my ear.
“Hey,” I said into the phone.
Damian's perfume was so intoxicating and manly.
“I heard the visit with our parents didn't go well,” Alena said softly.
I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to control my emotions. Today was a tiring day.
“Why didn't you tell me they were coming?” I asked, my voice cold. I could hear Alena take a deep breath before she spoke.
“Athena.” She sighed.
I threw Damian a side glance and saw that he was staring at the road, a frown on his face. “I want my wedding to be perfect. I want you guys to talk and all. I want everything to be like in the past. I know I'm being selfish and stupid,” she said and by her tone, I knew she was about to cry.
“The past,” I said with a humorless chuckle. “If they hadn't messed up royally, maybe everything would have been the same. They are telling me not to bring Thomas.” I snapped, trying to keep my tears from falling. I mean, I was next to a sex god for God sake!
“They can't decide about that,” Alena said. “I want Thomas here as well,” she told me with finality in her tone. “I'm going to talk to them.”
“And please, tell them I don't want them in my apartment again,” I said with hatred.
“Will do. What are you doing?” she asked.
I blanked out. I didn't know what to say. I needed to lie.
“I'm going to the library,” I blurted out.
Damian turned to give me a smirk while staring at me in amusement.
“Watch the road,” I mouthed, rolling my eyes.
He chuckled. He chuckled loud.
“Is that a guy I'm hearing?” Alena asked with a squeal making my eyes go wide.
I glared at Damian who was soon driving in his alley.
“That was just some random dude,” I said and exhaled in exasperation. “I'll call you later.”