2 The Stranger In The Room
914 Words
The lady in the room had to chuckle, "who doesn't know Liam Michealson? The millionaire who inherited most of his wealth.."
"It's billionaire actually," Liam arched his eyebrows.
"I see!"
"You were one of the guests that gave a major speech at the opening of the Forth Orchestra at Santa Barbara years ago. The company I worked with was responsible for the whole event," she added.
"So you worked with Lylinth Comms? I used to own a major share in them but had to withdraw,” For some reason, Liam liked the feeling of comfort the stranger gave him. Since he started engaging her in their little conversation, he'd forgotten about the pain on his back and the feeling of darkness that could overwhelm his eyes and life forever. He wanted to say more to her, maybe ask her if her name. And he did.
"My name? Well, I hope to tell you that when you start responding to treatment and care?" She answered blankly.
" Am I not cooperating enough?" He was forced to ask with a hint of disdain in his voice. A man like him was rarely rejected.
"Just feel better and we'll talk about that."
Liam head her footsteps walking; she seem to be getting closer, "you know, I could report you to the police easily, right?"
Without holding back, the lady began to laugh really hard. Liam had to shake his head waiting for her laughter to cease. Was he that much of a clown to her?
"Report me to the police because I saved you or because you don't know my name?"
"Well…well… maybe both for s**t knows, you could be anybody trying to do something to me" he stuttered. Having his thoughts spoken aloud like that, by a complete stranger no less, sent a wave of shame over him. It was as if he was a giant child throwing tantrums over the tiniest thing. But he remained stubborn in his stand, his straight face - with the bandages over his eyes and perhaps even around his head, he did not know - not giving forth any hint of embarrassment.
"Oh really. Like what?"
"Take my money! My wealth and everything I own."
"Oh wow," Liam heard her sitting again, "if I wanted that then it would have been too easy, don't you think?"
He was quiet for a moment. He hated what she said, but liked the way she bruised his masculinity quietly.
The stranger hung a complex presence around her — it was one of a strong character unshaken by his own social status. Yet he wondered why she'd decided to help him; to stay this long — this far with him.
While he lay there, he discovered his interest for her growing. Not one of desire to love her — it was a feeling to ask about her welfare and attempt to unveil the mystery that could surround her. He began to wish he had his sight back. Maybe then he could color her up and live out of this odd misery.
A few moments later, the doctor had come in to examine him while the stranger had gone out to grab lunch for herself.
"The damage around your legs is not so severe, so you'll be on your feet in no time. But for now, you'll require a lot of assistance to move around. Especially the fact that your eye lens is a bit damaged," the doctor explained.
He could hear the clicking of a ballpoint pen and the ugly scrawl of its tip scratching against the papers. The loss of his sight seemed to have accentuated his other senses, especially hearing - but it was a skill he rather not possess.
Liam could only nod - he was afraid of the tragedy and yet there was no choice but to accept it. "When we discharge, you'll be assigned a home nurse and a caregiver. Do you have a relative we should call?"
"Did you see the lady that brought me in?" He directed the question.
"Yes?"
"She'll be my guardian until I'm fully recovered," he said sharply.
The doctor was quiet for a moment then said, "okay. As you wish"
When the stranger had returned, he told her of his decision, "I know your current job will not pay you as much as I will."
"You should have let me think about it before…"
"There's nothing to think about, Girl," he interrupted.
"Girl?"
"Well since you decided to hide your identity which is insanely stupid, I've decided to call you what I wanted," he lamented.
She cursed underneath her breath, "Just because I helped you once doesn't mean I want to spend my life nursing you until you're better/"
"You're overthinking it. Consider the possibilities of living in a fine and furnished luxurious mansion, not worrying about your day job."
She fell silent. Liam could sense what her answer would be next.
"I guess you're right," she said.
"Ha!" Liam exclaimed then was quick to cover up his excitement, clearing his throat.
"Just to be clear, Liam. I'm not doing this because you asked me to. I'm doing it because of how lonely and pathetic your life is. You will need some company until you finally see," she said and walked out of the ward.
He could almost imagine a female silouhette stroding off with her head held high.
Liam sighed. Well, she was correct that he was a lonely wealthy man.
- Writer
