Intertwined Love and Deception

Chapter 8

Either Paul was just being nice, or he was taking responsibility for what happened to me. My heart couldn’t stop feeling giddy when he went back with a bowl of soup and fed me. I guess what excites me is being taken care of by a gorgeous god.

My gaze turned on the direction outside. It was already night, and the large clouds in the sky made it darker. At first, it was just tapping on the glass window, and then it became a pitter-patter. The puddles outside began plinking as the rainfall became heavier. It was raining again like the weather was in a rage because it was once again dinging furiously off the roof.

“One more, Sai,” Paul said, but I shook my head. The food still tasted bitter in my mouth, and I still wanted to lie down and sleep more. He nodded, taking my hand and placing the capsules of medicines in my palm. “Take this... and this,” He said, making me bite my lower lip.

The tingling sensation sent to my body was undeniable as his hands held mine. I swallowed hard, feeling the heat coming to my cheeks.

He shook his head as he noticed my face getting red.  “After this, you take a rest. You’re still flushing because of fever,” He clucked his tongue as his head moved closer to mine. I guess my heart died because, for a second, it stopped beating.

“Go to rest, Sai. Tomorrow, you’ll feel better, and when you’re okay, I’ll send you back myself.” He stood up, but maybe I was too crazy or just really scared because I held on to his hand like a child.

“Don’t leave me, Paul,” I said, then I shut my one eye, releasing his hand right away.

He nodded, opening the closet and getting pillows. I panicked when he placed the pillows and blanket on the bed. He seemed to know it because I was stupid enough to pull my blanket to cover me above my chest, making him laugh.

“Have you heard of a pull-out bed, Sai?” He said, pulling the bed underneath. “Go to sleep. Sai. You need rest,” He said as he placed the pillow and blanket on the mattress. He lay down his back, his arms beneath his head as he stared at the ceiling.

“Paul,” I called, rolling to my side to see him.

“Hmm...” He mumbled, glancing at me.

“Thank you,” The truth is I have plenty of things to say, but I think for tonight that’s the right thing to do. “Good night, Paul,”

“Good night, Sai,” He said, rolling to his side, facing me, but I could see him closing his eyes. I closed my eyelids, feeling comfortable that I didn’t have to sleep alone tonight. I drifted into a deep sleep.

The sound of the chickens clucking outside woke me up. I smiled, feeling much better now that I snuggled myself to something warm. I stopped moving when that something moved, pulling me closer.

I saw Paul’s beautiful face smiling at me when I opened my eyes. “Good morning, Sai!” He greeted, showing those perfect white teeth as he smiled, drowning me with his good scent. “I guess you got kicked out from your bed,” He chuckled.

My face reddened, realizing my head rested on his shoulder while my arm was on his chest. “Sorry,” I uttered, moving quickly away from him.

We got up, seeing Max comfortably lying in the middle of the bed.

“Bad dog!” I uttered. He whined and continued to sleep. I got up, sat on the edge of the bed, and placed my palm on my growling tummy.

“Let’s leave him there,” Paul said, extending his hand, and for some reason, I didn’t know why I took it. He held my hand as we went out of the bedroom, heading to the kitchen. “What do you like for breakfast?” He asked, releasing my hand as he opened the cabinet. “Cereals? Bread? Pancake?”

I chuckled. “Are you feeling guilty, Paul?” I asked as I opened his fridge, not seeing anything except bottled water, canned beers, and soda. I took one bottled water, opened it, and drank.

“I seldom stay here, Sai, and you’re just lucky to find me here when you came the other day,” He said, taking the bread, peanut butter, and strawberry from the cabinet and placing them on the countertop table. “Coffee?”

I nodded as I sat on the stool. When I raised my hand, I noticed the bracelet on my wrist. The four-clover leaf was enclosed in a small marble-like glass, which served as part of the other charms. My eyebrows raised as I studied it. It was actually a beautiful bracelet, and it could fit any clothes I wear every day.

“Who is Dilys?” I suddenly asked, and I was sure he stopped for a while in preparing the coffee.

“I am! Good morning, Paul!” She greeted, smiling at him, nodding at me, and placing her bag on the table.

My eyes narrowed, studying her because she was the woman I saw, but she was wearing a beautiful white Galadriel dress costume, and her long blonde hair was falling freely at her back. The Dilys I was seeing now were wearing a simple floral blouse and black pencil skirt, with a white coat on her arm. Her hair was in a ponytail, and her eyeglasses covered her beautiful green eyes. 

“I decided to check on my patient before going to the hospital, and she...” She looked at me. “Seemed surprised to see me,” She chuckled. She carefully hung her white coat on top of the table, and then she opened her bag, took her forehead thermometer, and checked my temperature. She faced Paul, who was now sitting across from me. “She’s a lot better now. Just make sure she’ll take the medicines,”

“Thanks, Dilys,” He said, smiling at her.

She nodded, returning the thermometer to her bag. “You know where to call me, Paul,” She said, glancing at me and on the bracelet, I was wearing. “Beautiful bracelet.” She took her bag, waved at us, and then walked out of the kitchen.

My gaze was still in her direction.

“Sai,” Paul called, giving me the cup of coffee. “Why? Is something wrong?” He asked.

I shook my head. Was I just dreaming, or was I being played at? But who would believe me if I said she looked like a fairy when I saw her yesterday when I was burning with fever. I could be hallucinating. I shook my head again and glanced at Paul, who I caught staring at me. I swallowed hard, feeling the heat stain my cheeks.

“Why?” I asked, almost in a whisper.

“My car was still in the shop, and I was afraid it’ll be up and running by tomorrow,” He informed me. “I guess you’ll be stuck with me today,”

I nodded, already forgetting that Jeremy promised to come here. I couldn’t check my phone since it was battery empty.

“I’ll probably start my story later,” I said, tearing a part of the bread and eating.

He nodded. “Do you have a story in mind?”

I looked sideways and shook my head. “How about a human falling in love with...” I shook my head again. I had never felt in love before, and I couldn’t even count my huge crush on Jeremy. I smiled sheepishly at Paul. “I guess it’s not the mythical creatures will be my problem, Paul,”

“What is?” He stared at me, looking confused.

“I have never fallen in love... I didn’t even have my first kiss... real kiss!” I chuckled.

He met my eyes, melting me. “I think I can help you with that.” He answered, and before I could move, Paul was already walking in my direction.