The dinner unfolds in apparent calmness, with this man behaving like a true gentleman, cheerful and charismatic with mom. It seems they have enjoyed each other's company while my blood boils inside, I really don't know what he's trying to achieve.
"Daughter, you've been absent. What will Richard think?" "Yes, Richard and Jazmin, because they're intimate now." "Why don't you show him the house? Be kind, I'll clean up the table."
"Don't worry, Jazmin, we'll do it. You go rest," responds her beloved Richard.
"Thank you, I will," mom responds, standing up along with that man and me.
"Mommy, don't forget to take your medication."
"Believe me, darling, even if I wanted to, I can't forget it. See you tomorrow. Richard, it's been nice to meet you."
"The feeling is mutual," says the latter approaching my mother and planting a kiss on her cheek. "If you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to call me. Chanel has my number."
"Thank you, you're a good man. I'm glad you're my daughter's friend, just ignore her bad mood. She doesn't know how to behave when she likes a guy."
"Mum!" I immediately reproach her.
"Sorry, Chanel, I thought you already knew."
"Hahaha, I had a feeling," he responds, cynical.
"Well, now I'll leave you two," mom says, yawning, before walking towards her room.
Once we are alone, I watch him pick up the dishes.
"Leave them there, I'll take care of it. Your show is over, it's time for you to leave and never come back."
"I told Jazmin I would help you and that's what I'll do." Since when did he have permission to address me informally? He's a full-time abuser.
"I already told you, leave everything where it is, I'll do it. I don't need your help," I tell him, trying to forcefully take what he's holding in his hands, but he doesn't let go.
"And I will tell you that if you keep getting so close, I can't guarantee that my lips won't steal your kisses." I immediately give up on my attempt, he smiles and continues with his task, then he goes into the kitchen.
"Don't expect me to do everything on my own, come help." I sigh in frustration and enter the kitchen, where I find him washing the dishes. I have to admit that I'm surprised to see an oil magnate washing dishes in my humble kitchen. I proceed to take them out and put them in their places.
"What do you intend to achieve with all this?"
"That you come back to work for me."
"No, that's something that won't happen."
"What happened yesterday won't happen again," he says firmly.
"It already happened again, or did you forget that you've kissed me without my consent?"
"That won't happen again either."
"I don't think it's appropriate."
"Think about it," he says, drying his hands. "Your mother needs you to work. You have tonight, if you don't show up tomorrow, I'll understand your answer and we won't see each other again."
"Going back to being formal?"
"That's how it will be from now on if you decide to come back." I nod at his words, it's strange, a feeling of emptiness settles in my chest. I follow him to the living room, where I see him grab his jacket and put it on.
"I'll walk you out."
"Thank you."
Together we walk towards the exit door.
"When I see him turn his back and walk towards a van waiting for him, that strange feeling of emptiness returns."
"Richard..." He turns and comes back towards me. I wasn't expecting it, but he comes so close that his lips are mere centimeters away from mine. "It's best if you look for someone else for the job." Disappointment crosses his eyes, and his lips, which were so close to mine, divert to my forehead, leaving a kiss there.
"I already told you, I'll wait until tomorrow. Get used to it, I keep my word, even when it goes against what I really want." Those words confirm that he won't come close to me again, that he won't kiss me again, and... I'm screwed, I really need to stay away.
"Miss Chanel!" Sharith calls me, agitated. She recently arrived to take care of Mom. I rush out of the bathroom, barely finished showering, to go in search of a job.
"What's wrong?!" I ask, alarmed.
"It's Mrs. Jazmin, she's unresponsive and her pulse is very weak, we need to take her to the clinic." Quickly, I put on some clothes and with my hair still dripping water, I leave the room. Sharith and I take her out of the house where a taxi is waiting for us. The taxi driver helps us get her inside and quickly takes us to the hospital where she is usually treated.
I walk back and forth, biting my nails. I can't help but cry. I'm not ready to say goodbye. I can't fathom life without the person I love the most.
"Raiza..." Seeing my friend, I run into her arms and can't help but cry uncontrollably. "I can't... handle this... tell me it's not time yet."
"No... it's not time yet. She's fighting for you and she knows you're not ready yet," she says, and I cry even harder.
"I'll never be ready." And it's true, how do you prepare yourself to let go and say goodbye to the engine of your life? I'm not that strong.
"Chenel..."
"Fabricio, tell me that mom is okay," I ask, breaking the hug with Raiza. Fabricio is the oncologist treating my mother.
"I won't lie to you. We've stabilized her vital signs, but this is something that will happen frequently. The cancer has progressed to a terminal stage. She will have these relapses frequently until..."
"Don't say it. If she resumes chemotherapy, do you think she can get better?" He just shakes his head.
"I'm sorry, Chanel, but you have to be strong."
"How long do you think she has left?"
"I couldn't say for sure, but judging by her condition, maybe a couple of weeks. I'm sorry I have to tell you this." My tears continue to flow, and Raiza hugs me again.
"You... you... she needs you to be strong," my friend comforts me, and I know she's right. I have to be strong for the woman who has given me everything and to whom I owe who I am.
"Fabricio, can I see her?"
"Of course, but she's asleep."
"It doesn't matter."
"There's something else you have to consider, the possibility of leaving her here, of experiencing another relapse like this at your home. She won't be able to hold on until you bring her back."
...Author's Note:...
I continue working, we will talk tonight, thank you for your comments. 🥰😘
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