Learning About Him

"I'm used to this. I can still sleep," I smiled awkwardly.

"No. Drink milk, instead. I also bought a little."

"What-"

"Wait."

He cut me off, only to make me wait. Yet, when he came back, he already had two bags in his hands. My eyes got wide when he pulled out a big can of milk. Standing to take it from him, I giggled.

"Thanks, Sean, but I'm not a baby anymore."

"The babies are not the only ones who need a good rest. Adults, also. And milk contains melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep. You're the doctor here."

I raised both my hands, still giggling. "Okay, okay, I'll drink the milk. I don't need another lecture. What else do you have there?"

I stood up next to him as I opened the two bags and look what he got there. I shook my head in amusement when I saw that those foods were even enough to feed me for three months. Nuts, chocolates, cookies, noodles, drinks, and many others.

"Thank you so much, Sean. You're making me fat."

"A little more fat is sexier," he grinned, and the sparks in his eyes tickled my heart again.

"You're impossible." I didn't know how to reply to that anymore.

"You need to hurry up and go to sleep."

"Are you in a hurry?"

"Not at all. It's just that I want you to sleep as soon as possible. Your job is exhausting."

If it was flattery or just his thoughtfulness, yes, I was moved. If only Eric had half of this attitude, perhaps, I wouldn't leave him. I'm a woman who always keeps a sense of gratitude.

"Thank you," was all I could say. A sense of melancholy crept into my heart again.

"If you're done, you may go to bed now. I'll arrange these foods on your cupboards before I go. Send me a message when you'll wake up later."

"What? Does the famous Mr. Sean Grey clean up a table?"

"You won't believe it but I only hire cleaners in the house every other day. I even do my laundry sometimes when I'm not busy. I cook my meals and clean up my dishes."

I stared at him with an open mouth. My admiration for him grew higher. Eric...my goodness, why shouldn't I leave him alone? Why do I always compare him to Sean? How they run their lives is not my business and why should I bother Eric when he can afford it?

Gazing back at my stunned demeanor, Sean reached out a hand and pinched my nose. "Now, go to sleep. Let's talk later."

I went to my bedroom as Sean wouldn't stop pushing me to go to sleep. I changed into my sleepwear, did a quick feminine routine, then slipped into my bed. While I was waiting for my lids to finally pull down, I let my thoughts wander over to Eric. Is he still at the house now? Or, is he with Shirley? What are the things that made Shirley more special to Eric? Why couldn't he give his heart to me?

Drops of tears run through my cheeks, drenching my pillow. I didn't know that betrayal hurts this much. Though Sean's presence thrilled me and lifted my mood a while ago, now that I'm alone and in the middle of the four corners of my wall, the pang of pain started to creep again.

My thoughts then drifted back to a time in the past when I and Shirley first met. We came from the same university in college though we took different courses. She took up business administration while I took my pre-medicine course. I was at the coffee shop at that time, the usual place I hung out.

"Hi, miss! Maybe you'll be interested to see my brochure?" Shirley sat across my table after she handed me her cosmetic brochure.

I looked at her and smiled. I'm not fond of using any cosmetics from a product dealer because Eric was very particular with the brand I was using. Of course, I was his trophy so he always wanted the best for me. The praises I got were always his pride. I scanned the pages with a feigned interest so as not to hurt her. Finding nothing that caught my interest, I politely handed it back to her.

"I'm sorry, Miss. Maybe next time," I said, smiling.

"My name is Shirley. It's alright, maybe next time there will be something you will like," she smiled back at me while she put back the brochure in her bag.

"You know what, I really like people who love to do business," I said. There was something in her eyes that made me reluctant to let her go empty-handed.

"Because I have to. This is the only way to finish my studies. I don't have parents to support me or any family member."

That was how our friendship started. Because we were both orphaned, I was the best person to understand her. Since I had money already, I trimmed on my expenses and gave it to Shirley. When she finally graduated in her business course, I asked Eric a favor to let her work in his company.

"Let her come to the office tomorrow," he said, and in my happiness, I kissed him hard, sending us both into a passionate encounter in the bed the next moment.

I dozed off to sleep with the image of Shirley in my mind. She was smiling at me, her beautiful face reflected the golden rays of the sun behind her. She stood tall and sexy, wearing an expensive set of clothes this time. I was happy for her, she's now living according to her dream. She got promoted to a higher designation because she was good at what she did. She graduated with high honors and recognition after all.

It was already past six when I woke up. I took a bath and hurried to change. I still have to do groceries because what Sean bought were mostly for snacks. I was already hungry. Now that I am living alone, I should be cooking my meals. I hired a Grab car since my place was far from the highway. As soon as I heard the sound of a car's engine in front of the house, I hurried to the door. To my surprise, Sean was already standing at the doorway, giving me that melting smile again.

"Why are you here?" I asked as soon as I seated myself next to him in his car. I just paid the Grab car driver because I was already too late in canceling my booking and that he had already arrived when I went out.

"I told you we'll talk later. Did I not?"