A PROMISE

"Where did you cook the food? You went to Ms. Harley?" Kaye asked Ivan while Ivan combed her hair. He chuckled hearing her question. "Why are you laughing?"

"No. Nothing. I just remembered something. Regarding the food, I went back home. I don't want to inconvenience my Auntie." Ivan answered her with half lie and half truth.

"Is that so? Well, did you get to hear my voicemail?" Now that she remembered the message, she wanted to hide from embarrassment.

"I haven't checked my phone yet. I didn't know you would send me one." Ivan got another lock of her and blowdry it.

"I was worried for a moment that you haven't returned yet. I was just checking on you." Kaye said with all honesty. What's the use of being embarrassed? In the end, Ivan would still hear it.

Ivan stopped for a moment trying to organize his thoughts and said, "I'm sorry for troubling you. I thought you were mad at me or something so I didn't want to let you know. In case you'd think I'm a bother."

"I was not really mad at you. I was just having trouble by myself." Kaye turned around and faced Ivan directly. "Ivan, even if I'm mad or angry or upset, no matter what mood I'm in, when you decide to go somewhere, please let me know. I can't handle being guilty over something. My conscience won't let me be in peace." Kaye was pleading now, her voice trembled with worry and fear. When she didn't get any response or missed call earlier, she was so scared her mind went blank and a little later, series of unfortunate events floated in her brain. She couldn't handle that a second time. She didn't like that feeling.

Ivan looked at her. It's this moment that made him want to get his sight back. He really wished he could see her face right now. "I promise. Even if you think I'm bothering you, I would still let you know." He patted her head which stunned Kaye for a while. For some reason, she didn't hate him touching her hair or patting her head. Could it be because of love? Or because he didn't seem to show hostility towards her?

Kaye was always afraid of people holding her hair or head. The feeling of someone's hand touching her head or hair brought back memories that she's been trying to lock.

"Promise is a promise. You have to keep your word. In exchange, no matter what mood I'm in, I will not forget to cook your food. In that way, you wouldn't do experiment in my kitchen and hurt yourself." Kaye smiled at him brightly even if he couldn't see it. After all, Ivan was special to her. 'I will treasure what we have and once you're ready to go, I will set you free.' Kaye thought before turning around again, her back was facing him.

"I'm glad to know I'll have food." Ivan blowdried her hair once more before combing it for the last time. "There you go. It's dry now." He turned off the hairdryer and picked up the comb and towel.

"Thank you. I'll wash the dishes before I'll go." she was walking away from him, going back to her room as she talked to him.

"No need. Just leave it there. I'll wash it later. Hurry up or you'll be late." Ivan reminded her even though she still has four hours to spare before work starts.

She was about to agree with him but she realized he's got wounds all over his hands. "No. I'll do it. You cooked the food, so I'll wash. You don't have to worry about me being late. I still have few hours to spare."

Ivan didn't know what else to say so he just agreed. He went back to his room to return the things he used and to get his credit card as well.

It didn't take long for Kaye to finish washing the utensils and arranging them on the dryer area. She ran back to her to continue her preparations. It's her last day of work before day off so she's a bit happy.

Kaye started checking her things to make sure everything's inside her bag. She put on some moisturizer and lip gloss. She sprayed a little perfume and took her coat to make sure she won't get cold inside the office.

When it was half an hour past ten in the evening, Kaye held her shoes and walked out, heading towards the living room. She sat on a couch, put on her shoes before she grabbed her coat and bag.

Kaye was about to open the door and leave when Ivan called her.

"Kaye, wait a minute." Ivan was walking hastily that he almost bumped on the couch, scaring her to death.

"Would you please be careful? What if you slipped on the floor or bumped your head or something?" she yelled at him causing Ivan to scratch the tip of his nose awkwardly. A big guy being yelled at.

"I will keep that in mind." He smiled at her before stretching out his hand. He was giving her a card.

"What is this for?" Kaye frowned looking at the card. She took it and check the front which has his name.

"This is my card. If ever you want to buy groceries, please use this card to pay. I don't want you to keep using your money. You can also use it to pay the water and electric bill." He was talking like giving his card to her was a normal thing.

"Why do I feel like I'm a wife taking her husband's money?" she murmured to herself not knowing Ivan heard her.

"And I feel like I'm a useless husband sending his wife to work at night." Ivan chuckled at his reply. Kaye's face was burning from what he said. Good thing he couldn't see her.

"I'll go now." Kaye said and ran away from their apartment leaving Ivan who was laughing to his heart's content.