Pick me Up

I stepped onto the lawn and spied the Patterson's black towncar by the curb. I hurried over and I was surprised to see Raiden inside when I opened the door. "Raiden! You came!" I said as I hugged him and kissed him. It's been a while since he went out except to go to the doctor or the hospital.

"How was your first day?" He asked.

"It was okay. Some people were looking for you and asking how you are." I decided to skip telling him about the Taylor and Heather incident. He doesn't need to be stressed out.

"Is Alexander helping you out again today?" He asked looking straight into my eye.

"He was just hanging out with me and Michelle because Heather broke up with him." I said not giving any meaning to his question. He was quiet.

"You want to do anything today? Sit in the park or by the lake?" I offered.

"No. I just came to pick you up. I'm tired and I want to go home now."

"Okay." I resigned with a sigh. At least he's not breaking up with me today, not yet at least.

"I'm sorry about yesterday. I just feel like I'm weighing you down Cassie. I don't want you staying with me just because you feel sorry for me. I don't want anyone pitying me."

"I'm not! I'm with you because I love you Raiden and just because you're sick doesn't mean I'm gonna leave you and move on to the next guy. Is that what you think of me?"

"Taylor did. When I told her I'm sick again, she acted different towards me and we eventually broke up."

"Well, I'm not Taylor, am I? Are you really comparing me to her? I thought you broke up with her?" I looked at him incredulously. "Seriously?"

He let out a big sigh. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. You couldn't be more different from each other. I did break up with her because I know it's not gonna work out and things have changed between us. It was just lucky that you came into my life when you did. It seems that lately, I haven't been very good at conversations. I'm just saying one wrong thing after another."

When we got to the house, his mom and a nurse was by the door waiting with a wheelchair.

"I want to walk," Raiden said and the nurse got his walker instead. During the past few weeks, we basically had let him do as he pleased so that he won't flare up. His temper has definitely changed and the doctors say it's part of his coping mechanism. He would try to push us away because he doesn't want to be pitied because he feels pitiful. He would vent his frustration to those around him because he doesn't really have anywhere else to vent. The doctors said that the atitudes of a patiend varies on a case to case basis but from what he saw, this is how Raiden is coping.

I helped him to his room. The guest room downstairs has been converted into Raiden's room so he doesn't have to go up the stairs. Though his parents also had an elevator installed in case he wants to go up to his old room. Catherine said they prefer that he stays downstairs so that in case of an emergency, it's easier to get him to a car or an ambulance. I helped him settle on the wingback chair by the window and placed a blanket over his legs. Then I told him I'm making some tea and I'll see if the housekeeper made some scones.

I went to find the help to ask for some tea but unfortunately, no scones today but she made some Danish pastry. I told her I will come back for it and bring it to Raiden's room myself. I went to find Catherine. I inserted my hand in my pocket to see if the key is still there. I fiddled with it as I went around the house. I found her in the garden in front of the house.

She was reading a magazine and when she heard me approaching, she stood up to greet me. "Cassie dear, how are you? I heard what happened yesterday and I'm sorry. I don't really know what to say because I see the sacrifices you make for my son and you don't deserve to be treated that way."

"You don't have to apologize for him Catherine, he already did on the way here."

"Good! I tried to talk some sense into him yesterday and this morning. I'm glad I got through."

"Well, the reason I'm here, as you know..." I fished the keys out of my pocket, "...is to return this." I held out my hand holding out the key for her.

She enveloped my hand in hers and held it tightly. "Cassie, Raiden wanted you to have that car and I agree with him. There's no other way around this. Please consider this as a compensation for staying with him at this time."

"What? No...I...I don't want to be compensated for this. You don't have to pay me to be with him." I don't know if I'm going to be offended with what she said.

She may have guessed by my reaction and said, "Oh dear, don't get offended. I don't mean it in that way. It's just that his dad and I are very thankful that you are here. You are such a blessing to our family and we just don't know how to repay that kindness. Please take it Cassie, you will make all of us happy if you do. I'll have the secretary deal with everything and all you have to do is sign the paperwork."

"Thank you Catherine, thank you so much." I hugged her.

"You are the daughter I never had Cassie. I was glad when Raiden introduced you because you're the first girl he ever brought to meet us. I hope that nothing will change even if Raiden's not around anymore." A tear slid down her cheek and she hugged me.

"Of course Catherine. I can be your daughter." Just then, Martha, the housekeeper called me because the tea is ready.

"I'm gonna bring the tea to Raiden's room now. I'll see you later." She nodded.

I guess I am the new proud owner of Raiden's Porsche, Jason will be thrilled.

As we were enjoying our tea and reminiscing our past dates and the first time we met, Raiden was exceptionally lively. I loved seeing him like this, it almost feels normal again. He was saying that in just a few weeks it's going to be our anniversary. "I can't believe we've been together for a year. You are officially the longest relationship I've ever had." He said, "I love having all this firsts with you Cassie, and I'm glad they're with you." He pulled me closer and kissed me. As I put my arm around him. It surprised me how much smaller he is in my arms compared to just a few months back.

"I love you Raiden and if I can do this all over again, I would just to be able to spend more time with you." I felt hot tears streaming down my cheeks again.

"Don't cry babe, I'm still here."

I shifted in my place on the arm of the chair and hugged him tighter. I don't want to let him go because I have a feeling that if I do, he'll be taken away from me forever as soon as I do.